This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at|http : //books . google . com/
r\^
'/ \*
> /NS^ ir/ I, V J -A
*l\\l'l///'rHk
^Wl A ^\. 9 / v^
r
r'^ r» ':i»v>'- ft /r ^ / ^ «: ''7^^ .» \\
^-"^'^'—-^-yim.m^r
■'<f-,.
•'/
^^
Lieutenant-Colonel 104th Ills. Vol. Inf., 1862.
THF: Mi ■}'.)'■;
> • i ! •■
IMjKK' > AN » I-
.C-S N : '1 I. if
WAK or Til;;
GREAT RKBHL!.!'.;^
■T7r O.r: C-;
WilllAM \Vi,<'l CALKr^s
i ' i^iC ii ^. ■ ' -^'! : I »
. : ■ *.' !
\\ ! ! i \ W 'v' t
<<* -.
I
THE HISTORY
OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH REGIMENT OF
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
WAR OF THE
GREAT REBELLION
1562-1565
BY
WILLIAM WIRT fALKINS
FIRST LIEUTENANT OF COMPANY E, ONE HUNDRED AND
FOURTH REGIMENT, AND AIDE DE CAMP STAFF
OF GENERAL JOHN BEATTY.
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE.
FRANK M. SAPP, JOHN H. WIDMER,
MILTON B. BUSHNELL, WILLIAM W. CALKINS.
CHICAGO:
DONOHUE & HENNEBERRY,
Printers, Engravers and Binders,
1895.
E505
C.3
PREFACE.
Comrades: —
Those of you who have attended the annual reunions
of the One Hundred and Fourth are familiar with the
measures taken to insure the writing and publication
of the military history of the Regiment in the war of
the Great Rebellion. Nearly thirty years had rolled
away and nothing in the matter accomplished, while
all felt that the work had been aeglected too long. The
ranks were growing thinner from year to year as one
and another answered to the "roll call" above. The
survivors had passed, or were passing into the sere and
yellow leaf of autumn. There was a conviction — in
which I earnestly shared, that the glorious record of
the One Hundred and Fourth should be embodied in the
permanent form of history, in order that it might be
handed down to our children' and those who will soon,
follow us on the stage of human action, to show them
the sacrifices made, the sufferings and labors endured,,
that the Union might be preserved and the blessings
of liberty maintained and secured, for them and man-
kind. At the annual reunion held in Streator, in Sep-
tember, 1892, all the previous feeble attempts to initiate
the movement for a history assumed definite shape
in the "Resolutions" presented upon that occasion.
These were heartily and unanimously adopted and
more than one-half of the money required for expenses
subscribed then and there. By a process which seems,
like a fatality, the choice of an Historian to (Chronicle
your achievements, fell upon the writer. 1 desire to
say, that whatever the wisdom that led to this result,.
I did not evade a call that seemed like a duty. Under
such circumstances the task was undertaken and has
been carried forward under difficulties and discourage-
ments hard to appreciate, as well as at the sacrifice of
personal interests. It is now completed, and in writing
M167387
the History my aim has been to show clearly what the
Kegiment accomplished as a part of the Graud Armies
of the Union, by detailing minutely your movements,
campaigns and battles; to tell the truth and the facts,
iiud to write without prejudice. Where I have
•expressed opinions it is without prejudice. An
endeavor has been made to give credit where it is
due, but it will be seen that, with the means of infor-
mation at hand, after thirty years, it could not always
be done. My attempts to reach every surviving sol-
dier, and to learn about those who are dead, entailed
upon me a vast amount of extra labor, time and
expense, and even then were not always successful,
but on the w^hole I was encouraged by the great major-
ity of the living members. A number sent me valu-
able material, such as diaries, notes of personal ex-
periences, etc. These have been utilized as far as
possible. The three chapters of Reminiscences and
Incidents written by members of the Regiment, w^U
be found interesting. While I have been encouraged
by all, yet the following comrades who have aided
me deserve mention: Sherman Leland, George Marsh,
Marshall Bagwill, William H. Conard, Captain W.
Strawn, C. C. Courtright, C. G. Phillips, Captain W.
Proctor, Major J. II. Widmer, Lieutenant A. Prescott,
J. C. Deegan, H. Winterscheidt, S. W. Burgess, Lieu-
tenant P. Talbot, Lieutenant S. V. Arnold, A. Moffitt,
Joseph Burkart, Captain F. M. Sapp. 1 desire also
to express my obligations to Mrs. Douglas Hapeman,
Mrs. Jas. M. Ijeighton and Mrs. Sarah P. Center for
access to valuable papers; also to Dr. Charles M. Clark,
the accomplished historian of the Thirty-ninth Illinois
Infantry, for kindly advice and suggestions. My
thanks for many favors are also extended to Colonel
Douglas Hapeman. It is due myself to say that
in addition to the general writing of the History,
all the sketches of companies, except that of K,
and all the biographies but two or three, were
w'ritten by me from necessity, and because no one
else would or could do the work. This labor was
very tedious and required great care and patience.
The rosters after being written were submitted to
officers and members of the companies for correction,
and when returned, re-written. The utmost care has
been taken to have the biographies as correct an<l
complete as possible. Hundreds of letters were writ-
ten by me on this subject alone, and the most persist-
ent efforts made to obtain the record of every soldier.
No one can justly complain if his biography is meager.
The numerous pictures of members will be of interest,
though some now grizzled v^erans will hardly recog-
nize themselves or others, as they looked thirty years
ago. And, now, I will say in closing, that after hav-
ing given so much of my thought, time and labor, for
so long a period, to the preparation and writing of the
History of our gallant Regiment, I, at last, lay down
the pen with some reluctance, owing to the fact that
while engaged in the work I lived over the old war
times and the past became a present reality. I mingled
again in the novel and stirring scenes connected with
the organization of our Regiment, its departure for the
front, and its various fortunes in nearly three years of
marches, campaigns and battles. Absorbed in the
subject, it was hard to realize that all was over and
buried — except in memory; that "The mill will not
grind with the water that is passed," and those of us
who still survive — fortunately or unfortunately — have
only recollections left, pleasing or otherwise, in pro-
portion to the manner in which we performed our
duty in the days of the Nation's distress. If the
objects for which I set out have been accomplished
to the satisfaction of my comrades of the One Hun-
dred and Fourth, I shall feel that my time and labor
have not been spent in vain.
WILLIAM W. CALKINS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER 1.
Remarks on the Impendinsr Struererle—The Fall of Fort Sumter—
Call for Troops— Disasters of 1861-2— The Crisis of 1862— Up-
rising of tbe Nation— 600,000 Men Enlisted in Two Months... 1
CHAPTER 11.
What La Salle County Had Done— The Organization of the One
Hundred and Fourth— Election of Field Officers 7
CHAPTER III.
Flag Presentation— March to Camp Wallace— Scenes in the Camp
—Running the Guard— Marching Orders Received— The Field
and Staff— Packing Up 18
CHAPTER IV.
Leaving for the Front— Arrival at Camp Holt— Getting Settled
—Issue of Clothing and Arms— Drilling— Removal to "Camp
Brickbat"— March Over the Ohio— Buckner's Plantation— Grand
Review— Exciting News— March to Louisville— Camp Wilder-
Work on the Fortifications— Killing of General Nelson— Presi-
dent's Proclamation— Under Marching Orders 17
CHAPTER V.
Leaving Camp Wilder— A Hard March— Arrive at Shelbyville—
Confiscate Wagons— Attempt to Recover Contrabands— March
to Frankfort— Hasty Retreat of the Rebels— Colonel lamberg's
Arrest— Company E Raises a Flag— Wild Goose Chase After
Morgan— March to Bowling Green— Suffering by the Way-
Arrival at Bowling Green— Review and Speech by Gener-
al Rosecrans — Thirty-Ninth Brigade Detached— Colonel Scott
Assumes Command 30
CHAPTER VL
March to Glasgrow— "No Bob"— Arrival at TompkinsviUe— Chas-
ingr Guerrillas— Attack on the Pickets— Threateningr Demon-
stration by Rebel Cavalry— Hasty Exit and Night March—
doose Greek Valley— Thanksgiving Gelebrated^Arrival at
Hartsville — Colonel Moore Assumes Command — The Situation
and Troops — Portents of Danger 46
CHAPTER VIl.
The Battle of Hartsville. Tennessee, and Capture of the One
Hundred and Fourth , ...,. 61
CHAPTER VIII.
Go to Parole Camp at Columbus— Taking French Furloughs— De-
serters—Remove to Camp Douglas— Guarding Rebel Prisoners
—Treatment of Rebel Prisoners— Off for Nashville— Guarding
the Capitol— Go to Brentwood— Return to Nashville— At Mur-
freesboro — ^In Beatty's Brigade — Prepare to Advance — Order
for Movement Issued 77
CHAPTER IX.
The Tullahoma Campaign— Advance to Hoover's Gap— Wilder's
Charge— McCook at Liberty Gap— Occupation of Manchester
—Beatty's Brigade Sent to Hillsboro— Attacked by Cavalry-
Rejoins Negley— Bragg Retreats— Tullahoma Occupied— Beat-
ty's Advance to Elk Rlvei^-Seven Miles of Fighting— Stock-
ade Captured by a Detachment of the One Hundred and
Fourth— The Rebels Fall Back— Rejoicing over Gettysburg
and Vlcksburg— In Camp 88
CHAPTER X.
The Chlckamaugra Campalgrn -and Battle of Chlckamauga 101
CHAPTER XI.
The Siege of Chattanooga 163
CHAPTER XII.
The Battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge...... ....166
CHAPTER XIII.
The Flanking of Dalton— Advance to the Etowah— -Battles of He-
saca and New Hope Church—Seizure of Allatoona 192
CHAPTER XIV.
The Battles Around Kenesaw Mountain— Johnston's Withdrawal
Beyond the Chattahoochee— Battle of Peach Tree Creek— Bat-
tle of Atlanta 214
CHAPTER XV.
The Siege and Fall of Atlanta 229
CHAPTER XVI.
Pursuit of Hood and Return to Atlanta 248
CHAPTER XVII.
The March from Atlanta to the Sea— Siege and Fall of Savan-
nah 255
CHAPTER XVIIL
The March Through the Carolinas— Battle of Averysboro and
Bentonville 283
CHAPTER XIX.
The Last Campaign— March to Raleigh— President Lincoln's As-
sassination—Johnston's Surrendeiv-End of the War 811
CHAPTER XX.
Oft for Washington— Race With the Twentieth Corps to Rich-
mond—The Grand Revi 3W— Muster Out and Return Home.. 318
CHAPTER XXI.
Reminiscences of Our First Three Months' Service, Includ-
" ing Hartsville, by Captain William Strawn, Company F —
Reminiscences of the Atlanta Campaigrn, etc., by Henry Win-
terscheidt. Company B— A Movable Fort, by Sergeant William
H. Conard, Company E— Yankees Without Horns, by Charles
Rice, Company I— Narrative of Peter Dinger, Company G —
Narrative of Gilbert R. Conarroe, Company B — Recollections
of Lieutenant Randolph and Others, etc., by Robert West, Com-
pany B— An Incident of Lieutenant Arnold of Company A—
Reminiscences of Kenesaw Mountain and the Siege of Atlanta,
by Captain William Strawn, Company F— Personal Recol-
lections of the Army Bummer, by Jacob Bane, Company I.. 328
CHAPTER XXII.
Reminiscences of the Kentucky Campaign, HartsviUe and Elk
River, by Lieutenant A. Prescott, Company A— My Experi-
ence at Stroud's Mill, or Fishing Creek, S. C, by John E.
Merritt, Company H— Incidents of Chickamauga, the Atlanta
Campaign and Raleigh, by Corporal D. L. Mitchell, Company
C— Who Had the Nightmare at Hillsboro and Chattanooga?
by Sergeant Andrew Moffltt, Company I— Milking Cows, by
Oscar Slagle, Company D — Reminiscence of Tompkinsville and
Mission Ridge, by Edgar L. Stevens, Company C— My
Experience at Chickamauga, by Philip A. Hawk, Company
G — Reminiscence of Glasgow, Ky., by Captain Willard Proc-
tor, Company I— The Experience of Company I in the Skir-
mish Before Atlanta, July 22d, 1864, by Captain Willard
Proctor, Company I— Recollections of Utoy Creek, Ga., by
Captain Willard Proctor, Company I— Extracts from Captain
Leigh ton's Diary as to the Operations of the Regiment Around
Dallas, Pumpkin Vine Creek and New Hope Church— Recol-
lections of the Siege of Chattanooga and the Battle of Look-
out Mountain, by Captain William Strawn 347
CHAPTER XXIII.
The Field and StaflC— Non-Commissioned StaflC— Roster and Bi-
ographies 366
CHAPTER XXIV.
Company A— How and Where Organized— Roster and Biogra-
phies—Statistics 376
CHAPTER XXV.
Company B— How and Where Organized— Roster and Biogrra-
phles— Statistics 389
CHAPTER XXVL
Company C— How and Where Orgranlzed— Roster and Blogra-
phies— Statistics 404
CHAPTER XXVII.
Company D— How and Where Organized— Roster and Biogra-
phie&— Statistics 415
CHAPTER XXVIIL
Company E— Hbw and Where Organized— Roster and Biogra-
phies—Statistics 430
CHAPTER XXIX.
Company F— How and Where Organized— Roster and Biogra-
phies—Statistics 447
C1IAI*TEKXXX.
*
Company G — How and Where Organized— Roster and Biogra-
phies—Statistics 458
CHAPTER XXXI.
Company H— How and Where Organized— Roster and Biogra-
phies—Statistics 471
CHAPTER XXXII.
Company I— How and Where Organized— Roster and Biogra-
phies—Statistics 482
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Company K— How and Where Organized— Roster and Biogra-
phies—Statistics 494
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Narrative of the Imprisonment of Hapeman and Widmer, by Col-
onel Douglas Hapeman^Reminiscence of Utoy Creek, by Ma-
jor John H. Widmer^WiUiam M. Wilson of Company E. in
Regard to Colonel Hapeman at Peach Tree Creek— Reminis-
cence of Peach Tree Creek, by Corporal John Shapland, Com-
pany D— How a Rebel Lady Qot Even with the Major, by Cor-
poral John Shapland, Company I>— Concluding Remarks, by
the Historian 507
CHAPTER XXXV.
The Narrative of My Escape from the Confederate Military
Prison at Columbia, S. C, November 28, 1864, After Fourteen
Months' Imprisonment, by Lieutenant William W. Calkins,
Company E 619
ILLUSTRATIONS AND PORTRAITS.
View of Lookout Mountain Battle Field 153
View of Mission Ridge Battle Field 166
View of the 104th Veterans in 1888 827
Arnold. Lieut. B. V Co. A. 878
Burgess. 8. W Co. B. 38»
Brown, C. H Co. E. 430
Bagwill, M. O. Co. G. 468
Brown, Corp. 8.. ; Co. H. 470
Baoe, J Co, I. 462
Burkart, J Co. K. 496
Conarroe. G. R Co. B. 380
Collins, Capt. W. H Co. D. 415
Clark, Capt. Thos Co. D. 415
Clark. G. C Co. D. 418
Calkins, Lieut. W. W Co. E. 430 & 50»
Conard. 8ergt. W. H Co. E. 430
Canapbell. H Co. G. 458
Cook, Sergt. C. B Co. G. 50a
Craig, oergt. W. H Co. K. 49^
Dyer, 8urgeon R. F 373
Daugherty, 8ergt. F. M Co. F. 377
Deegan, Corp. J. C Co. G. 405
Doty, Capt. J. 8. H Co. E. 430
Dewey, Capt. Rv P Co. E. 480
Davidson, Lieut. O. -8 Co. H. 470
Ford, Corp. J. J Co. D. 418
Frink, Corp. W. E Co. L 48!^
Fitzaimmons, Capt. J. P Co. K. 495
Favor, Lieut. O. 8 Co. K. 497
Gage.R. J Co. D. 418
Hapeman, Col. D 367
Howe. Capt. G. W Co. B. 889
Heslet, Capt. 8. M Co. C. 405
Harrold, Sergt. W Co. C. 405
Hilla.J.M Co. E. 483
Hawk,P.A Co. G. 458
Johnson, Lieut. C. M Co. F. 877
Jones. W. M Co. G. 458
Klrkpatrick, 8ergt. M Co. D. 415
Kain, W. A Co. E. 430
Leighton, Oapt. J. M Co. A. 377
Lawrence, J. D Co, E. 432
Ludington, Capt. L Co. H. 470
Lane. M.J Co. D. 482
Moore. Col. A. B 506
Mitchell, Lieut. A. V Co. F. 377
Marsh, Sergt. Geo Co. D. 415
Makeever, Corp. C. H Co. D. 418
Marlatt, Sergt. Geo. H Co. G. 458
Moffitt, Sergt. E. R Co. K. 496
Mason, Corp. A. L Co. F. 496
Newell, J. G Co. E. 506
Overmire, Corp. J. J Co. G. 458
Prescott. Lieut. A Co. A. 877
Porter, Gen. S. A Co. B. 389
Price, Sergt. H. E Co. D. 415
PhiilIps,C.G Co. D. 470
Proctor, Capt. W Co. L 482
Randolph, Lieut. M. M Co. B. 889
Robinson, A. G Co. B. 889
Ruger, C Co. E. 432
Russell, E, C Co. E. 506
Stevens, Adj. R. C 871
Strawn. Capt. W Co. F. 377
Stevens, E. L Co. C. 405
aiagle, Corp. O Co. D. 415
fichaub, B Co. D. 418
Shapland. Corp. J Co. D. 506
Smalley, R. S Co. D. 418
Strawn, Lieut. M Co. E. 482
Southwell, Capt. O. M Co. H. 470
Sapp, Capt. F. M Co. K. 496
Tewksbury. Capt. M. W Co. C. 405
Trask.D. F Co. L 482
Widnaer, Maj. J. H 369
Winterschiedt, Corp. H Co. B. 405
Wilson. W. M Co. E. 432
Wallace, J Co. E. 432
Work,Corp.J. S Co. H. 470
Wright, Lieut. J. M Co. I. 482
Wiublow, Lieut. W Co. K. 496
CHAPTER I.
Remarks on the Impending Strugrgrle— The Fall of Fort Sumter—
Call for Troops— Disasters of 1861-2— The Crisis of 1862— Up-
rising of the Nation— 600,000 Men Enlisted in Two Months.
In undertaking the present work, which is intended
to deal minutely with the history and achievements
of a single regiment, called into existence at a crit-
ical period in the great contest for National suprem-
acy, we may with propriety, review some of those
momentous and thrilling events that in the middle
of the summer of 1862 more thoroughly aroused a
credulous and peace-loving people to a higher patriot-
ism and sense of duty in the hour of. imminent peril
to the nation. Hundreds of historians and authors
have written upon the causes that precipitated the
war of the Great Rebellion. For me to dilate upon
them is not necessary at the present time. And,
besides, every intelligent American, having in his
heart the love of country and an appreciation of her
institutions, is supposed to be acquainted, by tradition,
if not by reading, with the history of the long and
bitter political struggles between the two great sec-
tions of the Union known as the North and the South.
It would seem, as if to verify an ancient adage,
"Whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad,"
the Southern people had come to this condition. And
now, after a third of a century, as we contemplate
the fierce political combats of those times wiiich led
to the final rupture; the apparent success of treason
in undermining every department of the Government;
the seizure of forts, arsenals, and other public prop-
erty; the secession, one after another, of the Southern
states; and, finally, the installation of Jefferson Davis
2 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
rf& President of the Southern Confederacy, we may
justly wonder why the loyal men of the nation were
not sooner aroused to a true realization of the mean-
ing and purposes of the conspirators. But when, on
the 14th of April, 1861, Port Sumter fell, the sudden
disappearance of a continent from the geography of
the world could not have caused greater surprise and
fear than did this final step among the loyal citizens
of the Union. Their indignation was unbounded. But
the insane deed was done. By that act, the most out-
rageous yet attempted, the South openly and violently
severed their relations with the Union, defiantly chal-
lenged it to the wager of battle; and invoked the God
of battles and the opinions of mankind as to the just-
ness of their cause.
Then began the greatest war of modern times, if
not of all time; on one side for the establishment of
an independent nation, of which, to use the language
of its Vice President, Alex. H. Stevens, "Slavery is
to be the chief corner stone," and, on the other side,
for the preservation of the Union of our fathers in
all its national integrity. But who in the early days
of 1861 fully realized the meaning and scope of the
impending struggle? The North was slow to believe
that the South was in earnest, and, even after tl\p
clash of arms, that compromise was impossible. They
thought that, at all events, the superior strength and
resources of the loyal states would make the contest
a short one, and that a battle or two would decide in
favor of the Union. We know how vain were all these
hopes. The climax of Sumter aroused the nation. The
President immediately called for 75,000 men for three
months' service. The proclamation was hardly given
from the hand that penned it before the entire num-
ber had volunteered, and many of them were on their
way to the front. The successive calls that followed
were quickly filled by volunteers, more, in fact, being
tendered than were asked for. The South was equally
alert. Thus, while both sides were making the most
stupendous preparations for war, active operations in
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 3
the field were carried on over an extensive territory,
more especially in the West Those in the North who
predicted the early defeat and collapse of the rebellion
were doomed to bitter disappointment The "On to
Richmond" cry of a foolish and impatient press soon
had its logical result in the lesson of Bull Run. There-
after we made haste slowly. The year 1861 closed
with some minor advantages in the field and a con-
siderable redemption of territory in the West, that
restored a degree of confidence. The citizen armies
had learned something of that military drill and dis-
cipline so necessary in the day of battle. In the East
nothing of importance had been done. A "masterly
inactivity'^ seems to have seized upon the leader of
her magnificent army, which lay inactive before the
quaker guns of Manassas, while the coveted prize,
Richmond, was as far off and unattainable as ever.
But with January, 1862, came a new era of hope and
a welcome change. The battle of Mill Springs, Ky.,
fought and won by Gen. Geo. H. Thomas with West-
ern troops, was a decisive victory, and the first yet
obtained. The results were important, as the enemy
was fairly whipped; a large portion of Kentucky
wrested from his grasp, and the rebel plans of cam-
paign demoralized beyond repair. There was great
rejoicing in the North, whilst public attention was
fixed upon the General who was destined to win more
distinguished laurels on wider battlefields, and to
become the most trusted and loved of all our military
leaders. After this followed the victories of Fort Don-
elson. Pea Ridge and Pittsburg Landing. By these,
three states were practically regained to the Union.
The capture of New Orleans and some other seaports
had been effected. While these results were of impor-
tance, and reassured the North, they were not con-
clusive, simply serving to dispel the cloud of gloom
and disappointment that ha4 settled down upon the
Northern people. But with summer came reverses.
The Army of the Potomac, of which so much was
expected, had not taken the rebel capital. Its "seven
4 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
days of battles'' before Richmond, and the heroic fight-
ing of its soldiers, had been of no avail. The swamps
of the Chickahominy were whitened with the bones
of the slain, and disease was doing a more deadly work
in the ranks of the living than numerous battles had
caused. Affairs in the West were at a standstill. The
outlook was not promising. The rebel cause seemed
to be gaining strength at home and abroad. Uncer-
tainty and alarm prevailed among loyal men, whilst
that element in the North alwaj-s opposed to the war
w^ere loud in their assertions, "You cannot conquer
the South." This was the condition of affairs in June,
1862. It was apparent to all that a crisis had arrived
requiring prompt action.
But this period of gloom and despondency quickly
disappeared, and a firmer determination that the rebel-
lion should not triumph was manifest. The hands of
President Lincoln were now upheld and strengthened
in a way that was seemingly an inspiration. The
mighty voice of the loyal nation found expression
through the Governors of the loyal states, in their
address to him of July 1st, 1862, pledging anew their
utmost resources of men and money to carry on the
war, and assuring him, in no uncertain terms, of their
sympathy and devotion to the cause. Tlie effect was
electrical. The President's proclamation calling for
300,000 volunteers for three years soon followed.
Recruiting began at once, and every energy was bent
to the one purpose of filling up the quotas called for.
The call, coming in the midst of harvest, caused many
to delay who intended to enlist later. August 4th
another proclamation for "300,000 more'' w^as issued
and a draft was ordered. But now, the pressure of
home duties being over, volunteering became rapid
and the draft was ordered to be suspended. An addi-
tional inducement was offered to volunteers by the
Government providing bounties of one hundred dol-
lars. Many states and counties also voted bounties.
These induced men of families to enlist who before had
hesitated. As the months of July and August wore
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 5
away a vatst wave of enthusiasm swept over the coun-
try. Regiments and companies were raised and ten-
dered to the Government faster than they could be
armed or cared for. Every city, town and village was
a scene of excitement, only equaled by that of the fall
of Sumter. Business became of secondary importance,
and, day after day, on the corners and public places
might be seen groups of citizens, representing all occu-
pations, eagerly discussing the war and encouraging
those who thought of enlisting. But the main interest
centered around the little recruiting tent on the pub-
lic square, where "the boys" were putting down their
names for "three years" or "during the war." Meet-
ings were held nightly at the usual places of assem-
blage, where orators declaimed and recruits were gath-
ered to swell the mighty armies of the Union. Some-
times a company or regiment was filled in a single
day, and to overflowing. This is but a faint picture
of those exciting times which many of my readers wit-
nessed.
At last, when the ranks are full, come marching
orders, and the trying day of departure for the front
arrives.
"Ah! then and there was hurrying to and fro,
And gathering tears, and tremblings of distress.
And there were sudden partings, such as press
The life from out young hearts,
And choking sighs."
The relations that bind men to their homes and
families must be severed, perhaps forever. Many who
enlisted w^ill never return — ^never have returned. Their
remains have long since moldered to dust on the bat-
tlefields of the Rebellion. The majority are young,
some in middle life, but all their hearts filled with
high hopes and expectations, coupled with an under-
standing of what they enlisted for, and have sworn
to do, and of the chances of war, which do not cause
them, in this last hour, to regret or falter. Duty and
patriotism alike call upon them. But there is no
excess of mirth on this last day. Here are gathered
6 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
fri)m country and town their relatives and friends to
saj^ — farewell! The aged mother gives her only son,
the support of her declining years; the wife her hus-
band; the maiden her lover. All of these are repre-
sented in the assemblage, and all feel the solemnity
of the occasion. The minister also is there to invoke
the blessing of the God of battles upon those who have
thus laid their lives upon the altar of their country.
The last moment arrives. The coloneFs command, "fall
in," echoes along the line, and, with proud steps and
firm set lips, which but ill conceals the emotion within,
the new regiment of volunteers marches away from
home and friends.
Such a scene as this is only a type of many occur-
ring almost daily at the time of which I write.
CHAPTER II.
What La Salle County Had Done—The Orgranizatlon of the One
Hundred and Fourth— Election of Field Officers.
We turn from the events and scenes sketched
briefly in the previous chapter to note what was
transpiring in La Salle County in its military relations
to the national cause, and to trace the organization
and narrate the achievements of a new regiment, the
One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteers, com-
monly called the La Salle County Regiment.
The times and circumstances that called it into
being were somewhat different from those existing at
the beginning of the war, when an insulted nation rose
in its might and the swelling waves of indignation
and enthusiasm caused armies to spring into being in
a day, as by a magician's wand. Fifteen months had
passed and the holiday anticipations of the sanguine
assumed a more sober hue in correspondence with
actual conditions and the bitter lessons of experience.
La Salle County had already sent into the field the
following commands^ all either wholly or partially
recruited on its soil: The Eleventh Illinois, of which
General W. H. L. Wallace went out as Colonel; the
Fourth Cavalry, Col. T. Lyle Dickey; the Fifty-third
Infantry, Col. W. H. W. Cushman; Capt. CogswelPs
Battery; Capt Ford's magnificent company of cavalry
— ^the two latter organizations forming with the Fifty-
third what was at first known as Cushman's Brigade.
There were also Campbell's, Henshaw's and Hough-
taling's Batteries — ^later Capt. M. H. Prescott's, and
Company A of the Sixty-fourth Illinois, raised by
Capt. (afterward Gen.) John Morrill.
These commands had proven their valor on numer-
ous battlefields, and their deeds illumine many pages
8 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
in the military history of the Western armies under
Grant, Sherman and other commandei's. But numbers
had fallen, and the once solid ranks had been deci-
mated by battle and disease. The- brave and gifted
Wallace was no more, and scores of other brave sons
of La Salle County were sleeping their last sleep on
southern soil.
Such was the record when our people were again
called upon to make further sacrifices. Another regi-
ment was called for from La Salle County. The
response was prompt and hearty. The ten companies
that became the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment
began to assume form in the last days of July, and
w^ere filled in August. Further on will be given full
details of their organization and membership, while
we will speak now of the material and morale of this
splendid body of men, who, ^without prejudice to the
veteran soldiers before mentioned, became celebrated
for their valor on many battlefields, and made the
command known as one of "the fighting regiments."
The men composing the rank and file of the One
Hundred and Fourth did not enlist under au}^ sudden
impulses. They understood what war meant. The
illusive charm that envelops the soldier's life had but
little bearing with the majority. They realized that
not only must they endure separation from loved homes
and friends, but must be prepared for privation, suf-
fering, wounds and death itself, when once sworn into
the service. Nearly all were of La Salle County by
birth or adoption, while the greater portion were in
that most i)romising period of life, from seventeen to
twenty -four or twenty-five. A very few had been in
the three m.onths, or other service, and were regarded
with considerable awe by their comrades, who as yet
possessed crude ideas of military drill and discipline,
or the stern realities of a soldier's life. These enliv-
ened our early camp fires with fairy tales of hair-
breadth escapes and warlike deeds, well calculated to
excite admiration and respect Nearly all occupations
and professions were represented, there being not a few
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 9
ministers of t"he gospel in the ranks, three or four of
whom were oflScers. These determined to fight the
rebels with the same spirit and zeal they had displayed
in fighting the world, the fiesh and the devil, from their
pulpits at home, but with carnal, and not spiritual,
weapons. One of them, the loved and lamented Lieu-
tenant Bandolph, yielded up his young life in battle
at Ilartsville, a costly sacrifice to the uioloch of
treason!
While all classes were represented in the Regiment,
that strongest and safest bulwark of our fair land, on
which it must ever rely in times of trouble, the farm-
ing population, contributed the majority of the recruits.
These swelled the ranks of the companies to the full
complement prescribed by army regulations. And
the fact that the residents of all the thirty-seven town-
ships in this large county had relatives and friends
in the Regiment explains why it ever held a warm
place in the hearts of the people, who watched its
progress from the day of its departure to the front, a
thousand strong, followed it with their prayers and
blessings on long marches, through fierce campaigns
and battles, from the Ohio River, through Kentucky,
Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, to Savannah, "This
day fair Savannah was ours," — thence through the
Garolinas, to see its bullet-torn flag waving amid the
smoke of the last battle at Bentonville; over Johnston^s
surrender at Raleigh, and on the Grand Review at
Washington, winning the plaudits of a half million
spectators until, at last, the mission on which the Regi-
ment went performed, the people welcomed the battle-
scarred veterans, in numbers less than three compa-
nies, to their homes and the peace they had helped to
conquer, the country and flag they had helped to save!
Such is a passing glimpse of the Regiment the his-
tory of which we propose to chronicle from its enlist-
ment to the day of its discharge.
By the middle of August it was known at Ottawa,
the county seat, which, naturally enough, had been the
rendezvous and headquarters of all the military forces
10 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
thus far sent into the field from La Salle County, that
the ten companies were' now ready, with a surplus in
some of them. This fact was telegraphed to Governor
Yates, who ordered an- immediate organization to be
called the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment. By
stipulation, the selection of field officers was left to
the Regiment It need not be supposed that there was
any lack of candidates for these important offices.
In preparation for the event the following compa-
' nies gathered at Ottawa, the letters given being those
by which they were designated after the organization:
Ck)mpany A, Captain James M. Leighton.
Company B, Captain George W. Howe.
Company C, Captain Samuel H. Heslet
Company D, Captain William H. Collins.
Company E, Captain John S. H. Doty.
Company F, Captain James J. McKeman.
Company G, Captain Johnson Misner.
Company H, Captain Lewis Ludington.
Company I, Captain John Wadleigh.
Company K, Captain Justus W. Palmer.
An inspection of the muster rolls shows less than
thirty men who enlisted as from outside the county,
and, also, that more than ninety-five per cent enrolled
their names between the 1st and 15th of August.
These companies, now concentrated at the county
capital for the first time, where they were quartered
temporarily in the hotels and boarding houses, at once
attracted public interest.
The time between the 15th and 26th was improved
by the members in various ways, such as squad and
company drill, getting acquainted with each other and
comparing notes on the important questions of the
hour. Three prominent candidates for the Colonelcy
were in the field, Absalom B. Moore, Oliver C. Gray and
William H. Collins. Each claimed, of course, that he
could lead the Regiment in the paths of glory and save
the country quicker and better than anybody else. The
first named was a prominent politician holding the
office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Recorder of
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 11
Deeds; he also had been a local preacher in the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, a gentleman of ability, fine,
large physique, imposing appearance and pleasant
address, and was in fact a very popular man. The
second was one of the brightest, most learned and dis-
tinguished members of the Illinois and La Salle County
bars, had served with credit in the Mexican war, was
at one time a brigadier general in the Ohio militia,
and was, before the war, captain of a local military
company, the Washington Light-Guards of Ottawa.
The writer, as a mere boy, remembers following this
command on public occasions through the muddy
streets, wrapt in profound admiration, and wishing he
was big enough to be a soldier and wear a bearskin
cap! The third candidate was not less able or less
popular than the other two, lived in the west end of
the county and possessed qualities well entitling him
to consideration. He had also been in the field as chap-
lain of the Tenth Illinois Infantry. There were a few
men in the Eegiment who favored giving the Colonelcy
to some one of our La Salle County boys at the front
who had shown ability for high command. They said
we should have as Colonel a man of military experi-
ence, one who has smelled gunpowder if not lived on
it Such were the candidates, but as the contest waxed
warmer William H. Collins withdrew in favor of Moore
and then the fight narrowed down to him and Gray,
with all the voting forces arrayed on one side or the
other. Two of these men are now numbered with the
dead, and the writer, who was one of the boys, does
not consider it necessary to enter into the details and
merits of the short and sharp electioneering campaign
that preceded the election. As a participant and
observer he believes that each member of the Regi-
ment acted and voted, as he thought at the time, for
the best interests of the Regiment.
The result of the election was that Absalom B.
Moore became Colonel by a large majority. There were
several aspirants for the offices of Lieutenant Colonel
and Major, but it appears of record that William H.
12 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Collins was elected Lieutenant Colonel, and Justus W.
Palmer Major.
On August 27th the One Hundred and Fourth, Col-
onel Moore in command, marched to the old "Pair
Grounds" and was mustered into the service of the
United States, "for three years unless sooner dis-
charged," by Captain John G. Christopher, of the Reg-
ular Army, who had come fi'om Chicago for this pur-
pose. The scene was impressive, as the Regiment of
nearly one thousand men, drawn up in a hollow square,
took the oath that finally bound them to serve their
country, maintain and protect its Constitution and
laws, and uphold its honor and the "Starry Banner of
the Free" even unto death. How well this trust was
performed the pages of this book will show. The cere-
mony occupied a considerable part of the afternoon,
the mustering oflBcer being delayed somewhat by
necessary examinations into the fitness of some of the
recruits on account of their being too old or too young.
There is no doubt but that a number of such managed
to squeeze through "by the skin of the teeth" as it
were, and that some of them subsequently proved their
capacity as soldiers is within the writer's knowledge.
At the conclusion the company commanders permit-
ted many of their men to go home until the first of
September in order that they might make final ari'ange-
ments for a long absence. The One Hundred and
Fourth then marched back to the city, the men going
to their homes or quarters, no doubt with new and
strange feelings in their hearts when they thought of
the serious responsibilities assumed, which were so
shortly to separate them from home and its associa-
tions, and link their lives with that of the soldier.
Here we leave them to enjoy for a few more hours the
society of loved ones, nor will we venture to draw aside
the sacred veil concealing the fears and agonizing sor-
row of those so soon to be deprived of father, husband,
or lover.
CHAPTER III.
Flag Presentation— March to Camp Wallace— Scenes in the Camp
— Running the Guard— Marching Orders Received— The Field
and Staff— Packing Up.
On September 1st, 1862, the One Hundred and
Fourth, pursuant to orders, marched to the court house
in Ottawa, and were presented with a beautiful silken
flag by a number of Ottawa's patriotic ladies. The
usual stirring speeches were made by prominent citi-
zens. Then the banner was unfurled to the breeze, and
amidst cheers and soul-inspiring music the Regiment
took up the line of march to Camp Wallace, or the Pair
Grounds, which was situated two miles west of the
city on the banks of the Illinois. Cushman's Brigade
and other commands had been organized here. We
arrived in due time and assumed the regular routine of
military duties, so far as we knew them. A thousand
men, fresh from the pursuits of peace, could not be
expected to come under strict military discipline imme-
diately. The weather on this first day was perfect, and
consequently all were in high spirits. There were a
few tents, and these, with the buildings on the gi'ounds,
were to be our quarters. The Quartermaster, Ed. Her-
rick, was much in demand, and the first attack made
by the One Hundred and Fourth was on his stores of
provisions. The day was a sort of picnic, and we had
appetites to correspond. There was more or less fault
found with the menu and some of the boys resolved to
piece it out in town.
We had no arms or uniforms, but a line of sen-
tinels, armed with canes, was thrown around tlie camp
to prevent free ingress and egress. An order was
issued from regimental headquarters that no one would
be permitted to leave camp without a pass duly signed
14 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
by his company commander and countersigned by the
Adjutant. This had the effect of something like a cold
shower-bath in June, and checked the tendency on the
part of our more daring and restless spirits to seek the
allurements of the city.
There was more or less company and squad drill
that day, which afforded amusement to numerous vis-
itors. Learning to cook over a camp fire occupied con-
siderable time. The first night in damp will never be
forgotten. During the day several loads of straw had
been hauled in for our beds, and at nine or ten o^clock
taps sounded for lights out, after which every soldier
was supposed to be in his little bed, perchance to dream
of glory and his sweetheart.
On September 2d, the morning was ushered in early
by reveille. Roll-call by companies followed. The
breakfast and sick calls were next in order; very few
responding to the latter. There were many "novel
stories related of the first night's experience. The
loud snorers who had disturbed the slumbers of their
comrades were spotted. One or several of the boys
had run the guard line, and the nearest sentinels,
ignorant of their duty or for fun, had gone in pursuit.
It is to be inferred that the runaways "got there" and
saw their Eliza Jane, or obtained the seductive soda
water their thirst demanded.
There was much drilling next day. The tone of the
camp was more subdued. We knew that the marching
orders might come at any hour.
The 3d, 4th and 5th passed with the usual round of
duties and the announcement by Colonel Moore of the
receipt of orders to leave on the 6th for the front.
Meantime Ck)lonel Moore being dissatisfied with the
election of Messrs. Collins and Palmer as Lieutenant
Colonel and Major, refused to abide by their selection
and a contest arose over the matter which became
pretty warm between the line officers and Colonel
Moore, but was finally settled. This done, the field
and staff stood as follows:
Colonel — Absalom B. Moore.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 35
Lieutenant Colonel — Douglas Hapeman.
Major — John H. Widmer.
Adjutant — Eufus C. Stevens.
Quartermaster — ^Edward L. Herrick.
Surgeon — Reuben F. Dyer,
First Assistant Surgeon — Julius A- Freeman.
Second Assistant Surgeon — Thomas B. Hamilton.
Non-commissioned staff:
Sergeant Major — Quincy D. Whitman.
Quartermaster Sergeant — Asher D. Gibson.
Com. Sergeant — ^Austin H. Fowler.
Hospital Steward — JohnW. Cuppy.
Principal musicians, David McCampbell, Wm. Ray-
mond, Jos. G. Wheat and Jos. Lewis. Later on Luther
P. Slyder, of Company K, was appointed Hospital
Steward and Rev. W. C. Scofleld Chaplain, succeeded
later by W. C. F. Hempstead.
The Lieutenant Colonel and Major were at this time
commissioned oJHcers in the Eleventh Illinois. They
had enlisted as privates at the sound of the first gun
from Sumter, had served continuously under Wallace
and Grant, from the Ohio River to Donelson and Shiloh,
and came to us with laurels and promotion won on
those bloody fields.
Our last day in Camp Wallace was spent in prepa-
ration for the morrow, the day that was to open up a
new act in the grand drama of war, in which the One
Hundred and Fourth — thus far playing a very super-
numerary part — was to be launched into a wider field
of action with half a continent for the stage. Military
rules and discipline were relaxed somewhat. The boys
were packing up and trying to find out how many extra
articles of all kinds they could carry. As we had no
arms or accoutrements the amount was considerable.
The junk dealers of Louisville a few weeks later reaped
a rich harvest along our line of march, in the shape of
extra blankets, clothing, toilet articles, stationery, etc.,
which had become too burdensome and were thrown
along the road. The camp was full of visitors. It
being known our departure was fixed for the 6th, rela-
16 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
tives and friends came from all parts of the country
to see the Regiment off. Amid all the excitement and
merriment as well, there were many sober faces and
sad hearts in the Regiment A large number must be
parted from families dear to them. It might be the
last parting in this world, and so it proved to be, for
in three short months, fifty brave men of the One
Hundred and Fourth lay dead or mortally wounded
on the battlefield. The j'^outhful soldiers, of whom the
writer was one, considered the matter less seriously,
and were impatient to be moving. The majority, born
and raisd in rural life, had hitherto enjoyed very lim-
ited opportunities for travel and study, and if like those
of the writer, these were only co-extensive with the
county. There was a longing to see the great world
beyond, intermixed with patriotic impulses, but that
duty and patriotism were above all other considera-
tions no one but a skeptic can doubt.
At last darkness settled down on Camp Wallace.
The camp fires burn low and only a few linger around.
The majority have sought their downy couches of
straw! To-morrow we march!
CHAPTER IV.
Leaving tor the Front— Arrival at Camp Holt— Getting Settled
— iBSue of Clothing and Arms— Drilling— Removal, to "Camp
Brickbat"— March Over the Oblo— Buckner's Plantation— Grand
Review — Exciting News — March to Louisville — Camp Wilder —
Work on the Fortifications— Killing of General Nelson— Presl-
' dent's Proclamation— Under Marching Orders.
The spirited notes of the reveille, echoing through
Camp Wallace on September 6th and reverberating
over the placid waters of the Illinois until lost among
the wooded hills beyond, aroused the sleeping soldiers
to the fact that the day of departure had arrived. The
command from orderlies of companies, "Fall in for
roll-call," was obeyed with more alacrity than usual
by those present in camp. But it must not be for-
gotten that the spirit of restlessness under restraint
still ruled strongly the heart of the volunteer, who
could not quite relinquish that independence of thought
and action born and ingrafted upon his soul when he
first breathed the pure free air of his prairie home.
Therefore when some failed to respond to the call of
their names, the cries of "arrest him," "put him in tlie
guard-house," and other complimentary remarks,
showed an appreciation of duty as well as a sense of
humor. All knew that the absent ones were improv-
ing the last opportunity for a lark in town, or were
spending the night with friends, and would Join their
companies as they marched through the city. At ten
o'clock the encampment was broken up, the assembly
sounded, the One Hundred and Fourth formed in line,
and, preceded by the drum corps, at the word of com-
mand, moved off by the right flank toward the Rock
Island depot, Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman command-
ing. Colonel Moore was sick, but joined the Regiment
at Camp Gilbert.
18 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
As the Eegiinent marched through the streets thou-
sands viewed their progress and cheered them on.
Arriving at the depot a long delay ensued, which was
improved in exchanging last words with friends, but
there was an absence of levity, all feeling the serious-
ness of the occasion in a greater or less degree. The
embarrassment was finally relieved by the arrival of
the train. Then hasty good-byes were said, the last
earnest looks from face to face — some to be repeated
nevermore — ^were given, and the Regiment filed on
board. At last the whistle blew, and, amidst cheers,
and waving of handkerchiefs, the One Hundred and
Fourth was carried rapidly away.
For a time silence prevailed among all, each being
busy with his own thoughts, which were, no doubt^
fixed on the friends and scenes left behind. But thi^
was soon broken by story and song from those hilari-
ous spirits whom sadness could not long restrain, and
cheerfulness reigned again.
From Ottawa to Joliet, where a transfer was made
to the cut-off for Indianapolis, the Regiment was enthu-
siastically received in the towns and villages by cheers
and words of welcome from the people who had
heard of the new Regiment. The journey, after leaving
Joliet, was through a dismal and thinly settled coun-
try, with towns few and far between, but now the nov-
elty and excitement had worn away, daylight faded
into darkness, and each soldier, liaving satisfied the
wants of the inner man from his haversack, prepared
to pass the night as best he could, either in his seat
or on the floor in the aisles. The writer remembers
sleeping soundly and sweetly in the latter position.
Daylight on Sunday, the 7th, found us in the capital
of Indiana, but only a short time was spent there, and
the train moved on again.
At many tow^ns we passed through the people
showed plainly their sympathy for the cause, and
wished us "God speed," those of Seymour being unusu-
ally cordial and giving the boys allthe apples, peaches,
etc., they could eat. The day finally drew to an end>
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 19
and at dark the Regiment reached Jefifersonville, and
quickly disembarked, much wearied with the long ride.
Here an order was received to march out to Camp Holt,
two or three miles further. The Regiment fell in and
at nine reached the designated camp, which was found
to be situated at the Falls of the Ohio, about two milea
below Louisville. There were no tents or quarters of
any kind for us. Naught was to be seen that afforded
a prospect of shelter except the native forest, through
which we caught glimpses of the Ohio glistening in the
moonlight All this was romantic and beautiful, but
hardly what we expected to see in a military camp.
No doubt many a soldier, as he lay down that night
on the bare earth, thought of his own comfortable bed
at home. Without much ceremony the soldiers
wiapped themselves in their blankets and retired to
the land of dreams. Fortunately the weather was
warm and dry, and very little complaining was done.
Thus closed this Sabbath day's journey, which had
been a novel experience to many in the Regiment here-
tofore accustomed to spending it in their homes and
churches. We began now to realize that there are no
Sundays for soldiers.
The rays of the sun had scarcely penetrated the
encampment on the morning of the 8th before reveille
called the Regiment to duty. After roll-call many or
all repaired to the river to wash off the stains of travel,
and in the meantime breakfast was being prepared
by numerous cooks. The companies had generally
divided up into messes of greater or less size as suited
their convenience. One or two, however, tried the plan
of having a single table for all, several men being
detailed to cook. Company E employed a civilian for
a time, but a little experience demonstrated that all
schemes except tjie small messes were failures. The
early history of our cuisine would have puzzled and
amused the ladies at home. To the soldiers, thrown
suddenly upon their own resources, the problem of how
to best accomplish the results sought in the simplest
and quickest manner was one to which they gave much
20 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
study when time permitted and rations were plenty.
Uncle Sam generally provided well for his boys, and
they soon learned how to overcome the difficulties in
the way.
Breakfast in Camp Holt being over, various duties
followed. Sick call and details for guard and police
were made. Then came company and squad drill in
the forenoon and battalion drill in the afternoon. The
intervals were employed by the men to suit themselves.
After investigating Camp Holt many procured passes
and visited the neighboring farmers who had good
orchards. It may be sarcasm to say they were wel-
comed.
The first day in Camp Holt was, from the novelty
of the surroundings, enjoyable. No more perfect
weather could have been desired, albeit pretty hot at
midday. We stood on the border land between free-
dom and slavery, and could see just across the river
"Old Kentucky," the miserable neutrality state, which
had been trying so hard to get out of the Union, or
else to be allowed to remain neutral, but, as Senator
Stephen A. Douglas said in his last great speech at
the beginning of the war, "Henceforth there can be
but two parties in this country, one for the Union and
the other against it," so this state had been compelled
to fall into line on the right side by the prompt action
of her citizens, who, in large majority, remained loyal
and true, assisted by Federal bayonets.
Rumors to-day that General Bragg had begun his
advance into Kentucky excited the camp. ^ General
Kirby Smith, with a large rebel force, was also reported
to be within a few miles of Covington — opposite Cin-
cinnati. These reports furnished a subject for thought
and speculation by the camp-fires in the evening. But
while the rebels seemed to have the advantage, it was
known that General Buell, with the Army of the Ohio,
had passed Nashville, and was running a race with
Bragg for Louisville. The new regiments had been
pouring into the city for days, and they, together with
citizens pressed into the service, had built extensive
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 21
earthworks and forts. In this exciting condition of
affairs the Eegiment eagerly wished it had the neces-
sary guns and ammunition so that it might take part
in the anticipated battle.
The One Hundred and Fourth remained at Camp
Holt until the 14th, engaged in drilling from four to
six hours per day. The weather continued fine, but
the days were unusually hot. During the week tents
were obtained, also uniforms, arms and equipments.
The latter were not satisfactory to the men, but, after
a vigorous protest by the officers, better ones were
furnished. All of these things being obtained and
issued by the Quartermaster, that gentleman was sub-
jected to considerable vigorous criticism, all of which
he appeared to receive with affability. The tents were
the "Sibley," and each large enough to hold from fifteen
to eighteen men. In appearance they resembled the
Indian wigwam of the story books. There was an
opening at the top and a fire could be made in the
center in case of very cold weather. When the tents
were full of men, lying down, their feet would radiate
from the center like the spokes of a wheel around the
hub. The clothing issued consisted of dark blue jack-
ets, sky blue pants, blue overcoats with capes, woolen
shirts and socks, cotton drawers, and blue caps. Some
of these were made of shoddy and caused much cuss-
ing of everybody supposed to be responsible for them.
Each company officer received his quota, and the boys
at once began to "shuck" their store clothes and don
the new uniforms. This proceeding proved highly
amusing when a very tall man stood arrayed, not like
Solomon exactly, but in a pair of pants about a foot
too short, and a coat reaching to the waist. The out-
landish little cap completed the ensemble, and the hero
was greeted with roars of applause, which he enjoyed
as much as any one. However, by dint of much trading
and the use of the tailor's art, all were fitted reason-
ably well, and at last looked more like soldiers.
The stay of a week in Camp Holt was productive
of much improvement in drill and military discipline.
22 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
and the Eegiment also acquired some knowledge about
the soldier's life, likely to be useful.
Meantime the news from the front that Bragg's
army had besieged Mumfordsville was confirmed, and
doubts were expressed whether Colonel Wilder, com-
manding that post, would be able to hold out until re-
lieved by Buell.
Events seemed to be hastening and the signs around
Camp Holt indicated an early removal of the Regi-
ment Therefore, when on Sunday, the 14th, after the
usual duties had been performed, including inspection,
an order came directing the Regiment to be ready to
march at noon, no great surprise was shown. The camp
at once assumed a busier appearance than usual, and
all were engaged in packing up, loadiiig wagons, and
in various other matters. At twelve the Regiment
moved out, followed by the transportation. Every
soldier was loaded with all he could carry, and, as it
was very hot, many suffered severely. It had been
announced that the march would be a short one of a
few miles, but, as no halt was made, those "few miles'^
proved to be very long. Some had to stop and rest,
unable to endure it.
After passing through Jeffersonville the Regiment
finally halted a mile further on in the suburbs, and
took possession of an old brickyard. The place had
been entirely denuded of trees and presented anything
but an inviting appearance compared with the sylvan
shades of Camp Holt and the beautiful Ohio flmving
by its side.
It has been said that "misery loves company," and
therefore it was gratifying to observe that the Eighty-
first, Eighty-second, and Eighty-seventh Indiana had
also been planted in the same plastic clay near us. It
was learned that the One Hundred and Fourth had
been brigaded with these regiments, and that General
Burbridge, a loyal Kentuckian, commanded the whole
force. The remainder of this Sabbath day was fully
occupied in pitching the tents and clearing awAy some
of the bricks most likely to interfere with the sleeping-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 23
places on the ground. The day had been one of labor,
and all were tired enough to retire early except those
desirous of attending the prayer meeting.
The Burbridge brigade remained in Camp Gilbert
— or, as the boys more aptly called it, "Camp Brickbat,"
— until Wednesday, the 17th. As often happens, how-
ever, it was demonstrated that a vast amount of experi-
ence could be acquired in a sIkuI space of time, and
that of the One Hundred and Fourth did not prove
an exception. The broad exposure to the sun was
annoying, and our greatest necessity, water, had to
be brought some distance. The constant moying about
of nearly four thousand men within a limited space
of such character kept the dust in agitation and caused
it to settle down on everything, to the discomfort of
the men. It was noticed that the Indiana regiments
showed less concern about the matter; their appear-
ance seemed slovenly and was commented on by the
boys, but a few days' personal experience modified their
opinions.
Company and battalion drill with various other
duties fully occupied the time at Camp Gilbert. When,
on the morning of the 17th, an order was issued to be
ready to march over the Ohio at 9 o'clock, its announce-
ment jnet with applause. No one seemed to know
where or how far the command was going, but our own
imaginations supplied the want of definite informa-
tion and induced the belief that we were to be led at
once against the enemy. Every soldier examined his
musket more closely and gave extra care to his car-
tridge box and accoutrements. Finally the tents were
struck and the wagons loaded. A number wiio were
sick reported to the surgeons, but as yet the list of
these was small. When the assembly sounded the
brigade fell into line, and, after a short march to the
wharf in Jeflfersonville, was slowly carried across to
the other side by two steam ferryboats. This opera-
tion occupied considerable time, several balky mules
in the train or their green drivers causing a delay. But
at last the One Hundred and Fourth stood on the
24 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
sacred soil of the South and viewed the new and
strange scenes about us with interest. Forming in
line, the march was begun through the streets of Louis-
ville, but there were no welcoming cheers from an
eager and loyal people grateful to their deliverers from
calamity; no National flags floating from the house-
tops. Few white people appeared, while the black
population lined the sidewalks and peered from the
windows. The city was under the iron grasp of mar-
tial law, and sentries walked their beats on every street.
Louisville had become a vast armed camp. Thousands
of soldiery and impressed citizens were still at work day
and night on the defenses. The Provost Marshal com-
pelled all white male citizens between the ages of
eighteen and forty-five to drill every day or go to jail,
a regulation that caused a good deal of squirming
among the disloyal element. It may be inferred that
as the armed legions of the Union marched along the
streets of the beleaguered city singing "John Brown's
body lies mouldering in the grave, but his soul goes
marching on," and other patriotic songs, those who
possessed tender feelings on the slavery question did
not have their admiration for "Yankee" soldiers
Increased to' any considerable extent.
\fter passing through Louisville and marcbing out
into the country some three miles the brigade went
into camp on the plantation of the rebel general, Simon
B. Buckner. The ample grounds in front of his large,
fine brick residence made an admirable bivouac for the
Regiment, whose ideas about such things w^ere yet aes-
thetic. No place could have been more lovely ; the beau-
tiful green lawn sloped gently down from the house,
and was covered with a scattered growth of noble oak
and beech trees, under the shade of which we reclined
wiien not on duty. A stone w'all laid in mortar, with
an iron gate, enclosed the ample grounds. This w^as
out first view of a typical Southern manor, the ideal,
too, of one of the most aristocratic of the slaveholding
chivalry, and furnished a subject for much reflection.
Strange, that while General Simon Boliver Buckner,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 25
by the courtesy of General Grant and President Lin-
coln was enjoying the hospitality of Uncle Sam in Fort
Warren, the Eegiment should be engaged in guarding
his property while incidentally guests upon his lordly
estate!
Truly, the lines had fallen to us in pleasant places,
made more attractive by the warm balmy air and the
hazy atmosphere peculiar to this latitude in autumn,
so that to live in it was life and health. When night
came no one missed the tents left behind, but,
wrapped in their army blankets, the men lay down on
the velvety green lawn with the starry heavens for a
canopy.
The succeeding five days were passed in this place,
known as Camp Robinson, which acquired also the
soubriquet of **Camp Grasshopper,'^ from the abun-
dance of that festive insect among us. Drill by com-
pany and battalion was zealously pursued. The
depressing news of Colonel Wilder's surrender on the
17th, with several thousand men had reached us, and
it was feared that Bragg would be thundering next
at the gates of Louisville. Some rebel prisoners
brought in from the front increased the rumors and
excitement in camp.
While in Camp Grasshopper many of the men, in
anticipation of hard marching and fighting ahead, sent
home their surplus clothing.
The quality of the rations issued here caused a mild
tumult one morning and led to some very vigorous
measures as well as language on the part of some of
the companies, who, shouldering the objectionable
bacon and "hard tack," proceeded to interview the
Quartermaster. Before night an exchange was made
for supplies not liable to walk off without notice.
The brigade had its first review on the 21st by Gen-
eral Burbridge and presented a splendid appearance.
The spectacle of nearly four thousand men drawn up
in battle array, with all the pomp and panoply of glori-
ous war, performing military evolutions, their burn-
ished arms flashing in the sunlight, was well calculated
26 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
to awaken pride and enthusiasm. After reTiew, which
closed about sundown, the Regiment marched to quar-
ters and broke ranks for the day. Another Sunday's
duties had been performed and the eyening was devoted
to the usual camp gossip, writing letters, or prayer
meeting.
The rumors to which we had been treated every day
became more exciting on the morning of the 22nd. More
rebel prisoners, said to have been taken only ten or
fifteen miles out, had been brought in, and some of our
"mule whackers,*' who always seemed to have the first
news, reported the approach of Bragg's advance. The
stories did not grow less in size by telling. Also the fact
was soon noted that all the country people, white and
black, were flying in haste toward Louisville. The
aforesaid teamsters confirmed this discovery. But,
though the day passed without the Regiment being
called suddenly to prepare for action, it was exciting
enough to keep all in momentary expectation of some-
thing new and startling, and when at nightfall Colonel
Moore received orders to march the Regiment back to
Louisville, it was construed to mean that the enemy
could not be far away.
About 9 o'clock the march began, and after strik-
ing the main road it became apparent that many other
forces were also taking the same direction. The delays
caused by a blockade of the transportation were fre-
quent and very tiresome. Company E had been de-
tailed as rear gimrd, which was consid;^rod an honor,
as from the signs a fight or adventure of some kind
promising glory was not unlikely. But nothing more
exciting than the capture of sundry stray citizens and
negroes happened, and these were taken along as
trophies. At 2 o'clock in the morning the Regiment
arrived within the defenses and lay down to sleep on the
breastworks. On the morning of the 23rd the Regiment
went into camp just below a high bluff on the eastern
outskirts of the city, in a location surrounded by pack-
ing-houses and tumble-down tenements. A dirty slough
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 27
emitted oflfensive and disease-breeding odors. The place
was called Camp Wilder.
We saw no more of the Indiana regiments and the
One Hundred and Fourth was temporarily unbrigaded.
It was learned that General Bragg had declined the
battle offered to him on the 21st and 22nd, and had de-
flected his army further east toward Lexington, where
he could gather in more supplies, of which his army
stood in need. He also hoped to gain many recruits to
his ranks from the Kentuckians. The aggressive cam-
paign of the enemy in Kentucky had ended, as with
General BuelFs veteran army and the 50,000 new troops
in and around Louisville further operations of an offen-
sive character would prove disastrous.
The startling peals of the "long roll" at 3 a. m. on the
24th, aroused the regiment from its slumbers. This
meant to fall in at once, first, however, falling out of bed
in double-quick time, if by courtesy ground fl,oor privi-
leges could be so called. There was a hasty donning of
overcoats, arms and accoutrements, after which the
companies formed on the color line. The Regiment
being aligned and having come to an "order arms*' and
"rest," awaited fui-ther orders. When at last daylight
appeared the companies were dismissed to their quar-
tera It was learned later that the order calling us up so
early emanated from the commander of the Post of
Louisville, and was intended for purposes of discipline.
Our tents, left behind, did not arrive until the 26th,
just in time for a change in the weather. The Regiment
for several days sent heavy details to work on the forti-
fications, which extended along the hill southeast of the
camp and ran through a lovely cemetery. It seemed
like sacrilege to thus invade the city of the dead, but
military necessity often compels many things to be done
that seem cruel or unnecessary. "Inter arma silent
leges."
While at Camp Wilder the One Hundred and Fourth
received calls from several Ottawa citizens, among
them Sam W. Raymond, Thos. J. Wade and Richard
Thome, all of whom had relations or friends in the
28 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Regiment. It is needless to say that we were glad to see
them.
The Regiment spent the night of the 25th on the color
line under arms from dark until daylight. This was in
obedience to afiother order from headquarters, and
seemed senseless enough, especially as the men had
worked all day in the trenches and were entitled to rest.
Our ideas of glorious war began to be of a less romantic
character as we came face to face with the cold hard
facts.
On the morning of the 28th rumors were circulated
that the Regiment would leave soon for the front, which
meant active service in the field and suited our ideas
better than working on fortifications. It was also
definitely settled that the Regiment had been assigned
to the Thirty-ninth Brigade, Twelfth Division, Army of
the Ohio. Colonel G. F. Limberg, of the One Hundred
and Eighth Ohio, had been appointed to command the
brigade, which consisted of the One Hundred and
Fourth Illinois, One Hundred and Sixth and One Hun-
dred and Eighth Ohio, the two latter being German
regiments partially organized. General E. Dumont
coiftmanded the Division.
The exciting event of the 29th was the shooting of
General Nelson by General JefiE C. Davis, in the Gault
House at Louisville. Both were distinguished Union
Generals. When the facts became known public
opinion justified the latter.
Major John H. Widmer arrived to-day, and was
warmly welcomed by a serenade in the evening, which
ended in general speech-making.
The brigade received marching orders on the 30th,
and from then until the 3rd of October was held in
readiness to leave at short notice, the tents being struck
and camp equipage packed every morning. Meantime
thousands of troops were already moving out Before
we left the proclamation of President Lincoln in regard
to freeing the slaves in the rebellious states came to
hand and met as a general thing with approval by the
men. Many, like the writer, had enlisted not to "free
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 29
the nigger," as the phrase went, but to save the Union.
However all must have foreseen the logical outcome,
and no doubt came at last to accept it as right and just.
At all events new hope and vigor seemed to be imparted
to the men.
Late on the 2nd, definite orders were received to
march early the next morning, and we settled down to
spend our last night in Camp Wilder.
CHAPTER V.
Leaving Camp WUdeiv-A Hard March^Arrive at Shelbyvllle^
Confiscate WagronB— Attempt to Recover Contrabands— Mareh
to Frankfort— Hasty Retreat of the Rebels— Colonel LimbersT's
Arrest— Company B Raises a Flag- Wild Ooose Chase After
Morgan- March to Bowling Oreen— Suflferlnfir by the Way-
Arrival at Bowling Green— Review and Speech by Gener-
al Rosecrans— Thirty-Ninth Brigade Detached— Colonel Scott
Att9umes Command.
In consequence of orders received late the previous
nighty to be ready to march early on the morning of Oct
3, the boys turned out promptly at the sound of reveille
and fell in for roll-call. After an early breakfast the
tents were struck, knapsacks packed and all the prepa-
rations made for marching. The wagons of each com-
pany were loaded to their full capacity, containing,
besides camp equipage and commissary stores, a good
many knapsacks of the men, but still each soldier had
a heavy load to carry, including his musket and forty
rounds of ammunition.
All being ready, "Joe" sounded the "assembly," the
One Hundred and Fourth formed in ranks, and, march-
ing out of Camp Wilder, was joined by the rest of the
brigade on the bluffs. We then took up the line of
march on the turnpike leading to Shelbyville, Kentucky.
The spectacle before our eyes was inspiring. We saw in
the distance long lines of infantry and batteries of artil-
lery, all followed by immense wagon trains containing
rations and ammunition. There was satisfaction in
the thought that we were now a part of this grand army
of nearly 80,000 men marching to the front. The day
was one of nature's loveliest, only too hot. The roads
were dusty, and we soon suffered from want of water,
which, on account of the long drought, was low in the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. • 31
wells and streams — branches as they are called in the
South.
After a short halt at noon for dinner, the march was
resumed, but not with the same quick step and buoyant
spirits as in the morning- The knapsacks were becom-
ing heavy. By night a number of men had fallen out
and did not again appear until the next morning. The
trouble lay partially in our attempts to carry too heavy
an assortment of goods, such as extra shirts, blankets
and notions of various kinds. As the day passed many
of these extras were quietly left by the roadside. The
author, being much given to writing, left a deposit of
fine stationery as his contribution.
When night came and no halt was made all had
become so footsore and wearied that to march was
painful. But there was no resigning in this war. The
■ order was still forward, and not until 1 a. m, was a
change made. We then turned into a blue-grass side-
hill pasture by the road, and in ten minutes probably
every soldier had found rest in slumber. The writer
recalls with gratitude how that, as he was just about
going off to the land of dreams, Orville L. Moorhead, of
Company E, came and gave him a drink of cordial from
his flask (I think that was what he called it and it pro-
duced cordiality). This gallant soldier fell soon after
at Hartsville.
Footsore and more or less weary, we awoke before
the sun on Saturday morning, Oct. 4. A thousand little
fires made from ^^secesh" rails lighted up the early land-
scape. A thousand tin cups, each soldier carrying one,
contained the fragrant coffee of which Uncle Sam fur-
nished a good article. This, with bacon and hardtack
from the haversacks, put all in good spirits again.
The march was resumed immediately after break-
fast. Looking back upon the deserted bivouac, and be-
yond to the rear, the ground was strewn with numerous
discarded articles. One would have supposed that sev-
eral second-hand old clothing stores had been gutted
and the contents scattered around. The vultures were
behind us scenting their prey from afar.
82 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
The section of Kentucky through which we marched
was highly cultivated. Vast plantations extended in
every direction. The large residences and negro quar-
ters on some of them told of wealth and comfort. But
occasionally we passed less pretentious houses or the
log huts of the "poor white trash," and the contrast
was as marked as the difference in the people. All of
these things were new to us and of surpassing interest.
We were becoming educated in more ways than one,
and in a practical manner, impossible to learn from
books.
As the sun mounted to the zenith we began to feel
its effects. Unused to continuous marching, many gave
out. Clouds of dust and scarcity of water added to the
discomfort. A few of the boys, more daring than others,
managed to slip away, and going to neighboring plan-
tations confiscated several wagons, which they brought
up and loaded with knapsacks, thus relieving many of
the men. After dark we continued on in silence until
9 o'clock, when Shelby ville was reached, and we went
into camp near the town, having marched thirty-three
miles since leaving Louisville. A part of Dumont's
division remained at or near Shelbyville until Wednes-
day, Oct. 8. The One Hundred and" Fourth enjoyed the
rest very much. Those who have read "Uncle Tom's
Cabin" will remember the vivid scenes therein pictured
of this place and its people in the days of slavery. We
found it a small, rambling village, in which negroes
seemed to predominate. We learned that most of the
whites were rebels. As Captain Leighton remarked,
"It is a very secesh place." When our boys discovered
this they concluded that a little contribution in the
shape of turkeys, chickens, honey, etc., from the homes
of the noble citizens, now mostly in the Rebel army,
would be an appropriate testimonial of our esteem.
Therefore many a fine gobbler, intended for the Christ-
mas home market, found his way into the mess pans of
the One Hundred and Fourth. It is true that general
orders did not sanction foraging of this kind, on the
contrary forbade it, but the men concluded that our
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 3J
enemies ought to feel somewhat of the consequences of
their wicked rebellion against the government. The
Unionists were left untouched or else were paid for what
was taken.
The days at Shelbyville had passed most pleasantly^
though we were in expectation every hour of orders to
march. Reports that large forces of Rebel cavalry were
within five miles of us tended to keep things lively. It
was certain that wandering too far from camp might
be dangerous, as every white man was a spy, or likely
to be one, and shooting from ambush was a common
occurrence. It was learned that General SilFs division
and part of Dumont's on Oct 7, met and drove the
enemy under Kirby Smith, from Frankfort and occupied
the town. These forces constituted the left of BuelFs
army, the bulk of which was on our right, and numbered
eight divisions — about 60,000 men in all. If Bragg could
have been brought to bay a battle would have occurred.
In pursuance of orders, we resumed the march at
noon and were in better shape, as each company had an
extra mule team to carry the baggage. These were con-
fiscated from the rebel citizens hereabouts and caused
much commotion. With them were numerous contra-
bands. About the time we set out, and after moving,,
the owners of the aforesaid goods and chattels put in
an appearance and tried to gain a hearing from Colonel
Moore and other oflScers. Some, more bold than others,
tried to snake out the contrabands, who kept close to
the ranks, but they little knew the temper of the men*
At once an order passed down the line of the regiment,
*Tix bayonets!" A citizen had grabbed a darky from
the rear of Company A. Sergeant Woodward, of Com-
pany B, being near by, broke his musket over the rebePs
head. This demonstration satisfied the gentleman, and
thereafter we had no more trouble. The march con-
tinued all night, but was made with comparative ease.
Just as the first gray streaks of dawn lighted up the
eastern horizon on Oct 9 the Thirty-ninth Brigade en-
tered the environs of Frankfort, where the turnpike we
had traveled came to an end on a high bluflf overlooking
( 34 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
the city. Wheeling to the left the brigade went into
camp along its brow, glad to be allowed to rest after the
long night march. The location was grand, but subject
to some inconvenience, as there was no water to be had
nearer than the river, a considerable distance away.
Therefore the coffee and breakfast were late. It being
ascertained that we would remain in the present loca-
i tion only temporarily, the day was spent in resting and
making short trips in the vicinity, and to the bridge over
the river, which was guarded. During the day news
arrived that a great battle had been fought the day
previous at Perryville, particulars not known. We now
learned the facts in regard to the occupation of Frank-
fort by our troops. It appeared that when our cavalry
forces suddenly entered the town a portion of General
Kirby Smith's command, all unmindful of the approach-
ing storm, were busily engaged in the pleasing cere-
mony of inaugurating Dick Hawes as the "Rebel Pro-
visional" Governor of Kentucky. But while thus em-
ployed they were suddenly and rudely interrupted by
the blare of the Union cavalry bugles and the roar of
loud-mouthed cannon planted on the very site of our
present camp. Hawes and his rebels barely had time
to escape by the back door. His address to the "Free
and patriotic people of Kentucky," as he called them,
was left unfinished, and thus ended the brief reign of
Dick Hawes. As one of the boys remarked :
"If 80 soon he was done for.
What in thunder was he begun for?"
Our impressions of Frankfort were most favorable.
The blue waters of the Kentucky river flowed by in a
half circle, and on the concave of this lay the city, a
place of four thousand people, nestled in among the
hills. Further back bluffs from two hundred to four
hundred feet high rose in terraces, and were covered
with pine, cedar and beech. Down below our camp lay
the Kentucky river valley. Here was the home of
Daniel Boone, the "Pioneer of Kentucky." This was the
dark and bloody ground, made memorable by many a
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 36
fierce contest between the early white settlers and their
Indian foes.
When at night-fall the camp-fires of the One Hun-
dred and Fourth were lighted on the bluffs many a
soldier lingered long by their flickering blaze to medi-
tate on the day^s experience, and later, wrapped in his
blanket, to dream ^f the historic scenes now before him.
The One Hundred and Fourth arose early on the
10th, from the couches of fragrant cedar boughs, and
just in time to see the sun crowning the hills in wreaths
of golden brightness. During the day the regiment
moved camp to the south end of the bridge in the valley
where the tents were pitched and preparations made
for remaining some time. Drill and the regular camp
duties were again inaugurated. Company F, under the
command of Lieutenant Wm. Strawn, was detailed to
guard the capitol, and from all accounts the boys had a
good time in the legislative halls. Other companies
went on guard duty at various points in the city and
vicinity.
It had now become definitely known that Bragg and
his army were hurrying out of the state, leaving, how-
ever, Morgan's and Forrest's cavalry to cover his rear
and hover on the flanks of our army, which was pur-
suing.
While in Frankfort a good deal of sensation was
caused by the arrest of Colonel Limberg, commanding
our brigade, on the charge of "horse-stealing'' done
while enroute from Louisville. In consequence of this
Colonel Moore, the next highest ranking officer, as-
sumed command of the Thirty-ninth Brigade and estab-
lished his headquarters in town. Colonel Moore imme-
diately appointed Captain James M. Leighton, of Com-
pany A, One Hundred and Fourth, as his Assistant Ad-
jutant General. Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman took
command of the regiment The rest of the week passed
quietly, and the fine weather with our pleasant sur-
roundings were enjoyed by all. On the 11th, a part of
the One Hundred and Fourth, with detachments from
the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and
36 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Eighth, were sent to defend a battery which had been»
threatened wath attack, but it was not made.
The writer and a few others on Sunday, the 12th,.
w^ent to visit the beautiful cemetery on the bluffs near
the river. Here rest the remains of many celebrated
Kentuckians. Stately shafts of marble and bronze com-
memorate the names and deeds of Boone, Clay, Cald-
well, Colonel R. M. Johnson and others. Particularly
noticeable — sixty feet high — was the monument to-
Colonel John J. Hardin, who fell in Mexico w^hile lead-
ing an Illinois regiment. Near by were seventeen new^
made graves of soldiers who had fallen in the present
unhappy war. They were unmarked by marble slab!"
What a contrast was presented between these and those
yonder in their "splendid mockery of marble!" Weary
and meditatively we returned to camp as the rays of
the setting sun lighted up the Kentucky hills.
The event of the 13th, at least for Company E, was a '
flag-raising. This company, from frequent duty in the-
city, had become well known to the Union citizens, and
they invited Captain Doty and his men to raise the Stars,
and Stripes on a new staff they had provided. At the
appointed hour the Company was escorted by a band
of music and a delegation of several hundred ladies and
gentlemen to the place, where Colonel Doty unfurled
the Starry Banner to the breeze amidst hearty cheers.
Then Judge Scott made a patriotic speech, followed by
the venerable General Leslie Combs — a hero of two
wars, w^ho was present at the battle where Colonel John-
son shot the great Indian chief, Tecumseh. After some-
further patriotic exercises the assembly dispersed and
Company E marched back to quarters, proud of the part
it had taken, and the warm place evidently secured in
the hearts of Frankfort's loyal people.
While the Thirty-ninth Brigade was thus pleasantly
situated and daily improving in drill, our comrades in
the field wer^marching on in hopes of overtaking Bragg*
before he could escape into Tennessee. General Buell
having been disappointd in this, ordered a concentra-
tion of his army at Bowling Green and Nashville and.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 37
the different divisions were put enroute for those points.
The Twelfth Division still remained at Frankfort await-
ing other movements and that of General Sill, south of
us, then moving to Glasgow.
Nothing of importance disturbed the tranquillity of
the Thirty-ninth Brigade until the 18th, when a report
coming in that Morgan was raiding with his cavalry
around a little place called Versailles, fourteen miles
distant^ we were suddenly called upon at 9 p. m. to go
in pursuit, which we did in hot haste. After a tedious
march we reached Versailles at 3 o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 19th, but the enemy had fled and the Brigade
bivouacked until 6, when the march was resumed to
Xawrenceburg, thirteen miles further. But we were
again too late — caused by a shot fired at the enemy by
our artillery. They left behind a wounded horse and
some supplies. As it now became apparent that the
attempt to capture cavalry with infantry would be
useless, the Brigade was. marched back to Frankfort
where it finally arrived, tired and hungry.
The warm autumn days were disappearing and the
nights becoming chilly. During our stay at Frankfort
many attachments for the place and people had been
formed, but the approach of winter made us anxious to
hear of marching orders for a warmer climate.
By the 25th it became known that Bragg had es-
caped from Kentucky through Cumberland Gap. Gen-
eral Buell had not been able to catch up nor bring on a
battle, but was pressing forward toward Nashville,
where General Negley had been left with a small force
w^hen Buell marched to the relief of Louisville. It now
became important to raise the siege of Nashville, which
had been unsuccessfully attacked by the forces of For-
rest and Breckinridge from Murfreesboro, as it was
.anticipated that Bragg would hurry forward additional
troops, via Chattanooga, in hopes of capturingthe city.
There was indicated to us in the various movements on
the grand chess board of war an early march of Du-
mont^s Division, therefore, when, on the 25th, orders
oame to be ready, to leave at 8 the following morning,
38 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
no one was sorry. The weather had turned very cold
and snow had fallen to the depth of several inches dur-
ing the evening.
The Thirty-ninth Brigade was astir early on Sunday
the 26th. The air was chilly and the damp snow made
us feel uncomfortable as we were engaged in packing
up and loading the wagons. Those confiscated at Shel-
byville we proposed to take along, but their owners had
followed and demanded their property, therefore with
much reluctance they were given up, with a free ex-
pression of opinioi) in regard to the tenderness of our*
officers for the rebel owners. No more attempts were
made to recover the contrabands in camp, and it was
well, as there would have been open war on this^
question.
At 9 o'clock the infantry, artillery and cavalry of
Dumont's Division were in line, the bugle sounded the
"forward" and, with bands playing and flags flying, we
marched away toward the south. Our route for five
miles lay over a good turnpike running along the bluffs
of the Kentucky river, the scenery was grand, the trees
being covered with snow, which glistened in the sun-
light with dazzling brightness. But we soon struck a
poorer road through a flat, densely wooded country
offering no variety of scehery, and, as every man was
carrying from forty to fifty pounds, the romance of war
began to be lost sight of in the laborious task of march-
ing. Few houses were passed, and the country became
of a rougher character. In the afternoon we marched
through a small log hamlet called "Rough and Ready"
which well deserved the name, both on account of the
character of the buildings and the people, a few of whom
ventured to show themselves on the streets or at the
windows and doors. We passed through Lawrenceburg
toward night, and going four miles beyond halted and
went into camp by the roadside at 7 p. m., tired out with
the day's toil. Fortunately the wagon train arrived
soon, the tents were pitched and the rations cooked.
After supper and coffee the camp assumed a livelier
appearance, but all were glad to keep near the fires, for
REGIMENT IL.LINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 39
which the chestnut rail fences furnished good materiaL
The Brigade had marched eighteen miles, and its en-
durance had been somewhat tested by the heavy loads
carried, as well as by new and ill-fltting shoes, and the
entire change from all that we had been accustomed. to
at home. When the camp fires had burned low and the
last story had been told by those choice spirits whom no
fatigue could long depress each sought his hard couch
and restoring sleep.
Before daylight on the 27th reveille called the One
Hundred and Fourth to another day of toil and hard-
ship. There were many stiffened limbs and maimed feet
in the regiment. Some also had been attacked with
troubles arising from change of diet and water, and the
unnaturs^l strain put upon them. The Surgeon sent a
number back to Frankfort.
Having first braced up with coffee, hardtack and
bacon, the march was resumed at half past eight. The
light snow on the ground made the walking difficult,
but we pressed on until the roads or "traces" through
the woods became so bad that frequent halts were made
to fix them for the passage of the trains. The country
was much broken. Now and then a small clearing with
a log house came into view, with the inevitable darky
or some poor white trash, all looking like relics of a past
age, and seemingly in harmony with the wild natural
surroundings. Sometimes our route lay through dense
forests of chestnut and beech, where, during the halts,
an abundant harvest of nuts was gathered, but the coun-
try seemed to be mostly covered with scrub oak and
brush. After thus toiling on all day a halt was matle
at night near Chaplintown, the distance traveled being
only eight miles, pretty good evidence of the difficul-
ties in the way.
Our route on the 28th was over a broken and hilly
country until late in the afternoon, when there was
some improvement. Frequent halts were made to rest.
We camped at night in a lovely beech grove on a hill-
side, where, notwithstanding great weariness, the
w^oodland scenery was go fine as to attract our atten-
< 40 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
tion. The day's march was nineteen miles. Quite a
number were sick, the writer among them, and Sur-
geon Dyer had his hands full of patients.
We set out on the 29th in good spirits and over a
better road leading to Bardstown. The country im-
proved as we advanced. Our rations, especially meat,
were getting short. About dark we crossed Rolling
Fork, a small stream, and went into camp near Bards-
town. All were footsore and weary. After our arrival
rations of fresh beef were issued to the Regiment, a
quarter to each company. Our appetites were raven-
ous, and as fast as the beef could be apportioned
among the messes it was cooked and eaten with a relish
known only to the hungry. The privilege of retiring
early was improved by most of the men, but the writer
and some others had to work nearly all night on the
pay-rolls, an order having been issued to make them
out at once. This was not an agreeable tasR after our
long marches, with no tables except the hard-tack
boxes, no lights but candles, and knapsacks for seats.
We resumed the march early on the 30th, glad to
leave the rusty-looking old town and its hard-looking
people. The line of march lay through a broken, hilly
country of little interest. We passed the ruins of sev-
eral houses belonging to Union men, which had been
burned by the rebels. An interesting event occurred
in going through La Rue County. Near the antiquated
hamlet of Ilodgenville we saw the site of the humble
cabin where Abraham Lincoln was born. It was on a
little knoll, and near by were some old pear, peach,
and apijle trees. We did not then realize the great-
ness of the prophet and leader here raised up to save
our Nation and free a race, or every tree would have
been carried away as relics — even to the roots. Pass-
ing through a place called New Haven, we bivouacked
just beyond in a grass field, which will be remembered
as the scene of a very lively time in fighting fire, it
having caught in the grass. But the boys had seen
prairie fires before and knew how to deal with it, so
that not much damage was done. They took care to
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 41
get the ammunition out of the way, not proposing to
be killed in any such inglorious manner. The day^s
march was nineteen miles.
Early on the 31st the columns were set in motion
and kept going all day through the same dreary coun-
try, with nothing to excite interest but the problem as to
when we would halt for the night. Continuous march-
ing, much of the time on half rations, had reduced a
number to the point of giving out entirely. Therefore,
the order to camp was hailed with joy by all. But
knowledge that we were now approaching nearer the
scenes of more interesting events than had been viewed
before, was encouraging to us.
The line of march on Saturday, November 1st, lay
near the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, and even the
sight of this was comforting. Our progress was slow
and painful, and after marching twelve miles the
Brigade went into camp at Bacon Creek, near the sta-
tion of the same name. The weather was remarkably
w^arm and, all being weary and dirty, the creek was
soon filled with bathers, strange as it may seem at
so late a period of the season. It was Saturday night.
To those at home enjoying the blessings of peace and
plenty it brings rest and a respite from labor, the com-
ing Sabbath and its privileges, so necessary to body
and soul, but with the soldier it is different, and Sun-
day is almost sure to be a day of toil or danger.
Anticipating the morrow our camp fires burned low
early.*
As anticipated, Sunday, the 2d, was ushered in by
an early start, after about sixty men of the One Hun-
dred and Fourth had been examined by the Surgeon,
and, being found unable to march, were left at Bacon
Station to come on by rail to Bowling Green. The
delusive hope of an early halt caused the command to
step off with alacrity and the twelve miles to Mum-
fordsville was traversed by noon.
The Brigade went into camp on the battle-field, and
the wagons coming up were partly unloaded and coffee
was being made when Colonel Moore received an order
42 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
to march in twenty minutes. What a fall was there
in the thermometer of our hopes!
After hasty and lialf finished meals the march waa
resumed, but with less willing steps than in the morn-
ing. On the way over the field shot and shell were
seen, also the new-made graves of over one hundred
soldiera who had fought their last battle only six
weeks before. There were numerous evidences of the
gallant defense made •by Colonel Wilder before he sur-
rendered.
Mumfordsville proved to be a straggling village
without attraction except as the location of the recent
battle. The Green River fiows through it and had been
spanned by a fine iron railroad bridge, which only par-
tially escaped destruction by the rebels. Crossing on
a pontoon bridge laid down by the Pioneer Corps, we "
ascended the bluffs and pursued a southerly course-
over rough roads until dark, when a halt was made for
the night in a cleared field. The long march with half
rations for supper cast a shade of depression over the
camp. But, to compensate in a measure for previous
troubles, the mail for the One Hundred and Fourth
arrived in the evening, and diffused joy among a large
number. Weariness was forgotten in the pleasure of
hearing from friends at home. Those who did not
receive a letter had the sympathy of the rest. It may
be safely asserted that our earthen couches seemed
softer and our aches and bruises less paiuful. We
also learned here the pleasing news that the Army of
the Ohio now had a new commander — General W. S.
Rosecrans, who had come to us with a high reputation
for military ability by virtue of many successes in the
field. The order making the change was dated October
24th, and went into effect October 30th. The territory
within General Rosecrans' jurisdiction was styled the
"Department of the Cumberland," and the title "Army
of the Ohio" was changed to "Fourteenth Army Corpsi"
The division marched off early on the morning of
the 3d with lighter hearts and more elastic steps. The
soldier loves change, new scenes and excitements,.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 4a
besides the fame of General Rosecrans had preceded
him, and all believed that the hero who had been so
successful in Mississippi would lead us to victory.
During the day we passed by Horse Cave, a station* on
the Louisville & Nashville road. Mammoth Cave was
under us and the entrance but eight miles distant.
This section liad been the favorite resort of guerrillas,,
the inhabitants being almost wholly rebels. It was
a God-forsaken, wild country. After going eighteen
miles we camped for the night within a short march
from Bowling Green.
At 9 o'clock on November 4th, the command again
set out and in high spirits, as we were now drawing
near our objective, where w^e expected to remain for
some time. But we found the roads blocked by numer-
ous wagon trains and other troops ahead of us. Many
halts were made, and it was sundown before we arrived
at the Big Barren river, which runs through Bowling
Green. We crossed this on a pontoon and marched
through the town, supposing that our camping place
could not be far off. It turned out that we labored
under a mistake, for we kept on three miles further,,
until the town had disappeared from view. Then, when
every one was getting mad and many swearing like
troopers, we halted and bivouacked in a corn field on
very stony ground. It was late when our tents arrived
and were put up. We had been on half rations for
several days. The >vhole command had borne up well,,
but were very tired to-night. At a later hour, and
after coffee and rations, matters around the camp
assumed a more cheerful aspect We had accom-
plished since leavin^r Frankfort a journey of 160 miles.
The 5th of Novelnber was passed in camp, and the
One Hundred and Fourth improved the time in rest- .
ing, repairing damages to limbs and clothing, and in
going on excursions, when a pass could be obtained^
to town and the many interesting points around Bowl-
ing Green. Our camp was on Lost River, an affluent
of the Big Barren. Within a few rods w as Lost Cave,
where the river disappears and does not flow above
44 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
ground again. Probably every one in the Regiment
explored this great natural curiosity and brought
away many beautiful stalactites found on the roof.
This whole section of the country is honey-combed with
•caves, all in limestone forniations.
November 6th was signalized by our removal to
another location, one mile distant, in a cedar grove,
where we were annoyed less by dirt and dust than at
Lost Cave. Explorations continued to be the diversion
of some when off duty; others occupied the time in
writing letters and resting. Full rations were issued
again. We received letters and papers from home,
which made the postmaster of the One Hundred and
Fourth a very popular man.
Colonel Moore, at his own request, being super-
seded in the command of the Thirty-ninth Brigade by
Colonel Joseph R. Scott, of the Nineteenth Illinois,
returned to the One Hundred and Fourth.
The event of the 7th was the review of Dumont's
Division by General Rosecrans. This was our first
view of the distinguished General-in-Chief. Accom-
panied by a large and brilliant staff, he rode swiftly
down the long lines of brigades and regiments, which
presented arms as he passed. Riding up to the One
Hundred and Fourth he halted, made a critical sur-
vey of the Regiment and addressed it in the following
words, which were taken down by the writer verbatim
^t literatim:
"Officers and men: I wish to give you a little
advice. When you meet the enemy fire low. Never
turn your backs to the foe — cowards are sure to be
shot. Look 3^our antagonist in the eye, and he will
not dare to shoot you."
The General then rode away, leaving with us the
impression of his greatness and that we liad been
greatly honored by his presence. After review the
One Hundred and Fourth returned to camp and spec-
ulated about our future movements, at it was known
that all of the troops were pushing for Nashville.
Battalion drill occupied a good portion of the time
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 45-
on the 8th and 9th, but in the afternoon of the latter
date orders were received from army headquarters
detaching the Thirty-ninth Brigade from Dumont's
Division, and directing Colonel Scott to be ready to
march on the 10th to Glasgow, Ky. As General SilPs
Division had just left that place our movement was
ordered for the purpose of replacing his forces, and
in conformity with the general line of advance toward
Nashville, at the same time protecting our extreme
left and watchiAg the fords of the Cumberland river
for any attempts of the enemy to cross.
CHAPTER VI.
March to Glasgrow— "No Bob"— Arrival at Tompklnsvllle— Chaa-
Ing Guerrillas— Attack on the Pickets— Threatening Demon-
stration by Rebel Cavalry— Hasty Exit and Night March-
Goose Creek Valley — Thanksgiving Celebrated — ^Arrival at
Hartsvllle — Colonel Moore Assumes Command— The Situation
and Troops — Portents of Danger.
The advance of the Thirty-ninth Brigade will be
more clearly understood by briefly reviewing the situ-
ation with reference to the entire field embraced within
the lines of operation of General Bosecrans' army.
His headquarters had been established at Nash-
ville on the 9th. General Thomas, commanding the
center — consisting of the divisions of Rosseau, Neg-
ley, Dumont, Fry and Palmer, was at Gallatin, Ten-
nessee, from whence he directed operations and repairs
on the railroad to Louisville, this line being the only
way of communication by rail with the rear. General
Thomas so disposed of his troops as to guard this road.
Generals McCook and Crittenden, commanding, respect-
ively, the right and left wings, were slowly converging
on Nashville by diflferent routes.
The intention of General Bragg had not then devel-
oped, but his troops were known to be concentrating
at Murfreesboro. llis cavalry, largely superior in num-
bers to that of General Rosecrans, became very active
at this time in operations against our line of commu-
nication with the rear and our flanks, never neglecting
an opportunity to destroy or capture supply trains and
small outlying detachments. In accordance, there-
fore, with the general policy of advance governing all
of the troops, and pursuant to the order mentioned at
the close of the last chapter, the Thirty-ninth Brigade,
composed, besides the One Hundred and Fourth, of the
One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and Eigth
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 47
Ohio and a detachment of the Second Indiana Cav-
alry, and commanded by Colonel Scott, broke camp
at noon on the 10th of November and began the march.
Passing through Bowling Green the brigade marched
Ave miles and bivouacked for the night in a grove by
the roadside. All were in good spirits and had fully
recovered from the eflfects of the long tramp from
Frankfort. In the evening the camp darkies gave an
impromptu entertainment of songs, hoe-down dances,
and a butting exhibition with their heads, in which
the amount of pounding they endured was aston-
ishing.
We again set out early on the 11th, and soon turned
into a poor road through a rough, hilly country. The
marching became fatiguing, and after toiling on all
day, and only making fourteen miles, the Brigade went
into camp.
Starting early on the 12th we pursued a rough
country road, which had to be repaired often. The
country was hilly and densely wooded, offering much
attractive scenery. The One Hundred and Fourth held
the advance, and at noon we entered Glasgow after
a march of thirteen miles. From the name we expected
to see a place of some importance, but were disap-
pointed. Many of the buildings, in fact most of them,
had an antique appearance, as if they might have come
from the old Scotch city, and the majority were built
of logs. Their occupants were in keeping with all else
in this out-of-the-way village, even in color — except
the negroes resembling the yellowish clay soil on which
they grew and apparently thrived, notwithstanding
the tell-tale traces of whisky and tobacco, both, by
the way, leading products of this part of Southern
Kentucky. Marching through the one main street the
Brigade went into camp at the south end on a hill-
side, at the foot of which flowed a clear beautiful
creek. Our marches, thus far had been deliberate, and
Colonel Scott had the credit of knowing how to "march
men" and take care of their bodies and interests gen-
erally.
48 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
We remained at Glasgow two days, engaged in the-
usual camp duties, and between times exploring the
town, talking with the people, and doing some trading;
at the small stores to help out our rations. Persim-
mons and nuts grew abundantly around the place and
were gathered by all who had a taste for such luxuries.
Pursuant to orders received by Colonel Scott the
Brigade left Glasgow on Saturday, the 14th. We at
once entered a wilder and rougher country than we
had seen before, where hills and valleys followed in
rapid succession, and the roads were in the worst
possible order, requiring frequent halts to fix them
and to help the mules and wagons over rough places-
The tiresome march was completed at dark by our
sudden debouchure from th^ woods into a clearing
dimly outlined by the tall forests around it, in which
was discernible the log hamlet enjoying the euphoni-
ous name of "No Bob." Not being particular about
names, we passed through and went into camp to study
the etymology of the word by the warmth of our fire&
in the evening. In the morning, which was Sunday,,
we were gratified to find the weather warm and pleas-
ant. A casual survey of the place brought to view
about twenty log houses in graduated stages of decay.
The few inhabitants were of the type common to these
remote and wild sections of Kentucky, showing in
their faces the fearful effects of cheap corn whisky,
or "Mountain dew," of ignorance and poverty. There
was whisky in every house. Sherman Leland, of Com-
pany D, clerk to the Adjutant, who possessed a judicial
mind and much taste for research, interviewed the
"oldest citizen" as to the origin and history of the
.term "No Bob," and succeeded in extracting from him
the following explanation: The town was once known
as "Flat Head" — reason therefor unknown ; but once
on a time a man named Robert was lost in the adja-
cent forests, and a serching party, after a fruitless
search, met by previous agreement at Flat Head, and
reported "No Bob found," and thereafter it was called'
by the present name.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 49
From the above it may be deduced that the expres-
sion "What*s in a name" has been often used unre-
flectively. Without citing a thousand instances in
proof, the reader will notice how directly and fittingly
our soldiers and the untutored, but honest, people we
were among, always arrived at just conclusions in the
simplest way and acted accordingly. Having rescued
this remote hamlet from oblivion by the unsolicited
honor of its presence, the Thirty-ninth Brigade set out
again to perform another Sabbath day's journey, and
was soon struggling along through the dense forests
over execrable roads. But, while delayed by the
numerous obstacles in the way, we did not fail to
appreciate the grand and solemn beauty of the vast
solitudes of forest, of the rocky glens and clear run-
ning streams that lay along our pathway. As night
approached the sky became overcast with clouds and
a drizzling rain set in, increasing our anxiety to reach
Tompkinsville, which we did by dark, having marched
only thirteen miles since morning.
Being now in a section filled with rebel citizens
and one subject to sudden forays from the enemy's
cavalry, Colonel Scott selected a camp suited for
defense on an elevated part of the town, and the tents
were speedily pitched. The short rations and the (*of-
fee were heartily relished after the labored march of
the day. Having dried their wet clothing, most of the
men were glad to sleep. Those sent out on guard and
picket duty did not have a pleasant task on this stormy
night.
The time up to the 20th was employed in drilling
and camp routine, and much enlivened by the known
exposure of the Brigade to attack, and by the daily
rumors of intended forays. Most of the people had
identified themselves with the rebels, either actively
or as spies and abettors, in which position they could
do us the most damage.
Captain Leighton had been Acting Provost Mar-
shal at Glasgow, and held the same position in Tomp-
60 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH.
kinsville, where, with Lieutenant Prescott, they found
their time fully occupied in arresting and taking care
of rebel citizens and spies. Ue also discovered a num-
ber of good Union men and families. *
Guerrilla bands in the immediate vicinity were
active, and ever on the watch in ambush to shoot down
our pickets and any thoughtless soldier who might
wander outside the Federal lines. One Captain Ham-
ilton commanded these freebooters, and kept the rebel
generals south of the Cumberland fully posted in
regard to our movements.
In consequence of their boldness — having already
dashed suddenly through the outskirts of the town,
but without doing or suffering damage, Captain Doty,
w4th Company E, was on the evening of the 20th
detailed to attempt their capture or destruction. Also,
other signs and rumors indicating an attack on the
town, the entire Brigade was ordered into line and
remained thus all night. Starting at nine p. m. with
the Company and a guide, Captain Doty marched to
the rebel rendezvous, five or six miles distant. The
w^'iter will never forget the enthusiasm and fond
expectation we all felt, as we stumbled along in the
<larkness over hill and dale in silence. The guns and
sixty rounds were ready for instant use. At last the
company was so disposed as to rush in and surround
the rebel camp, which was situated near a house in a
little valley. The lines of circumvallation slowly
closed in, but to our surprise no hostile challenge
awoke the night echoes — the foe had fled! But. the
still bright camp fires and scattered piles of corn were
there in evidence. Our chagrin w^as great, and after
interviewing the citizen in the house, who knew noth-
ing and claimed to be a Unionist, the command
marched back to camp, where it arrived at daybreak,
just as the rest of the Brigade was breaking ranks
after its night vigil.
Nothing of an exciting character disturbed the
camp during the day or night of the 21st. Colonel
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 51
Scott doubled the pickets and guards, and every man
took extra care to have his musket and cartridge box
Jiandy in case of a night attack.
The events of Saturday, the 22d, proved to be the
most interesting and important of any yet experienced.
Early in the day the scouts and pickets reported that
rebel cavalry were hovering around, apparently in
force, in consequence of which Colonel Scott ordered
the command to remain closely in quarters ready to
respond to the "long rolP^ at a moment's notice. In
the latter part of the afternoon a detachment of the
One Hundred and Sixth Ohio, doing picket duty, was
suddenly attacked, one man killed, one mortally
wounded, and six captured, but the enemy advanced
no further. Aroused by the firing and the long roll,
the Brigade immediately formed in line of battle, where
it remained until one o'clock Sunday morning, at which
hour the scouts returned and reported the rebels
•encamped three miles from the town. Colonel Scott
St once sent the One Hundred and Fourth in pursuit.
The Regiment started, but owing to the darkness and
rough roads or paths, marched slowly. The rebel camp
was surrounded and closed in upon, but the enemy
had again fled, warned, no doubt, by friends. Much
•chagrined, we retraced our steps to Tompkinsville,
arriving early in the morning.
We were permitted to pass Sunday in quiet, but
vigilance was not relaxed. Mail arrived from Bowling
Green, and news of the death at that placp of Rufus
E. C. Hurin, of Company D. The One Hundred and
Fourth was further saddened by the death here in our
midst of Stephen Walters, of Company E, who died this
morning of disease. In the afternoon of to-day he was
buried with military honors in a soldier's grave. To
die in battle may be regarded without emotion, and
is expected, but to waste away with slow disease and
die in a hostile land, far from home and friends, is
inexpressibly sad. These were among the first deaths
that had occurred in the One Hundred and Fourth.
52 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Notwithstanding the fact that the Thirty-ninth
Brigade was not excited by alarms on the 23d, enough
had been developed to fill all with high expectation
of still more important events. It became known to
a few on Monday that Colonel Scott had received
orders on Sunday evening to march at once. And he
would have done so, but hesitated on account of the
supply train that had gone to Cave City for rations,
but had not returned, and he felt some anxiety about
it But on Monday he sent a courier to turn tha train
toward Bowling Green, and resolved to break camp
in the evening at all events.
However we were destined to enjoy a little more
excitement before making our final departure. Rebel
cavalry suddenly appeared in force at noon in front
of the pickets and in sight of our camp, and some
desultory firing commenced, in which the pickets stood
their ground, aided by our small detachment of cav-
alry, and succeeded in capturing one man, who said
the enemy was the rebel Colonel Scott's cavalry, 700
strong, and represented that another force was advanc-
ing on the Scottsville road. Upon hearing the firing
the long roll was beaten and brought the Brigade into
line on the double quick. Colonel Moore, by order of
Colonel Scott, directed Companies A and B to be
deployed to the right and front, and Company H to
the left, as skirmishers, all under Major Widmer. The
rest of the Brigade was formed ill line of battle in a
good position by Colonel Scott. While these movements
w^ere being executed artillery firing was heard on our
left front. But, knowing from the sound of the guns
that they were small ones, called "Mountain howitz-
ers," (or, in army parlance, "Jackass howitzers") we
were more amused than alarmed by "this part of the
show. Meantime Colonel Scott and staff were doing
some rapid riding and reconnoitering in the direction
of the enemy and making such new dispositions of the
Brigade as circumstances suggested. But no further
demonstration was made by the enemy, who had retired
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 62
to the woods. To pursue them would have been use-
less, and we had no artillery, much to Colonel Scott's
regret.
Having stood in line until nine in the evening, we
were marched back to camp, and here met with an
order to be ready to march in half an hour. This
order met with a cool reception by the One Hundred
and Fourth, most of whom were not aware of the
order before mentioned. It looked like running away
in the face of the enemy, a "skedaddle" in fact, and
the Regiment having come down here to fight did not
relish giving up the promising prospect of a nice little
brush with the enemy. There was much grumbling.
The baggage was scattered around in the tents, and
as five of our twelve wagons had been sent to Cave
City, much had to be left behind, also all of the sick
— (Juite a number. These were quartered in the houses
of Union men in the town, and would probably be
captured. But, packing up in haste, the Thirty-ninth
Brigade, at ten o'clock, filed out of camp and the town,
and in a short time was lost to view — even of itself —
in the darkness of the forest As we were traversing
the narrow "trace'' with thick brush and trees on each
side, the thought occurred that here was a splendid
opportunity for the enemy to attack. But all were
ready — half expecting it. The Brigade Was kept well
closed up and frequently halted to await the arrival
of the wagons which encountered numerous difficul-
ties. At two o'clock a halt was made until daylight,
and in five minutes every man except the guards, rolled
up in his blanket, was sound asleep, alike oblivious to
friend op foe.
At daylight of the 25th we found that "our flag was
still there,*' and also learned to our surprise that the
Brigade, though having marched ten miles in the night,
was but three from the camp we had left so hastily.
The guide had purposely or ignorantly misled us. This
news did not fall pleasantly on our ears. After a hasty
lunch the march was resumed at seven o'clock, and
continued until ten, when a halt was made for break-
64 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
fast. The Brigade then moved slowly along all day
over very rough roads, but amidst much fine scenery^
as we were now entering the mountain region of Ken-
tucky. When we bivouacked at night we had marched
only ten miles since ten o'clock. The civilization of
this section was of a very primitive type as regarded
houses and people. There were corn, cotton and
tobacco patches at intervals, and we were pleased to
see many apple and peach orchards, with fruit still
on the trees, thus giving us an opportunity to make our
scant half rations whole ones, and it was not neglected.
Some averred, also, that they found a superior article
of apple jack, also peach brandy, which was not dis-
puted.
The Brigade moved early on the 26th over much
rougher roads than before and through valleys where
the hills four or five hundred feet high looked to us
like mountains. At noon we crossed the Barren river
by wading and halted for dinner. We then moved on
and soon after passed the state line into Tennessee.
The camp at night was in a favorable locality, being
near an orchard, and where good cured tobacco was
abundant.
Resuming the march early on the 27th, our route
led us over the wildest and most mountainous country
yet seen, and nearly all day through "Goose Creek Val-
ley," a locality never to be forgotten. We saw few
white men, but plenty of the native product of the
gentler (?) sex — heaven save the mark! — also negroes.
Some of these women gave the boys, as they marched
along, their opinions of "Yankees," and used those
natural weapons of war, viz. : their tongues, in a most
regardless and profane manner. However, the One
Hundred and Fourth was composed of gentlemen, and
they seldom replied, but maintained the same meek
composure they would have displayed when listening
to a curtain lecture at home or a chiding from their
sweethearts for some fancied neglect The phlegmatic
Dutchmen were unaffected — not understanding the
mountain jargon of these women. At all events not
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 55
one of them dropped a goose or chicken in consequence.
We marched on, and let no one suppose that this
Thanksgiving Day remained uncelebrated by us in
the wild mountains of Tennessee. In memoriam, we
were thankful and joyful, and fortunately the circum-
stances were favorable to our purpose. This valley
literally teemed with an abundance of all those things
w^hich we had been accustomed to see enter into the
menu of the great National festival day at home, such
as turkeys, chickens, geese, pigs, and fruits, in quan-
tity. There were also some other products we had
read about and had had some previous acquaintance
writh, to wit, apple-jack and peach brandy. Here was
the "stilP "whose worm dieth not," from which flowe:!
liquids almost as abundant and easy to obtain as the
pure water of the mountain rills flowing at our feet.
The "Happy Valley" of "Rasselas," so vividly described
by Dr. Johnson, could not have produced a purer or
more exhilarating article, nor one better calculated to
awaken the latent emotions of the soul on a great
occasion. Such was the opinion of our experts, for it
cannot be denied that we had among us some who
were w^ell qualified to judge.
Colonel Scott, being in a good humor from having
escaped a possible catastrophe at Tompkinsville, also
appreciating the day and the advantages of (joose Creek
valley as a camp, graciously ordered a halt at 4 p. m.,
and w^e camped in a lovely meadow almost entirely
surrounded by mountains a thousand feet high. On
their craggy sides were perched here and there the
huts of the "mountaineers," and around each was a
small clearing devoted to the raising of corn and
tobacco, with some apple and peach trees. The Bri-
gade was in a good humor to-night. Some of the One
Hundred and Fourth — and all of the Dutch, who had
been marching and celebrating all day, came in not
only happy, but prepared to give the coup de grace
to the last hours from well filled canteens. As a chef
d'oeuvre an order from Brigade headquarters was
issued directing that two barrels of "Mountain dew"
66 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
which the Quartermaster had confiscated be properly
distributed in the regular way. This made the bill of
fare complete, and no soldier went to bed hungry or
thirsty. Thus at last ended Thanksgiving in a blaze
of glory!
When the march was resumed on the morning of
the 28th our steps had lost the springy, elastic quality
displayed on the previous day. The roads seemed
rougher and the scenery less charming than in Goose
Creek valley, as in fact it was. The high mountains
were succeeded by hills and a flatter country. This
section was strongly rebel in sentiment The following
interesting remark by a woman whose house we passed
was furnished to the writer by Sherman Leland. The
column was marching by, when, observing a contra-
band in Company G, she said: "Dog on your heart,
that's my nigger." She had been weeping over the
loss of a mule, which caused her tears; the loss of a
nigger dried them up and turned her anguish into
anger.
No further incident of note occurred until we had
arrived within three miles of Hartsville, when we came
suddenly upon a body of rebel cavalry, which retreated
in haste, our advance sending some shots after them
and capturing two men, Avho said they belonged to
Colonel Bennett's command, 200 strong.
At two o'clock in the afternoon the Brigade passed
through the village of Hartsville and encamped one
mile beyond in a piece of timber land Avhich had been
partially cleared. The camp was on high ground, one
hundred yards from the Cumberland river, whose banks
Avere from fifty to one hundred feet high. The tents
were pitched and fires made in them, as the weather
had turned cold.
We had marched fifty-five miles since leaving Tomp-
kinsville on one and a half day's regular rations, but,
like the Israelites of old, we had found manna provided
for us on the way.
The Second Brigade, First Division, which ours
relieved, was still here. The wagon train sent to Cave
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 57
City arrived in the evening with five days' rations and
a lot of ammunition. It had come via Gallatin and met
with a hearty welcome.
One of Colonel Scott's first acts after selecting the
position for our camp, which he did after conferring
with Colonel John M. Harlan, commanding the Second
Brigade, was to make out and forward his report of the
-Tompkinsville affair to General E. Dumont at Gallatin.
This may be found in "Rebellion Records," Series I, Vol.
20, p. 14.
The Second Brigade left on the 29th for Castillian
Springs, leaving with us, however, a detachment of the
Second Indiana Cavalry and a section of Nicklin's Bat-
tery (Thirteenth Indiana), also a company of the
Eleventh Kentucky Cavalry — Captain Slater.
The position we occupied was an important one,
but exposed to attack. We were opposite the extreme
right flank of Bragg's army, which lay at Murfrees-
boro, thirty-six miles distant. Dumont, with part of
the Twelfth Division, was at Gallatin, fifteen miles
distant. Harlan's and Miller's Brigades were at Cas-
tillian Springs, the latter nine miles distant and sup-
posed to be within supporting distance of Hartsville.
The objects sought to be accomplished were to watch
the fords of the Cumberland for any crossing that
might be attempted by Morgan and Forrest or by larger
forces. This was the more important, as Bragg had
10,000 cavalry to Rpsecrans' 4,000, and once in the rear
could play havoc with our communications.
Nothing of importance occurred until December
2d, on which date Colonel Scott, having been ordered
to report at Nashville, turned over the command to
Colonel Moore. On assuming this responsible position
Colonel Moore reorganized the staflf, retaining, how-
ever. Captain William Y. Gholson, of the One Hundred
and Sixth Ohio, as acting Assistant Adjutant General,
and Lieutenant Jacob Dewalt as Aide-de-Camp. He
appointed Lieutenant M. Osman A. Q. M., Lieutenant
William Strawn A. C. S., Lieutenant Tewksbury A. I.
G. All of these were from the One Hundred and
58 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Fourth, and at once entered upon their duties. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Hapeman now assumed command of
the One Hundred and Fourth.
Company A, Captain Leigh ton, was sent down to
occupy Hartsville and keep a watchful eye on the rebel-
lious citizens of the village. It was certain that all
were rebels and active as spies and abettors of the
Confederates.
The system of scouts and pickets established by
Colonel Scott was maintained and further strength-
ened by his successor, and active reconnoissances made
every day on all the roads leading into Hartsville from
the other side of the river, as well as those up and
down that stream, which was deep, with few fords
and precipitous banks. These duties employed all of
the cavalry and several companies of infantry. Sleep-
less vigilance was to be the price of our safety.
The total effective force of all arms — infantry, artil-
lery, and cavalry — did not exceed 1,800 men, and this
included details of companies and parts of companies
for the various duties, Vhich were constant and exact-
ing. At this time, also, many were sick in hos-
pital. There only remained, therefore, after making
due allowance for the above detached services, an
effective force of not more than 1,200 men in camp
capable of being thrown into line of battle in c^><'
of a sudden attack. All of the infantry regi-
ments were new, having been in the service but
three months, most of which time being occu-
pied in marching, the opportunities for acquiring that
proficiency in drill and discipline which give confi-
dence and effectiveness on the day of battle had been
few and far between, and it is safe to say that few of
the One Hundred and Fourth appreciated as yet its
vital importance should it be called into action. But
every man with the elements of manhood in him knew
how. to fight individually, had confidence in himself,
and, believing the same of his comrades, naturally
acquired the idea that the Regiment, when put to the
test, would prove invincible. This, at least, was the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS 5*
writer's idea, and claimed with confidence to be rep-
resentative of the majority of our brave boys.
But it was felt that not much reliance could be
placed in the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hun-
dred and Eighth Ohio, both of which regiments could
muster only about 600 men for duty. One company
had not yet been provided with arms. They were also
in an insubordinate condition. The One Hundred and
Eighth was armed with the Austrian rifle, worthless
and condemned, the locks requiring to be snapped sev-
eral times before the load could be discharged. Colonel
Limberg, the commander, had been along with us
under arrest since leaving Frankfort, and Captain
Carlo Piepho now commanded. Dissensions among
the officers in these regiments, utterly demoralizing to
discipline, prevailed. The cavalry and artillery, com-
posed of a small but efficient body of men, were well
officered.
The week ending December 6th passed quietly. The
weather had been unusually cold and there was a light
snow on the ground. Rumors, which were usually
abundant in camp, and a part of the pastime of the
soldier's life, had been scarce of late. But it was the
calm that precedes the storm. It is probably true that
at Brigade headquarters information and reports were
daily received, which, if known to the rank and file,
would have caused anxiety. Among the older heads
and veterans of experience there were no doubt appre-
hensions as to the safety of the Brigade and the result,
should it be attacked. The fact that Colonel Moore
had never been in action and was an untried quantity
did not lessen any of these apprehensions. But such
were carefully guarded.
Lieutenant Prescott was informed by a negro three
or four days previous to the battle that the rebels pro-
posed to attack and reported it to Colonel Moore, say-
ing he believed it reliable, as also the indications
among the old men at the village where he was on
duty, seemed to confirm it. There were besides other
60 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
suspicious circumstances, but none of the "warnings
appeared to be regarded.
\Vhile thus lying in fancied security engaged in th>
numerous duties called for day by day, that daring
cavalryman and raider, General John Morgan, was,
in conjunction with General Bragg, preparing his plan
for the destruction or capture of the Thirty-ninth Bri-
gade. During the latter part of the week Lieutenant
William Stiawn, A. C. S., had bi^eu sent to Gallatin
with a large detail to guard the supply train for our
post. On the Gth Captain W. H. Colli us, of Company
D, had gone with a part of his own men and other
details io the yame place.
Saturday night came and an unusual quietness,
induced by the severe cold weather, i>r(?vailed in tho
camp and around the fires of the Thirty-ninth Brigade.
The writer and Lieutenant Dewey, of Company E, were
at a late hour in their tent engaged in reading and
writing letters, when, as if prophetically, Dewey
remarked, "You had better burn those or the Johnnies
will get them." This was said jokingly, but has never
been forgotten. Little did we or any one dream on
that peaceful Saturday night that ere the morning sun
of the approaching Sabbath should light up the hill
tojKS of tho < nniberlau'l the ])oi't'^n ions "long roir'
would call us hastily, as from an awful nightmare, to
participate in a scene of blood, carnage and death, in
which the One Hundred and Fourth, after suffering
a loss in killed and wounded greater than ever after-
ward experienced in any one battle, and coveriiij*;
itself with glory, was to be defeated and captured, but
not disgraced.
CHAPTER VIL
The Battle of Hartsville, Tennessee, and Capture of the One
Hundred and Fourth.
In the early dawn of Sunday, December 7th, 1862,
at half past b\x — before sunrise — and while many of
the men in the camps of the Thirty-ninth Brigade were
still asleep, the cry was raised, "Fall in, men, the rebels
are coming." Some quick-eared soldier had heard the
ominous report of guns on the picket line, and has-
tened to give the alarm. The first shot was said to
have been fired by Joseph T. Oder, of Company H,
who, though a stripling of seventeen, did not lose his
head or fail to do his duty, but was captured before
he could escape. However, there are other claimants
for the honor. Simultaneously the long roll was
beaten with unusual vigor. The men of the One Hun-
dred and Fourth, hastily seizing their overcoats, guns
and equipments, fell in on the company parade grounds,
and were marched from thence to the regimental color-
line, where Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman took com-
mand and double-quicked the Regiment to apposition
on a low ridge a quarter of a mile northwest of the
camp. The timber on both sides had been mostly cut
down, and the ground was rocky and broken. T The
One Hundred and Fourth was formed in line of battle
along the crest of the ridge, and, looking across the
valley, could see the enemy wheeling into line at the
distance of one-fourth of a mile. The One Hundred
and Sixth and One Hundred and Eighth Ohio, coming
up, were placed by Adjutant-General Gholson on the
right of the One Hundred and Fourth. The section
of twelve pounders of Nicklin's Battery, commanded
by Lieutenant. Green, was placed in position on the
crest, where it was amply supported by the infantry.
62 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Meantime the enemy had begun to advance rapidly,
and Company K of the One Hundred and Fourth, Com-
pany G, Second Indiana, commanded by Captain
Palmer and Lieutenant Parsley respectively, deployed
to the left flank to cover the ground between the One
Hundred and Fourth and the river. The rest of the
Second Indiana, under Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart,
and the half company of the Eleventh Kentucky, Cap-
tain Slater, were ordered to cover and protect the right
flank, which was capable of being easily turned. The
left was guarded and made diflScult to attack by a deep
ravine running to the river. To more effectually pro-
tect the right and rear Captain Ludington was sent
with Company H to operate in that quarter.
Captain Leighton, w^ho was on detached duty with
Company A in Hartsville, was left to fight it out on
his own account.
The total forces under Colonel Moore, thus disposed
and awaiting the attack, did not exceed 1,200 men of
all arms. In his "official report" Colonel Moore says:
^'My forces consisted of about 450 men of the One
Hundred and Fourth Illinois, 250 effective men each
of the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and
Eighth Ohio, 280 men of the Second Indiana and Elev-
enth Kentucky Cavalry, and a section of artillery.''
{Vide Reb. Rec, Vol. XX.) The writer is satisfied from
comparisons of all that has been published, from con-
versations with participants, and from personal knowl-
edge, and his notes made at the time, that 1,200 is a
liberal figure. The enemy who confronted this small
force of raw volunteers, was, as conjectured, the
redoubtable General John H. Morgan with his famous
cavalry under Colonel Basil Duke and other troops
detached for this special occasion. In addition to six
regiments of cavalry, part of which he dismounted and
fought as infantry, he had the famous Second and
Ninth Kentucky Infantry of Hanson's Brigade. These
troops had fought at Donelson and Shiloh and were
veterans. His artillery of twelve pieces was composed
of Cobb's battery of twelve pounders, some rifled Ells-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 63
worth guns and howitzers. Vide Morgan's Report. On
the march his forces had been further increased by
all of the guerrilla bands and citizens in the country,
making his total not less than 4,000 men.
General Morgan, in pursuance of his cunning and
carefully devised plan, had left Baird's Mills, twenty-
five miles from Hartsville, on Saturday, and, march-
ing all day, reached the Cumberland near the Federal
lines that evening. He occupied the rest of the night
in crossing the infantry on ah old boat, while Colonel
Duke, with the regular cavalry, passed by a ford lower
down. Another force was sent with artillery to take a
position on the south bank of the river — opposite our
camp and covering it — the ford and Hartsville. Still
another detachment, 1,000 strong, was ordered to dash
into the village, capture or destroy the forces there and
attack our rear. All of these movements were being
promptly executed before and by the time that Morgan
was advancing with his main army against our lines.
Our vedettes had been deceived by Morgan's advance,
who were dressed in the Federal uniform, and were
captured without a shot
The battle opened about 7 a. m. by a desultory firing
on the skirmish line. Companies K and G were soon
obliged to fall back before the enemy's rapid advance,
which they did in good order. Meantime the artillery
opened and was at once replied to by a furious cannon-
ade from the rebel batteries, which made a great noise,
but did little damage, as they fired too high. When
Morgan's advance came within musket range the firing
became general and continuous on both sides for some
time. Morgan Btill advanced, but slower and there
appeared to be some confusion and a perceptible waver-
ing in his line caused by the steady and destructive
fire of our men and that of the well-served artillery,
which had already disabled two caissons of the rebel
battery. At this point, and when Colonel Moore' gave
the order to charge, Lieutenant Green came up in haste
and complained that one of his guns was without sup-
64 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
port Looking around it was seen that the One Hun-
dred and Sixth had fled. On the near approach of the
enemy they had fired one volley and ran. The other
two regiments, however, stood firm and fired rapidly,
in which they were sustained by the artillery and cav-
alry. But Morgan soon obliqued a part of his over-
whelming forces so as to turn our right flank. Then
the One Hundred and Eighth became demoralized and
left the field. The action had now lasted one hour, and
the One Hundred and Fourth still stood firm as a rock.
Many had been killed, including Adjutant-General
Gholson, a brave and promising ofl&cer.
The One Hundred and Fourth now supporting both
pieces of artillery, and encouraged by Colonel Hape-
man, Major Widmer, and all of their officers, continued
the unequal contest twenty minutes longer — and until
the rebels poured in on our flank and were within
fifteen paces in front, so near, in fact, that we saw
the whites of their eyes. Then it was that Colonel
Moore, who had ridden the lines all through with
unflinching bravery, gave the order to retreat to the
hills on the river. One of the twelve pounders was
taken to the new position in safety; the horses attached
to the other having been killed. Captain Howe, of Com-
pany B, with some of his men tried to remove it by
hand, but the rebels, observing this, fired a volley of
bullets at them. Fortunately a pair of horses was near
and the gun removed. The Regiment fell back in some
confusion, but many turned to fire another shot as they
sullenly retreated. In the new position some further
firing was done as the enemy rapidly advanced on our
front and flanks. But the firing had then become desul-
tory and produced no effect. Colonel Moore thereupon
surrendered what was left, and the battle was virtu-
ally over. The One Hundred and Sixth and One Hun-
dred and Eighth had long before been taken in.
Captain Leighton, with Company A, after a spirited
resistance in Hartsville against a regiment of cavalry
and two companies of mounted infantry, in which his
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 66
command killed five and wounded eight, witli a loss to
himself of one killed, one mortally wounded, and three
wounded, was obliged to surrender.
Company H, Captain Ludington, which had been
sent to the right, maintained an unequal fight against
superior numbers until after the main body had sur-
rendered, and was the last to yield. So stubborn and
astounded was Captain Ludington that the rebel offi-
cers in admiration told him to keep his sword, which
treachery afterward obliged him to give up.
Meantime the rebel cavalry were occupied in gath-
ering in the stragglers, pillaging the camps and collect-
ing the spoils. They had just cause to be elated with
their victory, but had paid for it dearly in killed and
wounded, losing about two- hundred men. General
Morgan said to one of our officers that he never saw
men fight better than the One Hundred and Fourth,
and that if the other regiments had done as well he
should have had to withdraw. The sudden retreat of
the One Hundred and Sixth and the One Hundred and
Eighth gave his wavering line new courage.
The battle was over. The Starry Banner had gone
down in defeat, but not dishonor. The One Hundred
and Fourth, crushed and humiliated, were prisoners of
war. Deep as was the sting of this disaster, touching
to the very quick every man in the Regiment, yet each
was conscious of having done his duty, and could point
with mournful pride to the long list of killed and
wounded as evidence of the stubborn conflict
The defeat at Hartsville was the inevitable conse-
quence of the conditions existing, some of which have
been pointed out. Colonel Moore, as commander of the
Brigade and of an important post, had to shoulder
the blame and endure the odium of failure. It was
his misfortune to hold a command for which he was
unfitted by reason of inexperience, the want of confi-
dence on the part of many of his officers, and the
absence of those military instincts which soldiers
recognize and trust in. From the first honors which
many a worthy and scarred veteran would prize had
«6 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
been thrust upon him, and with no storms to perplex,
no wily enemy to encounter or fighting to be done
requiring either the natural or learned military skill
of a leader, he had worn them easily. In the day of
trial and grave responsibility while exhibiting per-
sonal bravery, he failed because he did not possess the
qualities named, which, had they existed, would not
only have prevented the enemy from taking us by sur-
prise, but would have enabled him to have maneuvered
his forces so as to have baflSed and delayed Morgan
until Harlan's brigade arrived, as it did two hours
after the surrender. However, Hartsville was to be
Colonel Moore's Thermopylae as a military leader.
On the other hand, it can be said in extenuation
that he did not seek the command. Colonel Scott, hav-
ing been unexpectedly ordered to Nashville, simply
turned it over to him on December 2d. Neither did he
receive any orders or suggestions from his superior
officers in the brief period before the battle. Ninety-
nine men in the hundred would have done as he did,
and most likely would have met with the same result.
The One Hundred and Fourth lost 51 killed or mor-
tally wounded, and had 105 wounded; total, 156. The
following list of 143 names is only partial, but all that
is attainable:
FIELD AND STAFF.
Wounded — Adjutant R. C. Stevens, severely
through the thigh.
COMPANY A.
Killed — Sumner N. Burnham.
Mortaliy wounded — Jonathan Lewis.
Wounded— Patrick O'Donnell, William Bucklev, L.
Potter.
COMPANY B.
Killed — Sergeant Cromwell Woodward, Sergeant
Joseph D. Porter, George Steidenger, Howard B. White.
Mortally wounded — Lieutenant Moses M. Randolph,
Samuel P. Clark, John C. Vail,. John Reader, Lucien
Stanford.
Wounded — Gardner L. Chase, in the foot; Charles
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 67
A. Bradish, in hand; James McNally, in head; Fabius
E. Phelps ; H, C. Graves ; James Garrison, in wrist ;
Newton M. Shelton, leg amputated; Samuel W. War-
nock, in shoulder ; D. J. Stanford, in ankle ; Sergeant
H. L. McKinney, slight; T. Woolley, slight
COMPANY C.
Killed — David Berkstresser, Thomas Hastings,
Jamc^ H. Wilson.
Mortally wounded — Peter J. Sauressig, William
Van Law, Clarence Brennan, Frederick Foot, Francis
Zarr.
Wounded — Captain Samuel M. Ileslet, in both
thighs; Lieutenant Daniel C. Rynearson, in leg; Ser-
geant Charles K. Brown, in side; James A. Kersey,
severely; L. W. Winslow, in band; John W. BuUis, both
-eyes shot out; John A. Livers, arm amputated; Charles
H, Jewett ; Oscar Sayles, severely ; Robert G Doane ;
Hiram Beck, in arm; Samuel Banks, slight
COMPANY D (only one-half present).
Killed — Abram H. Austin, Jos. L. Sapp, Corporal
Thos. G. Steven.
Wounded — Henry B. Anderson, slightly; Robert S.
Brent, slightly; John F. Bute, seriously in three places;
John W. Carmony, seriously, hit five times, breaking
•shoulder and three ribs; Lifee H, Powers, in head; Rich-
ard J. Gage, seriously in leg; Henry E. Price, in hip;
John Peter, slightly; Ora D. Walbridge, arm broken;
Theodore P. Brown, seriouslv.
COMPANY E.
Killed — Corporal Thos. Weeks, Corporal John D.
King, David V. Diehl, Edward J. Curtis, Orville L.
Moorhead, Roderick D. Reed.
Mortally wounded — Lieutenant Milton Strawn,
George Hemenover, Samuel N. Merriam, Felix McCul-
lough.
Wounded — Sergeant Homer A. Wilson, in arm;
David A. Wisher, in hand; Sergeant George W. Cum-
mins, in head; Corporal William J. Anderson, in arm;
CJorporal Lyman Nattinger, in neck; Benjamin Phillips,
ip face; Alfred Roberts, in thigh, seriously; James A.
€8 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Sherman, arm broken; Charles H. Brown, in neck;
James G. Seward; William J. Daily; C. W. Wilson; Jos-
W. Conard.
COMPANY F.
Killed — Bees Brock, John McDougall, William
Woodbury, Corporal James Spencer, Jr.
Wounded — Captain James J. McKernan, in arm,
wrist and cheek; Henry Ackerman, severely; I^i&muel
B. Laughlin, slightly; Thomas Ryerson, in hip; S. M.
Zeluff, slightly; Thomas Thompson, in shoulder; Sam-
uel N. Trenary, slightly; Samuel Green; Austin V.
Mitchell; Lieutenant John C. Linsley; Ezekiel Brown;
Benjamin Jones, A. W. Buckner.
COMPANY G.
Killed — Sergeant Myron Newton, Hugh A. Dum-
mett, Benjamin S. Fullerton, Osman Larson, Anthony
Oberst, John Palmer,
Mortally wounded — Jacob Nelson, John Thomas.
Wounded — Wesley Misner, in thigh, severely; Sam-
uel B. Porter, arm broken ; Tunis S. Serrine, in arm;
John Bailey, in thigh, severely; James C. Deegan; E.
S. BuUard, slight; Sergeant C. B. Cook, slight.
COMPANY H.
Mortally wounded — Henry Willavise, J. M. Porter,
A. A. Myers.
Wounded — Levi Nelson, slightly; Xavier Wolf, in
hip, seriously.
COMPANY L
Mortally wounded — Harvey W. Traver, Nicholas
EUenbocker.
Wounded — Corporal Elbridge Chapman, in side;
Bartholo W. Andrews; Frank W. Burns, in throat, seri-
ously; Jacob Bane, in hand; N. H. Mullin, in leg;
Andrew Ponts, in thigh; Mark Purviance, in leg, seri-
ously; Artemas C. Quinn, in breast; Johnson Traver,
in hand; Cornelius Snyder; James J. Traver, in face,
severely; Bruce Winans, slightly; William E. Frink,
slightly.
COMPANY K.
Mortally wounded— Joseph P. Arnold, died Decem-
ber 8th; Charles N. Brown.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOl^UNTEERS. 69
Wounded — Henry Pust, leg amputated; Robert
Bell, severely; Andrew A. Hart, seriously; Ohas. F.
Peterson, severely; Thomas Mulkay, severely; Adolph
Splitstosser, slightly.
The rest of the Brigade lost in Jiilled knd wounded,
as per the OflBieial Reports, 1.05, Vide Reb. Rec, Vol.
XX. But the foregoing does not include a number
of missing, who were probably killed, buried, and never
reported, except as unknown.
A day or two after the battle the citizens of Ottawa
sent a committee of three, Rev. Z. Coleman, Dr. C,
Hard and J. W. Calkins, to Hartsville with sanitary
supplies for the wounded, and while there they buried
a number that they found dead in the woods, rein-
terred all of the dead who were half buried, and, when
the soldiers could be identified, marked their graves.
They marked some as unknown, as appears from the
*1ist" in the possession of the writer.
Through the influence of Surgeon Dyer and this
committee many of the wounded of the One Hundred
and Fourth were sent to Ottawa as fast as their con-
dition permitted removal. The committee performed
an immense labor, being in Hartsville part of the time
under a flag of truce, the rebels having possession. That
their services were appreciated the following published
letter shows:
Gallatin, Tenn., Dec. 22d, 1862.
To the Friends of the One Hundred and Fourth:
In behalf of the officers and soldiers of the One
Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteers, now at Gal-
latin and Hartsville, Tenn., we, the undersigned, return
our sincere and most heartfelt thanks to the good peo-
ple of Ottawa for their sympathy as expressed by the
substantial aid sent to our noble suffering wounded by
the hands of Dr. Hard, Rev. Z. Coleman and J. W.
Calkins. We also feel under lasting obligations to the
above named gentlemen for the manner in which they
have executed the trust confided to their hands in min-
istering personally to the wants of the living and assist-
ing faithfully with Christian sympathy in burying our
70 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
dead out of our sight Signed by R. F. Dyer, S. M. Hes-
let, R. C. Stevens, D. C. Rynearson, M. Osman, William
E. Brush, J. Misner, Jos. P. Fitzsimmons, William H.
Collins, Jas. Snedeker, John S. H. Doty.
INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE.
While it has been universally admitted that the
One Hundred and Fourth did all that men could do
at Hartsville to win victory or stem the tide of defeat,
some personal acts and words cannot well be omitted.
Said Colonel Limberg, a witness: "The One Hun-
dred and Fourth fought like bulls."
Lieutenant Green remarked: "A braver man than
Colonel Moore never went into action and the One
Hundred and Fourth covered itself with glory."
Lemuel B. Laughlin, of Company F, six feet or more
In height, when the Regiment was ordered to lie down,
while loading, did so but once; taking his stand, he
deliberately loaded, and, bringing his musket to a
ready, picked his man and fired — no doubt some one
dropped, he escaped with a wound.
General Thomas says in regard to the One Hun-
dred and Fourth at Hartsville. The letter was pub-
lished in "Patriotism in Illinois:"
Louisville, Ky., Jan. 10, 1867.
Colonel A. B. Moore, Ottawa, 111. :
Colonel: — I received your letter of the 3d inst., and
after careful examination of the oflScial reports of other
officers w^ho participated in the battle of Hartsville,
Tenn., I am enabled to state that all concur in testifying
to your personal bravery, as well as to the gallantry
of your own regiment — the One Hundred and Fourth
Illinois. Colonel John Harlan, Tenth Kentucky, who ar-
rived with his own and the Tenth Indiana regiments
very soon after the enemy had recrossed the Cumber-
land River, mentions in his report that a large major-
ity of the killed and wounded of your command be-
longed to the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois, which
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 71
is conclusive evidence of the steadiness and bravery of
your own regiment and of yourself personally. I am,
Colonel, verv respectfullv vour obedient servant,
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major General U. S.A.
WHO FIRED THE FIRST SHOT AT HARTSVILLE?
Joseph W. Conard of Company E, says in regard to
this event: On the morning of Dec. 7, 1862, Lieutenant
Milton Strawn was in charge of the reserve picket post,
located three posts from the Cumberland river, my
brother William was on guard at the reserve post. I
was on guard at the next post east — upon a rise of
ground. At break of day, I saw the rebels on the brow
of quite an elevation about opposite our last picket post,
but I hardly thought they were the enemy, knowing that
there were three pickets between the reserve and the
river and supposed that if they were the enemy, those
pickets would give the alarm, htit they did not, and after
hesitating a few moments, I discharged my gun and
rallied on the reserve. We after>vard learned that the
rebels captured^ the first (last) and second posts without
their firing a shot
NOTE ABOUT HARTSVILLE.
By Lieutenant A. V. Mitchell, Company F.
On Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1862, I, being then Or-
derly Sergeant of Company F, had arisen early as we
were to have general inspection at 10 o'clock and there
was much police duty to be done around the camp. I
had just dismissed the men from roll-call when I dis-
covered the rebels coming down the stony point of the
big hill and at once called Major Widmer's attention to
it, when the alarm was given and the regiment thrown
into line of battle and we marched out where the fight-
ing was done. We were taken in out of the wet and
John Morgan performed the inspection duties that
morning.
Surgeon Dyer relates that while attending to the
72 THE ONE HUNDJIBD AND FOURTH
wounded on the field, he came to a German soldier and '
his son, members of the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio.
Both were wounded and said that seeing the One Hun-
dred and Fourth fighting alone, they thought they
would come over and help. All honor to them.
Robert S. Brent, of Ck)mpany D, says: I saw one of
the shells from our battery explode in a rebel ammuni-
tion wagon and the rebels thereupon ran like sheep.
At that time we were ordered to fix bayonets and
charge, but the order was countermanded, which was
perhaps a mistake. When the rebels were forming to
attack us Henry E. Price said to me, I being in the front
ranks: "Bob, let me change places with you, I want the
first chance at them." I remember distinctly one rebel
stepping out from behind a tree and firing directly at
us — so it seemed. I felt the wind of the bullet on my
left cheek and Price on his right We both fired at him,
but the smoke prevented our seeing the effect. Henry
said to me: " That was pretty close, Bob." The rebels
were then some twelve rods from us. I was wounded
soon after, and R. J. Gage carried me on his back ten
rods, when I thought I could walk, and he put me down,
jSLXid going back to the line was wounded himself a few
moments after. I walked a short distance, when I
fainted and fell in the snow from loss of blood. On
coming to I noticed a perfect storm of bullets flying over
my head and striking the weeds around me. The Regi-
ment falling back, I was picked up by John J. Ford, of
Company D, and carried by him and put in a Com-
pany K tent, when he covered me with a blanket. A
member of Company K died that night by my side,
having had his leg broken and amputated. I can never
forget Patrick O'Donnell, of Company A, who was
wounded in the mouth with a pistol ball at close range.
When we were removed from Ilartsville on the follow-
ing Wednesday he was the only one of us that could
walk, and when we had gone part way to Gal-
latin we stopped for the night in some negro huts
on a plantation. The old rebel owner told his
negroes not to give us any wood for fires. But
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 73
Pat had a revolver and went out and stood guard over
the negroes and made them chop wood for us. He also
ordered the colored woman to make some chicken broth,
and we had an opinion that it was the best chicken
broth we had ever tasted. Pat afterward had the rheu-
matism verj' bad and went home for a time. After-
ward he lost an arm in battle. His one fault could not
take one wreath from his brow.
A braver man than John McCullough, of Company
E, was seldom seen. We had retreated to the river and
the rebels were among us, one of them raised his gun to
shoot a soldier, and, though almost surrounded, John
covered him, at the same instant telling him with an
oath to stop. He did. To fire would have been death
to both. The writer saw this occur. The brave McCul-
lough fell at Peach Tree Creek.
Henry E. Price of Company D, badly wounded in the
thigh, said, "It would be all right if I could only be sure
that 1 had hit some of them."
Captain Doty, immediately after surrendering, man-
aged in the confusion to slip away, and, going among
the wounded, many of whom had crawled back to camp,
began taking care of them. He succeeded in deceiving
the rebels until Harlan arrived, and also saved the com-
pany books and papers.
There was no extra charge for reserved seats in the
front row during the battle. One man, and, it is be-
lieved, the only one in the regiment, who was about to
take one further back where he could see just as well,
was convinced by Lieutenant Colonel Hapeman of the
superior advantages of the parquet in this show.
A noticeable feature on many faces was the powder
stains on the mouth, caused by biting off the cartridges,
instead of, when not in a hurry, tearing off the ends with
the fingers.
The Brigade being prisoners and disarmed, were
hurried under guard of the victorious enemy to the ford
over the Cumberland. The water being breast deep, the
cavalry took two or three men on each horse and carried
them safely over. Occasionally a horse slipped giving
74 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
all a good wetting. This occupied two hours, and mean-
time Morgan's cavalry having gathered up the arms,
artillery, ammunition and supplies, on the field and in
camp, and loaded our wagons, these were hurried
toward Hart's Ferry, as Morgan had reports of the ap-
proach of Harlan's Brigade. But to delay its advance,
he threw out two regiments of cavalry and four pieces
of artillery, the latter brought from his reserve on the
south side of the river. Vide Morgan's Reports, Reb.
Rec. Vol. XX. The object was accomplished and nearly
everything removed safely over the Cumberland.
The weary march toward the rebel lines was then
begun, but before we had lost sight of Hartsville the
thunder of cannon across the river announced to us the
arrival of Harlan and Miller, but, alas! too late! Be-
yond recapturing a few wagons at the ford and firing
a few shots across at the rebel reserve or rear guard,
they could do nothing for us. However, they saved
much property, which Morgan's men had overlooked or
could not remove, and also relieved and saved from
capture a number of our men and some officers who had
hidden away. The wounded and sick in the hospital
were not molested by Morgan. That evening Harlan
and Miller's brigades returned to Castillian Springs,
leaving, of course, the wounded and sick at Hartsville.
Vide Harlan's Reports, Reb. Rec. Vol. XX.
All day and until 10 o'clock at night the remnants,
of the Thirty -ninth Brigade were marched briskly along.
No one had eaten a bite since the night before. The
rebel soldiers had little in their haversacks — and that
little, corn pone. Many of them kindly shared it with
our men. Having gone twenty-five miles we were put
in bivouac for the night in a cedar brake. Even here
wood was hard to get for fires, as we had no axes to cut
it. The weather being very cold and several inches of
snow on the ground, there was much suffering. No
food was given us. We realized what it meant to be
prisoners of war. With several rebel regiments on
guard about the camp the long night finally ended.
The march was resumed on Monday, the 8th, without
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 75
food, and after marching fifteen miles we reached Mor-
gan's headquarters, six miles from Murfreesboro, in the
afternoon, nearly famished. The bivouac was again
made in a grove, wood and water were brought, and at
dark a half ration of flour and fresh beef was issued,
but no salt for our meat However, having been sixty
hours with scarcely a mouthful to eat, anything that
would satisfy the gnawings of hunger was welcome,
and, after the most primitive preparation eaten. The
night was passed a little more comfortably than the
previous one. The whole of the night was spent in
speculation and gloomy forebodings as to whether we
would be paroled or sent to some rebel prison. During
the day another ration of flour and beef was issued. In
consideration of their good fortune our enemies treated
us very kindly, but allowed no unusual liberties, having
an idea, no doubt, "Yankee*' must be a very slippery
fellow and liable to play some Yankee trick upon them.
The hearts of the men of the One Hundred and
Fourth were gladdened on the morning of the 10th by
the news that the Regiment was to be paroled. A little
later we left for Murfreesboro, and when two miles from
town all were ordered to leave their overcoats in a pile
by the road. Morgan pretended that this was done by
order of General Bragg, but no one believed it. On
arrival we were put in the court house yard, then taken
inside by companies, and paroled, each man signing an
agreement and taking an oath not to bear arms against
the Confederate States until regularly exchanged. This
exercise occupied most of the afternoon, during which
time the One Hundred and Fourth were the observed
of all observers. General Morgan's name was on all
lips, and he was the hero of the hour among the rebels,
who had no scruples about magnifying the importance
of the victory, the number of killed, of prisoners, etc.
While here the writer secured a copy of the "Rebel
Banner," and this stated Morgan's loss to be 200.
Colonel Hapeman and Major Widmer were not
paroled, but sent to Atlanta and afterward to Rich-
mond, where they were put in Libby Prison until April
76 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
23, 1863, when they were exchanged. Colonel Moore
was also detained in the Confederacy until March.
The paroling was finished by night, and we were
marched out one mile and put in a field, when another
half ration was given us, making in all one and a half
rations of fiour and beef received, and on which we had
lived four days. But notwithstanding our hard usage
all were in better spirits at the prospects of a speedy
release from captivity and made the best of a cold night
by the scanty fires.
Early on the 11th we started under rebel escort for
the Union lines and Nashville, thirty miles distant
Near Lavergne, fifteen miles from Murfreesboro, the
outposts of the two great armies confronted each other,
and the Federal commander, not having been notified
of our approach, mistook us for an advance of the rebels,
and a skirmish followed. This caused a delay of several
hours before the matter could be arranged under a fiag
of truce.
Our guards employed the interval in stripping our
men of any remaining overcoats, of their blankets and
anything else in sight or that struck their fancy. But the
previous experience had put a number on their guard
who otherwise would have sulBfered. These acts after
our capture were, indeed, beautiful examples of the
chivalry and civilization of the South. There are ameni-
ties even in war, which all Christian people, except
those of the South, have recognized.
Long after dark the One Hundred and Fourth
stepped within the Union lines, free men, "Except these
bonds," but again under the old flag!
Continuing the march all night, we did not reach
Nashville until daylight, and here met with another
delay of two hours before being finally quartered in the
Zollicoflfer building. (Now the Maxwell House.) This
was unfinished, with fireplaces in every room. The piles
of fine dry lumber made excellent fires, and after getting
rations — having gone without food for thirty-six hours,
the Regiment began to feel comfortable, and settled
down to await whatever disposition might be made of it.
.CHAPTER VIII.
Go to Parole Camp at Columbus— Taking French Furloughs— De-
sertera— Remove to Camp Douglas — Guarding Rebel Prisoners
—Treatment of Rebel Prisoners— Off for Nashville — Guarding
the Capitol— Go to Brentwood— Return to Nashville— At Mur-
freesboro— In Beatty's Brigade— Prepare to Advance— Order
for Movement Issued.
It having been decided by General Bosecrans to
send the Regiment to the parole camp at Columbus,
Ohio, whilst awaiting an exchange of prisoners, we left
Nashville on the 13th, under the command of Gaptaii^
John Wadleigh, of Company I. In passing through Gal-
latin greetings were exchanged with a number of the
One Hundred and Fourth who were at the depot. We
arrived at Louisville on the morning of the 14th, and,
embarking on the steamer General Buell in the evening,
reached Cincinnati the next morning/ It had rained all
night, but this had turned to snow and made things very
dismal.
The men of the One Hundred and Sixth and One
Hundred and Eighth, who had come along, were re-
joiced to reach home once more, where there was plenty
of sauer-kraut and beer, and proceeded at once to their
old haunts. In the evening the One Hundred and
Fourth boarded the cars for Columbus, arriving there
at daylight on the 16th. After staining around some
time, we marched out to Camp Lew Wallace, three miles
from the city. As we had no overcoats, and it was in-
tensely cold — and the snow was four or five inches deep,
all suffered. It was soon learned that all the tents and
barracks were full, however the boys managed to find
quarters here and there, but no doubt thought the much
warmer climate we had left was preferable, even with a
little iron hail and brimstone thrown in. The only relief
afforded was the certainty of having plenty to eat,
78 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
though we had to borrow the dishes to cook in. This
condition of things lasted three days, when the com-
mand was transferred to Camp Chase, on the other side
of the city. Here we had comfortable barracks and
settled down to await events.
But, however, with nothing to do and no particular
reason for remaining here, most of the men took French
leave and went home. Ultimately they all arrived in
safety, but those who had no money did a good deal of
walking. At this time some went who never returned
to the Regiment, but became deserters. The writer has
no doubt but that their friends (?) persuaded them to
desert. He recalls two of these who were absent many
months, one going to Europe, but, conscience-stricken,
they returned, and were ever after faithful soldiers.
One of them was killed in battle and the other died of
disease at Savannah on the "March to the Sea."
While at Columbus the Regiment lost, by death,
Felix McCuUough, of Company E, a brave soldier, badly
wounded at Hartsville, who would not go to the hospi-
tal, but staid witb the Company; also Langdon B.. Mor-
rill, of the same Company, another faithful fighter.
The welcome news was received on Jan. 12 that the
Regiment had been exchanged and ordered to Nashville,
but there were so few at Camp Chase that Captain
Wadleigh opened correspondence with a view to having
the destination changed to Camp Douglas, HI., where
the men could be more easily collected. On the 15th, get-
ting a positive order to report at Nashville, we left that
evening about one hundred strong. Arriving in Cin-
cinnati, Captain Wadleigh saw General Wright, com-
manding this department, and secured a change in the
order by which the Regiment was sent to Camp Douglas,
where it arrived the next day, i. e., those who did not get
left or fall off the cars near the Rock Island Junction.
The writer, who had stayed by the boys in every emer-
gency was one of those who fell off and was absent a few
days.
Those who remained in Camp Douglas were put on
duty guarding the Rebel prisoners — 10,000 in number —
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 79
who had been captured at Arkansas Post, Stone^s River
and other points.
General Jacob Ammen was then in command of
Camp Douglas. The Sixty-fifth Illinois, Colonel Cam-
eron, and the Ninth Vermont were also on duty there at
this time.
The members of the One Hundred and Fourth began
to return, until by the end of February we mustered
over 700 men. Having no field officers. Captain Wad-
leigh continued in command.
The winter had been severe and was particularly
unpleasant to our prisoners. About fifteen or twenty
per day took the oath of allegiance and were sent home,
but some not daring to go remained north.
About February 15 those of the One Hundred and
Fourth at Gallatin, Tenn., with the wounded who had
recovered, returned to us and met with a warm wel-
come.
The Regiment began to look like its former self but
did not feel exactly right without its field officers who
were still in Libby Prison.
The proximity of Camp Douglas to the city, though
outside of it, made our situation more pleasant, and all
had an opportunity to get acquainted with some of the
mysteries of Chicago and its attractions. Attending the
theater was -a much sought amusement; getting a
square meal at some favorite restaurant was seldom
omitted.
But no one could leave Camp Douglas without a
pass and the details were so made that a number could
obfain these each day, if desired. Tke writer came on
duty once a week as officer of the guard, he therefore
had much time to himself.
The winter months passed rapidly away and by
March 25 the Regiment mustered 770 men. At this time
Colonel Moore having been exchanged, returned, was
serenaded, and made a characteristic speech. Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Hajieman and Major Widmer came back
later.
Much having been written and said about the treat-
80 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
ment of the Rebel prisoners in Camp DouglaB in the
winter of 1862-3, the writer desires to say here, that men
were never better treated than these. They were pro-
vided with as warm and comfortable quarters as our-
selves, fed the same rations — including soft bread, more
than any man could or did eat; had the best medical
attendance when sick; were given clothing and
blankets by a generous government against which they
had rebelled; were allowed the freedom of the camp,
and could trade at the post sutler's if they had money;
but they had no "Niggers" to cut their wood, which was
furnished in generous quantities. Such was the treat-
ment given them.
During March, a cartel of exchange having been
arranged, large numbers of them were sent ofiE
daily. It was noticeable that they were in prime
condition and ready to enter at once into the
service of their master, Jefferson Davis, and this they
did, much to the gratification of the rebel generals, who
sorely needed them.
The following officers resigned after the battle of
Hartsville and previous to our leaving Camp Douglas:
Captain Palmer, Company K, Feb. 28, 1863; Lieutenant
James Snedaker, Company D, Dec. 31, 1862; Lieutenant
Charles E. Weber, Company I, Feb. 9, 1863; Lieutenant
Samuel J. Haney, Company G, March 8, 1863; Lieuten-
ant Kobert V. Simpson, Company G, April 4, 1863 ; Cap-
tain Samuel M. Heslet, Company C, March 11, 1863.
As the April days approached guarding prisoners
became monotonous and the Eegiment began to wish
for more active service. The desired change came soon.
Orders were received on the lOth to be ready to leave
on April 12 for the front. General Rosecrans had been
notified that he could have either the Ninth Vermont
or the One Hundred and Fourth. He telegraphed for
the latter, thus showing that he had not forgotten the
fighting qualities exhibited at Hartsville.
On Sunday, April 12, the One Hundred and Fourth
bade a glad farewell to Camp Douglas and marching
to the cars left at noon for Louisville. On arrival at
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 81.
LaFayette, Ind., at eight in the evening, we found a big
supper prepared by the patriotic and generous citizens^
awaiting us. A committee had been sent to meet the
Regiment a few miles out. There was an abundance of
everything that hungry men could desire, and when —
after an hour spent in feasting, the cars bore us away,,
all voted the people of LaFayette to be the most gener-
ous and hospitable in the world. The officers of the Regi-
ment gathered in one of the cars and resolved them-
selves into a committee of the whole, for the purpose of
considering the extraordinary courtesy shown and pass-
ing such resolutions as seemed proper. Lieutenant
Osman acted as secretary. Speeches were made and
numerous resolutions complimenting everybody, from
the railroad officials and the committee and people of
LaFayette, to the waiters who served the feast, were in-
troduced and discussed. The meeting did not break up
until long after midnight, and all of the pent-up patriot-
ism in the assembly had found expression, and the ef-
fects of the excellent champagne had worked off.
The Regiment arrived in Jeflfersonville at dark on
the 13th, and as on a former occasion bivouacked on.
some vacant lots near the depot.
The next day, the 14th, news was received of the
death of Lieutenant William Brush, of Company D^
who had been left in Chicago, very sick. Crossing over
the Ohio, we took the cars in the evening for Nashville.
The cars ran slow all night and we did not reach
Bowling Green until half past nine on the 15th. Some
soldiers of various regiments — except the One Hun-
dred and Fourth — convicted and sentenced for misde-
meanors, whom we had brought along, were left here
to work on the fortifications.
When about to proceed on our journey a report was
received that the guerrillas were disturbing the track
and trains ahead, in consequence of which Company A^
was detailed to guard the mail car.
But nothing positive was encountered until we ar-
rived within eight miles of Gallatin, where the telegraph
poles had been cut down. Company A disembarking
S2 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
was deployed and marched some distance, but failed
to develop any rebels.
The weary ride ended at ten in the evening when
Nashville was reached. Then soldiering began in ear-
nest. Leaving the cars the Regiment marched over the
Cumberland and bivouacked at the east end of the
bridge, in the suburb of Edgefield. The night was
warm, and we lay down — as on many previous oc-
casions, and wrapped in our blankets enjoyed such sleep
as kings might envy.
The next day, the 17th, was warm and lovely, and
having no tents some were constructed from blankets,
which served to protect us from the heat of the sun.
The Regiment was assigned to the Fourth Division,
Fourteenth Corps, Colonel Smith of the Sixteenth Illi-
nois, commanding a part of the Division.
We now had to furnish details for picket duty
around Edgefield, and take up the regular duties of a
soldier's life. Our bivouac was named Camp Moore.
The One Hundred and Fourth remained at Camp
Moore until fhe 20tli and while here received the new
^'shelter tents" recently introduced into the service.
We were disposed at first to regard them with distrust,
and they were called "Dog" and "Pup" tents by the boys,
but their advantages soon became known. Each was
composed of two pieces of canvas four by six feet in
size, and calculated to shelter two men. On the march
each soldier carried one piece. They were water-proof,
light and easily pitched, the pieces buttoning together
over the ridge pole. The great benefit was in the fact
of the soldier always having his house with him on his
back. Both ofllcers and privates were destined to bid
a long farewell to the old "Sibley."
The Regiment left Camp Moore on the 20th and
marching through Nashville, camped on the south side
near Fort Negley — one of the chain of earthworks
erected to guard the approach from the south. The
camp was made on a steep hillside from whence we had
a grand view of Nashville and the country round it.
Just below lay the "Granny White Turnpike" an im-
REOIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 83
portant thoroughfare and one used by lioth armies in
military movements. The great drawback to this camp
was the difficulty experienced at night in trying to keep
in bed, there was a perpetual tendency while asleep to
eithei^ roll or slide out, and one very sound sleeper get-
ting adrift one night actually went to the bottom of the
hill, and in the morning was much puzzled on waking
up to find himself parted from his "Pup" tent.
The One Hundred and Fourth was engaged here
until May 4 in drilling, picket and guard duty, and in
escorting railroad supply trains to Murfreesboro where
Oeneral Rosecrans lay with the main army. The
weather continued to be of the loveliest. In intervals
of duty Nashville was much visited. The Capitol — a
very fine building of stone and marble was guarded in
turn by companies or details from the Regiment. From
the dome of the Capitol there was visible a grand pano-
rama of scenery seldom equaled. The long lines of forts
and earthworks, bristling with cannon and garrisoned
by Union soldiers, stood in bold contrast with the beau-
ties of nature» shown by hill and valley, and fertile
fields, through which the waters of the Cumberland
wound their way to the Ohio; all made for peace, com-
merce, prosperity and happiness, but now blasted by
the desolation of war.
Sometimes standing or wandering around the broad
porticos of the Capitol, and drinking in all of the beauty
and richness of this goodly land, it seemed impossible
to realize that we were here as invaders and conquerors,
surrounded by treason on every hand, with vast rebel
armies but a few miles distant.
Few will forget the Acfcland place, which we had
to furnish details to guard. This was about one mile
from our camp, and the large and princely residence
situated in the midst of a ten acre plat of ground
was surrounded by elegant gardens and greenhouses,
and an abundance of statuary. The owner was sup-
posed to be a Union man, but this might not mean much.
On the 4th of May the Regiment was ordered to
Brentwood ten miles south of Nashville. On arrival we
84 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
went into camp in a beautiful grove of large trees, and
near the Little Harpeth river.
We found here a brigade of infantry and a regiment
of cavalry, Colonel Dan. McCook, commanding. The*
Eegiment was attached to thi^ brigade temporarily.
This Post was an important one and liable to attact
at any time, therefore heavy picket lines were main-
tained and ceaseless vigilance prevailed. Brigade and
battalion drill occupied several hours each day. The
small fort already built when we arrived was further
strengthened. On the 14th John M. Mellon, of Com-
pany B, was wounded by guerrillas while on picket.
Major Widmer arrived on the 18th and was wel-
comed by a speech, serenade, etc. While at Brentwood
rumors of the capture of Richmond and Vicksburg were
received and were so well credited that the soldiers got
up an impromptu celebration in the evening by parad-
ing around with lighted candles placed in the muzzles
of their guna It was ascertained later that the "blow
out" was slightly premature. The result was a large
number of elongated faces the next day.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman arrived on the 21st and
was accorded a warm reception in the usual American
style.
We received news on the 19th of the occupation of
Jackson, Miss., and the success of Grierson's raid.
The companies had been practicing target shooting
for some days. M. Kirkpatrick, of Company D, making
the best shot of any one in that command.
At 1 a. m. of the 28th, the long roll called us to arms
and we moved into the fort, expecting an attack, but
the enemy did not materialize. The brigade remained
under arms until noon.
An order came on the 3d of June for the Regiment
to report at Nashville. After helping to destroy the
works, we left in the afternoon, and reached our former
camp at twelve that night, where we remained inactive-
until June 7th.
In pursuance of an order received on the 6th to join
the Army of the Cumberland at Murfreesboro, the-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 86
Regiment reported there on the 7th and was assigned
to the First Brigade, Second Division, Fourteenth
Army Corps, commanded respectively by Generals
John Beatty, James S. Negley and George H. Thomas.
The One Hundred and Fourth had at last found its
proper position among veteran troops, being brigaded,
with the Fifteenth Kentucky, Forty-second and Eighty-
eighth Indiana regiments, that bore upon their ban-
ners the brilliant legend "Stone's River," while our
brigade commander had won his star on that bloody
field.
The military preciseness and air of business that
pervaded every thing and everybody in this great armed
camp of 60,000 men produced at once an impression
of awe and respect never to be forgotten. The effects
of strict military discipline w^ere visible in the clean
and regularly laid out camps, as well as in the soldierly
bearing of the men. It was evident that the days of
wild and independent "Jayhawking" over the coun-
try, to which we had been accustomed, were ended.
Therefore with becoming resignation the One Pun-
dred and Fourth settled down to get acquainted with
the new surroundings and more exacting duties.
From this date until the 24th of June the Regiment
had its time fully occupied. Brigade drill began at
four o'clock a. m. and lasted until six; breakfast at
Iialf past six; rest until nine; then company or battal-
ion drill until eleven; when we rested until two p. m.;
after this we had brigade or division drill until six.
Thus there was little time for idleness, a condition that
the increasing heat w^ould have made agreeable, had
not the iron hand of military authority prevented.
A few days after our arrival. Lieutenant Osman
and the writer fell into a piece of clover that removed
them to a position on the staff of General Beatty as
Aides de Camp and precluded the necessity of doing
any more walking for some time. The latter having
l)een almost born on horseback found himself again
in his natural element, but it is conjectured that Lieu-
86 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
tenant Osman felt more at home on terra firma than
on the back of a prancing war horse.
The writer, thrown into intimate association with
the General and his staff, experienced at first the dis-
advantages arising from his youth and natural diffi-
dence, but with acquaintance this feeling wore off. As
for "Mose" he had been a soldier in the Mexican war
and was undaunted by anything except the problem of
how to ride properly. The effect, however, was always
striking.
For many months General Kosecrans had been pre-
paring for a great forward movement, by reorganizing
and recruiting his army — particularly the cavalry;
accumulating immense supplies of rations in Murfrees-
boro; and building an impregnable line of forts and
earthworks around the town. In accomplishing the
Herculean task he had met with numerous obstacles
which neither the Government or people could under-
stand or appreciate. Like his great Lieutenant, Gen-
eral Thomas, he had been accused of being too slow
and cautious. But about June 1st all the indications
pointed toward more active operations, the outlying
regiments, brigades and divisions, were advanced
nearer the front. The Reserve Corps, composed of the
First, Second and Third Divisions, was organized and
put under the command of General Gordon Granger.
General Rosecrans could now move on the enemy
with an effective force of 65,000 men well armed and
disciplined.
General Bragg with an army of about 59,000 men
(Vide his reports, Reb. Rec, Vol. 33) occupied strongly
entrenched positions in our front extending to Tulla-
homa, sixty miles distant. Besides the fortifications
his lines were well protected by nature, the country
being rough and hilly with few roads, and these ran
through the gaps in the hills sometimes for several
miles, making their defense easy if attacked in front.
But General Rosecrans had thoroughly studied the
situation with the mind of a strategist, and at last, on
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 97
the 23d of June, everything being in readiness, issued
a general order for the Army of the Cumberland to
move on the enemy early on the 24th.
However, to cover his real designs. General Gor-
don Granger's Corps and the cavalry began the execu-
tion of a movement, intended as a feint, upon the
enemy's left on the 23d.
The order for the advance was hailed with joy by
the soldiers of the Army of the Cumberland, who had
unbounded confidence in their General and affection-
ately called him "Old Kosey."
AH applied themselves to the busy task of prepar-
ing for a campaign the extent, duration and results of
which the wisest could not foretell, but which had
for its object the defeat and destruction of Bragg's
army and the possession of Chattanooga — the very
gateway to the inmost South.
CHAPTER IX.
The Tullahoma Campaign— Advance to Hoover's Gap— Wllder's
Charge— McCook at Liberty Gap— Occupation of Manchester
— Beatty's Brigade Sent to Hlllsboro— Attacked by Cavalry —
Rejoins Negley — Bragg Retreats— Tullahoma Occupied— Beat-
ty's Advance to Elk River— Seven Miles of Fighting— Stock-
ade Captured by a .Detachment of the One Hundred and
Fourth— The Rebels Fall Back— Rejoicing over Gettysburg
and Vicksburg— In Camp.
In all the history of the war there are no more
interesting and instructive lessons to the military stu-
dent than those afforded by the Tullahoma and Chiek-
amauga campaigns, inaugurated by General Rosecrans
against General Bragg with the primary objects in
view of not only regaining possession of the vast terri-
tory extending to the Tennessee river, which had been
acquired and abandoned by Buell the preceding year,
but also passing beyond that great water barrier, and
scaling the mountain systems that hem it in — gain
the coveted prize of Chattanooga — ^which, indeed,
seemed secure enough from capture, situated in the
midst of great natural defenses and protected by a
veteran army fighting on its own soil. Napoleon in
crossing the Alps only had to contend with the condi-
tions imposed by nature at an unfavorable season.
General Rosecrans not only had to overcome natural
obstacles as great, but also to conquer or drive back
an opposing army nearly as large as his own, and one
which he never contemplated would surrender so great
and vital parts of the Confederacy with the moral con-
sequences involved, without a decisive battle. There-
fore, having this always in view he conceived and began
the grand strategic movements calculated to accom-
plish the objects mentioned.
From the inception of the campaign the history of
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 89
the parts borne by the One Hundred and Fourth
became so blended with those of not only its Brigade
and Division, but of the mighty human machine of
which it also formed a part, as to render an account of
all in a concise and general way, necessary — in order
to have an intelligent appreciation of its own actions
in connection therewith.
At daylight on the morning of the 24th of June, the
Army of the Cumberland, embracing, besides the
Reserve Corps, those of McCook, Thomas and Critten-
den, or the Twentieth, Fourteenth and Twenty-first
Corps, were set in motion and marched away on three
different roads toward the south in quest of Bragg^s
army.
The weather was anything but propitious, the rain
falling in torrents and continuously all day, making
the roads very muddy and adding to the discomfort
of the men, who were, however, somewhat protected
from the inclemency of the storm by the small rubber
ponchos which the Government had issued to every
-soldier, and which served to i^rotect their arms as well
as persons, being used at night also, as the substratum
-of very humble beds in the mud.
The spectacle of over 60,000 men, infantry, artillery
and cavalry, drawn up in martial array and filing off
in long lines over the level plains of Murf reesboro, fol-
lowed by immense wagon trains — which, if arranged
in a single line would have extended forty miles, could
never be forgotten by those who composed this grand
army.
As anticipated by General Rosecrans, the feint
movements made by his troops on the enemy's left and
-center by our right succeeded, and the mainpart of the
army was thrown rapidly against their right in the
direction of Manchester and Tullahoma, thus flank-
ing the heavy fortifications at Shelbyville, where the
-enomy expected to be attacked, and forcing Bragg to
flght on ground of General Rosecrans' own selection
•or run.
General McCook, after starting on the Shelbyville
90 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
turnpike and demonstrating heavily in that direction^
deflected his divisions to the left toward Liberty Gap^
which he found strongly defended, but pushing rapidly
he enveloped the enemy's flank and before night, after
considerable skirmishing and fighting, drove liim pell-
mell through the Gap, a distance of two miles.
Contemporaneously, General Thomas, with the
Fourteenth Army Corps, advanced on the Manchester
Turnpike, and Crittenden's Corps toward Bradyville
in support.
Wiider's Brigade of mounted infantry, with the
rest of Reynolds' Division, led the advance of the Four-
teenth, Rosseau's and Negley's Divisions following.
Wilder encountered the rebel pickets seven uiiles-
out and rushed over them. He then, with his usual
impetuosity, attacked the reserves at Hoover's Gap
and drove the entire force through the deep defile —
three miles in length, to the southern entrance, where
the three rebel brigades of B&tes, Wharton and Lid-
dell lay in a strong position. On the way Wilder cap-
tured nine wagons and some prisoners. As the enemy
proposed to fight, Wilder disposed his gallant three
Illinois and two Indiana regiments with his howitzers
and ten pounder rifled Rodman guns on the hills and
awaited the onset. The enemy, after firing, and cov-
ered by artillery, charged in a spirited manner several
times, but could not resist Wiider's repeating rifles.
They turned and fled, leaving their dead and wounded
on the field. It was well that they did, as Reynolds,
now came up with two brigades. The victory was
important, gained with a loss to us of sixty-one killed
and wounded, while that of the enemy was five hun-
dred. General Rosecrans on surveying the ground^,
remarked, "Wilder has saved us thousands of men."
Darkness coming on, the operations of the day^
closed, and the entire army bivouacked for the night
in the midst of rain and mud. Our Division went into-
camp at Big Creek — Rosseau's in advance.
The morning of the 25th dawned upon us rainy andl
dark with fleecy clouds of mist hanging over the moun-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 91
tains. The army was again set in motion and, as on
the 24th, steadily drove the enemy at all points. Neg-
ley moved at ten in support of Rosseau and Reynolds
at Hoover's Gap, the latter meeting with considerable
opposition and losing a number in killed and wounded*
Beatty's Brigade, as it drew nearer about one o^clock^
witnessed a part of the fight, but. was not ordered into
it, and later went into camp near the Gap, where there'
was a store. Some of the boys made a raid on this
and on some bee hives in the vicinity. After a time
General Beatty sent the writer to disperse the raiders,
but the bees contributed more effectually to that end.
In the afternoon the enemy attempted to retake a
I)ortion of Liberty Gap, occupied by Johnson's Divi-
sion of McCook's Corps and made a desperate fight, but
was repulsed in every attack, with a loss of one hun-
dred killed, and seven hundred and fifty wounded, while
that of Johnson was two hundred and thirty-one killed
and wounded.
Thomas and Crittenden continued to advance on the
26th in the midst of a continuous rain over roads almost
impassable, and in the face of considerable opposition
to the former, but at night Thomas arrived within five
miles of Manchester and occupied a strong position
which would compel Bragg to give up Tullahoma and
his entire line of defenses, or fight, in which latter case
the whole army could be massed on his left and crush it.
Negley's Division moved in support of Rosseau and
Reynolds, hearing cannonading all day ahead, and at
night bivouacked at Beech Grove in high spirits over
the uninterrupted successes.
McCook's ani Granger's Corps remained inactive
on the 26th, awaiting the result of General Thomas'
operations.
Early on the 27th Wilder's advance dashed into
Manchester, surprising and capturing some rebel
guards. The rest of the Fourteenth Corps, Reynolds
in advance, soon followed, but the last of it did not
arrive until midnight on account of the condition of the
roads. The larger part of the transportation was left
5>2 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
miles behind. Beatty's Brigade, leaving at Ave a. m.,
guarded the Division wagon train through to Man-
chester and camped. We were then only twelve miles
irom Tullahoma.
McCook's Corps, having nothing to oppose it,
marched for Manchester. Granger's Corps encountered
Wheeler at Guy's Gap, drove him into Shelbyville and,
•-after hard fighting, across Duck Eiver, with a loss to
Wheeler of his artillery, two hundred killed and
wounded, and five hundred taken prisoners.
The day's operations along the whole line had been
successful, and at night the enemy was in hasty retreat
from his extended and elaborate system of fortifica-
tions, evidently only anxious to get beyond the reach
of his adversary.
The full measure of the success of General Rose-
crans' strategy became generally known on the 28th,
Sunday, and raised the enthusiasm of the Army of
the Cumberland to the highest point, whilst their
admiration for their leader was unbounded.
But mindful that only a small part of the work
to be accomplished had been completed, General Rose-
crans ordered General Thomas to push the enemy to
the utmost, while he waited for McCook and Critten-
den, who were still struggling desperately in the rear
midst mud and rain, to reach Manchester.
Therefore General Wilder was sent at daylight on
the 28th, with his mounted infantry to break the rail-
road south of Decherd and Elk river, save the bridges
and delay the enemy.
To support Wilder's movement, Thomas ordered
General John Beatty to move with our Brigade to Hills-
boro, eight miles from Manchester, on the enemy's
extreme right. Our prospect for a Sunday rest was
thus suddenly ended and at ten the Brigade fell into
line and marched off through the woods over execrable
roads. Colonel T. P. Nicholas was also ordered to
report with his First Battalion of the Second Kentucky
Cavalry to General Beatty at Hillsboro. The Brigade
arrived at its destination late in the afternoon and
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 93,
wenf into camp in the outskirts of the tumble down
village at a point covering the old Chattanooga road.
The position was an exposed one far from support, and
a strong picket line was established, while the com-
mand was cautioned to be in constant readiness for
possible attack. Meantime the rain continued to make
things disagreeable. No fires were allowed after dark.
The men erected what shelters they could and lay down
to rest. About twelve in the night firing was heard on
the picket line held by the Cavalry. General Beatty
arousing the writer, who was sound asleep, sent him
to ascertain the cause. The Brigade was awakened
and stood in line of battle until daylight. It was found
that Colonel Nicholas had been attacked, but the enemy
did not follow it up. However, there was no more sleep-
ing done that night. General Beatty and staff standing
with the rest — horses in waiting, ready to mount, or
occasionally visiting the outposts.
We remained here until noon of the 29th, when
General Beatty was ordered to join the Division in the
direction of Tullahoma, at Bobo's Cross-roads, eleven
miles from us by the shortest road, which was also
exposed to attack from the enemy^s cavalry, who were
in close proximity to us and in sight. Starting imme-
diately by a cross-road that led through a barren, low
country covered with a thin timber growth, we had
gone four miles when a dash was made by the enemy
on our cavalry at the head of the column. The attack
was repulsed with a loss to Colonel Nicholas of Lieu-
tenant Jenkins killed, one wounded and one captured.
We had been marching in column down a narrow lane,
but General Beatty at once deployed the Brigade in
line, with the artillery (Hewitt's Battery) in the center,
and thus formed, we advanced through the fields and
woods, but no further attack was made. About five
p. m. we were suddenly alarmed by two cannon shots
and musketry firing in front. The Brigade then took
position near a log barn an^ fence, ready for battle.
The scouts coming in reported the enemy advancing
in force with artillery. Soon after the cavalry reported
94 THE ONE HUNDRED AND POUKTH
the supposed enemy to be our own troops of Reynolds'
Division. The scattering shots had injured no one, and
we moved on to Bobo's, where we found the rest of
Negley's Division and went into camp.
The Division remained in camp on the 30th, and
the One Hundred and Fourth, being on short rations,
made up the scant allowance by gathering ripened
wheat from a field and boiling it, and also feasted on
stray hogs found in the woods. The writer was ordered
to report to General Negley early, which he did, and
was sent by him with some orderlies from Headquar-
ters back to Manchester for forage to feed the artil-
lery horses, also supplies. We started and the roads
being impassable picked our way through the woods.
On arrival and reporting to Brigade Commissary
Wells, he loaded up a pack train of mules with which
we started back, and on the way running across a dozen
head of cattle drove them into camp, where we arrived
at dark. All of the supply trains were at Manchester
or north of there, unable to move.
The movements of the army on the 80th were con-
fined mainly to closing up on TuHabQipa. Stray citi-
zens coming in reported Bragg as evacuating, there-
fore General Steedman's Brigade with one of Sheri-
dan's and Reynolds' advanced to within two miles of
the town, but met with a spirited opposition from rebel
infantry and artillery, losing fifteen men. Fearing a
ruse and it being about dark, Steedman halted for the
night.
Early on July 1st he again advanced and entered
Tullahoma at noon. A few prisoners were taken, but
the main army had gone. In conformity with this
movement the other Divisions moved forward, Neg-
ley's leading, supported by Rosseau's.
Beatty's Brigade being in front had gone about four
miles when our battalion of cavalry was suddenly
attacked, but the enemy fell back a mile or so, when
he opened upon us with a masked battery of artillery,
our battery replied and for half an hour kept up a
lively fusillade. There were three casualties in the One
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 95
Hundred and Fourth, among them, Corporal George
Wine of Compay K, who was killed by a solid shot
Meantime the infantry were slowly feeling their way
through the woods and underbrush. The weather
being very hot many were sunstruck. The enemy again
limbered up their battery and retired half a mile to
Spring Creek Pass, where another artillery duel fol-
lowed. Thus our Brigade drove them from place to
place for seven miles and until dark, to a point near
Hefifner's Mill. The other brigades of Negley^s Divi-
sion had followed within close supporting distance all
day. Strong pickets were thrown out to the front and
right, while Rosseau picketed the left and rear.
The day's work had been hard but most satisfac-
tory. The intense heat had prostrated many and Sur-
geon Dyer with his assistants were busy all day.
The position occupied by the One Hundred and
Fourth in the advance was on the left of the Battery
and the road, with Company K thrown out as skirmish-
ers under Captain Fitzsimmons. Under orders from
General Beatty the writer frequently visited this part
of the line, and Colonel Moore being deaf, at the request
of the Lieutenant-Colonel and Major, repeated the
orders to them, so that no mistakes might occur.
On the morning of the 2nd it was discovered that a
large rebel force had bivouacked only half a mile from
us. The march was resumed all along the line — our
brigade in advance. After going about one mile we
came suddenly to the Elk river valley, half or three-
quarters of a mile wide, and beheld the enemy on the
opposite bluff with a battery in position. The brigade
was halted in the shelter of the woods and another
battery additional to our own, ordered up by General
Beatty. We then began to play upon them with ten
guns, much to their surprise, and their infantry and
cavalry at once sought a safer place. The rebel bat-
tery replied, but the Are from ours was so effective as
to disable one or two of their guns, when the battery
limbered to the rear. Most of the rebel shells flew
high over the heads of our men, crashing among the
9C THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
trees and breaking limbs, but beyond two or three men.
wounded by pieces of shells no damage was done. Near
the bridge across the Elk (and which had been flred)-
there was a small log stockade occupied by rebel sharp-
shooters, who annoyed our advance skirmishers. The
ground down to the river was a clear level plain, but
along the bank,* which was low, fringed with trees-
General Beatty, calling upon the One Hundred and
Fourth to furnish a detail of ten men to capture the.
stockade, Colonel Moore selected Sergeant George
Marsh to lead the party. The Sergeant called for vol-
unteers, who promptly responded. The men who
stepped forward for what was considered a forlorn.
hope were, besides Marsh, John Shapland, John H.
Powers, Richard J. Gage, Oscar Slagle, Wm. A. Fight,.
Robert Harr, Lem. F. Holland, Murray Kirkpatrick and
R. S. Smalley. The little band deploying as skirmish-
ers, and covered by the fire of our batteries, double-
quicked across the plain, the rebel sharpshooters firing
at them, and gained the river without a casuality, then
rallying on the left, they rushed for the stockade. The
dozen rebels inside, seized with a panic at the bold-
action, left in confusion, and swimming the Elk, took
to the woods, from which they sent back a few shots.
The party was soon after ordered back and received
the personal thanks of the General. Captain Howe,,
with Company B, was then sent down with a detail to
pul out the fire at the bridge.
It was then about four, and there being no signs of
the enemy, and with the line of the Elk in complete
possession of our army, we went into bivouac in the
valley near the position held all day.
The night was a joyous one in our camps, for it was
certain that General Bragg was in full retreat over
the lofty Cumberlands. These lay in sight and only a
few miles distant. At a late hour the writer remembers
being invited to a private supper in the quarters of the
One Hundred and Fourth, where fine boiled mutton
and pig, not issued by the Quartermaster, were on the
bill of fare. The locality was a bad one for stray game-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 97
of any. kind, which somehow or other got into trouble
and the mess pots of the hungry soldiers. Near the
<:amp and road there stood the house of a Presbyterian
minister, who, as someone had ascertained, was a great
rebel. At all events he had deserted his home on our
approach, and in the intervals of duty the place was
explored by our men, who found among other things
a large library of books — mostly theological works.
Deeming it a proper time to develop in the line of reli-
gious inquiry, some of the books were carried away, but
probably found too old and dry to keep. The action at
Elk river closing with the capture of the stockade by
a detail of the One Hundred and Fourth, practically
ended the fighting for some time, as will appear fur-
ther on.
On the morning of the 3d, the different divisions of
the Fourteenth Corps began crossing Elk river by the
fords at several points. The bridge in front of us, which
had been almost destroyed, was repaired by a portion
of General St. Clair Morton's Pioneer Corps, so that
by noon Negley's Division, with Beatty's Brigade still
in advance, crossed, the artillery fording below. It
began raining in tlie morning and continued all day,
no Presbyterian rain either, but a genuine Baptist
down-pour. But under orders Beatty pushed forward
as fast as possible on tlie road toward the mountains
leading to University Place, where stood the "Univer-
sity of the South." Having with the utmost difficulty
gone three miles, we went into camp in the mud. On
the way several dead cavalrymen and horses were
found in the woods. The rations of the men were not
flavored, as last night, by fresh pig and mutton stews.
The army remained in bivouac during the forenoon
of the 4th of July. At noon General Beatty received
orders to push forward to University Place, and we
started soon after, followed by the rest of Negley's
Division. The other divisions of the Fourteenth Corps
were to move in co-operation with ours. Having gone
four miles we reached the foot of the mountains and
began the ascent. It was three miles to the top, but
W THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
before we had gone half a mile the road was found
to be obstructed by trees which the rebels had felled.
General Beatty at once set the orderlies to work to
remove the obstructions and sent the writer back to
bring up a company of men to assist. Meantime the
whole Division halted, and Generals Thomas and Neg-
ley rode forward to inspect the road. The result being
communicated to General Rosecrans, he ordered a
counter movement back to the base of the mountains,,
and directed the Fourteenth Corps to go into camp.
General Beatty, who had gone on ahead with the cav-
alry detachment and had reached the summit, now
returned, and the Brigade having countermarched^
bivouacked in a swamp near the base of the Pass.
What the next movement would be was a subject
of speculation around the evening camp fires. The
One Hundred and Fourth did not forget that this waa
the natal day of the Nation, and in how different a
manner it had been spent from usual. But it was real-
ized that unless the objects it was fighting for could
be achieved thefe would be no more use for the National
Holiday. About ten o'clock on Sunday, the 5th, the
whole army was electrified by the joyous news from
General Rosecrans' headquarters that Grant had taken
Vicksburg and Lee's army had been defeated at Gettys-
burg. The writer bore the glad tidings to the One
Hundred and Fourth and other regiments. The beam-
ing faces everywhere and the cheers from tens of thou-
sands of men echoed and re-echoed along the valleys
of the Elk and among the mountain gorges, as if to-
tell our retreating foes that at last treason and rebel-
lion had met with such signal defeats as to presage
their final overthrow. The camp of the One Hundred
and Fourth was scarcely above water and became very
muddy from being tramped over by so many men, but
amid the enthusiasm produced by the announcement
of the great victories, all discomforts, dangers, hard
marches and short rations, were entirely forgotten.
The men began to clean up and get rid of the effects
of ten days' campaigning in rain and mud. It was
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. »
also noticed that the Field and Staff came out in clean
collars and indulged in the luxury of cigars from the
Sutler's.
The first part of General Rosecrans' plans had been
successfully executed with the comparatively small
loss of eighty-five killed, four hundred and eighty-two
wounded, and thirteen captured; while the losses of
General Bragg in killed and wounded were not cer-
tainly known; he lost as prisoners fifty -nine officers
and fifteen hundred and seventy-five men, together
with eleven pieces of artillery. His loss by desertion
amounted to several thousands. The woods and moun-
tains were full of deserters and they came in daily.
Negley's Division lost three killed and five wounded,
of these three belonged to the One Hundred and Fourth.
The present campaign had terminated at an oppor-
tune time as co-related to military movements and suc-
cesses elsewhere, but the expectation was that General
Bosecrans would at once continue the advance and fol-
low Bragg beyond the Tennessee River. Such, indeed,
had been his purpose, and the movements of Negley
and Beatty on July 4th, were the initiative steps in
that direction, but one more day's consideration led
him to a different conclusion, and the Army of the
Cumberland went into camp for rest and recuperation
while the further preparations which General Rose-
crans deemed necessary were being made for the next
forward movement.
Extract from the report of General Thomas at the
conclusion of the Tullahoma campaign : '^Without par-
ticularizing or referring to individual merit in any one
division of my command, I can render willing testi-
mony to the manly endurance and soldierly conduct
of both officers and men composing my Corps, march-
ing day and night, through a most relentless rain, and
over almost impassable roads, bivouacking by the road
side, ever ready and willing to *fall in' and pursue the
enemy wherever ordered, with a cheerfulness and
determination truly admirable, and no less commend-
able when confronting the enemy; fearless and un-
100 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
4aunted, their columns never wavered, giving the high-
est proof of their veteran qualities, an4 showing what
<iependence can be placed upon them in time of peril"
Vid« Rebellion Records, Vol. XXIII., p. 433.
CHAPTER X.
The Chickamauga Campaigm and Battle of Chickamauga.
The Fourteenth Army Corps remained substan-
tially in the position occupied on July 5th, until the
7th. The Cavalry and several divisions of the other
Corps were distributed at various points ready to push
forward with the advent of more favorable weather^
the incessant rain preventing any important move-
ment. On the latter date Negley's Division moved five
miles to Decherd, a station on the railroad, by which
when repairs should be completed, supplies could be
forwarded. The One Hundred and Fourth went into
camp half a mile from the village on high rolling
ground and as usual began at once to fix up quarters
and go to housekeeping. The rest of the Brigade and
Division camped near by with Brigade headquarters
in a fine grove of oaks. Further dispatches received
fully confirmed our first news of the great victories
in the East and South, and General Rosecrans ordered
a salute of thirty-five guns to be fired from every bat-
tery in the army. As it resulted, we were destined to
spend a much longer time at Decherd than any one
had anticipated, the great forward movement for the
reduction of Chattanooga not beginning in force until
August 16th. However, some preliminary steps were
taken previous to that date by the occupation of Ste-
venson and Bridgeport, Alabama, both on the rail-
road. The cavalry was pushed out and kept active
in the meantime on the flanks. It need not be inferred
that the army because in camp was idle, or that Gen-
eral Rosecrans had settled down to rest on laurels
already won. Such was not the case and there were
good reasons for the delay, although General Halleck
from his office in Washington urged an immediate
102 ' THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
advance. Among other things it was considered neces-
sary that the railroad upon which the army depended
for supplies should be repaired and opened to Bridge-
port; that the corn in the fields, now in silk, should
be ripe enough for forage; the cavalry arm of the serv-
ice recruited; and co-ordinate movements elsewhere
be arranged in support of ours. Thus while General
Bosecraus was working day and night to forward all
those measures not dependent on nature, h^ did not
desire to move until he had the resources in hand neces-
sary to insure success in a campaign that presented
more difficulties and was more hazardous than any
preceding ones undertaken by any army. East or West,
not excepting even those against Bichmond, which
had failed because the generals who conducted them
were incompetent.
While waiting for further developments at Decherd
the One Hundred and Fourth was engaged in the
usual routine of camp life, such as guard and picket
duty and drilling. The weather became settled by the
10th, which rendered life in the shelter tents much
more pleasant, and in order to add further to their
comfort and pleasure, the men built numerous arbors
over the quarters. The grounds were thoroughly
policed every day and strict sanitary rules enforced.
The sick were well taken care of here or sent to the
regular hospitals at Nashville. We were still on short
rations, but as though Providence had provided espe-
cially for us, blackberries were now ripe and the entire
army feasted upon this healthful and luscious fruit,
which grew in inexhaustible quantities everywhere
around us. Details of men went out every day to
gather them. No soldier could ever forget this fea-
ture of our life at Decherd. The railroad was repaired
t6 Elk Biver on the 13th, and the supply trains rolled
into Decherd soon after, much to the joy of all, as it
assured full rations and regular mails from the north.
Also, the Brigade baker, who had a contract — ^thanks
to the Government — ^arrived on the 14th, and setting
up his oven, supplied us with soft bread. A more
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 103
a.greeable surprise occurred on the 21st, when a United
States Paymaster put in an appearance. lie became
At once a very popular man, especially after disburs-
ing four months' pay to the men. The One Hundred
and Fourth sent home several thousand dollars besides
paying off sundry Sutler's bills.
While here some changes took place in the Regi-
ment, caused by the resignations of Captains Misner,
Wadleigh and Howe, and Lieutenant Tewksbury. Their
loss was regretted. Captain McKernan had resigned
in June; Captain Palmer, Lieutenant Simpson, Lieu-
tenant Haney, Captain Heslet, and Lieutenant Web-
iber, before the Regiment left Chicago, making in all
ten resignations from the line officers since enlistment.
These were followed by promotions. In addition,
Assistant Surgeon Julius A. Freeman resigned July
13th, and Hospital Steward, John W. Cuppy, was dis-
•charged August 1st, and succeeded by Luther F.
Slyder, of Company K. The ranks had become con-
siderably reduced, the aggregate loss from all causes
being nearly two hundred and seventy men within the
j^ear after muster-in. The effective strength of the
Regiment had become further reduced also by sick-
ness, and numbers of men were lying in different hos-
pitals from Louisville south, together with many who
had not recovered from wounds received at Hartsville.
The most unpleasant experience of the One Hun-
•dred and Fourth at Decherd, and yet one which did
not cause any undue excitement, was the Court Mar-
tial of Colonel Moore on charges preferred by Captain
Wm. H. Collins, of Company D. It is believed sufficient
to say that the evidence was not considered strong
•enough to convict, therefore Colonel Moore was acquit-
ted and continued to command the Regiment until his
resignation in September. Captain Leighton, who had
been sick in Nashville during the TuUahoma campaign,
with some others, rejoined the command about the
20th. The news of the capture of John Morgan and
the defeat of his famous raiders gave eminent satis-
faction to us all. He had found campaigning north
104 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
of the Ohio a far diflferent matter from raiding on hia
native heath, where nearly all of the population could
be relied on as friendly to him. An unpleasant sight
occurred on the 21st, when a soldier of the Forty-sec-
ond Indiana, who ran away at Stone's River, had his
head shaved and was drummed out of camp to the
music of the "Rogue's March." He seemed much crest-
fallen as he marched along in the presence of the Bri-
gade, and was sent under guard to Nashville to be
confined in a military prison during the war.
When the month of August arrived there was a
general expectation of orders to march, and the army
was impatient to go. It was known that General
Bragg's army was mainly in Chattanooga. The prob-
lem presented to General Rosecrans of how to best
attack Bragg was a weighty one, well calculated to
make him cautious, but while still maturing his plana
of campaign. General Halleck, on the 5th, ordered him
to move. He managed, however, except some minor
movements, to delay the general advance a little longer^
Doubtless he was the proper judge, and, indeed, when
we consider the difficulties presented, his reason^-
appear to have been good ones.
The position of Bragg's army was far diflferent from
that occupied at Tullahoma, which it had been flanked
out of with comparative ease. Bragg deemed himself
safe from direct attack in front. Besides the broad
Tennessee, he was protected there by two ranges of
high mountains, the Cumberland and Walden'« Ridge,
which shut in the river and abutting on it prevented
moving along the north bank from Bridgeport His
flanks were equally well protected not only by the
Tennessee, but on the left by the Sand and Lookout
Mountain ranges, which an invading army in this
direction must cross. These seemed insuperable ob-
stacles to Bragg. His right flank presented the same
defenses and was more difficult to reach; quite inac-
cessible to our line of communication with the rear,
and destitute of water and forage. By any of the
routes named, a distance of from 100 to 130
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 105
miles must be traversed by Rosecrails' army^
and almost continuously over mountains. Not only
so, but rations to feed the army must be taken along,,
while the artillery and ammunition trains were, of
course, indispensable. General Rosecrans' plan of
campaign as developed and prosecfuted to a conclu-
sion that secured its primary object, in the grandeur
and boldness of its conception and execution, was one
of the greatest feats of strategy, if not the greatest,
performed during the whole course of the war. Bold-
ness, celerity and secrecy were the chief factors of suc-^
cess, and the very audacity of the scheme and of each
successive step in it, constantly bewildered and de-^
ceived General Bragg until it was too late for him
to retrieve his errors. General Rosecrans proposed in
brief to execute a grand flank movement by our right
across the Cumberlands and the Tennessee River,,
thence over Sand and Lookout Mountains to Bragg's
left and rear. This, if successful, would make Chat-
tanooga untenable or oblige Bragg to fight there, in
which latter case his destruction would be certain
beyond all doubt; for although not gifted with much
penetration, General Bragg knew that if the Army of
the Cumberland once obtained a foothold on his left
and rear, with the Tennessee below Chattanooga and
Lookout Mountain and valley in its possession, his
case would be hopeless. But General Bragg's fore-
sight prove to be hindsight and therefore he did not
provide against such a contingency, while he was
deluded by Rosecrans into the belief that he intended
to attack his front and right flank.
Having thus outlined briefly the situation and sa-
lient points of the campaign, we will follow again the
Army of the Cumberland on its weary marches over
rivers and mountains, in the blazing heat of a southern
sun, and amid the chilling fever breeding dews of night,
half fed and half slept, until having accomplished the
great flank movement and captured Chattanooga;
flushed with success and perhaps over confident, this
invincible army was suddenly checked in its victori-
106 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH '
ous career on the field of Chickamauga! The prelim-
inary signs that indicated an advance extended all
along from the 5th to the 16th. Some brigades moved;
extra rations were issued; the sick sent to the rear;
arms and ammunition were inspected. At half past
four on the morning of the 16th, the camp fires of the
One Hundred and Fourth and those of the entire army
were lighted and the men busy in cooking the last
meal previous to departure. The prompt response to
roll-call and other duties showed how eager all were
to be off. There was a rigid inspection of arms and
cartridge boxes. The knapsacks were packed and per-
mission given to load them on the wagons, as the
weather was very hot. When all was ready and the
Eegiment, Brigade and Division, in line, a long delay
occurred. At half-past eleven we moved off in the
direction of Cowan, a station at the base of the moun-
tains. Soon after a rainstorm accompanied by a furi-
ous wind broke upon us, the thunder and lightning
were terrific and all of the- red artillery of heaven
seemed to have been concentrated in one single local-
ity directly over our heads. This continued one hour,
after which the sun came out and shone very hot
Again the "Attention" and "Forward" sounded, and
moving on we reached Cowan at three, when a halt
was made for an hour. The advance was then resumed
with the One Hundred and Fourth leading, and soon
after we began to ascend the Cumberlands. Looking
up far above us appea-red the summit with clouds float-
ing around. By the road it was two miles there, but
when we arrived it seemed ten. The storm had dam-
aged the road and made it extremely rough, so that
the horses and mules were unable to move the artil-
lery and wagons. The One Hundred and Fourth had
to assist, but it was twelve o'clock when the top was
attained, and we went into bivouac for the rest of the
night.
The fog clouds were dense all around on the morn-
ing of the 17th, when the march was resumed, this
time down hill for some distance. As the sun rose
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 107
higher and the clouds cleared away the splendid scen-
ery of mountain and valley was revealed in all its
beauty. Having descended to a little valley a halt was
made for breakfast This did not occupy much time and
we moved on — ^the Third Brigade in advance. Winding
up and around the summit of another mountain by a
Toad easier than the last, at three in the afternoon we
reached Tantallon in the valley, and went into camp to
await the arrival of the wagon train, which had broken
•down and was far behind. The train not arriving during
the night the One Hundred and Fourth was sent at
three on the morning of the 18th to look it up and pro-
cure rations. The march back almost to the top of the
range was a hard one, but was completed soon after day-
light. The Regiment having secured three days' rations
and also taking the knapsacks in order to reduce the
loads of the wagons, countermarched and arrived in
'Camp at ten, pretty well worn out. After a hasty and
luxurious breakfast of hardtack and bacon, the Regi-
ment fell in and taking the advance, resumed the march.
The day was intensely hot, the road dusty and many suf-
fered greatly, causing frequent halts for rest. We moved
along the Crow Creek valley and were pleased to see
plenty of corn fields, apple and peach orchards. Hav
ing marched some four miles we came to a plantation
where stood a very good house, and near by was a large
spring of pure mountain water, an article we wanted
•constantly, one, too, far superior to any "Mountain dew"
known, though the latter was never thrown away when
it could be had. After an hour's rest we moved on and
winding around the spur of a mountain could see down
the valley for miles. There were vast corn fields, which
liad been planted by Jeff Davis' orders for the future use
of rebel armies, he never anticipating, that the hated
•^^Yankees" were to harvest those fields, yet such was to
be the fact, and the Scripture fulfilled, "One shall sow
«.nd another reap." Passing by a large, fine mansion on
the road, a darky was asked about his master. He re-
plied, "Gone wid de rebels," Toward night we arrived
at Anderson, having marched eighteen miles under a
108 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
broiling sun. About one-third of the Brigade had fallen^
out utterly exhausted. Colonel Moore, who had com-
manded the Brigade since we started, though under
orders to go six miles further, if practicable, decided to
camp here for the night. After a rest, ample supplies
were drawn from the adjoining fields for men, horses
and mules, much to their satisfaction, if not that of "Jeff
Davis and Company."
On the morning of the 19th, reveille sounded at half
past three, and orders were issued to march at half past
four. When the "Attention" sounded the ranks of the
One Hundred and Fourth were noticeably thin, as, in-
deed, were those of the other regiments. Leaving all
who were unable to walk to go on by ambulance, the
Brigade moving on down the valley reached Cave
Spring three miles from Stevenson, Alabama, at ten in
the forenoon. Fording Crow Creek the Regiment went
into camp near the spring, and also near a corn field,
which was well harvested in a few hours by the soldiers.
We had now passed one range of the Cumberland and
could see before us a few miles distant the outlines of
the Tennessee River, a stream that had become historic.
Beyond the river rose in majestic grandeur the Sand
Mountain range, standing like a wall between us and
the enemy, and which we must cross. Around the camp>
and on each side of Crow Creek perpendicular masses
of rock one thousand feet high shut in the valley and
made the location very beautiful. It was announced
that a halt of a few days would be made liere in order to*
prepare for the next movement, also to await the result
of other combinations and maneuvers then being exe-
cuted elsewhere as a part of General Rosecrans' darings
plans. Meanwhijp the One Hundred and Fourth rested
quietly in camp awaiting the order to march. It was
rumored that several of the officers intended to resign
soon. Two of our wagons broken down on the moun-
tains, were rescued by William II. Conard and a detail*
of men sent back for the purpose. Sergeant William C.
Ream, of Company H, received his commission as First
Lieutenant in a colored regiment. He had passed ai
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 109
creditable examination before the board of which Gen-
eral Beatty was President. The liveather continuing
very hot much sickness — typhoid in character, pre-
vailed, thus reducing the effective force of the Regiment
ready to go into line of battle to about 330 men.
Between the 25th and 29th all of the signs indicated
that our righjt and center would soon advance. The
pontoons had been laid across the river at four different
places with very little opposition. This was due to the
bold strategic movements and maneuvers of the left in
front of Chattanooga, which had begun simultaneously
with those of the Fourteenth and McCook's corps. At
that time General Rosecrans had directed Crittenden
to march with Palmer's and Wood's Divisions, General
Wilder's Brigade of Reynolds' Division, Fourteenth
Corps, with Colonel Minty's Brigade of Cavalry, over
the mountains into the Sequatchie Valley. This move-
ment was promptly executed, and Hazen's and Wag-
ner's Brigades of Infantry were at once thrown over
Walden's Ridge in front of Chattanooga, where Wilder
and Minty joined them. The entire force of eight thous-
and men was then judiciously deployed from Williams
Island — a few miles below the city, to Kingston above,
but much pains was taken to make a large display in
front and up the river. Tke hills and woods effectually
■concealed our troops and enabled the commanders to
move them from point to point and thus give the im-
pression that a large army was there. To add further
to the enemy's delusion, Wilder shelled the city most
vigorously from Walden's Ridge and the heights oppo-
site. The effect of all this on the rebels was as desired ;
the greatest alarm prevailed among the citizens and
had a retroflex influence on Bragg and his army. But
not divining the true meaning of this show Bragg con-
<!luded that Rosecrans' whole army was on his front and
right, and hastened to call to him Buckner's Corps from
Tennessee, paying no attention to his left. Meantime,
while Wilder was amusing and deceiving Bragg, the
main army had proceeded as heretofore indicated and
-concentrated on the Tennessee readv to cross. The Re-
no THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
serve Corps under General Gordon Granger, had moved
in the rear to hold our line of communications and kept
sufficiently close to be of service when needed. General
Bosecrans, whose headquarters were at the front,
learned early of the successful execution of his orders
on the left by Crittenden's Corps, and directing Critten-
den to move his main force down the Sequatchie Valley
and across the river at Bridgeport and above, he gave
the order for the right and center to advance. The
movement was commenced by General Davis' Division
on the 29th, which crossed at Caperton's Ferry, opposite
Stevenson, and with the Cavalry moved on over Sand
Mountain.
The One Hundred and Fourth moved from Cave
Spring on Sunday, the 30th, into Stevenson and went
into camp. At three in the afternoon of September Ist^
Negley's Division, with Beatty's Brigade in advance^
took up the line of march for Caperton's Ferry, and
crossing on the pontoon bridge at five, continued on up
the east bank of the river until midnight, when it went
into bivouac by the roadside. At eight on the morning
of the 2nd, we moved on to Moore's Spring, arriving at
one, just as Sheridan's Division came up. General Neg-
ley learning that water was very scarce ahead, ordered
the Division to remain here^for the night. Johnson's
and Davis' Divisions and the cavalry had reached Look-
out Valley, where the larger part of the army was di-
rected to concentrate as fast as the river and mountains
could be crossed.
We marched early on the 3rd, and began the ascent
of the Sand Mountain range. But it was seen at once
that this was to be no easy task. The road had been un-
used and was rough and steep. The delays and repairs
were constant. The One Hundred and Fourth was in
advance and contributed materially to the work of help-
ing the transportation up. The advance reached the
summit at noon and remained there until the 4th, await-
ing the passage of the trains. There was no water to
be had and the suffering of both men and animals was
severe. The view from the top of Sand Mountain well
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. lU
repaid all the toil in getting there. The borders of five
States could be seen, three immediately near. Far be-
yond mortal vision extended one vast panorama of
mountains, forests and rivers. The broad Tennessee
below us seemed like a ribbon of silver; beyond rose the
Cumberlands, which we had crossed. The valley on both
sides was alive with the moving armies of the Union,,
while almost the entire transportation of the army filled
the roads and fields along the Tennessee. No one could
survey the grand scene on that bright autumn day un-
moved, unimpressed with its grandeur, and of the mean-
ing conveyed by the presence of that mighty host. Some-
time after dark the last of Negley's Division and trains
reached the summit without loss except to the Division
Sutler, whose wagon tumbled over at a narrow place
scattering his goods along the mountain side. Sutlers,
as a general thing were not regarded with especial favor
by the army, and yet seemed to be a kind of necessary
nuisance. This one appealed to the boys to help him
carry up his broken goods. Many of them readily re-
sponded and no doubt paid themselves well for the ad-
ditional labor involved,^ at least quite a number were
seen afterward smoking very good cigars and regal-
ing themselves on canned lobster, oysters, etc. During
the day SirwelFs Brigade had been sent on to build a
bridge across a canon; this was completed at eleven
p. m., and was one hundred and eleven feet long and
twenty feet high. Other Ijridges were repaired and the
roads made passable.
The whole of the 4th was occupied in crossing and
descending' the mountain. At night but little of the
transportation was down and but two regiments of our
Brigade. The day^s march had been hard on men and
animals. When night came all were glad to rest where-
they halted.
The 5th was spent in bringing up the transportation
and moving the Division a few miles to Brown's Spring
in the valley. SirwelVs Brigade went on a short recon-
noissance toward Lookout and brought back some
flour captured at a mill.
112 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
On the 6th the entire Division moved up Johnson's
Crook (valley) leaving camp at ten. The Lookout range
appeared on our left. Beatty's Brigade in advance,
reached McKay's Spring at five. Tlie balance of the Di-
vision camped on Lookout Creek in the rear. We now
lay near the foot of Steven's Gap (pass) of Lookout
Mountain. After arrival that evening the Forty-second
Indiana was sent on a reconnoissance up the Gap, and
had only gone a short distance when it was tired upon
by the enemy, who seemed to be concealed behind trees.
One man was severely wounded. The object being ac-
complished, that is, to develop the enemy, the Regiment
withdrew. The writer accompanied this reconnoissance.
The evening of the 6th closed with almost the entire
army concentrated in Lookout valley, extending from
a point at the north end only seven miles from Chatta-
nooga, to Valley Head on the south, thirty-five miles
distant. The enemy still held Lookout Mountain,
which towelled two thousand feet above us and was in-
accessible except by two or three passes. These as
events proved had been left practically undefended,
thus showing how little Bragg looked for Kosecrans in
that direction. To gaze upon those rugged heights one
would suppose that a few thousand, or even a few
hundreds, of men could have easily beaten back an
army. No one on the evening of the 6th anticipated but
Tvhat the possession of the passes would be disputed to
the last extremity. Such \^as the situation, and all
looked forward to the morrow^ as full of promise for
some very lively fighting. To capture Chattanooga from
our left by passing around the point of Lookout was
thought impracticable, as it abutted so closely on the
river as barely to leave room for the railroad, and, in-
deed, for a part of the way the roadbed had been made
by blasting away the solid lime stone rock — there form-
ing palisades one hundred feet high. Tlie point 2,100
feet above and the intervening space below were held
by the enemy. General Rosecrans determined to leave
Crittenden to threaten Chattanooga on the left, and
marching with the center and right over Lookout by the
REGIMENT II^LINOIS VOIiUNTEERS. 113
passes in their front, seize Cliattanooga Valley directly
in Bragg's rear. This movement, if successful, would
force matters to a decisive issue. Accordingly orders
were issued for the 7th, having these objects in view.
Early that morning Beatty's Brigade began the ad-
vance in line of battle up the mountain by Steven's
Pass. It was some three miles to the top, and advanc-
ing by the front was a different and more diflftcult task
than moving in column along the road. We had ex-
I)ected opposition, but beyond a few stray shots none
was made. At eleven we stood on the summit with our
artillery, which the men helped to get up, without the
loss of a man. It was learned from some cracker resi-
dents on the mountain that only cavalry had been on
guard at the pass, and they took good care to leave in
time. The other brigades following closely arrived on
top at twelve and three o'clock. The transportation oc-
cupied that day and the next in getting up, the Brigade
marching half way across Lookout, bivouacked for the
night. After the arduous labors of the last three weeks
the command was well tired, but in high spirits over
the success thus far achieved, regarding Chattanooga as
within our grasp and the defeat of Bragg certain should
he choose to fight. While we had thus gained a foot-
hold so easily on the key to Bragg's position, Barker's
Brigade had spent the day in demonstrating on the left
around the point of Lookout and discovered the enemy
in strong force. The Twentieth Army Corps did not
move on the 7th.
Pursuant tq General Rosecrans' orders an advance
was made along the whole line on the 8th. Beatty's Bri-
gade leaving at four a. m. marched to Cooper's Gap. The
rest of the division moved to Steven's Gap. (Also called
Frick's Gap.) General Rosecrans having infoi*mation
from various sources, such as deserters, citizens, and
scouts, that Bragg was evacuating Chattanooga, di-
rected the movements of the day accordingly. General
Davis, of McCook's Corps, on the right, crossed Lookout
with two brigades in support of the cavalry then ope-
rating toward LaFayette on Bragg's probable line of
114 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
retreat General Negley arriving near Steven's Gap
spent the day in removing the rocks and trees that ob-
structed the road, and at night bivouacked in the vicin-
ity. The First Brigade (Beatty's) reached Cooper's Gap
about eight a. m. and rested a short time. From this
point we had a grand view of the Chattanooga valley,
which lay two thousand feet below us. We were in
Georgia, and looking north could almost see Chatta-
nooga about twenty-two miles distant. On the opposite
side of the valley the mountains of Georgia, Tennessee
and North Carolina rose before our eyes in vast succes-
sions of range upon range, peak upon peakj their sides
terraced with the verdure of autumn. Two or three
miles east we discovered meandering through the valley
Chickamauga Creek, that name having been given it by
the Indians, and meaning in our language, "The river of
death." Such, indeed, it proved to be a few days later.
Just beyond, Pigeon Mountain was in sight.
While we stood in admiration— ^gazing upon the new
and surpassing beauties of nature on every hand,
another sight of vital import arrested attention. Clouds
of dust were noticed in the valley a fexy miles in our
front. On examining these closely with field glasses, we
saw long lines of soldiers and trains of wagons mov-
ing southward. It was Bragg's army in retreat. Cour-
iers were at once dispatched to Negley with the infor-
mation. The Brigade was then set in motion down the
mountain. There were some obstructions, but these
were soon removed. On arrivin^r at the base, Company
H had a skirmish with rebel cavalry and, having the
advantage, being above and well protected, soon drove
it off, the rebels leaving one man severely wounded; two
also, were captured, together with some sabres and
other arms. The Regiment and Brigade followed
closely ready to support the skirmishers. But the rebels
had discovered our strength and had no doubt been
posted there to observe and report our approach. As
Beatty's Brigade was the first and only force yet in the
valley and the enemy lay within three miles distance.
General Beatty prudently halted and, throwing out a
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 115
Strong picket line, went into bivouac. For twenty-four
hours following we were isolated from support, should
an attack be made. But though numbering only some
twelve hundred men and a section of a battery, our ad-
vantage of position would have enabled us to repel any
attack by far superior numbers. Vide Reb. Rec, Vol.
XXX., pp. 326-367.
General Rosecrans was notified at half past three on
the morning of the 9th that Chattanooga had been
evacuated. General Wagner, whose troops lay on the
north bank opposite, became convinced on the 8th that
the rebel army was leaving. General Wilder, who, with
his mounted infantry, had patroled the river for thirty
miles above, during the campaign, and was then seven
miles from the town, was also satisfied of the fact.
Therefore, on the morning of the 9th, Wagner crossed
his troops over and took possession, the colors of the
Ninety -seventh Ohio being the first planted on the rebel
defenses. At a later hour the rest of Crittenden's Corps
marched around Lookout Point and into the city and val-
ley. And thus fell without a battle — ^the rebel strong-
hold, the key to Georgia and the inner South ; the object
of the National thoughts, efforts and solicitude for one
long year. This had been the goal for which Buell had
feebly reached, and which General Rosecrans by the ex-
•ercise of superior generalship, had obtained in the face
of difficulties and discouragements, before which a
feebler genius would have recoiled in dismay.
The effect produced on the army by the fall of Chat-
tanooga was electrical. The retreat of Bragg was con-
sidered such evidence of weakness that the pursuit and
defeat or capture of his army, now occupied the
thoughts of all.^ The authorities in Washington who
had been trembling with anxiety for the safety of the
Army of the Cumberland, and watching for the de-
nouement of what was considered a bold and perilous
undertaking and one, too, which they had not properly
supported, elated beyond measure, urged a further ad-
vance. If General Rosecrans had been averse to this he
would have had no discretion. At all events, the move-
116 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Dients of the 9th were ordered to-be pushed with vigor
agaiDst the enemy from right to left, a distance of forty
to forty-five miles.
The First Brigade passed the night of the 8th with-
out any alarm, and on the 9th marched south three
miles to the foot of Steven's Gap, where at four p. m.
Negley's Division having come down, the whole force
moved by a rough narrow road through a lane, one mile
to Bailey's Cross Roads. This was found to be a mere
hamlet of a few log houses, situated in the midst of
dense woods and surrounded by rocky knolls. Gn a
large oak tree was noticed a sign board with the legend,
"To Chattanooga 23 miles." Thirty years later, the
writer revisited this, and other places in the vicinity,
and saw w^hat were evidently the same log houses and
sign board, there seemed to have been no change. Gen-
eral Negley, halting the main command for the night,
sent forward Stanley's Brigade at five p. m. on a re-
connoissance eastward in the direction of Dug Gap.
Stanley marched nearly there, a distance of three miles,
but constantly met and skirmished with rebel cavalry,
of which two were captured in a charge by Negley's
mounted escort. Stanley then withdrew. During the
day, Crittenden's Corps on the left, except Wagner's
Brigade, had marched rapidly up the valley toward
Ringgold, in Bragg's rear. McCook on the right had ad-
vanced in the direction of Alpine to intercept Bragg.
None of the three corps were within supporting dis-
tance of each other, McCook's being twenty miles from
the Fourteenth and separated also by high mountains.
If McCook had attempted to join by the front he would
have met Bragg's whole army and have been crushed,
he could only effect a junction with Thomas by re-
crossing the mountains twice, and this is what he did a
few days later. Crittenden was as far away as McCook,
but had the advantage of being in the valley with better
roads to traverse. The Fourteenth Corps — ^the center,
w^as the key in the arch, and the relijance of all. Such
was the situation on the evening of the 9th. General
Rosecrans evidently believed that Bragg would con-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 117
tinue to retreat and based his orders for the 10th on that
assumption. Had he known what was transpiring
around the camp fire of General Bragg, he would have
issued orders of a different kind. Another day was re-
quired to reveal the intentions of the rebel commander.
On Thursday, the 10th, in pursuance of orders, Neg-
ley's Division resumed the march toward LaFayette
via Davis Cross Roads, two miles or more southeast
from Bailey's. No other troops of the Fourteenth Corps
had as yet come into the valley — here called McLe-
More's Cove. SirwelFs Brigade (the Third) led the ad-
vance, and from the first did more or less skirmishing
with the rebel cavalry. The road was through dense
woods, over several hills, and ^as rocky and rough part
of the way. Beatty's Brigade guarded the train of four
hundred wagons, through to Davis'. On arriving at the
latter point the train was parked. From Davis' to
Chickamauga Creek (below called river) the road led
through a narrow lane with stone walls on either side,
the distance to the creek being about sixty rods, and
thence across the stream to Dug Gap; the entrance to
this gorge in Pigeon Mountain was not over a quarter
of a mile from the creek. Parallel with the latter,
which at this point ran northward, a solid stone \^a\\
guarded the John Davis plantation of five hun<lre:l
acres. During the advance so much opposition had
been shown that Negley became cautious on approach-
ing Dug Gaj), and disposed his command in the best po-
sitions to be found. He learned from' a Union citizen at
one-thirty p. m. that his suspicions were correct, and
that Buckner's Corps with cavalry and artillery was ad-
vancing from Catlett's Gap of Pigeon Mountain, three
miles below, with the intention of coming in on our left
and rear. Dispositions were made at once to defeat this
attempt. It was now late in the afternoon, and to im-
press the enemy a strong demonstration was made
against Dug Gap, driving back the rebel skirmishers
and disclosing heavy forces behind. One object was to
establish the picket line well up to that of the rebels in
the Gap, and this was done. The troops were then
118 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
bivouacked under arms on the rocky ridges around
Davis' house to the right, front and left Subsequently
at a late hour, the picket line was quietly drawn back
to a new position. The One Hundred and ITourth lay
near Davis' house. During the night Negley received
additional news from Union men and his scouts, to the
effect that one-half of the whole rebel army lay witliiu
two miles of our camp, concealed by Pigeon Mountain,
and intending to attack and destroy Negley's Division
in the morning. They stated that immediately in front
was HilPs Corps of three divisions — ^twelve brigades;
to the left Buckner's Corps of two divisions, and Fcir-
rest's cavalry — ^two divisions; while Polk and Brecken-
ridge's Corps were within supporting distance. Such
was the situation in front of Negley on the night of the
10th, and it may be conjectured that the General and
his staff did not sleep very soundly, if at all.
On the morning of the 11th, about eight, all were
mlich relieved by the arrival of General Baird with the
First and Second Brigades of the First Division (Stark-
weather's and Scribner's). These troops were put in jk)-
sition at once. About this time General Thomas,
whose headquarters were at Steven's Gap, made his ap-
pearance with his staff and escort for the purpose of
looking over the ground. Every soldier knew that we
were in a critical position, but the presence of the loved
and trusted Commander of the Fourteenth Army Corps
gave confidence to all. General Thomas had some tent
flys pitched in Davis' meadow and sat down to business
as undisturbed and impassive as the craggy mountains
around. These temporary headquarters were not re-
moved for some hours and until shot and shell were fly-
ing thick and fast. The w^riter having seen no men-
tion of General Thomas' presence there in any report or
history, and being sent to General Thomas' headquar-
ters, moreover, having been impressed with his appear-
ance at that time, records the facts stated as a part of
the history of the day's events. About nine there were
signs of the enemy's advance. A scout coming in, re-
ported that the obstructions in Dug, Blue Bird and Cat-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 119
lett's Gaps, which Bragg had placed there, had been re-
moved and the rebel advance begun.
General Negley (no doubt under orders from General
Thomas), deciding that our position was untenable with
the forces in hand, prepared to retreat to Bailey's Cross
Koads and Steven's Gap. Meantime, during the fore-
noon, heavy columns of the rebels could be seen ap-
proaching, the nearest being those from Dug Gap. Their
sharpshooters soon struck Hirwell's Brigade, but ^his
occupied an excellent position well protected, and as the
rebel main line came nearer, poured in an effective fire
that caused them to halt. Sirwell lost here, three killed
and twenty wounded. Then, being relieved by Stark-
weather's Brigade, Sirw^ell quietly withdrew to the
ridge at Davis; Bridge's Battery of Beatty's Brigade,
stationed in Davis' orchard or garden, did some effective
work at that time. It was then twelve, and there was a
lull in the operations for a short time. A rebel battery
had been playing on our lines at Davis, but without
doing much damage, except to the residence, which was
a very good one of the better class seen on Southern
plantations, and to the feelings of Mrs. John Davis, who
was an excellent rebel, and vowed she would never leave
the premises. But after enduring the crash and roar of
the shells for a while, taking her two small boys by the
hand she decided to evacuate the house. The writ(»r
chancing just then to be passing was appealed to and
advised her in warm terms to get behind the hills. She
stood not on the order of her going, but went at once.
The vision of those two bright, young boys comes before
me now. About one p. m. heavy columns of cavalry
were visible marching through the fields to our left. A
battery was turned upon them. The immense train of
four hundred wagons containing all of our ammunition
and supplies was by this time got ready, and escorted
by Beatty's and Scribner's Brigades, moved toward
Bailey's Cross Roads. Their preservati(m was as im-
portant as that of the divisions in front. On the road
the cavalry endeavored to break in, but were unable to
120 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
do SO, owing to the activity and skill of General Beatty,
who commanded. The rebels, however, had thrown one
regiment fon\'ard to Bailey's, which retreated on our
approach. This movement was very slow and made
with caution. From Bailey's it was continued aftin*
*dark to Steven's Gap. While the trains were being
started and en route, lively work was going on in front,
the other brigades of Negley's and those of Baird being
hotly engaged around Davis. Negley planting ten guns
on the ridge shelled the enemy with good eflfect. Cblonel
Stanley commanding the Second Brigade took position
to the right and drove back the rebels with musketry as
they approached the creek. Starkweather was on the
left Four companies of the Nineteenth Illinois, and
one of the Twenty-fourth Illinois, lay behind the stone
wall by the creek, and as the enemy advanced almost to
the ford, rose suddenly, as from the ground, and poured
in a volley that sent them reeling to the rear. Thirty
rebels fell dead at the first fire. How many were
wounded is unknown. Our batteries on the ridge firing
over the infantry did fearful execution. The rebel ad-
vance was then thoroughly checked for a time and
Stanley's command withdrawn nearer to Davis. Stan-
ley's loss was five killed, twenty-nine wounded, and four
missing. The loss of the enemy was never known posi-
tively, but must have been heavy as they exposed them-
selves with reckless confidence, knowing the strength
opposed to them. It was then after three o'clock and
though repulsed on the right, Buckner's Corps was
steadily moving in on the left within short range, when
terrific firing began on both sides, in which our troops
had the advantage of position, but Neglej' knowing that
they would soon charge in overpowering numbers, with-
drew slowly from one hill to another, covering every
movement, until after dark he reached Bailey's. Under
further orders the trains had gone on to the foot of the
Gap and were parked in rear of a line of hills in the val-
ley. The entire Division, also Baird's, was then placed
near the Gap in as good positions as could be obtained
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 121
in the darkness. There we were joined by the divisions
of Brannan and Reynolds, which had just arrived, and
General Thomas took command in person.
The One Hundred and Fourth during the day had
one man wounded, and one, William R. Eyster, of Com-
pany D, missing; he was probably killed in the thick
woods, as he was a sharpshooter. M. Kirkpatrick had
his collar shot away^by a minie ball. During the night
the Regiment and Brigade placed along the hills, threw
up some slight defenses of timber and rails, which were
further strengthened at early dawn of the 12th. Gen-
eral Beatty and staff spent almost the entire night in
the saddle posting picket lines and preparing for attack,
which was deemed certain to be made in the morning.
Not a moment was spent in sleep. At three a. m., Com-
missary-Orr surprised our headquarters by producing a
bottle of wine. General Beatty remarked, "Well, let's
drink ; we may not be able to a few hours later.'*
Sunday, the 12th, dawned bright and warm, but con-
trary to expectation, no enemy appeared, and the cav-
alry soon after reported that they had withdrawn to
Dug Gap. This unlooked-for event, though a surprise,
was not unwelcome as all were thoroughly worn out and
needed rest. General Rosecrans received a telegram
from General Halleck at Washington, dated September
11, which stated among other things that rebel desert-
ers had come in and reported Bragg as sending rein-
forcements to I^e. Vide Reb. Rec, Vol. XXX, p. 34.
This was only a rebel ruse, but Halleck did not seem to
discredit it.
The writer has dwelt at considerable length on the
actjon at Davis Cross Roads, for the reason that in all
the general histories the affair has been hardly more
than mentioned, and only in a general way, without giv-
ing details of what was a formidable fight, while the
skill with which General Negley, aided by Baird, his
junior, commanded and extricated the division from
their perilous position, and the steady valor of the
soldiers, who could see that they were facing over-
122 THE ONE HU NDRED AND FOURTH
whelming numbers, have been barely alluded to. There
is, also, another reason. This was the turning point in
the campaign begun June 24th, nearly three months
previous, the preliminary opening of the Battle of
Chic'kamauga, fought a few days later.
The action uncovered Bwigg's designs. It was
learned soon after that he had issued orders for an ad-
vance in force on the 10th, against Negley, but owing to
a misunderstanding on the part of his Generals — Hill
and Hindman, and the heavy obstructions he had
placed in the gaps, there was a day's delay. This saved
Negley, as no other forces were then down the moun-
tain. It, also, probably saved Crittenden, who, on the
11th, advanced to Ringgold in the valley, preceded by
Wilder and Minty, who drove out the enemy and then
went as far as Tunnel Hill. These forces, in fact, passed
the right flank of a part of Bragg's army, and saw the
rebels on every road. But the attention of the rebel
commander being absorbed with the movement against
Negley, he neglected Crittenden.
During the day the movements on the right con-
vinced McCook that he could not reach LaFayette, nor
connect with Thomas east of Lookout. The experience
of the Fourteenth Corps was almost conclusive evideii<;^
that Bragg had been reinforced, had done retreating,
and was determined to bring on a battle. General Rose-
crans grasping the situation and consulting with
Thomas, at once, on the night of the 11th, took meas-
ures for the concentration of the three corps. Couriers
sent to McCook, who remained inactive on the 12th, did
not reach him until midnight of that date. He at once
set his (^orps in motion, and being obliged to return by
way of Valley Head, had to cross and recross the moun-
tain twice in order to reach Thomas. This movement
required four days for its execution. Crittenden was
reached easier, but being then beyond Ringgold with
Wilder and infantry in advance, had to wait for their
return. This delayed his moving northwest, nearer
Thomas, and on the 12th, when- he marched, he
was confronted with two rebel corps sent by Bragg,
REGIME3NT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 123
who, haying failed to crush Negley, resolved to destroy
Crittenden.
The safety of the army and Chattanooga was in-
volved in this movement. But surprising as it may
seem, no battle ensued, though skirmishing was carried
on all day, and Wilder had a severe engagement at
Leet's Tanyard, with a loss of thirty killed and wounded.
The enemy lost fifty. The Corps reached Lee and Gor-
don's Mills on the Chickamauga in safety, where Wood
lay with his division. The Fourteenth Corps lay quiet
on the 12th, awaiting developments and movements
elsewhere. It was necessary also to wait for McCook.
General liosecrans aware of Crittenden's critical po-
sition gave him orders accordingly. General Crittenden
expecting an attack on the morning of the 13th, fortu-
nately so disposed his forces as completely to deceive
General Polk, who commanded the two rebel corps sent
to crush him. He began aggressive movements on his
front and left, and sent General Van Cleve out on the
LaFayette road with one brigade. General Van Cleve
soon meeting the rebel advance drove it back three and
a half miles. General Polk, happily for Crittenden,
halted and sent to Bragg for reinforcements. The lat-
ter, perplexed and vacillating, then, to the surprise and
joy of Crittenden, withdrew Polk's Corps and gave new
orders for the concentration of his army on the Chicka-
mauga. General Rosecrans was kept informed by cour-
iers as to McCook's movements and it may be supposed,
awaited his approach with as much anxiety as did Wel-
lington that of Blucher at the Battle of Waterloo.
It was still possible for Bragg to crush or drive off
Crittenden and seize the roads to Chattanooga, when
nothing would intervene north but three brigades of
the Reserve Corps, then supposed to be at Rossville, five
miles from the city. With these threatening possibili-
ties in view. General Rosecrans ordered (^rittenden with
two divisions to move west on the 14th, so as to cover
the roads in the valley, leaving Wood at the Mills.
There Wood was isolated from any near support, but he
could be relied upon to take pretty good care of his part
124 THE ONE HL'NDRED AND FOURTH
of the line. Wilder was called on to cover the ground
to Thomas with constant movements and demonstra-
tions along the Ohickamauga, there rapid and deep with
few fords, another favorable circumstance for Rose-
crans.
The Fourteenth Corps moved one mile northeast on
the 14th. On the 15th, Colonel A. B. Moore, and Chaplain
Hempstead, both of whom had resigned not long before,
were notified of the acceptance of their resignations, on
account of disability, and left for home.
Colonel Douglas Hapeman now assumed command *
of the One Hundred and Fourth.
It being evident that a battle must be fought, the re-
uniting of the Army of the Cumberland became a mat-
ter of life and death and all the efforts of the command-
ing general and his subordinates were directed to that
end.
General Thomas advanced the Fourteenth Corps a
mile or two each day until the 17th, this slow progress
being necessary on account of McCook.
Colonels Minty and Wilder were kept constantly re-
connoitering on the front along the Chickamauga, and
from them and other sources, it was learned that Bragg
was moving along the east bank, and concentrating his
heaviest forces on the right, with the- evident Intention
of trying his favorite tactics of massing on one flank, in
this instance, our left. But Bragg, brilliant enough in
conceiving plans, was slow in executing them. He had
intended to crush Rosecrans' army, "Exposed in detail,'*
as he expressed it. The golden opportunities had been
lost, as he afterward claimed, by the failure of his gen-
erals to carry out his orders. Yet, the remedy was in
his own hands. Learning nothing from the lesson of
Davis Cross Roads, and chagrined at the result, he
turned in desperation against Crittenden with the same
generals, and though having for five days the opportu-
nity to crush him, weakly abandoned almost certain suc-
cess and withdrew.
While Rosecrans and Thomas were watching the
left with untold anxiety, sending courier after courier to
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 126
hurry up McCook, to their great joy and relief, his heads
of column appeared on •the 17th, on the heights of Stev-
en's Gap and were soon in McLemore's Cove.
The Fourteenth Army Corps had no fears for itself.
Eosecrans and Thomas enjoyed its full confidence, but
knowing that there is a limit to human endurance, and
aware of the vast combinations of rebel armies called
from the east, west and south, to help Bragg annihilate
the Army of the (^umberland, McCook's arrival was
greeted with shouts and thanksgivings. The cavalry,
which had been with McCook, followed his infantry and
were placed on the right, front and rear, to guard the
fiajik and McCook's immense trains under the conduct
of the gallant General Lytle, then on the way over Look-
out.
The Fourteenth Corps on McCook's arrival was
moved beyond Pond Spring, six miles, and bivouacked
near the Chickamauga. Johnson's, Sheridan's and
Davis' Divisions occupied the ground left by^ General
Thomas, with outposts thrown forward towards Dug
and Catlett's Gaps of Pigeon Mountain. Crittenden's
Corps was then within reach in case of attack, and Gen-
eral Rosecrans suspecting Bragg's plan kept a watchful
eye on the left.
During the day. General Steedman, on recon-
noissance toward Ringgold, saw heavy clouds of dust
toward Dalton, whence reinforcements would arrive
for Bragg; our signal officers on the mountains also ob-
served the same thing. These tell tale lines tended
toward our left. Rosecrans was informed. From
scouts and spies and various sources, General Rosecrans
had learned beyond the possibility of doubt that Bragg
had been reinforced by Longstreet's Corps from Vir-
ginia; by Johnston's forces from Mississippi, including
paroled prisoners from Vicksburg; by Buckner's Corps,
and by Walker's Corps, from Georgia; constituting an
army of over 70,000 men, marshaled on the banks of the
Chickamauga, for the purpose of not only annihilating
the Army of the Cumberland, but retaking Chatta-
nooga. To oppose this vast aggregation, Rosecrans had
126 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
not over 55,000 men, but neither he nor his soldiers
doubted their ability to cope with Bragg and defeat his
army. All knew that a great battle must be fought
sooner or later, and were anxious to have it over.
Some military critics, also some generals, have as-
serted that Rosecrans should have withdrawn his whole
army to (Jhattanooga on the night of the 17th and 18th,
instead of stopping to flght at Chickamauga. This could
have been done probably with some loss, but in such
case the ultimate results would have been bad, hazard-
ing not only the possession of the primary object of the
campaign, but all the vast territory gained north
to the Ohio River, as Bragg, with an unbroken
army, could not only have besieged Chatta-
nooga successfully, but could have crossed the Ten-
nessee and marched again into Kentucky. There
seem^ to have been on both sides wisdom in the con-
clusion that a great battle, both for military and polit-
ical refwons, was an absolute necessity. In view of
the impending contest all of the trains, except ammu-
nition and a few supply wagons, were sent on to Chat-
tanooga by the roads nearest Lookout and lying west
of Mission Ridge.
On the morning of the 18th, the corps of McCook
and Thomas were put in motion for the left Neg-
ley's Division did not march until three p. nL, when
we left our bivouac near Owen's Ford, five miles from
Crawfish Springs, and proceeded toward the latter
place. From Owen's Ford there was only one prac-
ticable road and this was blockaded with troops, artil-
lery and trains, making the movement very slow. The
nature of the country was such as to admit of no move-
ments through the fields, except for infantry, and then
only at intervals. Dense cedar brakes growing on and
among broken limestone rocks abounded everywhere
and prevented a passage. During the day more or
less cannonading was heard away on the left where
Crittenden lay; Beatty's Brigade, after consuming six
hours and making three miles, halted at nine in the
evening in consequence of orders to take a road to the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 127
right and relieve Colonel Grose, who was confronting
the enemy at a ford of the Chickamauga, three miles
from Crawfish. But the One Hundred and Fourth,
being still in the rear guarding a train, it was neces-
sary to wait for its arrival. Not having reported at
twelve, General Beatty moved off with the three regi-
ments and Bridge's Battery, leaving the writer to con-
duct the Regiment to position. About one a. m. the
One Hundred and Fourth arrived and the order was
given to Colonel Hapeman. The men were greatly
fatigued and needed sleep, but we must go. Falling
in, the march was begun and though not very long,
there were circumstances that made it seem so. The
night was intensely darkj the road a mere trace
through the woods with underbrush on each side.
There was no talking, not a sound disturbed the still-
ness which became painful in view of possibilities, pain-
ful to the writer, charged with the responsibility of
finding the Brigade. After marching for a distance
that seemed miles, a halt was made and all listened
for sounds indicating our proximity to the command.
Nothing was heard. Colonel Hapeman and the writer
then lighted matches and examined the road for tracks.
But having passed no laterals it was certain that no
mistake could have been made. We then moved on,
and after another age, suddenly stumbled upon some
pickets — our own; the balance of the Brigade were
sound asleep in the dark forest. It was then two a. m.
Reporting to General Beatty, who was greatly relieved
by our arrival, such sleep as could be had on this
cold night, was sought. No fires were allowed.
The 18th had been employed by Bragg in massing
his heaviest forces east of the Chicakamauga in front
of and beyond Crittenden, who held position from Lee
and Gordon's Mill^ northward, with Wilder and Minty
to his left, respectively at Alexander's and Reed's
bridges, situated two and five miles from the mills.
Tedford's, Dalton's and Byron's Fords were between.
General Bragg had issued orders for attack on the
18th, but had been delayed by the same obstacles as
128 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Rosecrans, namely, few and bad roads, and on this
account lost the adyan^age of a day. The benefit had
accrued to the latter, who was the better prepared
for battl^ on the 19th. Demonstrations were made in
the morning by the enemy against Palmer, who was
posted to the right of Crawfish Springs. Also against
Wood by Polk's Corps, but these were only intended
to divert attention from the left. About ten Minty
and Wilder at the bridges, were attacked by portions
of Hood's and Walker's Corps, and were able to keep
them from crossing until five p. m., inflicting a heavy
loss. They then joined Wood. Toward evening. Col-
onel Daniel McCook, commanding the Second Brigade,
Second Division, of the Reserve Corps, attacked and
burned Reed's bridge in the face of the enemy, and
discovered that a rebel brigade had crossed. The
bearing of Mccook's discovery on the events of the
19th, as will appear, were important.
When the shades of night fell upon Chickamauga
valley two great armies, numbering not less than one
hundred and twenty-five thousand men, were march-
ing to take positions for the combat, their movements
concealed from each other by the Chickamauga and
deep forests. General Bragg's troops spent the night
in crossing the river and in the morning they were
arranged with Walker's Corps on the right, Hood in
the center, Buckner on the left, with Cheatham in
reserve. Walker was west of Alexander's bridge,
Buckner's left one mile north of Lee and Gordon's
Mills. Polk's and Hill's Corps were further up the
river, the cavalry on both flanks. General Thomas
spent the night in moving his divisions to the left,
opposite those of Bragg, and at dawn of the 19th he
had five divisions in line while others were on the
way. General Crittenden still held the line at Lee
and Gordon's Mills as a matter of necessity, to cover
Thomas' movements, but Palmer and Van Cleve were
moved in the night near Thomas. General Negley,
with two brigades, filled the space vacated by Palmer,
getting into position at daylight.
I REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 1»
f
^
Soon after daylight on the 19th, there was occa-
sional firing on the picket line in front of Beatty^&
Brigade, then occupying the extreme right of our army
and three miles from any support We occupied a
ridge covered with a thin growth of timber aifd before
us was a cleared field of some twenty acres; just
beyond this was a narrow tract of timbered land
which bordered the Chickamauga. Heavy woods and
underbrush were on each side of the field. The dis-
tance to the creek was a quarter of a mile or mora
The Fifteenth Kentucky was thrown out in front as
skirmishers and took position in the woods below the
field; skirmishers were also sent to the right and left.
These dispositions were made before dawn. The enemy
soon showed themselves on the opposite bank and
advancing skirmishers across the creek, engaged ours,
but did not advance in force. A desultory 'firing now
followed for several hours when suddenly about ten,
two rebel batteries opened upon Beatty's position.
Captain Bridges replied with good effect- The duel
lasted nearly three hours and was intensely interest-
ing. The reserve regiments during the fight were
concealed partly in the woods, and protected to some
extent. About twelve General Beatty ordered two
guns to be moved to the right a little, to another hill.
Captain Bridges misunderstanding the order, moved
the whole battery. The rebels seeing it fired faster
than ever. General Beatty observing this, having
beei^sent elsewhere, sent Bridges back to the old
position in haste. About this time three pieces of
Schultz's First Ohio Battery and the Eighteenth Ohio,
arrived from the left The firing then became fiercer
than ever. The enemy also began to advance infantry,
but halted on discovering our new battery. In half
an hour so effective was the fire of our batteries, hav-
ing dismounted two rebel guns, that the enemy lim-
bered up and withdrew.
Bridges^ Battery lost in this action two men killed,
nine wounded, and had twelve horses killed or dis-
abled. The One Hundred and Fourth lost one man,
f 130 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
mortally wounded, and eight wounded, on the skir-
mish line and at the battery. Jacob Bane, of (^>m-
pany I, lost here his good right arm. At three p. ni.
Oeneral Beatty received orders to join the main army
to the leit, but the enemy being still in our front across
the creek, we withdrew slowly and carefully. When
the rebels discovered our withdrawal, their cavalry at
once crossed the creek in our rear, but did not attack,
and we reached Crawfish Springs at five.
We had heard cannonading all day on the left and
knew that heavy fighting was going on there. At
the Springs we saw scores of wounded coming back,
«ome on foot and many in ambulances. After a halt to
fill the canteens, the brigade moved on north toward
the sound of the guns, for tTiree miles, and it then being
dark, went into bivouac on a ridge near Osborne's farm
house, and not far from the Widow Glenn's, Rosecrans'
headquarters. The men tired and hungry prepared
their scanty meal of hardtack, bacon and coffee, and
while this was being eaten, witnessed in the twilight
a charge of Negley's Brigade and Wilder's mounted
infantry, less than a quarter of a mile east, which was
successful, driving back the enemy half a mile.
The heavy fighting of the 19th had been on the left ;
beginning at 10 a. m., Rosecrans and Thomas had placed
the divisions of Baird, Brannan and Reynolds with
Palmer's and Van Cleve's, in positions near to the
LaFayette road, at Kelly's house and beyond, so as to
•cover any advance from Reed's and Alexander's
bridges. They had rightly judged that Bragg would
mass his heaviest forces on our left and rear. If suc-
<!essful in destroying that wing of our army and secur-
ing the LaFayette Road, his way was clear to Rossville
and Chattanooga, respectively five and ten miles dis-
tant, with no army north except Granger's small com-
mand at the former place, to oppose him. It was not
yet known that nearly all the rebel army was west of
the Chickamauga and rapidly approaching, yet such
was the fact.
Colonel Dan McCook riding up to General Thomas
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 131
^arly on the 19th, informed hiin of his adventure the
night before and of a rebel brigade being isolated near
the bridge. This information led to the opening of the
battle, and was opportunely given. General Thomas
desirous of capturing the brigade, directed General
Brannan to take two brigades and advance on the
bridge road. Brannan leaving Croxton's brigade on the
left of Baird, moved off with Connell's and Vander-
Teer's. He had not gone far when he suddenly en-
countered three brigades of cavalry under Forrest, with
infantry on his left The latter struck Croxton and
severe fighting began. General Thomas now advanced
Baird. The two divisions soon drove the enemy back
and captured 200 prisoners. Meantime Baird saw rebel
forces on his right and faced King's Brigade toward
them, but LiddelPs whole Division pouring in, swept
King's and Scribner's Brigades away, capturing ten
guns. Starkweather's Brigade coming up met a similar
fate. But the tid^ was to turn. Brannan set it in
motion by charging with two brigades, one of his regi-
ments, the Ninth Ohio, recapturing Gunther's Battery,
Fifth U. S. Artillery, at the point of the bayonet. (Jreat
difficulty was experienced here as elsewhere in moving
artillery or men on account of woods and underbrush,
there being only now and then cleared fields. Thomas
and Rosecrans having divined the meaning of these
attacks, had taken care to provide for them. Reynolds',
Palmer's and Johnson's Divisions ipimediately arrived
and were sei^t into the conflict n^ar the Kelly house
and southeast. General Bragg had made his attack
on the supposition that the major part of Rosecrans'
army was yet in the vicinity of Crawfish Springs, three
miles further south. He intended to swing round his
right so as to envelop Crittenden, and then he would
also be able to occupy the roads to Chattanooga and
stand across the line of march of Rosecrans' center and
right Being confused at the unexpected opposition on
his right, his center and left were withheld and rein-
forcements sent to his right. On this account a large un-
occupied space between Thomas and Crittenden was not
132 THE ONE HU NDRED AND FOURTH
filled by Bragg for some time, which also allowed
Rosecrans to make new dispositions.
General Sam. Beatty's and Dick's Brigades were
hurried forward by Crittenden, and General Davis ar-
rived with Carlin's and Heg^s Brigades. These were
placed on the right of Van Cleve, and none too soon.
Davis was supported on his right by Wilder's mounted
infantry with their repeating rifles, which the rebels
had learned to respect. In front of Van Cleve, Davis
and Wilder, the rebels poured through the woods in
overwhelming masses. A desperate conflict then en-
sued lasting for several hours, the advantage being flrst
with one side and then with the other. Bragg's objec.t
being to divide our army the most frantic efforts were
made at this point, the Vineyard farm, to sweep away
the forces named. Finally, Dick's Brigade gave way
and also portions of the others. At this supreme mo-
ment reinforcements arrived. These were Harker's
Brigade of Wood's Division, and Laiboldf s and Brad-
ley's Brigades from Sheridan. Soon after General
Wood also arrived with Buell's and Barnes' Brigades.
Their timely arrival restored the fortunes of the day
for our army. The flanking columns of the rebels were
defeated and driven back along the entire line and the
conflict ceased at that point for a time.
Meantime Brannan, Baird and Johnson, also Reyn-
olds, having defeated and driven back the rebel right
wing (Walker's Corps) a lull followed, which lasted
until 5 p. m. when the epemy made a furious attack
on Johnson and Baird, whose divisions were being
posted in a new position near the Dyer house, east of
Glenn's. The attack failed and the enemy retired. The
tide of battle had been drifting all day toward the
Widow Glenn's house. This stood on the Dry Valley
Road to Chattanooga, which one half mile north turned
slightly to the left through a pass in Mission Ridge.
Two high ridges extended along both sides of the road
from Glenn's. At the pass mentioned a spur of Mission
several hundred feet high, heavily wooded, ran east,
curving north, for a half mile or more. This became
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 133
known as "Horse Shoe Ridge." On its northeastern
slope was the "Snodgrass Farm." A half mile further
east was the LaFayette Road and the Kelly Farm, with
McDaniel's (McDonald's) house a little north of Kelly's.
From here the road trended southeast to Lee and Gor-
don's Mills. Toward evening the enemy made another
attack in front of Glenn's, which was repulsed by Neg-
ley and Wilder who drove them half a mile. Darkness
had then settled down on the battlefield and both
armies rested where they halted, glad of a respite which
all knew would be brief, for fierce as had been the con-
flict, no decisive victory had been gained, and the morn-
ing would bring a renewal of the battle.
The losses on both sides had been very heavy in
killed and wounded. The latter on our side, were taken
to the field hospitals at Crawfish and in our rear, but
hundreds remained on the field to endure the tortures
of hunger, cold and thirst — perhaps to die. What
tongue can tell, what pen can describe, the suffering
and agony of those thus left helpless! Added to all was
the suspense felt as to the final result. The day's fight-
ing had revealed the fact that Bragg's forces far out-
numbered our own. He had not only overlapped ours
on every occasion, but it was now known that several
of his divisions had not been engaged at all, also that
Longstreet's Corps had arrived from Virginia. On the
other hand, all of Rosecrans' army except one or two
brigades, had been in action. There was a general feel-
ing that the chances were against us. It was true that
Bragg had been defeated in his objects and his forces
driven back, but he still had the advantage of superior
numbers and of the inner and shorter lines of attack.
General Rosecrans held a better position on the even-
ing of the 19th than in the morning, when his army was
scattered along for a distance of six niile», and in
consequence of which the combats of the day had been
a series of distinct engagements, first at one point,
then at another. Fortunately General Bragg had been
prevented by various causes from making the united
and general attack he intended. The unity of our three
134 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
corps had been defttroyed, however, by the neceasities of
the day and the divisions from each intermixed. This
ultimately resulted in advantage as it gavje Thomas the
chief command and forces enough to stem the tide of
disaster that overtook the right under McCook early
on the 20th and which but for Thomas would have
engulfed the whole army.
The morning of the 20th, Sunday, found the Chicka-
mauga Valley wrapped in a dense fog, which prevented
early movements. Rosecrans occupied a line extending
from the northeast corner of Kelly's Farm across the
LaFayette Road, thence southwest to the Widow
Glenn's. Baird, Johnson, Palmer, Reynolds and Bran-
nan were in this order on the left. After midnight,
Rosecrans in conference, gave orders for McCook to
form a line with Sheridan's and Davis' Divisions, ex-
tending from Glenn's to the left and connecting with
Thomas; Crittenden was directed to hold Wood's and
Van Cleve's Divisions in resen^e, in the l^ar of Thomas^
right, ready to relieve McCook or Thomas when re-
quired. Negley who was then on the right of Brannan,.
with two brigades, was to be sent to the left of Baird,.
as General Thomas expected the rebels would renew the
struggle there to get in our left and rear just beyond the
LaFayette Road. With this understanding the new
alignments were begun before daylight, except as to
Negley who had not been relieved and remained where
he was until 10 a. m. General Thomas not understand-
ing the cause sent to inquire.
General . John Beatty's Brigade being unassigned
was at 8 a. m. sent to the left. Marching along the ridge
beyond Widow Glenn's, and descending into the valley-
east of "Horseshoe," we came to the LaFayette Road
near Kelly's house and the narrow cleared field, where
the brigade was formed on the left of Baird, who faced
east. The battery was placed near the road. General
Thomas, then on the left, designated the position. It
was a very good one, but on the extreme left of the army,,
and should have been occupied by a division as General
Thomas intended and had been promised. Bridges^
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 135
Battery was placed near the road and a line of skir-
mishers thrown out to the woods in front. Baird's
Division on the right was behind slight breastworks
of rails and timber.
General Bragg had spent the night in crossing the
balance of his troops to the west side of the Chicka-
mauga. He had divided his army into two wings — the
right and left, commanded respectively by Generals
Polk and Longstreet Orders had been given the
former to attack at daylight on our left, and this was to
be followed at the sound of Polk's guns, by the rest of.
that wing. General Longstreet was to await develop-
ments and attack when expedient. But as usual, Polk
delayed and did not move to the assault until nearly
9, and after Bragg had hunted him up and commanded
an immediate advance.
Meantime, General Rosecrans had ridden the lines
and found McCook in bad position with a long, attenu-
ated line, which resulted from covering too much
ground in trying to connect ^with Thomas. Changes
were ordered, but before the lines could be rectified,
It was too late to be effective.
Soon after Beatty had taken position on the left, as
before stated, an order from General Thomas directed
him to move his Brigade northeast and toward Mc-
Donald's house a quarter of a mile distant. The con-
sequence of this would be to leave a large unoccupied
space on our right toward Baird, but the order, though
unwise, was imperative as stated by Captain Gaw of
General Thomas' St>iflf, who added that Negley was on
the way to our support. At that time General Thomas
supposed this to be so. We looked in vain for him to
arrive as the Brigade moved' across the field in the
direction ordered. It was then half past nine, the fog
had cleared away but clouds of smoke hung over the
valley, through which the sun, red, as if with anger,
shone down hot and sultry. More or less skirmishing
had been going on for an hour in front of Baird, the
premonitory signs of attack. Beatty's Brigade ad-
vanced northeast with two companies of skirmishers
13« THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
in front of each regiment The Eighty-eighth Indiana,
(CJolonel Humphries) was on the left, the Forty-second
Indiana, (Lieutenant-Colonel Mclntyre) next on the
right; then came the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois,
{Ctolonel Hapeman) and the Fifteenth Kentucky, (Col-
onel Taylor); Bridges^ Battery followed. The entire
brigade numbered less than twelve hundred men. The
skirmishers were immediately engaged and heavily.
Such a strong opposition was manifested that General
Beatty ordered three more companies, one after the
other, to be sent to* the skirmish line, which was about
ten rods in advance. This left only Ave companies of
the One Hundred and Fourth in reserve.
Meantime, the Fifteenth Kentucky was heavily at-
tacked in front and on the right flank, as also the two
regiments on the left. At this juncture, General Beatty
sent an Aide to Baird to request that a force be thrown
into the unoccupied space on our right, he also sent
Captain Wilson to hurry up Negley whom we fondly
believed to be approaching. The advance had been
slow and was through timber and underbrush making
it impossible to see more than the length of one small
regiment. This had caused irregularity and uneven-
ness in our lines, as well as that of the skirmishers.
Advancing northeast and under orders from General
Thomas to bear to the left as much as possible toward
McDonald's, which instruction the writer heard given,
the two left regiments became separated from those
on the right, leaving a gap constantly becoming wider.
The firing had then become lively and bullets were
singing their sweet lullabies in the air and among the
trees and brush, announcing the speedy arrival of the
enemy. At this time the writer was sent by General
Beatty to move the Forty-second to the right so as to
connect with the One Hundred and Fourth. On ar-
riving a few moments after he found the regiment en-
gaged. To move at that time was impossible. Captain
LeFevre, of the staff, coming up then, was killed in a
few moments.
During this time the Fifteenth Kentucky had been
REGIMENT Il^LTNOIS VOLUNTEERS. 137
slowly pressed back by superior numbers on the front
and right. ' The enemy were also discovered pouring
•en masse, four columns deep, into the interval between
the right and left wings of the brigade and wheeling,
with the purpose of taking our left in flank, but Captain
Bridges opening with grape and canister brought them
to a halt and they fell back into the timber. The
Forty-second and Eighty-eighth were slowly pressed
back and being outflanked on both sides retreated to
the ridges in the rear, with a loss of over one hundred
men.
Colonel Hapeman, by order of Beatty, formed the
One Hundred and Foui*th closely aligned with the
J^'ifteenth Kentucky, when the two regiments made a
gallant stand against overpowering numbers. General
Beatty personally directing the movements, but they
were obliged to fall back to the road, and did so con-
testing every inch of the ground. The rebels were then
near the battery, and firing into it killed or wounded
•every man in it and all of the horses; they also captured
two guns. Captain Bridges almost surrounded, saved
the remainder of the battery with the help of men from
the One Hundred and Fourth, and withdrew it to the
road, where that Regiment and the Fifteenth Kentucky
made another stand, which was rendered more effective
by help from Captain Goodspeed's Battery. The enemy
were temporarily checked. In the charge on the bat-
tery, the wyiter then passing, narrowly escaped.
General Beatty seeing the rebels in every direction
and leaving Colonel Taylor, (senior officer,) in command
•of the two regiments, started to the rear to find Negley
or Thomas and urge the necessity for more forces on the
left. As it appeared. General Negley had just before
reached "Horseshoe" with Stanley's Brigade and had
sent it forward. This was formed facing the enemy
by General Beatty, with Colonel Taylor's command on
its left But the rebels began pressing back the skir-
mish lines and coming within range were met with a
volley that made them halt. The brigade then charged
-and drove the enemy a quarter of a mile, capturing over
188 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
one hundred prisoners, among them General Adams:
who was w^ounded. But no reinforcements arriving^
the rebels again advanced and Stanley's line withdrew
slowly to tlie ridge and took position near the Snod-
grass house. Stanly in his report says, "General
Beatty was with me and by his cool and gallant bearing^
added to the enthusiasm of my officers and men, etc'^
General Negley Had remained on the ridge to which
many of our beaten troops had retreated and was en-
gaged in forming them there with some batteries in
support.
General Beatty was then practically without a com-
mand as Major Lowrie of Negley's Staff, had been sent
by Negley and withdrawn the Fifteenth Kentucky and
One Hundred and Fourth to the ridge. Colonel Taylor
obeyed the order without consulting Beatty, fi^r which
he was afterward sorry, for he was a brave man and
had simply erred, thinking he must obey the Major
General commanding. Soon after, for reasons ex-
plained, but wholly unsatisfactory. General Negley
taking the troops about him, including Beatty's Brigade
and some artillery, moved toward Rossville, a mistake
he afterward regretted. Thus the One Hundred and
Fourth, with the exception of a few men, was prevented
by a blunder from further participation in the battle
of the 20th.
The Regiment lost in killed and mortally wounded
on the 19th and 20th, seventeen men; wounded — some
severely, on those dates and the 21st, forty-nine
men. Among the latter were Captain Ludington,
Lieutenants Southwell, Sapp, Porter and Calkins,
the latter of Beatty's staff. The entire loss of
the Brigade was three hundred and ten. As
all the records show, and as all know, it
did all that mortal men could do to hurl back the
division brought against it, and under a less brave and
skillful commander might have done less.
The rebels had gained at last the LaFayette Road
and could have marched into our rear, but failed to-
do so, the reason being as shown by Bragg's report that
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. ISd'
his right had suffered so severely and been so nearly
used up that he could not send them nor spare any
troops from his left Vide Reb. Rec, Vol. XXX, Pt. 2.
Beatty's Brigade had fought ten times its own num-
bers and contributed materially to that result. It had
also relieved Baird on our right from what might have
proved disastrous to him and the forces to his right.
The tide of battle begun first on the left against
Beatty rolled in successive waves to the right, striking
Baird next, and soon after extending along the entire
front to Mc<.'ook at the Widow Glenn's. Baird well
protected held his position as did the divisions to his
right, and after repeated assaults, the rebels ceased
to attack for some hours at any point on this part of
the line.
Following the retirement of Stanley on the left,
General Beatty, Captain Wilson, A. A. G., and the
writer, repaired to the "Horseshoe" ridge, lying im-
mediately west, supposing the Brigade must be there,
but Negley and all had gone. This hasty withdrawal
for which he was subsequently brought before a C3ourt
of Inquiry, and which he ingenuously explained, . was
uncalled for by the circumstances, and liad not General
Negley heretofore proved himself a brave and skillful
commander on many battlefields, the statement would
hardly have been accepted.
There were numbers of troops on the ridge, the
scattered fragments of a dozen commands, but no
artillery. It had either been captured or taken to the
rear. Baird, Brannan, Reynolds and Wood also, still
held firm, but disaster had overwhelmed the right, and
the evidence of it became apparent to Thomas and the
center between eleven and twelve, when streams of
panic-stricken soldiers began to pour through the woods
in the rear of the ridge held by Thomas, all going north
as by instinct. Many of them seemed to have very little
else left. Some were induced to join the line on the
ridge. All attempts to rally any large numbers were
futile. They were in part the fragments of McCook^s
command.
140 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
The disaster on the right was due not so much to
scarcity of soldiers and length of the line to be defended,
as to bad generalship and the doggedness of General
Wood. When Thomas had sent to Roseerans for re-
inforcement^ and repeated the requests, all was quiet
on our right, which seemed to indicate that Bragg was
making his supreme attack on Thomas and the left
Roseerans therefore prepared to withdraw McCook's
line about 10 o'clock, more to the left, nearer Thomas.
Orders were given for two of Sheri<lan's brigades and
two of Van(^leve's to move toward Thomas. I'here was,
then, no reserve except Wilder's. At that time, an Aide
reported that Thomas was heavily pressed and General
Brannan's Division out of line, exposing Reynolds'
right. Thereupon General Roseerans sent an order to
Wood to "Close up on Reynolds as fast as possible, and
support him." Wood knew that Reynolds was not ex-
posed nor Brannan out of line, the latter being en eche-
lon in rear of Reynolds, and to close up on the latter.
Wood must pass in rear of Brannan, leaving a gap. But
Wood regarding the order as imperative proceeded
to execute it, though as a skillful commander of known
ability, he must have foreseen the consequences and
it was in his power to avert them by delaying the move-
ment and riding to headquarters. After moving and
when too late, he met Thomas who placed him near
Baird. Through the gap made the Rebels who had
quietly approached, rushed en masse. Part of Buell's
Brigade was struck in the whirl and driven back. Bran-
man was taken in flank but quickly changed front and
held his ground. Lytle's and Walworth's brigades, also
Laiboldt's of Sheridan's division, rushed toward the
enemy but were soon repulsed. General Lytle, the gifted
soldier poet, being killed. These with portions of
General Sam. Beatty's and Dick's brigades, being un-
able to resist the dense masses of the Confederates, fell
back over the ridge extending north from the Widow
Glenn's. Many pieces of artillery were also lost.
Thus five brigades had been swept away from the
field as by the besom of destruction. While a few men
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 141
found their way to Thomas, the majority either drifted
through the woods in rear of his position or followed
Sheridan and Davis down the Dry Valley Road here-
tofore mentioned as passing through Mission Ridge
about one mile north of Glenn's at the very point
where Horseshoe ridge begins, on which and its out-
lying spurs, facing east, southeast, and south. General
Thomas with portions of seven divisions and many
small detachments fr<>m a hundred commands, stood
firm as the everlasting hills about them from noon till
night and hurled back the ever advancing hosts of the
enemy led by Longstreet and his veteran legions, who
had been accustomed to w^alk triumphant over the
Army of the Potomac, and had come south as some of
those w^ho were captured remarked, "To show Bragg
how to fight."
There was nothing to prevent Sheridan and Davis
with their brigades, yet partially intact, from joining
Thomas by deflecting to the right at the debouchure of
the Dry Valley Road near Villetoe's — except the panic
which temporarily seized the majority from generals
to privates. That this could have been done was.
proven by the arrival on the ridge of the Forty-fourth
Indiana and Seventeenth Kentucky and other detach-
ments. Also, further proven by the passage of hun-
dreds of fugitives over the right of the ridge in rear
of Thomas, whom many officers, among them the writer,
tried to stop by persuasion and a guard line. Failing
in this Sheridan and Davis could have gained Thomas
by way of McFarland's Gap two and a half miles north,
with the greatest ease. But instead of this they went
on to Rossville, and as all the histories say, which
seems farcical to the writer, effected a junction with
Thomas by the La Fayette and Dry Valley Roads!
They met his withdrawing troops after dark, too late
to be of any service. Had they gone to the ridge
Thomas most probably would not have withdrawn
at all.
In the disaster that swept the right wing from the
field. Generals Rosecrans, McCook and Crittenden
142 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
became involved and seemingly lost their heads. They
all went to Chattanooga under the impression that the
whole left center had been routed, a fatal mistake for
them individually, which no amount of explanations,
especially as regards the two latter, could ever render
satisfactory. The writer, an admirer of Rosecrans now
and ever, saw the commanding General pass back with
some of his Staff and escort, and was near enough to
be impressed with the idea that something had gone
wrong with "Old Rosy," what, he knew not at the time.
As this occurred on one of the spurs of Horseshoe, it is
evidence that there was no difficulty about joining
Thomas when they fell back. The statement is given
to remove one of the many myths of current history.
Meanwhile, Bragg had again attacked on our left
with Breckinridge's Division and Walker's Corps, sup-
ported by fighting Pat. Cleburne. But the first was
utterly routed and driven from the field by the bri-
gades of Willich, Grose, and Vanderveer, while Walker
and Cleburne met with the same fate at the hands of
Baird, Brannan and Reynolds. These repulses were
so complete that later in the day, when Longstreet
sent to Bragg for reinforcements from the right, he
was informed that "The right had been beaten back
so badly as to be of no service to me." Vide Long-
street^s Report, Reb. Rec, Series I, Vol. XXX, Part 2,
p. 289.
General Thomas from headquarters at the Snod-
grass house was watching the progress of affairs on
the left all unaware of the defeat on our right until
the drifting wreckage from that quarter arrested his
attention between eleven and twelve. Apprehending
the situation, the Titanic force of the man rose equal
to the occasion. There was then no attack on the left
to claim attention, and riding to the crest above the
Snodgrass house, Thomas at once began concentrating
all of the forces on the ridge and its outliers, in front
of Longstreet. He had left for the battle lines per-
haps twenty thousand men, but no artillery. The
positions were admirable for defense, the ridge proper,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 143
and the spurs, sloping off toward the enemy in all
directions, forty-five degrees, and were covered with
oak and other trees. Up those rugged heights the
enemy must charge.
Longstreet and his soldiers, exultant with victory,
having rested and re-formed the lines, soon appeared
on the slopes. As they came into musket range, our
lines opened with deadly volleys from which the enemy
recoiled, only to charge again. The heaviest first
attacks fell on Wood and Brannan, but their ranks
remained unbroken.
During a part of the time the writer was employed
in carrying ammunition to the crest by order of Gen-
eral Beatty, who was everywhere present, and carried
ammunition himself. There were few Generals there
with commissions, but many men who would not have
disgraced one. On one part of the ridge 'there were
soldiers of a score of regiments, and all bent to the
work as with an energy born of despair, none wavered.
But there was one General present worth then
10,000 men! Calm, cool and impassive, with such a
look on his face at times as the fabled Imperial Jove
might be imagined to have possessed, bearing the
stamp of genius and God-like attributes, George H.
Thomas stood unmoved and immovable, holding in his
hand that day the fate of the Army of the Cumber-
land and of the Nation! Well did he earn the title,
"^^Rock of Chickamauga.^' In the long list of generals
and heroes Thomas stands as far above all as the
towering mountain top above the hill of the valley!
Every soldier knew that Thomas was there and turned
instinctively as he rode from one point to another in
the lull that was only a prelude to another and fiercer
attack. It was coming. Bragg and Longstreet were
preparing heavy columns to be hurled against the right
and rear on that flank by way of a gorge or ravine
having its entrance at the west end of Horseshoe ridge,
a few rods only from the Dry Valley Road. The time
was about one, and it was a serious question how long
the attenuated lines could resist the next assaults.
144 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Ammunition was running low. Some fool had ordered
or taken away the ordnance trains to Rossville. All
felt as if some crisis was about to arrive for weal or
woe. Thomas and others were watching the approach
of a body of troops from the rear. They might be
friends or foes. Captain Johnson, of Negley's Staff,
who was present, rode down to see. They marchefl in
quick time as they came nearer, the Old Flag fluttered
in the breeze above the glittering bayonets of Gran-
ger's men, four thousand strong. Cheers loud and long
echoed in the forest glades and along the hills and
gorges held by Thomas' mei^ and a devout prayer went
up from many a heart in thankfulness. The day was
saved. These troops were Whittaker's and Mitchell's
Brigades, of the Reserve Corps. In the forenoon they
had heard away off at Rossville the low and sullen
boom of the first guns, and had become uneasy. No
orders were received to go to the front, but feeling
that they ought to be there, orders or no orders, the
march began. At their head rode General Steedman,
who had assumed the responsibility of going to the
relief of Thomas.
Longstreet had again advanced with the forces of
Johnson, Hindman and Kershaw, and had gained a
part of the ridge on the right, and was pressing up
the gorge when the two brigades led by Steedman
appeared on the field and quickly deploying in line,
charged with cheers and yells. It was a struggle of
Titans and the slaughter was fearful, Steedman's
horse being shot he advanced on foot. One of the
regiments wavering, Steedman, seizing the flag,
shouted, "Boys, you may go baek, this flag never T'
They charged over the crest driving all before them;
the wave rolling up the gorge was pressed back. There
were more charges and counter charges by the rebels
when the bayonet was used, but the victory was Steed-
man's, and the rebels falling suddenly back, firing
ceased for a time. It was then that Longstreet called
for reinforcements and received the answer already
quoted. He then organized another attack, which
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 145-
began at four and lasted until dark. In this last
assault were the ten brigades of Hindman and the
reserve division of Preston not before engaged, or only
slightly.
General Thomas had also reorganized his lines^
robbed the dead of ammunition, both ours and the
rebel dead, lying by hundreds on the slopes, and was
prepared to contest to the last. It was a repetition-
of former charges and furiously made. Only as night
approached did the angry waves of rebellion recede^
having beaten themselves out against the "Rock of
Chickamauga," and the gallant defenders of the flag.
The slaughter on both sides in the afternoon in some
regiments was as high as forty-five per cent and acres
were covered with the dead and wounded. At one
point on the ridge lay sixty dead rebels close together.
General Beatty, who was everywhere a conspicuous
figure, at one time commanding, at another carrying
ammunition, says, "However much we may say of
those who held command, justice compels the acknowl-
edgment that no officer exhibited more courage on
that occasion than, the humblest private in the ranks.*'
The battle was over at dark except a few slight
outbreaks here and there, and Thomas held secure
possession of the ridge, but in obedience to an order
from Bosecrans received soon after four, directing him
to retire to Rossville, he prepared to do so at an oppor-
tune time. General Bosecrans says in his report, "He
was to use his discretion." Everything having become
quiet, Reynolds began the movement and in doing so
ran against LiddelPs Division, advancing to attack our
left near the La Payette Road. Reynolds quickly
formed in line facing the enemy, and Turchin^s brigade
charging with bayonets drove the rebels half a mile,,
capturing three hunderd prisoners and two cannon*.
The withdrawal then continued without interruption^
and all the divisions reached Rossville before mid-
night. Colonel Dan McCook's Brigade of the Reserve
Corps, which had covered the rear during Granger's
advance, also assisted in protecting the line of retreats
< 146 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Preceding the arrival of General Thomas, Negley had
been busy in forming a new line of defense at the
southern entrance of Rossville Gap, two miles from
the village. Artillery and the troops he had taken back
or ordered back, also disorganized fragments, were
placed in position.
General Rosecrans, when he left the field and
arrived there, consulting with Garfield and others,
and on the supposition of a total defeat, was advised
to go on to Chattanooga and prepare to receive the
army if defeated and to hold the town if possible.
While he did so, Garfield was sent to the front for defi-
nite information which he at once obtained and for-
warded to Rosecrans. General Rosecrans arrived in
Chattanooga a broken-hearted man, but the news from
the front roused him to action. He at once sent McCook
and Crittenden to their commands. What a spectacle
for two corps commanders! He also sent supplies of
rations forward to Rossville for the nearly starved sol-
diers, and thereafter was himself again. General
Rosecrans' mistake was in not joining Thomas. Had
he done so Bragg, not Thomas, would have retreated.
There can be no doubt about this, and hundreds of
high authorities have so expressed themselves.
The night of the 20th was spent by General Thomas
In reorganizing the army and disposing it in positions
for defense should the enemy advance. To add to its
strength Minty's mounted infantry, which had not been
in the fight, but were on the left, was called in and
several regiments from the rear arrived.
General Beatty, who says that at dark he had no
idea that the army would retire, and who came near
riding into a rebel brigade after dark, supposing them
to be our own men, arrived at Rossville in the night and
hunted up the Brigade. The writer was wounded and
captured on Horseshoe ridge.
At daylight on the 21st Beatty's Brigade was put
in position in the front line on the ridge near Ross-
ville. The rebel advance did not appear until nearly
noon, when Beatty engaged them (DibrelVs Brigade)
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 147
in skirmishing, and Anally made a charge, driving the
enemy from the field, leaving a number of killed and
wounded. Captain Leighton, of the One Hundred and
Fourth, was severely wounded, and two ot^iers slightly
wounded. Other forces of the enemy appeared on the
left and on the right in Chattanooga Valley, but did
not attack. Their movements were merely tentative and,
as afterward known, Bragg's army had been too badly
shattered to do more at that time than demonstrate.
He also believed that Rosecrans had been strongly
reinforced by Burnside and other troops. Strange,
but Bragg first learned of his victory through
northern sources, and then advanced.
Rossville being in every way unsuitable for attack
or defense except in front. General Thomas advised
General Kosecrans to withdraw the army to Chatta-
nooga. The movement began at nine on the evening
of the 21st, slowly and carefully, and at daylight on
the 22d the shattered but reunited Army of the Cum-
berland stood defiant behind the defenses of Chatta-
nooga, which three months before it had set out to
capture.
Thus closed the battle of Chickamauga, the blood-
iest of the war in proportion to the numbers engaged,
the loss on both sides approximating 34,000 men in
killed, wounded and missing. The aggregate loss of
the Army of the Cumberland was 16,336, specifically
as follows: 132 oflScers killed, 592 wounded, 270 miss-
ing; 1,555 enlisted. men killed, 8,820 wounded, 4,985
missing. Bragg lost 2,673 killed, 16,274 wounded, 2,003
missing, making a total of 20,950. As a large number
of the missing were killed, they must be considered in
the estimate. Our loss in material was immense, being
36 cannon, 15,000 small arms, large quantities of am-
munition, besides wagons and supplies of all kinds.
Captain Porter, of the Ordnance Bureau, estimated
that our troops expended 2,650,000 rounds of musket
cartridges and 7,325 rounds of cannon ammunition.
The fighting qualities displayed on both sides were
of a character to refiect credit on American valor, while
148 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
the glories of Chickamauga belong equally to all parts*
of the Army of the Cumberland, for all were repre-
sented in it, even the brigades that were overwhelmed
on the right, having previous to that event done des-
perate fighting and lost heavily in killed, and wounded.
But the battle was a necessity, and while at first dis-
appointing to the north, when it came to be under-
stood in its full naeaning, was recognized as one of the
decisive battles of the war. Such an one cannot be
produced by the mere defeat of an army. It is the
consequences, military and political, that flow from
it in such a way as to foreshadow and govern the ulti-
mate result to the contending parties or nation. These
were far reaching as soon appeared. Viewed in this-
light, Chickamauga proved to be a great turning point
in the history of the war on both sides.
The Confederates W'ho had made the most tremen-
dous preparations and concentrated large armies to
annihilate that of Rosecrans, exhausting in the effort
the resources of the south, failed in all their objects,,
which they avowed to be not only complete victory
in battle, but also the re-possession of Chattanooga,,
and the re-conquest of Kentucky and Tennessee, they
confidently predicting that those results being accom-
plished, the recognition of the Confederate States and
the termination of the war must follow. But none
of their fond expectations were to be realized. Their
victory was a barren one, wholly disappointing to Jeff.
Davis and his people, who expected larger results after
such tremendous sacrifices. But few such victories
could be afforded. Therefore after a brief period of
self-glorification, they began to find fault with General
Bragg and his conduct of a campaign that offered
opportunities seldom given to any commander. Bragg
in turn, to defend his own fame as a General, found
fault with his subordinates. Meanwhile unable to
attack Rosecrans in his stronghold, he settled down
with his army to besiege his enemy and endeavor to
accomplish by starvation what he had no hope of doing-
by battle.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 149
INCIDENTS AT CHICKAMAUGA.
Narrative of First Sergeant (later Lieutenant) Phi-
lander Talbot, of Company B:
"At the time of our repulse on the left at Chicka-
mauga, in falling back from the skirmish line, I
became separated from the Regiment and fell back
with others to Horseshoe' ridge. When I arrived I
found several officers there urging the men to make
a stand. They represented that reinforcements were
coming and that we would yet win the day. Lieu-
tenant Calkins, of Beatty's Staff, was there among
others. Most of the men were willing to stay, though
«ome having lost their regiments, went to the rear.
We immediately went to work to strengthen our posi-
tion, but had done scarcely anything when the rebels
attacked and tried to drive us from the ridge, but
were repulsed by the steady fire of our men. We then
built slight barricades with what loose material we
<!Ould find. While doing this the rebels made another
attack and were again driven down the hill. By this
time our ammunition was nearly gone and the dead
and wounded were searched and what they had left in
their cartridge boxes was distributed. Reinforcements
^(Steedman's Division) had arrived and borne the brunt
of the last attack. About sundown the enemy made
a third desperate attempt to take the ridge, when they
were driven as before and charged with the bayonet
beyond their own former positions. Our boys then
struck up the "Battle Ci*y of Freedom," the whole line
taking up the strain, and when they came to the words,
"Down with the traitors, up with the Stars," every
fellow emphasized them with a vim that made the
woods and rocky hills ring. It was one instance where
'''Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast," for
although the firing continued for some time there was
no further effort made to drive us from the ridge, and
about 7:30 we moved toward Rossville."
James C. Deegan, of Company G, says: "After our
fight at Chickamauga on the 20th, P. A. Hawke, J. P.
Diehl, H. Campbell, F. L. Pound and myself assisted
150 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
in hauling off some of the guns of Bridges' Battery
as the rebels were about to take them. Hawk spiked
one of the guns captured by thet'ebels and while doing
it was struck by a spent ball which left a scar over
his eye. We did ngt get back to the Regiment until
the 22d, and bore with us a complimentary note from
Captain Bridges to explain our absence."
William M. Wilson, of Company E, says: "On Fri-
day night of September 18th, when the Brigade had
reached the position assigned to it, I was one of six
detailed to go on picket duty down near Chickamauga
Creek. We expected to be relieved in the mornings
but were not, and remained there all day, the artillery
firing over our heads. There were numbers on this
picket line and toward night some of the officers
becoming uneasy went back to the hill for orders, but
returned and said the Brigade had gone and that they
saw several new made graves. It was then about
sundown and fortunately some of our cavalry came
along and told us we had better get out quick, which
we did, and by keeping under cover of tlie timber
and brush at last reached Crawfish Springs, when our
surgeons wanted us for nurses in the field hospital
there, but we declined and left in a hurry, and finally
Joe Wilson and myself reached the Glenn House, Kose-
crans' headquarters, where we lay down and tried to
sleep. In the morning we found the Regiment and
marched with it to the left, when I went on the skir-
mish line with the rest and did what I could to keep
back the four or five lines of rebels advancing on us.
There were just acres of them and we fired and finally
fell back, stopping again to fire as we went And making
another stand at the road. From there we went to the
ridge about half a mile, and at night arrived at Ross-
ville."
First Sergeant George Marsh, of Company D, says,
in regard to Chickamauga : "On the 19th we lay around
our battery on a hill near Chickamauga Creek and lis-
tened half a day to the roar of the rebel guns and
ours. Captain Bridges, losing a number of his men^
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 161
a detail from the One Hundred and Fourth helped to.
work the battery, and here several were badly wounded*
About one p. m. our batteries succeeded in silencing
the rebel guns and soon after they seemed to be with-
drawing down the creek. The roar of battle all day
had been tremendous on the left and we soon moved
in that direction. As we approached Crawfish Springs
the movement of our armies for concentration was a
grand sight As we drew near the battlefield on the
left the roar of the artillery increased and we soon dis-
tinguished the crashing sound of musketry, and met
long lines of ambulances with blood dripping from
nearly all, and from some very fast; these were going
to the field hospitals. We arrived on the field about
dark and in time to see a most magnificent charge by
Wilder's mounted infantry, which formed on our right
and rode forward into the thick woods, where we
saw 'no more of them, but heard from their Spencer
repeating rifles the most continuous and rapid fire I
had ever listened to, accompanied by the sharp crack
of their light howitzers. The rebels were equally iu
earnest, for they had immense masses of infantry there
in the dark woods waiting for them. They also had a
heavy gun that gave a deep growl about once a min-
ute and shook the ground where we stood formed in
squares ready to show what we were there for if Wilder
should be driven back, but he was not We then
went back behind a little ridge to sleep — perchance to
dream of home.
"On the morning of the 20th we were sent to the
extreme left and soon a tremendous battle was raging
all along the line. We were formed in some timber on
level ground and our skirmishers were sent out when
we advanced, but we soon met the rebels four lines
deep and were driven back. We were attacked by
Adams' Brigade, of Breckinridge's Division. At the
order of Colonel Hapeman we fired by volley into their
ranks, but without stopping them in the least. They
came on steadily with their light wool hats pulled
down over their eyes, like men breasting a storm. Our
^52 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
light line was soon obliged to fall back to a road in
our rear (the La Fayette Road), where we again formed
near our battery and made further resistance, but
were unable to stop them. I had been wounded in the
first attack and felt as though struck by a whip ; there
was no time then to examine the wound and I assisted
in removing one of the guns, when we retired to the
ridge. At the road there was more or less excitement.
Oolonel Hapeman was doing his best, as also Major
Widmer to hold the Regiment firm. Lieutenant Rood,
of Company G, said, ^They are just as tired of this as
you are.' Lieutenant Clark was disgusted because his
revolver would not go oflf. Lieutenant Wm. C. Ross,
of Company B, who was a giant in stature, had hold
of a sapling with his left hand, and waving his sword
with his right, shouted, ^Come on; I am enough for a
^hole regiment of you myself.' I have no doubt but
that he felt so. Sergeant W. H. H. Hutton, of 'Com-
pany D, who had been promoted to Color Sergeant on
the field in place of James Q. Seward, of Company B,
mortally wounded, shouted, ^Just as well, boys, to die
right here as anywhere.' Colonel Hapeman was not
-excited and I will say that I never knew him to seek
<?over under fire, though he required the men to lie
down unless a charge was ordered. Major Widmer
was very active and efficient all through the battle and
brave as a lion, all said."
••. -•••
o
-J
ui
CD
Z
z
ID
O
o
o
o
CHAPTER XL
The Siege of Chattanooga.
General Rosecrans, immediately after liis arrival
from the front on the 20th, rode over the ground around
Chattanooga, and with the eye of an engineer, select-
ing the points of vantage, set the forces in the town
to work on rifle pits. These and some earthworks
left by the rebels, formed a partial line of defense by
dawn of the 22d, which was further strengthened
during the day and night by the united labors of the
army under the direction of General St. Clair Mor-
ton, Chief Engineer of the Army of the Cumberland.
The line extended from the river on the north to
the river on the south, in a crescent-like form of about
three miles in length, and within the works the Army
of the' Cumberland took position. McCook's Corps
being placed on the right, the Fourteenth in the center,
and Crittenden on the left, Granger^s Corps in sup-
port. Beatty^s Brigade was placed on the left of Fort
Negley looking south. The three cavalry brigades of
General R. B. Mitchell, which, during the 19th and
'20th, were on the right of McCook at Crawfish Springs
and along the Chickamauga, and through a misun-
derstanding of an order to report to McCook on the
20th, nevertheless doing valuable service, falling back
slowly at five p. m. of the 20th, on the Chattanooga
Road and bivouacking, spent the 21st, as also Wilder,
on Mission Ridge and in the valley, resisting the
advance -of the rebels and covering the withdrawal of
the scattered trains, artillery and stragglers, by the
way of roads nearest Lookout. These and also Post's
Brigade of infantry which had not been in the battle,
came in safely on the 22d, though not without consid-
erable fighting.
164 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
The rebels did not advance in force until the 22d,,
when they began taking position from Mission Ridge-
on the east to Lookout Mountain on the west, south-
west from Chattanooga, but their heaviest forces were
placed in the valley closely confronting our lines there^
covering on their left flank the base of Lookout to
Chattanooga Creek, which near by runs into the Ten-
nessee. They also occupied Lookout Mountain on the
23d, (our small forces withdrawing as they approached)
and began erecting works preparatory to planting a
battery with which to shell the town, three miles dis-
tant, also Moccasin Point, opposite and across the river.
The Tennessee flowing by the north side of the
city makes a sudden curve at the western extremity
southward, until striking the base of Lookout it runs
west for a short distance, and then flows northward
again, forming a peninsula of the exact shape of a
moccasin. General Longstreet was sent to occupy
Lookout Valley west of the Mountain:. These disposi-
tions enabled Bragg to cut off all communications
between Chattanooga and Bridgeport by way of the
river and railroad on which the beleaguereii army was
dependent for food for man and beast, except by the
wagon road on the north side of the river sixty miles
long, over Walden's Ridge, and thence down the
Sequatchie Valley to Bridgeport. This rendered sup-
plies uncertain even in good weather, and as the rains
soon set in the road became almost impassable, and,
moreover, was exposed to raids should Bragg's Cavalry
cross the river.
On the 22d Rosecrans^ army numbered 35,000 men
and he had on hand fifteen days' rations, so the pros-
pect for starvation not far in the future was very
good. Later General Bragg sent word that he intended
to keep our army there until it appreciated mule meat
and horse flesh. The first work of the army was to
make the town impregnable to attack, and working
day and night this was done in a few days, but elab-
orate fortifications were planned and carried to com-
pletion more leisurely. On the 24th General Rose-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 155-
crans telegraphed the President that he could not be
dislodged. Many thanks were due to Bragg for hav-
ing left some partial defenses when he retreated and
Bragg afterward expressed his regret for doing so.
As it appears the rebel commander expected Rosecrans
would not attempt to hold Chattanooga, and his signal
officers and scouts reported on the 22d, 23d and 24th
that Rosecrans was moving his trains and much
infantry across the Tennessee, which implied retreat.
On the 24th Bragg demonstrated along our
front and in the skirmishing, which lasted all day,
the One Hundred and Fourth was engaged, Fort Neg-
ley taking a part by shelling the rebels over the heads
of our troops. But it became evident to Bragg very
soon that no retreat was intended and he began for-
tifying his lines with rifle pits and forts across the
valley, and on the slopes of Mission Ridge, there being
no*les8 than two or three lines of rifle pits along the
base of the latter and one on the top with earthworks
for batteries, extending at least three miles. Lookout
Mountain fortified by jiature on every hand, was fur-
ther guarded on top by rifle pits along the north and
west sides, and two miles south, by another line
extending east and west across the mountain. Large
portions of these as well as those along Mission Ridge
can still be seen. Away up on the northeast side of
Lookout, eighteen hundred feet above the valley below,
are the palisades of perpendicular sandstone three hun-
dred feet high, and beneath these the Craven house
and farm of forty acres, the ground sloping off steeply,
but cleared. Here the rebels took great pains to for-
tify the front looking toward Chattanooga, but they
left the back door open toward Lookout Valley, and
through this Hooker afterward walked in while the
One Hundred and Fourth knocked at the front. On
the 26th the enemy attacked our picket lines on the
left early in the morning, but after sharp firing was
driven back. General Palmer received a severe flesh
wound. Under a flag of truce arrangements were made
for the paroling and removal of our wounded from the
.156 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Jiospitals on the battlefield to Chattanooga, except a
number of cases too severe to permit of it. Medical
ofllcers and supplies had been left with them when
"the army fell back. Taking care of the thousands of
wounded taxed the resources of the Medical Corps to
the utmost arid being unable to quarter all in build-
ings, a large tent capable of holding fifteen hundred,
was erected. Hospitals were established also at other
points. Fortunately two hundred bales of cotton were
found in the town and nearly two hundred men were
detailed to make it up into mattresses, so that in a
few days all the wounded had comfortable beds. If
Bragg had ever contemplated attacking it was then
too late. It was evident that matters had settled down
to a regular siege, in which starvation was to do the
work that Bragg's army could not accomplish. Long-
street had suggested a movement northward, hoping
to oblige Kosecrans to retreat, but Bragg did •not
favor it.
Meantime the besieged army settled down to await
events and with that adaptabilitj^ to circumstances
which every soldier soon acquires, proceeded to make
itself at home by the construction of quarters from
the debris of houses in the town. There was an abun-
dance of brick and clay and these were utilized in the
walls and chimneys; the shelter tents served for roofs.
The structures were very small, but comfortable. These
quarters dotted the hillsides and valleys in the town,
and carried one back to the time when the Indians
occupied here very similar abodes, which the early
pioneers taught them to build. It is related by (General
JBeatty, of two soldiers, that while in their kennel one
day a rebel shell from Lookout dropped inside, when
one turning to the other said: "There, you blanked fool,
what did you leave the door open for?"
Very soon after getting settled down with no fight-
ing to do in the field, the thoughts of all and the
tongues of all were busy in discussing the recent battle
and the actions of McCook, Ci*ittenden and Negley, but
especially the two former. This was to bear fruit soon
REGIMENT ILiLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. IffV
after in the removal of those gentlemen to await the
slow proceedings of courts of inquiry. As to General
Rosecrans he still had the confidence of the army and
it would have continued to fight under him so long as
Thomas was his great Lieutenant, for they, consider-
ing the past, looked upon the two as a combination
possessed of all the elements necessary to success.
They saw no reason why he should be shelved for one
mistake any more than Grant for Pittsburg Landing,
saved by BuelFs army, and superseded by Halleck for
a time.
Matters in Chattanooga remained comparatively
quiet until October 5th, when the rebels at one p. m.
opened with their battery on Lookout and two guns
from Mission Ridge, but the range was too great and
little damage beyond wounding one spldier, followed.
On the 9th in accordance with orders from the War
Department, the Twentieth and Twenty-first Corps
were consolidated and became the Fourth Corps with
General Gordon Granger as commander. This retired
McCook and Crittenden. There was also sC new organ-
ization of brigades and divisions consequeht on the
consolidation. The One Hundred and Foui'th was
assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, Four-
teenth Corps, General W. P. Carlin commanding the-
Brigade, and ilosseau, afterward General R. W. John-
son, the Division. The other regiments of the Brigade
were the Second, Thirty-third and Ninety-fourth Ohio,
the Tenth Wisconsin, the Fifteenth Kentucky, the
Thirty-eighth, Forty-second and Eighty-eighth Indiana,
nine in all, with an aggregate of 2,072 men, or about
230 to the regiment In the Department General Reyn-
olds was made Chief of Staflf, General W. F. Smith
Chief Engineer, and General Brannan Chief of Artil-
lery. All of these changes had become necessary and
were regarded favorably by the army, which realized
that the present inactivity could not continue for any
long period. The rations were daily becoming shorter
and forage for the animals impossible to obtain. They
began dying rapidly, and many were turned loose-
168 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
among the hills and mountains on the north side to
pick up a living but eventually to die of slow starva-
tion.
The rebel General Wheeler, having succeeded in
crossing the Tennessee with a large cavalry force on
October 1st, made a raid on our line of supply to
Bridgeport, and at Anderson^s Cross-roads, destroyed
a train of three hundred w^agons loaded with supplies.
Colonel McCook, moving from Bridgeport, ovej-took
Wheeler's forces and drove them across the valley, kill-
ing some and recapturing eight hundred mules and
wagons. Wheeler, who had three columns, moved
nearly to Murfreesboro, doing much damage, but being
pursued by all our cavalry in which he lost heavily by
fighting and desertions, was glad to escape across the
Tennessee in a disorganized condition.
The question of supplies for the besieged was the
vital one and demanded immediate solution. General
Hooker had been sent with the Eleventh and Twelfth
Corps from the Army of the Potomac to Bridgeport in
anticipation of movements to be undertaken for the
raising of the siege.
Bragg's army having control of the river on the
south side, Rosecrans prepared plans to dislodge him
by a movement of Hooker from Bridgeport, supported
by forces from Chattanooga. A steamboat at the lat-
ter place was repaired and a new one built at Bridge-
port. Pontoons were also constructed, all under the
supervision of General W. F. Smith. In the midst of
these preparations, General Rosecrans was relieved
from command by virtue of an order from the Presi-
dent of October 16th. The same order created a new
Military Department with General Grant as Com-
mander-in-Chief, and this new Division included Ten-
nessee. At the same time General Thomas was
appointed to command the Army and Department of
the Cumberland. General Rosecrans leaving his fare-
well order to the army to be read after he left, started
for Cincinnati on the evening of the 19th. When the
order became known there was much regret among the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 169
soldiers, with whom he had lost none of his popularity.
Had not General Thomas been appointed to succeed
him, there would have been the greatest dissatisfac-
tion if not open rebellion.
General Rosecrans was a man who had many ene-
mies and was often hasty and imperious to his supe-
riors and^not sparing in his criticisms of them. He had
while in Mississippi, not hesitated to criticise General
Grant, which in time was sure to bear fruit. But his
time had come, and the greatest strategist of the war
must step down. Time will only increase the estimate
•of the great services he performed in the most critical
period of the war and cannot lessen his fame.
General Grant on assuming command, which he
did at once, telegraphed General Thomas to hold Chat-
tanooga at all hazards. To this he replied, "We will
hold the town till we starve." The army was then on
•quarter rations and it was no uncommon thing to see
soldiers following the wagons in order to pick up any
^ains of corn or bits of hard-tack that miglit fall out,
while the horses and mules lost so much of their scanty
allowance of three or four ears per day that it became
necessary to guard them while eating. There was an
abundance of oak trees between the town and Mission
Ridge and elsewhere. The rebels were in possession
of the greater part of this space, their picket lines in
front, but our boys, or some of them, looked with long-
ing at those trees, believing that acorns would prove
an acceptable article of diet and help to fill an empty
void, so many attempts were made on dark nights to
get them. Marshall Bagwill, of Company (1, One Hun-
dred and Fourth, thus relates his experience: "While
on picket in front of town and being very hungry, I
located an oak tree during the day near the rebel line,
which I concluded had plenty of acorns on it, and
resolved to get some after dark. When night came I
<;rawled out, but observing a rebel picket not far from
the tree, was obliged to crawl around him. This occu-
pied an hour, but I finally succeeded in climbing the
tree and filled my pockets with acorns, and they proved
160 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
to be very sweet and good. I then returned as care-
fully as 1 went!" This simple tale shows the great
privations to which the army had been reduced, but
amid all there was a feeling that relief would soon
come and the universal sentiment was, starve but never
surrender!
The days dragged slowly on. Firing on the
picket lines had ceased by mutual agreement and the
pickets frequently .met to compare notes, exchange
tobacco, coffee and newspapers. These meetings did
good rather than harm to our side. Neither party were
there in hostile array because they hated each other,,
except in rare instances, but because they had an idea
that they were fighting for principles and rights. The
war was the inevitable consequence of the two systems
of what we call civilization, so absolutely antagonistic,
however, in their teaching and tendencies that the
struggle had to come, and therefore all, except the most
radical, w^ere inclined to make it as humane as pos-
sible, on our side to temper firmness and zeal with
due consideration for the masses of their enemies,
whom they considered as the tools of a slave-ruling
oligarchy, which was true beyond all question. The
writer desires to observe here as a result that cannot
be denied, that the war made the thinking, intelligent
soldiers of both sections, better, more patriotic and
conservative citizens, and in that view alone was not
only an educator, but a national blessing.
The One Hundred and Fourth was moved on the
15th over to the river nearer Lookout, and there-
after did picket duty along Chattanocfga Creek, the
rebels holding the south bank. General Rosecrans
having possession of Moccasin Point had placed some
heavy guns there which frequently exchanged compli-
ments with the rebel battery on Lookout, but beyond
amusing the boys and relieving the general monotony,
neither did much damage except to ammunition.
General Grant arrived on the 23d, and on the 24th,
accompanied by General Thomas and General Smith,
made a thorough reconnoissance of theTennesseebelow
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 161
Chattanooga on the proposed line of operations against
Longstreet, for the purpose of determining upon the
plans already prepared for opening the river and rais-
ing the siege. Genei*al Grant having approved of all
that was proposed, General Thomas hastened forward
the enterprise so quickly and quietly that almost before
our army realized what had been done, success crowned
his efforts and the blockade of the river was at an end.
That very day, the 24th, General Thomas ordered
Hooker to concentrate the Eleventh Corps and one
division of the Twelfth (Geary's) at Bridgeport, ready
to cross the river and advance toward Lookout Valley.
Hooker was to arrive in the valley on the 28th, which
he did. The greatest secrecy and nicety of calculation
for the corresponding movement from Chattanooga
was necessary, and to General W. F. Smith, who com-
manded the expedition, was also due the credit for all
the details of arrangement. The night of the 26th
was fixed for the movement, and under cover of the
darkness sixteen hundred picked men under General
Hazen were embarked on fifty pontoon boats and two
flats, in companies of twenty-five each and an officer.
General Turchin with his own brigade, the rest of
Hazen's, and Major Mendenhall with three batteries,
went overland across the peninsula to Brown's Ferry,
where the landing was to be made, and remained con-
cealed in the woods, ready to cross when the boat expe-
dition should become established on the southwest
side, or cover it in case of failure. At three a. m. on
the 27th, the boats manned by oarsmen, moved down
the river close to the right bank. The moon was
obscured by clouds, and there was a mist hanging over
the river. It was nine miles around to the place of
landing, seven of which was patroled by rebel pickets
on the left shore, while opposite Moccasin Point, Look-
out frowned down upon them. But the trip was made
in safety, and as the first boat arrived, the pickets
fired a volley and fled. All the men then quickly
disembarked and forming in line rushed up the hill,
where, meeting a small force, they dispersed it and
162 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
began fortifying. Meantime, Turchin^s and Hazen's
men were brought over the river in the boats. The
rebels having recovered from their surprise brought
up reinforcements of about a thousand men and
attacked, but were soon driven off, losing some in killed
and captured. Ilazen^s loss was thirty-eight. Our
troops captured here two thousand bushels of corn and
twenty cattle, which was a very important addition to
the commissary at that time. In a few hours the place
was made secure against attack and the pontoon bridge
laid across the river. The significance of the movement
did not seem to dawn upon the minds of the rebel com-
manders, as no more attempts were made during the
day to dislodge Hazen, though the rebels kept up a
harmless bombardment from Lookout on the pontoon
and Hazen^s position.
Hooker, moving from Bridgeport on the 27th,
reached the vicinity of Lookout Valley at three p. m.
wdth his head of column. Then Bragg and Longstreet
began to wake up to the meaning of the Brown's Ferry-
attack, but too late, as we already had five thousand
men there. Hooker advancing east from Wauhatchie,
encountered the enemy's skirmishers and driving them
before him without much trouble, went into camp
about six, a mile from Brown's Ferry. Geary's Division
bivouacked at Wauhatchie, three miles distant. The
two forces thus covered the roads to Brown's and Kel-
ley's Ferries, while Hooker threw out a regiment to
guard a crossing of Lookout Creek. About twelve at
night Longstreet advanced with two divisions to make
an attack and encountered this regiment. This gave
Hooker time to form the Eleventh Corps (Howard's) in
line. Geary's Division being isolated and some three
miles from How^ard, was fearful of an attack and had
remained under arms with strong pickets thrown out.
Soon after Longstreet's forces divided into two bodies,
attacked Geary fiercely, expecting to surprise him, but
in this were disappointed. Hooker, advancing a part
of Howard's Corps to aid Geary, struck the rebel col-
umns and thus the battle raged along the whole line,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 163
lasting in front of Geary for two hours. But the rebels
were routed at all iM)ints and fell back to the hills in
the valley where they bad intrenchments. Howard's
troops pursued, climbing up several hundred feet,
which would have been difficult to do even in daylight,
and drove the enemy from their works at the point of
the bayonet, capturing over one hundred. The rebels
then withdrew from .the valley and **Fighting Joe
Hooker'^ was in possession. Meantime General Thomas
had sent reinforcements, but they were not needed.
Hooker lost in killed, wounded and missing 437 men,
the enemy 1,500, of which Hooker buried on the field
153 dead rebels. The river was now open and repairs
on the road to Kelley's Ferry began at once. The
steamer Paint Rock passed down on the night of the
29th, and though shelled by the rebel guns on Look-
out, was not harmed. The steamboat at Bridgeport
came up to Kelley's loaded with supplies, which could
be hauled the eight miles to Chattanooga without
trouble. Thus was solved the question of food, and so
easily and quickly that Bragg and Longstreet must
have been struck with amazement as well as shame.
By this brilliant stroke, of which General Thomas says,
^^Preliminary steps had already been taken to execute
this vitally important movement before the command
of the Department devolved upon me," the force of the
siege was broken, the hold of the enemy upon Lookout
made useless and precarious, while it also must have
warned Bragg that it was only a question of time
when he must fight for the rest of his positions around
Chattanooga.
In the early days of October, Jeflf. Davis while visit-
ing Bragg^s army and looking down upon the besieged
host, had predicted its speedy destruction by starva-
tion. The announcement of the failure of his and
Bragg^s hopes and plans must have seemed like the
handwriting on the wall, pointing to his own over-
throw.
The effect upon the Army of the Cumberland was
magical. The prospect of having full rations again
_J
164 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
very shortly, together with the prospect of driving
Bragg from his remaining strongholds, and revenging
Chickamauga, gave new vigor to all. But the work
could not proceed at once for various reasons. There
were no horses to move the artillery, General Meigs,
Quartermaster-General, estimated that over 10,000 ani-
mals had perished during the siege; the few left could
hardly drag themselves around. . More troops with sup-
plies of all kinds seemed requisite to render success
certain. However, with a fatality that seems wonder-
ful in view of his past and recent experiences. General
Bragg (or President Davis) grasping at straws, de-
tach^ Longstreet with his corps a few days after his
defeat by Hooker, and sent him to besiege Knoxville.
He did this in expectation of overwhelming Burnside,
thinking that he could hold his lines around Chatta-
nooga in the meantime, and gain a victory that would
revive the failing cause of the Confederacy and the
spirits of his army.
Generals Grant and Thomas, anxious to take ad-
vantage of Bragg's error, prepared to attack on the
7th, but having made a thorough reconnoissance of the
enemy's lines became convinced that it would be im-
practicable to do so just then, nor until Sherman
should arrive with the Fifteenth Corps, which would
give Grant a preponderance of men over Bragg, though
the latter's position on Mission Ridge would equalize
the difference. From that time forward the signs of
busy preparation everywhere within the lines of our
army betokened that a battle would soon occur.
The One Hundred and Fourth, which, during the
siege, had done its share of duty on the skirmish and
picket lines, was increased somewhat beetween the 1st
and 14th by the arrival of members who had been sick
or wounded, and had returned from home or hospitala
Among those were Sherman Leland and Sergeant
George Marsh, of Company D. The latter was quite
severely wounded at Chickamauga, and obliged to go,
much against his will, to hospital at Nashville. Under
the date of November 14th, Marsh says: "We are
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 165
camped in the western part of town, and are on a
quarter to three-quarters rations of hard-tack and fresh
beef only. We have comfortable cabins roofed with
pup tents. Our pickets and the rebels are close together
but very friendly, exchanging surplus articles, of which,
however, there is very little of anything. The enemy's
battery on Lookout throws an occasional shell that does
no harm. This is a shabby little town of few houses
and completely covered by our guns and works. There
is no danger of an attack, or rather no hope of one."
CHAPTER XII.
The Battles of Lookout Mountain and Mlsslbn Ridge.
The last chapter closed with the Army of the Cum-
berland still besieged and on short rations, but these
calamities came to be regarded as incidents of the serv-
ice which would soon pass away with a correspond-
ing compensation for the sufferings endured. General
Bragg, incapable of prosecuting offensive movements
against his enemy, while keeping up the semblance of
a siege, had been weakening his army and looking
wildly in other directions for opportunities to achieve
a success that would aid the Confederate cause. At
the very moment of greatest peril he detached Buck-
ner's Corps to aid Longstreet, apparently unconscious
of the vast forces being arrayed against him, at least
not stopping to consider what it all meant, or else giv-
ing a wrong interpretation to the movements going on
almost within view of his lines.
General Grant, keenly alive to the opportunity pre-
sented for striking an effective blow and breaking
through the barriers that held the army inactive, 'had
hurried Sherman forward with the Fifteenth Army
Corps of four divisions from Mississippi, and in the
middle of November the leading division of General
John E. Smith reached Bridgeport, but the other divi-
sions were far behind owing to bad roads and their
immense trains. However, General Grant planned to
attack on the 21st.
General Sherman rode forward from Bridgeport
on the 15th by Grant's request, when, with Thomas, a
conference was held, and General Sherman made
acquainted with the proposed plans and the part his
own troops were expected to perform. Briefly stated,
General Sherman was to move his four divisions from
• • • ••
••• ••••
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 167
Brown's Ferry up the north side of the river to a point
opposite the mouth of South Chiekainauga Creek, where
he was to cross on a pontoon bridge to be laid down
by Cfeneral Smith, and assail Bragg's right, which was
supposed to occupy the north end of Mission Ridge.
At the same time, General Hooker was to operate on
the enemy's left from Lookout Valley. It being ex-
pected that Bragg would draw from his center on the
ridge to strengthen his flanks, General Thomas with
the forces under his command was to advance in con-
formity with Sherman's movements and attack in front,
but it seems to have been General Grant's idea that
General Sherman's troops w^ould have to do the heavy
fighting, and what the latter has written in his
"Memoirs," Vol. I, p. 362, shows that he derived such
jfn impression from Grant. He reports him as saying,
*^hat the men of Thomas' army had been so demoralized
by the battle of Chickamauga that he feared they
could not be got out of their trenches to assume the
offensive." Again, "The Army of the Cumberland had
been so long in the trenches that he wanted my troops
to hurry up and take the offensive first! after which
he had no doubt the Cumberland Armv would fight
well."
General Sherman was frank, foolish and vain
enough to embody the foregoing in the form of history,
and w-hich in the light of what he actually did and did
not do, had better have been omitted in deference to
his own fame, the truth of history, and justice to the
heroes of Chickamauga, dead and living. But as events
developed on the eve of action. General Grant modified
his pre-arranged plan at least twice on the suggestion
of General Thomas, but the latter's proposal to move
General Sherman's divisions through Chattanooga and
up the south bank of the Tennessee to the north end
of Mission Ridge, a plan that was practicable, easy,
and could be executed in the night time, was not
adopted. The wisdom of General Thomas' advice was
shown when Sherman, after spending much time and
labor, crossed over from the north bank, and having
168 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
become established, but with no enemy in sight for
two and a half miles, was met by General Howard with
three regiments which he had marched up the south
bank early on the 24th; these he left at General Sher-
man's request and then with his escort rejoined the
main command.
On the 18th General Grant announced to his com-
manders that the attack would be made on the 21st,
and preparatory to this, General Thomas directed
Howard's Corps to take position between Brown's
Ferry and Chattanooga, to be replaced in Lookout
Valley by the brigades of Whittaker and Grose. He
also sent General Davis' Division and Colonel Long's
Cavalry to the north bank of the river to co-operate
in Sherman's movement.
On the 20th General Bragg had notified General
Grant by a flag of truce that it would be well to remove
all non-combatants from the town. Heavy rains set-
ting in and continuing, prevented Sherman's divisions
from getting up, so that no attack was made on thet
21st or 22d. General Thomas then suggested that
Howard's Corps should be used by General Sherman,
and Osterhaus' Division, if behind, be turned over to
Hooker for an attack on Lookout Mountain. General
Grant adopted the suggestions. Accordingly, How-
ard's Corps moved through Chattanooga on the 23d,
and took position near Fort Wood in plain sight of
Mission Ridge with the object of deceiving Bragg as
to Sherman's movements, and also to have the Corps
within supporting distance of Sherman. Generals
Grant and Thomas were fearful that Bragg would
throw up the siege and escape without a battle and
became anxious to attack, which it was very desirable
to do while Longstreet and Buckner were away. Gen-
eral Grant was also concerned about Burnside, who
was closely besieged at Knoxville. He resolved not
to delay longer. As an initial movement, a reconnois-
sance in force was ordered about (noon to be made from
the center by Wood's and Sheridan's Divisions against
the rebel advanced lines which occupied intrenchments
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 169
on a high ridge 2,100 yards east of Fort Wood. The
center of this line was Orchard Knob, a rocky hill one
hundred feet high^ where the rebels had an epaulement
for a battery. From the Knob their rifle pits extended
northeast toward Mission Eidge for a mile and a half,
where was another line two miles long. From the
Knob south there was a low ridge extending half a
mile which was fortified with rude works. All of
these were occupied by the rebel outposts. One mile
beyond lay Mission Ridge, the rebel stronghold, on
the brow of which Bragg's main army, supported by
nearly one hundred pieces of artillery, were ready to
deal death and destruction. To General Thomas J.
Wood and his division was given the honor of making
the first attack that was to usher in two great battles
By 1:30 p. m. of the 23d the three brigades of
Willich, Hazen and General Sam. Beatty were in line;
on their right rear, Sheridan's Division; in support of
these en masse Howard's Corps. To the right of Sher-
idan, Baird, while Johnson's Division, under arms,
awaited events. As these thousands thus formed in
serried ranks on the slopes and plain in front of Fort
Wood under the eyes of their great Commanders, Grant
and Thomas, the sun of a perfect day shining down
upon the starry flags and gleaming bayonets of the
embattled array, produced a spectacle of military
grandeur which it seldom falls to the lot of man to
behold. From the cloud-capped summit of Lookout,
on the heights of Mission Ridge, and within the Union
lines, more than one hundred thousand men were
watching the grand pageant. The rebel hosts looking
on in wonder and amazement mistook it for a review.
At the sound of the bugle Wood's veterans advanced
in perfect alignment across the plain, which for a quar-
ter of a mile was clear, but beyond thinly wooded. Not
a man straggled in all that long line as it moved swiftly
forward and brushed away the rebel pickets in the edge
of the woods. Willich's Brigade marched straight for
Orchard Knob, Hazen charged the iutrenchments to
the right, which were on a rocky ridge, and met with
170 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
much opposition, but carried the whole line with a
rush at the pbint of the bayonet, capturing the Twen-
ty-eighth Alabama entire with its colors. Hazen lost
in killed 22, wounded 100, which shows the character
of the fighting. Willich lost 4 killed and 10 wounded.
The casualties would have been greater had the attack
been less fierce and impetuous. The rebels who
escaped fled to the trenches at the base of Mission
Ridge. Beatty's Brigade on the left had little to do.
General Thomas then directed Wood to fortify, which
he did under a heavy artillery fire from the rebel bat-
teries on the ridge, but only one man was slightly
wounded, strange as it may seem. Sheridan^s Division,
advancing to the right on the prolongation of the
Orchard Knob range to what is now the National Cem-
etery, met with little resistance, and also fortified.
Howard's Corps moving to the left and northeast of
Orchard Knob drove back the rebel pickets and skir-
mishers in the flat wooded plain along the headwaters
of Citico Creek, there a mere brooklet, and established
his lines. There were no large forces of the enemy to
oppose, and thus the movements of the day ended in
success and the attainment of most advantageous posi-
tions for further operations, one mile in advance of
Fort Wood and about the same distance from the base
of Mission Ridge, whose heights from four hundred
to five hundred feet high must be stormed. General
Granger, commanding the Fourth Corps, received an
order after dark to have everything ready for further
offensive operations on the 24th. As afterward known,
Bragg then recalled a part of Buckner^s Corps. The
One Hundred and Fourth which, during the day and
night had, with the Brigade, remained under arms, was
to take a conspicuous part in the two approaching bat-
tles.
The morning of the 24th opened with a slight rain,
which finally ceased. General Grant's army of 76,000
men was astir earlj^ and preparing for battle. The
top of Lookout was veiled in clouds when General
Hooker, under orders from General Thomas, mar-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 171
shaled his command of 9,681 men for the assault. He
had portions of the Army of the Potomac, of the Ten-
nessee and of the Cumberland, all strangers to each
other, but nevertheless animated by one common
impulse, and if any further incentive was needed to
deeds of bravery, it was furnished by the very grandeur
of the battlefield.
Geary^s Division, supported by Whittaker's Brigade,
proceeding up Lookout Creek, crossed near Wauhat-
chie at eight, capturing the pickets, forty-two in num*
ber. They then moved on down the right bank driving
all before them and began ascending the mountain.
By eleven Wood^s and Grose'sBrigades having crossed
Lookout Creek, aligning themselves with Geary's left,
moved forward amid the firing of artillery from several
batteries which Hooker had placed on some hills; these
raked the enemy severely in their trenches and breast-
works, and trying to escape they ran into the infantry
and were killed or captured. There were portions of sev-
eral rebel brigades represented there. The rest of Oster-
haus' command now came up on the left, and the whole
line, extnding from the palisades to the valley swept
forward regardless of all obstacles natural and artifi-
cial, and the former were of the most stupendous charac-
ter, until about twelve, the right had gained the crest of
the slope on the north end of Lookout and immedi-
ately beneath the muzzles of the rebel battery on the
point, or coronal of the mountain. Clouds hung over
all, and amidst these the fighting was done. The atten-
tion of both armies all along the eight or ten miles of
battle front had been earnestly fixed on Lookout since
early morning, and the result was awaited with anxiety.
The sound of musketry mingled with the hoarse, sol-
emn boom of Hooker's guns and the artillery on Moc-
casin Point, approaching nearer through the murky
clouds, announced success. Soon the lines of blue and
the starry banners appeared on the lofty heights, mov-
ing slowly to victory around the point Before them in
retreat was the line of gray. Orders to halt and re-form
172 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
were disregarded. The rebels were on the run — panic
stricken. Our troops flushed with success and spurred
on no less by the insipration breathed in to theeir souls
from the grandest arena of conflict known to American
history, than by the cheers and shouts of waiting thou-
sands on the plain below, rushed forward to hurl the
enemy from their main stronghold, Craven's ,farm.
Their elaborate works were for them a slaughter pen,
Hooker's men poured into these a destructive Are from
above. They had been reinforced and attempted
counter movements but these only resulted in greater
defeat and they were driven from the plateau around
Craven's in wild disorder over the rocks and precipices.
About 2 p. m. the fighting was over and further opera-
tions suspended owing to the clouds and darkness on
the mountain. The two regiments of Osterhaus' on the
left advancing along the road reached the valley and
opened communication with our lines across' Chatta-
nooga Creek. Hooker was then firmly established from
the latter point to the palisades. He had fought num-
bers equal to his own over ground that seemed almost
impassable. His prisoners amounted to 2,000 or more.
Many arms were captured.
The One Hunderd and Fourth with the rest of
Carlin's brigade was ordered at 2 p. m. to reinforce
Hooker. Crossing Chattanooga Creek at the burnt rail-
road bridge they began climbing the mountain on the
old Jackson trail. General Hooker awaited their arrival
and the One Hundred and Fourth was ordered to take
position around the Craven house and barn. The
Regiment was disposed for attack or defense by Colonel
Hapeman. Up to 2 p. m. of the 25th, considerable
firing was done, the casualties of the entire Brigade
being 12 killed and 24 wounded, but our lines could not
be dislodged and after that matters were quiet but the
utmost vigilance was preserved until daylight. The
camp fires on the mountain slopes were a joyful sight
to the army in the valley, but how depressing must have
been their effect on that cold night to the fleeing
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 173
soldiers of Bragg who spent the entire time in retreat-
ing from Lookout and marching to Bragg^s right and
center on Mission Ridge. •
The "Battle above the clouds^^ had been the great
event of the day and little had been done elsewhere
except on the left. General Sherman had spent part of
the night of the 23d, in crossing one brigade on jt.he
pontoons over the Tennessee and by daylight had one
division across and a rifle trench thrown up. The bridge
was then laid under the direction of General Smith
and completed by 11 o^clock. Two other divisions then
marched over and were followed by a fourth, (General
Davis,) of the Fourteenth Corps. General Howard with
Buschbeck's brigade of Steinwehr^s division had pre-
viously arrived by marching up the right bank.
At 1 p. m. General Sherman^s army began the
advance toward Mission Ridge, General Morgan L.
Smith's division on the left, General John E. Smith's
in the center, General Ewing's with Buschbeck's bri-
gade attached, on the right, all moving en echelon.
They advanced about two and a half miles to the base
and ascending cautiously seized the top of a hill near
the tunnel, when for the first time there was a show of
opposition. Skirmishing and one or two small attacks
followed about 4, but the position was held and forti-
fied. It was now developed that Mission Ridge was not
one continuous, unbroken line, but furrowed by depres-
sions into distinct summits. Through one of these
depressions ran the railroad tunnel ; on a high hill above
it on the north the rebel forces were placed behind
earthworks. These must be swept away before Sher-
man could reach the tunnel or advance further south-
ward as his orders had contemplated. General Grant
had the impression that the Ridge had been carried to
the tunnel. During the night General Sherman was
instructed '*to attack at dawn.''
On the morning of the 25th, a heavy fog hanging over
the valley prevented early movements, but every prepa-
ration was made for the final struggle. Very early some
soldiers of the Eighth Kentucky climbed to the topmost
174 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
pinnacle of Lookout and discovered tliat the enemy
had gone. The sun rising over Mission kissed with its
first Tay% the National Flag, which unfolding to the
breeze 2,100 feet above the valley revealed to friend
and foe alike, Hooker's victory. Under orders from
Thomas, Hooker prepared to move across Chattanooga
Valley to Rossville, from whence to strike Bragg's left
on the ridge. Owing to heavy fogs in the va0ey and
delay at Chattanooga Creek to build a bridge, Hooker
did not start until 10. The One Hundred and Fourth
moved down the mountain with the rest of the brigade
about 9 a. m., and re-crossing the creek marched across
the valley and rejoined the Second Brigade of Johnson's
Division, forming on its right for the grand assault to
be made on Mission Ridge.
The entire rebel army was now concentrated on
Bragg's last line of defense, extending from Rossville
to Tunnel Hill in front of Sherman, a distance of six
miles, but in heaviest force in the center, which was
confronted by the Army of the Cumberland. General
Hardee was in immediate command on the rebel right.
General Breckinridge on the left The divisions of
Stevenson and Cheatham, or what remained of them
after leaving Lookout, were moving to the right.
The grand struggle was opened at early dawn by
Sherman and lasted the entire day without his being
able to drive the rebels from their very strong positions
though his troops that were engaged did splendid fight-
ing. It became evident to General Grant about 10 a.
m., that Sherman was making no progress and would
be unable, though having then five divisions on the line
or within reach, to drive the rebel right as he had con-
templated, he therefore sent Howard's Corps to Sher-
man who placed it on his left, and renewed the attack,
but met with a repulse to the brigades of General
John E. Smith, which, however, was met by a counter
charge and the enemy driven to cover by the brigades
of Corse and Loomis. General Grant learning of this,
then sent Baird's division of the Fourteenth Corps to
his assistance, thus giving to Sherman seven of the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 175
thirteen divisions of his army, and making it plain that
at that hour, noon, he still adhered to his original plan
of having Sherman do the main fighting while the rest
of the army acted in support or as the emergencies of
the battle should dictate. General Baird on arriving in
Sherman's rear was informed that he could not be used
and was not needed, so he countermarched to the left
of Wood and formed in line there by half past two.
The impression seems to have prevailed in the army
and with Grant and Sherman, that the latter was fight-
ing immense numbers and heavy reinforcements sent
from Bragg's center on the ridge. Sherman in his report
and "Memoirs," Vol. L, p. 377, says in speaking of mat-
ters as they stood at 3 p. m. : "Column after column
was streaming toward me; gun after gun poured its
concentric shot on us from every hill and spur that
gave a view of any part of the ground held by us."
Grant in his "Memoirs" says: "From the position I oc-
cupied, I could see column after column of Bragg's
forces moving against Sherman." Also, in his report :
"Discovering that the enemy in his desperation to de-
feat or resist the progress of Sherman, was weakening
his center on Mission Eidge, determined me to order
the advance (of Thomas) at once."
A study of all the reports of the Confederate Gen-
erals, (vide Rebellion Records) shows that there was
no weakening of Bragg's center at all in front of
Thomas. The soldiers seen "streaming along the ridge"
did not belong to the center. Neither was any artillery
taken from the center. These reports state exactly
what forces were on the right and those sent to rein-
force them. About 2 p. m. of the 24th, General Bragg
having learned that Sherman was then approaching
the ridge, at once sent General Cleburne with the three
brigades of Smith, Lowrey, and Govan, from his posi-
tion one and a quarter miles south of the tunnel, to
oppose him. He also had three batteries. These troops
seized and occupied the ridge, or hills, which Sherman^s
men fought so hard to take that afternoon and nearly
all of the following day, but without success. During
176 ^ THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
the night Cleburne fortified. At sunrise of the 25th,
he was reinforced by Brown's Brigade of Stevenson's
Division, and at 9 by Cummings' Brigade. There were
no additional forces sent to Cleburne until about 2 p. m.,
when Maney's Brigade of Walker's Division, which lay
three quarters of a mile south of the tunnel, and one
small regiment of Stevenson's Division, were sent^ to
the right The aggregate of all these forces opposed
to Sherman's six divisions we do not know, but it could
not have been large, and it thus appears that there w^as
an optical illusion and large imagination in the minds
of Grant and Sherman about the immense numbers
"streaming along Mission Ridge toward Sherman."
These are historical facts and for this reason the writer
has devoted considerable time to the subject for the
purpose of placing them on record as a true exposition
of matters about which all the current histories have
been misleading. During all the fighting by Sherman's
troops, which was severe, reflecting the highest credit
on his soldiers. General Davis' Division of 7,000 men
and all of Howard's Division, except one brigade, were
not in action and the reasons therefor have never been
given. General Shermaxi's loss was 250 killed, 1,310
w^ounded, and 317 missing. General Cleburne's loss,
except in Maney's Brigade, was 59 killed, 334 wounded,
and 30 missing. He also claims to have captured eight
stands of colors and 300 prisoners.
Between 12 and 1 p. m.. General Sherman having
failed to do the work intended for him, sent to ask
Grant, ^'Where is Thomas?" It is needless to say that
the "Rock of Chickamauga" was quietly waiting for
General Grant to order his advance. Both were look-
ing for Hooker's forces to sweep up on the rebel left
from Rossville, before Thomas should begin the assault
on the center, but the time was drawing very near.
Hooker had been delayed three hours to build a bridge
and did not reach Rossville until about 2 in the after-
noon, when he immediately attacked the rebel forces
on the ridge under Stewart, driving them before him
in rout, Osterhaus' division alone capturing 2,000
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. IH
prisoners. Hooker also captured many arms, artillery,
and supplies of all kinds at Rossville. He then moved
on north toward Thomas, killing, wounding, or driving
the enemy at all points where they opposed, until he
peached Carlin's and Hapeman's position.
The afternoon of the short November day was wear-
ing away. It having become evident to Greneral Grant
that Sherman could not advance further, and Hooker
not having appearedj^ he decided that the time had
come to attack in the center, and ordered Thomas
to begin the assault at the sound of six suc-
cessive cannon shots from Orchard Knob. The divisions
of Baird, Wood, Sheridan and Johnson, the latter con-
sisting of the First and Second Brigades only, were
formed in the order named from left to right, having
a battle front of two and a half miles. By brigades
they were arranged as follows from right to left: Car-
lin^s and Stoughton's of Johnson's division; Sherman's,
Harker's, and Wagner's, of Sheridan's; Hazen's, Wil-
lich's, and General Sam. Beatty's of Wood's; Turchin's,
Vanderveer's, and Phelps' of Baird's. This line con-
formed to the alignment of Wood's and Sheridan's
divisions, which on the 23d had occupied the first line
of rebel works in the plain between Fort Wood and the
ridge. Strong lines of skirmishers were thrown out
and there were reserves in the rear. The signal was to
be given at 3 p. m., but delays occurring, it was half
past when the sullen boom of cannon repeated six times,
stretched the nerves of that mighty force of 20,000
men to their utmost tension. Springing forward, the
long lines of burnished arms, and the 150 standards
ivaving over the lines of blue, were borne forward. One
mile in advance were the heights five hundred feet
high, defended by a desperate foe equal to or superior
in numbers, and armed with every modern implement
of destruction. As the line advanced sixteen batteries
poured down on them their murderous contents. Not
a man wavered, only the killed and w^ounded were left
behind. General Grant's order to Thomas had directed
him to take the rifle pits at the base of the ridge, and.
178 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
quoting from his report, ^^When carried to re-form his
lines on the rifle pits with a view to carrying the top
of the ridge."
The One Hundred and Fourth, (of Carlin's Brigade)
which formed the extreme ! right of the assaulting
columns, and commanded by Colonel Hapeman, moved
forward with the rest of the line at the signal from
Orchard Knob. On reaching an open cleared field
beyond the timber, all pressed forward and captured
the first line of works, the rebels in them swarming
out and up the hill like so many bees. For the last
half mile the Regiment was subjected to a terrific fire
of artillery and musketry, during which Lieutenant
Ross, and Sergeant P. Talbot, both of Company B, were
badly w^ounded by a piece of shell; also five others of
our brave boys were shot down by one volley. But
the Regiment had executed the order of General Grant
and stopped to rest as well as it could, under a murder-
ous fire from above. Not long did the men remain in the
captured trenches, but charged on up the ridge from
one line to another until they stood victorious on the
summit. General Carlin says in his report (Reb. Rec,
Vol. 31, Pt. 2, p. 464) : "In front of the left of my brigade
was a rifle pit about half way up the ridge which was
occupied by the enemy. After a few volleys they were
driven from it and it was occupied by the Forty -second
Indiana, One Hundred and Fourth Illinois, and Eighty-
eighth Indiana. The steady valor of these regiments final'
ly drove the enemy from the ridge when my whole line ad-
vanced to the summit. ^^ (The italics are the writer's.)
There had been nowhere on that long line any halt
or hesitation until the rifle pits at the base of the ridge
were occupied, w^hich was done nearly simultaneously
by the eighty-nine regiments at six different points. The
rebels on the ridge had depressed the muzzles of their
cannon, and where possible, were delivering an enfilad-
ing fire. This with their musketry was telling rapidly
on our ranks in the rifle pits below. Stung to madness,
knowing that it would be death to stay there; scorning
retreat; and inspired by one common impulse, there
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 179
was suddenly an involuntary liiovement begun along
the entire front, up the ridge, which was very steep
and covered with obstructions and small loose stones
making the footing insecure. In from twenty minutes
to half an hour, the Army of the Cumberland stood
victorious on the heights. It was nearly 5 p. m., and
Sherman still pounded away at the rebel right holding
his positions of the morning, until darkness coming on,
Hardee and Qeburne withdrew their gallant soldiers
safely beyond the Chickamauga.
The ridge having been carried and cleared in front.
General Baird wheeling his troops to the left and leav-
ing ten or twelve pieces of the captured artillery to be
gathered in by others, moved north along the crest,
routing the division of Anderson, but was not so fortu-
nate when he came in contact with troops sent by
Hardee from the right in front of Sherman. Here a
desperate fight ensued which otoly ended by night
coming on, when the enemy withdrew. General Sheri-
dan and one of Wood's brigades, pursued the enemy
down the east slopes of the ridge a short distance,
capturing prisoners and artillery, but it was too late
for successful pursuit. The heavy fighting was over
and the ^rmy went into bivouac on the ground it had
won, and built its camp fires from mountain to valley.
General Grant, mindful of Sherman, thus wrote him
at the close of the battle: "No doubt you witnessed
the splendid manner in which Thomas' troops carried
Mission Ridge this afternoon, and can feel a just
pride too, in the part taken by the forces under your
command in taking first, so much of the same range
of hills, and then in attracting the attention of so
many of the enemy as to make Thomas' part certain
of success." In view of the fact that Sherman attained
the position he occupied with "no loss," as he says, and
was opposed by very small forces as has been shown
from official and undoubted authority, the sympathy of
General Grant was timely.
There is evidence to show that General Grant had
not determined when the Army of the Cumberland
180 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Started for the ridge, whether to order them to go to the
top or not. It is probable from what he did order and
from his own words heretofore quoted from his report,
that he hoped the movement to the base of the ridge
would so distract Bragg that he would call back enough
troops from the right to enable Sherman to succeed
there in breaking the rebel lines, and to advance south
toward Thomas. This view would seem to be the true
one after hearing what General J. S. Fullerton, Ad-
jutant General and Chief of Staff, of the Fourth Army
Corps, says upon the subject He was on Orchard Knob
at the time and heard what he tells:
"As soon as this movement (up the ridge) was seen
from Orchard Knob, Grant turned quickly to Thomas,
who stood by his side, and I heard him say angrily,
Thomas, who ordered those men up the ridged
Thomas replied in his usual quiet manner: *I don^t
know, I did not.' Then addressing General Gordon
Granger, he said, *Did you order them up. Granger?'
^No,' said Granger. They started up without
orders; when those fellows get started all hell cannot
stop them.' General Grant said something to the
effect that somebody would suffer if it did not turn
out well, and then turning, stoically watched the ridge.
He gave no further orders."
To show fully and further the most honorable and
glorious part borne by the One Hundred and Fourth
in the battles around Chattanooga, the writer will in-
troduce here several narratives of its members which
give truthful and vivid pictures of what each saw and
experienced.
'George Marsh, First Sergeant of Company D, says:
"^Yo then descended Lookout and prepared to assault
Mission Ridge, which is four or five miles long and five
hundred feet high. We formed part of an immense line
of battle in some woods at 3:45 p. m., when our General
Carlin said to us: ^Boys, I don't want you to stop until
we reach the top of that hill. Forward!' There was
a mile or so of open flat ground to cross, where the
rebels shelled us heavily, and where Lieutenant Ross
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 181
and Sergeant Talbot were severely wounded by a shell.
But they generally overshot us and the shells burst in
our rear. General Carlin rode his horse to the foot of
the ridge and then let him loose and scrambled up
with the rest of us. At their breastworks half way up
some of the rebels surrendered and others ran to the
top. At this point Lieutenant Orrin S. Davidson of
Company H was mortally wounded. He said, ^Go on,
boys, and take the hill and attend to me afterward.'
He was very pale. We then made a grand rush and
killed, wounded, and stampeded the rebels in froiit of
us on top, and the field w^as ours — at 4:30. Anson S.
Smith was severely wounded in the foot. Color Ser-
geant W. H. II. Button, while bearing the flag, was
hit in the breast by a ball, and Corporal T^muel F.
Hollandj seizing the colors bore them to the top very
bravely, knd was the first one up. Everyone tried
desperately to get to the top and did not look around
much except at the middle breastworks where the
panorama of battle was a magnificent sight. The rebels
came into our lines by hundreds. I threw my blanket
down once as I was getting very tired, not having en-
tirely recovered from my wound, but as it w^as likely
to be cold at night and I was wet from crossing a little
stream, I picked it up again. As we fired at the re-
treating rebels we aimed for an officer on a white
horse; the prisoners said this person was General
Bragg.''
Colonel Douglas Hapeman in his report, vide Reb.
Kec. Vol. 31, Pt 2, p. 467, says: "The officers and men
behaved gallantly. I would especially notice Color
Sergeant Wm. H. H. Ilutton, of Company D, who was
wounded, and Corporal L. F. Holland, Company D, who
carried the colors safely to the top of the hills, the first
colors of the first brigade planted on the enemy's
works."
It was stated at the time by a correspondent of the
Nashville Press, that the flag of the One Hundred and
Fourth was the first one of the line planted on Mission
Bidge. But the ridge being assaulted at six different
points, after the troops had arrived near the top, and
182 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
being hidden from an unobstructed view either above
or below, this may not have been so. Nevertheless, if
not the first, it was one of them, and there were certainly
honors enough to go round.
William M. Wilson of Company E, says of the charge
up the ridge: "I was with the Regiment at Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge, and will give an incident
that occun*ed. In the second rifle pits where we
stopped to rest, the rebels botliered our right particu-
larly by their shooting, and one rebel sharpshooter
could not be got at, after many trials, so one of the boys
said that any one who could shoot left handed would
fetch him. William A. Kain, of our Company, being
left handed, drew a bead on the rebel and ^silenced
that Johnny so that he did not bother us any more.^ "
Will Kain was soon after killed by a shot in the neck.
Most of the old members will remember the jovial and
brave Kain with his dark hazel eye and pleasant ad-
dress, possessing courage and coolness, united wnth an
uncommonly kind heart.
Marshall Bagwill of Company G says of the assault
on Mission Ridge: "The last charge at Mission Ridge
was my last, being wounded in the right shoulder and
left knee at their last works. A rebel raised up twenty
feet from me and sent a ball through my hat rim, a roll
of blankets and the shoulders. His next three shots
lodged in the blankets. He then threw down his gun
and surrendered. I was mad and about to use my
bayonet with my left hand, when a ball took me in the
knee and I wilted."
Henry Winterscheidt of Company B says: "When
the word forward' was given, the army moved slowly
out of the timber into the open ground. It all looked
like a grand dress parade, but in a short time the top
of the hill became lively. All the batteries there
belched forth grape and canister, and every other kind
of missile. Soon the whole of the long ridge was en-
veloped in smoke, and then as we advanced, the infantry
at the foot of the hill opened fire on us. One short rest
to catch breath and we went at them with a Yankee
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 188
shout and a rush; the rebels had to give way and they
went pell mell into their works half way up the hill.
Our flag bearer had been shot, also the flag bearer of
the Eighty-eighth Indiana; some one shout^, Tick up
that flag, pick up that flag!' After another short rest
the bugle sounded again. Major Widmer and Colonel
Hapeman shouted, *I want the One Hundred and
Fourth to be the first regiment on that hill.' Holland
taking his hat in one hand and the flag in the other
sang loudly, *Rally round the flag, boys, rally round
the flag.' The boys formed around the colors and up
the ridge we went. The rebel officers could be seen
swinging their swords and doing their best to keep
their men in line, but all in vain. They called out, *Bull
Run!' We replied, ^Chickamauga!' Our men were de-
termined ; the rebels had to go. The Regiment captured
scores of prisoners. When the sun went down behind
Lookout the banners of the Army of the Cumberland
waved victorious over Mission Ridge and Bragg's army
was in hasty retreat."
William H. Conard, of Company E, gives the follow-
ing interesting account of that stirring period between
Chickamauga and the battles of Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge:
"Prom the 21st of September, 1863, the day of retreat
from Chickamauga, up to the 23d of November, our
time had been taken up in digging rifle pits, building
forts and doing picket duty, the latter being no small
duty, as the details were so large that the whole army
would come on about every eight days.
"We were liable to have a brush with the Johnnies
at any time, our lines were so close. Our Regiment was
on picket the 20th and 2l8t of November. This every
man of the Regiment will remember, as it was chilly
and rainy, and we went out without anything to eat.
On our return to camp I went to a mule commissary
and offered him 75 cents, all the money I had, for one
ear of corn, but was refused. But the mules were be-
tween me and the camp, and they had just been fed,
and before I got to camp one mule was minus three
184 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
ears of corn, and I had the benefit of it at the mule'a
expense. This will illustrate the state of our stomachs
at that time. Our position was on the extreme right of
the old Cumerland Army, touching the Tennessee
River below Chattanooga.
"Toward evening of the 23d we were ordered into
line and took our positions to the right and left of Fort
Negley, and laid on our arms that night, but did not
sleep much, as there was a good deal oif shelling going
on most of the night. The morning of the 24th opened
up a little rainy but soon cleared away. At noon the
enemy could be seen moving to our left, along the crest
of Mission Ridge. Soon we could hear the sound
of battle ovei* in Lookout Valley, and about noon, above
the misty clouds, we could see a line of men wavering,
and soon another pressing them close. This latter line
was ^Fighting Joe Hooker's' men and Osterhaus' Di-
vision of Sherman's Fifteenth Corps. Until 2 o'clock
we had listened to and watched the battle to our right,
then Carlin's brigade, to which our Regiment belonged,
was ordered to reinforce Hooker on Lookout Mountain.
We had some difficulty in getting across Chattanooga
Creek as it is quite deep near the mountain, and we had
to be ferried over. However, we were soon across and
well up the mountain side. Just where we crossed the
old Jackson trail that winds around the mountain,
stood old fighting Joe beside his gray charger waiting
for us. Our General (Carlin) received his orders, and
we at once relieved Gearj-'s men and continued the
battle until after midnight, and then laid on our arms,
our Regiment occupying the garden of the White, or
Craven, House. One historian has said that ^Carlin's
battle, after darkness had set in, as viewed from the
town below, was one of the most interesting sights of
the war.' It was a grand sight for us as we looked
down from our elevation of 1,800 feet to the town below,
and traced our lines by the camp fires as they stretched
away across the valley, and up the river for seven miles.
At 9 o'clock of the 25th we commenced to move toward
Mission Ridge, recrossing Chattanooga Creek and
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 186
joining our own division to the right and front of
Orchard Knob. We had hardly time to make our coffee
when the Tall in' was called for the assault on Mis-
sion Ridge. It must have been one mile from where
we began to move in line to the first rifle pits, from this
line to the last one on top of the ridge about seventy
rods, there being five lines in all, directly in front of us.
The ground was cleared, and as far as we could see
from right to left, our lines were perfect, until we came
in range of the enemy's fire, when our General(Carlin)
who was in the lead, gave the order, ^Double quick P
Ours was a running fire until the first works were
taken. Prom there on our progress was slower, as the
ground was rough and the rifle pits close together.
Our hardest fighting was between the third and fourth
lines. At this point our loss was considerable. But
very few rebels got away from the third line. Those
who attempted to run were mostly killed or wounded.
One poor wounded rebel lay just in my line of march;
I can never forget the look of despair depicted on his
countenance as he lay there begging us not to kill
him. I stopped and gave him a drink of water from
my canteen. How his countenance changed! He had
tried to get away, as he said that his officers had told
them that if they fell into our hands we would kill
them. Shame on the soldier who would do such a
cowardly act! While our lines were re-forming on tne
crest of the ridge, an officer and staff galloped
diagonally across our front; we raised our guns to fire,
but our officers ordered us not to fire; they said it was
General Hooker, but it proved to be General Bragg.
He also rode a white horse that day. Barnes, in his
brief history of the United States, page 247, says of the
charge of Mission Ridge: ^Up they went, over rocks
and chasms, all lines broken, the flags far ahead, each
surrounded by a group of the bravest; without firing
a shot, and heedless of the tempest hurled upon them,
they surmounted the crest.' If Mr. Barnes had been
on the ridge with the Johnnies he would have been
aware that there were some shots fired.
186 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
"In regard to the first flag planted on the ridge by
our forces, I quote the army correspondent of the
^Nashville Press/ which I clipped from that paper a
short time after the battle: ^The honor of first plant-
ing the National flag on Mission Bidge belongs to
the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment of Illinois
Volunteers, First Brigade, First Division. This Begi-
ment charged over five distinct lines of the enemy's
works, driving their sharpshooters before them and
planting their flag on the enemy's works on the summit
of the ridge in advance of others.' We bivouacked that
night on the ridge, and I enjoyed the best rest that I had
had since we had been besieged in Chattanooga, as I
had the privilege of sleeping under a rebel's quilt, one
that was large enough to cover six of us. I had not
slept under a blanket since we left Stevenson, Alabama,
on the 1st day of September, when we piled our knap-
sacks and stripped ourselves for hard marching and
fighting."
Charles G. Phillips, of Company D, says in regard
to the events of the 23d, 24th and 25th (compiled from
his letters written home at the time):
"November 23d was a stirring day in Chattanooga.
It was cold and looked like rain. In the forenoon there
was nothing going on and the boys were hunting around
for something to eat,for we were on one-fourth rations.
At 2 p. ra. the bugle blew the assembly and the One
Hundred and Fourth took its place on the left of the
brigade, then we lay in line of battle all night without
fires. We did not sleep much and about 3 a. m. of the
24th we moved east of Fort Negley. At daylight it
began raining and we built some fires. About 12 we
saw Hooker's men driving the rebel lin^s around the
point of Lookout and cheers were heard on all parts
of our lines. Then at 2 we were ordered to march and
reinforce Hooker. We reached the foot of the mountain
at sundown and at 10 reached the Craven House, when
not long after the rebels made a sortie on our Brigade
but were repulsed. The firing continued until 2 a. m.
of the 25th, when all became quiet and we were allowed
REGIMENT 1L.LINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 187
to lie down. In the morning many rebel deserters came
in and said they were tired of the war. The Stars and
Stripes were thrown to the breeze from the top of
Lookout about 8, amidst immense cheering. At 9 we
marched back to Chattanooga and to our position about
a mile from Mission Ridge and formed in line for the
assault. We then stacked arms and waited for the
order to advance. About 4 p. m. the order came and
the Regiment started going through some timbered land
for half a mile, when Ae had to cross an open field,
which we did on the double quick for the rebels were
shelling us from the ridg:e. At the foot of the ridge
was a line of works which we rushed for and got in, the
rebels rushing out and up the ridge. They had three
other lines and were firing at us lively, and those lini»s
had to be taken. Could it be done? Yes; the command
was, forward. One Hundred and Fourth T The men
jumped to their feet and over the earth-works and
charged for the next line, which was full of rebels firing
at us as fast as they could, but when we got pretty near
they left and scrambled for the top of the ridge. We
had a good chance to shoot at them, which we did.
When we reached the rifle pits midway up, we were all
tired out and a halt was made to rest, but we kept
shooting whenever we could see a rebel to shoot at, and
they likewise sent the balls thick and fast over our
heads and among us, but we had become used to them.
After a rest of about five minutes, the orders were,
'Forward! Drive them from the top!^ With a shout
the men sprang over the works and began climbing,
yelling as we went, at the top of our voices, and shoot-
ing as fast as we could load and fire, no one knowing
but what he might be the next one to fall. When we
arrived at the top the rebels broke and ran and we
after them. Our flag was the first planted on the ridge
and there was joy, shouting and handshaking with each
other. That was a happy meeting, to know that the
Stars and Stripes waved over Lookout and Mission
Ridge again. There was some more firing, but the
rebels had run off and it was almost night,so we were
J
188 THE ONE HU NDRED AND FOURTH
told to go into camp there. The night was very cold,
but we had good fires and slept soundly."
The loss of the One Hundred and Fourth at Mission
Ridge was as follows: Killed— Adelbert S. Hannun,
Company B; Isaac A. Foot, Company C; William A.
Kain, Campany E; Charles M. Moore, Company H.
Henry C. Douglas, Company I. Total, 5.
Mortally Wounded — Lieutenant Orrin S. Davidson,
Company H; David C. Griffith, Company A; Stephen
J. Shelton, Company B; Samufel N. Trenary, Company
F. T9tal, 4.
Wounded — Lieutenant William C. Boss, Company
B; Sergeant Philander Talbot, Company B; Sergeant
W. H. H. Hutton, Company D; Sergeant Samuel Lynn,
Company C; Anson S. Smith, Company D; Joshua Wil-
son, Company B; William Wilkinson, Company E;
William Gottman, Company F; Isaac W. Gatchell,
Company F; Marshall Bagwill, Company G; William
M. Jones, Company G; Charles B. Cook, Company G;
George W. Hammett, Company H; Edgar W. Mosher,
Company H; James J. Traver, Company I; Charles
Ruger, Company E ; John Coyne, Company I. Total, 17.
Total killed and wounded, 26; which was large in
proportion to the actual size of the Regiment. The
loss in the Brigade, consisting of nine regiments, at
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, including one
killed at Graysville the next day, was 25 killed, l:U
wounded. Its capture of mn with arms in hand, 300.
The Division lost in killed and wounded, from the two
brigads, a total of 304. Its captur of prisonrs was
1,165, of cannon 4, besides arms, etc. The entire rebel
losses in the two battles, including the fight at Ring-
gold on the 27th, according to their reports, were:
Killed, 361; wounded, 2,180; missing, 4,146; total, 6,667
Our losses w^ere: Killed, 753; wounded, 4,722; missing,
349; total, 5,824. Grand total on both sides, 12,491.
We captured iorty pieces of artillery, many thousands
of small arms, ammunition, wagons, supplies, etc.
Important as were the results flowing from the bat-
tles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; glorious
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 189
as was the record of the gallant troops engaged therein,
reflecting imperishable honor on American valor, yet
not all was accomplished that General Grant had
expected and deesired. His plans contemplated the
entire destruction or capture of General Bragg's army,
and this would have been accomplished had not sev-
eral circumstances contributed to defeat that result.
Over one of these at least General Grant had no con-
trol. The first was the heavy fog in Chattanooga Val-
ley on the morning of the 25th, and the necessary delay
of Hooker by it, and also by bridge burning, which pre-
vented his attacking the rebel left until nearly* three
p, m., and in consequence of which, perhaps, Thomas
was withheld so long. The other circumstance w^as
Sherman's failure to break the rebel right at the tun-
nel. Had General Grant himself been present with
Sherman, he might have ordered other movements to
be made by General Davis' big division and those of
Howard, which would have changed the aspect of
affairs on that flank. But General Grant could now
relieve Burnside, and on the night of the 25th issued
orders to Generals Granger and Sherman accordingly,
while the pursuit of Bragg was begun during the night
and early on the 26th, by GeneralHooker and General
Palmer, the latter then commanding the Fourteenth
Corps.
The One Hundred and Fourth moved early on the
morning of the 26th with the brigade toward Grays-
ville, in pursuit of the enemy and overtook them after
dark near that place, but they were in no mood for
fighting and hurried across Chickamauga Creek by
wading waist deep in the icy cold water and escaped,
leaving, however, in our hands, a fine Napoleon gun
and other material. Some fifty prisoners were also cap-
tured. The command then went into bivouac. The
One Hundred and Fourth had started on this march
wholly unprepared except in the matter of ammuni-
tion, of which each man carried one hundred rounds.
They were also supposed to have rations for four days,
but these were not full ones. Colonel Hapeman says
190 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
in his report: "A number of the men had no shirts,
their shoes were worn out, clothing all poor, and none
of them had overcoats." Thel'e was consequently much
suffering, but they cheerfully endured all. The march
was resumed on the 27th, and many prisoners taken
on the way. On approaching Ringgold the sound of
Hooker's guns was heard. The enemy had made a
stand on Taylor's Ridge, and Osterhaus was engaged.
The One Hundred and Fourth was placed on the left
of his line and two companies of skirmishers thrown
forward, who advanced to the top, but the enemy,
attacked everywhere, withdrew. The Regiment then
remained in line of battle until night, when it was
detailed for picket duty on the left flank of the brigade.
The 28th set in with both rain and snow, making
things very unpleasant for the Regiment, which was
on picket uniil four p. m. before relieved. It then
bivouacked near the ridge until eleven a. m. of the
29th, when the march was begun for Chattanooga.
This proved to be one of the most trying ever made, and
on arriving there at seven in the evening, the men were
nearly exhausted from cold, hunger and privation; some
had their feet frozen on this return march. George
Marsh speaks of Wm. P. Newcomb shooting a goat
while away, for food, and naively says: "But it did
not taste very good, too strong!" However that may
have been, it is far preferable as an article of diet, to
crow. Charles 6- Phillips remarks very honestly : "On
arriving at Chattanooga after dark, we were all used
up, hungry, tired and cold, and glad that we had got
home." In the Ringgold affair Hooker lost 65 killed
and 377 wounded. The enemy left 130 dead on the
field. Number of wounded not known; 230 prisoners
were taken. Further offensive operations were soon
after suspended and the main part of the army with-
drawn to Chattanooga, where it went into winter quar-
ters. General Sherman^s troops also returned from
Knoxville, Longstreet having raised the siege and
retreated. A period of rest and recuperation was ren-
dered necessary before beginning the next campaign
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 191
into that inner South of which Chattanooga was the
natural entrance and had been so regarded for nearly
two years, and hence the battles and campaigns fought
and conducted with so much perseverance and fierce-
ness on both sides. The Southern people were again
surprised and shocked, but probably not more so than
General Bragg, who, withdrawing his army to Dalton,
was soon after relieved from command at his own
request and succeeded by General Hardee, who a little
later was superseded by General J. E. Johnston. Gen-
eral Bragg in his report says: "No satisfactory excuse
can possibly be given for the shameful conduct of our
troops on his left in allowing their line to be pene-
trated. The position was one which ought to have
been held by a line of skirmishers against any assault-
ing column." (Vide Reb. Rec, Vol. 31, Pt 2, p. 666.)
But General Bragg, however, had failed to recognize
a certain element that was one of the factors, and a
powerful one, too, in these battles. That factor was
the moral forces at work in the minds of his soldiers.
The irresistible and fierce charges of Hooker's men on
Lookout Mountain gave them a dim foreboding of what
was to follow. The impressions made on the plains of
Chattanooga by the splendid and powerful array of
our armies, accompanied by the pomp and panoply of
glorious war when the first advance was made by Wood
and Sheridan, were well calculated to weaken their
confidence in themselves. And when as a finale tliey
looked down upon the miles of glittering arms, the
hundreds of waving standards and flags, "bore to the
assault by Thomas' advancing legions, there was a
moral force about it that could not fail of its effect.
They knew that those men would carry the heights,
and the courage of thousands failed, who on other fields
had proven their valor.
CHAPTER XIII.
The Flanking of Dalton— Advance to the Etowah— Battles of Re-
saca and New Hope Church— Seizure of Allatoona.
At the termination of the battles and campaign
around Chattanooga the One Hundred and Fourth
enjoyed a period of rest from lighting and again set-
tled down to the duties of camp life. On December
1st the army passed in review before General Grant,
and it was a proud occasion for the heroes of many bat-
tles. During the month the Regiment was employed
on the new water-works or reservoir, projected and
built on Cameron Hill. When finished the water was
pumped into it from the Tennessee by using the motive
power of an old flour mill which stood on the bank of
the river. Pipes were run from the reservoir to the
Government buildings in the town. This enterprise
proved to be a great blessing to Chattanooga and was
in use until a few years ago. The repairs on the rail-
road not being completed there was a scarcity of rations
to feed the army until the middle of January. Christ-
mas and New Year's proved to be dull in many respects,
notably by the absence of luxuries from the dinner
tables of the soldiers. W. H. Conard notes, however,
that "We had cow tail soup for dinner.^' Sherman
Leland says, "Our dinner consisted of coffee and Lin-
coln platforms*' (crackers). But on January 13th a
change came, produced by the arrival of the first
"Cracker" train over the railroad, and this was soon
followed by five others. Their arrival was greeted by
shouts of joy from the army that had been reduced
many times to the very verge of starvation and had
endured suffering for months, besides fighting two bat-
tles on empty stomachs.
The One Hundred and Fourth had- become consid-
RBGIMfeNT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 183
•
erably reduced by battles and disease. The wounded
were in hospitals or had been sent home to recover.
Some, also, were so fortunate as to be granted fur-
loughs to go home. Lieutenants Porter and Ross, of
Company B, both being wounded (the former losing his
left arm at Chickamauga), Lieutenant Clark com-
manded Company B for a time. "Bill" Ross, afterward
Captain of Company B, was a man not likely to be for-
gotten by any one who ever met him or had occasion to
run against his six feet three or four inches of cor-
porosity and listened to the dulcet tones of his per-
suasive voice when things did not go to suit him. E.
F. Mallory, of Company I, sends the writer the follow-
ing incident about our friend William, so characteristic
of him that it seems appropriate to introduce it here.
He says: "If you were with us after the surrender at
Hartsville, you may have noticed, as I and others did,
that Orderly Sergeant Ross, with cane in hand, went
limping along with a bandage on his leg. This was a
blind he used to keep his body warm, that is, to keep
the rebels from stealing his overcoat. The ruse suc-
ceeded. After the battle of Mission Ridge, while I was
sick in Nashville and walking out one day, whom should
I meet but Lieutenant Ross, with cane in hand and the
same old limp. I thought at once of Hartsville and it
seemed so natural and comical that I began laughing,
for which I asked to be excused as it reminded me of
the Hartsville limp. ^Ye^/ says he, *but the curious
part of it is that this time it is genuine, and the wound
is right where I had the bandage then. Say, Rastus,
was it a judgment from Heaven?^ I have often thought
©f the occurrence since." About the 10th of January
Captain Collins was detailed to take charge of and
command all the ambulance and medical trains of the
Fourteenth Corps, and thereupon Lieutenant Clark
assumed command of Company D. On the 16th, Captain
Ludington, of Company H, senior captain, resigned. On
January 22d the One Hundred and Fourth moved camp
about two miles over to the east side of town beyond
Fort Wood and near Citico Creek. George Marsh, writ-
1§4 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
ing on February 7th, says: "One of the big brick ware-
houses full of axniy supplies burned down last nights
The boys have just received enough socks and mittens^
from the ladies of La Salle county to last them six
months. Lieutenant M. Osman, Sergeant-Major Q. D.
Whitman, Sergeant W. Misner, of Company G; Corporal
L. F. Holland, of Company D, and Corporal S. A. Signor,,
of Company C, have gone home on recruiting service and
to see their families. '^
As the army was short of mules and horses owing
to the awful mortality during the siege, a new supply
became necessary before any new movements could be^
inaugurated, and on February 11th the One Hundred
and Fourth was sent to Nashville to bring forward all
that could be obtained. This excursion was agreeable
to the boys, as it was a break into the monotony of the
last two months, and gave them an opportunity to see
our wounded in Nashville hospitals, and to enjoy the-
sights of the capital, where they had form€frly spent
some pleasant weeks. On arrival the Regiment was
quartered in Barracks No. 3, Broad street, but on the
15th moved to Gun Factory. Captain Leighton, of
Company A, who was then in Nashville still suffering
from his wound, says, "The One Hundred and Fourth
are here and having a good time catching and breaking-
mules and enjoying their holiday by attending the va-
rious places of amusement, principally the theater where
J. W. Booth is now playing, many of course attending
church on Sunday. The mules are mostly young and
wilder than a Comanche Indian. The process of catch-
ing them is fun for the boys, but quite the contrary for
the poor muley. Tl^ey throw a rope over his head and
dragging him out of the drove, one seizes him by the
ears and throws him down when he is held until bridled
and harnessed, then being let up, muley rebels, refuses
to move, but is put in motion, not by moral suasion,
but by a liberal application of blacksnake." Havinjr
by March 3d secured one thousand mules, two hundred
horses and eighty wagons, the Regiment started about
noon for the front and going four miles went into camp^
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 19&
The following "itinerary" of the journey was given
to the writer by Sherman Leland "March 4th. Broke
camp at eight a. m. Thirty non-commissioned officers
commanded by Major Widmer, acted as advance guard.
Halted at La Vergne for dinner, then moved on and
camped for the night at Stewart^s Creek near a large
brick house.
"March 5th. Leaving camp early we made twenty-
two miles on the Shelbyville Road and camped.
"March 6th. Started early and passed through
Shelbyville, a very lovely place. Having made twenty
miles we camped at night on Thompson's Creek.
"Mar^jh 7th. Starting at eight we reached Tulla-
homa at eleven, where we got dinner, loaded forage,
and then pushed on to the Elk River, where we went
into camp during a hard storm near a graveyard.
"March 8th. We remained in camp to-day waiting
for teams that were behind, stuck in the mud.
"March 9th. All of the teams having come up we
started at eight and crossing the Elk reached Cowan
soon after i^on. The Regimental Postmaster joined
us here with a good supply of letters. Going on a few
miles we camped on a creek at the foot o# the moun-
tains. There were fish in the creek, but they failed to
bite.
"March 10th. During the night it rained very hard^
but we began to ascend the Cumberlands and by the
route followed when we set out on the Chickamauga
campaign. The road proved to be most horrible, but
we made Tantallon and bivouacked.
"March 11th. The creeks were much swollen, but
managing to get our stock across we moved on, and
in some places had to swim the animals. My horse
stumbling I received a good ducking. Camped to-night
at Anderson's.
"March 12th. We moved on down the valley and
passing through Stevenson, camped two miles beyond*
We were now getting nearer the front
"March 13th. Setting out at seven a. m. for Bridge-
port, Ala., we soon met a man who was decrepit from
I 196 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
age and hardship and was then on his way home after
an imprisonment of seven months in Libby. He had
been incarcerated because a Unionist We crossed the
Tennessee at Bridgeport and went into camp near
Hog Jaw Valley, where we stationed a strong picket,
it now being necessary to guard our lines well.
"March 14th. Starting early we arrived at White-
sides at three p. m. In passing the ^Narrows' we had
some difficulty, as for a mile there was just room be-
tween the mountains and the river for the rail and
wagon roads. I here took advantage of the opportunity
to visit the famous Nick-a-Jack cave, where the rebels
had saltpetre works. This is a great natural^curiosity,
said to run back under Sand Mountain for miles. A
creek of the purest water runs from it; beautiful in-
crustations fresco the roof.
"On the 15th the cavalcade moved on, and passing
by the old road around and over the north end of
Lookout, went on through Chattanooga and into camp
two miles from Mission Ridge. Here we remained
until the 17th, meantime turning over our stock in good
order, and collecting the baggage left behind. The trip
of five weeks had been a successful one and was enjoyed
by all. We found the weather warm and pe^ich and
other trees had been in bloom for two weeks."
During the absence of the One Hundred and Fourth
vast preparations had been in progress looking to the
spring campaign against the rebel army, then com-
manded by General Joseph E. Johnston, which lay
intrenched at Dalton and Rocky Face Ridge, ready to
dispute the passage of the Union armies into Georgia.
In March General Sherman had been designated by
General Grant as the Commander of the Military
Division of the Mississippi, the latter having been
made the General-in-Chief of all the armies of the
United States. About March 25th General Sherman,
accompanied by General McPherson, repaired to Chat-
tanooga to confer with General Thomas and arrange
the plans of campaign. Strong reconnoissances made
in February by several divisions of the Fourteenth
REGIMENT ILLINOIS V.OLUNTEERS. 197
Corps in the direction of Dalton had developed the fact
that the enemy were in heavy force at Buzzard's Roost
of Rocky Face, and at other points. After some fight-
ing, with a loss of several hundred men, it was deter-
mined that all attempts to dislodge the rebels then
would be futile. Therefore the troops were posted in
good positions to await further developments. Two
• brigades of Johnson's Division were placed at Tyner's
Station on the Knoxville Railroad, nine miles from
Chattanooga, and the third at Graysville with a force
at Parker's Gap. ^
On the 17th the One Hundred and Fourth rejoined
Johnson's Division at Tyner's, and on the 19th marched
to Graysville. Inland says: "We camped on the edge
of a beautiful grove of young pines. Jhe tents were
pitched in regular order and the boys, fearing we would
remain some time, beautified their quarters. Trees
were set out, grounds cleared and an evergreen stand
built for the band boys. General Palmer, Commander
of the Fourteenth Corps, came along and complimented
us on having the most orderly and prettiest camp in
the Department." The One Hundred and Fourth
remained at Graysville engaged in heavy picket duty
and in preparing for the advance soon to be made.
One-half of the Regiment was often on picket. A
number of recruits had joined the Regiment, but there
were less than three hundred men in all, including the
old members who had returned. Captain Leighton
arrived on the 8th, but his wound still troubled him
very much. He was, however, anxious to be with his
Company, which had twenty-seven men for duty. On
the 27th of April marching orders came and also orders
to have twenty days' rations ready; all baggage was
to be sent to Chattanooga.
General Sherman, on assuming the command, had
set about reorganizing his armies and making every
preparation for the long and remarkable campaign to
fdllow. He had the three armies of the Cumberland,
the Tennessee and the Ohio, commanded respectively
by Generals Thomas, McPherson and Schofield, from
198 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
which to select his grand army of invasion. He pro-
posed to take 50,000 men of the first, 35,000 of the sec-
ond and 15,000 of the third, total 100,000, and mobilize
them by banishing wagons, tents, baggage, and every-
thing not absolutely necessary. Each regiment was
allowed but one wagon and one ambulance. Each sol-
dier and officer was required to carry on his person
his clothing and five days' rations. A mule or pack
horse was allowed to the officers of edch company.
Tents were to be taken for the sick and wounded only,
except that each headquarters was allowed a tent.
General Sherman and his Staff proposed to use tent
flies only. These could be spread over fence rails, poles,
etc. . General Thomas, however, did not obey the order
but had his regjilar tents, and Sherman says that the
boys called his establishment "Thomas' Circus." When
May 2d arrived, which time had been set by Grant for
a general and united movement of all the armies of
the Union against the hosts of the rebellion, General
Sherman's army mustered .as follows: Army of the
Cumberland, 60,773 men; Army of the Tennessee, 24,465
men; Army of the Ohio, 13,555 men; grand aggregate,
98,797 men; artillery, 254 guns. This powerful array
was to be further increased soon by cavalry divisions
not yet attached. In addition. General Frank P. Blair,
with two divisions, constituting the Seventeenth Army
Corps, joined Sherman on June 9th at Ackworth and
Big Shanty, Ga.
To oppose this powerful aggregation General John-
ston had on May 1st, as per his report, (vide Reb. Rec,
Vol. 38, Pt. 3, p.' 614), 40,900 infantry and artillery, and
about 4,000 cavalry. But by June 1st his army had
been increased to nearly 60,000 men. He had in his
favor also the advantage of choosing liis positions,
which were fortified in advance by thousands of slaves.
The natural defenses of the country were formidable
in character and made every mountain, hill and valley,
as well as rivers and streams, a source of strength.
His army would increase constantly, while as Sherman
moved further away he must lose besides losses in
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 199
battle, many thousands, detached to hold his lines to
1;he rear and defend the conquered territory. These
conditions balanced much of the difference in size of
the two armies. * Captain Leighton, writing on the
29th of April, says: '*We are still at Graysville. My
wound is troublesome. I am getting used to the old
nations and camp life again. Things are pleasant in
the Regiment, the men are healthy and in fine spirits.
Our camp is situated four miles from our picket lines,
which are south of Taylor's Ridge. From the picket
station on top of the ridge we can see both lines of
pickets. There is a half mile of neutral ground. The
pickets exchange compliments every day or two, and
have tried several times to drive our men from the
picket station, but failed. This morning at seven they
began the exercise again, but without avail, as six
regiments were sent out. Ours, however, was not
ordered forward — one-half of it being already on the
picket line. Many prisoners were brought in. On
account of my wound Colonel Ilapeman assigned me
to light duty."
Writing on May 1st, Captain Leighton says: "We
received orders at twelve last night that reveille would
sound at four a. m. and to have the men up and two
days' rations in haversacks prepared, all ready to march
at six. So immediately after the bugle sounded the
camps were astir, knapsacks and haversacks packed,
and all provided with plenty of cartridges, as it was
not desirable to start without plenty of these in case
of need. By six the camp became quiet, an indication
that all was ready. Then followed a period of sus-
pense, and when this had produced impatience, Joe,
our bugler, was called for to blow his horn, but seven
and eight o'clock arrived and no assembly sounded.
At nine an orderly rode up with an order countermand-
ing the march. In five minutes one would not haVe
supposed that the camp had been disturbed. During
the day an order was received directing that all bag-
gage and surplus tents be sent to the rear and to take
nothing but w^hat we could carry on our persons.
200 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Rumors to-day that the Fifteenth and Twentieth Corps
have begun the advance."
On the 3d the One Hundred and Fourth marched
with the Brigade to Ringgold and camped at the foot
of Taylor's Ridge. On the 5th it went to Parker's Gapy
returning to Ringgold on the 6th. Sherman Leland
says: "This evening was one long to be remembered,
orders being received that the entire army would ad-
vance to-morrow against the enemy. Soon after dark
bonfires were lighted, all tents w^ere illuminated, and
cheers rang from one end of the army to the other.
Miles away down the valley the cheering commenced,
and rolling along like the reverberations of thunder,
went from one end of the vallej'^ to the other, then
turned and, seemingly louder than before, passed back.
Mixed with the noise w^as the firing of wet powder into
the air from the muskets, producing miniature fire-
works. The celebration was kept up for two hours,
when the tumult subsided and naught save a fire here
and there indicated that an army of 100,000 men re-
posed in that valley."
On the morning of May 7th Sherman's armies w^ere
in motion against the enemy. The Fourteenth Army
Corps, with the Twentieth (Hooker's) on the right, and
the Fourtli (Howard's) on the left, advanced to Tunnel
Hill and drove out tlie small force of rebels there, who
fell back to the strong position of Rock}' Face, which
with its gorge called Buzzard's Roost, also "Mill Creek
Gap," was strongly fortified by nature and art. In this
movement the One Hundred and Fourth, then number-
ing, as per Coloned Hapeman's report, 279 enlisted men
and 17 officers, participated, and occupied that night
the camp of the Tenth Confederate Cavalry of Wheeler's
command. The still smoldering fires and forage scat-
tered around showed that the enemy had left in a hurry.
The position of Buzzard's Roost being almost impreg-
nable to attack in front, Sherman proposed to turn
it by sending McPherson with the Army of the Ten-
nessee through Snake Creek Gap on the right and
striking the rebel rear endanger his position at Dal-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 201
ton. Therefore to carry out this plan, McPherson
began the movement, while to cover the real design,,
the Fourteenth Corps was to demonstrate heavily in
front of Buzzard's Roost as if intending to carry it. On
th^ 8th the One Hundred and Fourth, marching with
Carlin's Brigade, took position on some hills half a mile
southwest of Buzzard's Roost, and after moving once or
twice, camped for the night. The 9th was ushered in
by advances in force of several divisions of the Fourth
Corps, and the enemy pressed back into their lines*
General Geary made an attempt to scale Chattooga
Mountain, but met with resistance and it was Btoan-
doned. llis loss was considerable. The One Hun-
dred and Fourth and Eighty-eighth Indiana, which,
with the Brigade, was ordered across Mill Creek, took
position on a spur overlooking the enemy's works in
the Gap and was engaged in lively skirmishing most
of the day, but the Regiment lost no men. The rest of
the Brigade, also engaged, met with a slight loss.
McPherson's army entered and passed through Snake
Creek Gap on the 9th, and greatly surprised Johnston,
but finding Resaca fortified and manned, and afraid of
being attacked from Dalton, McPherson withdrew to
the mouth of the Gap and threw up works. General
Sherman claims that here the Commander of the i\rmy
of the Tennessee made a mistake in not seizing Resaca,
which, when he arrived near it, was occupied by only
one brigade of the enemy. Or he could have placed
his army across the railroad and Johnston's line of
communications and have forced him to retreat in
disorder over roads almost impassable, and with
Thomas and Schofield close behind, he would have lost
half his army, artillery and wagons. By night of the
9th it was too late, as Hood, with three divisions, occu-
pied Resaca. General Sherman, on learning the result,
resplved to throw his whole army through Snake Creek
Gap.
During the 10th the One Hundred and Fourth occu-
pied the same position as on the previous day, and wa»
skirmishing more or less heavily all the time. On the
^2 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
11th it was relieved after having been under fire fot
forty hours continuously, and recrossing Mill Creek,
camped for the night on some hills.
Orders having been issued by General Sherman for
Howard's Corps (the Fourth) and Stoneman's Cavalry
to remain before Buzzard's Koost, the rest of the army
was directed to march through Snake Creek Gap, which
it did on the 12th and 13th, and concentrated around
Resaca, McPherson on the right, Thomas in the cen-
ter, and Schofield on the left. General Johnston was
iound to have withdrawn his army within the very
extensive and strong works, his policy evidently being
to act on the defensive entirely, thus leaving General
Sherman the alternative of attacking his almost im-
pregnable positions and sacrificing thousands of val-
uable lives, or of continuing his grand ^strategic flank
movements which would of necessity compel Johnston
to retreat or have his communications cut off, when
disaster would be sure to follow whether his army
bought within the intrenchments or outside. General
Sherman also had an idea that he would yet be able
to take Johnston unawares, as McPherson did him at
.Snake Creek Gap, and achieve a victory without too
much sacrifice of lives.
The One Hundred and Fourth, leaving camp on the
12th at six a. m., reached tlie Gap at dark and march-
ing through camped in Sugar Valley, one mile east of
the debouche. On the 13th the Regiment took an
active part in the day's operations and not without
loss. Colonel Hapeman says in his report: "The line
of the Brigade was formed about noon, the Regiment
in the first line, with tlie Eiglity-eighth Indiana on the
right and the Fifteenth Kentucky on the left. Com-
panies A and K were deployed as skirmishers, Major
AVidmer in charge. They advanced a considerable dis-
tance, driving the enemy's skirmishers until they
reached Camp Creek, where the enemy was discovered
in force. In advancing across an open field in front
of the enemy's works the companies lost one man mor-
tally wounded, and four wounded. The Regiment was
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 203
relieved in the evening by a portion of the Twentieth
Corps and moved further to the leff During the day
Howard advanced through Dalton and nearly to
Resaea, skirmishing all the way. McPherson, with Kil-
patrick's cavalry in advance and Hooker on his left,
advanced on the roads to Resaca. Palmer moving on
the left was engaged all day in skirmishing. Scho-
field's two divisions were to the left of Palmer, and
Howard one mile from Schofield^s left
General Johnston had formed his army with Polk
on the left, Hardee in the center, and Hood on the
right. His heaviest works were in front of Camp
Creek, where the One Hundred and Fourth had been
engaged. General Sherman had already prepared to
get into the enemy's rear by having two pontoon
bridges thrown across the Oostenaula River three miles
below Resaca, and had sent General Garrard's Cavalry
Division to operate on the railroad, seven miles from
the town at Calhoun.
On the 14th McPherson, crossing Camp Creek near
the mouth, encountered Polk and drove him from the
hills to his trenches. The whole line then, from Hook-
er's left, was slowly swung round on General John-
ston's Division of the Fourteenth Corps, as a pivot, Car-
lin's Brigade being the first to encounter the foe. The
rest of the army to the left then came successively into
action. The One Hundred and Fourth was formed with
the Brigade in line of battle, with two companies out
as. skirmishers with orders to press the enemy hard.
The advance was through thick woods and across an
occasional opening. The enemy's works were on a hill
back of an open field and as the Regiment came up
and the skirmishers moved forward, a terrific fire was
opened upon it from every tree and log, and from their
works below the hill. The skirmishing companies
advanced within one hundred and fifty yards of their
line, when firing was directed upon them from another
line of trenches. They then sought such shelter as
•could be had and fought the enemy for two hours and
until they kept very closely in the trenches, to which
204 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
all had been driven. Sergeant Arnold, of Company A,.
collecting his group behind a log, did good work, but
they were much annoyed by a sharpshooter in a tree,,
until discovering where he was, the group fired by
volley and brought him down rather faster than a
regard for his health would warrant The Brigade
being unsupported made no charge upon the works
and finally fell back to the shelter of the Creek. The
Regiment lost one man killed and nine wounded. The
casualties on the 13th and 14th were as follows:
Killed — John Fenn, Omipany D. Mortally wounded —
Sergeant Allen Benedict, Company A; Jacob Deflfen-
baugh, Company G. Wounded — ^AVm. Barrett, B. W.
Bagley and C. Christfeller, all of Company A ; Corporal
F. E. Phelps and Oliver E. Griest, of Company B; First
Sergeant David Bunker, Company C; First Sergeant
Geo. Marsh, Company D; Cori)oral Daniel Mason, Com-
pany G; E. F. Mallory, Company I; First Sergeant C.
G. Butterweck, Company K; Henry Merkel, Company
K; Augustus Rusner, (\)mpahy K; Henry Cox, Com-
pany K. The heavy fighting of the day was farther to
the left and was engaged in by Baird's and Davis^
Divisions with various successes, aided by the Corps
of Howard and Schofield, who drove the enemy from
their rifle pits and into their works. An advanced
line was gained from which our artillery reached the
rebel main lines. The musketry and artillery firing
was terriffic all day. Finally (leneral Johnston seeing
that the lines were drawing closer around him resolved
to take the offensive and trj^ to turn Sherman's left
flank. For this purpose he sent Stewart's and Steven-
son's Divisions and two Brigades of Walker. These
troops were succeeding when they were met and hurled
back in defeat by Williams' Division of the Twentieth
C^)rps, aided by Simonson's Battery. By evening other
troops arrived on the left, supported also by McCook's
Cavalry. General Johnston ordered another assault
to be made in the morning, but withdrew the order-
afterward.
On the 15th the advantages gained the day before-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 305
iv^ere followed by bold aggressive movements on the
left, but these were not in full headway until noon,
when Geary and Butterfield, Williams in reserve,
advanced. The enemy were again threatening that
flank and Williams^ Division was deflected to the left.
Geary and Butterfleld carried the nearest hills and
drove the rebels from a battery, but could neither
remove it nor hold the ground, however, retiring a lit-
tle, they kept the enemy from recapturing it, and hauled
it off at night. Further to the right the entire line
was engaged, particularly Howard. In front of the
Army of the Cumberland, heavy firing and skirmish-
ing occurred all day. About five p. m. Stevenson's
and Stewart's Divisions made a fierce attack for posi-
tion, but were repulsed with heavy loss, some regiments
being nearly annihilated. The heavy artillery firing
was a marked feature of the battles at Resaca. During
the night Johnston withdrew his army across the
Oostenaula, and on the 16th Sherman's entered Besaca,
and prepared to pursue the enemy. But pontoon
bridges had to be laid and this caused some delay.
The Army of the Tennessee crossed at Lay's Ferry and
Howard's Corps at Besaca. The Army of the Cum-
berland followed.
' The One Hundred and Fourth here received the
knapsacks left at Snake Ci'eek Gap and which had
been left behind when the Regiment advanced. Cross-
ing on the 17th with the rest of the army, the Begi-
ment marched on over very muddy roads, during* the
day passing through Calhoun. The combined armies
advanced in the following order: Palmer following
Howard; Hooker on the left; the Army of the Ohio to
liis left; McPherson on the right, supported by Gar-
rard's Cavalry; Stoneman's Cavalry on the extreme
left. General Howard met with opposition early and
fought all day, the rebels retiring from one position
to another and watching for an opportunity to gain
an advantage, but at night Johnston concluded to
retreat further. It had been Genral Shrman's object
to bring Johnston to battle north of the Etowah Biver
i
206 THE ONES HUNDRED AND FOURTH
or make him give up Rome or Allatoona, therefore-
Davis' Division was started for the former place.
On the 18th the movement was continued by all the
armies, the One Hundred and Fourth marching toward
Adairsville, bivouacking at night two miles from that
place and three miles from Kingston. On the 19th the
Regiment reached Kingston about noon. This place-
was found to be entirely deserted by the male popula-
tion. The streets were full of all kinds of goods which
the people had attempted to remove. While eating
dinner on the banks of a fine creek firing began in the
front, indicating that the enemy was near. The Regi-
ment soon after marched to a bridge on the Etowah,,
four miles southwest of the town. The firing was upon
Stanley's Division, which led the advance in the cen-
ter, but pressing forward the battery retreated, and
Stanley, goings four miles further met the enemy ad-
vancing in strong force in line of battle. Howard's
Corps was deployed and the enemy halted, but under
a vigorous artillery fire their first line fell back and
Howard occupied the position and kept up skirmishing
until dark; Hooker came up in the meantime. During-
the day the latter had been engaged on the road to Cass-
ville, where appearances indicated that Johnston
would give the battle. In anticipation of this General
Sherman concentrated his armies. But Johnston dur-
ing the night crossed the Etowah with all of his mate-
rial and retreated to the strong defenses of Allatoona
Pass. He had been reinforced by French's Division
and was advised by Hardee to fight, but chose the
wiser course, as Sherman could have beaten him at
Cassville. General Davis during these operations cap-
tured Rome with a loss of 150 men, and with it the
rebel machine shops and iron works, also vast amounts
of cotton, etc., of great value to the rebels.
The One Hundred and Fourth marched on the 20th
to a point on the railroad four miles from Kingston,,
where it remained until the 23d, to enjoy a much
needed rest and to prepare for the next movement,
which was likely to be long and arduous with plenty
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 207
of fighting. During the halt all surplus baggage was
sent to Chattanooga in charge of Sherman Iceland.
The regimental wagon was taken away and the Col-
onel and Adjutant carried necessary papers in their
hats or pockets. The same stripping process was
enforced throughout the army, the value of which
appeared later on. The whole army was now halted
on the line of the Etowah waiting for the repairs on
the railroad to be completed. This was accomplished
by the 24th, and cars loaded with supplies reached
Kingston. Many reports were brought in by negroes
that Johnston's army was greatly demoralized by con-
stant retreating and the failure to turn our flank at
Reseca. From the beginning of the campaign the
southern papers and people had predicted great things
of General Johnston, and as he withdrew from one
position to another, said that he wait only drawing
Sherman on and when the time came would destroy
or capture the whole "Yankee Army." In these hopes
they had the sympathy of their northern friends, the
Copperheads. That had been the talk, but, of course,
their intelligent leaders knew better, and Johnston
knew Sherman too well to delude himself. He could
simply avert the evil day that was to close down in
darkness over the Confederacy. Therefore he pursued
the only wise course by which he could save his army
and by it served the rebel cause best.
On the 20th General Sherman issued orders for his
combined armies to move on the 23d. He did not pro-
pose to attack Johnston at the strong AUatoona Pass,
but turn it by moving on Marietta via Dallas. This
would oblige the enemy to come out and fight or again
retreat. The Army of the Cumberland was, as usual,
the central column and marched for Dallas via the
Euharlee Valley and Stilesboro. Davis marched from
Rome. The Army of the Ohio was on the left of Thomas
and directed toward Burnt Hickory. McPherson kept
on the right. All were to concentrate at Dallas. The
country to be passed over was wild, away from the
railroad, and therefore rations for twei^ty days were-
20S THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
taken along in the wagons. The One Hundred and
Fourth left camp at eight a. m. on the 23d, and going
four miles down the river crossed by wading, then
marched about five miles and camped near Euhariee
Creek. McCook^s Divisions of cavalry, which preceded
Thomas, found the enemy in force and kept up skir-
mishing until night. The march was resumed on the
24th toward Burnt Hickory and skirmishing contin-
ued. Garrard*s Cavalry on the extreme right was
attacked during the day by Bates' Division of infantry,
of Hardee's (3orps. But at night Burnt Hickory was
occupied by the Fourth and Twentieth Corps. The
One Hundred and Fourth advancing three miles crossed
Raccoon Creek and camped.
The armies were now well on the way to Dallas and
the motive of Sherman's advance became apparent to
Johnston, whojalso saw in it a menace to Marietta and
Atlanta. He tnerefore hastened to make what resist-
ance he could. On the 25th the advance was contin-
ued with Hooker's Corps ahead in the center, but his
three divisions were on separate roads, and as he
approached Pumpkin Vine Creek, he found the bridge
across the stream defended by the enemy's cavalry.
'Geary's Division drove it away and pursued beyond
four miles near to a place called "New Hope," from a
church of that name. Desiring to secure the roads
here, which were important, Sherman directed Hooker
to make the attempt. This l3rought on a^ brisk engage-
ment between Geary's Division and a heavy force of
the enemy which had come from AUatoona. Hooker's
Divisions of Ward and Butterfield arrived on the scene
and the contest was prolonged into the night, without
any decisive result. The One Hundred and Fourth,
with Carlin's Brigade, remained in camp during the
25th, and until one a. m. of the next morning. On the
26th the Regiment marching out on the Burnt Hickory
Road crossed the Pumpkin Vine and took position on
the east side about three miles from Dallas. The dawn
of day revealed to Sherman the fact that Johnston
with his army stood across his line of march protected
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. «»
by heavy intrenchments. He was therefore reduced
to •the choice of assaulting in front or of maneuvering
so as to outflank Johnston and either compel him to
retreat or fight on ground more advantageous to his
own army. The conditions were very similar to those
that had existed at Dalton and Resaca, and it seemed
probable that Johnston would pursue his usual policy
of what his friends called grand strategy until he got
Sherman where he wanted him. General Sherman
had a humane and great aversion to having his sol-
diers butchered in assaults which might fail when the
result aimed at could be accomplished with less sac-
rifice of human life. However, ready to seize either
horn of the dilemma, he proceeded at once, on survey-
ing and grasping the situation, to make dispositions
of his forces calculated to bring matters to a speedy
conclusion. To this end McPherson closed in on Dallas.
Hooker held his position intrenched and was supported
on the left by the Fourth Corps. Schofield closed in
on Thomas. Davis' Division was within three miles.
Baird's and Johnston's had been delayed, but were
approaching rapidly. The last few days of May were
spent in concentrating before Johnston's lines and
heavy skirmishing was maintained day and night
everywhere with an occasional vigorous attack, when
heavy losses usually occurred to the attacking party.
General Sherman kept extending his lines further to
the left so as to reach and attack the right flank of
the enemy. This policy led him nearer the railroad
and his present objective, Ackworth, about eight miles
distant McPherson was ordered to leave Dallas, and
close in on Hooker, but before he could do so was
heavily attacked on the 28th, however, repulsing the
enemy and inflicting great loss. It was June 1st before
he effected a junction with Hooker. On the 27th the
One Hundred and Fourth was moved in conformity
with the Brigade and the general advance, to a point
on Pumpkin Vine near Pickett's Mills and took posi-
tion on a ridge. On the 28th the Eegiment was formed
early on the side of a wooded hill one-fourth of a mile
aiO THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
in advance of the camp and was engaged all day, the
enemy at one time advancing with infantry and cav-
alry, but they were promptly driven back with loss.
The Regiment then threw up works, but was exposed
all day to a severe fire from the top of the hill. The
firing was kept up all night here and all along the line.
The One Hundred and Fourth met with no casualties.
Johnston's Division held the extreme left at the time.
The 29th was spent in skirmishing and securing posi-
tions nearer the enemy, while Sherman laid firm hold
on all roads in the direction of Ackworth and sent
Stoneman and Garrard with the cavalry to seize AUa-
toona. Thus gradually he was overlapping and extend-
ing his lines beyond Johnston's right and became indif-
ferent as to Johnston's position at New Hope Church,
for the strong AUatoona was sure to be his. The One
Hundred and Fourth was ordered on the 30tli to
advance its skirmishers to the top of the hill. This
was done and the hill taken, but the lines on the left
falling baok compelled the One Hundred and Fourth
men to retire also. One casualty occurred, James C.
Schoonover, of Company E, being mortally wounded.
About six p. m. a part of Hood's Corps attacked in
front of the whole Brigade, but were met with a spir-
ited fire and fell back with a heavy loss, leaving the
dead' and wounded in our front.
June 1st and 2d McPherson arrived, and the Twen-
tieth Corps moved to the left of Johnston's Division,
which had held the extreme left. Other divisions also
moved in that direction, and Hooker, Schofield and
Baird, advancing, drove the enemy's lines further away.
The One Hundred and Fourth formed a part of a skir-
mish line which advanced at two p. m. to take the
ridge or hill from which the rebels had been keeping
up a constant fire on our lines. The charge was gal-
lantly made and the hill captured; the Regiment then
drove the enemy across a field. In the charge Jacob
P. Hurd, of Company H, was mortally wounded;
Darius K Trask, of Company I, wounded- The foe
being protected by works on the hill, it was a matter
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 211
•of surprise that the casualties were not greater. At
«x p. m. the Regiment was relieved by one from Baird^s
Division and took position on Brown's Mill Creek. On
June 3d the One Hundred and Fourth with the Eighty-
-eighth Indiana were sent to the left of Baird and formed
on the front line and remained there engaged in skir-
mishing until June 4th, when they rejoined the Brigade.
From May 23d the movements and fighting of the
Regiment had been within the line of operations com-
prehended by the territory adjacent to Dallas, Pump-
kin Vine Creek and New Hope Church, and was nearly
•continuous for two weeks, the men lying on their arms
night and day, being frequently aroused to repel or
make a charge. They suffered greatly from cold, wet
-and hunger, but endured all without murmuring and
were in the best of spirits.
On the night of June 4th Johnston evacuated his
position and retired toward Kenesaw Mountain. Gen-
eral Sherman's armies immediately advanced to Ack-
worth, thence to Big Shanty on June 10th. From the
latter place a good view was had of the rebel forces on
their mountain fortress. McPherson's army was shifted
to the left; Thomas on the right and Schofteld to his
right. The railroad was repaired to the skirmish lines
in front of Kenesaw and supplies brought to Big
Shanty. AUatoona was fortified strongly and made a
base of supplies. On the 8th General Blair arrived
at Ack worth with the two divisions of the Seventeenth
Corps, about nine thousand men.
Thus had closed practically in May the first part
of the campaign. The army had marched and fought
over a rough mountain country for nearly one hun-
dred miles, with an aggregate loss in the three com-
mands and the cavalry of 9,299 men in killed, wounded
and missing. Blair's Corps replaced this loss. John-
ston's loss, as given by him, was in killed and wounded,
5,392 men. He did not give the number of the missing.
Prior to reaching Cassville, Johnston had been rein-
forced by 21,600 men, which made his total since leav-
ing Dalton about 66,000 men. Therefore, in round num-
a2 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
bers, he had at New Hope Church 60,000, which wa^
not decreased when he fell back on Kenesaw. If the
southern people who watched the campaign with eager-
nesp were satisfied with the strategy of Johnston, that
gave^ \is one strong position after another, which had
been deemed impregnable, and the loss of one hundred
iKiiles of territory in the Empire State of the Souths
together with the prestige of victory. General Sher-
man, his army and the North had no right to complain.
The brave and lamented Sergeant Henry E. Price^
of Company D (afterward killed at Peach Tree Creek)^
writing from Big Shanty on June 13th, says in regard
to this campaign: "I would have written sooner, but
had no paper or envelopes (nor tobacco). I can give
you no intelligent account of our movements, for we
have marched in every imaginable direction, and
toward every point of the compass. We have been
most fortunate as a Regiment since we left Resaca, as
indeed we were in the battle, for, though we have
been under fire a great dal, our losses were compara-
tively small. We were on the first and skirmish linea
in the Allatoona Hills for many consecutive days and
niglits. The Third Brigade suffered heavily there, and
we were well shelled. The rebels had very strong worka
around New Hope, built by the Georgia Militia and
negroes, but Sherman worked around till they had to
light out just as they did at Resaca. A woman in one
of the houses after the ^Johnnie' left, said: *It w^as
too bad, after their men had worked so hard at the
breastworks. Hooker and another regiment got to
shooting right in the end of them and they had to
leave.' While in those hills, there were a great many
sayings attributed to the rebels, and more than I will
vouch for. One was that a prisoner taken by our men
had acquired a very considerable respect for the way
our generals were crowding things, and his way of
manifesting it was by saying that Grant and Sherman
ought to get on a high hill and give the command:
^Attention, creation, by kingdoms right wheel? It
so happened that our whole army was doing that very
REGIMENT ILiLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 213
thing at the time, making a right wheel on a fixed
pivot, and the story took well. The regular Brigade
lies in our front and a steady skirmish fire is going
on. We have something more than twelve pounders
with us, for guns of larger calibre* are pounding away
at the enemy on our left. We have nothing at all with
us in the shape of baggage and officers carry theirs
the same as the men. The cars now run into Big
Shanty.^
CHAPTER XIV.
The Battles Around Kenesaw Mountain— Johnston's Withdrawal
Beyond the Chattahoochee— Battle of Peach Tree Creek— Bat-
tle of Atlanta.
On June 10th Sherman's armies again moved for-
ward, Schofield on the right, Thomas in the center, and
McPherson on the left. Johnston's position covered a
front of some twelve miles, from Lost Mountain on his
left to Kenesaw on his right. Between those was Pine
Mountain. The ground in his front was rough, tim-
bered, and covered with all manner of obstructions
He held a fine of great natural strength, and he had
added to this by extensive lines of works, a matter he
never neglected. It had rained most of the time since
June 1st, and what roads there were could not be
used. But the army constructed its own roads,
and toiled slowly along up to the base of Kenesaw^
The One Hundred and Fourth marched on the 10th.
to a point beyond Big Shanty and camped in the mud*.
The 11th and 12th were so rainy that very little could'
be done. The Regiment was moved once or twice a
half mile to the left and nearer the enemy. On the
14th the rain having slackened -up the lines were
advanced a mile and a half and works thrown up for
ten miles. On this day the rebel General Polk was
killed by a shot from one of our batteries which was
playing on Pine Mountain. One of our signal officers
who had learned the rebel signal key, ascertained the
fact. General Sherman ordered the armies to advance
on the 15th, which being done it was discovered that
Johnston had shortened his lines by evacuating Pine
Mountain. He thereby aided Thomas and Schofield
greatly in the line of their advance. Our left was well
extended around Kenesaw. Howard's Corps in advanc-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. »!
ing the lines had a brisk fight but drove the enemy
from their intrenched skirmish line and inte their
works. The One Hundred and Fourth not long before
was obliged to part with a valuable officer in the per-
son of Captain Leighton, whose wound, received at
Chickamauga, had become so bad as to compel him
to leave for the hospital at Nashville. On the 16tk
the Regiment and Brigade were ordered to relieve the
Second Brigade, having done which it advanced, skir-
mishing some six hundred yards and threw up breast-
works. On the 17th the One Hundred and Fourth
advanced half a mile, driving the enemy's skirmish-
ers with Companies A, E and F, Major Widmer in
charge. No casualties occurred. It then held the posi-
tion gained. The operations on other parts of the line
resulted in driving the rebels across Mud Creek. Dur-
ing the night the enemy attempted to regain the posi-
tion, but was repulsed. On the 18th the Regiment
again advanced and skirmishing drove the rebels into
their works. In this charge Corporal James Logan, of
Company C, was killed. Captain O. M. Southwell and
Edwin S. Moore, of ('ompany 11, w^ere severely wounded.
During the day Generals Wood and Newton, of the
Fourth ('orps, surprised the enemy and secured an
important part of his main line and intrenched. In
the night Johnston withdrew from the portion still
held, thereby preventing an intended assault by our
forces on the 19th. At seven a. m. of the 19th the One
Hundred and Fourth was moved to the front of and
base of Kenesaw, against w^hich the Fourteenth Cori)S
now pressed closely. Johnston had further contracted
his lines. Kenesaw was the salient of his army with
the wings drawn back so as to cover Marietta and the
rear toward Atlanta. The line was of immense
strength and it was to be tested whether Johnston
could maintain it or would retreat before his wily
antagonist. General Sherman meantime kept pushing
his lines closer to those of the enemy, ready to assault
and fight when anything could be gained, and he also
did not neglect his favorite game of playing around
216 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
the flanks and trying to reach the communications of
his enemy. On the 20th the One Hundred and Fourth
•moved to the right and relieved some troops of the
Fourth Corps. During the 21st and 22d the Regiment
was close up to the rebel works and subjected to a ter-
rific fire of artillery and musketry. John A. Cook, of
Company C, was mortally wounded; Sergeant George
Cummins, of Company E, and William P. Newcomb, of
Company D, were wounded. The firing was heavy and
continuous all of the 22d on the whole line. The rebel
left, reinforced by Hood^s Corps, which had come from
the right, assaulted Hooker fiercely, but after several
assaults withdrew with heavy loss. Our artillery, as
Johnston admitted, mowed down Hood^s columns by
hundreda Oeneral Sherman now determined to attack
the rebel center and named the 27th for the assault,
which was to be made by troops of Thomas and
McPherson. At nine a. m., the time set, amidst the
roar of cannon and musketry along the line of ten
miles, the divisions of Davis and Newton leaping over
their works, moved forward. The distance to the rebel
works was about six hundred yards and the ground
to be traversed rough, stony and steep. Under a ter-
. rific fire Davis^ brigades advanced to the very para-
pets, but being unable to take them halted under the
rebel guns, and equally unable to retreat, staid there
^and threw up ii^trenchments within a few yards of
the enemy. Newton met with less success owing to the
obstructions. McPherson at Little Kenesaw effected
^ lodgment near the enemy's works, but could not take
th^m. Our losses were heavy, Thomas losing about
two thousand and McPherson five hundred. General
Harker was mortally wounded, also many other officers.
. However, Schofield had improved the opportunity pre-
sented and effected the crossing of OUey's Creek, when
he established his corps in a position that imperiled
Johnston's rear. General Sherman, tired of costly
assaults, prepared more flanking movements.
The One Hundred and Fourth on the evening of
the 27th, relieved part of the Second Brigade on the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 217
front line and was about three hundred yards from
the rebel works. Plenty of dead rebels Jay in their
front. Sergeant Sidney V. Arnold, of Company A, was
wounded in the foot. The Regiment remained here
until July 2d, when Sergeant 'Henry E. Price was
wounded. In the afternoon it moved a short distance
-and threw up works. General Carlin receiving a leave
of absence, Colonel A. G. McCook assumed command
-of the Brigade. On the 3d, the rebels were found to be
^one from the front and the Regiment, marching at
7:30 on the Marietta road, advanced four miles,
beyond Marietta and was again confronted with the
.enemy behind strong works. It was now about ten
miles to the Chattahoochee River. On the 2d
McPherson passed his army and cavalry to the right
to flank Johnston. The latter very promptly, if not
courteously, withdrew from all his huge fortifications
on the Kenesaw line on the 3d, going to the river
-July 4th the One Hundred and Fourth was engaged
in heavy skirmishing all day in front of the enemy's
'Works. Meantime Sherman had pursued rapidly, but
found Johnston's front everywhere fortified His
object, however, was to hold back our army until his
own was sure of a safe passage across the deep Chat-
4;ahoochee. Beyond that river vast fortifications
-crowned every hill top to Atlanta, ten miles distant.
When the astute rebel general perceived the scope of
McPherson's movement he knew that our army could
get below him at Marietta, or even cross the river. He
iad to fight in assault the strongly intrenched army
under Thomas, or run to save Atlanta. He chose the
•latter.
On the 5th the One Hundred and Fourth and Fif-
teenth Kentucky advanced in reconnoissance toward
the rebel works, but found them vacant; the enemy was
again retreating and the regiments following, Captain
Proctor, with Company I, captured eleven prisoners.
"The pursuit here was continued for two and a half miles
when the Regiment suddenly found the enemy in-
trenched about two miles from the river. Skirmish-
as THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
ing then began and lasted heavily until evening, when,
the One Hundred and Fourth, being relieved, moved
back a short distance. General Johnston having fallen
back to his line in the Valley of the Chattahoochee,
Sherman pursuing • vigorously, planted General
Thomas in front with his army of the Cumberland.
Schofield and McPherson moved to the right down the
river ten miles, while the dashing General Stoneman
went still further below to Sandtown. Garrard's Cav*
airy moving up the river eighteen miles captured Ross-
well and the crossings there. It was supposed that
Johnston would exert himself to the utmost to prevent
the National Army from crossing the Chattahoochee,,
and it would seem that he ought to have done so, but
it appears that he regarded his other lines a little
further back on Peach Tree Oeek, and the immense
fortifications of Atlanta itself as impregnable to assault
in front, while investment of that famed city he thought
impossible. Probably he decided that Sherman
would also be unable to go around Atlanta and
sever all of his communications with the rest of the
Confederacy. He miscalculated the strength of Sher-
man's armies also. But it was determined that Atlanta,,
a place of the most vital importance to the very exist-
ence of the Confederacy, must be saved from the in-
vader, hence the crossing of the river was scarcely
disputed.
On the 9th Howard's Corps crossed at Paice's Ferry
and found it defended by only a small guard. New-
ton's Division. and Dodge's Corps crossed at Kosswell.
Thomas demonstrated in front meantime. The One
Hundred and Fourth was engaged on the skirmish line
and with the Brigade, advanced to the first line of rebel
rifle pits, which they captured. In this advance John
G. Debolt, of Company E, was mortally wounded. Not
being supported the Regiment had to fall back. Dur-
ing the night Johnston withdrew his army across the
Chattahoochee, burning the bridges. Thus closed
another era in the history of the campaign begun two
months before and it ended in success, with a promise-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 219:
of final triumph for the armies of the Union sometime
in the future. Sherman's losses in killed, wounded and
missing, from June 1st to July 3d, aggregated 7,530
men. The Army of the Cumberland lost 5,531. The
Army of the Tennessee, 1,334. The Army of the Ohio,.
665. Qeneral Johnston made his losses in killed and
wounded 3,948 men. His missing, prisoners not given,
amounted to 2,000. The June campaign had been car-
ried on under greater difficulties than the one in May*
It had rained nearly every day, rendering movements
slow and difficult. Prom the 10th of June to the 9th
of July some part or all of the armies had been under
fire constantly by day and frequently all night The
month had been one of severest trial, hardship and
danger, yet amidst all the armies of the Union had
pressed forward in the full confidence of victory, and
when at last they beheld in the distance the spires
of Atlanta, there was a greater desire than ever to
press forward and capture the prize, and destroy, if
possible, the last and only great rebel army south of
Richmond.
General Sherman, having forced Johnston back to
the defenses of Atlanta, began at once to prepare for
the advance on that city. This was the more impor-
tant, as it was not improbable as indicated by General
Grant, that reinforcements would be sent from Virginia
and from other points; in the endeavor to hold a place
of so great value to the Confederacy. Therefore, from
the 10th to the 17th of July new bridges were prepared,
McPherson's army was transferred up the river to
Rosswell, and Palmer^s and Hooker's Corps were ready
to cross at Paice's Ferry. Garrard's Cavalry was sent
to the left, and Stoneman's and McCook's down the
river to the right. On the 17th of July the movement
was begun. McPherson, crossing at Rosswell, marched
toward Stone Mountain, Schofleld toward Cross Keys,
and Thomas on the right toward Buckhead, the latter
facing Peach Tree Oeek and camping that night on
Nancy's Creek. The enemy's skirmishers retired with
little opposition. The One Hundred and Fourth occu-
220 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
pied a position about one mile beyond the river. The
movement was a grand right wheel with the Four-
teenth C!orps as a pivot. On the 18th General Sherman
learned from one of his spies, who Uad come from
Atlanta, that General Hood was then comm^^nder of
the rebel army in place of Johnston, having succeeded
him on the 17th. This meant that a new policy was
to be inaugurated by the rebel leaders, one in which
offensive operations of the most vigorous character
might be expected from what was known of Hood, who,
though of small ability compared with Johnston, was
a fighter of reputation. General Sherman so construed
it and warned all of his subordinates to be on their
guard. McPherson on the 18th reached the railroad
near Stone Mountain, tore it up and marched toward
Atlanta, at night joining Schofield at Decatur. The
Army of the Cumberland approached Peach Tree. The
One Hundred and Fourth crossed Nancy's Creek and
maintaining a hot skirmish fire with the enemy, drove
them a mile into their works. One man was wounded.
Thus far since crossing the Chattahoochee things
had gone so smoothly that the boys began to speculate
on the prospect of soon having a good time in Atlanta,
but it was the calm that precedes the storm. Many
long weeks of marching and fighting were destined to
pass away before the fall of the "Gate City;" many a
irave heart would become silent in death before the
happening of that event. The shadows that were soon
to fall upon this mighty army of one hundred thousand
men, were gathering and lengthening, pregnant with
the thunderclouds of battle and bearing destruction
for the One Hundred and Fourth. On the 19th all the
armies were closely united again before Atlanta, but
portions of the Army of the Cumberland in front of
Peach Tree fought their way into position across that
■creek under a spirited fire from the enemy. The One
Hundred and Fourth bivouacked on Peach Tree at
night. The 20th was a day of battle on this part of
the line. Early in the morning the One Hundred and
Pourth, crossing Peach Tree Creek at HowelFs Mills
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 221
and marching about one mile, was formed in line of
battle on the first line and on the left of the Brigade,
with the Fifteenth Kentucky, Forty-second and Eighty-
eighth Indiana on its right Williams' Division of the
Twentieth Corps was on the left The One Hundred
and Fourth was in advance of the left of the Fifteenth
Kentucky about one hundred and twenty-five yards,
and separated from it by a deep ravine which ran by
the right of the Kegiment and to the rear. The men
began to throw up works, but had not made much
progress when an order came to desist, it being stated
that the lines would soon advance. The day was
intensely hot and all sought the shade of the trees
and bushes awaiting further orders. About four p. m.
the enemy advanced and attacked the Twentieth (S)rps
and in a few moments rushed upon the One Hundred
and Fourth in two lines. The Regiment fired a volley
that sent them back to a ravine, where, forming again,
they advanced up the ravine on the right and attacked
the right flank of the Regiment, pouring in a volley
that killed or wounded half of the men in the five right
companies. One of the rebel regiments, passing by
the right, attacked the rear of the half -finished works
on the right and a hand to hand contest ensued in which
every man was a hero. Colonel Hapeman ordered
. Companies A, B and C, or what was left of them, to
withdraw a little. The other companies, meantime,
maintained their position, while the Fifteenth Ken-
tucky and Forty-second and Eighty-eighth Indiana
formed en echelon in the rear, opened a volley that
made the enemy pause. Colonel Hapeman had sent
for aid and the Tenth Wisconsin came to the rescue
on the left, while the Twenty-first Wisconsin formed
on the right But before the latter arrived the rebels
had been driven bacjj: and their colors, which they had
planted on the works of the Regiment, captured. The
first onset, which had proved so destructive, was the
work of a few moments. The enemy in trying to escape
through the ravine were nearly all either killed,
wounded or captured by our men. The enemy had the
222 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
impression that they had struck the right flank of the
Ariuy of the Cumberland. In the retreat they removed
most of their dead and wounded, but the One Hundred
and Fourth buried fiye who had fallen in one spot. The
fight lasted about an hour, but was begun by a sur-
prise. The One Hundred and Fourth followed up the
Tebels with the rest of the Brigade and its skirmish-
ers occupied their positions of the morning. The report
of the General of the Brigade says, vide Reb. Rec, Vol.
38, Pt. 1, p. 532: "The heaviest of the fight fell on the
One Hundred and Fourth Illinois, and that Regiment,
with the rest of the command acted splendidly through-
out of the whole engagement." Colonel Ilapeman says:
"The officers and men behaved gallantly and remained
firm in their position." The rebel attack did not extend
further to the right than the front of the First Bri-
gade. It would seem that sufficient care had not been
taken by Colonel McCook, who, in the absence of Gen-
eral Carlin, commanded the' Brigade in posting the
Regiment where it was found by the enemy. The
losses were appalling for so small a command and cast
a shadow of gloom over the Regiment. They were as
follows: Killed — Captain David C. Rynearson, Com-
pany C; Captain John 8. H. Doty, Company E; Ser-
geant Oliver P. Harding, Company A; Alonzo H. Lar-
kin, Company A; Corporal Edward Woolsoncroft, Com-
pany B; Sergeant John Thorson, Company G; Corporal
Edward Munson, Company C; Washington G. Parker,
Company C; Sergeant Henry E. Price, Company D; Cop-
I)oral Thomas Burnham, Company D; Musician Otho
Hobart, Company D; Nofman Grant, Company D; Wil-
liam B. Coyle, Company D ; John S. Powers, Company
D; Peter Dunn, Company E; John McCullough, Com-
pany E; John W. Abbott, Company E. Mortally
wounded — Hiram Anderson, (^ompany D; William W.
Pilkington, Company E. Wounded— David Varner,
Company A; Patrick O'Donnell, (Company A, wounded
and taken prisoner; Sergeant William M. Chambers,
Company B; Sergeant Albert C. Bassett, Company B;
Henry U. Robison, Company B; Henry Winterscheidt,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 223
•Company B; Sidney W. Burgess, Company B; Gustavo s
Peterson, Company B; Mons Olson, Company B; Ste-
phen H. Patterson, Company B; Lieutenant Thomas
Clark, Company D, severely; Sergeant John T. Post,
Company D, in the head; Corporal Lewis K. Hutton,
Company D, severely in the head and right leg; John
Shapland, Company D ; John Rinker, Company D ;. Rich-
ard J. Gage, severely, three wounds; Sergeant William
J. Anderson, Cpmpany E ; Sergeant Robert A. Bratton,
-Company E; Corporal William H. Conard, Company E,
severely in right shoulder; Corporal Hilon L. Mead,
•Company E, in the head; William M. Wilson, Company
E, severely in left shoulder joint.
Captain William Strawn, of (Company F, says in
regard to Peach Tree Creek: "We had crossed the
Creek and had come to a halt near some thick woods
and brush; stacked arms and began some temporary
works when we were ordered to stop. We were out
•of sight and at some distance from the Brigade, what
for Tve never knew. It was very hot. About four p. m.
•our pickets came rushing headlong over our slight
works, and a rebel force following closely, fired and
charged on the right of the Regiment, which had
scarcely time to get into line when they were upon us.
The whole right was doubled back on the left, when
•order was restored and the rebels eventually driven
back, leaving part of their dead and wounded in our
hands. The rest of the Brigade came to the rescue.
The. left of the Regiment, of which my company was
the right, owing to the fact that it was on the shel-
tered side of a ridge, escaped unharmed and took part
in the fight with spirit. But what a terrible loss had
:fallen on the right Half of Companies A, B, C, D and
E, were either killed, wounded, or captured, to be
dragged to the rebel hells called prisons. Company
E, next on my right, lost half its men. Captain Doty,
my warm personal friend, lay dying with five bullet
wounds in his body. He was lying with his head down
hill. Realizing his condition he called to me to pray
224 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
for him. Taking him in my arms and placing him in a
better position I administered what consolation I could^
His blood saturating my clothing, I held him until he
was carried to the rear on a stretcher. Duty callings
me elsewhere I saw no more of my beloved friend and
whole-souled, noble soldier. He died soon after in the
full consciousness that his life had been given to a jusli
cause, and with the hope of the Christian. A truly
noble soul, using no cant, making.no loud professions,
but with full faith in his Redeemer and the goodness of
God. The center of the rebel line struck the right and
rear where it had an enfilading fire and nothing but
the elevation spoken of saved the left We have a
right to believe that the placing of the Regiment so
far away from the rest of the Brigade was due to the
inability or carelessness of our Brigade Commander.
I have forgotten his name and am glad of it; my indig-
nation over the affair was not at white heat until a
copy of a Cincinnati paper came into camp with a com^
munication from ^our correspondent at the front,' in^
which the ^bravery, ability and consummate general-
ship' with which the commander handled the Brigade,
etc., was heralded to the world. Handled the Brigade!'
Bah! The Brigade having been placed in an awkward
position and made to believe there was no enemy within
striking distance, when the time came, handled itself T
the other regiments coming to our aid as soon as we
were attacl^ed. However, we lost many brave men
owing entirely to the fact that the Regiment had been
placed in an improper position before a vigilant foe,
ever on the lookout for just such an opportunity as was
presented. When burying the dead on the next day
" quite a number were found on both sides, pierced with
the bayonet. Notwithstanding the suddenness of the
attack and the fierceness of the struggle, there was no
panic in our ranks. This was owing to the fact that
we had become so accustomed to the coolness of our
regimental officers that one and all took it for granted
that to simply obey orders was the surest way to come
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 225
out all right. The next morning was spent in burying
the dead, in which sad duty the dead rebels received
the same attention as our own."
John G. Newell, of Company E, says in regard to
Captain Doty: "I was among the first to reach the
side of our beloved and lamented Captain Doty when
he fell at Peach Tree Creek, and shall never forget his
last words, w^hich were these: 'Drive back those rebels
first, then take care of me.' He was the idol of his
men, noble, generous, brave.''
While the One Hundred and Fourth was engaged
as described on the right, the tide of battle had been
borne strongly against the divisions of Newton, Wil-
liams and Geary, on the left. The enemy about three
o'clock swarmed in dense masses out of their intrench-
ments and rushed from the woods, taking Newton on
both flanks and front, and were coming in between him
and Geary when Ward's Division confronted them and
threw the rebels into confusion and retreat with heavy
losses. Williams and Geary, with Newton, were equally
successful in repulsing every attack and the rebels with-
drew, but later attempted to turn Newton's left in heavy
columns, when General Thomas assuming personal
direction, massed all the artillery of Ward and Newton
and mowed down the enemy by thousands. The battle
raged with fury until six, when the rebel hosts again
w^ithdrew. On the right, opposite the One Hundred
and P^ourth, their second attack was easily repulsed,
and in this the decimated Regiment took part.
Hooker's Corps lost about fifteen hundred men. Hood's
losses were heavy, being from three to five thousand.
Ward's Division captured seven battle flags, and two
hundred and forty-six prisoners. The rebel repulses
had been signal ones and the new policy of Hood and
his master was fully show-n. Its success or failure was
of more importance to the rebels than to Sherman,
whose large and compact army scarcely felt the blow
and thereafter knew well what to expect.
On the 21st the One Hundred and Fourth occupied
226 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
the morning in the sad task of burying the dead. The
wounded were taken in charge by Surgeon Dyer. This
duty completed, the One Hundred and Fourth, with
the Brigade, was advanced half a mile under a brisk
fire. The movement was in conformity with that of
Hooker's Corps on the left. Captain Stravrn says: "A
long skirmish line was formed with that of the Twen-
tieth Corps, and orders given to push the enemy into
their main works. Company F was sent from our
Regiment and ordered to occupy a central position in
the line, which, judging from the shouting and reports
of musketry, was several miles long. We experienced
a stubborn resistance advancing amidst continuous
firing, so that as a whole the progress of the line was
very slow. During the time Company F, with enough
to do in its front, suddenly discovered that the skir-
mishers of the Twentieth Corps on our left had halted
for some reason unknown to us. This gave the rebels
an opportunity to pour in a galling fire on the left of
my line. The ground we were marching over was cov-
ered with a thick growth of trees and brush in full
leaf. The rebels had made defenses by digging pits
and throwing the dirt on the side toward us. Over
these they had cunningly arranged branches so as to
conceal their locality and occupants from our view as
we approached. Sometimes we ran right into these
before discovering them. William Jefferson was killed
at the base of one of these, to all appearance before he
discovered its character. Samuel McCashland was
mortally wounded by a musket ball from the uncov-
ered left before mentioned, and died on the 29th, fully
conscious, sending farewell and love to all his com-
rades. James M. Gatchell was badly wounded in the
hip, but recovered. George Mushberger was wounded.
These casualties happened nearly at the same time, and
the fire from our left becoming every moment more
spiteful, I ordered the men to lie down and only flre
when they could see a rebel to fire at. Unlooked-for
trouble had occurred all along the line, as we soon
received orders to desist and withdraw. To advance
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 227
had been almost impossible and to withdraw was
equally hazardous. We were so close to the rebel rifle
pits that if the boys should rise to their feet they
would be almost certain to be shot/ It was my busi-
ness to notify each one and I managed to get all out
of the position, except two or three who, taken with
a panic, had broken for the rear. On arriving at our
camp I sent a Sergeant to bring up those who had left
us, knowing they would be ashamed. Then I said to
one of them, ^I am ashamed of you ; what was the mat-
ter?' As honest as honesty itself, he replied, ^Well,
€ap, I was skeert.' This young soldier was naturally
as brave as the bravest; he had never flinched before
and his record thereafter was equally good."
General Hood, having failed in his attacks on the
Peach Tree Creek line, a plan devised by General John-
ston himself, withdrew his army that night to the
defenses immediately near Atlanta. These consisted
of long lines of intrenchments, forts, ditches in front,
abatis, and chevaux de frise, all of which had been
elaborately prepared long ago in anticipation of attack.
During the day our armies had steadily driven back
the enemy and night found them approaching the walls
of the city, only three miles distant, so near and yet
«o far. Of the movement of the One Hundred and
Fourth on the 22d Captain Strawn says: "The enemy
having withdrawn in the night we formed line of bat-
tle, Company E as skirmishers, and marched through
the woods with slight opposition, which soon disap-
peared, and we deluded ourselves into tlie belief that
the enemy had really evacuated Atlanta. This idea
caused us to abandon the line of battle formation and
we took the rout step, marching at will without regard
to time, and we were proceeding gaily along right into
— no, not the city, but plain sight of the rebel fortifica-
tions. The time occupied in grasping the situation
and wheeling into line right and left was not long."
But the 22d was not to close without a battle of severe
proportions on the left McPherson^s Army of the Ten-
nessee was fiercely attacked by a part of Hood's army
228 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
in assault, in which, gaining at first some advantage,
it was before the close of the day badly defeated and
sought shelter within the works. The brave and gifted
McPherson fell early in the action, yielding up his life
at the early age of thirty-four. He was succeeded on
the field by General Jolm A. Logan. The enemy lost,
as computed by General Logan, 3,240 men killed, 2,200
of these were from actual count; 1,000 prisoners were
taken besides those wounded. Their entire loss was
estimated at 8,000. Our army lost in killed, wounded
and missing, 3,722 men. Thus closed the battle of
Atlanta, and both armies sat down behind their in-
trenchments, Hood at bay, and Sherman to solve the
problem of how to compass the defeat of his antag-
onist and seize Atlanta. Writing of the 23d Sherman
Leland says: "I took the team up to the Regiment
and staid there until the shells frbm the enemy^s bat-
teries made it necessary for the safety of the mules to
move to a hollow near by, from which we were soon
shelled out. Then moved back and halted near the rail-
road.". It occurs to the writer that those mules must
have been valuable. On the 24th, about eleven at night,
the One Hundred and Fourth took part in a feint attack
on the enemy's works for the purpose of drawing their
fire and learning the position of their batteries. The
bugles sounded the charge and yelling began all along
the line, when the rebels opened fire and the object
was accomplished. After that our boys amused them-
selves in laughing at the rebels.
CHAPTER XV.
The Slegre and Fall of Atlanta.
t
On the 26th of July the One Hundred and Fourth
, was again called upon to mourn the loss of one of its
brarest and most faithful soldiers, Charles B. Ruger,
of Company E, being mortally wounded by a musket
ball from the enemy's works whilst the Regiment was
resting quietly behind the defenses. His father, Gabriel
Buger, was well known to the Regiment as a great
patriot and the Arm friend of the soldiers of La Salle
County, which fact had been shown on many occa-
sions, and by his public acts as a member of the Board
of Supervisors of the County. Charley\was loved by all
and there was a feeling of sadness when his young life
was so suddenly and cruelly ended by a rebel bullet.
Colonel McCook having gone home, was succeeded
temporarily by Colonel Taylor in the command of the
Brigade, Colonel Hapeman taking command of the left ^
wing of the Brigade. Other changes occurred on the
27th, in accordance with the desires of General Sher-
man. General Howard was appointed to command
the Army of the Tennessee, succeeding General Logan.
General Stanley then took command of the Fourth
Corps. General Joseph Hooker resigned, being in the
sulks because not preferred by Sherman as Commander
of the Army of the Tennessee. Though General Sher-
man had an undoubted leaning toward regular army
officers. West Point men, we did not see John A. Logan
resigning when Howard succeeded him. He had always
been identified with the Army of the Tennessee and
was fully capable to command it, but with him patriot-
ism and duty were paramount
On the 25th the armies were distributed as follows:
The Army of the Tennessee on the left, the Army of
230 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
the Ohio next on the right; then came the Army of
the Cumberland, numbering from left to right, the
Fourth, Twentieth and Fourteenth Army Corps. The
intrenched lines extended for a distance of five miles.
The cavalry was divided into two strong divisions
under McCook and Stoneman. The rebel works in and
about Atlanta being too strong to assault successfully
and the operations of a regular si?ge too slow^ to suit
the impatient mind of General Sherman ; also to avoid
the butchery of his brave soldiers, he proposed to force
Hood out of Atlanta by executing another grand flank
movement on the right designed to secure possession
of the Macon and Atlanta Railroad, which was the only
one left to the rebels and by which they received their
supplies and kept communication open with the rear.
This destroyed. Hood must of necessity come out and
fight or abandon the city. Therefore General Sherman
issued orders for general movements on the 27th. The
cavalry started by two different routes to destroy the
railroad, but only partially succeeded, and Stoneman
essaying "to liberate the Federal prisoners at Macon
and Andersonville, was himself captured, together with
seven hundred of his men, at the former place. The
writer, then a prisoner of war at Macon, remembers
well the advent of General Stoneman and his officers,
into the prison pen. As his command approached
Macon the prisoners heard the firing and expected to
be liberated, but their astonishment and disappoint-
ment was great, when soon after our would-be rescu-
ers came in as prisoners. This episode did not add
in any great degree to General Stoneraan^s gentle dis-
position as evinced by his vigorous language. The
Army of the Tennessee moved to the right, joining
Thomas, and was severely engaged on the 28th with
Hardee's and Lee's Corps sent by Hood, who rightly
understood the meaning of the movement. These
troops made six desperate assaults and were six times
repulsed with very heavy losses. Many prisoners and
five battle flags were taken. The battle was fought
near Ezra Church. Our troops had no intrenchments,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 231
but only slight barricades of rails and logs. General
John A. Logan, Commander of the Fifteenth Corps, was
awarded great credit by General Howard for his con-
duct in this battle. General Hood having again failed
to accomplish anything by repeated assaults, rested
behind his works, and during the next three days Gen-
eral Sherman gradually extended his lines to the right
toward the Macon road, fully satisfied by this time
that his cavalry could not break up that line. By
reaching it with his infantry and artillery the object
might be gained. Hood, however, made corresponding
movements, which, having the inner and shorter line,
it was easy to do. The losses to Sherman during July
in killed, w^ounded and missing, aggregated 9,719 men.
The rebel losses for the same period in killed and
wounded were 8,841, but the prisoners, numbering
2,000, were not given in the rebel reports.
On August 1st the One Hundred and Fourth, whilst
engaged in skirmishing, had one man wounded. Major
Widmer, as usual, had charge of the line. On the 3d
General Carlin returned and assumed command of the
Brigade, which moved about four miles to the right
in close proximity to the enemy. On the 4th the Regi-
ment moved to the line of Utoy ( Yeek, on the extreme
right, relieving troops of the Twenty-third Corps. On
the 5th the Brigade advanced to develop the enemy,
and charging, drove them from the first line of rifle
pits. The One Hundred and Fourth moved in the even-
ing two miles to the right and took position on the
right of the Fifteenth Corps. It remained here during
the 6th, but on the 7th was actively engaged in an
advance made toward the main rebel works, losing
during the day fourteen men killed and wounded. The
first and second lines of rebel rifle pits were captured
under a furious fire from the rebel works. Captain
Strawn writes thus of the engagement : "Being placed
in command of \he picket line of our Regiment we soon
found ourselves in close proximity to the rebel skir-
mishers. The w^hole line of the Brigade's skirmishers
joined us on our right and left. About twelve m. Gen-
232 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
eral Carlin came along the line in the thick brush and
gave us verbal orders to have our men ready on the
line of battle without any noise, and at a given signal,
charge and drive the rebels out of their defenses and
as far as possible toward their main line. We did not
have long to wait The charge was made and so unex-
pectedly to the rebels that most of them forsook their
rifle pits without firing a gun. We pursued them with
great celerity on the keen run, until an open field was
reached when fire was opened on us from the rebel
works on the other side. Meantime we had pulled down
a high worm fence in our front and erected temporary
defenses. General Carlin then coming up with the
whole Brigade, a strong line was established within
two hundred yards of the rebel breastworks. The One
Hundred and Fourth was moved a few rods to the left
of the rail barricade and established a line in the edge
of the brush along the side of an open field fronting
the enemy. One of ray men suddenly found himself
alone in the field and in view of the rebels. Curling
down behind a stump he remained until dark, when
he joined the company. Captain Fitzsimmons, of Com-
pany K, who was on top of the ridge in the open field,
was almost instantly killed. He was a very brave and
capable officer, much respected by the whole Regiment
and was missed greatly." The following casualties
occurred on the 7th at Utoy Creek: Killed — Captain
James P. Fitzsimmons, Company K; Sergeant Albert
C. Bassett, Company B; Sergeant William H. Craig,
Company K; Charles E. Graves, Company H. Mortally
wounded — John M. Winslow, Company A. Wounded
— Robert West, Company B; John W. Davis, Company
C; Samuel J. Doane, Company C; Alexander H. Lane,
Company D; Sergeant Francis M. Daugherty, Company
F; Corporal James Mooney, Company F; Oliver Law^-
rence. Company G; Roswell Jacobs, Company H; Cor-
nelius Snider, Company I.
General John M. Palmer having resigned the com-
mand of the Fourteenth Army Corps on the 6th, Gen-
eral R. W. Johnson, by virtue of seniority, succeeded
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 238
him, but gave place a few days later to General Jeffer-
son C. Davis, who became permanent Commander.
• The One Hundred and Fourth remained on the new
advanced lines close to the enemy^s works until August
26th, exposed most of the time to a severe fire from
artillery and sharpshooters. This compelled the men
to keep closely under cover, but several losses occurred
to the Regiment while in its works or on the skirmish
lines. On the 8th, John P. Johnson, of Company P, was
badly wounded. On the 9th, P. A. Hawk, of Company G,
was wounded in the face, and on the 11th, John Everitt,
of Company H, in the head. On the 12th Corppral
John Ruble, of Company G, color bearer, was severely
wounded. Captain Strawn, speaking of this, says: "A
stray bullet coming from the right made four holes in
the hat of Sergeant John Shay, of my company, and
then plunged into the neck of the color bearer. The
blood spurted out in a stream as large as a man's little
finger. I was standing close by and thought an artery
had been severed. Our Surgeon, fortunately, was near,
and being summoned, came quickly and applying his
thumb to the wound, bandaged it and sent the man to
the hospital. Few of us expected to see him alive
again, but in a short time he recovered and resumed his
place as color bearer." Captain Proctor mentions the
same event and says that about that time several men
were killed or severely wounded, always in or about
the head, and he attributes the killing of Fitzsimmons,
Craig and Graves, as well as the wounding of the others
to the same rebel sharpshooter, who was probably con-
cealed in the thick foliage of a tree. The One Hun-
dred and Fourth took part in an advance on the 13th,
to capture the rebel rifie pits in front. These were
carried for the whole length of two brigades, the Regi-
ment losing in killed George Schweigart, of Company
K; Joseph Burkart and Nathan Rham, of Company K,
were wounded; also Alexander Bramble and William
H. Jones, of Company D.
Edgar K Stevens, of Company D, thus describes the
284 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
part taken by himself and comrades in this action. He
says: "I was one of twenty-one men on the picket line
commanded by Lieutenant Rood, of Company G. We
were on the south side of a little creek. The rebel
picket lines were on the other side, in the edge of some
woods, there being a cleared field three hundred yards
wide between them and the creek. General Carlin
came out to our picket line and asked the Lieutenant
if he could charge and take the rebel line of rifle pits
in front. The Lieutenant said he could try. The men
were then assembled in single line two or three yards
apart and at the word of command we clambered
through the brush down the bank, and wading over
rushed up the opposite side, when we came into full
view of the enemy, who began to fire on us at once.
Instead of returning the fire, we advanced on them at
the double quick without halting, until we reached their
pits and mounting the works with muskets cocked and
bayonets fixed, demanded their surrender. The rebels
immediately dropped their guns and being collected,
were escorted to the rear by a part of our boys. Thu»
twenty-two men, including our commander, captured
forty-four rebels without our having fired a shot."
The ease with which the rebel line was taken and
the ready surrender of the rebels was due to the fact
that they had become tired of fighting and only wanted
a decent pretext to get under the protecticm of the old
flag. On some parts of the line the r(»bels, according
to Captain Proctor, had arranged to fire over the heads
of our men when they charged. This agreement, it
seems, was faithfully carried out, and the casualties
occuring to our side were inflicted from other sources.
On the 13th and 14th some three hundred men man-
aged to be captured by our forces. Meantime, how-
ever, the fire from the rebel sharpshooter and their
main works continued. On the evening of the 14th the
enemy made a dash on the skirmish line of the One
Hundred and Fourth, wounding two men. Their bat-
tery made the head logs of our works fly with solid
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 285
shot and shell, but meeting with a firm resistance from
Captain Proctor and his men, the enemy fell back to
their works.
General Sherman sent Kilpatrick on the 18th to
break up the railroad. That General destroyed some
three miles and made the circuit of Atlanta, but failed
to inflict lasting damage and Sherman then determined
to raise the siege of the city and throw the main part
of his army further south toward Jonesboro, directly
on Hood^s communications. In preparation for the
movement, the Twentieth Corps was sent to the in-
trenchments beyond the Chattahoochee to guard the
bridge, the ferries, material, supplies, etc., there accu-
mulated. The Fourth Corps covered the transfer. Begin-
ning on the night of the 25th, the Fourth Corpe moved
to the right and closed up on the Fourteenth Corps
near Utoy Creek. In the night of the 26th the Army
of the Tennessee went to the extreme right of the other
two corps. The One Hundred and Fourth, leaving the
works where it had remained so long, and marching
to the right until one a. m. of the 27th, went into
bivouac for the rest of the day. As afterward learned,
the rebels in Atlanta, on finding that Sherman's armies
had disappeared, rejoiced greatly and telegraphed the
news all over the south, thinking that they had got
rid of the hated Yankees, but they soon after found
that they had crowed to soon, for on the 28th the
meaning of this sudden departure began to dawn upon
their minds. Hood, to meet the new movement of his
adversary, had thrown Hardee's and Lee^s Corps into
Jonesboro. The 28th was occupied by the armies in
executing a grand left wheel on Schofield as a pivot,
which was closed at night by the arrival of Thomas
and Howard at the railroad. The One Hundred and
Fourth camped near Red Oak, and on the 29th was
detailed to guard troops engaged in tearing up the
track and destroying the material.
On the 30th the Twenty-third Corps faced East
Point. Thomas was near on the right and Howard
236 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
\
approaching Jonesboro. The One Hundred and Fourth
moved six miles and camped, Howard did some skir-
mishing with the enemy and reached a point within
two miles of Jonesboro, The movements of all the
armies on the 31st were directed toward the new
objective and the railroad, which was destroyed as
they advanced. In the afternoon* Hardee made an
attack on a part of Howard's line, but was repulsed.
It became evident to every soldier on the evening of
the 3l8t that the long campaign for the possession of
Atlanta would soon end. All felt that some great
event was about to happen. It was an intuitive feel-
ing, though the exact situation was not yet fully known.
On September 1st the armies were early in motion and
late in the afternoon the Fourteenth Corps formed a
junction with Howard's left reaching to the railroad.
Stanley and Schofleld followed. General Davis form-
ing his divisions in line in front of Hardee's works,
charged and captured a rebel brigade and two bat-
teries. The One Hundred and Fourth was present
Owing to night coihing on and the failure of Stanley
to arrive in time, Hardee was enabled to escape and
retreat to Lovejoy's Station. During the night heavy
explosions were heard in the direction of Atlanta,
twenty miles distant, the meaning of which was a
cause of conjecture. The morning of the 2d dawned
upon the deserted works of the rebels at Jonesboro,
and Sherman was not a little chagrined that Hardee
had escaped, but at once ordered a vigorous pursuit.
The Fourteenth Corps remained at Jonesboro. During
the day rumors of the evacuation of Atlanta reached
our army and caused great rejoicing. Even General
Thomas, it is said, threw up his hat and indulged in
extraordinary antics of happiness. General Slocum,
who, from his works at the Chattahoochee, had heard
the explosion in the night, sent Colonel Coburn early
in the morning with a brigade toward the city, and
followed himself soon after. On the way these troops
were met by the Mayor of Atlanta, who made a formal
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 237
surrender. The city was then occupied by General
Slocum's command in force. It was found that
Hood, before leaving, had destroyed nearly all the
material he could not remove. However, Slocum
secured twenty cannon and some small arms. Vast
numbers of cars and locomotives, machinery and army
supplies, together with buildings, had been blown up.
Fair Atlanta had become a wreck in part. Later in
the day Sherman received a note from General Slocum
that Atlanta was really ours. General Sherman,
though with his army before the enemy at Lovejoy's,
soon decided to bring the present campaign to a close,
return to Atlanta, and give his armies a much needed
rest after their four months of marchings and battles,
during which time there had been scarcely a day when
some part of the lines was not under fire. There were,
besides, other reasons for a halt. A most vital part of
the rebel Confederacy had been wrested from the grasp
of Jefif. Davis, but his army still remained, though in
retreat and no doubt disheartened. New plans must
be studied for future movements against the still defi-
ant foe. Therefore on the 5th Sherman's armies were
ordered to march to Atlanta, arriving in and around
the city on the 8th, where they were disposed in com-
manding positions and went into camp for a brief
period to enjoy the fruits of victory obtained after one
of the longest, most remarkable and brilliant cam-
paigns on record.
On the 3d of September the following dispatch was
received and promulgated to the armies:
"Executive Mansion,
"Washington, D. C, Sept. 3d, 1864.
"The National thanks are tendered by the President
to Major-General W. T. Sherman and the gallant offi-
cers and soldiers of his command before Atlanta, for
the distinguished ability and perseverance displayed
in the campaign in Georgia, which, under Divine favor,
has resulted in the capture of Atlanta. The marches,
battles, sieges, and other military operations that have
238 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
signalized the campaign, must render it famous in the
annals of war, and have entitled those who have par-
ticipated therein to the applause and thanks of the
Nation.
"ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
"President of the United States."
This and another from General Grant created great
enthusiasm among the soldiers and each could justly
feel proud that he had borne a part, however humble,
in the Atlanta campaign.
To no one, perhaps, was the success of Sherman's
armies more gratifying than to Abraham Lincoln.
Atlanta fell at an opportune time in the history of
the Nation in its struggle for existence. A national
election was theu approaching and this victory made
the re-election of President Lincoln certain. It gave
new courage and moral force to the friends of the
Union in the North, who wisely and naturally desired
to have Mr. Lincoln re-elected, while it equally dis-
couraged the adherents of General McClellan, the can-
didate of the Democratic party and of the South, who
had been nominated on a platform that declared the
war a failure and that it should be stopped at once.
It appears that our Democratic soldiers thought dif-
ferently. Captain James M. Leighton, a war Democrat,
writing from Nashville on September 8th, says: "In
addition to Court Martial duties I was assigned to the
command of a battalion of convalescents for the defense
of Nashville against Wheeler. The State Convention,
composed of all Union men, has been held here four
days, eliciting great interest. Copperheads have kept
out of sight. However, one of the delegates to the
Chicago National Democratic Convention arrived here
in time, as he thought, to enlighten this convention.
He got into the hall and commenced his Chicago secesh
harangue, when he was hissed down and requested to
leave the room, with the assurance that on his refusal
he would be put out. I think it would be well for
many of our northern men to read the resolutions
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 239
passed here, one of which is an unqualified condemna-
tion of the Chicago Convention and 'platform.' " Again
he writes: "It does seem as though people at the
North are making ev^ry effort to cripple the present
Administration. We think since hearing of McClel-
lan's nomination, that Uncle Abe's chances are good.
I wish they would leave it to the soldiers; we would
settle the question at once." That Captain Leighton
voiced the convictions of ninety-five per cent or more
of the soldiers who were Democrats, is no doubt true.
To show the feeling among soldiers the writer, then
a prisoner of war, was present at a test election held
in our prison camp at Columbia, S. C, about October
12th. One thousand and twenty-seven votes were cast,
nearly all in the prison voting. Of these, eight hun-
dred and eighty-four were cast for Abraham Lincoln,
one hundred and forty-three for McClellan. The Illi-
nois men voted seventy-nine for the former, eight for
the latter. The figures aTe taken from the diary of
the writer. The votes for McClellan were mostly given
by soldiers who were from the eastern armies. While
the patriotic people of the North were rejoicing with
bonfires, illuminations and speech-making in honor of
the signal triumphs of Sherman's armies, and gather-
ing new moral strength and determination that the
rebellion should not succeed, the effect on our erring
brethren of the South was quite the opposite. They
had lost faith in the success of their cause, but pride
on the part of many and hatred on the pail of the
leaders, held them to their allegiance. The great
majority, however, it is safe to say, were utterly tired
of the losing contest. Nowhere was this more appar-
ent than among the soldiers, who frequently met our
own on the picket lines in the intervals of fighting,
when the subject was fully and freely discussed in the
most friendly manner and with marked effect on the
enemy, which was sure to bear fruit. These stolen
interviews generally ended with promises on the part
of all to spare each other if they met in battle. Well
might angels weep over the stern necessity that com-
240 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
pelled them to seek each other^s lives. On the Atlanta
campaign desertions had been numerous, there being
2,438 reported in four months. But while the rebel
soldiers were heartily tired of fighting they were held
back by a pardonable pride, by notions of honor and
other considerations. Said an old Confederate soldier
to the writer: "I went in on the wave of excitement
that sw^pt the South, and against my judgment; my
neighbors did the same. I was at Donelson, Shiloh,
and all through, but soon saw that we would lose in
the end. But 1 was in, so were all my relatives and
friends, who had either enlisted voluntarily or had
been drafted. Seeing no way to get out and expect
to ever have again the respect of my* old neighbors, I
stayed.^^ This man reflected the feelings of thousands
and showed that he was honorable. His education, cir-
cumstances and surroundings compelled him to be a
rebel soldier. But the worm of discontent had not only
worked among the masses of unwilling victims before
and after the fall of Atlanta. Many rebel leaders
began to weaken. Governor Brown, of Georgia, was
one of these, and when Hood fell back before Sher-
man, withdrew the State Militia, numbering 15,000
men, under General G. W. Smith. He made the plaus-
ible pretext of its being necessary in order that the
sorghum crop might be harvested, but it was known
that he was only seeking an opportunity to save Geor-
gia from further damage. However, he dared not take
the final step severing further relations with the Con-
federacy. Jefferson Davis, utterly dismayed by the
fall of Atlanta and rendered desperate by the condi-
tion of affairs, made a visit during September to Geor-
gia and Hood's army. On his way through the Con-
federacy, he foolishly, as usual, indulged in speech-
making and dropped remarks as to his future policy,
that were soon reported to our Government and to
General Sherman. He bitterly assailed Governor
Brown and promised everybody in Georgia that the
steps about to be undertaken would result in the
invader being driven from her sacred soil, even to the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 241
Ohio River. His insane boasts quickly reached our
lines and put General Sherman on guard.
Meantime, Sherman^s armies spent the month of
September in pleasant camps on the hills around
Atlanta, engaged in recuperating and preparing for
another campaign, though no one had an idea as to
what its nature would be. Sherman Leland, writing
a little later as to the movements of the One Hundred
and. Fourth, says: "We reached our new camp at
Whitehall, four miles from Atlanta, on the 8th, when
all became busily engaged in fixing up our quarters
after the long and arduous campaign. We had a fine
location and cabins were built and everything in good
shape in a week. We remained here until October
3d, enjoying the rest immensely. During this time
Captain Leighton and Lieutenant F. M. Sapp resigned
on account of wounds received at Chickamauga, Cap-
tain Porter, of Company B, was transferred to become
Colonel of the One Hundred and Twenty-third U. S. C-
troops." The One Hundred and Fourth had begun the
campaign in May, with a total effective strength of
two hundred and ninety-six oflScers and men. The
ranks had become thinner and thinner from day to day.
The Regiment had lost in four months three officers
and twenty-two men killed, two officers and seventy-
one men wounded, and five missing, also probably
killed; a total of one hundred and three, or thirty-five
per cent of the whole number. It had been under fire
one hundred days during the campaign, and on every
occasion had acquitted itself with honor. On the 5th
of September the Regiment mustered one hundred and
seventy men and thirteen officers, less than two full
companies, but equal in experience and discipline
obtained by continual service, by battles, sieges,
marches and hardships, to a full regiment of new
troops.
Colonel Hapeman, in making - his report of the
Atlanta campaign, says: "I cannot close this report
without giving credit to the brave officers and men of
the command. For four months they have endured
242 THE3 ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
the campaign, and have always behaved themselves in
a manner worthy the name of American soldiers. Great
credit is due Major Widmer for the bravery and skill
he has always displayed in his management of the
skirmish line. The loss of Captain Doty, Captain
Rynearson and Captain Fitzsimmons is deeply felt by
the Regiment. They were gallant officers, and loved
and respected by their men."
The total losses in Sherman's armies during Au-
gust and September in killed, wounded and missing
amounted to 5,139 men. Hood's losses for the same
period were 7,443 men, which included 3,738 taken
prisoners. The aggregate Union losses in the cam-
paign were 31,687 men. Those of Johnston and Hood
34,979 men, as determined by the rebel records.
CHAPTER XVI.
Pursuit of Hood and Return to Atlanta.
While at Atlanta Colonel Douglas Hapeman was
ordered to assume command of the First Brigade.
General Carlin commanded the Division. Colonel
Hapeman continued in command until November 8th,
when Colonel Hobart, Twenty-first Wisconsin, his
senior, succeeded him. The term of service of several
regiments had expired, and the First Brigade, under
Colonel Hapeman, began the next campaign with the
ioUow^ng organizations, commanded as follows: One
Hundred and Fourth Illinois, Major John H. Widmer;
Forty-second Indiana, Captain G. R. Kellams; Eighty-
-eighth Indiana, Major L. J. Blair; Thirty -third Ohio,
Captain Jos. Hinson; Ninety-fourth Ohio, Lieutenant-
O)lonel R. P. Hutchins; Twenty-first Wisconsin, Cap-
tain C. H. Walker. The entire strength of Carlin's
Division on September 20th was 4,191 men, all veteran
soMiers.
Up to the 20th of September Hood's army had
remained quietly at Lovejoy's, about twenty-five miles
from Atlanta, glad enough to have a period of rest,
while its leader was with the rebel President endeavor-
ing to solve the difficult problem of how to begin a
new campaign, intended to regain what had been lost.
It was an exceedingly knotty question, but probably
the plan agreed upon and adopted was as wise as any,
in view of the desperate condition of C'onf ederate affairs
at that time. However, on the 21st the rebel army
began to show symptoms of being much alive, as it
moved on that date toward Sherman's rear, the
infantry reaching Palmetto Station and the cavalry
crossing the Chattahoochee. This gave an intimation
as to Hood's plans, which evidently were to strike first
244 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Sherman's line of communications with Chattanooga.
His plans were further developed when on the 24th
General Forrest suddenly appeared with eight or ten
thousand cavalry before Athens, Alabama, and cap-
tured the small garrison there. The intention to raid
in the rear was plain and Hood's movement correctly
surmised. President Jeff. Davis appearing in Macon
on the 28th, made a flaming speech still further reveal-
ing what any man of sense in his position would have
concealed. Within twenty-four hours General Sher-
man, by means of his spies, possessed a copy of that
speech, and knew that Hood proposed to march for
the north, hoping thus to draw him and his armies
away from Georgia in a vain pursuit and disastrous
retreat, Davis having been rash enough to promise that
only the retreat of the great Napoleon from Moscow
would bear any comparison to it. Being fully satisfied
by October 1st that Hood's army was across the Chat-
tahoochee, Sherman, leaving the Twentieth Corps to
hold Atlanta, put the rest of his armies in motion for
the rear at Marietta, conjecturing that Hood was aim-
ing for his railroad, wliich proved to be true. There
were numerous garrisons along this road and before
this date Newton's Division had been sent to Chat-
tanooga and Corse's to Rome, while all the commatid-
ers at important points had been put on guard. Mor-
gan's Division and General Thomas left for Chatta-
nooga on the 29th as a further precaution against what
was anticipated, Hapeman's Brigade and the One
Hundred and Fourth struck tents on October 3d, and
marching in a heavy rain reached and crossed the Chat-
tahoochee, bivouacking at midnight near Vining's Sta-
tion. The boys will never forget that first night spent
without fires because they would not burn. The com-
fortable quarters left* near Atlanta in the morning
seemed like palaces. This was only the initiative in
many long months of almost continuous marching for
more than a thousand miles, but it was the first step in
the final grand march that swept to the sea, the irre-
sistible weaves of which it resembled, and like them
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER^. 245
was not stayed until having swept northward through
wide states like an avalanche, there were no longer any
rebel armies to oppose, no rebellion to conquer.
General Sherman had for active operations about
sixty-five thousai^d men, Hood about forty thousand
as estimated. Many changes had occurred of late
among the officers. General J. D. Cox commanded
the Army of the Ohio. General Thomas having gone
to Chattanooga, General D. 8. Stanley was the senior
Major-General of the Fourth and Fourteenth Corps.
Logan and Blair being north, their Corps were com-
manded by Generals Osterhaus and T. E. G. Ransom,
the latter a La Salle County man, who had gone out
as Major of the famous old Eleventh, and had acquired
distinction as a leader and fighter, but alas! in a few
days more he was obliged to yield to the conqueror
of all, the only foe he ever feared, which in the guise
of insidious disease, ended his life on this march. The
march was resumed on the 4th toward Kenesaw, the
One Hundred and Fourth making some ten miles that
day. Sherman had signaled via Kenesaw to General
Corse at Rome to march at once to thfe relief of Alla-
toona which was held at the time by a small command
and was believed by Sherman to be one objective of
the enemy. General Corse fortunately arrived in time
on the 4th and on the 5th made the defense of that
place forever memorable. On the latter date AUatoona
was attacked by French's Division, but unsuccessfully
and with heavy loss to the rebels. General Sherman,
who was on the heights of Kenesaw, eighteen miles
distant, signaled assistance and to hold on. There
was great anxiety as to the result, but in the afternoon
the smoke and signs of battle had died away, and Sher-
man received a signal message that the enemy had been
repulsed. Later General Corse dispatched as follows:
^^I am short a cheekbone and an ear, but am able to
whip all h — 11 yet. My losses are very heavy, etc."
With nineteen hundred men Corse had repulsed and
severely handled a whole rebel division, five thousand
strong. The Union loss was 707 men killed, wounded
246 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
and missing. General Corse reported 231 rebel dead
and four hundred and eleven prisoners. The number
of wounded was not known. Three battle flags were
captured. Meantime Hood marched on and invested
Resaca on the 12th, French's Division acting as rear
guard. Other points were attacked, but only a few
minor ones captured^ Sherman followed rapidly, but
was unable to overtake Hood, who, in fact, had greater
objects in view than weakening his army in fruitless
and costly attacks on our well fortified and bravely
defended positions. On the 5th the One Hundred and
Fourth bivouacked one mile from Marietta, and march-
ing nearly to Big Shanty on the 6th, built some light
breastworks on a high hill near a pass which it waa
detailed to guard. Here it remained until the 8th at
noon, when the march was resumed and continued
until within two miles of Ackworth, where a halt wa&
made. The 9th was spent in camp.
General Sherman, who had been contemplating the
situation and knew that all Georgia now lay open to
invasion, telegraphed on the 9th to General Thomas,,
then at Nashville, of his intention to march for the
sea coast, leaving him to take care of Hood and his
army. At the same time he dispatched General Grant
to the same effect. While awaiting an answer and
permission, he heard on the 10th of Hood's appearance
below Rome, and turned his own armies towards Kings-
ton. On the evening of that date the One Hundred
and Fourth left camp and marching all night camped
beyond the Etowah River for a few hours. The weather
had turned cold and hardly wood enough could be
obtained to make coffee. The men w^ere without blank-
ets and suffered greatly. However, at seven of the 11th
the Regiment started and moving on all day, reached
Kingston at night, where it went into bivouac one mile
west of the town in a pine grove. Here rations were
issued and a large mail from the north received, which
restored the spirits of the boys to their usual standard.
General Sherman again repeated his requests to be
allowed to make the march to the sea. Hood failing^
REGIMENT 1L.LINOIS VOLUNTEEltS. 247
to obtain the surrender of Besaca moved off west and
disappeared. Sherman continued to follow, coming up
with a portion of the rebel army at Ship^s Gap on the
16th, when General 0. R. Wood's Division charged and
carried the gap, taking as prisoners the Twenty-fourth
South Carolina Regiment. Howard was pushed
through Snake Creek Gap. Thomas meantime had
learned that Hood was near La Fayette. This news
caused great excitement in the North, and even General
Grant seemed to be disturbed, but it had the good
effect of hast4^ning forward all the new recruits and
detached regiments to Thomas for use against Hood's
invasion. The One Hundred and Fourth, leaving camp
on the evening of the 13th, arrived within a few miles
of Rome at midnight and bivouacked. On the 14th
Calhoun was reached at noon and Resaca in the even-
ing. The next day, the 15th, the Regiment crossed
the Oostenaula and bivouacked at night near the Chat-
tooga Mountains. The march of the 17th was a weary
one by a mere bridle path which was very steep, over
the mountain. About noon the Regiment came into
Snake Creek Gap as the Twenty-third Corps was pass-
ing through. Moving on, a halt was made at Taylor's
Ridge. Some of the boys were revisiting the scenes
of their exploits five months before, but a large num-
ber had gone to the camping gi'ounds beyond the vale!
There was a scarcity of rations on the 17th, and parched
corn Avas in demand. However, being sent on picket at
Dick's Mountain, Company H levied on some sorghum
and beans and the supper was enjoj'ed.
The One Hundred and Fourth took up the march
again on the 18th, crossing Taylor's Ridge and advanc-
ing toward La Fayette. A distant view was had of
Lookout Point at Chattanooga, thirty-five miles away.
This sight caused cheers and brought back many thrill-
ing memories. At night the Regiment bivouacked
by the road. Sherman Leland relates the following
good, true and reliable story as to an occurrence here:
"A certain Quartermaster in the Brigade, well known
to all the boys, lay down some time after dark to sleep.
248 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Having presumably taken one good snooze he suddenly
awakened, and feeling cold, also observing the moon
just rising above the eastern hills, he called out to his
negro servant: ^Alec, Alec! move that fire up nearer
my feet!' The shout of laughter that greeted him
brought back his senses, but fair Luna continued to
move on in her accustomed course."
General Sherman had a few days previous secured
a half consent from the authorities at \Vashingt<m to
his project of a campaign through Georgia, it being
understood that General Thomas was to be left in
charge of Sherman's vast department to the north.
Hood's army had moved to the vicinity of Gadsden,
Alabama, in the meantime, and our armies followed. ,
Of the movement of the One Hundred and Fourth on
the 20th Leland says: "Drew three days' rations and
passing through Chattooga ville, a miserable place of
a few houses, near a bridge, we crossed the line into
Alabama, and camped near Gaylesville. Here, rest-
ing from our recent toilsome marches, we lived on the
fat of the land, enjoying greatly the change from army
rations to the food of civil life. Hogs, sheep and sweet
potatoes were abundant in this valley. The Third
Division ran two mills and all were supplied with an
abundance of corn meal, hard-tack taking a back seat
for a time.*' October 29th it was learned that Hood
had appeared before Decatur, Alabama, and endeav-
ored to capture the post. Not succeeding and being
short of supplies, he withdrew and nearly a month
later crossed the Tennessee at Florence. Sherman hav-
ing fully determined to carry out his plan, the armies
were put in motion on the 28th for Atlanta. That
General Thomas might be fully prepared to cope with
Hood, the Fourth Corps, under Stanley, was sent to
him at once, and a few days later General Schofield,
with the Twenty-third Corps. These, with the raw
troops in Nashville and several divisions at other points,
together with many garrisons withdrawn from the rail-
road between Chattanooga and Atlanta, satisfied Gen-
eral Thomas that he would have sufficient forces to meet
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 249
Hood. The One Hundred and Fourth, breaking camp
on the 28th, and crossing the Chattooga, marched three
miles on the Rome road and bivouacked for the night
On the 29th the Regiment marched twenty miles and
reached Rome. During the day the house was passed
where General Ransom lay dying, guarded by a detail
of the Fifty-third (LaSalle County) Regiment The One
Hundred and Fourth remained in Rome three days and
was made glad by the receipt of three months' pay.
It was now known among the boys that they were
to go south instead of north, a plan that met with
their hearty approbation. On November 2nd Sherman's
headquarters were at Kingston, and his four army
corps, with a ^division of cavalry, were strung along
the road from Rome to Atlanta. On this date he
received a dispatch from General Grant "to go," and
from this hour every energy was bent to the object in
view. The railroad torn up by Hood was put in run-
ning order and taxed to its utmost to remove surplus
stores of all kinds from Atlanta to the rear. The sick
and wounded were sent back to Chattanooga, which
was to be held. The army was put in shape for rapid
marching. The wagon trains repaired and their num-
ber reduced to the minimum. Sherman proposed to
live on the country after leaving Atlanta, which city
was to be made untenable and left to mourn its deso-
lation. The railroads were to be destroyed north for
fifty miles and the country laid waste. The idea of
the "March to the sea" was Sherman's own and may
be called an inspiration. He first conceived it when
Hood began his movement over the Chattahoochee, and
while General Grant, President Lincoln and others, to
whom he broached the subject, doubted, he never
receded, but clung to it persistently from day to day,
until Grant, his superior, acquiesced. General Sher-
man knew the uselessness of his following Hood after
he had reached Gaylesville. Previously he had cher-
ished some hopes of overtaking Hood in such a posi-
1:ion that he would be obliged to stand and fight
Leland says: "There is a report in camp that General
250 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Sherman sent the following characteristic message to-
General Hood by General Young, a rebel officer cap-
tured at Atlanta: "Tell Hood that I am tired of fol-
lowing him up and want him to stop and fight. Let
him throw away his picks and spades and we will da
the same. I^et him choose his ground and I will thrash
him, but if he will not do that I will meet him alone
and whip him. But tell him also, if he persists in run-
ning away I'll make a perfect hell of this country.' ^^
The late Frederick G. McLain, of Company K, thus
wrote in regard to Sherman's plan. He says: "The
first intimation we had of the intended movement came
to us in the Chattooga Valley, but nothing definite
was known until about the time we l^ft Kingston ta
concentrate at Atlanta. From the day we entered that
city until we started, the question Avas discussed by
the boys. Beauregard away down in Alabama w^as-
probably chuckling over the game he had put up on
Sherman by sending Hood north to transfer the seat
of w^ar again to Tennessee and Kentucky. But Sher-
man was equally happy, no doubt, when he turned
from the pursuit of Hood to march to the sea. Just
think of it! The gallant Hood and his army ignored
by Sherman and left to be taken care of by old *Pap^
Thomas with one small corps aided by some squads of
green recruits and negro soldiers! No doubt Thomas
will give them pleasant entertainment.^
On November 2nd the One Hundred and Fourth
marched for and arrived at Kingston, remaining there
until the 12th. Adjutant R. C. Stevens, w^ho had been
home on leave of absence, returned on the 4th, bring-^
ing letters for the boys. Captain Boss, of C>ompany B,.
returned with him, having recovered from his wound
received at Mission Ridge. The Regiment received
orders to prepare for active campaigning and all sur-
plus articles or any regarded as such were to be taken
to the rear. Colonel H. C. Hobart, Twenty-first Wis-
consin, assumed command of the First Brigade on the
9th by virtue of seniority. The Colonel was well knowit
to the writer, both having been captured at Chicka-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 231
mauga, and put in Libby Prison at the same time. The
former escaped through the famous "hole" and re-
turned to his command. The latter escaping later, was
quite surprised to again meet Colonel Hobart and in
command of the First Brigade. The meeting, which
occurred in North Carolina while the army lay in front
of Johnston, was pleasant. The writer remembers
being offered a position on his Staff, but declined. He
also wishes that he had declined some *^old commis-
sary," which he believes was surer to kill than bullets.
The movement to Atlanta began on the 10th from
Kingston. The One Hundred and Fourth left on the
'12th and marched to Cartersville and camped along
the railroad on the edge of the town. The depot here
being filled with rations, the wagons were loaded to .
their full capacity, also the haversacks and knapsacks
of the men. The depot and town were then burned.
There was such a superabundance of hard-tack that
the First Brigade and another, forming in line on
opposite sides of the railroad-cut had a battle
which caused much merriment. At Cartersville
communication with the north was severed. Gen-
eral Sherman received here his last dispatch, and
from General Thomas, who bade him God-speed. The
wires were cut as he was replying. The One Hundred
and Fourth, marching again on the 13th, crossed the
Etowah, as the bridge and railroad were being
destroyed, and passing AUatoona, began tearing up and
destroying the track by burning. The whole of Car-
lin's Division was engaged in this work until late at
night, when sixteen miles had been ruined beyond
repair. The Regiment bivouacked some time in the
night at Big Shanty, and resuming the march early
on the 14th, soon reached Marietta, once a beautiful
village, now a mass of ruins, having been burned by
troops in the advance. At night the Chattahoochee
was reached.
Sherman Leland says in regard to the 15th : "Cross-
ing the river we arrived in Atlanta soon after noon, and
passing on through streets already warm with the
252 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOUllTH
destroying flames, camped a mile outside the city. The
wagon of the Regiment was sent back in haste for the
baggage and valuable papers of the Regiment, and
arrived just in time to remove them from the back end
of the building while the front was burning. All that
day the air was rent with explosions of stone buildings
used as storehouses by the rebels for ammunition and
supplies. By evening the entire business part of the
eity was on fire, the flames lighting up the sky in awful
grandeur, while exploding shells added to the confusion
and chaos of ruin."
Sergeant McLain says: "The Twentieth Corps
began the destruction of Atlanta and was relieved by
the Fifteenth Corps which was burning the place when
we arrived there. But some of the Twentieth, with a
desire to destroy everything and fearful that some old
rebePs property would be saved, acting on the impulse
of the moment, returned to Atlanta and set fire in
many places. Our own ammunition was saved with
difficulty by the exertions of our soldiers. Several gen-
eral officers were there, but they stood back and said
nothing, allowing the soldiers to pursue their own
course.*'
Captain Strawn writes in regard to the pursuit of
Hood and return to Atlanta: "Having followed Hood
on his way to the total annihilation of his army at the
hands of *Pap' Thomas, and having giveff him a good
send oflf as far as Alabama, Sherman halted his army
and the One Hundred and Fourth boys found them-
selves in clover, so to speak, when the (^hattooga Val-
ley was reached. Neither army had apparently been
here before and there was an abundance of all kinds of
forage for man and beast. The men welcomed the
change from salt pork and hard-tack to such luxuries
as corn meal, fowls, mutton, sweet potatoes, etc. Many
gorged themselves to the extent that they subsequently
regretted it. And some, in consequence, becoming sick
were a few days later sent to Nashville, thereby miss-
ing the march to the sea. After remaining near Gayles-
ville a week the army was suddenly ordered to move
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 25»
back toward Atlanta, going first to Rome. ^*e soon
began the work of destroying the railroads and bridges,
which proceeding astonished the people of the country
greatly. Marietta was a mass of ruins. Entering At-
lanta on the 15th we found the city burning, the flames
illuminating the whole heavens in the evening. Amidst
the pandemonium caused by the flames, the yells of the
soldiery, the explosion of shells and ammunition, we
moved on to our camp in the suburbs, to prepare for
what all believed was to be a campaign to the sea, but
no one with certainty could name the point toward
which we were to march/'
. Thus within three days after communication had
been severed with the north, Sherman's army began
another remarkable campaign that was to become
world famous; a topic of study and discussion among
military men; the theme of the historian and poet, and
the wonder of our own people, north and south. As
events proved, it was the final one undertaken by any
great army on either side in the war of the rebellion.
As a crowning glory it was to culminate in the sur-
render of the last (>)nfederate army of any size, com-
manded by the very general whom Davis in his rage
had dismissed and denounced a few months before
because he could not accomplish the impossible, yet
in the hour of sorest distress was obliged to call again
to his aid. Joseph E. Johnston was, after Lee, the
ablest of the Confederate generals. In this long cam-
paign the major part of the One Hundred and Fourth
was so fortunate as to be a participant. The numbers
were small, less than two companies when filled to the
limit There were, however, many of the boys who from
sickness or wounds had been sent to the roar at Nash-
ville, and there did good service in helping to repel
Hood's invasion, and for these who again fought under
their old and loved commander, General Thomas, there
was equal satisfaction in the thought that they were
in the battle of Nashville, which utterly ruined Hood
and his army, while adding new laurels to the fame of
their commander. Some of our boys were also at this
254 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
time prisoners of war and enduring all the torments
of the rebel prison hells. A few died, othei*s escaped or
were finally exchanged. The writer, while following
the glorious career of the One Hundred and Fourth in
new fields of honor and watching its battle-torn flag
waving over Savannah and Bentonville in the final acts
of the grand drama of war, will endeavor not to lose
sight of any of our men, who, wherever they were,
helped to gain the ultimate result, victory and peace;
the gratitude of the Nation, honor imperishable; and
above all, the quiet, perfect satisfaction of having faith-
fully contributed in some degree to preserve their
Nation and Government in all its integrity for millions
jet unborn.
CUAPTER XVII.
The March from Atlanta to the Sea— Siege and Fall of Savannah.
The army selected by General Sherman for the fur-
ther invasion and conquest of Georgia and other states,
was composed of the Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Seven-
teenth and Twentieth Army Corps, and one division
of cavalry, of two brigades, commanded by General
Kilpatrick. The army divided into two wings,the right
and left, was commanded respectively by Generals
Howard and Slocum. There were thirteen divisions.
Oenerals Osterhaus and Blair commanded the Fifteenth
and Seventeenth C!orps, Generals Davis and Williams
commanded the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps. The
generals commanding divisions were: C. R. Woods,
W. B. Hazen, John E. Smith, John M. Corse, J. A.
Mower, M. D. Leggett, Giles A. Smith, W. P. Carlin,
James D. Morgan, A. Baird, N. J. Jackson, John W.
Geary and W. T. Ward. The artillery had been reduced
to sixty-five guns. The total strength amounted to
55,329 infantry, 5,063 cavalry, 1,812 artillery, all equal
to 62,204 men.. The wagon train had been reduced to
about twenty-five hundred wagons, divided equally
between the four corps, and these were drawn by fif-
teen thousand mules. There were also six hundred
ambulances drawn by twelve hundred horses. The
total number of animals to be fed in the country
marched through was, including cavalry and mounted
officers' and orderlies' horses, about twenty-four
thousand, and as there was only forage on hand
for three days, the enemy's corn cribs and fodder
stacks were likely to suffer at once. The army
was to subsist on the supplies found in the coun-
try. General Sherman issued a special order on the
Sth of November designed to regulate the order of
266 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
march, the manner of foraging, and the kinds of prop^
erty which might be taken. He also gave power to the-
corps commanders as to the destruction of property,,
such as mills, factories, etc., likely to be used by the
enemy, and ordered that there should be no wanton
destruction of anything, and a proper discrimination
made between the rich and the poor, as the former were
generally hostile, while the latter were friendly, at
least neutral. The regular foraging was to be done
each day by details from each brigade under proper
officers. While in camp the soldiers were to be permit-
ted to gather vegetables, etc., within reach, but not to
go any distance away. They were forbidden to enter
dwellings or to commit any trespass. The regular
details were to provide the provisions and forage. As
an influx of slaves was likely to follow, they were not
to be encouraged. There were also provisions made
for pioneer battalions to make roads and bridges, a
most important matter as soon as the flat country of
Georgia should be reached. General Sherman provided
in short for every possible contingency, and adopted
every precaution to insure success in his novel and
bold campaign through the heart of the rebel Confed-
eracy.
On November 15th, the Fifteenth, Seventeenth and
Twentieth Corps began the march southeast and east
by different routes for the purpose of misleading the
enemy as to the real destination, which was first Mil-
ledgeville, the capital of Georgia. These movements
gave the appearance of threatening both Augusta and
Macon, and it was an object to keep the enemy in doubt
until the one hundred miles to the rebel capital was
covered. General Sherman remained with the Four-
teenth Corps in Atlanta until the 16th. On that date
at eight o'clock a. m. the last of the army left the
doomed city. All four corps were then moving south-
ward on as many roads to a common objective. The
One Hundred and Fourth marched to a place called
Lithonia, east from Atlanta, and bivouacked there in
sight of Stone Mountain. The Regiment had the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. ^ 257
advance and General Sherman rode along by its side
OP in the rear, most of the day, thus giving the boys
a fine opportunity to study "Uncle Billy,'* as he was
now called. Sherman Leland says in regard to this:
"We had three views of him, as all will recollect, first,
sitting on the porch of ailog cabin, the humble abode of
a Georgia ^cracker,' where we had halted to rest, a cigar
in his mouth, while beside him sat one of the female
*poor white trash,' puffing away at her corn-cob pipe.
We soon after passed by with as straight faces as pos-
sible and about noon halted for dinner. The General
and Staff passed us, and as we moved on after dinner
v^e saw him sitting on the door steps of another cabin
eating his crackers and meat from his fingers. The
third time we saw him sitting in the passageway be-
tween the two ends of a cabiuj a dozen or two negroes
^standing around and staring at him in wonder and
awe." These plain, familiar ways of General Sherman
were well calculated to gain for him the confidence
and respect of his soldiers, who knew that he had
always studied their interests and comfort so far as
he could and had been careful not to have their lives
needlessly sacrificed in battle. This first day's march
was entered into with great spirit by all the army.
The majority believed they were going to Richmond
to help out Grant, who did not seem to be making
much progress. The weather was clear and perfect
and the wrought-up expectations of the men found
expression in mirth and song, "Old John Brown" and
other popular pieces being sung with a vim that must
have had an effect, pleasant or otherwise, on the natives
of the country, white and black.
On the 17th the One Hundred and Fourth reached
Conver's Station in time for dinner. Leland says that
an old lady was seen here who allowed that she had
done running away from the Yankees, for this was the
sixth time, the first being from Kentucky, and now
she reCikoned she would let them go first In the after-
noon the Division was employed in tearing up and
destroying the railroad for five miles. This work was
258 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
thoroughly done, the rails being heated and then?
twisted around trees with tongs made for the purpose-
At midnight the Regiment camped on Yellow Kiver.
No forage was to be had on the 16th, but the foragers
came in on the 17th, with an abundance of sweet pota-
toes and some fresh pork. Some negroes now began
to flock in. Captain Strawn gives his observations and
experience as follows in regard to them : "The second
day several negroes came up, a few old infirm men,
besides women and children. I was on picket and dur-
ing the night a party consisting of a man and his fam-
ily arrived. I tried to reason with him, telling him
that we would have all that we could do to take care
of ourselves, he had better stay at home and raise
something to live on. But all to no purpose. He
seemed to realize that in starting to follow us his mas-
ter would never pardon him. Go he must, and did.
Whether he and his family lived to follow us to Savan-
nah and were cared for by the Government, I do not
know. It is a fact that when we reached Savannah
there were between nine and ten thousand who had
followed in our wake and were cared for by the Gov-
ernment. My attention was attracted later to another
group. It was made up of a woman of some thirty odd
years, who had a bundle as large as a wash tub on her
head and a pickaninny in her arms a few months old ;
another perhaps a year old was strapped on her back^
and three others were trotting along beside her, the
eldest a boy some ten years old. As they passed by
where Adiutant Stevens sat on his horse, he asked the
boy where they were going. He replied, *To Savan-
nah, sahP What spirit led him and other negroes to
guess thus correctly our destination? This was a ques-
tion that puzzled all of us at that time. In looking at
that group and others, apparently so unprepared for
such a journey, we could not but think of the old chest-
nut in the mouth of every pro-slavery man in the
North: *What do you want to free the niggers for?
you could not hire them to leave their masters.^ Here
were women and children, from infancy to extreme old
J REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 239-
age, starting on a journey of months' duration, tioplng
for freedom at the end. Orders were issued that they
were not to be allowed to encumber our march, but
if they kept in the rear and did their own foraging^
they were not to be molested. Their numbers con-
tinuously increased day by day and night by night
during our march. In the north, with few rivers to
cross and no interminable swamps to wade through,.
a journey jnight be made in a pleasant season of the
year, camping out and with comparative comfort, but
here was a motley crew of old and infirm and little
children, setting out in the midst of winter, not cold^
' of course, but very chilly at night, so much so that
our own soldiers frequently took turns in keeping up
fires. These helpless creatures had full faith that to
follow us meant for them freedom! While to return,
or be captured, meant death! That this was their
thought was evidenced on a certain occasion when I
was present. The incident occurred at the crossing of
the Ebeneezer River, a deep but narrow stream. For
some reason the pontoons were ordered to be taken
up when the army had crossed. The practice had beeni
to leave then down until our black followers were safely
over. The negroes began to arrive and seized with dis-
may, plunged into the stream, alleging that the rebel
cavalry were not far behind and that they would all
be killed. Their pitiable condition and the certainty^
that large numbei's would be drowned, induced our
soldiers to fell trees across the stream for them to cross
on. However, some were drowned. It is also certain
that many of the old and infirm perished by the way.
Certain large parties of them would attach themselves
to certain brigades. They would learn the names and
Bumbers of the regiments and generally manage to
reach the commands during the night. In this way
we learned to distinguish them from other parties and
noted the fact that many old and feeble ones had
dropped out. The uninitiated may wonder how this
^eat mass of people managed to subsist on the long
march of three hundred miles when the army was-
260 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
always in advance. It is true that we always secured
the best of everything and sometimes all there was, but
they were encouraged to forage for themselves, and
not only to forage provisions, but to press mules, horses,
carts, wagons, etc., for their use. Besides, when we
found the country full of provisions, we gave them
much that was left over. Compelled to march in the
rear they were frequently all night in catching up, not
daring to sleep outside of our pickets. Besides, we
frequently marched all night ourselves, which was
extremely wearisome to all. Frequently, in these night
marches we had to halt every few rods, not even at-
tempting to lie down, for we never knew how long the
halt would last. It all depended on the width of the
swamp and the energy and numbers of the pioneer
corps. With all these delays the negroes had to be
content as well as ourselves.^*
The march of the One Hundred and Fourth on the
18th was toward Covington. On crossing the Yellow
River it was found that the other two divisions of the
Fourteenth Corps had torn up the railroad for a dis-
tance of ten miles. In the afternoon the Regiment
arrived at Covington, which was found to be a pretty
town of some fifteen hundred people. Sergeant McLain
says: "What attracted my eye most was the pretty
girls of which the town was full. But I must say
that, with one exception, I did not see a person whose
position and worldly circumstances entitled them to
prominence among the rebels, who was friendly to our
cause, and I was not surprised at all when I heard a
few days afterward that several of our men who were
unwell and had straggled in the rear, were captured
by the citizen enemy, taken to Covington and hanged*
In passing through the town our ranks were closed upj
the flags unfurled and the bands treated the citizens
with some patriotic music that, however much they
hated, they had to listen to." At night the Regiment
camped beyond the Big Hayne's Creek, nine miles from
Covington. Meantime the Twentieth Corps had been
busy in destroying the railroad a few miles ahead at
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 261
Social Circle, whicii was fifty miles from Atlanta.
Howard had demonstrated with the Army of the Ten-
nessee and Kilpatrick's cayalry on Macon. The latter
actually got inside the rebel defenses, but could not
hold them and fell, back on the infantry, a brigade of
which (Walcutt's) was attacked by'G. W. Smith's rebel
force from Macon. However, this brigade, which was
armed with Spencer's repeaters, made havoc among the
rebels, who retreated to their works.
The Fouirteenth Corps was marching on the 19th
direct for Miiledgeville. The One Hundred and Fourth
made twelve miles and camped beyond Sandtown, a
place of three or four houses. Some extensive foraging
was done in the evening. The army was now in the
midst of a rich country and did not fail to live on the
fat of the land. Bacon, fowls, meal, sweet potatoes
and molasses were appropriated in liberal quantities.
No hostile foe had before trodden this part of the sacred
soil of Georgia and the South, and the people had an
opportunity to realize what war meant when brought
to their own doors. The One Hundred and Fourth
marched twenty miles on the 20th, camping late on
Whitfield's Plantation, the owner of which owned two
hundred and fifty negroes and, of course, was a rebel.
The march of the 21st was rendered unpleasant by a
hard, cold rain storm. The Regiment made only nine
miles and camped. The One Hundred and Fourth
started early on the 22d; jthe storm had cleared away
and it was cold. In the distance could be seen the
flames of burning buildings in Eatonton, where the
Twentieth Corps had preceded us. A halt was made
four miles beyond in a pine grove. Large fires were
kept up all night. The 23d opened up bright and clear
and the Regiment, marching early, halted for dinner on
Howell Cobb's Plantation, which was very large and
splendid. When it was known that the arch traitor,
Howell Cobb, owned this princely domain, the army
proceeded to strip it of all things that would be of use,
and left it in a state of ruin. The One Hundred and
Fourth was approaching the environs of the capital
262 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
through one of the richest and finest sections of the
State, which it was evident belonged to the wealthy
classes. These were now to contribute to the support
of the army and made to feel the rigors of war. The
enemy had not made any preparations for the defense
of Milledgeville, being led to believe that Macon would
be attacked on account of the large number of fac-
tories and war supplies there, which they were anxious
to preserve, all the time forgetting that Sherman's
army, by destroying the railroads to Macon, could ren-
der their material useless.
So completely had they been deceived, that they
removed all the militia from the capital city, and
liberating the convicts in the penitentiary, armed them
and sent them to Macon. Kilpatrick's cavalry sud-
denly entered the city on the 21st and the dismay
and confusion among the people and in the Legisla-
ture, then in session, was beautiful to behold. The
^xit of Governor Brown and his brother rebels in
freight cars, in carriages and on foot before Kilpat-
rick's troopers, is said to have been comical. Their
archives were left behind. The Twentieth Corps
reached the city on the 22d. Sergeant McLain,
describing the march of the 23d, says: "Our route
lay through beautiful scenery enhanced by the splen-
did weather. The landscape is neither a broad level
plain nor rugged mountain, but the country is undu-
lating, studded with timber, with a creek running
through it, giving a beauty such as the eye loves to
dwell upon. All nature was in her Sunday best, win-
ter had not set in here and the meadows were as green
as in May. During the march we passed the planta-
tion of Lee Gordon, a Lieutenant in the rebel army.
This is said to be the finest and best kept plantation
in all Georgia. The gardens and lawns are elegant.
Over all presides Mrs. Lee Gordon, surrounded with
negro servants and every accessory of wealth." The
One Hundred and Fourth, marching amidst such
scenes as these, at last reached the suburbs of Mil-
ledgeville and under strict orders remained in camp.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 26S
But it is to be presumed that some of the boys man-
aged to see the rebel capital that evening. The troops
that had preceded them fared better in the matter of
sightseeing. The state arsenal was filled with arms
of all kinds, spears, lances and murderous bowie-knives
among them. These were carried off as curiosities, but
soon destroyed. The state paper, or scrip, was found
in abundance in the capitol and some of this taken
along with the other things. The evening of the 23d
closed with all of the left wing in and around Mil-
ledgeville and the right at Gordon, twelve miles dis-
tant Our men found here newspapers of late date
from all over the South. Some of these represented
that Sherman and his soldiers were fleeing for their
lives to the sea coast, and called on the people to rise
in their might and destroy them. It seems strange
that people could be so imposed upon by such stuff,
but no doubt many were. However, the people of
Georgia (fid not "rise in their might" to any great
extent. General Beauregard, from the safe distance
of Corinth, Miss., issued the following bombastic ap-
peal : "To the people of Georgia ! Arise for the defense
of your native soil! Rally around your patriotic Gov-
ernor and gallant soldiers! Obstruct and destroy all the
roads in Sherman's front, flank and rear, and his army
will soon starve in your midst. Be confident. Be reso-
lute. Trust in an overruling Providence, and success
will crown your efforts. I hasten to join you in the
defense of your homes and firesides. G. T. Beaure-
gard." "Uncle Billyh' and his boys only smiled on pe-
rusing such crazy appeals as the above. They could well
afford to. One hundred miles had been successfully
traversed and without any fighting worth mentioning.
The army had lived high on the products of Georgia
and were growing fatter and stronger every day. They
had come to look on the trip as a grand picnic and
were not getting tired, Ijut more anxious to prolong it,
if anything. In this spirit the army again set out on
the 24th, first, however, burning the arsenal, peniten-
tiary and a few other buildings. There was undoubt-
264 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
edly a feeling of relief among the rebels when the last
troops left, and also many curses mixed with prayers
for the destruction of Sherman and his army in the-
swamps of Georgia. The left wing was to move to
Sandersville by Davisboro and Louisville; the right
was to follow the Savannah Railroad, and the cavalry
to strike for Millen, one hundred miles distant. The
rebel General Wheeler was now in front with his cav-
alry,* and General Hardee had been sent to Georgia to
turn the tide of invasion if possible. The One Hundred
and Fourth marching on the 25th, passed through the
city and crossing the Oconee River on a covered bridge
which the enemy had failed to burn, soon entered the
piney woods region and camped at two p. m. at Town
Creek Mills. The Brigade, which had taken a cross
road, came to a house filled with goods which the
owner had concealed. The stock was estimated to be
worth sixty thousand dollars. Those goods were
quickly sampled and some of them distribilted, every
soldier taking what he wanted^ but a partiality was
shown for paper collars. The Regiment performed
picket duty at this place, called Wood's Plantation,
until the afternoon of the 25th.
The left wing being well closed up on the 25th the
march was resumed on the 26th, the One Hundred and
Fourth reaching the big Buffalo swamp at noon, which
was crossed with much trouble, the men picking their
way frequently on fallen trunks of trees. The last
regiments of the command did not get through until
midnight and were lighted on their way by torches.
The Regiment bivouacked on a sandy ridge. At dawn
of the 27th it started again and waded another swamp,
then proceeded and reached Sandersville at noon. The
court house, jail and other buildings had been burned
by our advance forces, the rebels having made some
resistance here. There was a delay of several hours
on account of having to wait for the passage of the
cavalry train and droves of cattle that were taken
along, so that the Regiment did not leave town until
dark and then marched until midnight. On the 28thc
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 265
the march was resumed toward Louisville. On the
way the First Division of the Twentieth Corps was
found to be engaged in destroying the Georgia Cen-
tral Railroad. At night the One Hundred and Fourth
camped at ten p. m. five miles west of Louisville. The
29th was opened with an early march. The Regiment
crossed the Ogeechee River and soon after Rocky
Creek, where, for the first time, cypress trees and
palms were seen, an indication of a more tropical
climate. Innumerable swamps now appeared and one
of these was passed through over two miles of cordu-
roy road. The Regiment went into camp four miles
beyond Louisville. General Kilpatrick, who had been
sent to Millen to liberate the Federal prisoners, find-
ing they had been removed, started toward Augusta
and met Wheeler's cavalry, with whom he skirmished
some time and then withdrew to Louisville. Mean-
time the main army steadily advanced toward Millen.
Leland says of the 30th: "Our Brigade being in ad-
vance, the march was easier and at sundown we went
into camp two miles east of Sebastopol Station on
the Central Railroad. We found to-day an abundance
of forage, such as pork, poultry and meal. The weather
proved to be very warm." C. C. Courtright, of Com-
pany G, says: "The negroes had a grand jubilee after
dark; the boys built a platform, provided a fiddle, and
the darkies more than hoed it down, one old fellow
dancing on his head, and keeping time to the music.''
A shoii: march of five miles was made on the 1st of
December and the Regiment halted for the day at
nine a. m. on a plantation called Nazareth. On the
2d the march was resumed at noon and extended in
all directions, first toward Millen, then toward
Augusta, which Kilpatrick, with Baird's Division, was
threatening. After marching some miles and until
after dark, the command bivouacked in an open field.
On the 3d the Augusta Railroad was reached by the
One Hundred and Fourth at Lumpkin Station and the
Twentieth Corps was engaged in tearing up and burn-
ing the iron and ties. Before leaving on the 4th the
266 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Regiment assisted in further destroying the road and
then marched to Habersham, arriving at noon. At
night a halt was made in a pine forest a few miles in
advance and ten miles from Millen. The Seventeenth
Corps entered the latter place on the 3d. Kilpatrick
had demonstrated and fought Wheeler at Waynesboro,
supported by Baird. By this movement one good
day's march toward Savannah had been gained and
Wheeler prevented from annoying the main army and
the trains. The enemy could not remain much longer
in ignorance of Sherman's real objective. On the 5th
the One Hundred and Fourth marched fourteen miles
on the Savannah road through a sparsely settled coun-
try covered with swamps, and camped after dark at
Lawton's Mills on Beaver Dam Creek. The whole army
w-^as converging on Savannah by four parallel roads.
McLaw's rebel division and some militia had been
thrown in front of Sherman at Ogeechee Church, about
fifty miles from Savannah, but on the approach of
the Seventeenth Corps on the 5th retreated toward
Savannah, leaving their newly made works. General
Wheeler in the rear was kept at bay by Kilpatrick's
cavalry. The army was fast approaching the sea, and
the country became poorer in appearance, with houses
and settlements fewer and far between. Intermin-
able pine and cypress swamps prevailed. Provisions
and forgae became scarcer, but their place was supplied
by rice, which grew abundantly along the rivers in this
part of the state and was harvested by the boys. The
main roads were good, the weather fine and everybody
in high spirits. McLaw fell back steadily until he was
safe within the defense of Savannah. Some of his
men being taken prisoners affirmed that the army could
never take Savannah. The One Hundred and Fourth
marched seventeen miles on the 6th all the way near
the Savannah River just across which the sand hills
of South Carolina rose into view. On the way a rebel
steamboat, the "Swan," was sunk by one of our bat-
teries. She was loaded with corn for Savannah. No
•other incident of importance marked the day. At night
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 267
the camp Aires of Sherman's army made of blazing pine
knots, illuminated the whole country, and were sur-
rounded by as joyous a lot of soldiers as ever went to
war. On the 7th the One Hundred and Fourth led the
advance of the Division over heavy roads which had
been blockaded where they crossed the swamps. This
work had been done by citizens and negroes, the Ijat-
ter being run off a little later into South Carolina.
Sergeant McLain says of the movements of the 8th:
'^\fter marching until noon we halted for dinner and
w^hile thus engaged a rebel gunboat came down the
river and fired several shots at the head of our column;
then returned up the river. That night the Regiment
camped on Ebeneezer Island, near a very old church
of the same name. It was built in 1769 and used by
General Greene's army as a hospital in the Revolu-
tionary war. The church, which was of brick and inside
had an old-fashioned pulpit and high-backed pews,
stood in a very picturesque spot in a pine forest on the
bank of the river. Near by were the remains of an
old fort built by Governor Jared Irwin in the early
settlement of the country. One in looking over these
ancient relics is forcibly struck with the antique
appearance of everything. The forest, the fort, the old
Ebeneezer homestead, and the church, carried the mind
back to other days. The waters of the Savannah on
the left flow silently by wending their way to the ocean.
The island showed ample evidence of former high cul-
tivation and prosperity. As one reflects on the many
changes he cannot but wonder how many of the
descendants of those noble old sires who built the
church and fort, are now in arms against the Govern-
ment their forefathers fought to establish.''
The One Hundred and Fourth marched on the 9th
over roads which had been blockaded with fallen trees.
Cannonading was heard in front. Another swamp was
crossed and some time after dark the Regiment camped
near the forks of a road where the rebels had built a
fort. Our advance had driven them from this with
268 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
slight resistance. Owing to the heavy blockade of the
road the Regiment made only five miles on the lOtk
and frequently paused to build new roads. At night a
halt was made on the railroad ten miles from Savan-
nah. Some of the boys went out foraging and returned
well laden with fodder, pork and poultry. On the 11th
of December the One Hundred and Fourth, marching,
six miles, arrived within five miles of Savannah and
constructed breastworks. Here it supported Prescott's
Battery, First Illinois Artillery. Before the army now
closing in lay "Fair Savannah," surrounded by exten-
sive systems of fortifications and defended by an army
ujider General Hardee. The 11th closed with an
almost complete line of investment by our forces. The
left of the Twentieth Corps rested on the Savannah
River, next to it were the Seventeenth and Fifteenth
Corps, and the Fourteenth on the right. On the 12th
the One Hundred and Fourth crossed the Savannah
and Ogeechee canal, moved up a quarter of a mile and.
built a heavy line of works under fire of the rebel bat-
teries, situated on the opposite side of a flooded rice
swamp. The Fifteenth Corps, being relieved by the
Seventeenth, marched down the Ogeechee River to-
ward Fort McAllister. This barrier stood in the way
of communication with the fleet, which, under Admiral
Dahlgren, had been sent with supplies to await the
arrival of Sherman's army, and was then in Ossabaw
Sound and vicinity, below the fort.
The first step taken b.y General Sherman was to
prepare for the capture of Fort McAllister. The Sec-
ond Division of the Fifteenth Corps, under General
Hazen, was selected for the assault, to which it moved
on the 13th, from King's Bridge, fourteen miles below.
Captain Duncan and two others of Sherman's best
scouts had on the evening of the 12th quietly floated
down the Ogeechee in a skiff under cover of the dark-
ness pafit the fort, and reported Sherman's arrival to
the fleet. General Kilpatrick was also sent with cav-
alry to reconnoiter the position, which he did. General
Sherman, to hasten so important a movement, and
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 269
leaving the main army for the time, repaired to King's
Bridge and on the 13th witnessed the storming of Fort
McAllister from one of our signal stations situated on
a rice mill some three miles from the enemy. The fort
had been built with reference to attack from the sea,
while the land side was weaker, but protected by ditch
and abatis. Rice fields extended northward and west-
ward bordered with timber. Late in the afternoon
Hazen's Division was seen to advance across the rice
fields to the assault in firm steady columns with col-
ors flying. Instantly the defenders of the fort opened
fire from their heavy guns, but Hazen's men, in three
lines, moved briskly on until the skirmishers, gaining
the abatis and felled live oaks in front of the parapet,
were enabled to pick off the rebel gunners. With
shouts and yells the soldiers rushed over the obstruc-
tions and into the works. The garrison of two hun-
dred and fifty men, under Major Anderson, then sur-
rendered. Thirty-six heavy guns were among the tro-
^ phies. Just as the lines were moving to the assault
the smokestacks of a stamer were descried coming
np the river below the fort The signal officer was
notified of Sherman's presence, and soon after of the
capture of McAllister. In this affair Hazen lost ninety-
two men, the rebels about fifty. Sherman resolved to
visit the fleet that night, so, accompanied by General
Howard and several of his Staff who acted as crew,
he started down the river in a skiff. On the way,
learning from our soldiers below that General Hazen
was at the McAllister house, a landing was made and
a late supper eaten with Hazen and his Staff. Major
Anderson was also present as a guest. After supper
the party inspected Fort McAllister by moonlight and
saw the dead and living lying side by side, some to
wake no more, others dreaming perchance of the fierce
assault and^ victory. Sherman and party then em-
barked, and after going six miles further, reached the
boat Dandelion, a tender to the regular gunboat "Flag.^^
It is hardly necessary to say that the reception by the
officers of the Dandelion was hearty and that there
i 270 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
was joy all round. General Sherman then learned the
latest news from the North and about the mails and
supplies awaiting his army. The rest of the night was
spent in interviews with General Foster and Admiral
Dahlgren. The 14th was given to the completion of
arrangements for forwarding supplies to King's bridge
on the Ogeeehee, for distribution to the army. Sher-
man then returned to Howard's headquarters.
Meantime some preliminary movements had been
begun looking to the reduction of Savannah. One of
these was an attempt to close Hardee's only avenue
of escape by pontoon over the river and plank cause-
way into South Carolina, but this failed.
On the night of the 15th Colonel Hobart, with the
One Hundred and Fourth and two other regiments of
his Brigade, made a reconnoissance to ascertain the pos-
sibility of crossing the swamp, or submerged rice fields,
between his position and the rebel lines. The boys
waded in for a considerable distance. In places the
water was deep, reaching to the armpits of some. The
route taken was found to be impracticable, and the
enemy becoming alarmed and opening fire, the com-
mand was ordered back to camp, where it arrived wet,
cold and disgusted with Georgia swamps.
The next night Lieutenant James M. Wright, of
Company I, a brave and venturesome officer, deter-
mined to find some way of crossing the swamp if it
could be done. He set out alone on a different route
from that taken the night before, and succeeded in
reaching a low-lying bank of firm ground at the edge
of the timber, which he supposed was the boundary
of the swamp on the enemy's side, and on top of which
was an old rail fence.
Lieutenant Wright's private expedition being re-
ported to Colonel Hobart, the latter, on the afternoon
of the 19th, ordered Major Widmer to cross on the
route discovered by Wright, and reconnoiter the woods
on the rebel side of the swamp that night to find out
if there was room to form the Brigade on firm ground
between the swamp and the enemy's main line of works,.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. . 271-
which were in the woods and out of sight from our side
of the swamp, excepting a lunette for three guns, which
was on the rebel edge of the swamp and in full view.
Colonel Hobart told Major Widmer to use his own
judgment as to the number of men to make the trip,
to take the whole Regiment if he thought it necessary,
or go alone if he wanted to, but, ;at all events, to get
the required information that night.
The Major selected Captain Proctor, Lieutenant
Wright, Mark Purviance and William Frink, all of
Company I, to go with him. Each was armed wnth
two revolvers, and carried a light pole w^th which to
feel the depth of the water, and all went bareheaded,,
so as not to be readily distinguishable from other
objects in the dark. The night was extremely dark
and the party proceeded to work its way across the
swamp with the utmost caution, as no part of the route
taken was more than three hundred yards from the
rebel lunette, and it was know^n that the enemy at night
had pickets out on several dikes that extended part
way across the swamp.
At length the bank found by Wright on his former
trip was reached, but it was discovered that a canal
or feeder for the rice swamp, about twenty feet wdde
and filled with water six feet deep, lay between the
bank and the mainland. How to cross was the ques-
tion. By using his pole Major Widmer found a sub-
merged log lying across the feeder, and on it, he, (cap-
tain Proctor, and Lieutenant Wright passed over, leav-
ing Frink and Purviance to guard the crossing. The
ground was carefully explored up to the rebel line of
works, and it was found there was room to form the
Brigade between the feeder and that line. After an
absence of more than four hours the party returned to
our side of the swamp. Major Widmer, reporting to
Colonel Hobart that the route was practicable, w^as
ordered to select one hundred men of the One Hun-
dred and Fourth to lead an assault on the rebel works
the following night. Looking to that end he had poles
prepared to use as sleepers for a bridge across the
272 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
feeder, on which rails from the old fence were to be
laid; torches were also made, to be used if necessary,
and the detachment was held ready to make the assault
whenever ordered. There is no doubt it would have
been successful, but the evacuation of the enemy that
night rendered it unnecessary.
Soon after our army reached the city Colonel
Hobart received his brevet as Brigadier-General for
his activity during the siege, and he complimented
Major Widmer's party by giving them a banquet at
his headquarters, which was enjoyed by all in true
army style.
During the time between the 12th and 21st the One
Hundred and Fourth in addition to taking part in the
adventure of the 15th, was fully occupied in guarding^
its line of a mile in length. Narrow dikes ran across
the rice swamps and both armies watched the ap-
proaches to these. They were also commanded by
artillery. There was much foraging done in the coun-
try around Savannah, but pending the arrival of sup-
plies the boys hulled rice to help out the rations.
0. C. Courtright, speaking of this, says: "We
pounded (or hulled) rice in mess pans with the butts of
our guns; however, not being able to get all the hulls
off, when eating the rice some of it scratched all the
way down." Leland notes that the army at this time
looked well and hearty with hardly a case of sick-
ness in the Regiment. He also says: "On the 16th
we received our first mail from the North. In the
evening we heard a rebel band playing ^Dixie' and
^Home, Sweet Home.' As the lovely strains came
floating to us across the water some of us felt blue.
While here twenty-seven Union soldiers came in. They
had been prisoners of war for over a year and joined
the rebel army as the quickest way of reaching our
lines.'*
Frank W. Burns, of Company I, postmaster of the
First Division, says: "The largest mail ever received
by Ae was at Savannah. It took a six-mule army
wagon loaded to the big canvas cover to carry it. Three
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 273
hundred dollars' worth of stamps which I obtained for
the Division was only a fraction of what were wanted
for the first mail out from Savannah and I was kept
busy franking letters that there were no stamps for."
General Sherman had sent for heavy siege guns,
and was preparing to assault the rebel works, which
after careful reconnoitering it was decided could be
done successfully. By the 17th his supplies were com-
ing in from sea in great quantities. On that date he
made a formal demand through a flag of truce on
General Hardee for the surrender of the city. On the
18th an answer refusing to surrender was returned.
General Sherman, directing Howard and Slocum to
continue the preparations for assault, left at once by
sea fpr Hilton Head to confer with General Foster and
arrange with him to send General John P. Hatch's
Division to Savannah for the purpose of operating on
and taking possession of the old plank causeway on
the South Carolina side, which was Hardee's only ave-
nue of escape left to him. This matter was settled and
Sherman set out on his return on the 20th. Being
delayed by low tide he did not aiTive near Savannah
until the 21st, and was met on the way by a staff
officer with the news of the fall of Savannah tliat
morning. Hurdee had retreated across the river into
South Carolina during the night of the 20th with his
army of about fifteen thousand men and the light artil-
lery, after blowing up some of the public property, but
vast quantities remained and were captured by our
army. Among other trophies were two hundred and
fifty cannon which he left unspiked; all the railroad
rolling stock; thirty-one thousand bales of cotton
belonging to the Confederate Government, and much
other material. Early on the morning of the 21st our
pickets had discovered that the rebel works were aban-
doned. Upon hearing this Slocum and Howard
marched their troops in. Geary's Division claimed
to be the first to reach the heart of the city. The One
Hundred and Fourth, crossing the rice swamp in front
on a dike, marched to the Chimney Fort and bivou-
274 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
aeked under the cedars and live oaks around L^wton's
house. On the 22nd the Regiment marched through
the principal streets of the city and was charmed with
its beautiful appearance, so different from anything
seen before. There was a decidedly tropical air about
everything. The houses with broad and latticed veran-
das, the yards filled with rare flowers in bloom, the
palm and orange trees, were interesting sights to
behold. The live oaks, drajK^d with Spanish moss (Til-
landsia) adorned the streets and parks. It would be
hard to describe the feelings of satisfaction that per-
vaded all on this triumphal march, the fitting sequel
to the campaign begun early in November, and with
some misgiving. The result had been attained with-
out any battle on the three hundred miles' journey
and proved the wisdom of General Sherman when he
conceived the project that was to add to his fame as
a commander and strategist, even more than did the
Atlanta campaign. The One Hundred and Fourth
having shared in the army's triumph on the 22nd,
marched out two miles northward and went into camp.
On the march from Atlanta the loss to Sherman's
army in killed, wounded and missing amounted in the
aggregate to 764 men; 1,338 prisoners were captured.
As on the fall of Atlanta the North had been excited
to the highest pitch of enthusiasm, so the announce-
ment that Sherman and his army had arrived safely
before the walls of Savannah, was greeted with ne\%-
rejoicing, to find more emphatic expression two weeks
later, when the city had fallen. There w^as double
cause for the National gratitude and happiness, for
the speedy downfall of the great rebellion was assured.
The battle of Nashville had been fought ou the 15tli
and 16th of December, and a signal victory obtained
by the army under General Oeorge H. Thomas, over
the rebel General Hood, who had with him the old
Army of the Tennessee, that bore on its banners the
historic names of every great battlefield from Donel-
son and Shiloh to Atlanta, and had learned the art of
war under Albert Sidney Johnston, Beauregard, Bragg
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 275
and Joseph E. Johnston. The two armies were about
equal in numbers, but a part of General Thomas' army
was composed of new recruits, negro soldiers and con-
valescents from the vast hospitals of Nashville. Gen-
eral Thomas, assuming the offensive against Hood^s
veteran troops posted on the hills around Nashville,
defeated them in fierce assaults, extending over two
days. The results were most decisive, the enemy los-
ing a large number in killed and wounded, thirteen
thousand prisoners and nearly all of their artillery.
A feeble remnant of a few thousand found its way
back to Alabama in a demoralized condition, but the
proud and almost invincible Army of the Tennessee,
with its glorious record, went down in ruin at Nash-
ville before the "Rock of Chickamauga." As a fair,
open test of American valor and a battle on a large
«cale that was fought and finished on an open field,
that of Nashville stands alone. The One Hundred and
Fourth had its representatives there to the number of
seventy-five, soldiers of Sherman's army, who had been
wounded or sent back on account of sickness. A pro-
visional division of the Fourteenth Corps, composed of
-convalescents, had been formed under General Steed-
man and rendered good service in the battle. Cap-
tain C. K. Brown, of Company C; Lieutenant S. V.
Arnold, of Company A, and Lieutenant P. Talbot, of
Company B, commanded each a company. Lieutenant
Arnold, of Company A, says: "There were about four
hundred of our Brigade in the battle. After it was
over we followed Steedman to Decatur in pifrsuit of
Hood's remaining forces. There some brisk fighting
was done. The Fourteen Corps detachment was then *
sent to Chattanooga and the several companies assigned
to patrol duty from that city south and east. My com-
pany was stationed at Ringgold, Georgia, where I acted
as Provost Marshal from January 20th to February
24th, 1865. Besides myself there were Sergeant Frank
Pickens, O. Riley and Fuller, of Company A; also many
others from diflFerent companies of the One Hundred
and Fourth. I will add that I performed at Ringgold
276 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
my most difficult and dangerous service during the
war, as we were constantly raided by Gatewood's and
McDonald's bands of guerrillas. They were restive, and
knowing every foot of the country, we were kept on
the alert watching them and their spies, and protect-
ing our stores. To our great delight, on March 15th,
1865, the detachments were ordered to rejoin Sher-
man's army. Going by way of Parkersburg, West Vir-
ginia, Alexandria, and by sea to Moorehead City, N.
C., at last we reached our commands at Goldsboro, in
time to help close the war near Raleigh." The battle
of Nashville, the march to the sea, and the fall of
Savannah are all to be regarded as parts of one great
movement that settled forever the fate of the Confed-
eracy. No great and organized rebel army now re-
mained in all the southwest to be conquered. The
"march to the sea" had demonstrated the weakness
of the South and the folly of its further resistance.
Only the finishing blow needed to be given to Lee's
army at Richmond. On General Sherman's arrival at
Savannah he had been requested by General Grant to
transport his army, when Savannah should be taken,
to Virginia, but on further reflection another course
was pursued and Sherman's army left to sweep like a
whirlwind northward through the States of South and
North Carolina.
The army remained in and near Savannah during
the greater part of January, 1865, enjoying a well-
earned rest and preparing for another campaign. Dur-
ing this time the One Hundred and Fourth lived in
comfortable quarters built by the men, and improved
the opportunity to see the city and surrounding coun-
try at leisure. On January 9th Colonel Hapeman went
home on a thirty days' leave of absence and Major
Widmer commanded the Regiment. Captain M. Osman,
of Company A, and Jeremiah Grove, of Company E,
being taken sick, were sent to the hospital. The lat-
ter, who had been a good soldier, unfortunately died
on February 9th. The writer, while Sherman's army
was marching to the sea, having escaped from the rebel
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 277
prison pen at Columbia, S. 0., on the evening of Novem-
ber 28th, was also marching through the swamps of
the South, arriving after ten days' journey by field and
flood, at the mouth of the Santee River, S. C, and was
rescued by the TJ. S. Steamer Nipsic, from hell. Going
north and reporting at Washington, he returned after
a short leave of absence to Charleston, S. C, which
had just been evacuated by the rebels. Remaining
here a month or more, he was put in command of the
First Battalion, Third Brigade of the "Coast Division,"
under General John P. Hatch, who commanded the
Department. Captain M. Osman, who also arrived
there, commanded another battalion. In April both
were ordered to join their regiment, then marching
through North Carolina, and thus were enabled to
witness the death throes and attend the funeral of
Johnston's army near Raleigh. While in prison the
writer became acquainted with Lieutenant Byers, of
the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, whose famous song of "Sher-
man's March to the Sea," composed by him in prison,
is deemed so appropriate as to merit an introduction
here.
Our camp-fires shone bright on the mountain
That frowned on the river below,
While we stood by our guns in the morning
And eagerly watched for the foe,
When a rider came out of the darkness
That hung over mountain and tree,
And shouted, "Boys, up and be ready.
For Sherman will march to the sea."
Then shout after shout for bold Sherman
Went up from each valley and glen,
And the bugles re-echoed the music
That fell from the lips of the men;
For we knew that the stars on our banner
More bright in their splendor would be,
And that blessings from Northland would greet us
When Sherman marched down to the sea.
Then forward, boys, forward to battle!
We marched on our wearisome way.
And we stormed the wild hills of Resaca.
God bless those who fell on that day!
Then Kei-esaw, dark in his glory,
Looked down on the flag of the free.
But the East and the West bore our standard
When Sherman marched down to the sea.
278 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Still onward. we pressed, till our banners
Swept out from Atlanta's grim walls,
And the blood of the patriot dampened
The BOil where the traitor's flag falls.
But we paused not to weep for the fallen
Who slept by each river and tree,
Yet we twined them a wreath of the laurel
As Sherman marched down, to the sea.
O, proud was our army that morning,
That stood where the pine proudly towers,
When Sherman said, "Boys, you are weary —
This day fair Savannah is ours."
Then sang we a song for our Chieftain
That echoed o'er river and sea;
For the stars on our banner shone brighter
When Sherman had marched to the sea.
While in Savannah General Sherman and other
officers of high rank occupied fine private residences.
The city was, under the iron hand of strict military
discipline. The population, of some twenty thousand
white and black, were protected and their rights
respected, yet the rebel papers in the South represented
that rapine and pillage prevailed, the object being to
keep alive the dying embers of the rebellion and the
spirit of hatred. The ministers of the gospel of Jesus
Christ were not unduly imbued with love for their
enemies. One of them, as Sherman Leland relates^
called on General Sherman and asked if he would be
allowed, in his pulpit, to pray for Jeff Davis. "Cer-
tainly," replied the General, "Jeff. Davis and the devil
— both need praying for." Captain Strawn contrib-
utes the following interesting narrative of his impres-
sions and experiences on the march to the sea: "The
campaign from Atlanta to the sea remains on my mind
as a kind of half-forgotten dream, now gay and light-
some, now troubled and grewsome. We had no fight-
ing worthy of the name, but occupied ourselves chiefly
in marching from one fertile valley to another, remov-
ing the substance of the land on our way toward
Savannah. Supplies for the army were abundant, but
we had to collect them. Details of foragers were sent
out daily to gather in the fat of the land. Strange
supplies were sometimes secured on the sly, and sent
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 279
home as souvenirs. One man was reported to have
sent home considerable silver plate. Another brought
me for transportation a horn comb! It is but just to
say, however, that most of our men scorned to lay
hands on anything of value not really needed for the
army. There were some notable exceptions. It could
not be expected that among so many tens of thousands
there would be no rogues, gamblers, thieves and rob-
bers, before they joined the army. Their natural
inclinations remained — to get money without earning
it; therefore, it is not strange that, now and then, they
disgraced themselves and the army. I have said that
we found our line of travel well stocked with food
supplies, the collecting of which occupied much of our
time. There was one other matter that helped to
amuse and vary the usual routine. This was the
destruction of the railroads leading to our rear. If
the embankments of the road we desired to destroy
were high and steep a whole brigade sometimes placed
itself along the line and laid hold of the rails, and, at
a given signal, heaved the whole outfit down the grade.
If the ground was comparatively level we had tongs
and other tools for the purpose in view. The rails were
wrenched from the ties, which were then piled up far
enough apart for the rails to reach; other ties were
then piled underneath and fire set to them. When red
hot the rails were seized with wrenches and twisted
out of shape; sometimes they were wound around
trees if convenient. On the latter part of our march
food and forage were not so abundant as at first. We
had to use rice as a substitute for bread, most of it
unhulled if not in the straw, too. Within a short time
after going into camp, one could hear the pounding
of the improvised pestles and mortars separating the
hull from the kernel. This substitute for bread was
very healthy and nourishing, but we welcomed the
arrival of the Government cracker, facetiously called
by the boys ^hardtack' and ^Lincoln platforms.^
Savannah, which on arrival we invested, was diflScult
280 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
of approach, not only on account of its defenses, con-
sisting of vast earthworks and forts, mounted with
hundreds of cannon, but the rebels had flooded all of
the land approaches by means of the great ditches
intersecting the rice fields in all directions, and which
had been made for the purposes of irrigation. The
opposite ends of the dikes were guarded by cannon
supported by infantiy. These dikes were only wide
enough for two or three soldiers to traverse at the same
time. The One Hundred and Fourth will remember
well its experience one dark night in line of battle, try-
ing to wade through the flooded rice field in our front,
hoping to surprise the enemy and make a lodgment
in their works. We advanced as silently as possible,
splashing through the water. The rebels hearing the
noise opened on us, but did no damage. But as they
were apprised of our approach we fell back to dry land.
A few days after the enemy abandoned Savannah and
with bounding hearts we took up the line of march into
the city. I have never since then attempted to lead a
pokey horse but what I am reminded of an incident
that occurred to me while on this march. I was pull-
ing along a very slow nag by the bits, when I was
hailed by Phil Hawk, of Company G, as follows: *I
say. Cap, w^hy don't you get a sled and have something
to pull?' We were intensely interested in Savannah,
of which we had heard so much. On Sunday many of
us went to church and for the first time since leaving
home, heard inside a house dedicated to the worship
of God, an old-fashioned sermon. We did not infer,
however, from the heartiness of our reception by the
few present, the deacons and pastor, that they were
especially gratified by our presence. Having removed
camp to a new locality we found on clearing off the
brush and trees that the ground occupied was a mil-
itary camp during the last war with Great Britain.
The ridges of the cotton fields were plainly visible,
there being here no frost to raise and level the ground.
The trees cut down showed fifty rings. The One Hun-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 281
dred and Fourth remained some time in this camp,
and as it rained most of the time we welcomed the
order to march toward Richmond."
Sergeant Fred G. McLain, of Company K, who evi-
dently kept his eyes open while on the march through
Georgia, thus pictures the home of a "Georgia cracker"
living in the "piney woods" section of the State. He
says: "I will now describe to you the homestead of
one of the 'poor white trash.* I will give it without
varnish and you may draw your own conclusions about
the people and the manner of living of the great major-
ity of the chivalry. As you pass along the road you
come to a little clearing ranging in size from half an
acre to ten acres, according to the financial condition
of the owner. This is planted in little patches of cab-
bage, sweet potatoes, corn, negro beans and turnips.
Seldom does the list differ from that given, as the tastes
of the people are very much alike. You may see a
house near by in the timber; if not, follow that path
and you will find one down at the spring which may
be half a mile away from the garden. Around the door
stands a family of eight little towheads, youngsters of
nearly the same age; before them stands a little runt
of a Georgia cow, full breasted on the b/ick, with her
head sticking straight out, resembling a portable corn
crib with the door wide open. Near her, tied to the
wheel of a little one-horse wagon made after the pat-
tern so much in use in the mountains of Pennsylvania,
and called by Uncle Sam's 'pups' regular 'schooner-
fashioned rockaways,' stands a Georgia pony to match,
or in lieu thereof, a yoke of male com cribs keep com-
pany with the cow. In a littf e pen in front of the house,
or rooting in the ground near by, will be seen three
or four twenty-pound slab-sided porkers just as inde-
pendent as their owner. There is a shelf fastened up
against the side of the house on each side of the door,
which the owner must have made; in fact, I think he
built the house, which is of small pine logs, and the
casings of the two doors are fastened on with pegs.
The chimney is built of sticks instead of bricks and
282 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
. goes up on the outside of the house. The roof is made
of clapboards and held down with long poles which
run across the roof from one side to the other. Three
shelves outside yf the house contain the crockery ware
used in the dairy, which is composed mostly of gourds.
You step up to the door and ask for a drink. The
lady of the house hands you a small gourd with a
long crooked handle, and informs you that ^the spring
is just below.' Stepping down to the spring you get
a view of the back of the house, w^hich is just like the
front, dirty as it can be. Returning to the house to
th^nk the lady, the opportunity is embraced to exam-
ine the internal arrangements. In the center of the
house on both sides is a door. At one end is the fire-
place and on one side of it is a slab with four pegs in
it that serves for a kitchen table; on the other side is
a common board table to eat on. In the other end
of the house is the bed and a loom, but in case there
are two beds, they are placed in the comers and the
loom stands on the porch. There is a baby cradle in
the middle of the floor, and sometimes two, with three
or four chairs scattered around anywhere. In con-
clusion, I will say that kitchen, dining-room, bed-room
and parlor are all in one, like the Irishman's palace.''
CHAPTER XVIII.
The March Through the Carolinas— Battle of Averysboro and
BentonvUle.
The One Hundred and Fourth remained in Savan-
nah until the 19th of January, 1865, occupied in vari-
ous duties, such as going on picket and building breast-
works, as the city was to be garrisoned by Qeneml
Poster's command when Sherman's army resumed its
march. The continuous rains had prevented the on-
ward movement that had been initiated on the 14th
by General Howard with the Seventeenth Corps, on
Pocotaligo, S. C, twenty-five miles distant. This place,
an important strategic point at the time, was seized
and held with a loss of only ten men. General Slocum
had also crossed the river with two divisions. Thus
the army had begun to impinge on the sacred soil of
South Carolina, the state that our soldiers had always
desired to visit, regarding it truly as the birthplace
of the rebellion and the home of the most virulent
rebels in all the South. The same causes that delayed
Sherman operated in favor of the rebels by giving
them time to collect the scattered fragments of their
armies; to enforce a rigid conscription which embraced
everything capable of bearing arms, except ^heir slaves,
from the cradle to the grave; and to concentrate the
heterogeneous elements before Sherman. It therefore
became the latter's policy, as usual, to deceive the
enemy by the exercise of his favorite weapon — strategy.
Beauregard, Bragg and Hardee were all in South Car-
olina watching, and endeavoring to ascertain the prob-
able object of Sherman's first attack. It might be
Augusta, Charleston, or Columbia, but they were kept
in doubt until the Union columns were ready to strike
in any one of the three directions with equal facility
and certainty of success. Pending the resumjjtion of
284 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
active operations the rebels improved the time in
obstructing as far as possible the roads on Sherman's
supposed lines of advance, evidently not even yet
understanding that Sherman's army knew how to build
roads in apparently the most impossible places. Said
a rebel soldier to the writer on this point: "If Sher-
man's army had gone to hell and wanted to march
over and there was no other way, they would corduroy
it and march on," This man, who was a famous rebel
scout and fighter, as I had learned, made the remark
with a perfect candor that impressed as well as amused
ma Another rebel soldier having suggested at one
time that a railroad tunnel should be blown up a com-
rade replied, "That will do no good; Sherman carries
a duplicate tunnel in his pocket" However, the fact
remains that the rebels who had for nearly a year wit-
nessed the continuous onward march of the Union
armies under Sherman, first to Atlanta, and then to
Savannah, began to think there was no obstacle too
great for them to surmount And it was only by the
most frantic and extreme measures on the part of the
rebel generals that the semblance of an army was raised
in these last days of the war for the purpose of pro-
longing what the leaders knew was the death strug-
gle of their cause. Drowning men will catch at straws.
On the 18th of January the care of Savannah was
turned over to General Poster, who prepared to gar-
rison it with a division from Virginia commanded by
General Grof^er.
The One Hundred and Fourth received marching
orders on the 19th and proceeded to pack up. The 20th
opened up rainy, but the Regiment turned its back
on Savannah at eleven, and wended its way along the
west bank of the Savannah River toward Sister's
Ferry, where Sherman proposed to cross a part of his
army. After a wet, toilsome march of eight miles it
camped in the woods. Courtright says: "We lay down
to sleep at nine, but awoke at midnight — drowned out.
There were three inches of water in our tent, and also
in the tents of others. Overmire, Marlatt and myself,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 286
having procured some wet wood, succeeded after much
whittling and blowing in starting a fire by which we
dried our clothing. In the morning felt cross and stiff."
Owing to constant rain, the next three days were spent
at this camp and corduroy roads built for our trains.
The 24th was cold, causing one of the boys to remark
that "glory* was a good thing to cover one's self with,
but not so warm as a blanket.'* The Regiment moved
a short distance to higher ground. The weather being
clearer on the 25th march was again resumed over
better roads, and going sixteen miles, the One Hun-
dred and Fourth camped in the Nick-a-Jack swamp,
tired and hungry. The 26th was rainy, but the march
was continued for ten miles. The roads were again
bad, through a pitch-pine region full of swamps and
needing to be corduroyed. During the halts fires were
made with the pitch pine to dry the clothes of the sol-
diers, which became black and dirty from the smoke.
On account of the delay occasioned by bad roads only
half a mile was made on the 27th. Passing through
Springfield on the 28th and crossing the Ebeneezer
River, a halt was made after going eight miles. Sis-
ter's Ferry was reached on the 29th and the Regiment
went into camp, remaining until, February 4th on
account of high water in the river and swamps, mak-
ing pontooning and much corduroying necessary. On
the latter date the river was crossed and the One Hun-
dred and Fourth invaded the sacred soil of South Car-
olina. A camp was made near the steamboat landing,
where rations and clothing were distributed to the men
during the 5th.
The entire army, then engaged in the endeavor to
escape from the swamps and floods of the low coun-
try in its immediate front, was constituted as follows:
The right wing, of the Fifteenth Corps, General John
A. Logan, and the Seventeenth Corps, General Blair.
The left wing, of the Fourteenth Corps, General Davis;
the Twentieth, General Williams; the cavalrv division
of General Kilpatrick, and Corse's division, tempo-
rarily attached. The aggregate force was 60,079 men
286 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
of the three arms, infantry, artillery and cavalry. The
wagon trains and animals numbered the saiile as on the
march from Atlanta. There was forage for seven days
and provisions for twenty. The artillery amounted to
sixty-eight guns. That of the Fourteenth Corps was
in charge of Major Charles Iloughtaling (afterward
General) of Ottawa. Few will ever forget him, with
his long red hair hanging down on his shoulders in
curly locks. The enemy^s infantry occupied the line
of the Salkehatchie River, while Wheeler^s cavalry
hovered around the heads and flanks of our columns.
The right moved at once to break the rebel line and
soon crossed the river in the face of much opposition,
but no heavy fighting. Meantime the left wing was
toiling along from Sister^s Ferry, delayed by rain,
mud and constant corduroying. Its movement ap-
peared as a threat to Augusta while the objective was
Columbia. The latter, with Charleston, stood in equal
danger of a visit from Sherman, and the rebel gen-
erals were held in uncertainty. On the 7th the right
reached the railroad leading from Charleston to Au-
gusta, and expected to find this important line strongly
defended, but it was not, and taking possession, How-
ard's men proceeded to tear up and destroy the rails
and ties. This was done for a distance of fifty miles
in the most complete manner. General Howard relates
that while approaching the railroad in line of battle
expecting a fight, he saw a man come tearing toward
him on a white horse guided by a rope bridle. The
General recognized him as one of his "foragers." As
he came near he called out, "Hurry up. General, we
have got the railroad." It is hardlj- necessary to say
that General Howard was both surprised and grati-
fied. By the 9th the left wing had come into line at
Barnwell and vicinity.
The One Hundred and Fourth, leaving camp on the
6th, marched ten miles, four of which was through a
swamp which had been corduroyed. Soon after noon
the Regiment passed through Robertsville, but the
town had been burned by troops in the advance. It
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 287
rained very hard and a halt was made for the night
near the forks of the Orangeburg Road. The storm
continued all of the 7th, but the Regiment marched
ten miles, often stopping to remove the trees which
the enemy had felled across the road. It did not take
long to clear these away and going on the Regiment
camped after dark at Lawtonville. This place had also
been burned. A part of the Brigade became lost in a
swamp and did not reach camp until late. The 8th
was spent at Lawtonville, and foragers being sent out,
returned with an abundance of forage, hams, molasses,
potatoes and peas. Leaving camp at seven o^clock on
the 9th the Regiment made a long march of twenty
miles and halted at Mathew's Bluflf. Starting early
on the 10th night found the command near Barnwell
Court House. The foragers came in loaded with sup-
plies, showing that something besides hell could be
raised in South Carolina, though from the numerous
conflagrations along the way that much talked of place
might be supposed to have its location there. Leland
says of the 11th: "We marched through Barnwell,
which was being destroyed, and camped at a saw mill,
haiving made eighteen miles. As we passed, a man
who was trying to keep the fire, then burning his house,
from spreading to the fences and buildings, one of the
boys asked him how his house caught fire. Rather cool.-'
The different corps moved in near connection on the
11th, the Seventeenth striking for Orangeburg, an
important place, which, when secured, the communica-
tion between Charleston and Columbia would be sev-
ered. The division of General Giles A. Smith entered
the town and found several houses burning which had
been set on fire before the arrival of our men. The
fire w^as put out. A large building filled with orphan
children sent from Charleston was given protection by
General Sherman. The depot was burned and rail-
road destroyed. The One Hundred and Fourth marched
on the 12th to White Pond Station and beyond, destroy-
ing its allotment of railroad (the Charleston and Au-
gusta). This road was wholly ruined to within twelve
288 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
miles of Augusta. General Sherman on the comple-
tion of the work directed his army toward Columbia.
His movements thus far had been so confusing that
the rebel generals knew not where to meet him. How-
ever, they evidently thought he would not fail to strike
Charleston and prepared to receive him there, as they
did also at Augusta. But they could not then con-
centrate a heavy force at any point. Columbia was
left unguarded except by Wade Hampton's and But-
ler's cavalry.
On the 13th of February the One Hundred and
Fourth marched to the south branch of the Edisto
River, arriving there at noon. In the afternoon the
Regiment crossed over and going five miles camped
at BuUard's Mills. The men drew three days' rations
here, which, with what was drawn from the country
for twenty miles on each side, assured them against
the danger of starvation. The foragers, called "bum-
mers," kept the whole army well supplied with all the
country afforded. One day a party of them visiting a
plantation, proceeded to levy on the poultry, pork,
cows, etc. Finally they came to the small out-build-
ing used for smoking hams. This was located on the
side of a hill, and entering from the upper side, their
eager eyes directed upward, where a lot of hams hung
on the rafters, they did not notice the loose planks in
the floor. One of the boys, stepping on the end of one
of these, was unceremoniously pitched into the cellar,
falling into a hogshead of sorghum, and thereafter was
called by that name. Whether our gay "bummer" was
rendered any sweeter in person and disposition by the
novel bath, deponent saith not. Rains prevailed on
the 14th, but the One Hundred and Fourth made a
march of twenty-one miles, crossing during the day the
north branch of the Edisto River. At night a halt w^as
made at the Wateree Ferry Cross Roads, nineteen miles
from Columbia. The whole army was now converging
on that city, the capital of the State, and met with no
opposition except from cavalry. The One Hundred
and Fourth, marching until four p. m. of the 15th,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 28»
halted, and while preparing the bivouac, expecting
to remain all night, received an order to march to Lex-
ington Court House. This place was reached at eleven
and the rest of the night spent there. During the day
a few men were captured by incautiously venturing
too far away from our lines, among them Lieutenant
Channell, of Battery C. The Regiment acted as Pro-
vost Guard in Lexington until noon of the 16th. It
then resumed the march and guarded a train to the
Saluda River. Here the rest of the Brigade was found.
Going one mile further the command bivouacked in the
swamp until the morning of the 17th, when, starting
again, Rockville PostoflSce was passed, and having
marched ten miles, a halt was made at Spring Hill
until the 19th. The camp was in a cedar grove and an
improvement on many previous ones. General Sher-
man says in his "Memoirs" that on the 16th he camped
near the old prison camp opposite Columbia, known
as "Camp Sorghum," where he saw the remains of the
mud hovels and holes made by our men when prison-
ers. Possibly he may have observed the one built by
the writer. This "pen" was situated about three miles
from the city, across the river. The Seventeenth Corps
arrived there on the 16th and camped on the bank of
the river. The Fifteenth Corps was four miles above*
The left wing of the army was directed to turn north
again. On the 17th the Fifteenth crossed the Broad
River on a pontoon bridge and occupied Columbia*
Generals Sherman, Howard and Logan accompanied
the column. Hampton's cavalry had retired, but before
leaving had set fire to a quantity of cotton, and from
there the fire spread, aided by a very high wind, until
before the next morning eighty squares of buildings
in the heart of the city had been consumed. Our sol-
diers under Howard's orders assisted in the endeavor
to stop the flames, but without avail. It was asserted
for a long time that the soldiers fired the city, but this
was proven to be untrue in the "cotton investigations"
later. While in the city several of our escaped pris-
oners who had been confined there waited on General
290 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Shejpman, among others Adjutant Byers, whose famous
song Sherman then saw for the first time, and the result
was that he attached the Lieutenant to his StaJf, where
he remained until Fayetteville was reached. Byers
was then sent to Washington as a bearer of dispatches.
During the 18th and 19th the state arsenal, with vast
quantities of shot and shell, was destroyed, also many
foundries and machine shops. Columbia was reduced
to a state of ruin by the 20th and South Carolina hjad
by this time realized some of the fruits of secession and
rebellion. The right wing then began the march
toward Winnsboro. As one result of Sherman's
movements Charleston, which had been able to repel
every attack, was evacuated on the 28th of February
by Hardee, and at once occupied by General Foster's
troops. General Hardee hastened with his forces to
North Carolina to get ahead of Sherman's columns.
About this time General Joseph E. Johnston, who had
been abused and mistreated by President Jeff. Davis,
wag, in the new and threatening state of Confederate
affairs, called to the command of all the forces in South
and North Carolina, as the only rebel general capable
of accomplishing anything against Sherman's victo-
rious army. Thus the main part of Sherman's army
failed to see Columbia, but under orders marched
toward Winnsboro. The One Hundred and Fourth
leaving camp on the 19th, crossed the Broad River at
Threshley's Mill and bivouacked at Gibson's Meeting
House. Alex. Coyle, of Company E, but detailed at
regimental headquarters, and who had been sent out
foraging, came in with five fine mules and four horses.
A soldier of the Eighty-eighth Indiana was accidentally
shot here. On the 20th the Regiment broke camp before
sunrise arid marching six miles crossed Little River
and bivouacked at Ebeneezer Church.- Here Captain
Ross, who had been sent out with a party of foragers,
came into camp in the evening, bringing among other
things seven mules and a span of horses attache^ to a
silver-mounted carriage, in which was packed away
hams and shoulders. The Regiment, supplied with
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 291
about thirty pack mules, started t^e next morning well
loaded with supplies and all were in a happy mood.
Leland remarks in regard to the 2l8t: "Crossed the
Little Wateree Eiver and reached AVinnsboro at noon,
in time for dinner. Before our arrival a milliner in
town, declaring that the Yankees should not get her
stock of goods, set them on fire, and a strong wind blow-
ing, the entire city was soon in flames. In the after-
noon we marched five miles to White Oak Grove, on
the railroad, and camped after a march of seventeen
miles." Courtright says: "The foraging on the 21st
was good. The foragers brought in besides the usual
supplies, a lot of tobacco and wine. Of the latter some
of the boys had too much for their own good." From
Winnsboro the right wing was deflected toward Che-
raw and Fayetteville, North Carolina. The left wing
moved for Rocky Mount, preceded by the cavalry. On
the 22d the One Hundred and Fourth broke camp be-
fore sunrise and passing through Youngstown reached.
Blackstock on the railroad, and stopping long enough
to destroy five hundred yards (its allotment) moved
to the main Chesterfield road and camped. Marching
early on the 23d past Gladden's Grove to Rocky Mount,
fourteen miles, a halt was made just in time to pitch
the "pup" tents before the rain, which had. been threat-
ened all day, came down in torrents. This continued
all night and the whole of the 24th and 25th, obliging
the army to remain in camp. Leland says concerning
the event of the 26th: "The Brigade moved down to
the Catawba River and camped at the mouth of Rocky
Mount Creek. Nick McCormick, of Company B, came
in at night with his left wrist shattered, and reported
the foraging detail that had been sent out in the morn-
ing all captured. He escaped by swimming Fishing
Creek after being wounded. The party was as follows:
CJaptain W. C. Ross and John Mellon, of Company B;
William Buckley, Company A; C. G. Phillips, Company
D; C. Brock, Company F; J. H. Misner and J. C. Carnes,
Oompany Q; W. Lakin, Company I; M. B. Bushnell,
■Company K. On the 27th Major Widmer, command-
292 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
ing the One Hundred and Fourth, was sent out by Gen-^
eral Hobart with the Regiment to forage and hunt for
the party. It was learned that the foragers had been
captured at Stroud's Mill on Pishing Creek." The name
of John E. Merritt, of Company H, who escaped with
McCormick, should be added to the above. The One
Hundred and Fourth, while out on this expedition, did.
not see their captured comrades, but encountered plenty
of rebel cavalry and did some skirmishing, but the lat-
ter did not care to approach too near the superior rifles,
of our boys. Captain Strawn relates the following inci-
dent that ocurred: ^'A ^contract' surgeon who had.
accompanied us accidentally got between our men and
the rebels. Becoming panic-stricken he made a dash,
for the Regiment and using his spurs more than hi».
eyes, ran his horse into a ditch and was pitched head-^
long into the red mud, being completely plastered with
it. Catching his horse and picking up his accoutre-
ments he came toward us as if all Wheeler's cavalry
was at his heels. His haste and comical appearance-
caused all to laugh, though he himself failed to see
where the fun came in."
The incessant and heavy rains had so swollen the-
Catawba that the pontoon bridge could not be anchored,,
in fact had been carried away, and the whole Four-
teenth Corps remained isolated on the west bank until
the 28th. The Twentieth Corps, however, had crossed
before the break, and was then in advance at Hanging
Rock, in camp. The Regiment crossed the river in the
afternoon of the 28th. Captain Strawn mentions the
following curious event: "While on our way to the
pontoon we came across one of those rude rail pens
built after the fashion of such structures in the back-
woods to keep hogs from disturbing graves. At first
we supposed that some man had fought his last fight
and was buried there, but on close inspection, an officer
was found to be lying on top of the ground — dead
drunk. Who he was, or how- long he had been tiiWe
before he became conscious, we never learned."
The One Hundred and Fourth on March 1st guardedl
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 293
the train through to Hanging Rock and were much
delayed by bad roads, only fourteen miles being accom-
3)lished. The Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps reached
Cheraw. On the 2d the Regiment after going half a
mile halted until nine, and then moving forward
marched fourteen miles to Wharton's tavern. The
roads were so bad as to make constant corduroying
necessary. The advance forces on entering Chester-
field skirmished with Butler's cavalry. The foragers
were not successful in obtaining anything. General
Sherman here learned that Hardee had retreated across
the Great Pedee River. Cheraw, occupied by Howard,
was found to be full of rebel supplies of -all kinds.
Among these were twenty-four cannon, two thousand
muskets, and thirty-six hundred barrels of gunpowder.
The people of Charleston had also sent their valuable
household goods to Cheraw for supposed safety, but
probably soon realized that nothing was safe from
Sherman's army. Among their numerous assets were
many cases of the finest old Madeira, which were duly
taken care of and distributed. General Sherman gives
the following interesting colloquy between himself and
a negro on the way to Cheraw. The General asked:
"What road is this? "Him lead to Cheraw, master!"
"Is it a good road, and how far?" "A very good road,
and eight or ten miles." "Any guerrillas?" "Oh, no,
master, dey is gone two days ago; you could have
played cards on der coat-tails, dey was in sich a hurry!"
On the 3d the One Hundred and Fourth encountered
the worst roads it had yet seen, but toiled slowly along
in the rain, halting at noon near Oxhaw for dinner.
-Crossing Lynch Creek and moving on the camp was
reached at Blackleys after a march of fourteen miles.
On the 4th the Regiment marched fifteen miles and
•during the day crossed the state line into North Car-
olina. Foraging poor. Here General Sherman issued
an order to the army calling upon all to be moderate
in Xorth Carolina in their foraging and treatment of
the people, who had been forced into the rebellion
against the will of the majority. He therefore relied
294 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
upon the soldiers to show the people of the State that
they had respect for them and would take only such-
supplies as were necessary for subsistence. It is be-
lieved that the order was obeyed pretty generally. On
the 5th the One Hundred and Fourth marched in rear
of the Corps to within one and a half miles of the
Great Pedee River, and remained in camp until the
7th, waiting for the pontoon to be laid. This bridge
was thrown at Regent's Ferry, nine miles above Che-
raw, and consisted of forty-two pontoon boats, four of
which were wagon boxes covered with canvas. On
the 7th the Regiment crossed the Pedee at one o'clock,
marched for awhile toward Rockingham, then taking
the Fayetteville road through the pine woods to Jacobs',
camped for the night, having covered fifteen miles
between ten and six o'clock. But the record of the 8th
beat all previous ones. Iceland says: "We started at
six a. m. and halted for dinner at eleven a. m., having
marched fifteen miles in five hours, which elicited the
remark from General Sherman, who was with our col-
umn, that "it was the d — st marching I ever saw." But
we had two objects in view; first, to gain the Fayette-
ville plank road before the Twentieth Corps and take
the advance. And secondly, to prevent the enemy's cav-
alry from burning Blue's bridge over Downing Creek.
We accomplished both purposes. After <linner we
crossed the creek and went into camp at the thirty-
fourth mile post from Faj'etteville, having marched
twenty-two miles through a steady rain from the time
of starting." While the One Hundred and Fourth were
thus making quick time for the "objective," Captain
Strawn had been sent out after crossing the Pedee in
command of a large body of foragers and directed to
march towards Rockingham. I le says : "I w^as directed
to secure, if possible, a lot of flour. The cavalry, as
usual, were ahead, out we had no trouble in keepings
up with them. At night w^e camped a few miles from
Rockingham. The next morning we were off bright
and early for the tow^n and arrived in time to see the
cavalry drive out some rebel troopers. Of course our
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. ^&
cavalry gobbled most of the flour and left us scant
pickings. While searching diligently for what might
be hidden in outhouses, one of our boys found a quan-
tity of coined silver stuffed under the shingles on the
plates that held the rafters. Now, this was not strictly
something to eat, but there being no one to claim it,
and it being certain that some one with no better right
would carry it off, the finder kept it, but had much
trouble to carry the bulky stuff into camp, where I
learned that he disposed of the booty to another sol-
dier who had a *pulP on a baggage wagon. One of the
boys informed me that on the march he threatened to
throw it away, when one and another offered to let
him divide. On our return to the Brigade I found that
there had been some anxiety about us as we had gone
quite a distance from the route of the main army and
were nearly surrounded by Wheeler^s cavalry at times.''
General Sherman, who was with the Fifteenth
Corps, reached Laurel Hill on the 8th of March. The
Twentieth Corps followed the Fourteenth into Fay-
etteville. The Seventeenth Corps was on the right and
Kilpatrick's cavalry guarded the left of the army
toward Wadesboro. Hampton's and Wheeler's cav-
alry were in his front, but he (Irove them steadily be-
fore him. General Sherman, while at Laurel Hill, sent
Corporal Pike, a trusted scout, in disguise, to work
his way down the Cape Fear Eiver to Wilmington with
letters in cipher announcing his approach. This Cor-
poral Pike was with Thomas on the Chickamauga cam-
paign and well known to the writer. The One Hun-
dred and Fourth marched twelve miles on the 9th and
bivouacked at Montrose Postofflce. Courtright, who
had been out with a foraging party and lost his way,
reported to the Regiment. The march was resumed
on the 10th, and after going nine miles, a halt was
made for the night thirteen miles from Fayetteville.
On this date, Kilpatrick met with a surprise from
Hampton's troopers, but escaping with a part of his
men into a swamp, he reformed them and charging the
enemy recovered his camp and most of his artillery.
296 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
The Fourteenth Corps was the first to arrive in
Fayetteville, which it did on the 11th, and was fol-
lowed by the rest of the army. As our troops entered
the enemy under Hardee left, crossed the Cape Fear
and burned the bridge. The One Hundred and Fourth
reached the city about noon and after halting for din-
ner went into camp, where it remained until the 13th
of March. The boys thus had an opportunity to view
this beautiful and important place. The old United
States arsenal was located here and had been used by
the rebels as a manufactory of arms. Before leaving
General Sherman ordered its destruction. The office of
the "Observer," a virulent rebel newspaper, was also
burned. The attainment by the amiy of a point so
near the theater of operations in Virginia, and one
where communications could be opened with the North
and home, and mail received, was a source of joy to all.
Wilmington had been captured by General Ten-y's
forces on February 22d. About noon of the 12th the
shrill whistle of a steamboat was heard on the river.
It was Sunday and this salutation from the outside
world breaking on the Sabbath stillness sent a thrill
of gladness through the army, which knew well its
meaning. The bearer of glad tidings steamed into port
and its captain bore dispatches for General Sherman.
Corporal Pike had quickly performed his errand and
this the answer. At six p.m. the boat returned to Wil-
mington with letters from General Sherman to various
high officials. In one to Secretary Stanton he said:
^^The army is in splendid health, condition and spirits,
though we have liad foul weather, and roads that
would have stopped travel to almost any other body
of men I ever heard of." Well might General Sherman
be proud of his army and satisfied with the results
achieved on this march of nearly four hundred miles
from Savannah. The obstacles encountered were many
and mostly those of nature. The rains had been almost
continuous since starting. The swamps and lowlands
were flooded. Several great rivers needed to be pon-
tooned. Nearly every mile of the roads was cordu-
RBQIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 2S7
Toyed. Besides the important cities, with their arse-
nals, munitions of war, and public property, and rail-
roads, captured or destroyed, the effect of the move-
ment resulted in the evacuation of Oharleston and,
remotely, the fall of Wilmington. ^ But not less por-
tentious to the rebels was the result in the new dan-
ger threatening Lee's army in Virginia, only some two
liundred miles distant. Sherman having disposed of
Johnston?s army, estimated at this time to contain
thirty-seven thousand men, could march to the assist-
ance of General Grant. Truly, the rebel leaders were
being slowly driven to their last lines of defense and
knew not w^hich way to turn. General Sherman con-
sidered the possibility of Lee's abandoning Eichmond.
and marching to form a junction with Johnston. In
this event General Grant would follow Lee wherever
lie might go. But General Sherman, having, with Scho-
field's Army of the Ohio, then approaching Goldsboro,
nearlyninety thousand men, felt able to meet and con-
quer any combination that could be brought against
him.
On March 13th the army, having rested for a day
^nd replenished somewhat its depleted supplies of cof-
fee and sugar, other articles, particularly shoes and
-clothing, not being available, set out again on the
march and was directed toward Goldsboro. General
Johnston was supposed to be concentrating his forces
near Raleigh, but there was a possibility of his attempt-
ing to intervene between Sherman and Schofield, and
this made a speedy junction with the latter desirable.
The One Hundred and Fourth left camp on the 13th
and, crossing the Cape Fear River on a pontoon bridge,
marched out some three miles on the Raleigh plank
road and bivouacked. Supplies being scarce, cow peas
^formed for several days the principal ai;ticle of diet.
The Regiment remained in camp on the 14th, as some
T)oats had arrived from Wilmington with supplies,
which were transferred to the wagons. The 15th was
rainy, but the march was resumed, and after going eight
miles the Regiment went into camp. The army was
298 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH .
now disposed as follows: The Seventeenth Corps on
the right, the Fifteenth next, and the Fourteenth and
Twentieth on the left, with Kilpatrick's cavalry pro-
tecting that flank, which it seemed probable might be
attacked. All the tiiains were moved on interior roads,
further east toward Goldsboro. Slocum's column
encountered resistance as it advanced north and the
cavalry did considerable skirmishing in front, captur-
ing anumg others, Colonel Albert Rhett, a celebrated
South Carolina fire-eater, who was much chagrined.
He had commanded a brigade, then acting as rear
guard. It being apparent that the enemy was in strong
force in front, Slocum moved with caution on the 16th,
until approaching Averysboro, Hardee's army w^as
found occupying a strong position on swampy ground
between the Cape Fear and South Rivers. General
Sherman, who was on the left, directed an immediate
attack. General Slocum deployed Jackson's and part
of Ward's divisions in front, while a brigade wafe sent
far around on the left to take the enemy in the flank.
The latter movement resulted in driving them in rout
from their first line and the capture of Rhett's bri-
gade together with Macbeth's battery of three guns. A
general attack was now prepared for by forming the
first and second divisions of the Fourteenth Corps on
the left of Jackson. Kilpatrick being sent to seize the
Bentonville road was driven back by the division of
• McLaw's. The attacking forces, then advancing, drove
Hardee's army within his intrenchments and was press-
ing him close when night came on. In the disposal for
attack the One Hundred and Fourth occupied a posi-
tion in the front line, but was scarcely engaged and
lost no men. On the morning of the 17th it was found
that Hardee had abandoned his works and retreated.
Our losses in ^he battle of Averysboro were twelve offi-
cers and sixty-five men killed, and four hundred and
seventy-seven men wounded. The enemy left one hun-
dred and seventy-eight men dead on the field, the num-
ber of wounded not known. Several hundred prisoners
were taken. The army continued the march toward
^
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 299
Goldsboro on the 17th, the Fourteenth Corps leading.
The One Hundred and Fourth marched six miles
through swamps and creeks and camped. The roads
traversed on the 18th were bad, with many deep creeks
to wade, but the Regiment marched fourteen miles.
Some of the foragers brought in good supplies of hams,
chickens, turkeys, and sweet potatoes.
General Sherman, believing that Johnston's army
had retreated to Smithfield and would not further op-
pose his march to Goldsboro, joined Howard's column
and pushed hard for that place. » The roads were bad
and the lines were well stretched out, but Sherman
was anxious to meet Schofield. He apparently lost for
the time his usual caution in allowing the two wings
to be so widely separated in the presence of his wily
antagonist. The latter had by forced marches effected
a junction with Hardee at Bentonville, where he had
caused several miles of works to be erected and was
ready to fight, offensively and defensively. Well posted
as to Sherman's movements a trap was prepared by
Johnston, which added new credit to his skill as a com-
mander. Two isolated divisions of the Fourteenth
Corps were approaching his lines, two more were sev-
eral miles distant, the rest of the left wing was scat-
tered for ten miles in the rear. He proposed to attack
and destroy these in detail. Howard was known to
be too far away to afford immediate assistance. That
Johnston did, not succeed was owing to conditions aris-
ing which he could not control and which developed
later. The left wing, under Slocum, marched early on
the 19th of March, Carlin's Division leading. Hobart's
Brigade was in advance and had proceeded leisurely
along for some three or four miles toward Bentonville,.
meeting with some show of resistance from Dibbrell's
Cavalry, as was supposed, from behind rail barricades.
These were driven off, but the character of the oppo-
sition indicated heavier forces behind. Major Wid-
mer, who commapded the Regiment, advanced care-
fully in the woods on the right of the road, w^ien his
attention was called by Sherman Leland to what
•300 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
seemed to be a rebel battery not far distant in front
Almost simultaneously a cannon ball came whistling
among the trees and heavy lines of rebel skirmishers
opened up in front. These were at once engaged by
Captain Strawn, who commanded our skirmish line,
and the action became general in fi'ont of the One Hun-
dred and Fourth and the Brigade. Major Widmer con-
tributes the following account of the battle of Benton-
ville on the 19th, and the part taken in it by the One
Hundred and Fourth and Hobart's Brigade: "The bat-
tle of the 19th was in the nature of a surprise to Car-
lin's Division, and especially to Hobart's Brigade, while
on the march. Early in the morning the Brigade started
out on the road to Goldsboro by way of Cox's
bridge in the following order: Ninety-fourth Ohio,
Eighty-eighth Indiana, Thirty-third Ohio, Forty-second
Indiana, Twenty-first Wisconsin, One Hundred and
Fourth Illinois, the first three regiments composing
what was then called the right wing of the Brigade, and
the last three the left wing. In advance of the column
and spreading right and left over the country, were the
usual details of foragers, who, thus far on the long
march from Savannah, had been able to brush away
any bodies of rebel cavalry that attempted to impede
Qur progress. When the Brigade was about three miles
out on the road a scattering musketry fir half a mile
or so in advance was heard, which gradually increased
until it assumed the proportions of a lively skirmish,
and as the Brigade approached the scene it was dis-
covered that the 'bummers- had for once got hold of
something they could not get away with.
"The Brigade, under the direction of General Car-
lin, was promptly brought into line of battle on the
right (east) side of the road, the right wing in advance,
the left wing in reserve. The right wing was then
ordered to charge, which it did in handsome style, driv-
ing the enemy from his line of rail barricades, and
following him rapidly across some open fields and into
heavy timber beyond. As soon as the barricades were
carried the left wing, still in line of battle (the One
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. SOL
Hundred and Fourth being the left regiment), was.
ordered to join in the pursuit, which was maintained
for more than half a mile at a very rapid pace, some-
times on the double quick, and until this wing had
nearly arrived at a point where the Goldsboro road,,
which for som distance ran almost north, turned east-
ward. Here the left wing was ordered to halt, the
One Hundred and Fourth being on the left side of the
road, and the other. two regiments to the right of it,,
all in line fronting northward, and still in heavy tim-
ber.
"The right wing of the Brigade had pushed on sev-
eral hundred yards further to the north and away from
the road as it turned eastward. To its front was an
open field, on the further side of which, in plain view,,
was a line of earthworks stretching across the field
and into the woods, right and left, but how far could
not be seen. In fact, as it was afterward ascertained,.
the line of works to the right bore southward so as to
cross the Goldsboro road a short distance east of
the turn in the road. Behind these works were the
old Werans in gray, ready to give us their warmest
reception ; and here in the timber was our little Bri-
gade of twelve hundred men, facing what proved to be
the whole of Johnston's awny, but still supposing it
had nothing but cavalry to drive away, and then
resume its march.
"The left wing had halted but a few moments, when:
a rebel battery in their line of works opened fire, sweep-
ing with shot and shell the road coming up from the
south through the timber. The wing was then moved
east of the road about two hundred yards and again
brought to a front facing northward. Just as the-
movement was completed General Carlin discovered
the enemy was advancing on the right fiank of this
line. He in person ordered me to move the One Hun-
dred and Fourth to the rear, change front to the east,.
advance and prevent the rebels from turning that flank.
I did as directed, throwing Company F forward as skir-
mishers under Captain Strawn, who soon struck the-
302 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
oncoming rebel skirmishers and a warm flght ensued,
resulting in stopping the eneiny^s advance on that
flank. By this movement the One Hundred and Fourth
obtained a position in heavy timber about five hun-
dred yards to the right of the road, and fronting east-
v^^ard. In a short time the Third Brigade of C^irlin's
Division came up on the right of the One Hundred and
Fourth, thus extending the line of battle southward
the length of that brigade, and the Twenty-first Wis-
consin came into line on the left of our Regiment, and
the Forty-second Indiana on the left of the Twenty-
first Wisconsin the line of these two regiments com-
ing somewhat to the west, but not connecting with the
other wing of the Brigade, the gap being partially cov-
ered, however, by a four-gun battery of our Division.
The Second Brigade was put into line to the left of
Uobart's Brigade, and thus Carlin's Division, in a single
line of battle with a gap in the middle, faced the enemy.
As soon as these dispositions had been made General
€arlin ordered the other wing of our Brigade to charge
the rebel works in their front From the position of
our Regiment you could npt see the movement, bftt the
<!ontinuous roll of musketry and booming of artillery
told us that our comrades of that wing were engaged
in a deadly contest with ihe old foe. The charge was
Tigorously made and well sustained, but met with a
bloody repulse when the assailants were within a few
feet of the rebel works, the Eighty-eighth Indiana suf-
fering most severely in killed and wounded.
"I think it was at this stage of the battle General
€arlin came to the conclusion that something more
than cavalry was opposing his march, and that he had
a serious fight on hand. From the stubborn resist-
ance of the enemy in their front, the boys of Company
F had already made the same discovery, and Captain
Strawn had reported to me that he was fighting in-
fantry.
"The One Hundred and Fourth remained in its last
mentioned position for several hours, during which
time, by direction of General Hobart, the line of bat-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 803
tie threw up a slight line of works. The skirmishers
were constantly and sharply engaged with the rebels,
the firing being rapid and continuous for a skirmish
line. Company F's ammunition becoming nearly ex-
hausted, and their guns foul, I relieved that Company
by Companies A, B, C and E, under Captain Dewey,
who pushed the rebel skirmishers closer to their main
line, and who, in turn, were relieved by Company D,
under Lieutenant Rood.
"After the other wing of our Brigade was repulsed
the game on our side appeared to be a waiting one,
though the skirmishers kept up a constant rattle. The
fighting was wholly in the woods and but little could
be seen of what was going on, right or left. Some time
after noon, I think about two o'clock, a tremendous
firing and cheering broke out over where the other
wing of the Brigade had made its charge in the fore-
noon. It required but little experience to know that
one .side or the other was making an assault. But
which side, and with what result? In a few moments
I noticed the firing and yelling was moving south-
ward, indicating that the rebels were on the charge
and had smashed Carlin's line. I at once directed Jacob
Overmire and Philip Hawk, two as brave and trusty
boys as ever pulled trigger, to go to our rear (west),
^et as near to the road as they could without being
seen, and let me know what was going on there. In
about fifteen minutes they came back and reported
that a heavy body of the enemy was in our rear mov-
ing southward and driving everything before them.
I afterward learned that this force and the troops
participating in the rebel movement numbered about
ten thousand men.
"Before Overmire and Hawk returned the Twenty-
first Wisconsin and Forty-second Indiana had let go
their line, and drifted by the rear of the One Hundred
^and Fourth in squads, thus leaving the left flank of
our Regiment ^in the air,' and my skirmishers in front
were also being driven in, showing that the enemy
were moving on us in that direction. When I received
304 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Overmire's and Hawk's report I went to the officer
commanding the regiment next on the right, which
was still in line, told him the situation we were in,,
and proposed tliat we about face both regiments, fix
bayonets and charge the rebels then in our rear, strik-
ing them on the flank, and with a yell and a volley at
close range we would give the ^Johnnies' such a shove
westward as would enable us to get out to the south*
The officer declining to take part in the charge, at oncej
moved his regiment o*f by its right flank, and was
soon out of sight.
"Our little Regiment of eight officers and one hun-
dred and fifty men all told was there alone with the
enemy closing in on its front and left flank, and a
heavy force passing across its rear, not more than four
hundred yards distant, but, luckily for the Regiment,
out of sight owing to the thick underbrush interven-
ing. The situation was an extremely critical one, and
I think every man in the Regiment understood it just
as well as I did, yet all behaved like the veterans they
were, and awaited orders. But no orders came. The-
onslaught of the rebels had been so sudden and vio-
lent that it swept the division and brigade command-
ers and their staff officers away in the general rout.
What was to be done? My skirmishers were all drivett
in. I knew that in ten minutes, perhaps five, the enemy
would be on top of us, and would answer the question,
so I decided it: ^Attention, battalion ! Right face, for-
ward, march!' and we moved off in good order to the
south. Through heavy timber, underbrush, vines and
a dense swamp where the water was over knee deep,
we marched nearly half a mile parallel with the rebel
assaulting column, but unperceived by them, until we
arrived in more open woods, where to our left we could
see the lines of the Second Division of our Corps, and
to our right (west) about two hundred and fifty yards--
distant, was the left flank of the rebel line pushing on^
south. The chance to give the enemy a blow was too
tempting to be lost. I gave the commands: 'On the
right, by file into line!' and 'Commence firing!' File-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 30$
by file the boys stepped into line and opened up the
old tune on their rifles with a vim that soon compelled
the enemy to give us their close attention.
'We held our position until they swung around our
left flank, and then I ordered the Regiment to fall back
to the Second Division. Thus ended our fighting for
the day, and it turned out to be the last time the One
Hundred and Fourth delivered its fire in line of
battle."
The battle of the 19th was fought mainly by eight
brigades of our army and Kilpatrick's cavalry against
Johnston's whole army, which had been carefully or-
ganized for attack behind his works. The evening
closed down with our forces in possession of nearly all
of the ground that had been lost, the last charge being
made by (Cogswell's Brigade of the Twentieth Corps
which arrived late. As the rest of the Twentieth
arrived the line of battle was extended to the left with
Kilpatrick's cavalry on that flank. General Sherman
had heard the cannonading and late in the day was
notified of the nature of the battle. Howard's head
of column was then ten miles from Goldsboro. Gen-
eral Sherman at once turned back the troops toward
Bentonville. Early on the 20th Generals Baird, Geary
and Hazen arrived on the field with their commands,
Later two divisions of the Seventeenth Corps arrived
and the right wing was deployed until its left connected
with Slocum. These movements occupied all of the
20th, and at night the army confronted the enemy in
his works, which were strong and built V shaped with
the angle projecting to the Goldsboro road. Mill Creek
protected the enemy's flanks. The columns of Slocum
and Howard faced these lines. On the 21st, which was
rainy, nothing was done until noon, beyond some artil-
lery firing and skirmishing. General Sherman says
in his "Memoirs" : "In the uncertainty of General John-
ston's strength I did not feel disposed to fight a gen-
eral battle, for we had been out from Savannah since
the latter part of January, and our wagon trains con-
tained but little food." However, about noon. General
a06 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Mower, who, Sherman says, was "ever rash," advanced
his division and breaking through the extreme rebel
left was pushing successfully forward, when Sherman,
fearful of a concentration against him by the enemy,
ordered him back while he engaged the attention of
the whole rebel line with a strong skirmish Are. Gen-
eral Sherman says frankly: "I think I made a mis-
take there, and should .rapidly have followed Mower^s
lead with the whole of the right wing, which would
have brought on a general battle, and it could not
have resulted otherwise than successfully to us, by
reason of our vastly superior numbers; but at the
moment, for the reasons given, I preferred to make
junction with Generals Terry and Schofleld before
engaging Johnston^s army, the strength of which was
utterly unknown." Thus by lack of good judgment
on that occasion General Sherman lost the golden
opportunity to utterly ruin Johnston's army. The day
closed with our lines close up to the enemy. On the
morning of the 22d it was found that Johnston, with
his army, had gone, leaving nothing behind but his
pickets and the dead and wounded.
Thus ended the battle of Bentonville, considered
by some historians as one of the decisive battles of the
war, but we can only call it a minor one of that class.
It had been fought mainly by eight brigades of our
army and Kilpatrick's cavalry on the 19th, and against
the whole of Johnston's army. The well-devised plans
of the C!onfederate leader had failed, partly from lack
of co-operation by his troops, composed of the com-
mands of Bragg, Hardee, Cheatham and S. D. Lee, and
partly on account of the splendid fighting and steady
resistance of Carlin's and Morgan's divisions until the
Twentieth Corps could be brought into the field. The
character of the fighting on both sides was equal to
any shown on previous occasions, while the general
ship of Slocum and his subordinate commanders was
most commendable. No doubt the result was a bitter
disappointment to Johnston, who could not hope after
this to have such decided advantages in his favor.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. »07
General Slocum's losses were as follows: Nine offi
cers and 145 men killed, 51 officers and 816 men
wounded, and 226 missing. Aggregate, 1,247. The
rebel dead buried by Slocum numbered 167. Prisoners
captured, 338. The losses to Howard's right wing were
2 officers and 35 men killed, 12 officers and 289 men
wounded, and 70 missing. Aggregate, 407. Grand
total losses, 1,654. Howard captured 1,287 prisoners
and buried 100 rebel dead. The rebel losses, according
to General Johnston, amounted to 2,343. This, how-
ever, is underestimated, as shown by the reports.
The One Hundred and Fourth, which felt the first
force of the attack, and, as usual, acquitted itself with
cifedit, as did the Brigade, suffered the following cas-
ualties on the 19th: Killed — Richard M. Rhubart,
Company B. Wounded — Adjutant R. C. Stevens, Cor-
poral N. Baker, Company A; Corporal Seneca Gallup,
Mon^ Olson and S. D. Bassendale, of Company B; T. H.
Markley and Albert Harris, ('ompany C; ('orporal M.
J. Lane, Company D; Corporal A. L. Mason, Company
F; Sergeant W. Misner, G. D. Misner and P. A. Hawk,
of Company G; John Coyne, of Company I. Total, 14.
Major Widmer was hit by a ball with suflicient force
to tear off the heel of his boot and cause a slight bruise,
and several others experienced similar narrow escapes.
Adjutant Stevens, who was struck in the side by a
spent ball and suffered severely, would not go to the
hospital, but remained on the field. In regard to the
character of the fighting Leland says: "After our lines
were established the rebels charged in five or six lines
and when repulsed kept repeating their charges. One
of these, which the Adjutant and myself witnessed,
was made in the face of seventeen pieces of our artil-
lery, until seeing the folly of such waste of life the
rebels withdrew to their works." Captain Strawn thus
relates his experience on the skirmish line and some
incidents of the battle. He says: "Our Regiment had
at Bentonville the most lively affair we had partici-
pated in for some time. On the morning of the 19th
we were marching along by the right flank feeling very;
308 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
comfortable and happy, with the 'bummers,' as iisiial^
in advance. I may as well right here remark that the
^geniis bummer' was supposed to be a devil-may-care
sort of fellow who made nothing of small difficulties,
but if real ones confronted him in his Texas steer fash-
ion of roaming at large over the country, he was as
fast as the aforesaid i^teer in hunting his herd. About
eight a. m. March 19th, the numerous bummers in our
front came hurrying in on old crowbait horses and
mules, announcing the enemy to be in full force in the
woods, from whence they had just made their hasty
and undignified exit. The Regiment was immediately-
thrown into line of battle by Major Widmer. We did
not really expect there was much need of it, but later,
when a cannon ball came ploughing through the trees
over our heads, saw that business of a serious nature
was on hand. The One Hundred and Fourth adv.anced
on the right of the road, and I was sent out in command
of the skirmish line. Whether this was composed of
men from our Regiment alone I do not remember, but
I recollect distinctly that w^e had not gone far when
we received the fire of the rebel skirmishers, appar-
ently close upon us. It did not take long for every
man, without a command, to seek cover behind the
nearest tree or sapling and then keep up a sharp look-
out for a rebel uniform. This was not always safe,
for discovering a blue blouse a few paces in front, and
supposing it belonged to one of my men, I tried to
restrain one of my boys from firing at it. I had hardly
spoken when a i)ufif of smoke arose and a bullet from
the gun of the man in the blue blouse barked the sap-
ling where my skirmisher stood. The rebel dropped as
he fired and crawled away, but I did not caution any
one again not to fire to the front. This was about ten
or eleven a. m. and between this and two p. m. our
men had expended sixty rounds of cartridges. When
the last cartridge was rammed home and I had sent
for more we were relieved by another skirmish line
and rejoined the Regiment I w^as near Major Widmer
when he was struck by a bullet. One of the bovs called
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 309
out, ^Major, are you hurt?^ *N-o-o,' lie replied, with
a look of disgust I shall never forget. The fighting
continued until evening with a number of casualties
to our Regiment."
When on the morning of the 22d the rebel works
w^ere found to be empty and Johnston^s army in retreat,
General Sherman ordered pursuit to be made, but soon
recalled the troops and directed all to march for Golds-
boro. This step was quite necessary, as ammu-
nition and rations were scarce, the men ragged and
many without shoes. The One Hundred and Fourth,
striking tents (pup tents) at nine a. m., moved oflE, and
marching ten miles reached Cox's bridge over the Neuse
River at dark, where it went into camp for the night.
General Sherman, who had arrived, met here General
Terry with two divisions of the Tenth Corps. The
march was resumed on the 23d and much foraging
done by the hungry men on the way. Goldsboro was
reached in time for the army to parade through the
city, after which the One Hundred and Fourth camped
on the north side. Leland says: "We had completed
probably as long and eventful a campaign as any
known in military history in modern times. On enter-
ing Goldsboro we passed in impromptu review before
General Sherman's headquarters (i. e.', his tent-flies)
for the benefit of the eastern troops in the city. We
were a gay looking set. to be reviewed, some having no
shoes, some no hats, and all in rags, while a great many
had hams or shoulders swung on their muskets. As
the pack mules came along General Sherman, slapping
Schofield on the shoulder, said: ^There's my line of
communications.' The boys marching badly General
Sherman said to the officers, *My boys don't march very
well, but they will fight' On the campaign no orders
were received restraining the men from destroying
from Hhe time we entered South Carolina until we
reached North Carolina; then we were ordered to stop
burning. The first house we saw on entering the for-
mer state was destroyed, and probably one in ten
'escaped after that. The rich were put in the cabins
810 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
of the negroes; their cattle and corn were used for
rations, their fences for corduroy and camp fires, and
their barns and cotton gins for bonfires. It seemed
to be decreed that South Carolina, having sown the
wind, should reap the whirlwind."
The Twenty-third Corps was then in Goldsboro and
the united strength of all the armies amounted to one
hundred thousand men. On the 24th the One Hundred
and Fourth, going on a foraging expedition, returned
with an abundance of corn meal, potatoes, meat, and
even honey. On the 26th the men were made glad by
the arrival of an enormous mail, the first received since
leaving Savannah, two months before. Courtright
speaks of getting thirty-six letters and says he wrote
thirty-eight. The regular details for picket duty were
made every day, but there remained ample time for all:
to enjoy the rest and pleasures to be found at Golds-
boro. On April 2d clothing was issued to the Regi-
ment. Between that date and the 10th the gallant
boys who had fought at the battle of Nashville, Lieu-
tenant Arnold and others, also many recovered from
severe wounds, among them Sergeant Wm. H. Conard^
returned to the Regiment. On April 6th official news
was received of the fall of Richmond and its occupa-
tion by General Grant's army. Leland say«: "The
afternoon was spent in rejoicing, and about one hun-
dred thousand cheers went up, to say nothing of the
*old commissary' that went down among the officers.
I heard a dispatch from Grant to Sherman read, order-
ing him to move as soon as possible and help bring
the war to a close. In the evening xhe air was filled
with rockets and impromptu fireworks. One of the
favorite devices was to put powder in a canteen, then
bury it and light with a fuse." The army remained at
Goldsboro until April 10th, during which time it was
reclothed, reorganized and put in shape for another
campaign, which all the men felt was to close the war
and return them to their homes and the pursuits of
peace.
CHAPTER XIX.
The Last Campaign — March to Ralelgh-*-PresIdent Lincoln's Aa-
sasslnation— Johnston's Surrender— End of the War.
General Sherman, who had gone to City Point on
March 25th to confer with General Grant, meantime
leaving General Schofield in command of the army,
returned to Goldsboro on the 30th, and set vigorously
to work on i)reparations for the next campaign. He
made some changes in the organization of his army.
The left wing was styled the Army of Georgia. Gen-
eral Joseph A. Mower was put in command of the
Twentieth Corps in place of General Williaitis. The
Tenth Corps, under Terry, was added to the Army of
the Ohio, which was called the center, and commanded
by General Schofield. The right wing retained the
old title, Army of the Tennessee. The cavalry was
still commanded by Kilpatrick. The left, center and
right contained respectively 28,063, 26,392, 28,834 men.
Grand total, 88,948 men. The artillery numbered 91
guns. General Carlin was superseded in command of
the First Division by General C. C. Walcutt. The First
Brigade, commanded by General Hobart, contained the
same regiments as heretofore. Our own and the For-
ty-second and Eighty-eighth Indiana had marched and
fought together since leaving Murfreesboro in 1863.
On Monday, April 10th, Sherman's armies were
again set in Inotion toward the enemy. Johnston
was then at Smithfield, but on Slierman's approach
retreated through Raleigh. The left wing was directed
to the latter city, fifty miles from Goldsboro. The One
Hundred and Fourth marched twelve miles on the 10th
and camped. Sergeant William Ilarrold, of Company
C, was wounded by a torpedo which had been planted
in the road. The next day the Regiment acted as train
I 812 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
guard. Some skirmishing was done in front and occa-
sional cannonading was heard. During the night of
the 11th General Sherman • received word from Gen-
eral Grant that Lee and his army had surrendered to
him on the 9th of April. This welcome news was
announced to the army in orders on the 12th, and
caused great rejoicing. All considered that the end
of the war was near at hand. The question then was,
will Johnston surrender — ^and when? As the armies
came nearer to Raleigh, Johnston retired to Greens-
boro. The One Hundred and Fourth camped on the
evening of the 12th at Stalling's Station. Leland says
in regard to the 13th: "We started at four a. m., and
walking rapidly beat the Twentieth Corps into Baleigh,
arriving before 10 o'clock. Marching up the main
street to the tune of 'Hail Columbia,' a halt was made
at the capitol and our arms stacked on the square.
As details for protection were called for by the citi-
zens, guards were sent with them, so that in a short
time the One Hundred and Fourth was scattered all
over town. Raleigh was the prettiest looking city we
had seen in the South, the houses were mostly large
and in good condition, the gardens full of flowers and
the air fragrant everywhere." The pleasure derived
from such surroundings was no doubt increased by the
expectation that all the marching and fighting was
soon to end. The Fifteenth Corps was reviewed on the
14th by Generals Sherman, Howard, Slocum, Terry and
Logan. General Sherman, standing on the steps of
the capitol, was all smiles and affability. Before his
arrival he had been waited upon by a committee of
the prominent citizens of Raleigh, who bespoke his for-
bearance and that of the army. Their confidence was
not misplaced. In the afternoon of the 14th the One
Hundred and Fourth, which had begun to feel at home
in Raleigh, was ordered to march toward the front
on the Hillsboro road, and going eight miles, camped
at Claiborne Station. The march was resumed on the
15th at six, and continued all day. Holly Springs was
reached at night and it began to look as if the war was
/
I
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 813
not over yet. On the 16th the Regiment, after march-
ing all the forenoon, was halted and went into camp
near Martha's Vineyard and not far from the Cape
Fear River. General Sherman had on the 14th re-
ceived a note from Johnston requesting a conference
to consider terms for the surrender of his army. Gen-
eral Sherman in reply named the Ifth of April as the
date when he would meet the rebel General. In
the meantime hostilities were suspended for forty-
eight hours and the advance (Columns held in abeyance.
On the morning of the 17th as General Sherman was
about to leave for the outposts between the two armies,
he received a dispatch from Secretary Stanton that
President Lincoln had been assassinated, an attempt
made on Seward and his son, and that it was supposed
a like fate was intended for other high officers. Gen-
eral Sherman, filled with sadness and astonishment,
enjoined silence on the operator, and procecjded on his
v^ray to meet Johnston. He was accompanied by Gen-
eral Logan and some others. The party on reaching
Durham, twenty-six miles from Raleigh, left the car,
and taking horses furnished by Kilpatrick, marched
up the road some five miles. A soldier went ahead
with a white flag, and soon after the rebel flag ap-
peared, followed by Generals Johnston and Hampton.
The two chieftains after an exchange of compliments
retired to a small farm house near by. General Sher-
man then showed the telegram he had received to Gen-
eral Johnston. Sherman says: "I watched him closely.
The perspiration came out in large drops on his fore-
head, and he did not attempt to conceal his distress.
He denounced the act as a disgrace to the age and
hoped I did not charge it to the (>)nfederate Govern-
ment. I told him I did not believe that he or General
Lee, or the officers of the Confederate army, could pos-
sibly be privy to acts of assassination ; but I would not
say as much for Jeff. Davis, George Sanders and men
of that stripe." There was much more conversation
-on this subject and the effect on the country and par-
ticularly the armies, as Mr. Lincoln was verj^ dear to
. I
814 THE ONlE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
the soldiers. Then followed a preliminary talk as to
terms of surrender, after which a further meeting was
arranged for the next day at noon. Each then departed
for his headquarters. On his return to Raleigh, Gen-
eral Sherman announced the sad news to his armies
in Special Field Order No. 56. When on the 18th the
order was read to the soldiers and they realized its
meaning the scene presented was one never to be for-
gotten. Captain Strawn says: "Such a time I hope
never to see again. Men who were habitually profane
forgot to swear, tears ran down from eyes unused to
weeping. Everywhere men were seen to weep who
had never flinched in the white heat of battle. The
calamity touched the innermost recesses of the heart
of every soldier. The soldiers declared that they did
not want peace and would take no more prisoners. But
the poignancy of grief gradually subsided, and when
Johnston had surrendered, we began to long for home."
On April 18th Generals Sherman and Johnston
again met and signed a "Memorandum, or Basis of
Agreement," providing for the surrender of Johnston's
army. General Sherman insisted on submitting this
for ratification to his Government, and the document
was sent at once by a trusty messenger to Washing-
ton. Meantime the statu quo of the armies was to be
maintained. General Sherman, as appears from his
letters, published in his "Memoirs," page 354, seems
to have entertained no doubt of the prompt acquies-
cence of the Government to the terms agreed upon.
But he was doomed to disappointment. He had unfort-
unately allowed some ci^dl and political questions to
find their way into the "agreement," questions which
had during the conference been artfully raised by John-
ston, Breckinridge and Reagan, and these at once found
objection in the suspicious minds of the new President,
Andrew Johnson, and his acute Secretary of War, Stan-
ton. The latter at once telegraphed Grant as follows:
"The President desires that you proceed immediately
to the headquarters of Major-General Sherman and
direct operations against the enemy." On April 24th2
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 315-
General Sherman was surprised by the sudden and
unannounced appearance of General Grant in Raleigh^
who informed him of what had transpired and directed
him to notify General Johnston that the truce would
expire in forty-eight hours. In another note to John-
ston Sherman demanded his surrender on the terms,
given General Lee. General Grant saw and approved
of what was done, and late in the day Sherman received
an answer from Johnston requesting a conference on
the 26th. This was held as before near Durham, and
the final terms of surrender arranged and executed.
General Grant approved of* all and returned to Wash-
ington on the 27th. In the first agreement General
Sherman had, as usual "put his foot in it," though he
"meant well." A man of his character, temperament
and position, given to much talking^ and writing, aa
he always was, will do such things occasionally. Also,,
the politicians at Washington were ever ready to im-
prove an opportunity to reduce those whom they con-
sidered were becoming too popular. The correspond-
ence and discussion that ensued, and the abuse by the
newspapers of General Sherman, would fill volumes^
The chief actors on the scene are dead, but a perusal
of the history of those events reveals the meanness,,
jealousies, ambitions and weaknesses of those who
attacked Sherman for his mistake. General Grant had
a nobler nature and stood by his old friend, as he alwaya
did by any one who had gained his confidence. He
did not take command of Sherman's armies, but return-
ing to Washington found Halleck and Stanton issuing
orders to army commanders to move without regard to
any one but Grant The announcement of the final
surrender by General Grant and his advice induced
those gentlemen to subside, and the excitement raised
by overambitious patriots died away.
During the negotiations the armies in their camps
speculated on the rumors of surrender afloat and quietly
awaited the result Discipline was not relaxed, and
drill by battalion or brigade, also picket duty, were
kept up as usual. On the 24th the writer, who had
516 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
been on duty in Charleston, rejoined the One Hundred
and Fourth at the front, though still suffering from a
chronic disease contracted in the prison hells of the
South. On the 25th Colonel Hapeman, who had been
absent on leave, returned and assumed i*ommand of
the Regiment which he had led so long and success-
fully. Captain Osman also reported on the same date.
On April 28th Johnston's surrender was formally
announced in orders. General Sherman, calling all his
army and corps commanders together in Raleigh,
stated to them his arrangements for the disposition of
his armies. Generals Schofield, Terry and Kilpatrick
were to remain in North Carolina, while the right and
left wings were to march for Richmond. To General
Schofield was committed the task of paroling John-
ton's men, and the same duty devolved on Gen-
eral Wilson in Georgia and Florida. The total number
thus surrendered and paroled amounted to 89,270
men. All the arms and war material were also
surrendered. The war was over. No great Confed-
erate armies anywhere remained east of the Mississ-
ippi, and only a few fragments west of that river.
This was the fruit of Johnston's surrender, and it was
hard for us to realize at first, that the end had come
and the vast armies of the Union were to be dissolved
and relegated to the pursuits of peace. The One Hun-
dred and Fourth had made its last march toward the
enemy! the blood of its members had dampened the
soil, and its stained and bullet-torn flag had waved
amid the smoke of the last battle at Bentonville. In
leaving forever the scenes of its toils and dangers,
marches and battles, extending over nearly three years,
the One Hundred and Fourth would ever be able to
recall with satisfaction and pride the recollection of its
past career and the honorable fame it had won.
*'We Hve in deeds, not years; In thoughts, not breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart-throbs."
On the 29th of April the One Hundred and Fourth
escorted the train to Claiborne Station and on the 30th
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 317
rejoined the division at Morrisville, where it was muS'
tered for pay, received its mail, and starting on its
homeward march made twelve miles that afternoon.
Before leaving we learned of a little "sell" perpetrated
on General Baird the night of the 27th. Leland thus
relates it: "It seems that the order announcing John-
ston's surrender was received by General Walcutt,
commanding the First Division, before reaching Gen-
eral Baird, who was stationed at Holly Springs. Gen-
eral Walcutt was so elated that he sent word to every
regimental commander to have his men make as much
noise as possible until morning. The men fired by vol-
ley and the ai*tillery boomed. Baird hearing the
unwonted noise, started to the relief of the First Divi-
sion with tw^o brigades placing the other brigade in
line and ordering it to throw up a line of breastworks,
as he had no doubt our division was attacked and it
might be necessary to fall back. After going three
miles a soldier from the camp of the First Division
was met who explained matters. For a time the air
was sulphurous around General Baird and he swore
that 'little Charley Walcutt had put up a game to fool
him.' Nevertheless he was pleased with the news and
marched back to his camp."
CHAPTER XX.
Oflf for Washington— Race With the Twentieth Corps to Rich-
mond—The Grand Review— Muster Out and Return Home.
The march of the Fourteenth and Twentieth Orps
to Richmond was not devoid of interest, as it lay
within the line of operations of the eastern armies in
part, but was mainly celebrated for the quickness with
which it was made. The story became current that
Generals Davis and Mower made a bet as to which
corps would reach the late rebel capital first. There
had always been much rivalry between the two and
both resolved to do their best on this occasion. The
One Hundred and Fourth, which had camped on the
Neuse River on the 30th of April, crossed early on the
morning of May 1st and at noon reached the Tar River,
when a halt was made for? dinner. Wading that stream
the Regiment marched until night, when it went into
bivouac one mile beyond Oxford, N. C, having made
twenty-four miles. On May 2d the Regiment started at
daylight and marching rapidly passed through Wil-
liamsboro at noon and reached Virginia soil at four
p. m., going into camp at night near Taylor's Ferry,
on the Roanoke River. The day's march of twenty-
seven miles had been made more severe by the extreme
heat and dusty roads. The fact was recalled that one
year ago Sherman's army had left Graysville, Ga., to
begin the Atlanta campaign. What stupendous
changes had taken place in that time! Who then could
foretell the future of that army? Whether it would
march on to victory or defeat! The most sanguine were
silent, and even President Lincoln and General Grant
liad grave fears as to the success of the undertaking to
reduce Atlanta. But time proved the baselessness of
these fears, and after continuous marching and fight*
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 819
ing for one hundred and twenty days, proud Atlanta
iell; then followed the fierce pursuit of Hood, the march
to the sea and northward, to fight the last decisive
battle and receive the surrender of the last rebel army;
and all within a year! Now peace reigned, and we were
marching home, a fact hard, indeed, to realize, but
accepted with satisfaction by the majority, however
strange it seemed to this army of veteran soldiers.
On the 3d only fourteen miles were covered, owing
to delay in laying pontoons across the Roanoke. We
camped at night seven miles beyond Boydton. In
passing through we saw a fine university building, now
empty and deserted. The 4th of May was celebrated
by a march of thirty-seven miles and all previous rec-
ords eclipsed. The Twentieth Corps was somewhere
in the rear. We had gone through Lunenburgh Court
House in the afternoon; this was a most forlorn look-
ing place. The camp was made at Nottaway Falls.
During the night it rained, and on the 5th the roads
were not so dusty, and it was eafiiier to march. We
Arrived at Nottaway Court House at nine Ti. m., where
we first saw a detachment from the Army of the Poto-
mac; the men, who were dressed nicely and wore paper
collars, seemed astonished at the ragged appearance
of Sherman^s boys and their long, swinging march,
while the mule train, conducted by the "bummers," was
an object of particular interest and remark. From
Lunenburgh the marqh was resumed through a ham-
let called Denninsville, and we camped after dark at
Beaver Pond, having made thirty .miles. The Twen-
tieth Corps, which had been all day on parallel roads,
was coming up closer, but we were ahead. On the
6th we crossed the famous Appomattox River at Good's
bridge, and marching twenty-eight miles went into
camp at night fifteen miles from Richmond. The coun-
try we passed through seemed rich, but the boys did
no foraging, paying for what they wanted, though milk
at fifty cents a pint and onions at five cents each seemed
a little high, but the natives evidently had the impres-
sion that they were being paid in rebel shinplasters.
820 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
The 7th of May was memorable. Resuming the march
at four a. m. the One Hundred and Fourth reached the
James River at Belle Isle, opposite Richmond, at eighty
then halted until after dinner. Beyond the historic
river rose the domes and spires of the late rebel cap-
itol and before us fair Belle Isle, a place of interest,,
because it was one of the prison hells where so many
of our soldiers had suffered and died from starvatioa
and ill-treatment. Beyond the river was the famous
(infamous) Libby Prison, m' hich now^ disgraces Chicago,,
and is exhibited for profit. In the afternoon of the
7th the One Hundred and Fourth moved up the river
three miles and went into camp. The Twentieth Corps
was one day's march behind. The Fourteenth had
marched in six days, as variously estimated, from one
hundred and eighty-seven to one hundred and ninety-
two miles, or thirty-two miles per day. The eastern
armies around Richmond had heard we were coming,,
but could hardly believe the announcement of arrival,
knowing the date of our leaving Raleigh. Apropos
to this Major Widmer, who could not resist his old
habit, acquired on the skirmish line, of going ahead,
rode into Richmond early on the morning of the 7th
with Ed. Herrick, Q. M., who was looking for rations,
wet or dry, and in prospecting around they entered a
restaurant where some Potomac soldiers were discuss-
ing the rumors afloat that Sherman's army had ar-
rived. The dispute ran high ^nd our foragers listened,^
much amused, until finally the Major threw in a shot
by saying, "Well, gentlemen, we are here and repre-
sent a part of Sherman^s army, which is camped over
the river." Those fellows could have been knocked
down with a feather, and when they had recovered
from the shock were ready to stand treat or be treated.
When we had rested a day on the banks of the James
all were glad that the first stage of the homeward
march was finished, though while on the way many
"could not understand why in h — 11 we had to march
so fast now the war was over.'' The One Hundred
and Fourth remained in camp until May 11th, and
REQIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 321
those who could obtain passes improved the oppor-
tuliity to look over Biehmoiid, and some who had been
prisoners revisited the bastiles of Libby, Castle Thnn-
der, etc. The writer was too sick to go and ha,d little
inclination to look upon those scenes of former suffer-
ing, but was pleased to hear that "Dick Turner^' and
^*Little Ross/' two of Jeff, Davis' minions in Libby,
were then enjoying themselves there, this time as pris-
oners with Uncle Sam as keeper.
On the 11th of May the army again moved on
toward the National capital. The One Hundred and
Fourth left camp at seven and the head of column
reached the pontoon bridge across the J^mes at nine
o'clock a. m., soon after passing over and then march-
ing through the streets of Richmond with banners fly-
ing and bands playing the National airs. The people,
among them many ex-confederate soldiers, filled the
doors and windows and lined the streets anxious to
see an army, the achievements of which had amazed
the world. The impression produced by our soldiers,
who conducted themselves, however rough they looked,
as soldiers and gentlemen should, was evidently favor-
able. Seven miles from Richmond we crossed the
famous Chickahominy at Bottom's bridge, and marched
over ground occupied by McClellan's army May 20, 1862,
which army was oflBcially reported MaV 31, 1862,
to contain 141,173 men, with 109,522 present for duty,
yet Richmond was not captured. At night the One
Hundred and Fourth halted after dark in a ploughed
field, and before the tents could be pitched a hard
shower, with terrific thunder and lightning, came up,
wetting everybody to the skin. The attempt to pitch
tents was useless, and rolling up in our wet blankets
we passed a comfortless night. On May 12th, after
marching half a mile, a halt was made until noon.
Later the Regiment marched through Hanover Court
House, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous ora-
tion that has made his name immortal. Reaching the
Pamunkey River in the evening we were delayed by
high water and all night crossing. On the 13th marched
322 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
fifteen miles through the swamps where McClellan's
army floundered, and camped on Pole Cat Creek. Made
twenty miles on the 14th, over historic ground and
halted at Northeast Creek. At noon on the 15th the
Regiment halted for dinner fifteen miles from the Rap-
idan and the same distance from the battlefield of the
Wilderness. In the afternoon we marched toward Cul-
pepper Court House, on a road along the edge of battle-
fields forever memorable. Some of our ofiicers exam-
ined these, but found none the like of which Sherman's
army had not stormed and taken. At night the Regi-
ment went into bivouac at Verdiersville, having
marched eighteen miles. Early on the 16th, at seven
a. m., we reached the Rapidan at Raccoon Ford. How
often during then war we had heard and read, "All quiet
on the Rapidan/^ We were near the battlefield of
Cedar Mountain. A temporary footbridge was built
at the ford, but it soon broke down and then the sol-
diers waded the stream and marching on halted for
dinner near Powell's Mountain. In the afternoon we
passed the old winter quarters of the Army of the
Potomac. The day's march was twenty-three miles.
The 17th of May was very hot and after crossing the
Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford and marching until
three, a short halt was made on account of the heat.
We then moved on and reached Cedar Run, near Cat-
lett's Station, where we bivouacked for the night.
Every foot of the ground was historic, having been
fought over by both armies. On the 18th, leaving camp
at five a. m., we soon crossed Bread Run and heard,
thirty miles distant, the thunder of artillery, which
announced the approach to Washington of Sherman's
army. The long, sullen boom of the guns sounded
pleasant to our ears and quickened the life blood of
every soldier. Manassas Junction was passed at ten
a. m., and marching across the plain of Manassas, we
came to the famous Bull Run, waded that stream and
ate dinner on the battlefield. On the march we saw
the reminders of former bloody contests in forts and
earthworks, but the Quaker guns that fooled McClel-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 323
Ian had been removed. Centreville was reached at four
p. m., and we went into camp just in time to avoid a
severe rain. The day's march was twenty miles. The
next day, the 19th, ended forever the long marches of
the One Hundred and Fourth. Starting at sunrise we
passed Fairfax Court House at ten a. m., and in the
afternoon camped on Arlington Heights, above Alex-
andria, and in full view of the National capitol, which
this Regiment and army had fought so long to save.
We were on the princely domain of the Lees. All
around us and beyond the broad Potomac lay spread
out to view, the grandest panorama that ever greeted
the eyes of man. This was the month of May, and
nature had decked the hills and valleys, and plains
with her loveliest adornments. But this was not all
that met our eager eyes. Here was the capitol of the
Nation, the type, center and representative of the
National' life. Grouped around the Capitol City, on
every hillside and plain, covering thousands of acres,
and extending even beyond our vision, rose the snowy
white tents of half a million of veteran soldiers of
the Union, who had fought for long years to preserve
for themselves and their children, and their succes-
sors, all this fair heritage. No soldier could look
unmoved on these scenes or fail to have implanted in
his heart a deeper love for his country and flag. A
lesson in patriotism was then and there given, far more
impressive and lasting than could be learned in books
for a thousand years. What matter for proud con-
gratulation that the battle-scarred remnant of the
One Hundred and Fourth could say, "We were there,''
and helped to achieve those deeds that made these
things possible and had their glorious and proper end-
ing in the final marshaling of the saviors of the
Nation at Washington.
THE GRAND REVIEW.
The One Hundred and Fourth passed the 21st, 22d
and 23d of May quietly in camp on Arlington Heights,
engaged in brushing up soiled and well-worn uniforms
and in polishing their arms and equipments, prepara-
324 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
tory to the pageant of the morrow. The armies of
the Potomac passed in review on the 23d, but those
armies had always been so near the capitol and so
often seen that more general interest was felt in Sher-
man's army, all being anxious to see the veteran
legions whose movements were ever mysterious as they
conquered both man and nature in the Atlanta cam-
paign, then were lost to view in the leap to the sea and
amid the swamps of Georgia and the Oarolinas, to
appear again later, but ever victorious. There was a
desire to see what kind of men these were who had
made marches equal to those of Cambyces and Alex-
ander, an army that with dauntless grip had seized
hold of the innermost recesses of the great rebellion's
heart and laid bare its failing pulsations. The 24th of
May was ushered in bright but hot. Every soldier felt
that he had one more duty of a public nature to per-
form. The One Hundred and Fourth was early astir
and soon after sunrise formed ranks and took up the
line of march. Crossing the long bridge over the Poto-
mac, the Regiment reached the vicinity of the capitol
about one o'clock and going around three sides of that
imposing structure, moved up Pennsylvania avenue
toward the White House. Our Division formed the
rear of the whole army, and looking down the avenue
we could see the dense masses of soldiery moving for-
^^ard with steady and measured steps. Half a million
people looked on in admiration at the dazzling spec-
tacle, one hardly equaled save by the imperial pa-
geants of ancient Rome, when she brought entire cap-
tive nations to adorn her triumphal processions; but
Rome fought for conquest and glory, this army fought
for the maintenance of a nation and the destruction
of a wicked rebellion against government, law and
order. Fifty thousand bayonets flashed in the sun-
light as the masses swept onward, preceded by the con-
quering generals with their staffs; the boom of artil-
lery and the exultant strains of martial music burst
upon the ear and imparted additional interest to the
scene. Wealth and rank, beauty and fashion had gath-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 825
ered there to shower flowers and plaudits of welcome
on Sherman^s army. In one particular the people were
disappointed. The idea had prevailed that Sherman's
was an army of "bummers," that during its mighty
campaigns, far removed from its base of supplies and
cut off for months from communications with the
world, discipline had been relaxed and it had become
indifferent to military restraint and laws, but when
the first column wheeled into line straight as a tight-
ened cord, followed by others, and in each serried rank
but one footfall heard; and as the eyes of the people
took in the compact formation, seeing no stragglers
and nothing wrong, but all soldierlike in dress and
bearing, there was a sudden revelation, and cheer upon
cheer greeted the veterans. "Distinct as the billows,
yet one, as the sea," the army moved forward to the
Presidential Mansion. There President Johnson, sur-
rounded by all the great statesmen and generals of the
Nation, reviewed the passing thousands. The "Bum-
mer Brigade" formed a novel feature of the great dis-
play. This was led by a sable warrior on a small don-
key, followed by a motley collection of mules, big and
small. An occasional horse was seen, evidently kept
for osteological study. That the men had a clear
appreciation of the necessity for a good commissary
department in an army was shown by the well-loaded
mules. On one of these was a goat, on others roosters
and small dogs, with a coon or two. There were also
pots, pans, kettles, and other articles. This Brigade
was indifferent to military rules, but kept an eye
open to the main chance and marched along,
the roosters looking proudly down on the cheer-
ing crowds. It was a great day for Sherman's bum-
mers. The sun was low in the west when the last of
Sherman's army passed the White House. The One
Hundred and Fourth, with the Brigade, marched out of
review and back to camp, arriving late and well worn
out. Thus ended one of the grandest pageants in all
military history, and every member of the One Hun-
dred and Fourth who was there will never forget this
326 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
fitting climax to his army service and the National
triumph.
The Regiment remained in camp on the 25th, rest-
ing and musing on the great events of the past few
days. On the 26th the camp was removed across the
river to a beautiful grove, two miles from Washing-
ton. While there all had an opportunity to visit the
public buildings and places of interest and they thor-
oughly enjoyed it. Meantime muster-out rolls were pre-
pared, and on June 6th, 1865, the men of the One Hun-
dred and Fourth then and there present, were mus-
tered out of the service and armies of the United States,
and became again private citizens of the great republic,
having, since muster-in, August 27th, 1862, served their
country two years, nine months and nine days. A num-
ber of men who were sick in hospital or on detached duty
at various points, also some transferred, were mustered
out a little earlier or later. On June 7th, 1865, the One
Hundred and Fourth embarked on the cars for home,
reached Baltimore at noon and took dinner at the
^^Soldiers' Rest.'' The writer was invited by a pri-
vate citizen whom he did not know to dine with him-
self and family, which he did. Pittsburg was
reached in the afternoon of the 9th, and the Regi-
ment met by a delegation of citizens and a band of
music; under their escort we marched to the "Soldiers^
Rest,'' where a splendid dinner was served. The com-
mittee then escorted us to the depot and we left Pitts-
burg full of gratitude at the warm reception accorded
us. On June 10th the Regiment arrived in Chicago
in the evening, but finding no one to meet us, marched
to the "Soldiers' Rest," where, after waiting four or five
hours, supper was served. That night most of the boys
slept on the floor in Monitor Hall; some went to hotels.
On June 11th the Regiment marched out to Camp
Fry, on the north side of the city, and remained there
until June 17th, when we were paid off, but
only to June 6th, received our formal discharges,
made out in due form, and then were free once
more. The One Hundred and Fourth Regiment
• •••
E
o
CD
o
» •• •••
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 327
of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a militai-y or-
ganization, was forever dissolved. The members dis-
persed to their various homes by the earliest trains,
anxious to see the dear ones from whom they had been
separated so long. But mingled with the joy was some-
what of a strangeness of feeling at the sudden tran-
sition from soldiers to private citizens, with freedom
from the restraint which military authority and dis-
cipline imposes, and to which all had become accus-
tomed.
But one more task in writing the general history
of the Regiment remains for its historian to perform,
which is to say, that, after having thought, planned and
labored for over a year upon this work he has attained
the end of this part of the history with great satisfac-
tion, yet not unmingled with regret, that so much that
would be of interest must be left unrecorded on account
of the lapse of time since the events occurred, the inac-
cessibility of records and other causes.
CHAPTER XXI.
Reminiscences of Our First Three Months' Service, Includ*
ing Hartsville. by Captain William Strawn, Company P —
Reminiscences of the Atlanta Campalgrn, etc., by Henry Win-
terscheldt, Company B— A Movable Fort, by Sergeant William
H. Conard, Company E— Yankees Without Horns, by Charles
Rice. Company I— Narrative of Peter Dinger, Company G—
Narrative of Gilbert R. Conarroe, Company B— Recollections
of Lieutenant Randolph and Others, etc., by Robert West, Com-
pany B— An Incident of Lieutenant Arnold of Company A—
Reminiscences of Kenesaw Mountain and the Siege of Atlanta,
by Captain William Strawn, Company F— Personal Recol-
lections of the Army Bummer, by Jacob Bane, Company I.
REMINISCENCES OF OUR FIRST THREE MONTHS' SERVICE,
INCLUDING HARTSVILLE. BY CAPTAIN WILLIAM
STRAWN, COMPANY F.
The One Hundred and Fourth, on arriving at Jef-
fersonville, Indiana, September 7, 1862, was introduced
to the mysteries of camp life and that article of diet
known as "sow belly." Here, too, we were furnished
with the Government uniform and arms. Being green,
all supplied themselves with the full outfit offered,
mucli of it, however, superfluous, with the thermom-
eter standing at eighty in the shade, consequently a
good deal was thrown away, when soon after we
marclied a few miles under a broiling sun, and became
the prey of teamsters and depredators generally. When
in camp north of the Ohio a laughable circumstance
occurred one night while all were asleep. A member
of Company F, dreaming that the rebels were coming,
started up suddenly, shouting, "Boys! boys!" and fall-
ing headlong over his comrades, awoke. But a party
went out to search the adjacent woods, finding, how-
ever, no enemy. When in a few days we reached the
Ohio it was considered that we were in the enemy's
country, and as we marched through Louisville, no
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 329
one could forget with what vim the boys sang patriotic
songs, "John Brown," etc. After spending a few days
at "Camp Grasshopper'' and some time in the suburbs
of Louisville, the Regiment started for Frankfort. That
march was very fatiguing and when we halted the first
night about twelve, Company P had but fevv^ men left,
the rest having given out owing to the unaccustomed
exercise. The boys came straggling in all night. When
we reached Shelbyville a halt of a few days was made
and some of the boys foraged for all there was in it,
against orders and all reason. Shelbyville was the
home of a loyal colonel then in the field with a regi-
ment of loyal Kentuckians, and his plantation was
raided the same as others, but the facts in regard to
the colonel were not known at the time. I was sent
back from Shelbyville to bring up goods left at Louis-
ville, and also the convalescents of the Regiment, and
again joined the command at Frankfort. I then learned
of the exciting times while at Shelbyville over the
contraband question, in which the Regiment came out
ahead. At Frankfort I was detailed with a command
made up of men from the several regiments of our
Brigade. Colonel Moore was made commander of the
Brigade, vice Colonel Limberg, arrested. My command
took charge of the public property at Frankfort, and
Company F camped down in the legislative halls of
the State capitol. From Frankfort the Regiment found
itself, after a long and tiresome march of one hundred
and sixty miles, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. When
we arrived I dropped down in my tracks from sheer
exhaustion and lay there until my fast friend, John
McDougall, of Company F, prepared a cup of tea, which
made me almost as good as new. We remained at
Bowling Green a few days and were then ordered to
Glasgow, Tompkinsville, and Hartsville. In the mean-
time Colonel Scott, of the Nineteenth Illinois, had been
placed in command of the Brigade by request of Col-
onel Moore to General Rosecrans. A short time after
Colonel Scott took command he sent for me to call upon
him at headquarters, when he informed me that Colonel
880 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Moore had recommended my appointment as Brigade
Commissary. I did not relish the idea of being detached
from the company and requested the privilege of con-
sulting some of my brother officers. They said, "Take
it by all means.^^ Accordingly I reported to Colonel
Scott, upon which he proceeded to give me a long list
of instructions as to how cattle should be driven, fed
and managed generally. I listened with gravity and
innocence, as though the duties expected of me were
entirely new, and promised to do the best 1 could. On
reporting to Colonel Moore he was convulsed with
laughter at the comicality of the thing, and in due time
informed Colonel Scott who I was and all of my ances-
tors before me. The Colonel being young, felt that he
had "put his foot in it" and sent for me at once, when
he proceeded to apologize as follows: "Here I am, a
young man just past twenty-five, but have been in the
army long enough to know that soldiers suffer more
from the inefficiency and rascality of quartermasters
and commissaries than from battle and all other causes.
I am an utter stranger to your Brigade, and Colonel
Moore being in command, I, of course, consulted him,
but thought he might have recommended you as a par-
ticular friend without reference to qualifications; I
am but too glad to know that such was not the case,
and you will kindly overlook my attempted instruc-
tions and attribute my course to the proper motives."
Of course I had no fault to find au'l immediately
assumed control of commissary matters. But Harts-
ville brought my career as A. A. C. to an untimely
end. John Morgan closed out the business. At the
time of the battle I was absent at Gallatin with one
hundred and seventy of the men of the Regiment,
including teamsters and guards of the commissary
and ammunition trains. The day of the battle sni^ll
squads of cavalry that had been attached to the Bri-
gade began to arrive at Gallatin with accounts of the
battle and disaster, and in grandiloquent style told
how the i]^en of the One Hundred and Fourth had
covered themselves with glory, but the d — d Dutch of
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 331
the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and
Eighth had thrown away their guns and ran, but the
rebels had captured them and they hoped would keep
them. For several days we suffered much anxiety
with regard to the fate of the Regiment and our dear
comrades who had been killed and wounded. Those
of us in Gallatin were put on provost duty. While
there a committee from Ottawa, consisting of Dr. Hard,
Bev. Zenas Coleman and J. W. Calkins arrived to look
after the wounded and distribute comforts to them.
Having been ordered by General Paine, commander of
the post, to proceed to Hartsville, under a flag of truce,
to re-bury the dead and care for the wounded, the
committee and myself went on our mission. A few
miles from Hartsville we met the rebel officer in charged
of the vedettes guarding the roads leading into the
town. On learning our errand he very courteously
escorted us through town, on the way talking freely
of the events of the battle and making substantially
the same statements in regard to the One Hundred
and Fourth and the German regiments that we had
heard from the cavalry. He asserted that while the
guns land cartridge boxes of the Illinois men were
nearly empty, .those of the Ohio regiments had not
been used at all. Among the dead taken up and re-
buried in the old cemetery, especially sad for me, were
the bodies of John McDougall and James Spencer, Jr.,
of Company F. The former, who was the father of
Duncan McDougall, of Ottawa, was a very intelligent
Scotchman, my near neighbor, who had left an inter-
esting family but a few months before at the call of
duty, to serve his loved adopted country. He had
received the fatal wound in his breast and tried to
stop the flow of blood with a handkerchief, but it was
of no avail, and he calmly and consciously awaited
the end of earth. James Spencer, Jr., was in the vigor
of youth. The committee returned to Gallatin, but I
remained a few days to wait on Lieutenant Milton
Strawn, of Company E, who was suffering from an
amputated leg and could not recover. While in Harts-
332 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
ville the following incident occurred .which I have
often thought of since. During the silent watches of
the night I heard the clanking of swords and noise
of rebel cavalry approaching the house where I stopped.
A knock and in came one of Morgan's colonels whose
farm; I had raided when CJommissary a short time
before. After inquiring who I was and why I was
there, he handed me a parole ready for signature and
seemed surprised that I declined to sign it, on the
plea that I was under a flag of truce. He advanced
all of the arguments that he could think of, but finally
departed, saying that he had never violated a flag of
truce and never would. Lieutenant Strawn dying soon
after I conveyed his body in an ambulance to Gallatin.
Morgan was then on his way north on his last raid. A
few days later the body of the rebel colonel who had
treated me so courteously at Hartsville, passed
through Gallatin on its way to burial in the Harts-
ville cemetery. I had a feeling of sorrow as for a
friend. How true it is that death levels all distinc-
tions, silences all animosities. Our life at Gallatin
was very monotonous and we longed to be with the
Regiment. Our wishes were gratified and we soon
joined it at Camp Douglas, when all had an oppor-
tunity to see their dear homes again before we left
for the front.
REMINISCENCES OF THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, ETC. BY
HENRY WINTERSCHEIDT, COMPANY B.
On June 28th, 1864, when our artillery was pepper-
ing away at Kenesaw, the One Hundred and Fourth
lay in front of our batteries under orders to be ready
at any moment to go into action. During the firing
a cannon exploded a shell just as it issued from the
muzzle of the gun, and a piece about four inches long
struck me against my knapsack, going through the
doubled-up blanket and coming out at my left side,
cutting the cartridge-bo^ belt as it emerged. The force
of it knocked me into the ditch and the boys thought
I was badly hurt, but beyond a good scare I was all
right. Some of the boys had taken their knapsacks
BBSGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 388
off and were sitting on them. My obedience to orders
in this case saved my life. At the same place Cap-
tain Brown, of Company 0, was standing on the breast-
works swinging his hat at the "Johnnies'^ who were on
Kenesaw about a mile off. They fired at him and one
minie ball struck him in the hollow of his elbow.
He instantly clapped his other hand around and caught
it, and suffered no further harm than a black bruise,
but he made no more demonstrations of that kind.
A few days before that while at Pea Vine Creek
the Regiment remained in line of battle seven days
and nights in succession, carrying on heavy skirmish-
ing all the time, but this hardly kept us awake. On
the seventh day nothing but the roaring of the artil-
lery made us open our eyes, and when at last we were
relieved in the evening it seemed the most welcome
thing that ever occurred.
One day near Kenesaw our Regiment and the reb-
els were so near together that we could talk to them.
Both sides were behind breastworks. One of our men
called out, "Hello, Johnny, how far is it to Atlanta?^'
Johnny replied: "It is so d — d far you will never get
there." Yank replied: "Yes, we will get there and
have a big dance with your sister." The reply to this
came in the shape of a hundred minie balls.
At Peach Tree Creek, near Atlanta,. Hood's whole
army made a grand charge on us about four p. m. of
July 20th. The One Hundred and Fourth was without
any near support. The underbrush was so thick one
could not see two rods ahead. The rebels swung around
and compelled us to retreat a short distance. ^ At this
point an orderly came from General Carlin and called
out, "The General commands that not another step
backward be taken from here." We held the posi-
tion, and here I was shot through the left thigh.
In limping back I ran up against Major Widmer and
said, *Tm wounded, Major." He replied, ^'Well, then
go to the rear.;^ Before the sun went down the rebels
were whipped, but our loss was heavy.
About two weeks after this I was sent with a train
334 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
load of the wounded to Nashville. At Chattanooga,
where the train stopped for a short time, Captain Boss,
of Company B, who was there, came into the car and
seeing me said with his characteristic preliminary,
"Henry, you will have to brace up or you will die."
Good consolation for me. After being in hospital for
two months the worthy doctor sent me back to Atlanta,
lame and still sore. The Eegiment then followed Hood
north for two weeks and again returned to Atlanta to
take up the march to the sea. While near Savannah
we received orders one night to charge and surprise
the rebels, who were across some flooded rice planta-
tions. With guns in hand and cartridge boxes on our
shoulders, and each man with a torch ready to light,
we marched into the water, which was cold; After
going some fifty rods the rebels opened on us with
artillery, when orders were given to return.
At Sister's Ferry, South Carolina, the One Hun-
dred and Fourth was sent across the river to cut down
trees for a corduroy road. The water stood on the bot-
tom lands waist deep and in this we had to stand. Half
an hour was as long as anyone could stand it, then
we went to a small dry place where there was a fire to
dry off and warm up a little. On one occasion the
boys cut a tree, which fell where the fire was. Gen-
eral Slocum wjas also standing there. All jumped into
the water and got away safely except one poor fellow,
who was crushed by the tree.
A MOVABLE FORT. BY SERGEANT WILLIAM H. CONARD,
COMPANY E.
On the 30th day of May, 1864, while near Dallas,
Georgia, our Company (E) was on the skirmish line.
After leaving our line of works and going some thirty
rods we came to an open field that sloped off gently
froni the edge of the woods where we were in the direc-
tion of the enemy, who lay in the woods on the oppo-
site side. We could advance a little ways without
much danger, but the rebels soon had a fair sight of
us. In front of the company lay at a short distance a
log about twenty inches in diameter. The log lay end-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 336
ways to us. I saw at once that if I could gain it I
would have an advanced and safe position against
tninie balls, so I ran and reached it safely, I found it
was about ten feet long and could be moved, I then
beckoned Joe Wilson, who was nearest, to come, which
he did, and we moved the log around broadside to
the foe. Wm. M. Wilson, John Nattinger and John
W. Hart next closed in on the log. We then advanced
slowly rolling the log before us, keeping close behind
it and firing by volley whenever we saw any rebels.
They were concealed in the edge of the woods, and it
was hard to get sight of them. Charley Ruger, who
was one of the bravest of the brave and was in the line
on the left, got sight of a rebel, jumped up and blazed
away. He drew their fire and I thought would be killed
before he could lie down. This enabled us to know
just where the rebels were and we steered our fort
toward them, continuing to fire by volley at every
chance, until Captain Doty thought it time to charge.
When the rest of the line al'rived we joined it and
drove the rebels frdm the woods. In this charge James
C. Schoonover was mortally wounded. Samuel A. Fisk
ventured into the woods too far and came near being
taken prisoner, having passed beyond some Johnnies,
but his legs saved him.
YANKEES WITHOUT HORNS. AN INCIDENT. BY CHARLES
RICE. COMPANY I.
While we were on the march through South Car-
olina, after we had gone into camp for the night, I went
over to a house not far away and found that the only
occupants were an old lady, a younger one and a small
boy six or seven years old, who was the son of the lat-
ter. The old lady said: "I never seen so manj^ people
in all my born days and no horns either; where did you
all come from?" Having satisfied her on this point,
the younger woman remarked, "We had always been
told that if ever the Yankees got into South Carolina
every boy's throat would be cut and everj^thing de-
stroyed, so when we saw your soldiers passing this
morning, I was very much scared. One of them came
336 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
in, called my boy to him, took him up on his knee
and put his hand in his pocket. Seeing this my heart
went up into my throat, as I was sure he was getting
out his knife, but instead he took out some silver
change and gave my boy, and after that all my fears
were gone."
NARRATIVE OF PETER DINGER, COMPANY G. A NARROW
ESCAPE.
After Sherman's army left Atlanta on the march
to the sea, I was detailed as a forager and continued
as such until we arrived at Savannah. On the cam-
paign through the Carolinas I was again a forager
and found the occupation much more dangerous than
heretofore. When our detail under Captain William
Strawn, of Company F, arrived at the Great Pedee
River, we waited for the Fourteenth Corps and the
pontoons to come up. They arrived about dark and
we rowed ourselves across in order to get ahead of the
cavalry. Captain Strawn had orders to proceed to
Rockingham, twenty miles distant, and pile forage for
the Fourteenth Corps. Marching all night we reached
our destination at sunrise, but ran into a camp of rebel
cavalry and things began to look serious. However,
Kilpatrick's cavalry arrived just in time, having crossed
the river during the night, and attacking the rebels,
captured or killed the whole lot. Kilpatrick had orders
for Captain Strawn stating that the Fourteenth Corps
would not go to Rockingham, but would take the next
road, twenty miles distant. Out of the melee with the
rebels I secured a mule, loading him with forage, such
as flour, meat, shirts, socks, etc., and started in com-
pany with eight others across the country to the main
army. One of our number was a Lieutenant. I was
the only member of our Regiment in the crowd and
in ranging over the country had lost sight of Captain
Strawn. Two of the men belonged to the Thirty-third
Ohio, the rest I did not know. We marched some
ten miles and camped for the night. In the morning
we loaded up our mules and horses and were about
ready to start when Wade Hampton^s cavalry pounced
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 887
down upon and captured us all. At sight of the forage
they were enraged and said they would kill us. They
then shot all dow^n but myself and were about to shoot
me Vr^hen the second oflBcer in command, a young Lieu-
tenant, seeing that I was very young, interfered and
pulled me up on his horse and rode away. He rode
to the Cape Fear River, where he left his horse and
we crossed in a skiff. Soon he turned me over to a
South Carolina Colonel by the name of Herrington, as
a prisoner of war. We were near Fayetteville on the
morning of our capture and while with my protector
I could often see our corps marching in the distance.
I was sent to Libby Prison, where I remained until
Richmond was taken, about sixty days. I can never
forget my rescuer from the jaws of death.
THRILLING NARRATIVE OF GILBERT R. CONARROB, COM-
PANY B, CAPTURED AT HARTSVILLE AND TAKEN FOR A
REBEL DESERTER.
I was taken prisoner at Hartsville and when we
reached Murfreesboro was singled out by the rebels
as being one Mr. Brown, a deserter from their ranks.
A rebel Colonel, a Sergeant and six men marched me
out into the woods to be shot, and had it not been for
an Irishman they would have carried out their threats.
I asked the Colonel what he meant by bringing me
out alone and leaving all the rest of my comrades in
the bull pen (prison camp). He said, "Brown, why did
you desert us?" I replied that I never belonged to
their ranks, and that Brown was not my name. He
said, "Brown, you denied your country, do not for God^s
sake deny your name; we all know you too well for
you to try to play that game on us." * I replied that I
never denied my name or country and that I was an
Illinois soldier. He then questioned me further as to
my name, when and where I enlisted, etc., to all of
which I gave correct answers. He then, apparently
not satisfied, questioned me further, when a little rebel
Irishman, a soldier, said, "Colonel, this is not Brown
at all, though he looks exactly like him; Brown had
Z3S THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
the Irish brogue." Then he and the Colonel had a set-to
about me, but fortune was on my side. During the
discussion I learned that Brown was the messmate of
my timely friend. Finally the Colonel ordered the
guards to march me back to camp, to which arrange-
ment I most willingly assented. But the matter did
not rest there. When we approached the camp a rebel
guard said to one of our boys, "There comes a s. of a b.
that won't live with you-uns," and then they held an
argument as to whether the Union or rebel author-
ities had the best claim on me. My situation in the
pen was anything but pleasant and it began to look
gloomy for me, as it was noised about the rebel camp
that Brown, the deserter, had been caught with the
Yankees, and I was pointed out to all of them wherever
I went. Soon after the One Hundred and Fourth, One
Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and Eighth Ohio
were called up in line two files deep, when the rebel
Colonel rode up and down the ranks, and singling me
out ordered me to follow him. I did so, but his horse
being in better plight than myself I asked him to go
a little slower, as my shoes were without soles and
my feet bleeding. The Colonel turning his wicked eyes
to a rebel guard ordered him to take charge of me and
if I moved to shoot me down. The Colonel then went
off, but returned soon with a detail of six men and a
Sergeant. One of the guards said to me, "Brown, I
would not give much for yo' chau^g|£ I then asked. the
guard what the Cx)lonel meant to do. He replied, "I
dasen't talk to you-uns." I was then kept guarded for
awhile, but to my joyful surprise was again sent back
to our camp. Then, being thoroughly alarmed, I traded
off my blue army blouse and my hat to an old German
of the One Hundred and Eighth Ohio for an old greasy
overcoat without a skirt, and an old hat, and there-
after kept out of sight as much as possible. The rebel
Mr. Brown had disappeared, but the rebels hunted for
me until after we were paroled and until we passed
through their lines. To-day I would give my best suit
of blue for that old greasy overcoat and cap, as they
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 339
helped me to gain my freedom and to follow "Old
Olory" to the end of the war.
•
BBCOLLECTIONS OF LIEUTENANT RANDOLPH AND OTHERS;
INCIDENTS OF THE SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA; PLASTER
OF PARIS BISCUITS, ETC. BY ROBERT WEST, COMPANY B.
Lieutenant Randolph, who had been absent, re-
turned to us on December 1st at Hartsville, and Was
on duty for the first time on the 5th. He was on
picket duty when the rebels attacked. The night of
the 6th was cold and snow on the ground. The hogs
came grunting around our line, but the boys were
-afraid to kill them, as the Lieutenant, being a preacher,
just from home, forbade it. However, when relieved
early on the morning of the 7th, several went in^o camp
with sides of pork on their bayonets, fn the battle.
Lieutenant Randolph, who wore a black suit with a
plume on his hat, was mortally wounded, carried from
the field and died not long after. Eight others of Com-
pany B were also killed or mortally wounded on that
iatal day.
At the battle of Chickamauga David McCampbell,
Fife-Major, and Joseph Wheat, Drum-Bfajor, were
attending to the wounded and captured. McCamp-
bell died in Andersonville. Wheat finally escaped and
after the war Went west. Warnock and Hutchinson
were missing at Chickamauga and probably killed.
Joseph Chance was severely wounded in the thigh and
carried by Sergeant Bassett and the writer to Ross-
ville, and from there removed to Chattanooga, where
he died a week later.
The experience of the Regiment during the siege
•of Chattanooga was a severe one from the scarcity of
food. I saw a young soldier in Company A cry like a
child. He said that he had enlisted to fight and was
willing to do it, but did not like to starve to death.
One day I obtained a pass to cross the river for the
purpose of visiting our boys in the convalescent camp.
There was a sutler there and I went to see how his
horse was and observed that he had some corn, so I
340 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
persuaded him to divide it with me. I then traded
Jhis with the sick for hard-tack. They said afterward
that the corn parched did them more good than all the
doctor's medicine. When I returned to the river the
wagon train was in from Bridgeport and I bought some
hard-tack from one of the guards. Another guard
told the seller that he would yet be sorry he had parted
with his rations. On arriving in camp I divided up
with my mess. The next day we went on picket for
forty-eight hours, leaving no rations in camp. I often
looked at the dead animals which had died from starva-
tion and were taken to the ede of the river to float
off on the spring rise. At one time I counted three
hundred within half a mile.
While encamped by the Tennessee River southwest
of the town, we had to get all of our wood from the
opposite side in a small boat. On foggy days the boys
would try to cross, but always came back on the same
side and gave it up.
When, on November 24th, the One Hundred and
Fourth climbed up Ix)okout to reinforce Hooker, Com-
panies A and B were in the cellar of the Craven House^
and some of them discovered a half barrel of what was
supposed to be flour. They proceeded to make a lot
of biscuit and baked them. When the proper time had
elapsed a Sergeant tried one very eagerly, but was
surprised at the grittiness and tastelessness. Further
investigation revealed the fact that the biscuits were
composed of plaster of paris, an article that old man
Craven had bought to use as a fertilizer on his stony
farm. The laugh was against us.
AN INCIDENT OF LIEUTENANT ARNOLD, COMPANY A.
An incident after the capture of the One Hundred
and Fourth at Hartsville illustrates the spirit that ani-
mated the members of the Regiment throughout, even
to the youngest among them. While they were in the
Court House at Murfreesboro being paroled. Corporal
S. V. Arnold, of Company A, was awaiting his turn
and in boyish bravado sprang up on the balustrade of
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 341
the staircase and reaching as high as he could, wrote
in the bold and distinct hand that distinguishes his
penmanship to this day, "The Union must and shall be
preserved." As he stepped down the Captain of the
First Louisiana Tigers, who was guarding them, said,
"Do you believe that?" His reply was, "I do, and some
day I will be here a free man and see my name on the
wall." The Captain thought for a moment and an-
swered, "Well, may be you are right."
The Corporal saw his name there when he was a
free man and belonged to a victorious army.
JIEMINISCBNCES OF KENBSAW MOUNTAIN AND THE SIEQB
OF ATLANTA. AMUSING INCIDENTS. BY CAPTAIN WIL-
LIAM STRAWN, COMPANY F.
After Johnston withdrew his army from New Hope
Church we again advanced and about the 10th of June
found ourselves confronting him at Kenesaw Moun-
tain, where his lines were strongly intrenched. Our
army was gradually pushed up closer and closer to
the foot of the great natural fortress, made more im-
pregnable by vast earthworks built by the rebels. At
last portions of our line effected a lodgment behind
intrenchments within a few yards of the enemy's works.
It is said that our closest lines were as follows: A sol-
dier would take an empty cracker-box, fill it with dirt,
then lying down, push it before him in the night as
close to the enemy as he dared, then crawl back and
give place to others, so that by morning the rebels were
greatly astonished to find our ranks right under their
noses. This operation, however, removed the parties
temporarily from the list of fighters, for while they
occupied these extremely close quarters, no one dared
to show a finger above the works. Whether true or
not the story is told of a rebel desiring a furlough, that
sticking up a hand with the trigger finger extended he
said, "Here's for a furlough." Scarcely had he spoken
when he shouted, "A discharge, by hookey." One of
our boys had shattered his hand. While our Regi-
ment occupied nearly as close quarters to the enemy,
342 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
I lost my first man, Edward Eberhart, young and lov-
able and a good soldier. Struck by a rebel bullet he
lived only long enough to offer a word of prayer to
Jesus to receive his spirit. All felt inexpressibly sad
over his loss. One night a determined assault was
made on the rebel works away to our rihgt, resulting in
a repulse with many of our brave soldiers killed or
wounded. But General Sherman was not idle and was.
prosecuting his flanking operations, which in a few^
days resulted in another withdrawal of Johnston's
army beyond Marietta to the Chattahoochee River..
Sherman's army following sat down before the enemy's
intrenchments as near as was prudent. The weather
became intensely hot so that we had to seek any avail-
able shade. While here several amusing incidents
occurred. I was making a call one day at brigade
headquarters, which was also headquarters of the Fif-
teenth Kentucky Infantry. The Chaplain was reading
and an Irish soldier was sitting near on a log smoking
a pipe. Suddenly the Chaplain thought he felt some-
thing sting him between the shoulders, and investigat-
ing, out dropped one of those slimy, shining lizards
common in that* climate ^and called by the natives
"swifts." It scudded over the Irishman like a flash.
His eyes bulging out, he exclaimed, "Holy Moses,,
phwat's that?" The onlookers laughed heartily, to
Pat's disgust. At this place some new recruits arrived
from Illinois. Among them was a tall, good looking
young man dressed in the height of fashion, a blue
frock coat, pants to match, faultless boots, and to
crown all, to the disgust of the veteaan soldiers, he
had on a clean white shirt and collar. The boy« began
to guy him. "Sonny, does your mother know you're
out," and many kindred speeches, with which they were
always well stocked. The fellow soon got mad all over
and intimated that he could thrash -the whole crowd.
This was all the more fun for the boys. If he had taken
it good naturedly they would have said, "You are all
right, and a vet, shake," and that would have ended
the matter. But his temper was up and selecting the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 84S
sauciest one of the crowd he gave him a good thrash-
ing. It is needless to say that he was all right with
the boys after that. During the siege of Atlanta our
Brigade was moved gradually from one position lo
another south and west of the city, always facing the
rebel intrenchments. The desperate fighting by large
bodies of men had ceased, but a constant fusuade of
small arms and picket firing was kept up day and
night on some part of the line. The rebels extended
their lines west and south to protect their railroad
communications with the Confederacy and we had to
watch, meet and render their efforts abortive at every
opportunity. Bains were frequent and heavy a por-
tion of the time, which added greatly to our discom-
fort. At the conclusion of one of the movements of the
Regiment to the right in rain and pitchy darkness, we
encamped in an old field and gathered rails to lie on,
but many could not in the intense darkness find any
and awoke in the morning to find themselves half cov-
ered with water and mud. Things of this kind occun-ed
frequently. We lay several days behind breastworks
of earth supposed to be strong enough to break the
force of cannon balls. Our picket lines were placed
some distance in front. We were upon a high ridge;
The rebels were upon another facing us, their pickets
in front and a broad bushy valley between the two
lines. The opposing pickets being within speaking dis-
tance frequently agreed to a truce and leaving their
arms behind met on the neutral ground in the valley,
had a friendly conference and exchanged coffee, to-
bacco, etc. It was not unusual after one of these con-
ferences for us to receive numbers of deserters from
the rebel lines. The rebel officers forbade these meet-
ings under heavy penalties, but from time to time they
were held as they always had been, "on the sly." I
remember that on one occasion there was a wholesale
desertion from the rebel picket lines, our men rushing
forward and taking possession of the rebel rifle pits. ,
When the rebel main lines discoverecl this they opened *
up with artillery on the fugitives and our men, but
M4 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
were answered vigorously. Matters having quieted
down somewhat two of my boys got into a wrangle
0¥er some trivial matter. One of them sprang at the
other when along came a shell, burying itself in our
breastworks and bursting, covered us all with the red
dirt. The two boys who had clinched fell apart so
suddenly and tumbled head over heels into the ditch
go quickly that we thought they were killed. As it
turned out they were only surprised and soon forgot
all about their little "tiflf." The boys enjoyed a hearty
laugh at their expense. This and many similar ludi-
crous affairs helped to while away the time between
active operations.
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF THE ARMY BUMMER. BY
JACOB BANE, COMPANY I.
During the late war thei:e were many developments
made, but none so important as the army bummer.
He supplied the missing link between hunger and
plenty to eat. He broke the monotony many times
when he entered a chicken roost at the dead hour of
night. The bummer was no ordinary soldier; he had
abilities which nothing but army life could develop.
He had the ability of exploring and took quite an
active part in exploring certain localities ; the localities
which he most delighted to explore and visit were the
smoke^ the spring and the chicken house. The bummer
was a very peculiar fellow. He had his own peculiar-
itieSy and they coujd not be imitated. No officer from
General to Corporal could keep him in camp or the
ranks. When his name would be called for guard or
picket duty he was always absent on some mission
exclusively his own. The genius of military tactics
could be exhausted in its efforts to control him. To
duplicate him by a process of military tactics was im-
possible, as the bummer was the outgrowth of army
life. On the march he was scarcely ever seen by his
command except at night, and then not until all details
had been made. He was always up and on his journey
before it was time for making details. The object and
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 345
the mission of the bummer was never fully known to
the citizen; but to the inhabitants of the section of
country which he chanced to pass through his mission
was fully realized, and fully appreciated and enjoyed
by the boys when he came into camp at night and
unloaded what had stuck to him during the day. As
near as could be ascertained the bummer went in for
anything he could get away with. His intentions were
mostly concealed from view and clothed in mystery.
In fact the bummer was never known to miss a meal
or be present for duty. You could not tell anything
about him with much certainty. You might have had
an impression amounting to a sure thing, as you
thought, and you might have formulated a theory that
seemed to show that the bummer was doing more good
than a deacon at a camp meeting, but you could not
prove it by any tactics known to the military or the
moral law. In calculations concerning the bummer
military knowledge could not be depended upon. The
Summer was as unreliable as a woman's watch or the
business end of a mule. He never turned out to be what
you took him for. It is a little curious, but still it is
an absolute, petrified fact, that a bummer well loaded
down would lie like sin and stick to it until he got
into camp. The man or woman who believed all the
bummer said and staked his or her hopes or affections
on his veracity, got badly and very often sadly left
Sometimes the bummer would pose himself as a mis-
sionary, and before he left they would sorely
realize his mission by the loss of some valuable article.
Sometimes the bummer was disappointed and did not
get what he expected and attempted to surround, and
in consequence of this his load was light. And then
again he was actually heavier loaded than his outward
appearance would indicate. That the bummer was a
puzzle to the owner of a well-filled smoke, spring or
•chicken house which he chanced to visit, was no
wonder.
The bummer established a reputation which he
was proud of, and which it was the height of his
846 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
ambition to maintain and keep good, but for all this
you could not depend on him. If there was a family^
Bible on the center table and a ham in the smoke-
house, or a chicken on the roost he would deceive his
own grandmother and glory in it, too, while his com-
rades were getting away with them. Even if a bum-
mer should act honestly, he possessed so much decep-
tion that he got no credit for it. But credit was some-
thing the bumnier never asked for, as he always -had
something to exchange for the necessaries of life. It
was no uncommon occurrence to see the bummer com-
ing into camp loaded down, holding in one hand a rope,
and attached to the other end a mule loaded down
with the necessaries of life. Ask a bummer where he-
got his supplies and his answer would be more delusive
than a dream book, and his load something like the-
unknown quantity in algebra. It might represent a
good deal or very little, a little of everything, from a
bee-hive to a spring chicken; and you had to be con-
tent with the explanation he gave you, as it was under-
stood by all the boys that there was no going behind
the returns of a bummer. The bummer was a liberal-
hearted being, yet he adhered strictly to the laws of
his organization, which were based on the old Jack-
sonian doctrine, "to the victors belong the spoils;" yet
in his distribution of them he showed no political or
sectarian preferences. There are two things connected
with army life which old soldiers will always remem-
ber, viz., the bummer and the old army mule.
CHAPTER XXIL
Reminiscences of the Kentucky Campaign, Hartsvllle and Elk-
River, by Lieutenant A. Prescott, Company A— My Experi-
ence at Stroud's Mill, or Fishing Creek, S. C, by John B..
Merritt, Company H — Incidents of Chickamauga, the Atlanta
Campaign and Raleigh, by Corporal D. L. Mitchell, Company
C— Who Had the Nightmare at Hillsboro and Chattanooga?
by Sergeant Andrew Moffltt, Company I— Milking Cows, by
Oscar Slagle, Company D— Reminiscence of Tompkinsvllle and
Mission Ridge, by Edgar L. Stevens, Company C — My
Experience at Chickamauga, by Philip A. Hawk, Company
G — ^Reminiscence of Glasgow, Ky., by Captain Willard Proc-
tor, Company I— The Experience of Company I in the Skir-
mish Before Atlanta, July 22nd, 1864, by Captain Willard
Proctor, Company I— Recollections of Utoy Creek, Ga., by
Captain Willard Proctor, Company I— Extracts from Captain
Leighton's Diary as to the Operations of the Regiment Around
Dallas, Pumpkin Vine Creek and New Hope Church— Recol-
lections of the Siege of Chattanooga and the Battle of Look-
out Mountain, by Captain William Strawn.
REMINISCENCES OF THE KENTUCKY CAMPAIGN— HARTS-
VILLE AND ELK RIVER— BY LIEUTENANT A. PRES-
COTT, COMPANY A.
Whil-e the One Hundred and Fourth lay at Frank-
fort I was detailed to take Company A and two com-
panies of the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hun-
dred and Eighth Ohio and march to Lawrenceburg to
support a battery. My orders were received from Col-
onel Limberg, commanding our Brigade. On arrival
no battery was found, but an orderly soon came and
said it was a mistake. We then marched back and so
quickly that the. short-legged Dutchmen had to stretch
their legs and do some tall swearing. At Bowling
Green I was detailed to take a party and teams and
forage for the Division. After going for miles where
nothing was to be seen but the desolation of war, such
as is produced by armies, and was about despairing of
finding anything, we came suddenly to a well-kept field
full of corn in the shock. This surprised me, but when
348 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
I reflected that all the other plantations we had passed
were as bare of vegetation as the heads of old men
in the front seats of a theater are of hair, the mystery
was explained. I concluded that the owner must be
protected by the Government, and being court and
jury, I. reasoned that the army having come there to
protect the land and sustain law, we must be fed, both
men and beasts. We proceeded to load the wagons, and
while doing so, I, meantime, watching operations from
my horse, a man shouted in a gruff voice from the
woods On the opposite side of the field, "What are you
doing there?" Looking over I saw a good looking
specimen of the genus "butternut" sitting on his horse
and replied, "Can't you see?" "Yes, but you have no
right to touch that corn; it is protected by Govern-
ment." I said, "All right, that's my meat." "Come over
here," says butternut. "Not any for me," I replied; "if
you wish to talk corn come over here." He came and
informed me that he had protection papers from Gen-
eral McCook. I said, "I am taking this corn by orders
from Uncle Sam, who will pay for it if the owner is
all right." I have never blamed myself for that de-
cision.
On the march south from Tompkinsville I was
detailed on the third day by Colonel Scott to take thirty
men with an ox team and forage for provisions. After
wandering all night along by roads and in the woods
we found an old mill on a small stream, secured some
flour, then followed the Brigade, overtaking it at night
We marched through Goose Creek Valley, which no
one will ever forget, and finally reached Hartsville,
Tenn. Company A acted as Provost Guards at the
village. The Brigade went into camp on the banks of
the Cumberland, a mile distant. The people of Harts-
ville were pronounced rebels, all the young and able-
bodied men were in the rebel army, many of them with
John Morgan, who attacked us December 7th, 1862.
Three or four days previously a negro informed me
that we were to be attacked. I told Colonel Moore,
who had assumed command of the Brigade on the 2d,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 34»
Colonel Scott having left; and I said I believed it was
reliable from certain indications of the old men of
the village. I also suggested that some barricades or
intrenchments would be a good thing, but he did not
seem to wake up to the emergency. On the night of
December 5th our company was on picket duty on the
rOad near the camp. I was in command of our pickets
and it was very d«rk. A horseman attempted to pass,
toward the village and paid no regard to the chal-
lenge; pretty soon three shots were fired and the horse
and rider came tearing back. I challenged hiin, when
he went over the fence; taking the guard's gun I fired;
he made a momentary halt and then went on. The
man was no doubt a spy. The next morning his horse
was found wounded. When the battle was over and
we were prisoners waiting to cross the river, one of the-
men of the One Hundred and Fourth went up to one
of Morgan's men, a big fat fellow, and said: "Hello,
Bill, I thought the devil had got you long ago." He
was his brother! One of the^ sergeants of my com-
pany found two of his cousins with Morgan, and they
gave him something to eat. One of the men of the
Regiment was taken by the rebels for a deserter, but
afterward released. AVhen we were captured, Mrs.
Captain Ellis, wife of Morgan's Quartermaster, took
my sword and sash and said she would take care of it ;
she did ^j and gave it to our forces when they occupied
Hartsville, and I received it at Gallatin as we were
passing through. When we approached Murfreesboro
as prisoners the column was halted and the men
stripped of their overcoats, and fearing their valuables
would be taken also, I filled my l()ng boots and my
pockets with their watches and money. However, the
rebels did not disturb them. In due time we were pa-
roled, sent into our lines at Nashville and to Columbus,
from there to Camp Douglas to guard prisoners. In
April, 1863, we returned to the front, and under Rose-
crans marched on the Tullahoma campaign, which was
short, brilliant and exciting. Though sick all the time
I did not stay behind. At Elk River, where our Brigade
-860 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
came into action, Company A was on the left of the
battery and rebel sharpshooters were pegging away.
General Beatty riding up ordered me to send a few
men ahead to try and pick them oflf. The fact of my
slightly turning my head there saved it, as a minie ball
came whizzing by my ear. Just then a rebel shell
took oflf the head of a battery horse and the rider rolled
against a tree, but was only stunned by the fall. I
asked Captain Hewitt if he could hit anything. He
-said, "You see that chimney ahead; watch it" A gun
was fired and down came the chimney. The Regiment
was moved soon after by the right flank and came into
line in front of the house, which was hit by a shell.
Then some women came out, one of them with her arm
wounded, and made for the woods. I saw them no
more. A little girl came running down the hill scream-
ing and got behind a tree, when she ceased crying.
There was some sharp skirmishing all along. Finally,
when the enemy had been driven back across the Elk,
they opened again with artillery from the bluff and
were replied to so vigorously by our batteries that
•one or two of their guns were dismounted and they
withdrew. After that we crossed the river, but the
enemy were then well on their way over the moun-
tains, near the base of which we lay. With the 4th of
July came the news of the surrender of Vicksburg and
the victory at Gettysburg, which created great enthu-
siasm. We then went into camp at Decherd, Tenn.
MY EXPERIENCE AT STROUD'S MILL, OR FISHING CREEK,
S. C, FEBRUARY 26, 1865. BY JOHN E. MERRITT, COM-
PANY H.
While the Regiment was marching through South
Carolina high water in the Great Pedee detained us
three days, and as provisions were becoming scarce,
Oaptain Ross was sent out with a detail of one man
from each company on a foraging expedition. I was
•detailed from Company H. On the way others joined
us, and not. long after getting away from our lines
we were pretty well mounted on mules pressed into
the service from the plantations. We went into the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 351
•country some ten or twelve miles and occasionally
exchanged shots with rebel cavalry which hovered
about watching our movements. When they got too
•near we. would stop, have a skirmish with them until
they drew oflf, and then we would move on again lively
for several miles. However, we had loaded our mules
well. I remember having one hundred pounds of flour
and two hams on my mule. We had to stop and skir-
• mish several times and the numbers of the enemy kept
increasing when they pressed us closer and drove us
down on a creek bottom with a very steep bluff on the
opposite side. The Captain said he proposed to fight,
as it .was too hazardous scaling the bluff. The result
was the final surrender of most of the party after loss
to the rebels. I forced my mule into the creek, which
was about five rods wide, and the first step he went
over his head, but he came up all right and made good
time for the opposite shore. After crossing I looked
back and it seemed to me that the whole Southern Con-
federacy was after us. I laid low, put spurs to my
mule and was not long in reaching the top of the bluff,
but from the way the bullets zipped around me and
istruck the earth, it looked bilious for me. Wh^n I had
reached cover I found that I had a companion, Nic.
McCormick, of Company B. He had swam across the
creek and was wounded in the wrist. I bound up the
wound with a silk handkerchief and we hurried on
with all the mules that the rest of the command had
dismounted. They seeing us cross the creek had, as
mules will when frightened, followed us. We did not
let the grass grow under our feet, but made for our
army and found the Regiment after dark. The experi-
ence was the most exciting one I had had and will
never be forgotten by me.
INCIDENTS OF CHICKAMAUGA. THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN,
AND RALEIGH. BY CORPORAL D. L. MITCHELL, COM-
PANY C.
On the Friday evening preceding the battle of
Ohiekamauga our Eegiment had been sent to guard
862 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
a ford, and Captain Fitzsimmons had command of our
picket line. I was one of the two non-commissioned
oflScers on the left. All was quiet during the remainder
of the night and we remained there during the artillery^
duel of the 19th, watching the front and expecting fur-
ther orders. Finally the pickets were called in, but
the order failed to reach us on the left. On going down
the line I discovered that most of the men had disap-
peared and reported it to the Captain, who immedi- .
ately sent a man to camp. He returned quickly and
said the Brigade had gone. About this time we saw
the rebel cavalry crossing Chickamauga Creek in front
of us. The Captain then giving an order for every man
to look out for himself, it was promptly executed in
double quick time to the rear. There were seven or
niile of us. In a short time our eyes were gladdened
by seeing our own cavalry approaching, but before
they had gone forty rods further they were engaged
with the enemy. Night was coming on and we did
not find our Regiment until Sunday morning, when
the Brigade marched soon after to our extreme left
and became engaged very shortly in the fierce conflict
of the 20th. During the fight I was hit on my knap-
sack strap and knocked down, causing me to spit blood,
also causing a bruise. The Atlanta campaign was an
almost continuous battle and the Regiment under fire
one hundred days. Just before we reached Kenesaw
Mountain Corporal James Logan, of my Company, who
had been with me at Lexington, Mo., was killed. He
and a Johnny both wanted the same tree on the skir-
mish line, but the Johnny got the advantage and a good
soldier fell. At Kenesaw the rebel works and ours were '
only about one hundred and fifty feet apart. We
relieved a regiment of regulars. The breastworks had
been thrown up in the night, by what troops I do not
know, but when we went in the regulars said we would
have to lay low. Wash. Parker and myself were detailed
as sharpshooters and one hundred rounds of cartridges
placed by each of us. When daylight came the rebels
hailed us and said, "Yank, you have got a different lot
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 363
of men over there, haven't you?" That day they kept
their heads down. I think General Polk was killed the
same day. At Peach Tree Creek Company C lost some of
her best men, among them Parker, Munson and Captain
Kynearson. That was my last battle. I was wounded
in the hand, but rejoined the Regiment in 1865 at
Goldsboro, and marched to Raleigh and Washington.
Our Regiment was the first to enter Raleigh and our
General, riding up, said to Major Widmer, then com-
manding: "Your flag is entitled to go on the State
House of North Carolina, but there is so little left to
show what it represents that I shall have to take that
of the Forty-second Indiana." That Regiment had
been home on veteran furlough and had a new flag.
The unequaled march to Richmond and the grand
review were events I can never forget.
WHO HAD THE NIGHTMARE AT HILLSBORO AND CHATTA-
NOOGA ? BY SERGEANT ANDREW MOPFITT, COMPANY I.
During the Tullahoma campaign, while we lay at
Manchester, Tenn., General Beatty was ordered to take
our Brigade and march to Hillsboro, eight or ten miles
distant, in support of General Wilder's movement
against the right flank of the retreating rebel army.
We arrived there Sunday night after a tedious march
through the mud and bivouacked near the old village
in a grove of young timber. The position was a dan-
gerous one as we had no supports near and the rebels
were not far in front The orders were to lay on our
arms with accoutrements on and to be ready at a mo-
ment's notice for an attack. General Beatty and our
Brigade had been selected for the expedition on
account of their fighting reputation. A strong picket
line had been thrown out in front, the night was
intensely dark and rainy, and our pup tents not much
protection. We went to sleep, but a nervous, fitful
sleep for many. All at once I was awakened by the
most unearthly yell, howl and shriek, all in one, that it
is possible to conceive of. I jumped up, gi'abbed my
musket and took a position behind a tree that stood
354 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
near. I thought the rebel cavalry was riding over the-
Regiment slaying on every hand. To add to the con-
fusion the pickets began firing and my hair pushed
up the cap on my head. It was so dark one could not
see* his hand before his face. The Brigade was formed
in line and the immediate cause of the scare ascer-
tained. The Major came along vowing that if he could
find the fellow he would have him shot But the pick-
ets having been fired on we stood in line until day-
light. A similar incident occurred in front of Chatta-
nooga in which I enjoyed the fun. Soon after the bat-
tle of Chickamauga we were on picket. The lines on
either side had not been well defined as yet, and the
two armies were skirmishing for the best positions to
establish their lines and picket posts. General Rose-
crans had sent out a brigade to see where the rebels
were, but they were soon driven back and then Bragg
sent out a division to ascertain our position, and he
found out, for we speedily drove it back. My relief
was on the line when the attack was made and after
the next relief went on we were at the picket post,
which was down in a nice little cove. As it was cold
we had a fire and it was quite light. The boys being
very tired and worn out dropped oflf to sleep, some of
them covering their heads with their blankets. I was
in a position to take in the whole situation and hap-
pened to be looking at the time when that same old
yell broke the stillness of the night. It was better
than a circus to see the men run in every direction,
some with the blankets over their heads trying to run,
and some crawling ofiE on hands and knees. There were
but few who did not move and quickly. I think the
author of the trouble must have been the same one
who scared us: at Hillsboro.
MILKING cows. BY CORPORAL OSCAR SLAGLE, COM-
PANY D.
When the battle of Hartsville occurred T, with a
detail of one-half of our Company and one-half of Com-
pany F, were with the supply train as guards at Gal-
latin Tenn., consequently we did not return to Harts-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 36&.
ville, but were put on provost duty and quartered in
the Court House. Our duties were guarding prisoners^
private property, and patroling the streets of the town^
three hours on duty and nine oflf, except when we could
play sick. While thus employe^ we became tired of
our daily fare and hankered for a change of diet, but
could not obtain anything inside of the guard lines^
as all was closely watched. So we frequently took
midnight ramlj^les after coming ofiE duty in the early
part of the night, and being in possession of the coun-
tersign could go w^here Tve pleased. On one of these
excursions in company with J. C. and L. K. Hutton,
we came across some cows which we thought needed
milking, but my comrades could not milk, their fingers
being adapted to catching chickens, etc., so it was
agreed that they should corner the cows and I should
do the milking. This was done. I had milked three
and had a good supply of milk, enough, 1 thought, but
the boys said there was one more cow and we had
better make a clean job of it. It was pretty dark, but
the cow was white, so I told them to corner her up^
w^hich with some trouble they did. I then proceeded
to milk her, putting out my hand for the purpose. Just
then something struck me broadside and I went sprawl-
ing. When I recovered sufficiently to speak I blurted
out, "That's a steer!" The boys were so convulsed with
laughter that I did not get any sympathy from them,
and I have a belief to this day that it was a put up
job on their part. '
REMINISCENCES OP TOMPKINSVILLE AND MISSION RIDGE*
BY EDGAR L. STEVENS, COMPANY C.
While the One Hundred and Fourth was in camp
at Tompkinsville, Ky., I was taken sick and unable
to be removed when the Eegiment suddenly left one
night So I was carried in the rain and darkness to
a house near by and put to bed in a chamber with
another man of the command who was also very sick.
The exposure had been so great that in a few hours I
sank into unconsciousness and remained in that con-
366 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
dition for ten days. During that time the comrade
who was with me died and was buried. It was nearly
two months before I could set up, and three before I
was well enough to leave. Fortunately my hosts were
kind-hearted, though slave-holders, and in sympathy
with the South. They nursed me back to health, call-
ing in their family physician to give me treatment.
While in Tompkinsville several Confederate commands
passed through and a few weeks after the battle of
Hartsville Morgan's whole army marched by the house
where I was staying and I saw it from the chamber
window. Several relations of my host were among the
number and stopped for dinner. The next day one of
them was killed and brought to Tompkinsville for bur-
ial. One dark and cloudy night in February, a little
past one, I left the house and friends who had proven
to be such good Samaritans, to make my way to the
Federal lines, sixty miles distant. Much of the way-
was infested by Confederate cavalry. After four days
and nights of skulking, hiding and winding around
fields and openings in order to keep in the cover of
woods, creeks and gullies, I reached our lines near
Nashville, exhausted. Anxious to get back north and
there await the exchange of the One Hundred and
Fourth, I made my way across Kentucky in about two
weeks and in a few days arrived home in Earlville,
where I found that I had been given up for dead. After
spending a few days at home I rejoined the Regiment
at Camp Douglas and went with it to the front, par-
taking in all its marches and battles until after the
capture of Atlanta, when hearing of my father's sick-
ness I went home on furlough. When I had reached
Nashville on my return Sherman had started for the
sea, and thus I took part in the battle of Nashville
and the action at Decatur, but rejoined the Regiment
at Goldsboro, N. C. The following personal incident
which occurred to me at Mission Ridge, shows how
mistakes may sometimes be made and an injustice
done. In the grand charge I found myself one of the
first on our part of the line scaling the earthworks
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 357
on the top of the ridge. To my left a few yards dis-
tant, one of the officers of the Regiment mounted the
works at about the same instant; as he did so a rebel
soldier raised his gun to shoot him and noticing his
purpose I sprang toward him with my bayonet, which
so diconcerted him that he missed the officer when he
fired. The rebel then threw down his gun and sur-
rendered. I was weak enough to regret for some time
that I did not use cold steel on him, but rebels were
so thick then that I turned ray attention to others who
had arms in their hands. However, the ridge was soon
in our possession and the rebels running. John Cook,
Fred Hess and myself pursued them down the east side
of the ridge into the woods and fired as they ran across
a clearing. We then returned to the top and found
our men had formed line and stacked arms. Instead
of halting I continued on down the ridge we had
charged up for the purpose of learning who of Com-
pany C had been killed and wounded. While search-
ing them out a Sergeant" approached and accused me
of skulking, stating that he had orders to arrest all
such. Feeling that I had done my full share in gain-
ing the victory and being then on a volunteer mission
of mercy, I was very angry and retorted that he was
too much of a coward to effect the arrest. At the same
time I brought my musket to a ready, but he turned
away and nothing more came of it, though I expected
to be arrested.
MY EXPERIENCE AT CHICKAMAUGA. BY PHILIP A. HAWK,
COMPANY G.
When our Regiment fell back on the 2()th of Sep-
tember, 1863, at Chickamauga, F. L. Pound, J. F. Dielil,
Ham. Campbell, J. C. Deegan and myself helped to
remove some of the guns of Bridge's Battery, the horses
having been killed or disabled. I helped to work the
brass gun, but we were obliged to leave it. I then ran
to the next gun with my arms full of cones, but that
being a steel gun my cone fruit was of no account. I
threw it down and ran back to the brass gun with the
J
368 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
intention of spiking it and while in the act of doing
so was shot in the face over the left eye; then I started
for the rear, but had gone oijly a short distance when
I was wounded in the left leg by a spent ball, which
struck with force enough to enter the flesh and made
the blood nin freely. I did not then wait for an order
to go, but went at once. Soon after I was hit in the
calf of my right leg by a piece of shell. From that
time on I outran the bullets until I brought up near
an old log barn used as a hospital. The rebels began
to shell the building and I retreated over a hill, where
I found an Ohio regiment engaged in stopping the
stragglers. The Colonel washed my face with water
from his canteen and told me to stay there until an
ambulance came along. The only one that passed
would not stop. The Ohio regiment moved up on the
hill, so, as the walking was good and that part 'of the
country did not seem to agree with me, I turned my
back to the army and started for Chattanooga. It
was slow work with two lame legs and a sore head
to get along, but I reached Rossville at sundown and
was sent the next day to the hospital in Chattanooga;
then an order coming for all who could walk to go over
the river I crossed, but could go no further. In a few-
days I rejoined the Regiment near Fort Negley.
HEMINISCENCE OF GLASGOW, KY. BY CAPTAIN WILLARD
PROCTOR, COMPANY I.
I will never forget the march from Bowling Green
to Glasgow, for, on arriving, myself and several others
were taken sick and nearly all the bo.ys who died in
Tompkinsville were first stricken at Glasgow. AVhen
the Regiment left the ordei^ were for all the sick to
be put in ambulances, but Captain AVadleigh refused
to have me taken along, as he thought it would be sure
death, so he found a Union man who consented to take
care of me. I was carried to his house on a stretcher
and left there, with Sergeant Wright to nurse and care
for me, and with the help of the Union family I soon
began to get better, and was able to rejoin the Regi-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 359
merit with a detail that was sent back from Tompkins-
yille for supplies. While in Glasgow a number of
Union ladies came to see me, among them the wife of
Major Wolfort (afterward Colonel, and now a member
of Congress). This lady kept me posted as to the 'move-
ments of the rebels around Glasgow. One day she
said it was reported that the rebel cavalry was about
to visit us and probably we would be gobbled up. I
did not like the idea, but was too sick to be moved.
I accepted her offer to take charge of my arms and
uniform, but the rebelis did not come and the scare
blew over. The house of our friend was a little back
from the main street and one day after I had partially
recovered I proposed to Wright that we go up town,
lie said, "All right," but insisted on carrying his mus-
ket. As we were crossing over the main street some
one shot at us from among the buildings, the ball just
missing us and lodging in the fence at our si^e. It
made Wright very mad, but I told him it must have
been an accident, as we could see no one at the time.
Wo were rejoiced to get back to the One Hundred
and Fourth.
THE EXPERIENCE OF COMPANY I IN THE SKIRMISH BEFORE
ATLANTA, JULY 22. 1864. BY CAPTAIN WILLARD PROC-
TOR. COMPANY I.
After the battle of Peach Tree Creek our Brigade
had the advance on the right of the Fourteenth Corps.
The One Hundred and Fourth was leading when we
approached the outer works of the enemy around
Atlanta. We liad halted when an aide-de-camp, as
he was supposed to be, rode out of tlie woods and
delivered a verbal order to General Thomas to hurry
up, as the enemy were leaving the city on the other
side. The aide turned and rode back into the woods.
General Johnson, our Division Commander, ordered a
skirmish line thrown out, also a section of Dilger's
("Buckskin's^') Battery to advance and see what was in
our front. The rest of the Brigade halted. Soon the
artillery came back. Major Widmer again had com-
360 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
mand of the skirmish line and Company E of the One
Hundred and Fourth had gone out, while the rest of
the Regiment awaited developments. Soon, Colonel
Hapeman came along and gave me orders to take Com-
pany I and report to Major Widmer on the skirmish
line, which I did, although it was not my turn to go.
I found the Major and he pointed out the position I
was to occupy, connecting on the right with the Fif-
teenth Kentucky and on the left with the Forty-second
Indiana. The position was in sight of the rebel skir-
misli line which was on rising ground beyond a corn-
field and well protected by a fence and a house full of
sharpshooters. I would have to march mj' men
through the cornfield in full sight of their line. I
deployed my men and advanced, but the shot came so
thick and fast that I saw at once that I would lose
half of my men if I Avent across, so I gave the order,
"Left face, close order on the left, march I" This
brought us into thick brush and woods, nearly out of
sight of the enemy, and in rear of the right of the For-
ty-se(H)nd Indiana skirmishers. I then marched my
men to the right of the Forty-second, and we then went
across the open space one at a time until Ave con-
nected with the Fifteenth Kentucky lines. We then
made the best skimish pits we could with rails and
dirt, but were under the enemy's fire all the time. The
Major came along and was satisfied with the arrange-
ment. We tried to pay the enemy back for the extra
trouble they had given us. About dark when all was
quiet the rebels began to pour in a heavy fire and
attempted to advance their lines; so sudden and impet-
uous was the attack that the line on mv left gave wav
and fell back to our rear; this made my men fear a
flank movement by the enemy, but I gave orders for
every man to stand to his post, and we held our posi-
tion that he ot no credit for it. But credit was some-
time and along into the night. After a time we dis-
covered that the men on the right had given way and
gone to the rear. We were relieved about eleven
o'clock, but could not find the Regiment, it having
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 361
moved to the right In the morning when we rejoined
the Regiment the Fifteenth Kentucky was in line near
it and Ck)lonel Taylor was giving his men a sharp lec-
ture for leaving the skirmish line. We were com-
mended for holding the position under such discour-
aging circumstances.
RECOLLECTIONS OF UTOY CREEK, GEORGIA. BY CAPTAIN
WILLARD PROCTOR, COMPANY I.
The 7th of August, 1864, will not be soon forgot-
ten, as on that day the One Hundred and Fourth was
under a severe and heavy iBire from the enemy while
advancing its lines and throwing up works in the new
position, losing in the operation several valuable lives
and having a number wounded. Captain Fitzsimmons
was with his company on the skirmish line and had
halted. He was trying to get the position of the enemy
when he was shot in the head and instantly killed.
Sergeanti W. H. Craig, of K, was also killed in the same
place and manner a few moments after. Basset, of B,
Graves, of H, and Winslow, of A, soon fell, and A. H.
Lane, of D, was mortally w^ounded. Ten men were
wounded. Rebel sharpshooters did the work. The
works were thrown up under a heavy artillery fire and
it was worse than a hornet's nest for a while. Com-
pany K being left without a commissioned oflficer. Col-
onel Hapeman ordered me to take charge of the com-
pany for the time. We held our works which we had
built in sight of the rebels. While on the line of Utoy
Creek large numbers of rebel soldiers deserted and
came into our lines. There was an understanding that
we should at a certain time advance our lines, while
the rebel soldiers should fire over our heads, so that
it would appear all right to their officers, of whom
they stood in fear. The plan was carried out August
13th. Our line was about a half mile in length. Part
of the line captured was in front of our Brigade, part
in front of the one to our left. The skirmishers from
our Brigade were from the One Hundred and Fourth,,
and commanded by^Lieutenant Rood, of Company G»
-^62 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
In the afternoon I relieved him with another detail
irom our Regiment. Before night an officer came
around and ordered me to send back every third man
to help form a line in the rear. I knew this portended
an attack on my line and it came within an hour. The
rebels opened on us from a battery close by very heavily
and knocked out the head logs of our rifle pits, but we
held the position. I had two men wounded. On the
same day George Schweigart, of Company K, was killed
and four more, members of Companies K and D, were
wounded. We remained there until August 26th, with
•skirmishing going on daily.
J3XTRACTS FROM CAPTAIN LEIGHTON'S DIARY AS TO THE
OPERATIONS OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
AROUND DALLAS, PUMPKIN VINE CREEK. AND NEW
HOPE CHURCH.
May 27th, 1864, the Regiment was formed in line
of battle at four a. m. We moved three miles to the left
at ten and halted long enough for dinner. After that
we kept moving, but were held in reserve. Heavy fight-
ing was going on in our front all day, our forces driv-
ing the enemy back. We lay in a ravine until nine
p. m., then were ordered up and doubled-quicked to
check the rebel advance on our right. We had to wade
Pumpkin Vine Creek, the water coming above our knees
and it was cold. We lay in line of battle all night
and shivered from the wet and cold. At three a. m. of
the 28th, line of battle w^as formed on a ridge east of the
Pumpkin Vine. We had coffee and at half-past four
moved to the front near the enemy's breastworks. Soon
after moved to the left two hundred yards and in-
trenched. In half an hour the Regiment advanced three
hundred yards to check the rebels moving toward us:
They drove our skirmishers but were checked by the
fire of two regiments on our right and fled to tlie rear.
We then built breastworks and lay behind them all
day, but the bullets were flying over us every few
moments. The 29th was spent within our works,
which we strengthened in the afternoon as a report
came that the rebels were goin^to advance in force.
REGIMKNT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 363
At nine p. m. heavy firing began on the skirmish line
and we stood in line ready to receive the enemy, but
they had failed to dislodge the skirmishers and did not
come. We lay on our arms all night May 30th we
felled trees and further strengthened the breastworks.
Skirmishing was going on all day and we remained
in line of battle until midnight, then lay down with
accoutrements on and arms by our sides. A sharp
skirmish was kept up all night. On the 31st brisk skir-
mishing was going on at daylight, and at seven the
rebels drove in our pickets and skirmisliers and ad-
vanced boldly for a mile in length, but were repulsed
at every point with heavy loss. I relieved ('aptain
Pitzsimmons' company on the picket line with Com-
pany A at six. We skirmished with the enemy on the
31st and were relieved from picket on June 1st at six
a. m., when we took our place in line behind the works.
Eested on our arms all day. On June 2d we advanced
by right of companies eri echelon and built works three
hundred yards in advance of the former ones. On the
3d the Regiment advanced at eleven. All quiet to-day.
My wound now became so bad that I was removed to a
house, hoping to return soon.
Note. — The Captain was sent to the hospital on June 5th and re-
signed September 29th, 1964.
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA AND
THE BATTLE OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN. BY CAPTAIN
WILLIAM STRAWN, COMPANY F.
The weary two months that we were besieged,
cooped up and nearly starved in Chattanooga can never
be forgotten while any soldier lives who endured it.
Many incidents, both comic and serious, occurred. The
Regiment was stationed close up to Fort Negley in plain
view of Lookout Mountain. The rebels often amused
themselves in throwing ten-pound shot at the fort and
us without any serious injury, but we considered it
somewhat discourteous. At times the weather was
very bad. The general discomfort of our situation was
(
364 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
much relieved by the stern determination of all grades
of our army to hold on to the city that had cost us so
much blood to acquire.
A private in Company E voiced the universal feel-
ing in the following vigorous style: Some one said to
him, "We may be starved out and compelled to retreat/^
He replied: "Not by a d — d sight; I would rather live
on grits three months; it cost too milch to get here to
ever give it up." This man was the champion growler
of Company E, but the exigencies of the case found him
right on this question. During the siege oJBScers, pri-
vates and the poor dumb brutes alike suffered for want
of food. Men crawled over the ground where horses
and mules had been fed to get the chance grains of
corn the animals had wasted. Where the skinny cat-
tle were slaughtered heads sold for two dollars and a
half apiece. These were scalded like a hog's, so that
even the hide was not wasted. The paunch was soused
in the river and being prepared was considered an espe-
cially dainty morsel. I have eaten portions of about
every part of a beef, except the horns and hoofs, and
all was good. The days seemed longer and grew more
monotonous. The uppermost thought was how to get
something to eat. The animals had to be guarded while
eating the few ears of corn allowed them. Frequently
a man came back with an ear or two of corn. To offer
him a quarter for half of it would be to insult him.
He might give it to a comrade, however. The corn had
been foraged from a mule, of course, but a man was
of more value than a mule. At last when Grant and
Sherman arrived our spirits began to rise. Finally
Sherman's army was reported crossing the river above
the city and Hooker closing in on Lookout Mountain.
On November 24th the spiteful sounding cannon on
Moccasin Point began to play on Lookout. Our Brigade
and most of the army was in line of battle with little
to do except watch Hooker drive the rebels around
the point of Lookout. There was rain and mist on the
side of the mountain mixing with the smoke of battle.
We felt like holding our breaths while both friend and
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 366
foe were hidden by it The combatants were three
miles off, but we saw the enemy sullenly retreating;
then cheer after cheer went up from our army in the
city. Late in the afternoon our Brigade, which had been
sent to relieve Hooker, crossed Chattanooga Creek and
climbed the side of Lookout by whatever support we
•could get from brush, saplings and rocks. About ten
we filed into Hooker's lines and a desultory firing was
kept up until midnight. Only a few men of our Bri-
gade were wounded. We had little rest or sleep that
night In the morning we beheld the Stars and Stripes
waving over the summit of Lookout and learned that
the enemy had retired to Mission Ridge. The Regiment
in marching over the field saw some of our dead foes
lying where they had fallen or in the shelter of rocks,
where they had crept to die. We soon after descended
to the valley and at about four p. m. of the 25th partici-
pated in the grand charge on Mission Ridge.
CHAPTER XXIIL
The Field and Staff— Non- Commissioned Staff— Roster and Bi-
ographies.
COLONEL ABSALOM B. MOORE. Colonel Moore was born in
New Jersey, but it has been impossible to obtain the date of his-
birth, or, Indeed, any facts in regard to his career previous to his
advent in Illinois. Before the war he was in the employ of t&e
Illinois Central Railroad Company, and about that time also, was-
known as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He
first became prominent in La Salle County in the exciting political
campaign of 1860. Being nominated by the Republican party for'
the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court, he made an active canvass on
the stump and was elected by a large majority. Thereafter he pos-
sessed for some years a power in county politics that outlived his
military career. When the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment was.
recruited, he became a candidate for the colonelcy and was elected
over his brilliant competitor, Oliver C. Gray, by a large majority.
Was commissioned Colonel, August 27, 1862. The facts in regard to
his military service will be found in the general history of the Regi-
ment and need not be repeated here. Colonel Moore resigned Sep-
tember 9, 1863, returned home and resumed his duties as Circuit
Clerk. On the expiration of his term of office, he was elected Clerk
of the County Court for four years. He subsequently removed to
Chicago and held a minor appointment under the Federal Govern-
ment. He died June 7, 1879. The remains were conveyed to Ottawa
by an escort from Cashman Lodge, A., F. and A. Masons, and buried
in the Ottawa Avenue Cemetery, June 9, 1879, by Occidental Lodge,
No. 40, A., F. and A. Masons, of which the defceased was a member.
Colonel Moore was a man who had many friends and some enemies,
but was possessed of a warm heart and never turned a deaf ear to
the cry of distress. He was also noted in the days of his prosperity
for many benefactions that are still remembered.
COLONEL DOUGLAS H AXEMAN. Colonel Hapeman was bom
in Ephratah, Fulton County, N. Y., January 15, 1839, and descended
from Germany ancestry. In 1845 the family removed to Illinois and
settled in the township of Earl, La Salle County, where young Hape-
man remained on his father's farm until he was ten years of age.
At the age of thirteen he entered the office of the "Free Trader" at
Ottawa, to learn the printer's trade. Applying himself faithfully
during the following years the outbreak of the Rebellion found him
thoroughly versed in all the details of business in what was then
the largest newspaper and publishing house in the county and master
of what he intended should be his life vocation. While thus em-
ployed In the "Art preservative of all arts" the thunders of Sumter's:
cannon awoke the Nation from its delusive dreams of peace and
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. SCT"
I ushered in the Great Rebellion. Closely following came the call to
arms, and among the hundreds of thousands of loyal, patriotic and
brave stood young Hapeman. He enlisted April 14, 1861, for three
months' service in what .became Company H, Eleventh Illinois In-
fantry, a regiment first commanded by the immortal W. H. L.
Wallace, who impressed upon it the character of his own military
genius, skill and bravery, and made every member proud to say:
"I belonged to the Eleventh." Hapeman was elected Second Lieuten-
ant of his company and commissioned April 23, 1861. The Eleventh
was stationed at Villa Ridge, 111., watching the enemy across the
river and making occasional marches upon rumors of his approach,
but was in no engagements larger than a skirmish. Under the skilled
hand of General Wallace and Lieutenant-Colonel T. E. G. Ransom
(afterward the distinguished general and commander of divisions
and army corps), the Eleventh attained that high degree of military
drill and discipline which won it imperishable renown at Donelson
: ^ and Shiloh. Upon the expiration of the three months' service the
i Eleventh was recruited and re-enlisted for three years. Lieutenant
Hapeman remained in the same position, his second commission
being dated July 30, 1861. He participated in all the various marches
and engagements of his regiment in the fall of 1861 and early winter
of 1861 and 1862. Expeditions were made into Missouri, resulting in
fighting, at Charleston and Bloomfleld. Lieutenant Hapeman was
also in the reconnoissance under General Grant, to Columbus, Ky. He
participated in the advance on Fort Henry in February, 1862, and
^ was distinguished for his bravery and skill in command of his com-
pany at Fort Donelson on the 13th, 14th and 15th of February, 1862,
where the Eleventh lost in killed and wounded 339 men, and Lieu-
tenant Hapeman's company 42 men. The Regiment had cov-
ered itself with glory, but was destined to win still brighter laurels
at Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862, Its losses there were nearly fifty per
cent. Following the fortunes of the Eleventh, we next hear of
Lieutenant Hapeman at the siege of Corinth, Miss., where he held
a "field" position as Adjutant of the Regiment. Meantime, in far
away Illinois, the One Hundred and Fourth Infantry was organized
in La Salle County. The fame of the Eleventh and the gallantry of
its officers and men was well known to the people of the county, from
which many of them had enlisted. In the month of August, 1862,.
■ Lieutenant Hapeman, then in the field, was unexpectedly to him-
self, tendered the position of Lieutenant-Colonel of the One Hundred
' and Fourth, the crack regiment of the county. He accepted, was
"discharged for promotion," returned home, was commissioned Lieu-
tenant-Colonel for gallant services in the field, August 23, 1862, and
mustered October 3d. On September 6, 1862, the One Hundred and
Fourth, Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman commanding (Colonel Moore
being sick), left for the front at Louisville, near which the Regiment
remained for about five weeks in various camps. Major Widmer not
arriving until October, th^ task of teaching one thousand new and
mostly raw officers and men the rudiments of military life, drill and
' discipline, fell upon Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman very largejy» he
being the only experienced field officer present. That he then, and al-
ways, devoted himself and his energies to the interests of the One
Hundred and Fourth, is well known. But events were hastening and
General Bragg thundering at the gates of Louisville. In October, the
I One Hundred and Fourth, still but imperfectly drilled, began its long
368 THE ONE 'HUNDRED AND FOURTH
series of marches, campaigns* and battles, first following Bragg to-
ward Perryville and with other troops, occupying Frankfort, the
capital of Kentucky. The Regiment remained there some time and
Colonel Moore being appointed to command the Thirty-ninth Bri-
gade, Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman commanded the One Hundred
and Fourth, employing all the time possible in drilling it. The
Regiment soon after began the march to Bowling Green and the
Tennessee campaign. Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman commanded the
One Hundred and Fourth in the battle of Hartsville with courage
and skill, doing all that a brave soldier could do to win success.
But he, with the command, became prisoners of war, and he wad
confined in prison at Atlanta and Richmond for some months. Being
released in the spring of 1863, he rejoined the Regiment at Brent-
wood, Tenn.. May 21st. The One Hundred and Fourth was ordered
to Murfreesboro soon after and assigned to "fighting" General John
Beatty's Brigade (First Brigade, Second Division, Fourteenth Army
Corps, Army of the Cumberland). The Tullahoma campaign was
on the eve of opening and Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman participated
in it, being present at Elk River and wherever fighting occurred.
He took part in the Chickamauga campaign and was in the remark-
able action of Davis Cross Roads, September 11, 1863. Colonel Moore,
who had resigned some time previous, left the Regiment on the 15th
and Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman succeeding him, commanded the
One Hundred and Fourth in the great battle of Chickamauga, Sep-
tember 19th and 20th, and the engagements of the 21st, near Ross-
ville. For meritorious services there he was commissioned Colonel
of the Regiment ih September. Cploi|«l Ifapeipan was in the siege
of Chattanooga, cheerfully endurlpg allth^ privations of that trying
time, only solicit<^us for the welfare- of hi^. 8160, but the boys claim
that the Colonel's favorite horse sometimes lost an ear of corn from
his scanty allowance — so great was their hunger. In the battles of
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, the One Hundred and Fourth
was led by Colonel Hapeman with a distinguished bravery and skill
that ^as remarked. In the latter battle he inspired his men both
by words and example to the great deeds that followed and crowned
every man with a wreath Of glory. Following that battle. Colonel
Hapeman led the Regiment in pursuit of Bragg's fleeing army and
was engaged at Graysville and Ringgold. In the Atlanta campaign,
beginning May .2, 1864, Colonel Hapeman commanded the One Hun-
dred and Fourth in .the four months of marches, skirmishes and
battles, and there was seldom a day when he was not under fire.
He was present at Rocky Face, the terrific battles at Resaca, the
engagements on Pumpkin Vine Creek, near Dallas, and the battles
around New Hope Church; the siege and battles around Keneaaw
Mountain and the actions on the Chattahoochee. At the bloody battle
of Peach Tree Creek, July 20, 1864, when one-half of the right wing
of the Regiment had been killed and wounded and further disaster
seemed Imminent, Colonel Hapeman, ably supported by Major Wid-
mer, rallied the remainder of the Regiment and hurled it upon the
foe in victory. One of the boys who had his right shoulder shat-
tered there, says in a letter to the writer: "His (Colonel Hapeman's)
conduct on that occasion showed him to have been 'the bravest of
the brave.' " Captain Strawn said to the writer about this battle:
"We had become so accustomed to the coolness of our field officers
that no demoralization occurred." From that time, we find Colonel
Major John H. Widmer.
FROM A ^HOTOORA^HTARCN IN ie«4.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 369
Hapeman commanding the demi-brlgade, or left wing, and leading It
in the siege of Atlanta, the almost daily assaults and advances;
those where the One Hundred and Fourth suffered greatest loss
being the actions on Utoy Creek, August 7 and 14, 1864. He was
present at Jonesboro — the last battle of the campaign, and Atlanta
falling, marched his gallant veterans in proud triumph to that city,
where Colonel Hapeman was ordered to take command of the
Brigade, September 8, 1864. For his eminent services in the Atlanta
campaign. Colonel Hapeman should have been appointed a brigadier-
^neral. The least effort on his part would have secured the prize
that scores of far less able and less deserving officers frantically
grasped for and in many instances obtained. But Colonel Hapeman
instead of running off to Washington to scheme for promotion, re-
remained with his Brigade. He commanded the Brigade in the pursuit
of Hood, and until November 8, 1864, when Colonel Hobart returning,
assumed command by. virtue of seniority of rank, and Colonel Hape-
man thereafter commanded the demi-brigade on the march to the
sea and in the siege of Savannah. In the latter, as shown elsewhere,
the spirit of enterprise and daring exhibited by the officers and men
of the One Hundred and Fourth was conspicuous and resulted in a
Brigadier's star for Colonel Hobart, a very worthy soldier, but the
scales of Justice would have been more evenly balanced had another
been bestowed on Hapeman and corresponding rewards on others.
Savannah having fallen. Colonel Hapeman, leaving the Regiment in
charge of Major Widmer, went home on a brief absence, but owing
to unavoidable causes, was unable to rejoin the command in the
campaign of the Carollnas until it arrived near* Raleigh. He was
thus enabled to be present at the closing scenes in the death throes
of the Rebellion and Johnston's surrender. The war was over and
Colonel Hapeman marched with the remnant of his battle-scarred
veterans to Washington, where he participated in the fitting
triumphal scene — the Grand Review of the vast armies of the Union
in the Nation's capital. Being mustered out June 6. 1865. Colonel
Hapeman returned to his home at Ottawa, 111., immediately resumed
his connection with the "Free Trader" as a partner, and also estab-
lished a book and stationery business, which is now the largest In
the city. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Ella, daughter
of William and Phoebe Thomas. A son and daughter blessed this
union. The Colonel, besides his own business, is president, or man-
ager, of several solid business corporations in Ottawa, active in all
public business enterprises, but not inclined to politics. He is a
prominent and active worker In the Masonic Fraternity, the Loyal
Legrion, and the Grand Army of the Republic. His business career,
which has been successful, bears a striking resemblance in method
to his course in the army, strictly business-like, careful and sure,
without ostentation. But there were occasions during the war, when
unusual dangers threatened, amid the roar of battle, the rain of lead
and iron, with brave men falling like autumn leaves, that Colonel
Hapeman showed a promptness of action equal to the demand, with-
out losing those qualities of courage, coolness, and calm Judgment
that mark the true soldier and commander.
MAJOR JOHN H. WIDMER. Major Widmer was bom in Wayne
County, Ohio, and came to Illinois sometime previous to the war.
That event found him engaged In the practice of law at Ottawa, 111^
Upon the fall of Sumter, Major Widmer, then twenty-five or twenty-
870 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
six years of age, was one of the first to respond to the call of Governor
Yates for three months' volunteers, and enlisted April 19, 1861, as a
private in Captain William L. Gibson's Company I, of General W. H.
L. Wallace's Regiment, the famous Eleventh Illinois Infantry. Upon
the expiration of the three months' service, he, and Greenbury L.
Fort, of Lacon, 111., recruited the company for three years* service.
Fort was elected Captain a^nd Widmer First Lieutenant, his commis-
sion being dated September 1, 1861. Lieutenant Widmer participated
in the various movements and engagements of the Eleventh in the fall
of 1861 and winter of 1862. Among these were the expeditions to
Charleston and Bloom field. Mo., the reconnoissance under General
Grant, to Columbus, Ky., and the advance on Fort Henry in Febru-
ary. At the investment and battle of Fort Donelson, February 12th,
13th, 14th and 15th, Lieutenant Widmer commanded the company
with bravery, skill and credit, and for meritorious services there,
was commissioned captain April 24, 1862. He continued to serve with
the Eleventh until in September, 1862, when he received a telegram
asking if he would accept the position of Major in a new regiment
organized in La Salle County. The position was wholly unsought by
him, but he replied that he would accept. The Eleventh was then
about starting on an expedition, from which it returned from Fort
Henry in two weeks. There, Captain Widmer received a special
order from the War Department, discharging him from the Eleventh,
"for promotion." He at once set out for the "New Regiment," the
One Hundred and Fourth, joining it at Louisville. Ky. The Major's
reputation as an officer and fighter had preceded him, and on ar-
rival, he met with a warm reception from the One Hundred and
Fourth. From that time until the close of the war. Major Widmer
participated in every skirmish, battle and campaign in which the
One Hundred and Fourth was engaged. He was in the Kentucky
campaign and battle of HartsvlUe, Tenn.. where he was taken
prisoner and confined at Atlanta and in Libby Prison for
several months, but was released in April, 1863, and
rejoined the Regiment at Brentwood, Tenn., in time
to participate in the TuUahoma and Chickamau^ cam-
paigns and the actions of Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the
battle of Chickamauga. He was in the skirmishes following the lat-
ter battle and rendered valuable services on the picket lines during
the siege of Chattanooga. He took an active part in the battles of
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, and the pursuit of the enemy,
resulting in skirmishes at Graysville and Taylor's Ridge. But the
qualities that marked Majoi* Widmer as an officer of superior ability,
coolness and bravery, were more fully developed in the Atlanta cam-
paign, its battles and engagements, extending over four months.
Colonel Hapeman being always present, and in command of the
Regiment, Major Widmer, as an extra field officer in it, was more fre-
quently on the skirmish line than any other one man in the One
Hundred and Fourth, and if more than one company was sent out
always accompanied the detail. He was always in splendid physical
condition and was called upon oftener than any other officer to take
charge of brigade and division skirmish lines and detachments. As
such, he came on duty nearly every other day from the opening of
the campaign. The Major came to love that kind of fighting, and
when the rifie balls were singing merrily and everything going on
right, was in his element and perfectly undisturbed. This quality
Adjutant Rufus C. Stevens.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. SH
generally enabled him to be successful In planting his line where it
was ordered. But as he himself says, his success was almost wholly
due to his brave boys. He and they soon found out that there was a
big difference between line of battle fighting and skirmishing. In
the former, the soldier is part of a machine, and is seldom called
upon to exercise his judgment; in the latter his indiyiduality plays a
prominent part. This trait was a marked characteristic of the men
of the One Hundred and Fourth and the other regiments from which
the details were made, and they soon took to skirmishing like ducks
to water, naturally. The Major took care to give both officers and
men his full confidence by telling them what he wished to accom-
plish. In short, he had confidence in them and they in him. We find
in the great war history, "The Rebellion Records," numerous com-
pliments paid to the bravery, ability and success of Major Widmer
in his conduct of the skirmish lines in the Atlanta campaign. His
daring act in boldly entering the enemy's line of rifle pits on Utoy
Creek, alone, in broad daylight, and its consequences, will be found
narrated elsewhere. Always ready for duty every day and hour of
the campaign, he was in the engagements at Buzzard Roost, the
battles around Resaca, the engagements on Pumpkin Vine, around
Dallas, and at New Hope Church; the numerous battles at Kenesaw
Mountain, and the bloody battle of Peach Tree Creek, July 20, 186^
where the whole right wing of the One Hundred and Fourth was
almost annihilated by a fierce attack in fiank, but the bleeding
fragments and the left wing, held firm and launched in victorious
assault on the enemy, by the coolness and bravery of Hapeman and
Widmer. Said one of the boys:* "I expected to see them shot forty
times." Following Peach Tree Creek came the siege of Atlanta, and
the fierce six weeks of almost dally fighting or skirmishing in front
of the city and on the line of Utoy Creek, and the battle of Jones-
boro. In all. Major Widmer was an active participant. Atlanta
being won. Colonel Hapeman thereafter commanding the Brigade,
or demi-brigade, the Major commanded the One Hundred and Fourth
on the march to the sea and at the siege of Savannah. At the latter
place he, aided by some daring ofllcers and men of the One Hun-
dred and Fourth, performed some acts, narrated elsewhere, that placed
the stars of a general on other shoulders. But it is believed by the
writer that neither Hapeman nor Widmer were fighting for stars —
except those of the Star Spangled Banner. Major Widmer com-
manded the Regiment in the campaign of the Carolinas, and in the
last battle, that of Bentonvllle, N. C. showed his accustomed skill
and bravery in fighting vastly superior numbers without proper aid
or support. The war was over and Major Widmer, who had enlisted
at the sound of the first gun from Sumter, and remained in service
through over four long years, marched with the command to Wash-
ington, where, after taking part in the Grand Review, he sheathed a
sword that had always been worn with honor and never grown
rusty from disuse, returned home and prepared to follow the pur-
suits of peace. For a time he was engaged in the lumber business,
but about 1869, resumed the practice of law at Ottawa, 111., in partner-
ship with Hon. Henry Mayo. He has been eminently successful and
stands very high among the legal fraternity and his fellow citizens.
ADJUTANT RUFUS C. STEVENS. Rufus C. Stevens was bom
In Cabot, Caledonia County, Vermont, April 5, 1824. His parents
were of English descent. When he was thirteen years old, the
272 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
tamily removed to New Hampshire. In 1840, young Stevens decided
to learn the printer's trade, and entered the office of the "Herald
of Freedom/' at Concord. In 1849. he went to California, via Cape
Horn, landed in San Francisco, and was engaged in shoveling
sand at fifty cents an hour. Subsequently, with E. C. Webster and
others, he went to digging for gold. He returned to New Hampshire
in 1851, purchased a newspaper and published it until 1857. In the
meantime he was a representative in the State Legislature two terms.
In 1857 he removed to Illinois, settling at La Saile, and with E. C.
Webster, published the "Press" until August, 1862, when he received
the appointment of Adjutant of the One Hundred and Fourth Regi-
ment, and was commissioned August 27, 1862. In all the following
years of the war he served with his command in all its marches, bat-
tles and campaigns, exhibiting a courage and endurance that never
faltered and gained him the love and confidence of all. He came to
be known as "Old Steve" among, the boys, who soon discovered that
in him were united the qualities of the true soldier — unflinching
bravery and kindness of heart in time of suffering. Adjutant
Stevens participated in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of
Hartsville, Tenn. There he was severely wounded in the leg and
unfit for duty several months, but recovering, in April, 1863, he
marched with the Regiment to the front and was in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and
the battle of Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1863, and the en-
gagement of the 21st at Ross vi lie. He endured the siege of Chatta-
nooga and took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge, and the pursuit of Bragg's fleeing columns to Graysville and
Ringgold. In the Atlanta campaign, Adjutant Stevens participatcfd
in every action and battle of the Regiment, being present at Buzzard
Roost, of Rocky Face, the battles around Resaca, the series of en-
gagements on the Pumpkin Vine, in the vicinity of Dallas and New
Hope Church. He was in the fierce conflicts around Kenesaw and the
bloody battle of Peach Tree Creek; at the siege of Atlanta and the
several actions on the line of Utoy Creek; the battle of Jonesboro.
He took part in the pursuit of Hood, was on the march to the sea,*and
ftt the siege of Savannah. His career of military service was rounded
up in the campaign of the Carolinas and at the battle of Bentonville,
where he was again wounded quite severely, but would not leave the
field. From there he went to Washington, where, after taking part
in the Grand Review, he returned home. Soon after he was ap-
pointed revenue inspector of the Sixth District and held the office
for two years. He was then in the grain business until on Webster
becoming postmaster at La Salle, he edited the "Press." He was
elected sheriff of the county in 1876, and re-elected in 1878. After
this he became editor of the Ottawa "Globe," but subsequently moved
to Minnesota, bought and edited the "Tribune," of Morris. As an
editor he rose rapidly into prominence in that section of the state
and bore an important part in the public affairs of the district. But
old age was creeping on, his old wounds troubled him and induced
other troubles, which resulted in his death, February 17, 1893. The
^rim veteran who had faced shot and shell on so many battlefields of
the rebellion, unmoved, had to yield to the conqueror of all, at last,
and he did so with a calmness and determination that showed the
Roman Saxon type of character in which he was molded. He left
AS a noble heritage to his family and iriends, a record as a man an4
CL^I^
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 8W
soldier, that will be long remembered, while the men of the One
Hundred and Fourth, as long as one survives, will never forget, or
have other than pleasant memories of "Old Steve."
QUARTERMASTER EDWARD L. HBRRICK. Edward L. Her-
rick was appointed Quartermaster and commissioned August 23,1862.
The writer has been unable to obtain any data in regard to his place
of birth, but remembers him as a bright young man before the war,
engaged In the offices of circuit and county clerks of La Salle County*
as a deputy. He was an expert penman and good business man.
Considerable surprise was manifested when he suddenly appeared
with a commission. He served through the war as Quartermaster,
and like all that genus, had to stand considerable cussing at times
when the rations were short or of poor quality. He was mustered out
June 6, 1865, and returning to Ottawa, engaged in business, but was
employed in the court house at the time of his death, which occurred
some years ago.
SURGEON REUBEN F.DYER. Surgeon Dyer was born inStrong*
Maine, January 29. 1833. Members of the family had been prominent
in the Revolutionary War. Young Dyer, after receiving a good edu-
cation, studied medicine in Maine and afterward in Cincinnati,
graduating there from the American Medical College in 1856. He
came to Newark, 111., and settled down to the practice of medicine.
When Fort Sumter fell, April 14, 1861, Dr. Dyer enlisted the same
day and raised a company of which he was elected captain. This
was mustered into the service ol the United States as Company K,
Twentieth Illinois Infantry. Captain Dyer went with it to the front
and took part in the engagements of the Regiment, the first being at
Fredericktown, Mo. Captain Dyer and his company won renown by
moving on in advance of the Regiment, capturing a battery and
spiking the guns. He was in the advance on Fort Henry and fought
at Donelson, Company K occupying and holding an advanced position
and fighting with heroic valor. Subsequently, Captain Dyer resigned
for the purpose of entering the medical staff. In the summer of 1862,
when the calls were made for more troops, he was the first one to
take action in the matter of raising a new regiment from La Salle
County, and had hand bills printed calling for a meeting. Captain
Johnson Mlsner and Oliver C. Gray were identified with him in the
movement. Delays and changes occurred, but the initiative thus
taken resulted in the organization of the One Hundred and Fourth.
Dr. Dyer was appointed surgeon, his commission being dated Augiist
25, 1862. Thereafter he was continuously on duty until the close of
the war. After the battle of Hartsville, Tenn., he remained there,
and at Gallatin, in charge of the wounded, and established at the
latter place an army hospital (No. 14), that was a model of its kind.
The Regiment having been ordered to Camp Douglas, Dr. Dyer re-
joined it in February, 1863, taking along with him the wounded men
of the One Hundred and Fourth who were able to go. When the
Regiment returned to the front in April, 1863, and set out on the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns, Surgeon Dyer accompanied
it and was fully occupied, especially after the great battle of Chicka-
mauga, when thousands of wounded and sick required attention.
After the battle of Mission Ridge Surgeon Dyer organized another
hospital, of which he had charge. In preparation for the Atlanta
campaign, he was directed to organize a brigade field hospital,
which was subsequently merged into a division hospital. He was
a74 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
pperator for the First Brigade, First Division, and on the fall bt At-
lanta, was detailed as surgeon of the First Diyision, Fourteenth Army
Ck)rps. He was on the march to the sea, and after the fall of
Savannah, was acting medical director on the stafC of General JefCer-
son C. Davis, holding the position till the close of the war. He was
mustered out June 6, 1865, and returned to Ottawa, 111., and has
practiced there since as a physician and surgeon. It is hard to ap-
preciate, or to form any proper and Just estimate of the invaluable
services performed by Surgeon Dyer during his army career, but to
understand how he stood in the estimation of the men of the One
Hundred and Fourth, it Is only necessary to ask those who are still
alive, and came under his care, or witnessed his labors.
FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON JULIUS A. FREEMAN. Dr.
Freeman was born in Worcester, Otsego County, New York, and was
thirty-four years of age at enlistment. He was then practicing
medicine. He was commissioned and mustered into the service
August 25, 1862. and Joined the One Hundred and Fourth at Frank-
fort, Ky., marched with it to Hartsville, Tenn., and rendered valu-
able services there during and after the battle in caring for the
wounded. When the Regiment returned to the front at Nashville
in 1863, he was taken sick, went to hospital and resigned July 13,
1863. He afterward served as surgeon in the Army of the Potomac.
Is now a physician and surgeon at Millington, 111.
SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON THOMAS B. HAMILTON.
Dr. Hamilton was born in Ohio, but removing to Wenona, 111., was a
practicing physician and surgeon there when the call came for 600,000
more. We have been unable to obtain much of his record, but ho
must have been about twenty-flve years old In 1862. Enlisting as a
private in Company H, he repaired to the camp at Ottawa, but was,
on the organization of the Regiment, appointed second assistant sur-
geon and Commissioned August 27, 1862. In the Kentucky campaign
he marched with the command to Frankfort and thence to Bacon
Station, where he was detailed to take charge of the sick, who were
sent to Bowling Green, Ky., and put In hospital, where he was em-
ployed for some time. The doctor was very popular with the boys
and in the service — mostly In hospitals, until he was himself stricken
down with disease. He died at Nashville, Tenn., March 17, 1865.
His untimely death was regretted by all who knew him.''
CHAPLAIN WILLIAM C. SCHOFIELD. This gentleman's name
does not appear on the muster rolls nor in the Adjutant General's
report, as chaplain of the One Hundred and Fourth, nevertheless, he
served as such until after Hartsville, though never commissioned.
While with the Regiment he performed some useful services. He
was formerly' pastor of the First Congregational Church In Ottawa.
CHAPLAIN WILLIAM C. F. HEMPSTEAD. Enlisted as a pri-
vate In Company I, August 12, 1862; appointed First Sergeant, He
was promoted and commissioned chaplain in the spring of 1863, and
was with the Regiment until his resignation, September 1, 1863. He
hUs been dead some years.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
SERGEANT-MAJOR QUINCY D. WHITMAN. Born in Huron
County, Ohio; age at enlistment 36; occupation bookkeeper; enlisted
from Ottawa, August 9, 1862, in Company E. Was promoted Ser-
geant-MaJor. He participated in the Kentucky campaign and the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 375
•
battle of Hartsville: the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns, at
Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. He
was in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the
Atlanta campaign he was present at Buzzard Roost, the battles
around Resaca, the engagements on the Pumpkin Vine and In the
vicinity of Dallas and New Hope Church; the battles around Kenesaw
Mountain;, the battle of Peach Tree Creek; the siege of Atlanta, the
actions on Utoy Creek and the battle of Jonesboro. He also took part
In the pursuit of Hood, was on the march to the sea and at the siege
of Savannah. His honorable career of service was completed in the
campaign of the Carolinas and at Benton ville. Mustered out June
6, 1865, and returned to Ottawa, 111. He subsequently removed to
Iowa and engaged in business. Is now quartermaster-sergeant of the
Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, Quincy, 111.
QUARTERMASTER-SERGEANT ASHER D. GIBSON. Enlisted
from Mission, La Salle County, August 15, 1862, in Company G; ap-
pointed First Corporal, but on the organization of the Regiment pro-
moted Quartermaster-Sergeant and served most efficiently until the
close of the war. Mustered out June 14, 1865. When last heard
from he lived in California.
COMMISSARY-SERGEANT AUSTIN H. FOWLER. Enlisted
August 5, 1862, in Company H; was appointed Second Sergeant, but
soon promoted Commissary-Sergeant and filled the position accept-
ably, always doing his best to furnish the boys with Uncle Sam's
rations, supplemented with whatever extra supplies could be drawn
from the enemy when foraging became the order of the day. Mus-
tered out June 6, 1865.
HOSPITAL STEWARD JOHN W. CUPPY, Enlisted August 13,
1862, and served faithfully until August 1, 1863, when he was dis-
charged for disability. The Regiment regretted to have him go.
Baid to be living in Steubenville, Ohio, but numerous letters have re-
mained unanswered, hence no full record can be given.
HOSPITAL STEWARD LUTHER S. SLYDER. Enlisted in
Company K, August 13, 1862; promoted hospital steward August 1,
1863, upon the discharge of John W. Cuppy. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Said to be living in Iowa. No answer to many letters request-
ing record.
PRINCIPAL MUSICIANS.
David McCampbell, William Raymond, Joseph G. Wheat and
Joseph Lewis, who went out with the Regiment as musicians, have
been noticed as fully as the records will admit in the rosters of the
respective companies to which they belonged. Many changes oc-
curred in the "music" and the *'band" of the One Hundred and
Fourth, which the historian has endeavored to bring to light by
appeals to Frank Stire, the Edwards^ and others, but without suc-
>cess. It is of record, however, that Wheat and one other member of
the Regiment threw away their instruments and seized the musket
by preference.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Company A—How and Where Orgranlzed— Roster and Biogra-
phies— Statistics.
SKETCH OF COMPANY A.
Soon after the call of President Lincoln for "600,000
more," recruiting for a new regiment became active in
La Salle County and Moses Osman, James M. Ijeighton,
A. Prescott, and others began enlisting men for a com-
pany. By August 15, 1862, a sufficient number had been
enrolled and the company was organized by the election
of James M. Leighton, as Captain, Moses Osman First
Lieutenant, Alphonso Prescott Second Lieutenant. The
non-commissioned officers appointed by the Captain
were as follows: Davis B. Stillson, First Sergeant; Ser-
geants, James IL Newton, Edwin J. Trowbridge^
Michael Clancy, Oliver P. Harding; C'orporals, Isaac N*
Felch, Daniel W. Stevenson, Sidney V. Arnold, Norton
Fields, Eben H. TTollis, Frank Pickens, James Toll^
Allen Benedict. The Excitement of election being over^
thecompany, which was designated as A, went into camp
at the fair grounds and prepared for the active duties
of a soldier's life by daily drills, and being the right com-
pany it was known would occupy important positions
in skirmishes, battles, etc. In the subsequent years of
service in the field. Company A always acquitted itself
with bravery and credit and suffered its fair share of
casualties, eleven of its numbers yielding up their lives
on the battlefield, or in consequence of mortal wounds,
while several lost limbs, and a number besides, were so
badly wounded as to suffer for life. In the Kentucky
and first Tennessee campaign, Captain I^eighton being
detailed on Brigade staff, and Lieutenant Osman also
being detailed much of the time, Lieutenant Prescott
commanded the company with credit. When the battle
Lieut. A. Prescott. Co. A. Sergt. F. M. Daugherty. Co. F.
Lieut. A. V. Mitchell, Co. F. Capt W. Strawn. Co. F.
Capt. J. M. Leighton, Co. A. Lieut. C. M. Johnson, Co. F.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 377
of Hartsville occurred the company was detached and
doing provost duty in the village three-quarters of a
mile from the camp. There it was surrounded by the
rebel cavalry and made a spirited resistance of an hour^
but not being supported and unable to withdraw, had to-
surrender. Sumner M. Burnliam was killed, Jonathan
Lewis mortally wounded, William Buckley was severely
wounded, also O'Donnell and Potter. In the TuUahoma
campaign, the company was under fire at Elk River, also
at Davis Cross Roads, and at Chickamauga lost on Sep-
tember 19th and 20th, John Dodd, Peter Olsen, Michael
O'Connor, killed ; F. Sanchez, wounded. Samuel Hutch-
ings was wounded and taken prisoner to Andersonville,
where he died of wounds. A number were wounded
more or less severely, and Captain Leigh ton on the 21st
The company lost one man killed at Mission Ridge. On
the advance of Sherman's army the company, com-
manded by Captain Leighton, who still suffered from
his wound, was from the first, engaged almost daily in
skirmishing. Sergeant Benedict was killed at Resaca,
May 13, 1864. William Barrett lost his right arm, and
several were wounded. At Peach Tree C^eek, July 20,
1864, very severe losses were suffered, the company
being the first to receive the full force of the rebel at-
tack and in flank. The company suffered again at Utoy
Creek and at Bentonville. It had left* Graysville, Ga.,
with twenty-seven men for duty, when Atlanta fell but
nine were left — present. Death, wounds and sickness
had done their work. For details read the record of the
company.
ROSTER OF THE COMPANY.
CAPTAIN JAMES M. LEIGHTON. Age 33; born in Maine; came
west in 1856, and engaged in bridge building; three years later he re-
moved to Lockport, III., and was appointed Assistant Superintendent
of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. In the summer of 1862, he began
recruiting the company of which on its organization he was elected
Captain. He was an efficient, brave, and popular officer, loved by
his men. In October, 186^ was detailed as A. A. A. General on the
staff of Colonel Limberg, commanding the Thirty-ninth brigade.
On the march through southern Kentucky served as Provost Marshal
and was on Brigade staff, performing valuable services. He was in*
the battle of Hartsville; the skirmishes on the march to Tullahoma
and Elk River; was at Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chicka-
378 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
mauga; severely wounded in the shoulder on September 21, 1863,
•near Rossvillep from which he never recovered entirely; was absent
on leave until April, 1864, when he returned and commanded his
company in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, etc., until June 5th; his wound then became so bad as
to compel him to go to the hospital in Nashville. He resigned Sep-
tember 29, 1864, on account of wound, returned to his old place on the
canal, and on the retirement of William Thomas, he became Superin-
tendent. Captain Leighton died in Lockport, 111., on November 10,
1892. One of his Company said to the writer, **A braver man than
Captain Leighton never unsheathed a sword."
CAPTAIN MOSES OSMAN. Age 39; born in Pennsylvania;
farmer; came to Ottawa, 111., in the early forties. In 1846 he
enlisted in Captain T. Lyle Dickey's company of Colonel John J.
Hardin's famous Illinois Regiment and served one year in the
Mexican war. On returning to Ottawa he became interested in the
''Ottawa Free Trader" with his brother— William Osman. In August,
1862, he assisted in raising men for the Company and was elected
First Lieutenant. He marched ^th his command to Hartsville but
was on detail at the time of the battle. In the Tullahoma canipaign
was Aide de Camp on the Staff of General John Beatty; was with
Ills company in the Chickamauga campaign; at Davis Cross Roads
and the battle of Chickamauga. In the Atlanta campaign, at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, and took command on Captain
Leigh ton's retirement, June 5, 1864; was in the battles around
Kenesaw ; at Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Commissioned
Captain September 29, 1864. Was on the march to the sea but was taken
-sick at Savannah and went home on a leave of absence. He returned
to Charleston, S. C, where he commanded a battalion in the Coast
Division until ordered to rejoin the Regiment, doing so at Raleigh.
Captain Osman was a good officer and brave man. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. After the war was interested in farming in Minnesota.
He was a writer of good ability. Died in Ottawa, October 27, 1893.
FIRST LIEUTENANT SYDNEY V. ARNOLD. Was bom in
Washington County, N. Y., March 7, 1844; removed with his parents
to Illinois in 1855, and enlisted August 11, 1862, when 18 years old;
<clerk; was appointed Third Corporal upon organization of Company
A, and subsequently First Sergeant; received the latter promotion
January 1, 1864, for meritorious services at Lookout Mountain and
Mlission Ridge. Was promoted First Lieutenant to take rank from
September 29, 1864. He took part in the battle of Hartsville; was in the
Tullahoma campaign; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Moun-
tain and Mission Ridge, and all the various battles and skirmishes
^f the Regiment on the Atlanta campaign, up to and including
Kenesaw Mountain, where on June 27, 1864, he was wounded in the
ioot, and rheumatic fever ensuing, was sent to hospital, thence home
on leave. In November, 1864, on his way to rejoin the Regiment, was
unable to do so and detained at Nashville, where he was put in
command of a company of convalescents all members of the First
Division, Fourteenth Corps. Lieutenant Arnold participated in the
battle of Nashville and soon after in the action at Decatur. Was
appointed Provost Marshal and given command of the post at Ring-
gold, Ga., January 21, 1865, by Major-General Steedman. HLs duties
there were severe and of a difficult and dangerous nature on account
•of raiders and bushwhackers. Guerrillas under Gatewood and Mc-
Lieut. Sidney V. Arnold, Company A.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 379
Donald attacked the post several times and were repulsed with loss.
March 1. he, with the rest of the One Hundred and Fourth, were
ordered to rejoin the Regiment and did so at Goldsboro, N. C, April
^, 1865. Lieutenant Arnold was the youngest commissioned officer
in the Regiment and had the honor of being detailed to take charge
of the Company and Regimental records from Washington to Chicago
lor the final muster-out of the command. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Lieutenant Arnold was a brave soldier, a good officer, and most
efficient in the performance of all duties that devolved upon him in
whatever position. After the war he remained in Illinois until 1883,
when he removed to Edmunds County, Dakota, and was a pioneer
of th^t section, locating towns and railroads. He now holds for the
4iecond term the office of Recorder of Deeds; lives in Ipswich, the
county seat, and is a prominent citizen.
SECOND LIEUTENANT ALPHONSO PRESCOTT. Age 30;
horn in Kingston, N. H.; merchant; enlisted at Ottawa in August,
1862, and was elected Second Lieutenant. He was in the Kentucky
campaign, and often detailed on important duties and foraging
-expeditions at Frankfort and elsewhere, being often in command
•of his own and other companies. Also performing ably the duties
of Acting Provost Marshal while in Kentucky. He marched
with the Regiment to Hartsville, Tenn., and was in the battle
there. Had his information and suggestions before that occur-
rence been heeded, the result of the battle would have been different.
He participated in the Tullahoma campaign and was at Elk River.
Taken sick at Decherd, he started on the Chickamauga campaign,
but at Cowan was obliged to go to hospital and was finally sent to
Nashville, and while there was reduced hi weight to 68 pounds; was
sick a long time. Resigned September 2, 1863. Lives in St. Louis, Mo.
Is a teacher. Lieutenant Prescott was a fine officer, of great
•executive ability and unquestioned bravery. See •'Incidents."
FIRST SERGEANT DAVIS B. STILLSON. Enlisted from
^arlville August 15, 1862; wafi in the Kentucky campaign and the
l)attle of Hartsville; was taken sick and discharged July 6, 1863; dis-
ability. He was a good soldier.
SERGEANT JAMES H. NEWTON. Enlisted from Earlvllle Au-
gust 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of
Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign. Discharged at Decherd,
Tenn., July 14, 1863. i
SERGEANT EDWIN J. TROWBRIDGE. Age 20; born in Ohio;
farmer; was in the three months' service; enlisted from Bruce July
"23, 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of
Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge, in the Atlanta campaign and its battles; in the
jpursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas
to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. His record as a fighter
speaks for itself. IJves in Santa Ana, Cal.
SERGEANT FRANK PICKENS. Enlisted from South Ottawa
August 15, 1862; farmer; appointed Corporal; was in the battle of
Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. He participated in the Atlanta cam-
IMilgn at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, and Jonesboro. He was in
380 THE ONE HU NDRED AND FOURTH
the pursuit of Hood as far as Rome, Ga. Took part in the battle of
Nashville and was in the action at Decatur, Ala:, where he had
charge of Colonel Mitchell's headquarters guard. Rejoined the^
Regiment in North Carolina. Promoted Sergeant for meritorious
services. Mustered out June 6, 1865. FYank was always on hand
and ready for a fight. He now lives in South Ottawa.
SERGEANT MICHAEL CLANCY. Enlisted from Ottawa August
15, 1862; appointed Sergeant; at the muster out of the Regiment was
serving in the United States Navy.
SERGEANT OLIVER P« HARDING. Enlisted from South
Ottawa August 14, 1862 ; he was in the Kentucky campaign and battle
of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River; in the
Chickamauga campaign to Stevenson, Ala., left there sick; rejoined
the Regiment December 2, 1863; participated in the Atlanta campaign
and was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles
around Kenesaw and Peach Tree Creek; killed in the latter battle
July 20, 1864, and the Regiment ^nd country lost a brave soldier and
valuable life.
SERGEANT ISAAC N. FELCH. Enlisted from Earlvllle August
15, 1862: appointed Corporal; was at Hartsville; in the Tullahoma
.mmpaign to Decherd ; taken sick; rejoined the Regiment December 25,.
1863, and was in the Atlanta and Carolina campaigns. Promoted
Sergeant for meritorious services and mustered out July 1, 1865.
SERGEANT ALLEN BENEDICT. Enlisted from Ottawa August
14, 1862; appointed Corporal; was at Hartsville; in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, the
battle of Chickamauga.. Promoted Sergeant. In the Atlanta cam-
paign was present at Buzzard Roost and Resaca, where May 13, 18G4,
the gallant soldier yielded up his life.
SERGEANT WILLIAM FERRIS. Age 18; born in Illinois:
enlisted from Ottawa August 15, 1862; was at Hartsville; promoted
Corporal; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns and battles
at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of* Chickamauga,
where he was wounded. Rejoined the regiment in December, 1863,
and was in the subsequent campaigns and battles; was taken prisoner
at battle of Peach Tree Creek. Promoted Sergeant for meritorious
services. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
CORPORAL DANIEL W. STEVENSON. Age 22; bom in Now
Jersey; farmer; enlisted from Ottawa July 22, 1862; appointed
Corporal; taken sick on the march from Frankfort to Bowling
Green, Ky. Discharged there for hepatlzed lung October 25,1862; has
never recovered. Is a farmer at Sunrise, 111.
CORPORAL NORTON FIELDS. Enlisted from South Ottawa
August 15, 1862; appointed Corporal; was transferred to V. R. C.
February 11, 1864. Died some years ago.
CORPORAL EBEN H. HOLLIS. Age 20; enlisted from Utica
August 14, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign
and battle of Hartsville; In the Tullahoma campaign and at Elk
River, but taken sick there and sent to hospital. Transferred to-
V. R. C. April 10, 1864. Lives in Ottawa and is a machinist. Was a.
faithful soldier.
CORPORAL JAMES TOLL. Enlisted from Ottawa August 14,.
1862; appointed Corporal; was at Hartsville and In the Tullahoma
campaign; taken sick at Decherd and discharged August 13, 1863.
BEGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 381
CORPORAL NATHANIEL BAKER. A^e 28; born in Warren
County, Pa.; farmer; enlisted from Brookfleld August 15, 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsville, and in the actions of Elk River and Davis
.Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach I'ree
and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the
march to the sea and in the Carolina campaign to BentonviUe, where
he was wounded March 19, 1865. Promoted Corporal for meritorious
services. Mustered out July 17, 1865. The record tells. Is a farmer
in Brookfleld.
CORPORAL HIRAM WHITMAN. Age 24; born in Germany:
farmer; enlisted from Ottawa August 14, 1862; was at HartsviUe;
taken sick and subsequently transferred to V. R. C. Mustered out
June 6, 1865, as Corporal.
CORPORAL PATRICK DOBBINS. Age 22; born in Ireland;
laborer; enlisted from Ottawa August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky
, campaign and battle of HartsviUe; in the Tullaboma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns: at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle
of Chickamauga, where he was severely wounded and discharged
for same April 10, 1864.
WILLIAM RAYMOND. Age 21; bom in Peru, 111.; enlisted as
musician August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign; discharged
January 6, 1863; disability. Lives in Ottawa.
FRANCIS PORTER. Age 45; born in Pennsylvania; butcher;
enlisted August 15, 1862; was teamster; discharged November 9, 1864;
disability.
PHILIP B. ALLEN. Enlisted August 15, 1862; was never with
the Company.
FRANCIS BADYS. Age 29; born in Germany; enlisted from
Ottawa August 15, 1862; deserted in the face of the enemy at Chicka-
mauga September 20, 1863.
ENOCH T. BAILEY. Age 18; bom in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from Ottawa August 8, 1862; was at the battle of HartsviUe; in the
actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads, the battles of
Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the
Atlanta campaign and its battles; in the pursuit, of Hood, on the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas to BentonviUe. Was
wounded at Chickamauga. Always at the front and fearless.
Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JAMES BRUCE. Age 27; born in Scotland; enlisted August 15,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign; transferred to I. C. July
13, 1863.
EDWARD BOLLMAN. Age 30; born in Russia; enlisted from
Ottawa August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign. Transferred
to V. R. C. August 30, 1863.
SUMNER M. BURNHAM. Age 21; born in Maine; farmer;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of HartsviUe, where he
was killed December 7, 1862; a true soldier and a great loss to the
company.
POLITUS BENNETT. Age 39; bom in Pennsylvania; enUsted
from Earlville August 15, 1862; engineer; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign. Discharged December 21, 1863; disability.
"WILLIAM BARRETT. Age 21 v bora in Gal way, Ireland; sailor;
unlisted from Ottawa August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign
382 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
and battle of Hartsville: in the Tullahoma and Chickamaugit
campaigns; at Elk River. Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of
Chickamauga: Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard Roost and Resaca^
where he was severely wounded in the arm May 13, 1864, and
discharged for wound February 26, 1865. He was a brave soldier and.
will never be forgotten by the Company. After the war in the
employ of Illinois and Michigan Canal, and drowned in the summer
of 1868.
WILLIAM BUCKLEY. Age 20; born in Clare, Ireland; farmer;,
enlisted from Earlville August 15, 1662; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of Hartsville, where he was wounded in the neck»
Was in the Tullahoma and Chickaipauga campaigns; at Elk River^.
Davis Cross Roads and Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and.
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost and
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree
Creek, where he was taken prisoner. Mustered out June 6, 1865..
Was true to his adopted country.
DANIEL BLEACH. Age 43; born in Ireland; laborer; enlisted.
August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign; in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns. Was in the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and
Peach Tree Creek, where he was captured July 20, 1864. Mustered^
out June 6, 1865. Always on hand in times of danger.
BURTON W. BAGLEY. Age 28; born in Pennsylvania; farmer;,
enlisted from Earlville August 15, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
ville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns. In the Atlanta-,
campaign at Buzzard Roost and Resaca, where he was wounded in
the face May 13, 1864. Discharged October 26, 1864, for wounds..
Lives in Earlville, 111.
JACOB CONRAD. Age 31; bom in France; farmer; enlisted
August 14, 1862; deserted December 30, 1862.
CHRISTIAN CHREISFELLAR. Age 31, born in Germany;,
farmer; enlisted August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and
at Hartsville; in the Chickamauga campaign; in the Atlanta.
campaign at Buzzard Roost and Resaca, where he was wounded in
the neck. Mustered out June 6, 1865. He was a good soldier but
chickens had to roost high when Chris was around. Died in 1894.
TIMOTHY CUNNINGHAM. Age 19; born in Ireland; enlisted
from Ottawa, August 15, 1862; died in Louisville, Ky., November 20,
1862.
JOHN R. CANTLIN. Age 20; bom in Ottawa, Canada; enlisted
from Earlville, August 15, 1862; farmer; at time of Hartsville battle
was a guard at the rebel Dr. Winston's, and was not captured; went
to Gallatin, thence to Camp Douglas and from there to the front with
the Regiment; was in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Moun-
tain and Mission Ridge; soon attacked with an incurable disease of
the eyes; discharged March 27, 1865, as incurable; still suffers; lives
in Webster, Neb.; a large farmer; has been a member of the Legisla-
ture twice; commander of G. A. R. posts; and has held many offices of
trust; secretary of the State Grange, etc.
ALEXANDER DUNLAP. Age 36; born in Scotland; farmer;
enlisted August 15, 1862; deserted December 30, 1862.
JOHN DODD. Age 37; born In Nova Scotia; blacksmith; enlisted'
from Ottawa, August 15, 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and'
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 385
battle of Hartsville. In the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chicka-
mauga, where he was killed September 20, 1863. A brave soldier who
never missed a roll-call and could always be relied upon.
HENRY DONNELLY. Age 19; bom in Ireland; farmer; enlisted
from Ottawa, August 8, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville, the ac-
tions at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta
campaign and its battles; in the pursuit of Hood; on the march to the
sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonvllle. Always at roll-call and
ready for duty. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JdlHN DOWNEY. Never with the company.
DAVID DONVILLE. Age 21 ; born in France; enlisted from Earl-
ville, August 15, 1862; deserted March 14, 1863.
OLIVER DREW. Age 42; born in New York; farmer; enlisted
from Ottawa, August 15, 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga,
where he was wounded September 20, 1863. Transferred to V. R. C.
January 2, 1865. Was a fearless soldier.
CHARLES FULLER. Age 24; born in New York; farmer; en-
listed from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign
and battle of Hart<iville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chicka-
mauga, where he was wounded September 20, 1863. Mustered out
June 15, 1865. He was a good soldier.
BLOOMFIELD GREEN. Age 20; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from S. Ottawa, August 14. 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign.
Discharged May 1, 1863, disability.
JESSE GANT. Age 25; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted August
14, 1862; deserted March 14, 1863.
DAVID C.GRIFFITH. Age 23; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted from
Serena, August 15. 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Moun-
tain and mortally wounded in the charge on Mission Ridge, Novem-.
ber 25, 1863. Died at Chattanooga, November 27, 1863.
CHARLES E. HEADSTRONG. Age 21; born in Sweden; enlisted
from Grand Rapids, August 15, 1862; farmer; mustered out June 6,
1865.
SAMUEL HUTCHINGS. Age 20; born in Michigan; enlisted
from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; farmer; was at Hartsville, Elk River,
in the Tullahoma campaign; wounded and taken prisoner at the
battle of Chickamauga; died of wounds in Andersonville, August d,
1864. Number of gr^ve 5.019. A good soldier. May he rest in peace.
RICHARD HETZNER. Age 23; born in Germany; enlisted
August 15, 1862; farmer. Transferred to V. R. C. November 1, 1863.
WILLIAM HEFFERAN. Age 23; born in Ireland; enlisted Au-
gust 15, 1862; farmer; deserted December 30, 1862.
ROBERT HIGHLAND. Age 22; born in Ireland; enlisted from
Ottawa, August 15, 1862; farmer; deserted December 30, 1862.
PAUL HAMILTON. Age 33; bom in Pennsylvania; enlisted from
Ottawa, August 15, 1862; farmer; deserted December 30, 1862.
WILLIAM HORN. Age 29; bom in Germany; farmer; enlisted
from Ottawa, August 15, 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and
386 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
FORBES H. POTTER. Age 20; born in Illinois; enlisted August
15, 1862; deserted March 14, 1863.
CARL PETTERMAN. Age 38; born in Germany; laborer; en-
listed from Ottawa, August 15, 1862. Transferred to V. R. C. January
15, 1864.
HENRT RIDDLE. Age 20; born in New York; farmer; enlisted
from Farm Ridge, August, 1862; In the Kentucky campaign and bat-
tle of Hartsville. Discharged January 6, 1863; disability.
JAMES ROACH. Age 21; born in Ireland; farmer; enlisted from
Grand Rapids, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and
battle of Hartsville. In the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Mustered out May 17, 1865.
THOMAS RYAN. Age 19; born in Ireland: sailor; enlisted from
Ottawa, August 16, 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga; was
a fine type of a soldier. Discharged January 9, 1864; disability.
EDWARD RICHARDSON. Age 21; born in England: mechanic;
enlisted from Ottawa, August 8, 1862. Mustered out June 12, 1865.
WILLIAM ROBERTSON. Age 48; born in Scotland; farmer;
enlisted from Earlville, August 15, 1862; deserted March 14, 1863.
FRANCISCO SANCHEZ. Age 27; born in Mexico; piinter; en-
listed from Ottawa, August 15, 1862; he was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of
Chickamauga, where he was wounded September 20, 1863. His sub-
sequait record is unknown.
ANTON SMITH. Age 26; born in Germany; farmer; enlisted
from Grand Rapids, August 15, 1862; he was in the battle of Harts-
ville, the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; the battles of
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta cam-
paign and its battles; in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the
sea; in the campaign of the Carolinas, and the battle of Bentonville;
always relldy for duty. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives in Grand
Rapids, III. Is a farmer.
FREDERICK SUNDERMAN. Age 19; born in Germany; farmer;
enlisted August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and at
Hartsville. Taken sick and died at home March 13, 1863.
HENRY SMITH. Age 30; born in Germany; farmer; enlisted
from Earlville, August 15, 1862; deserted April 11, 1863.
JOHN TIDMARSH. Age 31; born in England; farmer; enlisted
from Manlius, August 15, 1862. Absent sick at M. O. of Regiment.
ELIAS THOMPSON. Age 24; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from S. Ottawa, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign.
Died in Chicago. February 26, 1863.
DAVID VARNER. Age 22; born in Virginia; farmer; enlisted
from Rutland, August 14. 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville, the
actions of Elk River, Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga,
•Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign, at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and
Peach Tree Creek, where he was severely wounded July 20, 1864;
discharged for wounds February 23, 1865. Lives at Kingman, Kan.
PHILIP WICHERT. Age 27; born in Germany; farmer; en-
listed August 15, 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and battle
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 387
of Hartsville. Left sick at Murf reesboro, June 24, 1863. Transferred
to V. R. C. October 21, 1863.
ULYSSES WEUVE. Age 26; born in Germany; jeweler; enlisted
from Serena, August 15, 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and
battle of Hartsville. Transferred to V. R. C, August 30, 1863. Lives
At ^tAtf* f f Wt^l*!* Tows.
JOHN M. WINSLOW. Age 24; born in Maine; farmer; enlisted
from Earlville, August 15, 1862; was in theJCentucky campaign and
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk^ River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. In
the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Participated in
the Atl^ta campaign at Rocky Face, the battles at Resaca, New Hope
Church; the battles around Kenesaw Mountain, and was at Peach
Tree Creek. On August 7, 1864, the brave Wlnslow fell at Utoy
Creek. He had in 1861, served in the Twenty-third Illinois, and was
in the siege of Lexington, Mo.
LUCIEN WARREN. Age 18; born in Illinois; farmer; enlisted
July 27, 1862; was in the march to Bowling Green and Tompkinsville,
Ky.; left there sick and reported dead, but recovered and reported at
Camp Douglas. Was in the Tullahoma campaign and at Elk River,
but had a sunstroke there July 1, 1863; removed to Decherd and
thence to Louisville. Discharged September 1, 1863; disability. A
good soldier. Is now in the newspaper business at Galesburg, 111.
RECRUITS.
STEPHEN CHRIBSFELLBR. Age 25; born in Germany; me-
chanic; enlisted from Joliet, January 4, 1864. Died in Nashville, July
4, 1864.
AMOS T. FERGUSON. Age 22; born in Indiana; farmer; en-
listed from Rutland, September 27, 1864, and was in the subsequent
campaigns 'of the Regiment. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Last heard
of in Kansas.
GEORGE SIGMUHL. Age 33; born in Germany; farmer; en-
listed from Joliet, January 4, 1864. Adjutant-General's report says:
"Corporal — i^mains to be transferred."
THOMAS G. MALONEY. Age 40; bom in Ireland; farmer; en-
listed from Grand Rapids, April 11, 1865. Adjutant-General's report
says: "Sentenced by G. C. M. to serve sixteen months over time."
888 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
STATISTICS OF COMPANY A.
Total enlistment 96
Killed and mortally wounded U
Wounded tl
Resigned for wound 1
Resigned for disability 1
Discharged for wounds 4
Discharged for disability 16
Died of disease * 5
Died in prison 1
Deserted 13
Never with company .« 3
Mustered out June 6, 1865 20
Tranferred to V. R. C 9
Transferred to I. C 1
Detached ^t M. 0 1
Absent sick at M. 0 1
Mustered out at other dates 6
Remained to be transferred 1
Sentenced by G. C. M ; 1
Dishonorably discharged 1
Known to be living (December, 1894) t 22
<jen. S. A. Porter. Co. B.
S. W. Burgess. Co. B.
Capt. G. W. Howe, Co. B.
G. R. Conarroe, Co. B.
Lieut. M. M. Randolph. Co. 6.
A. G. Robinson, Co. B.
CHAPTER XXV.
Company B— How and Where Organized— Roster and Blogrra-
phles— Statistics.
SKETCH OF COMPANY B.
This company y^as recruited and organized at Ton-
ica, La Salle County, in August, 1862,^ amid the wave
of enthusiasm and patriotic indignation that swept
the country at that time. Prominent among those who
helped to raise the company were George W. Howe, a
well-known farmer near Tonica; Rev. Moses M. Ran-
dolph, pastor of the Tonica Baptist Church, and Sam-
uel A. Porter, then teaching school in the village. The
community was largely American, descendants of New
England and Revolutionary stock, and the response to
President Lincoln^s call for 600,000 more men, was
prompt and hearty on the part of the stalwart sons of
the prairie. Before the middle of August, 1862, the
ranks were full and some went away to enlist in other
companies. The company was then organized by the
election of George W. Howe as Captain, Moses M. Ran-
dolp First Lieutenant, samuel A. Porter Second Lieu-
tenant.
The following non-commissioned officers were ap-
pointed: William C. Ross, First Sergeant; Cromwell
Woodward, Second Sergeant; Asa Dunham, Third Ser-
geant; Jos. D. Porter, Fourth Sergeant; Philander Tal-
bot, Fifth Sergeant. The following were appointed
Corporals in this order: Joseph G. Wheat, Albert C.
Bassett, Jesse A. Bryant, Charles Menz, William M.
Chambers, Nathaniel Richy, Andrew Foss and Wil-
liam Seeley.
The company went into camp with the Regiment
at Ottawa, and was drilled daily by Lieut. Porter, who
had seen ser\ice in Company B, Thirty-third Illinois
390 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Infantry, and was an efficient drill-master, who subse-
quently attained distii>ction and high rank. Going
to the front the company participated with the Regi-
ment in all its marches and battles and made a record
for bravery and efficiency second to none. Its casual-
ties in battle tell the story of bloodshed and suflfering
endured. At Hartsville the men showed the kind of
material they were made of. There the lamented and
brave Lieutenant Randolph gave his life for his coun-
try; John Reder was mortally wounded, dying in Feb-
ruary, 1863; John 0. Vail, mortally wounded; Sergeants
Joseph D. Porter, Cromwell Woodward, George Steid-
inger and Howard B. White were killed. Eight were
wounded, a few very badly. The company participated
in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns and
the great battle of Chickamauga with credit. At
Decherd, Tenn., Captain Howe, who was a brave, able
and highly regarded officer, resigned on account of ill
health and Lieutenant Porter became Captain. Lieu-
tenant William C. Ross, who had been promoted from
First Sergeant to Second Lieutenant December lOth^
1862, became First Lieutenant. At Chickamauga Rob-
ert M. Warnock was killed; Joseph M. Chance mortally
wounded; Warren Hutchinson killed; seven were
wounded, among them Captain Porter, who lost his
left arm, and Jacob Johnson, who was also taken pris-
oner, and in Andersonville eighteen months. The sub-
sequent record of Company B was in keeping with the
deeds that marked its first achievements, and worthy
of the reputation won in the first battle. In the bat-
tles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge and on
the Atlanta campaign, at Buzzard Roost, Resaca; in
the battles around New Hope Church, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, at Utoy
Creek, where, on August 7th, 18(54, Sergeant Albert C.
Bassett, commanding the company, fell; in all these,
and in the pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea; the
campaign through the Carolinas, and at Bentonville,
Company B was represented and prominent, though
with ranks reduced. The living members can refer with
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 391
pride to its honorable service aiul rejoice in the part
it performed in helping to conquer the great rebellion.
ROSTER OF THE COMPANY.
CAPTAIN GEORGE W. HOWE. Age 39; born in Roylston, Vt.;
farmer; enlisted In August, 1862, at Tonica. and became active in
recruiting men for a company. On organization was elected Captain
and repaired to Ottawa with his men and the company became a
part of the famous One Hundred and Fourth. Going to Louisville
with the Regiment, Captain Howe participated in the campaign in
Kentucky after Bragg, and in the march to Bowling Green and
thence to Hartsville, where, on December 7, 1862, the One and Fourth
fought its first battle against overwhelming odds. The story of the
battle is given elsewhere, but Captain Howe was distinguished on
that disastrous and bloody field for coolness and personal courage.
He was at the head of his company in the Tullahoma campaign and
with Company B, in the ten hours under fire on the advance to Elk
River. Bragg having— after being driven back from Tullahoma and
across the Elk — retreated across the Cumberland Mountains, the
One Hundred and Fourth went into comp at Decherd, Tenn. There,
Captain Howe, becoming enfeebled and in poor health, resigned, a
step much regretted by his own company and by the Regiment. The
Captain returned to his beautiful home near Tonica, where he has
been honored with important public offices and is enjoying a happy
and good old age, respected and loved by all.
CAPTAIN SAMUEL A. PORTER. Age 23; born in Ripley,
Brown County, Ohio, July 7, 1839; enlisted first in Company B, Thirty-
third Illinois, August 20, 1861; discharged for disability April 10,
1862; was a school teacher in Tonica, 111., when he enlisted the second
time, August, 1862, in .Company B, and at once entered with spirit
into the work of recruiting men for the company. At the organiza-
tion he was elected Second Lieutenant; his previous experience and
capacity for command soon became apparent and Company B at-
tained with him as drill master a high degree of efficiency. Lieu-
tenant Porter was noted for his thoroughness in all he undertook
and this was the secret of his success as a soldier. He was in the
battle of Hartsville and in the Tullahoma and the Chickamauga
campaigns. Was promoted First Lieutenant December 10, 1862,
and mustered March 8, 1863; made Captain August 11, 1863, and
mustered October 3, 1863. Captain Porter commanded Company B in
the battle of Chickamauga and lost on that bloody field his good left
arm. In consequence of his wound he had to go to the hospital for
some months. He resigned August 24, 1864, and was mustered as First
Lieutenant in the V. R. C. to date from August 22d; was made Captain
August 29, 1864, and mustered out October 6, 1864, to become Colonel
of the One Hundred and Twenty-third United States Colored troops.
As such, he commanded the department of colored troops in Mis-
sissippi for some time, and there had an opportunity to display his
great executive ability. He was brevetted Brigadier-General March
13, 1865, for gallant and meritorious services during the war; was
made Captain by brevet, March 20, 1867, for gallant and meritorious
services in the battle of Chickamauga, and Major by brevet also.
Was transferred to the Seventeenth Infantry, Regular Army, May
27, 1869. Retired with the rank of Captain, December 15, 1870, for
392 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
loss of left arm from wound received in line of duty, "per acta of
Congress, August and July, 1866." General Porter died In Boston,
April 21, 1880. Nothing more need be said about Brevet Brigadier
General Porter, his record speaks for itself.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM C. ROSS. Enlisted in August, 1862; farmer;
appointed First Sergeant; was in the battle of Hartsville; promoted to
Second Lieutenant, December 10, 1862; participated in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; was promoted First Lieutenant Au-
gust 11, 1863; took part in the battle of Chickamauga and was dis-
tinguished there for reckless daring. Was in the battles of LKX>kout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the latter was severely
wounded and obliged to go to the hospital for some time, consequently
did not take part in the Atlanta campaign. Rejoined Company B, at
Kingston, Ga., November 4, 1864, and was mustered on the 6th, as
Captain, his commission dating from August 24, 1864. Henceforth
Captain Ross was on deck at all times; was on the march to the
sea, and through South Carolina, where he commanded foraging
parties frequently, a work for which he had a great adaptability and
one he liked. But he went once too often, being captured at Stroud's
Mill, on Fishing Creek, S. C, February 26, 1865. He and the party
he commanded were surrounded by Dibrell's cavalry. Ross, how-
ever, proposed to fight, and did, until having killed and disabled some
four or five rebels, and seeing no way of escape, he surrendered with
most of his men. The air around Fishing Creek was said to be sul-
phurous from the Captain's swearing. He was sent to Libby — ^a
prisoner, and exchanged in time to be mustered out June 6, 1865.
Captain Ross had strong personal characteristics, physically and
mentally, that made him conspicuous and marked his military career.
Residence unknown.
FIRST LIEUTENANT MOSES M. RANDOLPH. Was born in
DeWitt County, 111., December 10, 1834; descended directly ^rom the
Virginia Randolphs of historic fame; was educated at Shurtleff Col-
lege, and took a theological course at Madison University, New York.
When the war broke out was pastor of the Baptist Church in Tonica,
and a preacher of eloquence and power. In the summer of 1862, his
patriotism became aroused and he frequently addressed public meet-
ings called to consider the duty of the hoiir. In August, the Rev.
Randolph enlisted in what was to be Company B, determined to show
by works as well as by words. He was elected First Lieutenant and
saw his first and last battle at Hartsville. Mortally wounded, he was
borne from the field to a house, by Mr. A. G. Robinson, of Company B,
and died on December 9, 1862. Thus fell in defense of his country, at
the early age of twenty-eight, lacking one day, the eloquent and
noble Randolph, loved by all, mourned by all, not only in his own
company and Regiment, but by the whole community where he had
lived and labored. Who shall say that his "Crown of Glory" was
not made brighter by the lightning flashes of battle at Hartsville that
guided his way to the eternal world?
FIRST LIEUTENANT PHILANDER TALBOT. Age 26; bom in
Portage County, Ohio; enlisted in 1861, but the company was not
accepted. Enlisted in Company B, August 6, 1862; was appointed
Fifth Sergeant and was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of
Hartsville; promoted First Sergeant, December 10, 1862; was in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River and Davis
Cross Roads. In the battle of Chickamauga, September 19 and 20,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 893
1863, fighting on the famous "Horse Shoe" ridge until dark of Sep-
tember 20th. Was in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge, and in the grand charge up the heights was wounded by a
piece of shell at the same moment as Captain Ross; was obliged to
go to hospital, but recovered in time to march with his company on
the Atlanta campaign, and was at Buzzard Roost and in the battles
around Resaca, but becoming disabled from former wound, was sent
back to Chattanooga. Again Joined his company at Atlanta and was
in the pursuit of Hood until near Rome, Ga., when he was taken sick
and troubled by the old wound; was sent to Chattanooga, and by
order of General Steedman put in command of a company of con-
valescents, and sent to guard Bridgeport, Ala. In the meantime had
been promoted First Lieutenant, date of commission August 24, 1864.
He subsequently rejoined the Regiment in North Carolina, and was
mustered out June 6, 1865, after honorable, faithful and zealous
services In the various positions he had filled. After the war, he was
a deputy clerk in the County Court of La Salle County for some time,
Is. now a merchant in South Ottawa.
SERGEANT JOSEPH D. PORTER. Aged 32; born in Ripley,
Brown County, Ohio, a brother of General Porter; enlisted August 11,
1862; appointed Fourth Sergeant; was in the Kentucky and Tennessee
campaigns; participated in the battle of Hartsville, and early in
the action was severely wounded and told to go to the rear. He
replied, '*Not while this work lasts." Soon after the brave Sergeant
was shot again through the forehead, expired in his brother's arms
and joined the "bivouac of the dead." "In the low green tent — ^whose
curtain never outward turns;" a noble example of American patriot-
ism braverv and sacrifice
'sergeant CROMWELL WOODWARD. Enlisted August 8,
1862, and was appointed Second Sergeant; was in the march through
Kentucky after Bragg, and early gave an example of his "grit" at
Shelby vi lie, where some rebel slaveholders attempted to drag the
negro cook of Company A out of the ranks. He broke his gun, but
saved the darkey. At Hartsville, Sergeant Woodward was among the
bravest of the brave, firing rapidly himself and encouraging others,
when the fatal bullet ended his life on the field of honor.
SERGEANT ALBERT C. BASSETT. Enlisted August 9, 1862;
appointed Corporal. Served with his company in the Kentucky and
Tennessee campaigns and was in the battle of Hartsville. Promoted
Sergeant; was in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at
Davis Cross Roads and Chickamauga; in the battles of Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign, Sergeant
Bassett was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, and Peach Tree Creek. In the latter he was wounded, but
continued with his company and commanded it August 7, 1864, at
Utoy Creek. There, while bravely cheering on his men, he fell shot
through the head, and as all believed, by the hands of the same rebel
sharpshooter who killed Fitzsimmons, Craig, and Graves, on the
same day and nearly the same spot. In taking command that morn-
ing, he had relieved Lieutenant Linsley of Company F, who just then
received his resignation papers. Sergeant Bassett was a gallant
soldier and his loss felt deeply by the whole Regiment.
SERGEANT ASA DUNHAM. Age 43; born in Ohio; farmer;
enlisted from Tonica August 11, 1862; appointed Third Sergeant;
was taken sick and unable to be with the Regiment much of the
394 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
time. Discharged for disability, December 3, 1863, at Chattanooga.
Is a retired farmer in Rutland.
SERGEANT WILLIAM M. CHAMBERS. Enlisted from Tonica,
August 8, 1862; appointed Corporal; was at Hartsville, and in all the
battles and campaigns following that battle; was wounded at Peach
Tree Creek; was promoted Sergeant; mustered out May 27, 1865.
SERGEANT ANDREW C. FOSS. Enlisted from Tonica, August
6, 1862; appointed Corporal; was Brigade' Postmaster in the Kentucky
and Tennessee campaign; promoted Sergeant; sent home sick; died in
hospital at Madison, Ind., November 22, 1863.
SERGEANT HERMAN L. KINNEY. Age 32; bom in New York;
enlisted from Tonica, August 9, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
Yille; wounded slightly; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and Chickamauga. Was
in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope
Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jones-
boro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Promoted First Sergeant for
meritorious services. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
SERGEANT CHARLES MENZ. Enlisted from Tonica, August
11, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign and
on picket duty when the battle of Hartsville opened. He helped
to check the rebel advance until line of battle was formed; soon
after was promoted Sergeant. Was in the Tullahoma campaign
and at Elk River, during which he contracted chronic rheumatism.
Mustered out to date June 6, 1865.
SERGEANT GRANT J. ROSS. Enlisted from Eden, February
27, 1864; was in the Atlanta and Carolina campaigns. Transferred
to Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry.
CORPORAL JESSE W. BRYANT. Enlisted August 11. 1862;
appointed Corporal. Discharged for disability December 9, 1863.
CORPORAL NATHXNIEL RICHEY. Age 20; born in Eden,
La Salle County, 111.; farmer; enlisted August 11, 1862; appointed
Corporal; marched with the Regiment to Bowling Green, Ky. On
the march from there to Tompkinsville, he was taken with typhoid
pneumonia and left in that town to die. Was paroled by the rebels
after the Regiment left, and finally recovering so that he could
walk, found his way to our lines and subsequently to Camp Douglas,
where he was discharged for disability, April 28, 1863. Lives at
Redlands, Cal. Is a merchant and banker.
CORPORAL SENECA S. GALLUP. Age — ; born in New York;
teacher; enlisted August 9, 1862, from Tonica; appointed Corporal;
was in the battle of Hartsville, and on the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; was in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge; on the Atlanta campaign, was at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around Kene-
saw Mountain; Peach Tree Creek; the siege of Atlanta and the
engagements at Utoy Creek. Took part in the march to the sea; the
campaign of the Carolinas, and the battle of Bentonville. In the
latter was severely wounded and sent to hospital. Discharged for
wounds at Madison, Ind., May 26, 1865. Lives in Galva, Kan.
CORPORAL FABIUS E. PHELPS. Enlisted from Putnam
County, August 11, 1862; promoted Corporal; was in the battle of
Hartsville; in the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; at
Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was at Buz-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 395
zard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and
Peach Tree Creek, where he was taken prisoner. Mustered out
June 6, 1865.
CORPORAL WILLIAM SEELY. Enlisted August 8, 1862; ap-
pointed Corporal; was in the hattle of Hartsville. Transferred to
V .R. C. September 4, 1864.
CORPORAL ROBERT M. WARNOCK. Enlisted August 11, 1862;
was in the battle of Harts ville; promoted Corporal; in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; in the battle of Chickamauga and
missing there, known to have been severely wounded and was un-
doubtedly killed.
CORPORAL HENRY WINTERSCHBIDT. Age 18; bom in Prus-
sia: farmer; enlisted from Putnam County, August 7, 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns; in the battle of Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. Took part in the Atlanta cam-
paign, and was at Buzzard Roost, Reseca, Kenesaw Mountain
and Peach Tree Creek; was wounded in the left thigh in the latter
battle and sent to hospital at Nashville. Rejoined the Regiment
two months later; promoted Corporal; was in the pursuit of Hood,
the march to Savannah and through the Carollnas; at Benton ville.
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Baker, Kan., and is a farmer.
See "Incidents "
CORPORAL EDWARD WOOLSONCROFT. Enlisted August 11,
1862; was at Hartsville; promoted Corporal; took part in the Tulla-
homa and Chickamauga campaigns; was in the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; in the Atlanta cam-
paign was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain. Killed
July 20, 1864, in the battle of Peach Tree Creek, and a brave and
faithful soldier was lost to his country.
CORPORAL FRANCIS M. HALL. Age at enlistment, 25; was
bom in Maine; farmer; enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign, Chickamauga campaign;
and in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge; appointed Corporal May 13, 1864. Took part in the Atlanta
campaign: was at Resaca. New Hope Church the battles around
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, and
the various engagements there, and at Utoy Creek and Jonesboro.
Was then furloughed home and unable to rejoin the Regriment, was
detailed as clerk at Louisville. Discharged May 28, 1865. Is a
merchant at East Lynn. 111.
BENJAMIN W. ANGELL. Age 19; bQrn in Vermilion, La Salle
County; farmer; enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
ville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; was at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads, the battle of Chickamauga; sick in hos-
pital; was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, and in the
battles around Resaca; taken sick and sent to Nashville; discharged
for disability July 21, 1864. Is a farmer in Lodemia, Livingston
County, 111.
WILLIAM J. BARTON. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was a team-
ster most of the time and always ready for duty. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives at Walnut, Junietta County. Pa.
CHARLES A. BRADISH. Age 21; born in Hennepin, HI.;
farmer; enlisted August 9. 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; in
the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; in the battles of
396 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was wounded
in the hand at Hartsville, and in the shoulder at Chickamauga.
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives near Ransom, La Salle County, and
is a farmer.
SIDNEY W. BURGESS. Age 23; bom In La Salle County, 111.;
farmer; enlisted August 6, 1862; wfts at Hartsville; in the TuUa-
homa and Chickamauga campaigns; in the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge; was in the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around Kene-
saw Mountain and that of Peach Tree Creek; wounded in the latter
battle; mustered out September 1, 1866, at Louisville. Lives in
Tonica. Is a farmer and engineer. -
GARDNER L. CHASE. Enlisted August 8, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville and wounded in the foot. Discharged for dis-
ability, April 28, 1863.
WILLIAM CHAMBERS. Enlisted August 8, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville. Discharged for disability, 1863.
JOSEPH M. CHANCE. Enlisted August 4, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
in the battle of Chickamauga, was mortally wounded on the 20th,
borne from the field by Comrades West and Bassett on an improvised
stretcher to Rossvllle, thence to Chattanooga, where the heroic
soldier died October 13, 1863.
WILLIAM H. CLARK. Age 40; born in New York; blacksmith,
and followed his trade while in service; enlisted August 11, 1862.
Discharged November 19, 1863, for disability. Lives in Mound City,
Kan.
SAMUEL P. CLARK. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the
Kentucky campaigns after Bragg, and in Tennessee; was at Harts-
ville, where he was mortally wounded and died in January, 1863.
JOSEPH A. CLARK. Enlisted August 8, 1862. Transferred to
V. R. C.
GILBERT R. CONARROE. Age 22; born in Fort Madison, Iowa;
farmer; enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville, and
with the rest taken prisoner, when the rebels took him for one of
their deserters, (see narrative). Mr. Conarroe was in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads,
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
During the siege of Chattanooga he asked permission of Colonel
Hapeman, to be detailed as driver in the provision trains to
Bridgeport. The Colonel said, "No, you are too good a mark to shoot
at." Took part in the Atlanta campaign, at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
New Hope Church, the battles of the Regiment around Kenesaw
Mountain, and that of Peach Tree Creek, where he was wounded
July 20, 1864, in the left side and left leg, and was obliged to leave
for a short time. Not being able to rejoin the Regiment, on arrival
at Nashville, he was put in one of the convalescent companies to fight
' Hood and was in the battle of Nashville. He was also in the pursuit
after Hood and In the action of Decatur, Ala., where, he and others
crossed the Tennessee under fire of the rebel batteries. In a note
to the writer he says: "I tell you, comrade, I did some winking and
blinking on that occasion." Conarroe was enabled finally to rejoin
his beloved Regiment, hardly one of whose battles he had missed,
near Washington. Was mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives In
Middletown, Ohio. Is a farmer.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUN-iftSBRS. 397
FRANCIS M. COOK. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the battle
of HartsviUe; the TuUahoma campaign at Elk River; the battles of
Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. In the pursuit
of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to
BentonvlUe. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
ALFRED CURTIS. Enlisted August 7, 1862; was in the battle of
HartsviUe; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; the
Atlanta campaign; on the march to the sea and through the
Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
PETER DAHL. Enlisted from PtTtnam County August 11, 1862.
Discharged for disability March 2, 1863.
PATRICK DELANEY. Enlisted August 7, 1862. He was a brave
soldier and in a number of battles, but his full record can not be
had. Last heard of in Texas. Mustered out June 6, 1866.
JOHN DICKSON. Age 25; bom in Denmark; farmer; enlisted
August 11, 1862; was in the battle of HartsviUe; taken sick and
transferred to V. R. C. February 11, 1864. Mustered out September 2,
1865. Lives at Reading, Lyon County, Kansas. Is a farmer.
JOHN A. EV ARTS. Enlisted August 11, 1862 ; was at HartsviUe.
Discharged for disability in 1863.
FLORENCE A. GARRISON. EnUsted August 11, 1862 ; was in the
battle of HartsviUe. Died at Gallatin, Tenn., January 2, 1863.
JAMES GARRISON. Age 27; born in Wyoming County, Pa.;
enlisted August 9, 1862, from Farm Ridge; was in the battle of Harts-
viUe and severely wounded in the wrist; discharged for wound in
1863. Moved to California and died Uaeve May 23, 1894. He was a good
man and brave soldier.
HENRY C. GRAVES. Enlisted August 9, 1862; was in the battle
of HartsvUle and wounded. Discharged for disability April 28, 1863.
OLIVER E. GRIEST. EnUsted August 11, 1862; was at Harts-
viUe; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns, in the battles
of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Took part
in the Atlanta campaign up to and including Resaca, where he was
wounded May 14, 1864, in the left arm and had it amputated;
discharged for wound, March 8, 1865. Lives in Kansas.
AUGUST GRONBECK. Enlisted August 11, 1862; died in hospital
at Cincinnati, of disease, December 3, 1862.
ADELBERT S. HANNUM. EnUsted from Putnam County
August 11, 1862; was in the battle of HartsviUe; in the Chickamauga
campaign; in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. Killed in the latter in the grand charge, November 25,
1863, while bravely climbing up to glory.
JUSTIN S. HALL. Age 22; born in Maine; farmer; enUsted
August 7, 1862; was in the battle of HartsviUe; taken sick and
discharged March 15, 1863, at Camp Douglas for disability. Was
brigade Q. M's. clerk at HartsviUe. Lives at Urbana, 111. Is a
farmer.
WILLIAM S. HALL. Age 19; bom in Maine; farmer; enlisted
August 11, 1862; was at HartsviUe; in the TuUahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns, and in the battle of Chickamauga. Had been a
musician, but threw away his drum at Chickamauga, telling his
commander that he wanted something more efTectlv^ than a snare
drum; thereafter he carried a musket. Took part in the battles of
398 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy
Creek, Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea, the
campaign of the Carolinas, the battle of Bentonville. Always with
his company and regiment. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives in
Chicago. Is a bookkeeper, holding a position of trust in same firm
for many years.
. PETER HANSON. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was with the
Regiment as far as Bowling Green, Ky. Died there of disease in
January, 1863.
FRANCIS HINCKLEY. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville. Discharged for disability, April 28, 1863.
EDWARD P. HULING. Enlisted August 8, 1862; was at Harts-
ville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; was wounded
at Chickamauga. Mustered out June 12, 1865. Not alive.
EDWARD HUTCHINSON. Age 20; born in La Salle County;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns, at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at. Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the marctf to the sea and
through the Carolinas, to Bentonville. Was never absent. Left sick
in Washington: Mustered out July 25, 1865. Lives at Williamstown,
Iowa Is a farmer
WARREN HUTCHINSON. Enlisted July 6, 1862; was at Harts-
ville and in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River and Davis Cross Roads. •Killed in the battle of Chickamauga,
September 20, 1863, and body never recovored.
CLARK HUTCHINSON. Enlisted August 6, 1862; was in the
Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. Taken sick and
discharged November 7, 1863; disability. Died a few years after
the war.
JULIUS JOHNSON. Enlisted August 7, 1862; was in the battle
of Hartsville. Discharged in January, 1863, for disability.
JACOB JOHNSON. Age 30; born in Denmark; farmer; enlisted
. August 11, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville and in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; was wounded in the battle of
Chickamauga and taken prisoner; sent to Richmond; was in prison
there three months; in Danville, five months; in Andersonville,
ten months. Released by close of the war and mustered out, same
to date May 24, 1865. Lives at Hennepin, 111. Is a farmer.
ENOCH C. KELLER. Enlisted August 8, 1862; was in the battle
of Hartsville; on detached duty. Mustered out June 2, 1865.
MATTHIAS KESSLER. Enlisted August 9, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River. In
the battles of Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. After that detailed to assist as cook and present
in all the campaigns and battles, an efficient and brave soldier.
Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JOHN MOONSON. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville; transferred to V. R. C. February 11, 1864.
JOHN M. MELLON. Enlisted August 9, 1862; was in the battle
of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign. Was wounded in leg at
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 399
Brentwood, * Tenn., by bushwhackers while on picket. Took part
in the Chickamauga campaign; was in the battles of Davis Cross
Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; in the
Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw, Peach Tree
Creek, Utoy Creek and Jonesboro. Was on the march to the sea and
through South Carolina; captured February 26, 1865, at Stroud's Mill,
S. C, and sent to Richmond; exchanged; mustered out June 6, 1865.
DAVID McCAMPBELL. Enlisted August 11, 1862; promoted
Fife Major; was taking care of the wounded in the field hospital at
Crawfish Springs at the time of the battle of Chickamauga, made a
prisoner and sent to Anderson viUe, where he died, July 10, 1864;
number of grave, 3,100. In him the Regiment lost a good man.
NICHOLAS Mccormick. Enlisted August 7, 1862; was at Harts-
ville; in the Tullahoma campaign; at Elk River; in the battles of
Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
Kenesaw Mountain, the siege of Atlanta, in the pursuit of Hood,
the march to the sea and northward. Was with Captain Bill Ross
at Stroud's Mill, S. C, and in the fight was severely wounded in the
wrist, but determined to escape, swam Fishing (Jreels. with one arm,
and with John E. Merritt of Company H, succeeded in rejoining the
Regiment after running the gantlet of the rebel cavalry. "Nick''
was permanently disabled by the wound. Absent, wounded, at
muster out of Regiment. Lives in Utica, 111.
JOHN McDORMAN. Enlisted August 7, 1862; was at Hartsville;
in the Tullahoma campaign; at Elk River; in the Chickamauga
campaign, at Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga;
wounded in the latter. Absent, wounded, at muster out of
Regiment. '
JAMES R. Mccormick. Enlisted August 10, 1862; detailed as
teamster; mustered out June 6, 1865.
ANDREW "MORGANSON. Enlisted August 7, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign,
that of the Carolinas and Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
DOMINICK MONS. Enlisted August 9, 1862; was at Hartsville; '
in the Tullahoma campaign; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads; in
the battle of Chickamauga; wounded in the latter. In the Atlanta
and Carolina campaigns. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at
Hasper, Iowa.
JAMES McNALLY. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was at Hartsville
and wounded. Deserted April 10, 1863.
LOUIS W. NORRIS. Enlisted August 7, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. At
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Killed in railroad accident
November 1, 1864.
CHARLES W. NORTON. Enlisted August 11, 1862; died of dis-
ease at Columbus, Ky., January 9, 1863.
MONS OLSEN. Age 23; born in Denmark; farmer; enlisted
August 4, 1862; at Tonica; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma campaign; in the Chickamauga campaign; in the action
at Davis Cross Roads. September 11, 1863; in the battles of Lookout
Mountain, Mission Ridge and Chickamauga. In the Atlanta campaign
400 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around
Kenesaw Mountain; Peach Tree Creek; in the latter battle wounded
in the left side, but continued with the Regiment; in the march to
the sea, the campaign of the Carolinas, and the battle of BentonvlUe,
where he was severely wounded twice in the right hip and right
knee. Absent wounded at muster out of Regiment. Lives near
Peru Xll Is a farmer
STEPHEN H. PATTERSON. Age 21; born in Pennsylvania;
farmer; was in the battle of Hartsville; the Tullahoma campaign,
the action at Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roost, the battles around Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy
Creek, Jonesboro;, in the pursuit of Hood; the march to the sea; the
campaign of the Carolinas; and the battle of Bentonville. Always
with the Regiment. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Cornell,
111. Is a farmer.
GUSTAV PETERSON. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was at Harts-
ville; in the Tullahoma campaign; at Davis Cross Roads; the battlesof
Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta
campaign at Resaca, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek; wounded in the
head in the latter battle. Was in the march to the sea and through
the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
WILLIAM PAUL. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was at Hartsville.
Discharged for disability April 28, 1863.
ANDREW PETER. Enlisted August 11, 1862. Discharged for
disability April 9, 1863.
EDWARD PHILLIPS'. Age 17; bom in La Salle County; farmer;
enlisted August 11, 1862; was at Hartsville; the battles of Davis Cross
Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge. Took part
in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw, Peach
Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro; in the
pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea, the campaign of the
Carolinas, Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Died December 27,
1893, from disease contracted in service.
JOHN REDER. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign after Bragg, and in the battle of Hartsville, December 7,
1862, where he was mortally wounded and died in February, 1863, at
Gallatin, Tenn.
WILLIAM T. REDMAN. Enlisted August 11, 1862; deserted Jan-
uary 10, 1863.
RICHARD M. RHEUBART. Enlisted August 8, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
in the action at Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign
at Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek, the siege
of Atlanta, Utoy Creek; in the pursuit of Hood, the march to the
sea, and through the Carolinas. Killed at Bentonville, N. C, March
19, 1865, after going through all the foregoing. The only one of the
Regiment killed there.
ADRIAN G. ROBINSON. Age 23; bom in Maine; farmer;
enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; in the action at Elk River
and Davis Cross Roads; was detailed as teamster, and his health
breaking down was finally sent to Louisville, where he was discharged
June 8, 1865. Lives In Tonica, 111.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 401
AUGUSTUS ROBINSON. Age 21; farmer; enlisted August 9, 1862;
was transferred to V. R. C; took part in the battle of Nashville.
Discharged in June, 1865.
HENRY U. ROBISON. Enlisted August 6, 1862; was at Harts-
ville; In the Chickamauga campaign; in the battles of Davis Cros6
Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; in the
Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw and Peach
Tree Creek; wounded in the latter severely in three places in the
face. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
CHRISTIAN SCHILLING. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville; afterward detailed as cook and present in all the
campaigns. Efficient in the Atlanta campaign, many times crawling
on his hands and knees to the skirmish line, pushing the kettles
ahead of him in order to get coffee to the men. They never forgot
it. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
NICHOLAS SHAWBACK. Age 24; bom in Germany; enlisted
August 11, 1862, from Lowell; was at Hartsville; in the TuUahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; in the action at Davis Cross Roads;
in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge;
in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope
Church, the battles around Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek; wounded
and taken prisoner in the latter battle; exchanged September 20,
1864; was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through
the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Died Feb-
ruary 4, 1892. Was a member of Randolph Post, G. A. R., at Tonica.
STEPHEN J. SHELTON. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
in the action at Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Mortally wounded in the
latter in the grand assault on the enemy's works. Died in Nashville,
June, 1864.
NEWTON M. SHELTON. Enlisted August 9, 1864; was in the
battle of Hartsville and wounded, leg amputated; discharged in
consequence.
DAVID J. STANFORD. Age 25; born in Florence, Oneida
County, N. Y.; farmer; enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; in the
actions of Elk River, Davis Cross Roads; and the battle of
Chickamauga; wounded in the ankle at Hartsville; discharged De-
cember 4, 1863, for disability. Lives at Chatsworth, 111. Is an engi-
neer and surveyor.
LUCIEN STANFORD. Enlisted August 9, 1862; was in the
Kentucky campaign and the battle of Harts vill^ where he was
mortally wounded; died February 26, 1863. His arm had been ampu-
tated while in a rebel hospital.
GEORGE STEIDINGER. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the
Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville, where he was
killed. December 7, 1862.
CHARLES W. TULLIS. Enlisted August 6, 1862; transferred to
V. C. R.
JOHN C. VAIL. Enlisted August 7.1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and mortally wounded at Hartsville. Died December 9,
1862.
ELISHA WALKER. Enlisted August 9, 1862; discharged tor
disability, September 1, 1864.
402 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
JOHN B. WALWORTH. Enlisted August 11, 1862; discharged
for disability, January, 1863.
SAMUEL W. WARNOCK. Enlisted August 11, 1862; discharged
for disability, November 19. 1863.
ROBERT WEST. Age 30; born in England; farmer; was at
Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; in the
actions of Elk River, Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roost, the battles around Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree Creek; the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, where on August 7, 1864,
he was severely wounded in the right side and hip by a musket ball.
Discharged February 5, 1865, for wounds. Lives at Oilman, 111. Is a
farmer.
JOSEPH G. WHEAT. Enlisted as drummer August 9, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. In the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns, and while attending to the wounded
at Chickamauga in the field hospital at Crawfish Springs, was taken
prisoner with McCampbell, and sent to the rebel prison hells. Wheat
escaped and rejoining the Regiment June 25, 1864, he beat the long
roll once more, threw down his drum and took a musket. Was
thereafter with his company at Kenesaw, Peach Tree and Utoy
Creeks, Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865,
Lives somewhere west
HOWARD B. WHITE. Enlisted April 11, 1862; was In the
Kentucky and Tennessee campaigns; killed at Hartsville December
7 1862
JOSHUA WILSON. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was at Hartsville
in the Tullahoma campaign; in the action of Davis Cross Roads, the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookont Mountain and Mission Ridge
wounded in the latter battle. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
THBRON WOOLLEY. Age 25; bom in Duchess County, N. Y.
farmer; enlisted frop Tonica August 9, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville and slifehtly wounded in the shoulder; in the Tullahoma
campaign; was taken sick and missed Chickamauga and Mission
Ridge; was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and II toy Creeks,
Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea, and
through the Carolinas, to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Lives in Chicago.
JOHN P. WOOLSONCROFT. Enlisted August 11, 1862; he was in
the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma
and Chickamaug|i campaigns at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and.
the battle of Chickamauga, in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
and Utoy Creeks; in the Georgia and Carolina campaigns. A brave
soldier and an upright man. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
RECRUITS.
BALSER ASCHERMAN. Age 19; born in Illinois; farmer;
enlisted November 25, 1863; took part in the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and
the siege of Atlanta; was in the march to the sea, and the campaign
through the Carolinas. Was transferred at Washington to the
Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
RBaiMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 403
WILLIAM BABCOCK. Enlisted February 29, 1864. Transferred
to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
EDWARD BARMORE. Enlisted from Peru February 29, 1864.
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. Lives in Waukegan,
111.
SAMUEL D. BAXENDALE. Enlisted from Peru February 29,
1864; was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jone^))oro. In the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea, and
through the Carolinas to Bentonville, where he was wounded March
19, 1865. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
CHARLES W. CHAMBERS. Enlisted from Tonica, February
29, 1864. Was accidentally wounded at Graysyille, Ga. Transferred
to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
DAVID D. DECK. Age 16; bom in Dauphin County, Pennsyl-
vania; ran away from school to enlist, February 29, 1864; was in the
Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kene-
saw, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek; in the
pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea, the campaign of the Caro-
linas, and the battle of Bentonville. Transferred to Thirty-fourth
Illinois Infantry. Discharged July 20, 1865. Lives at Hennepin, 111.
Is a farmer.
EDWIN EVERETT. Enlisted February 29, 1865. Transferred
to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
WILLIAM McNAULL. Enlisted March 3, 1865. Transferred to
Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
NELSON F. NOXON. Enlisted February 29, 1864. Died at Vin-
Ings' Station, Ga., July 30, 1864.
GEORGE M. RISDEN. Enlisted February 25, 1865. Died at
Chattanooga, May 25, 1866.
roSEPH B. SULLIVAN. Enlisted February 25, 1865. Trans-
ferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
MOSES L. TULLIS. Enlisted January 20, 1865. Transferred
to Thfrty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
STATISTICS OF COMPANY B.
Total enlistment Ill
Killed and mortally wounded 17
Wounded 30
Resigned for disability 1
Resigned for promotion 1
Discharged for wounds 5
Discharged for disability 21
Died of disease 7
Died in prison 1
Accidentally killed 1
Accidentally wounded 1
Deserted 2
Mustered out June 6, 1865 27
Mustered out at other dates 7
Transferred to other regiments '. li
Transferred to V. R, C 6
Absent, wounded, at M. O S
Known to be living (December, 1894) 34
CHAPTER XXVL
Company C— How and Where Organized— Roster and Blogrra-
phles— Statistlcsv
SKETCH OF COMPANY C.
The work of raising men for this company began
August 9th, 1862, in the towns of Mendota, EarMlle,
Troy Grove and Meriden. By the 16th of August a
suflScient number had enlisted to form a company.
Among the active ones in the movement were S. M.
Heslet, M. W. Tewksburj^ and D. C. Bynearson. It
will be seen that no difficulty whatever was experi-
enced in getting men to enlist. The wave of enthusi-
asm and patriotism had swept over that part of La
Salle County like a whirlwind, and more than enough
to fill the ranks offered themselves to their country.
Six days after enlistment began the company was
organized by the election of Samuel M. Heslet as Cap-
tain, Malcom W. Tewksbury as First Lieutenant and
David C. Bynearson as Second Lieutenant.
Charles K. Brown was appointed First Sergeant,
and Samuel B. Grover, William Harrold, David Bunker
and Samuel Lynn Sergeants. Marquis L. Branch,
George E. Laughlin, Luellen W. Winslow, Nelson A.
Graves, Eobert McSmith, George W. Avery, Thomas E.
Mclntyre and John W. Bullis were appointed Cor-
porals.
The company having reported at Ottawa became
a part of the One Hundred and Fourth and went into
camp to drill and await marching orders. These came
soon and Company C marched with brother comrades
to the Ohio River, from whence began its active mil-
itary career as a part of the grand armies of the Union
Lieut. M. W. Tewksbury, Co. C. Corp, J. C. Deeffan, Co. G.
E. L. Stevens, Co. C. Sergt. W. Harrold, Co. C.
Capt. S. M. Heslet, Co. C. Corp. H. Winterschiedt, Co.B.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 405
which swept from Louisville to the sea and from there
through the rebel Confederacy to Raleigh, only laying
down its arms at the close of the war. The history of
the company became thus a part of the history of the
Regiment and was marked from first to last with
death, wounds and suffering by its members, in the
cause of the Union, of right and justice. The company
was in the Kentucky campaign after Bragg; marched
to Bowling Green; then to Hartsville, Tenn., where, on
December 7th, 1862, it first learned the taste of rebel
lead and gave its first oJBfering of blood and life for the
National cause. On that bloody field eight of its mem-
bers, Berkstresser, Hastings, Sauressig, Van Law, Wil-
son, Brennan, Zarr and Foot were killed or mortally
wounded. Twelve were wounded, some severely. Cor-
poral Bullis losing both eyes, a fate that seems worse
than death, and so young, too! John A. Livers lost a
good arm. Captain Heslet, wounded in both thighs,
resigned March 11th, 1863, and Lieutenant Tewksbury
was commissioned Captain. In the Tullahoma cam-
paign, after the engagements at Elk River, the com-
pany went into camp at Decherd, Tenn. There Captain
Tewksbury resigned on account of ill-health, and the
brave Rynearson, who had been wounded at Hartsville,
became Captain. Sergeant Brown, who had been pro-
moted, was commissioned First Lieutenant Promo-
tions of non-commissioned officers followed. Thus
newly equipped Company C followed the path of glory
with the Regiment to the bloody field of Chickamauga.
Squire L. W. Clark was killed and four men wounded.
The company took part in the battles of Lookout Moun-
tain and Mission Ridge. Isaac A. Foot was killed and
Sergeant Ljrnn wounded severely. In the Atlanta
campaign, ilie company and his country might well
mourn when Rynearson fell at Peach Tree Creek. Fol-
lowing the fortunes of the Regiment, ever in the front,
prompt in duty, brave in battle. Company C men who
now survive, can dwell with proud recollection on the
record of living and dead, in the world's greatest strug-
gle for Government and human freedom.
406 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
ROSTER OF THE COMPANY.
CAPTAIN SAMUEL M. HESLET. Age 36; born in Fayette
County, Pennsylvania; teacher. Enlisted August 9, 1862; was in the
Kentucky and Tennessee campaigns, and in the battle of Hartsville^
December 7, 1862, where he ably and bravely commanded his com-
pany; was wounded severely in both thighs by two balls, one of
which he still carries; resigned on account of wounds, March 11»
1863. Lives in Mendota, 111.; retired from business.
CAPTAIN MALCOM W. TEWKSBURY. Age 27; bom in New
Hampshire. Enlisted August 9, 1862; elected First Lieutenant. He
was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of HartsviUe, being
at that time detailed as A. I. General on the staff of Colonel A. B.
Moore, commanding the Thirty-ninth Brigade. Promoted Captain
March 11, 1863. In the Tullahoma campaign and the actions around
TuUahoma and Elk River. Resigned at Decherd, Tenn., July 30»
1863. Was an able officer and his loss regretted. Died July 5, 1882»
in Lynn, Mass.
CAPTAIN DAVID C. RYNEARSON. Enlisted from Troy Grove
in Atigust, 1862; farmer; was elected First Lieutenant and took
part in the battle of Hartsville, December 7, 1862; wounded in the
leg; was in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns, and in the
battle of Chickamauga, where he commanded the company, having
become Captain July 30, 1863, on the resignation of Captain Tewks-
bury; took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign. Captain Rynearson was always
ready for duty and commanded his company at Buzzard Roost, the
battles around Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and
Peach Tree Creek, where on July 20, 1864, he fell on the field of
honor — killed by a bullet. Captain Rynearson was a brave and
capable officer, highly regarded by all and loved by his company.
Always cool and collected in the hour of battle, he was regarded
with confidence and his orders obeyed with promptness.
CAPTAIN CHARLES K. BROWN. Enlisted from Earlville,
August 13, 1862; appointed First Sergeant; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of Hartsville, where he was wounded in the thigh.
Promoted Second Lieutenant March 11, 1863; was in the Tullahoma
and Chickamuaga campaigns, at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and
the battle of Chickamauga. Promoted First Lieutenant July 30, 1863.
Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. He participated in
the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro. Promoted Cap-
tain July 30, 1864. Was in Nashville, Tenn., at the time of the battle
there and commanded a company of convalescents and conscripts.
Rejoined the Regiment at Goldsboro, N. C, in the spring of 1865.
Mustered out June •6, 1865. Residence said to be Red Lodge, Mont.
FIRST LIEUTENANT DAVID C. BUNKER. Age 32; bom in
Ohio; wagon maker. Enlisted from Mendota, August 13, 1862; ap-
pointed Sergeant; was in the Chickamauga campaign, and wounded
in the battle of Chickamauga, in the abdomen. Took part in the
Atlanta campaign up to and including Resaca. In the engage-
ment of the One Hundred and Fourth, May 14, 1864, he was severely
wounded by a musket ball and still carries the rebel lead in his
body. Was promoted First Lieutenant, commission dating from
July 20, 1864, but he did not muster at that time. Lieutenant
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 407
Bunker was sent to hospital from Resaca, and finally discharged for
wounds, as First Sergeant, June 14, 1865. Lives in Lawrence, Kan.,
and is superintendent of the wagon making department in the In-
dian school there.
SERGEANT SAMUEL B. GROVBR. Enlisted from Earlville,
August 13, 1862; appointed Sergeant; was in the battle of Harts-
ville. Died at home, January 8, 1863.
SERGEANT WILLIAM HARROLD. Age 24; born in England;
shoemaker; enlisted August 13, 1862; appointed Sergeant; was in
the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns; in the battle of Chickamauga, and wounded there. Took
part in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; was in
the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw, Peach
Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, and Jonesboro. Was
wounded the second time near Atlanta, August 3, 1864. Was in
Nashville at the time of the battle there and acting Quartermaster
of a battalion of convalescents. Rejoined the Regiment in North
Carolina and was wounded near Raleigh, ApHl 10, 1865, for the third
time, by a torpedo planted in the road by the rebels, and was taken
to Richmond in an ambulance. Mustered out at Washington, June
6, 1865. Lives at Edinburg, 111. Is a police magistrate of that town.
SERGEANT SAMUEL LYNN. Age 26; born in Fayette County,
Pennsylvania; farmer; enlisted August 11, 1862, from Earlville; ap-
pointed Sergeant; was in the battle of. Hartsville; in the Chicka-
mauga campaign and battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In the latter was severely wounded, and dis-
charged for wounds, February 23, 1864. Lives in Earlville. Is an
insurance agent and coal dealer.
SERGEANT STEPHEN A. SIGNOR. Enlisted from Earlville,
August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Harts-
ville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge; in the Atlanta campaign and its battles; on the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mus-
tered out as First Sergeant June 6, 1865.
SERGEANT HIRAM BECK. Age 31; born in Pennsylvania;
carpenter; enlisted from Mendota, August 13, 1862; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the
battle of Chickamauga. Was wounded in the left arm at Harts-
ville. Was in nearly all the other battles of the Regiment. Pro-
moted Sergeant for meritorious services. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Lives at Narka, Kan. Is Justice of the Peace.
SERGEANT GEORGE W. Avery. Enlisted August 13, 1862; ap-
pointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign. Promoted Ser-
geant for meritorious services. Mustejfed out June 6, 1865. Lives in
Nebraska.
CORPORAL LUELLEN W. WINSLOW. Enlisted August 13,1862,
from Earlville; appointed Corporal; was in the battle of Hartsville;
wounded in the hand; discharged for wound December 24, 1862. Re-
enlisted in the 100-day service; now lives in Earlville, 111.
CORPORAL NELSON A. GRAVES. Enlisted from Mendota,
August 13, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the battle of Hartsville;
discharged August 22, 1863, for disability.
CORPORAL ROBERT McSMITH. Enlisted from Troy Grove,
408 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
August 11, 1862; appointed Corporal; was In the Kentucky cam-
paign. Transferred to V. R. C. November 23, 1863. Lives at Gran-
ville, 111.
CORPORAL MARQUIS L. BRANCH. Enlisted from Mendota.
August 13, 1862; appointed Corporal; discharged for disability, Octo-
ber 24, 1862.
CORPORAL GEORGE E. LAUGHLIN. Enlisted from Troy
Grove, August 11, 1862; appointed Corporal; discharged for disability
March 7, 1863.
CORPORAL THOMAS E. McINTYRB. Enlisted from Earlvllle.
August 13, 1862; was with the Regiment as far as Tompkinsville,
Ky.; taken sick and left there. Died December 8, 1862.
CORPORAL JOHN W. BULLIS. Age 21; born in New York;
farmer; enlisted from Troy Grove, August 11, 1862; was in the battle
of Hartsville and there lost both eyes. Discharged January 14, 1863,
for wounds. Lives at Iowa Falls, la. Dr. Freeman, who attended
him on the field, says that the brave soldier requested him to ''see
to others who were worse off."
CORPORAL JAMES LOGAN. Enlisted from Earlvllle, August
14, 1862; was at Hartsville; in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge; appointed Corporal; was in the At-
lanta campaign, at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain.
Killed there June 17, 1864. A brave soldier fell.
CORPORAL EDWARD MUNSON. Enlisted August 13, 1862;
was at Hartsville; promoted Corporal; in the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Moun-
tain and Mission Ridge. Took part in the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek. In
the latter Corporal Munson was killed. He had the name of being
the best drilled soldier in the company and was on the eve of being
commissioned in the colored troops when he met his death at Peach
CORPORAL DEMARQUIS L. MITCHELL. Age 20; born in
Augusta, Me. First served in Twenty-third Illinois Volunteers, and
was captured at Lexington, Mo.; enlisted from Meriden, August 20,
1862 ; was in the battle of Hartsville and took part in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek. Was wounded
in the head in the latter battle and sent to Chattanooga. Mean-
time, Sherman had started for the sea and Corporal Mitchell in the
spring of 1865, was ordered to Join the Regiment, which he did at
Goldsboro. When the Atlanta campaign opened he was recom-
mended for a commission in the United States Colored Troops and
when near Kenesaw was ordered to Washington, but did not accept.
Mustered ou^ June 6, 1865. Lives at Columbus, Kan. Is Deputy
Sheriff of Cherokee County.
CORPORAL JAMES G. RALPH. Enlisted August 9, 1862.
from Mendota; was at Hartsville, in the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Appointed Corporal; took
part in the Atlanta campaign; was at Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain
and Peach Tree Creek. Wounded in the latter battle, in the right
arm. Absent wounded at muster out of Regiment. Lives at
Aurora, 111.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 409
CHARLES P. AVERY. Enlisted from Earlville, August 13, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
LEVI BROWN. Age 40; born in Pennsylvania; blacksmith; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Taken sick and
discharged for disability, August 1, 1863; wounded slightly at Harts-
ville. Lives in Waterloo, la., at the age of 72.
SAMUEL BANKS. Age 17; born in Pennsylvania. Enlisted
August 11, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville and slightly wounded
there. Took part in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. During the siege of Chattanooga, drove team to
Stevenson, Ala., and was present when Wheeler's cavalry attacked
the supply train in the Sequatchie Valley. He escaped with his
team; was in the Atlanta campaign and at Resaca, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks. Mustered out August 17, 1865.
Lives in Beloit, Kan. Stone mason contractor.
HENRY D. BANKS. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 13,
1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in
the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge,
and in part of the Atlanta campaign. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JONATHAN BANKS. Age 18; born in Pennsylvania; farmer;
enlisted from Troy Grove, August 11, 1862; was in the battles of
Hartsville and Mission Ridge. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at
Troy Grove, 111. Is an engineer.
DAVID C. BALLARD. Enlisted from Earlville, August 13, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and at Hartsville. Was company
cook during the service. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
SOLOMON W. BUNKER. Enlisted from Mendota, August 13,
1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville;
in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga, where he was wounded
In his right hand. He was the oldest man in the company, but clear
grit all through. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
DAVID BERKSTRESSER. Enlisted from Mendota, August 14,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville, where
he was killed December 7, 1862.
CLARENCE BRENNAN. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 11,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville, where
he was mortally wounded, and died at Gallatin, Tenn., December
20, 1862.
SQUIRE L. W. CLARK. Enlisted from Dimmick, August 11,
1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns, and the battle of Chickamauga, where he was
killed September 20, 1863.
ALMON L. COOK. Age 20; born in Maine; blacksmith; enlisted
from Mendota, August 13, 1862; was in the battles of Hartsville,
Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge; in the Atlanta campaign, at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, the battles around Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek, the
siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro; the pursuit of Hood; the
march to the sea; the campaign of the Carolinas and Bentonville.
Was wounded in the foot at Savannah, Ga. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Lives in Barnston, Neb. Is Postmaster.
LEMUEL L. CADY. Age 19; born in Tioga County, Pa.;
farmer; enlisted from Earlville, August 13, 1862; was in the Ken-
410 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
tucky campaig^n and battle of Hartsville. In part of the TuUahoma
campaign. Transferred to I. C, November 25, 1863. Died at
Williams, la., April 15, 1891.
GEORGE CADY. Enlisted from Earlville, August 13, 1862.
Mustered out June 6, 1865.
SAMUEL H. CARR. Enlisted from Mendota, August 14, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville; died at Camp Chase, Ohio, January
17, 1863.
WINTHROP E. COLLINS. Enlisted August 15, 1862; was in the
Kentucky campaign. Discharged for disability January 4, 1863.
JOHN A. COOK. Enlisted August 15, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; in the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign, at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain.
In front of the latter, June 17, 1864, he was mortally wounded, sent
to Nashville, and died July 19, 1864.
ROBERT C. DOANE. Age 22; bom in New York; farmer; en-
listed August 13, 1862, from Earlville; was wounded in the battle of
Harttfville. Took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mis-
sion Ridge, was at Buzzard Roost. Discharged for disability, January
14, 1864. Lives at Plainfleld, 111.
SAMUEL J. DOANE. Enlisted August 13. 1862, from Earlville;
was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Chickamauga campaign; the
battles of Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign, at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around Kenesaw, Peach Tree
Creek; the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, where on August 7, 1864,
he was severely wounded and absent wounded at muster out of
Regiment.
JOHN W. DAVIS. Enlisted from Earlville, August 20, 1862; was
at Hartsville, Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign, at Buz-
zard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege
of Atlanta, and Utoy Creek, where on August 7, 1864, he was wounded
in the shoulder. Mustered out June 7, 1865.
SAMUEL W. EDWARDS. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August
11, 1862; was a member of the Regimental Band, and on its disband-
ment was detailed and in the Brigade Band during the war. Absent
sick at muster out of Regiment. Is said to reside in Kansas.
WILLIAM EDWARDS. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 14,
1862; member of Regimental and Brigade Bands. Absent sick at
muster out of Regiment. Lives somewhere in Kansas.
FREDERICK FOOT. Enlisted from Freedom, August 14, 1862;
he was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville, where
he was mortally wounded. Died February 10, 1863.
ISAAC A. FOOT. Enlisted from Earlville. August 14, 1862; was
at Hartsville, in the action of Davis Cross Roads, the battles of
Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the latter
he was killed in the assault. November 25, 1863.
FREDERICK L. GLOVER. Enlisted August 14, 1862; mustered
out June 6, 1865.
HAMILTON GOLDEN. Enlisted August 20. 1862. Died at Gal-
latin, Tenn., January 7, 1863.
DUANE M. HARRIS. Enlisted from Eagle, August 15, 1862.
Died at Bowling Green, Ky., November 21. 1862.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 411
THOMAS HASTINGS. Enlisted from Mendota, August 13, 1862;
was In the Kentucky campaign. Killed in the battle of Hartsvllle,
December 7, 1862.
FREDERICK C. HESS. Age 24; bom in Germany; farmer; en-
listed from Troy Grove, August 9, 1862; he was in the Chickamauga
campaign at Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga.
Was in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; in the
pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas
to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Is a farmer at Grundy
Center, la.
ALBERT HARRIS. Age 24; born in New York; farmer; en-
listed August 22, 1862; Was in the Chickamauga campaign at Davis
Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge; Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Greek, Utoy
Creek, Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood; on the march to the sea;
the Carolina campaign and Bentonville; slightly wounded in the
latter battle. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Emington, 111.
Is a retired farmer.
JAMES R. HOFFMAN. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 11,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign. Transferred to I. C, November
25, 1863.
HERMAN HOFFMAN. Enlisted from Barlville, August 11, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged March 7, 1865; disability.
JOSIAH HARDING. Enlisted from Barlville, August 15, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged for disability Decem-
ber 11, 1863.
JOHN A. IVES. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 13, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged August 26, 1868; dis-
ability.
BENJAMIN JACK. Enlisted from Earlville, August 12, 1862.
Discharged October 2, 1862; disability.
JAMES M. JACK. Enlisted from Mendota, August 12, 1862;
deserted March 15, 1863.
CHARLES H. JEWETT. Enlisted from Earlville. August 13,
1862; was wounded seriously in the battle of Hartsvllle, and dis-
charged for wounds. May 24, 1863.
JAMES A. KERSEY. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 13,
1862; wounded at Hartsvllle and discharged for wounds, December
24, 1862.
ROMAN KNAPP. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 11, 1862;
discharged for disability, January 5, 1863.
JAMES KNOX. Enlisted from Mendota, August 15, 1862. Mus-
tered out June 6, 1865. •
JOSEPH LEWIS. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 11, 1862;
became Bugler; was at Hartsvllle, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. On the Atlanta campaign;
in the pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea and the campaign of the
Carolinas. No man was better known, nor so well known, in the
Regiment, as "Joe." When he blew his bugle all knew the sound
and that it meant business. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Troy
Grove.
JAMES H. LOUCKS. Enlisted from Mendota, August 13, 1862;
deserted before muster in.
ADDIS LINN. Enlisted from Dimmick, August, 11, 1^62; was
412 THE ONE' HUNDRED AND FOURTH
in the battle of Hartsville; died at Camp Lew Wallace, Ohio, Decem-
ber 23, 1862.
EDWARD P. LYON. Age 24; born in New York; farmer; en-,
listed August 11, 1862, from Mendota; was in the battle of Hartsville;
in the battles of Chlckamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro;
in the pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea, the campaign of the
Carolinas, Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1866. Lives at Wil-
liams, la. Is a retired farmer.
CLEMENT LUELLEN. Enlisted from Mendota, August 11,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged for disability,
March 7, 1863.
JOHN A. LIVERS. Age 24; clerk; enlisted August 11, 1862; in
the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville, where he was
seriously wounded, causing loss of the left arm. Discharged for
wound, January 27, 1863. Lives at Ionia, Kan. Retired farmer.
GEORGE C. MOFFATT. Age 32; born in New York; farmer;
enlisted from Mendota, August 9, 1862; marched with the Regiment
to Bowling Green, Ky., taken sick with lung trouble, and discharged
January 20, 1863. Lives at Armstrong, Neb. Is a farmer.
THOMAS H. MARKLEY. Enlisted from Earlville, August 14,
1862; was at Hartsville, Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chlcka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign; the campaign of the Carolinas. Was in the battle of Ben-
tonville, where he was wounded March 19, 1865. Absent wounded at
muster out of Regiment.
JAMES C. M'DOWELL. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 11,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; at
Jonesboro, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to
Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1866. Lives near Mendota, 111.
JERRY M. FOilTERFIELD. Enlisted from Mendota, August
11, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged July 20, 1863;
disability.
JAMES W. POMEROY. Enlisted from Mendota, August 11,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma and Chlckamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, and Chlckamauga. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach
Tree Creek, where he was wounded and never seen again; supposed
killed.
ISAAC POLLENS. Enlisted August 13, 1862; nothing further
known. «
JAMES N. POOL. Enlisted from Earlville, August 13, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle^ of Hartsville. Died in Chicago,
March 24, 1863.
WASHINGTON G. PARKER. Enlisted from Mendota, August
11, 1862; was at Hartsville; in the battles of Chlckamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. Took part in the Atlanta campaign
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek.
Killed in the latter battle, July 20, 1864. He was noted for having the
brightest gun In the company.
HENRY PIGNEY. Enlisted from Mendota, August 15, 1862;
deserted December 25, 1862.
JACOB PHILLIPS. Age 17; bom in Stark County, Ohio; farmer;
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 418
enlisted from Troy Grove, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and the battle of Hartsville. Was in a part of the Tulla-
homa campaign; taken sick and discharged for disability, September
17, 1863. Lives at Clay Center, Kan.
WILLIAM PETERS. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 15, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JOHN B. RALPH. Enlisted from Mendota, August 13, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Transferred to V. R. C, January
27, 186*.
GEORGE RANSBERGER. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August
20, 1862. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Troy Grove, 111.
JOHN G. REEDER. Age 21; bom in La Salle County; farmer;
enlisted from Troy Grove, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and the battle of Hartsville; in the action of Davis Cross
Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Was wounded in the last
named battle in the right side. Transferred to V. R. C, March 15,
1865. Lives at Marshalltown, la. ; contractor.
AMBROSE RISDON. Enlisted from Mendota, August 13, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged for disability, January
2, 1863.
WILLIAM H. RHODES. Enlisted from Mendota, August 13,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged for disability,
July 20, 1863.
EDGAR L. STEVENS. Age 19; born in Seneca County, N.
T.; farmer; enlisted August 13, 1862, from Earlville. Marched with
the Regiment in the Kentucky campaign to Tompkinsville, Ky.,
and was left there very sick; recovered after several months and
escaped to our lines; rejoined the Regiment at Camp Douglas; was
in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; the actions at Davis
Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buyard Roost, Resaca,
the battles around Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege
of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was furloughed home; returned
to Nashville, took pfirt in the battle of Nashville and the action at
Decatur; after that guarded railroads until sent in spring of 1865,
with others, to North Carolina; rejoined the Regiment at Goldsboro.
Mustered out June 6, 1^65. Lives at Woolstock, la. Is a minister of
the Gospel in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
PETER J. SAURESSIG. Enlisted August 14, 1862, from Mendota;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Killed at Hartsville, Tenn., Decem-
ber 7, 1862.
DALLAS SMILEY. Enlisted August 14, 1862. Deserted January
1, 1863.
ALEXANDER A. SHERLOCK. Enlisted from Earlville. Au-
gust 15, 1862. Transferred to V. R. C. January 27, 1864.
OSCAR SAYLES. Enlisted from Earlville. August 14, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville and severly wounded there. Re-
covered and rejoined the Regiment; in the Chickamauga campaign.
Died at Chattanooga. October 26, 1863.
WILLIAM VAN LAW. Enlisted from Mendota, August 13, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and in tjie battle of Hartsville, where
he was mortally wounded and died the same day, December 7, 1862.
JAMES E. WILKINS. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 13,
1862; was teamster and served faithfully during the entire term.
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Troy Grove, 111.
414 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
WILLIAM S. WINSLOW. Enlisted from EarlvlUe, August 13,
1862; was in the battle of Hartsville. In the TuUahoma campaign
he was wounded in the left hand at Elk River. Took part in the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was
in the Atlanta campaign and its battles; on the march to the sea
and northwards. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Earlville, 111.
GEORGE WHITE. Enlisted from Earlville, August 13, 1862;
discharged for disability October 2, 1862.
JAMES H. WILSON. Enlisted from Earlville, August li, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville, where
he was killed December 7, 1862.
CHAUNCEY J. WIXOM. Age 23; bom at Troy Grove, La Salle
County: farmer; enlisted August 12, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville; in the battles of Ghickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. Wounded near Bridgeport, Ala., while with wagon
train. Transferred to Invalid Corps, January 30, 1864. Lives at Clay
FRANCIS ZARR. Enlisted from Earlville, August 15, 1862;
was in the march through Kentucky and Tennessee. Killed at Harts-
ville, December 7, 1862.
RECRUITS.
WILLIAM T. BULLIS. Age 23; bom in New York; enlisted
December 14, 1863, at Dixon. Was in the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roose, the battles around Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain. In
the battle of Nashville. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois In-
fantry. Lives in Valentine, Neb. Is City Marshal.
ABRAM D. CLARK. Enlisted April 10, 1863; was in the TuUa-
homa and Ghickamauga campaigns. Was wounded and taken
prisoner at the battle of Ghickamauga, September 20, 1863; escaped
afterwards and came into our lines. Discharged for wounds April
21, 1864. t
JOHN L. WARNER. Enlisted August 27, 1864; he was at Jones-
boro, in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through
the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at
Streator, 111.
STATISTICS OF COMPANY C.
Total enlistment 98
Killed and mortally wounded 16
Wounded 28
Resigned for woi^nds 1
Discharged for wounds 8
Resigned for disability 1
Discharged for disability 18
Died of disease 8
Deserted 4
Mustered out June 6, 1865 26
Mustered out at other dates 2
Transferred to V. R. C 4
Transferred to I. C 3
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry i
Absent, wounded, at M. 0 3
Absent, sick, at M. 0 2
Unknown 1
Known to be living (December, 1894) 35
Capt. Thos. Clark, Co D.
Sergt. H. E. Price Co. D.
Capt. W. H Collins, Co. D.
Corp. O. Slagle.Co. D.
Sergt Geo. Marsh. Co. D.
Sergt M. Kirkpatrick. Co. D
CHAPTER XXVII.
%
Company D— How and Where Orgranlzed—Roster and Biogra-
phies— Statistics.
SKETCH OF COMPANY D.
When in the summer of 1862 the proclamation of
President Lincoln was issued calling for 600,000 more
men, and La Salle County determined to raise another
regiment, William H. Collins, then a prominent resi-
'dent of La Salle, began recruiting for what became
Oompany D. The ranks were filled in a short time, or
between the 5th and 15th of August, with some of the
best material in the county, the townships south of
the Illinois River furnishing a large percentage. The
organization was then effected. William H. Collins,
who had seen service in> the Tenth Illinois Infantry,
was elected Captain, William E. Brush First Lieuten-
ant, James Snedaker Second Lieutenant. The follow-
ing were announced as Sergeants: Thomas Clark,
Zenas R. Jones, William P. Miller, William Bassin-
dale. Henry Upton, John H. Shepherd, Thomas G.
Steven, John T. Post, William C. Brown, Sherman
Leland, Luther A. Wilson, Henry Morgan and Cyrus
H. Makeever were appointed Corporals. Thus equipped
^ith officers the company reported at Ottawa and went
into camp as part of the One Hundred and Fourth,
receiving the designation of "D." After a few days
spent at Camp Wallace the Regiment was ordered to
Louisville and the company thereafter participated in
all the fortunes of the command, marching through
Kentucky and Tennessee to Hartsville, where, on De-
cember 7th, 1862, aipart of it was called upon to defend
the flag and offer up valuable lives and blood in the
cause of country. Going into the battle with about
forty men, the rest being on detached duty, Company
D lost in killed Corporal Thomas G. Steven, Abram H.
416 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Austin and Joseph L. Sapp. Ten were wounded. The
little band under the command of Sergeant Zenas li.
Jones, covered itself with glory. In the famous ad-
vance to TuUahoma in June, '63, the company, under
Captain Collins, added again to its fighting record by
the capture of the rebel stockade at Elk River, by Ser-
geant George Marsh and his volunteers from the com-
pany. Prior to this Lieutenant Brush had died and
Lieutenant Snedaker had resigned. Sergeants Clark
and Jones had been promoted Lieutenants. At Chick-
amauga Company D fought with bravery equal to any.
An enumeration of its services thereafter would include
every battlefield in which the Regiment fought — from
Chattanooga to Atlanta, to the sea and Bentonville;
in all of which the company distinguished itself and
gave its share of blood and lives. When mustered out
at Washington in '65 the shattered ranks told the story
of its achievements and services by the absence of those
who had fallen by the way or lay crippled and diseased
in northern homes.
ROSTER OF THE COMPANY.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM H. COLLINS. Age 31; born at ColUnB-
viUe, in.; Journalist; enUeted In August, 1862, at La SaUe, and be-
came actively engaged in raising men for a company. On its or-
ganization he was elected Captain. In the election for Regimental ofB-
cers, was elected Lieutenant-Colonel, but Colonel Moore refused to ac-
quiesce in the choice, so Captain Collins went out with his company
to the front. Under him Company D became well drilled and dis-
ciplined, and prepared for the future hard services it encountered
on many battlefields, always with honor to itself and officers. Cap-
tain Collins led his company in the Kentucky and Tennessee cam-
paigns to Hartsville. While there he was detailed with twenty-
five of his men to guard a supply train to Gallatin and was thus
unable to participate in the battle of Hartsville. He commanded
on the Tullahoma campaign, and in the affair at Elk River. Took
part in the Chickamauga campaign; in the action of Davis Cross
Roads, September 11, 1863; in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. When General Palmer became com-
mander of the Fourteenth Army Corps, Captain Collins was detailed
to command the entire Ambulance Corps, and remained in that
position through the Atlanta campaign. He resigned November 11,
1864, and was appointed Provost Marshal of the Twelfth District
of Illinois, resignation to take effect December 31, 1865. After the
war. Captain Collins engaged successfully in business in Quincy,
111., but could not avoid taking an occasional hand in politics; was
elected to the Legislature. As a public speaker and orator, Captain
Collins was able and impressive, a fact well remembered by the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 41T
Regriment during the war, and by his friends and political opponents^
since. Is now enjoying the twilight of his days in peace and com-
fort at Quincy, but does not cease to take an interest in public
affairs, and stands very high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
CAPTAIN THOMAS CLARK. Age 24; born near Quebec^
Canada. Was in the three months' service in 1861; came to La Salle
and engaged in the manufacture of carriages. Enlisted August
4, 1862; was appointed First Sergeant; took part in the Kentucky
campaign and the battle of Hartsville. Promoted Second Lieutenant^
December 31. 1862; First Lieuteneant, April 13, 1863. Participated in
the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; was at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign. Lieutenant Clark, in
command of his Company, was present at Buizard Roost, of Rocky
Face, the battles around Resaca, New Hope Church; the battles-
around Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. In the latter
battle. Lieutenant Clark was severely wounded in the thigh and
permanently disabled. Was commissioned Captain, November 10,
1864, but not mustered. Discharged for wounds, May 15, 1865. Cap-
tain Clark was a brave soldier and capable officer, and highly re-
garded by all. After the war, he lived at La Salle and Ottawa; was
Deputy Sheriff two terms under R. C. Stevens; Sheriff, one term.
Captain Clark died January 23, 1883, his death being hastened by
his army service.
FIRST LIEUTENANT WILLIAM E. BRUSH. Enlisted in Au-
gust, 1862; elected First Lieutenant; was with his company in the
Kentucky campaign; at the time of the Hartsville battle, was sick ixL
the hospital. Taken sick in Camp Douglas, and died in Chicago^.
April 13, 1863.
FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN T. POST. Age 35; born in Yates;
County, N. Y.; farmer; enlisted August 15, 1862, from Grand Rapids.
Was appointed Third Corporal ; became by promotion, Third and First
Sergeant, and was commissioned First Lieutenant, November 10»
1864, but not mustered. Was in the Kentucky campaign and battle
of Hartsville; the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; was in
the action of Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buz-
zard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peachi
Tree Creek. Wounded in the latter battle. Was also at Bentonville..
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Alhambra, Cal. Retired from,
business.
SECOND LIEUTENANT JAMBS SNEDAKER. Enlisted in
August, 1862; elected Second Lieutenant; commissioned August 27;:
resigned December 31, 1862. Died some years ago.
SECOND LIEUTENANT ZEN AS R. JONES. Age 31; bom in
Ohio; minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church; enlisted frouL
Grand Rapids, August 4, 1862; appointed Sergeant; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign and commanded his company at the battle of
Hartsville, all the commissioned officers being sick or absent. Com-
missioned Second Lieutenant April 13, 1863; resigned January 9,
1864. Lives at Smlthdale, 111. In the grain business.
FIRST SERGEANT GEORGE MARSH, JR. Age 25; bom in
Brookfleld, La Salle County, III.; enlisted as private, August 12^
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign; promoted Sergeant for meritori-
ous services; he was in the Tullahoma campaign and at Elk River^
418 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Tenn., commanded the "forlorn hope" of ten yolunteers sent to cap-
ture the rebel stockade there. This was gallantly done under a fii*e
of rebel artillery and sharpshooters and the command received the
personal thanks of General Beatty on the field. He participated in
the critical action of Davis Cross Roads, and was in the great battles
of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; was severely
wounded at Chickamauga on September 20th, but recovered in time
to participate in the battles mentioned on November 24 and 25, 1S63.
In the Atlanta campaign he was present at Buzzard Roost, of Rocky
Face, and in the battles of May 13 and 14, 1864, at Resaca. Was
severely wounded on the latter date and discharged September 22,
^ 1864, on account of wounds. Since the war has lived in Washington,
7 B. C, and has had a position in the War Department continuously.
^" He is an authority much consulted by high officials. See note in this
volume.
SERGEANT WILLIAM P. MILLER. Enlisted from Brookfield,
August 12, 1864; transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
SERGEANT WILLIAM BASSINDALE. Enlisted from La Salle,
August 4, 1862; reduced to the ranks at his own request; was at
Hartsville: discharged for disability, April 21, 1863. Died some
years ago.
SERGEANT HENRY UPTON. Born in Batavia, N. Y.; farmer;
enlisted from Brookfield, August 11, 1862; was in the Kentucky
<;ampaign; sick in hospital at Hartsville; discharged February 20,
] 1863, for promotion to a Lieutenancy in the One Hundred and ,
Twenty-first New York Infantry. Was severely wounded in the
battle of Chancellorsville, and died from the effect July 29, 1887.
A remarkable mathematician and brave soldier.
^ SERGEANT HENRY E. PRICE. Age 25; bom in Chillicothe,
Ohio, and came to Illinois when young. Enlisted from Fall River, Au-
gust 12, 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of
Hartsville, where he was wounded by a buckshot in the right thigh.
] While he and R. J. Gage lay wounded on the field in the snow, a
! young Confederate ofilcer approaching said pleasantly: "Boys, I
am sorry for you." Henry replied: *'If you are sorry for us get some
J water." The officer said: **l will." And going to a brook filled his
I cedar canteen and brought it to them. He then took a blanket from
; an unhurt soldier and spread it over them. On his recovery. Price
reported at Camp Douglas and was appointed Sergeant for merito-
rious conduct and bravery. Going with the Regiment to the front in
April, he was stricken with fever while at Brentwood, Tenn., and
f for four months his life hung in the balance. At last he recovered
and again joined the One Hundred and Fourth, October 12, 1863, at
Chattanooga, in time to take part in the battles of Lookout Moun-
tain and Mission Ridge. The noble spirit of the man is shown in a
letter he wrote home November 3, 1863. "If I live to serve out my
time, money would not buy my right to say that I had served my
country honorably, and if I do not live, the right belongs to our
family. I can honestly say, I have never yet been sorry I enlisted.*'
In the Atlanta campaign, Sergeant Price was present at Buzzard
Roost — of Rocky Face, the battles around Resaca, New Hope Church
and Kenesaw Mountain. At the latter place he was so severely
bruised by a spent ball on July 2, 1864, as to be obliged to go to
' hospital at Chattanooga, but on the 19th, he was again with the
Regiment, all unconscious that on the morrow his spirit would join
B. Schaub, Co. D. R. J. Gage, Co. D.
Corp. C. H. Makeever, Co. D. Corp. J. J. Ford, Co. 0.
Grover C. Clark, Co. D. R. S. Smalley, Co. D.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 419
the immortal host of heroes and patriot^ who had died for their
country. Oa July 20, 1864, he wrote in his diary these last words:
"At 3 o'clock a. m., moved again and crossed creek. Advancing in
hne of battle under fire. Halted and built breastworks until or-
dered to quit." A little later he fell in the fierce attack at Peach
Tree Creek, his right thigh and right arm being shattered by bullets.
In an hour his sufferings were ended, as also those of many others
on that bloody field. Colonel Hapeman says: "He was a brave and
gallant soldier." Captain Collins wrote: "We all loved Henry, he
was a model soldier, superior in natural talents and acquirements
to many field officers." The loss fell with great weight on his
parents, who 'mourned another son, Lieutenant William D. Price,
killed in the battle of the Big Hatchie, Miss.
SERGEANT WILLIAM H. H. HUTTON. Age 24; first enlisted
in Company K, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, June 17, 1861; fought in
the battle of Fredericktown, Mo., October 21, 1861; was also in the
battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and the siege of
Corinth. Discharged August 28, 1862. Enlisted in Company D,
September 2, 1862. Took part in the Tullahoma campaign; was
in the action of Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the latter was Color
Sergeant and while bearing the flag up the ridge was wounded and
relieved by Lemuel F. Holland. Discharged March, 1865, by order of
Secretary of War, and appointed Hospital Steward in United States
Army. Is now a Surgeon in the United States Marine Hospital
Service, and has attained high position as such, holding the rank of
Lieutenant-Colonel.
SERGEANT MURRAY KIRKPATRICK. Age 37; bom in Ohio.
Enlisted from Eagle, August 5, 1862 ; took part in the Kentucky cam-
paign; in the Tullahoma campaign; was one of the ten volunteers
who captured the stockade at Elk River; in the Chickamauga cam-
paign; at the action of Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; promoted Corporal and
Sergeant for meritorious services. In the Atlanta campaign was at
Buzzard Roost — of Rocky Face, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, and
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood; on the march to the sea;
through the Carolinas, and at Bentonville. Murray, it will be seen,
was always around and ready for business. He was an expert
marksman and brave soldier. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Died at his
home, Swanington, Ind., July 30, 1894.
SERGEANT LEMUEL F. HOLLAND. Age 20; born in Green
County, Ohio; engineer; enlisted August 4, 1862; was in the battle
of Hartsville, and in th« Tullahoma campaign; one of the ten volun-
teers to storm the rebel stockade at Elk River; took part in the
Chickamauga campaign and in the action of Davis Cross Roads,
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
In the latter, when Sergeant Hutton fell wounded, Corporal Holland
seized the flag and carried it triumphantly to the' top of the ridge, the
boys rallying around it and singing: "Rally Round the Flag." For
meritorious services was promoted Sergeant. -Took part in the
Atlanta campaign, at Buzzard Roost, of Rocky Face; the battles
around Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege
of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood, on the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas; at Bentonville. The
420 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
record is a long one. and speaks for itself of the eminent services of
Sergeant Holland in the cause of the Union. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Lives at Bement^ 111.
SERGEANT SHERMAN LELAND. Age 19; born in Ogle County,
111.; a son of Hon. Edwin S. Leland, of Ottawa, who was a warm
and true friend of the One Hundred and Fourth. Enlisted August
7, 1862; law student; appointed Corporal; detailed as clerk to the
Adjutant, a position he held during his entire term of service, to the-
satisf action of all; was always with the Regiment except on occasion
of sickness or detail elsewhere. His valuable Journal has added
greatly to the history of the Regiment. Mustered out as Sergeant,
June 6, 1865. Lives at Ottawa. In the abstract and hisurance busi-
ness.
CORPORAL. JOHN H. SHEPHERD. Enlisted August 9, 1862,
from La Salle; appointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign..
Discharged and promoted April 20, 1863, to a Lieutenancy in the
Ninth Kentucky Infantry. Subsequently became Captain. Was
wounded in the service. After the war practiced law at Ottawa and
was County Treasurer one term. Died some years ago.
CORPORAL THOMAS G. STEVEN. Enlisted from Allen August
13, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign, and
killed at Hartsville, Tenn., December 7, 1862; he was a brave soldier
and good man.
CORPORAL WILLIAM C. BROWN. Enlisted from Ottawa Au-
gust 4. but rejected for disability.
CORPORAL LUTHER A. WILSON. Age 26; clerk; enlisted
August 10, 1862, from La Salle; appointed Corporal; was detailed
in Commissary Department at Louisville and not with Regiment
very long. Discharged and promoted Lieutenant in Battery D, First
Tennessee Light Artillery, in August, 1864. Was in the battle of
Nashville. Lives at Furley, Kan. Is a farmer.
CORPORAL HENRY JIORGAN. Enlisted from Marseilles Au-
gust 5, 1862. Dicharged for disability February 5, 1863.
CORPORAL CYRUS H. MAKEEVER. Age 21; railroad employee;
enlisted from Marseilles, August 4, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in
the march through Kentucky and in the battle of Hartsville. Dis-
charged for disability at Nashville, August 28, 1863. Had also served
in Tenth Illinois. Lives at Marseilles, 111.
CORPORAL THOMAS BURNHAM. Enlisted from Waltham,
August 5, 1862. Was in the battle of Hartsville; promoted Corporal;
was in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River
and the action of Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga,
Lo6kout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Took part in the Atlanta
campaign at Buzzard Roost, of Rocky Face, Resaca, New Hope
Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Cfeek. In the latter Cor-
poral Burnham was killed, July 20, 1864.
CORPORAL JOHN J. FORD. Age 18; born in Dayton. La Salle
County; farmer; enlisted from Eden, August 12, 1862; was in the
Kentucky and Tennessee campaigns, the battle of Hartsville, and
the Tullahoma campaign ; promoted Corporal for meritorious services.
Was in the Chickamauga campaign; at the action of Davis Cross*
Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, of
Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the
siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro; was on the march to the*
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 421
sea; in the campai^ of the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives at Streator, 111. Is a merchant.
CORPORAL OSCAR SLAGLE. Age 18; born in Fulton County,
Ohio; farmer; enlisted from Manlius, August 4, 1862; was in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at the action of Davis
Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. Was wounded at Chickamauga. Promoted Corporal
for meritorious services. In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard
Roost, the battles around Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was in the pur-
suit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas.
Was not off duty ten days during his entire service. Known as Com-
pany D "devil." Mustered out June 6. 1865. Now lives at Kempton,
III. Is Justice of the Peace. See "Incidents."
CORPORAL JOHN SHAPLAND. Enlisted from Allen August 7,
1862. He took part in the Kentucky and Tullahoma campaigns, and
at Elk River was one of the ten volunteers who stormed and carried
the rebel stockade. Being taken sick at Decherd, he was not in the
Chickamauga campaign, but recovering at length, rejoined the Regi-
ment at Chattanooga in time to march on the Atlanta campaign, and
was in all its battles up to and including Peach Tree Creek, where he
was severely wounded, necessitating his discharge March 1, 1865.
Shapland was always to be relied upon in times of danger. He
resides at Benedict, York County, Nebraska.
CORPORAL LEWIS K. HUTTON. Age 22; born in Ohio; farmer;
enlisted from Brookfield, August 7, 1862; was at Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma campaign ; in the action of Davis Cross Roads, the battles
of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the
Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. In the latter battle re-
ceived two gunshot wounds, one in the head, one in the right leg.
Promoted Corporal for meritorious services. Was transferred to
V. R. C. Discharged July 18, 1865. Lives at Paxton, Neb. Is in real
'estate business
ALONZO RATHBURN. Enlisted August 4, 1862; musician.
Mustered out May 30, 1865. Lives in Pelican Rapids, Minn., but re-
peated letters fail to wake him up.
OTHO HO BART. Enlisted from Marseilles, August 12, 1862;
was with the Regiment in all its campaigns and battles up to Peach
Tree Creek, where he was killed, July 20, 1864.
JAMES C. HUTTON. Enlisted August 7, 1862; was wagoner.
Mustered out June 6, 1865.
ABRAM H. AUSTIN. Age 18; bom in New York. Enlisted from
Grand Rapids, August 11, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign.
Killed in the battle of Hartsville, December 7, 1862. He was much
esteemed. Captain Collins said: "He was one of the best, if not
the best soldier in the company."
HIRAM ANDERSON. Enlisted from Grand Rapids, August 14,
1862; was at Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns; the action of Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was at Buzzard Roost, of
Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. Was
mortally wounded in the latter battle and died at Vinings' Station,
«Ga., August 2, 1864.
HENRY B. ANDERSON. Enlisted from Grand Rapids, August
422 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
J.2, 1862; was In the Kentucky campaign and wa^ wounded at Harts*
ville; was in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. Transferred to V. R. C. October 7. 1864.
ROBERT S. BRENT. Age 24; born in Hennepin, 111.; farmer;,
enlisted August 12, 1862. Was in the Kentucky campaign and
severely wounded at Hartsville. Took part in the Chickamauga
campaign as far as Stevenson, Ala., where, being taken sick, he
was sent to Nashville. Was also troubled with his wound. Was
commissioned First Lieutenant in the Seventy-second Colored
Troops, August 3, 1864, but did not muster on account of wound.
Colonel S. A. Porter, then commander of all the colored troops in
Mississippi, also offered him the position of Adjutant on his staff, but.
he was unable to accept, and was discharged at Springfield, 111., to
date from June 6, 1865. Lives in Marseilles, 111., and is connected
with the grain and lumber business. See "Incidents.*'
THEODORE P. BROWN. Enlisted from La Salle, August 9,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville;.
wounded there severely and discharged for wounds April 10, 1863.
JOHN F. BUTE. Enlisted from Brookfield, August 12, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and severely wounded in the battle
of Hartsville, in three places, his left hand being nearly shot off, his
right pierced by a ball, while another went through his neck. He
survived, but was discharged for wounds, June 25, 1863.
JOSEPH BAKER. Age 26; born in Pennsylvania; farmer; en-
listed from Grand Rapids, August 12, 1862; was at Hartsville,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; in the Atlanta campaign at
Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks; in the
pursuit of Hood; on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas.
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Is a farmer near Ottawa.
JAMES F. BRAMBLE. Age 23; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from Brookfield, August 12, 1862. Marched to Frankfort, Ky., with
the Regiment. Taken with heart disease; discharged for disability
May 11, 1863. Is a farmer at New Market, la.
ALEXANDER BRAMBLE. Age 20; born in Ohio; farmer; en-
listed from Brookfield, August 12, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
ville; in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, of Rocky Face.
Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta,
Utoy Creek. Was wounded at the latter place, August 12, 1864. Mus-
tered out June 12, 1865. Lives at Goodland, Ind. Engaged in farm
ing.
CYRUS H. BUTE. Enlisted from Brookfield, August 5, 1862;
farmer; was in the battle of Hartsville and with his company until
taken sick with typhoid fever. Died at home, January 24, 1863.
GARDINER BAKER. Enlisted from La Salle, August 13, 1862;
was at Hartsville. Discharged for disability, July 31, 1863.
JOHN W. CARMONY. Age 21; born in Indiana; farmer; en-
listed from Bruce, August 7, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign, and
in the battle of Hartsville, was wounded in five places by five balls;
was struck in the left shoulder by two balls; one of which has never
been extracted; also had three ribs broken; the other wounds are less,
serious; lay in hospital nine months. Discharged for wounds, Au-
gust 22, 1863. Lives in Endicott, Neb. Is a merchant and stock,
dealer, and evidently pretty lively yet.
JOHN B. CROCKER. Enlisted from Brookfield, August 15, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and with the Regiment until mus-
tered out, June 6, 1865.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 425
HENRY M. CLARK. Enlisted from Brookfield, August 12, 1862.
Was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Dis-
charged for disability, March 2, 1864.
WILLIAM B. COYLE. Enlisted from La Salle, August 12, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville, the action of Davis Cross Roads; the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost, of Rocky Face, Resaca^
New Hope Church and Kenesaw Mountain. Killed at Peach Tree
Creek, July 20, 1864.
DAVID A. CARRIER. Enlisted from La Salle, August 12, 1862;
discharged December 9, 1863, for disability.
JOHN DEWEY. Enlisted from Grand Rapids, August 12, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged August 30, 1863. on ac-
count of accidental wounds.
ALBERT H. EBERSOL. Enlisted from Farm Ridge, August 14,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign. Transferred to V. R. C,
March 15, 1864. Lives in Chicago.
JOHN ESPY. Enlisted from La Salle, August 4, 1862; was at
Hartsville and in the Tullahoma campaign; died at Cowan, Tenn.„
December 4, 1863.
WILLIAM R. EYSTER. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 11,
1862; was in the Tullahoma campaign. In the action of Davis Cross
Roads, September 11, 1863, was missing and no doubt killed. The
writer remembers his going off that morning towards the enemy, he
never returned. Eyster was fond of daring adventures and the last
cost him his life; he was a fine marksman and scout.
JOHN FENN. Enlisted from Grand Rapids, August 5, 1862; was
at Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign; the action of Davis Cross
Roads; at Chickamauga, lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign, was present at Rocky Face and Resaca. Killed
at the latter place in the battle of the 14th of May, 1864.
WILLIAM A. FIGHT. Enlisted from Brookfield, August 13,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. In the
Tullahoma campaign, and at -Elk River, one of the ten volunteers
that captured the rebel stockade. Was at Davis Cross Roads and
the battle of Chickamauga. Taken sick, died at Nashville, March
12, 1864. He did not belie his name.
JOHN FORCHT. Age 20; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted from
Tonica, August 12, 1862; was at Hartsville; in the Tullahoma cam->
paign; in fhe Chickamauga campaign; at Davis Cross Roads, the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was
present in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, of Rocky Face,
Resacli, the battles around Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek.
Taken with *'night blindness," he was then detailed to hospital
service in the remaining campaigns, until mustered out June 6,
1865. Lives at Granville, 111. Is a farmer.
JOHN W. GINGERICH. Enlisted from Eden, August 14, 1862;
deserted from Camp Chase, January 15, 1863.
NORMAN GRANT. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 12, 1862; was
at Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; was
at Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Moun-
tain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present at
Rocky Face, the battles around Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. Was killed* in the latter battle
July 20, 1864.
424 THE ONE HU NDRED AND FOURTH
MARSHALL M. GALLOWAY. Enlisted from Pall River, August
12, 1862; at Hartsville; after the battle he escaped capture by lying
down with the wounded and doing some vigorous groaning until our
forces arrived. Took part in the Tullahoma campaign. Was at
Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. On the Atlanta campaign was present at Rocky
Face, Resaca, the battles around New Hope Church and Kenesaw
l^ountain. Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta; in the pursuit of
Hood, on the march to the sea, the campaign of the Carolinas; Ben-
tonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives in Chicago.
RICHARD J. GAGE. Age 20; born in New Hampshire; farmer;
unlisted from Brookfield, August 12, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign; wounded in the breast at Hartsville. Was in the Tullahoma
campaign, and one of the ten who stormed the rebel stockade at
Elk River. Was at Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chicka-
mauga, where he was captured while assisting a wounded Lieu-
tenant (Bishop) of Bridge's Battery. Was sent to Richmond and
confined in the Pemberton building, opposite Libby; was paroled
March 12, 1864, and sent north. Rejoined the Regiment before Kene-
■saw Mountain. Was severely wounded In the battle of Peach Tree
Creek, July 20, 1864, in three places, and crippled for life. Sent to
hospital at rear and finally discharged on account of wounds,
February' 5, 1865. Is a farmer, and lives near Marseilles. 111.
GEORGE L. GILBERT. Enlisted from La Salle, August 14, 1862;
deserted October 26, 1862. As he was but fourteen years old when he
enlisted, we can hardly hold him responsible. The Adjutant General's
report does not explain this and it is to be regretted.
ALEXANDER M. HURIN. Age 24; born in Brown County, Ohio;
was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville; at Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. Took part in the Atlanta cam-
paign; was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek and Jonesboro; in the
pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea, in the Carolina campaign,
and at Eentonville. Always on hand*. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Lives at Seneca, 111.
RUFUS E. C. HURIN. Enlisted from Allen, August 12, 1862;
marched through Kentucky to Bowling Green; left there sick, and
died November 14, 1862. His was the second or third death in the
Regiment.
AYRES HALL. Enlisted from Grand Rapids, August 12. 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign; in the Tullahoma campaign; at
Chickamauga; in the Atlanta campaign and battles; 6n the march
to the sea and through the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
PEMBROOKE S. HUTTON. Enlisted from Grand Rapids, Au-
gust 12, 1862; farmer; was in the march through Kentucky to Harts-
ville. At the time of that battle, on detail -at Gallatin. Took part in
the Tullahoma campaign; present at Davis Cross Roads. Killed in
the battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863.
GEORGE U HOUGHTON. Enlisted from Brookfield, August 12,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign; on detail at the time of the
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign; at Elk River. Was
in the Chickamauga campaign, at Davis Cross Roads and Chicka-
mauga. In the Atlanta campaign and that of t,he Carolinas. Mus-
tered out June 6. 1865. His present address is unknown.
ROBERT HARE. Enlisted, from Brookfield, August 12, 1862;
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 425
was in the battle of Hartsville; the Tullahoma campaign, and one of
the "forlorn hope" at Elk River. Was at Davis Cross Roads,
Chickamuga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta
campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood, on the march
to the sea, and through the Carolinas; Benton ville. Mustered out
June 6, 1865.
WILLIAM H., JONES. Age 18; bom in Ohio; mason; enlisted
from Brookfleld August 7, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and
the march to Hartsville; on detail at time of battle; was at Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge; in the Atlanta campaign was present
at Buzzard Roost — of Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, where August 14, 1864,
he was wounded in and lost the sight of his left eye. Was on the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Lives at San Jose, Cal.
SAMUEL A. LYONS. Age 22; born in Pennsylvania; enlisted
from Brookfleld August 14, 1862; was at Hartsville, Davis Cross
Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the
Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks. Sent back sick to Nashville
and was in that battle. Ab^nt at muster out of regiment. Lives at
Piano, 111.
MARCUS J. LANE. Enlisted from Allen August 13, 1862; was
in the Kentucky can^paign to Hartsville; on detail at time of battle.
In the Chickamauga campaign; at Davis Cross Roads; the battles
of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the
Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost — of Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, the pursuit of Hood, the
march to the sea, and through the Carolinas; Benton ville, wounded
in the latter battle. Mustered out May 26, 1865. Lives at Ransom,
111. Is a farmer.
ALEXANDER H. LANE. Enlisted from Allen August 13, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and marched to Hartsville; at time
-of battle on detail. In the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns.
Was at Elk River; the action of Davis Cross Roads; the battles of
-Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta
campaign was present at Rocky Pace, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek; at the latter place was mortally
wounded August 7, 1864. Died October 4, 1864.
JOSEPH W. LAING. Enlisted from i.a Salle August 5, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville. In the
Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Atlanta and Carolina campaigns.
Mustered out June 6, 1865.
THOMAS S. LAW. Enlisted from Grand Rapids August 12,
1862; transferred to V. R. C. March 15, 1865.
MELVIN P. MILLER. Enlisted from Brookfleld August 12, 1862.
"Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Gaylord, Kan.
GEORGE MOORE. Age 32; born in New York; farmer; enlisted
from Brookfleld August 5, 1862; was at Hartsville, Davis Cross
Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was
at Nashville on detached duty and discharged there June 9, 1865.
Lives at Ayr, Neb. Is a farmer, contractor and builder.
CHARLES O. MARCELLUS. Age 23; born in New York;
farmer; enlisted from Brookfleld August 7, 1862; discharged March
426 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
13, 1863, for disability. Re-enlisted April 6, 1866, and transferred
to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. Lives at Stockville, Neb. Is a
farmer.
WILLIAM P. NEWCOMB. Enlisted from Waltham August 14,
1862. >larched on the Kentucky and Tennessee campaigns to
Hartsville. On detail at Gallatin during battle. Was in the
Tullahoma eampaign; present at action of Davis Cross Roads; the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, K!bnesaw Mountain.
Was wounded in front of latter June 22, 1864. Absent, sick, at
muster out of Regiment.
JOSEPH R. PLOWMAN. Age 24; born in Pennsylvania; farmer;,
enlisted from Dimmick August 14, 1862. Transferred to V. R. C,
January 25. 1864. Mustered out at Detroit, Mich., July 5, 1865. Lives-
at Pontiac. 111.
CHARLES G. PHILLIPS. Age 23; born in Canada; farmer;
enlisted August 12, 1862, from Ottawa. Was in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present
at Buzzard Roost — of Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. After the
fall of Atlanta went to Nashville for mules. Afterward detailed as
scout at division headquarters. Was on the march to the sea and
through South Carolina. Captured with Captain Ross at Stroud's
Mill, S. C, February 26, 1865. Mustered out May 24, 1865, at Spring-
field. Lives at White City, Kan. In real estate and insurance
business. See "Notes," elsewhere.
LIFEE H. POWERS. Enlisted from Ottawa August 11, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and wounded in the head at
Hartsville, where he fought bravely. Was in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the
battle of Chickamauga. Transferred to V. R. C, January 30, 1864.
JOHN T. POWERS. Age 16; enlisted from Brookfleld August
11, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and marched to Hartsville,
but was on detail at Gallatin at time of battle. Was in the Tullahoma
campaign and one of the ten volunteers to capture the stockade at
Elk River. Was in the action of Davis Cross Roads; in the battles
of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the
Atlanta campaign was present at Rocky Face, Resaca, New Hope
Church, Kenesaw Mountain. Killed at Peach Tree Creek, July 20,.
1864. His last words were: "Tell my mother I have tried to do my
duty to my country, and die a Christian."
JOHN H. POWERS. Age 30; born in St. Clair County, 111.;
farmer; was in part of the Kentucky campaign, but was taken side
left at Bowling Green and discharged there in December, 1862, on
account of typhoid pneumonia. Adjutant General's Report is wrongs
Powers did not die at Bowling Green, but recovered, and in 1874,.
moved to Nebraska and engaged in farming. Was nominated for
Governor on the Independent ticket in 1880. Was, according to
the returns, defeated by a plurality of 1,177 votes; a contest entered,
but never tried. It thus appears that Mr. Powers is still a pretty
lively man. He lives at Trenton, Neb.
SAMUEL G. PAYNE. Enlisted from Grand Rapids August 12^
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns. In the Atlanta campaign
and that of the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 42T
JOHN PETEft. Enlisted from Grand Rapids August 8, 1862;
was in tke Kentucky campaign and wounded in the wrist at Harts-
ville. Absent, sick, at muster out of Regiment.
JOHN RINKER. Age 22; bom in Germany; farmer; was in the
battle of Hartsville; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost —
of Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek.
Wounded in the latter battle in the right leg. Mustered out in May,
1865. Lives near Marseilles, 111. Is a farmer.
REUBEN F. REYNOLDS. Enlisted from Brookfield August 4,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. In
the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns, at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. In the Atlanta
campaign, the march to the sea and through the Carolinas. Mustered
out June 6. 1865.
REUBEN S. SMALLEY. Age 23; born in Pennsylvania; farmer;
enlisted from Brookfield August 12, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and in the battle of Hartsville. In the Tullahoma
campaign at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads. Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. During the Atlanta campaign wa»
detailed in Commissary Department. Was in that caempaign and
the march to the sea, and through the Carolinas. Mustered out June
6, 1865. Lives near Ransom, III. Is a farmer and stock raiser and
takes an active interest in the Grand Army and public affairs.
ANSON S. SMITH. Age 26; bom in Derby, Conn.; enlisted from
Brookfield August 7, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and
marched to Hartsville. At time of battle there, was on detail at
Gallatin. Was in the Tullahoma and Chiclcamauga campaigns; was
present at Elk River; Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the latter, was
severely wounded. Discharged on account of wounds. May 6, 1864.
Lives at Huntington, Conn. Is a farmer.
WILLIAM H. SMITH. Enlisted from Grand Rapids August 7^
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville.
In the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River; the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta
campaign and that of the( Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
GEORGE H. SNEDAKER. Enlisted from Brookfield August 14,.
1S62; discharged. Lives in Kansas.
BALTZER SCHAUB. Age 20; enlisted from Dimmick August
14, 1862; farmer; marched through Kentucky to Hartsville. On
detail at Gallatin at time of battle. Took part in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns: was at Elk Rivet*, Davis Cross Roads,.
Chickamauga. Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Wounded in
left knee at Chickamauga. In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard
Roost — of Rocky Face, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta. Utoy
Creek, Jonesboro; the pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea, through
the Carolinas: Bentonville. Was never absent from first to last.
Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JAMES SPINK. Enlisted from Allen, August 13. 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickmauga cam-
paigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of
Chickamauga. Was at I^ookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the
428 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Atlanta campaign and that of the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Lives at Northfleld, Minn.
JOSEPH L. SAPP. Enlisted from Brookfield August 12, 1862;
marched through the Kentucky campaign to Hartsville where he was
killed December 7, 1862, being hit almost at the same instant, by
three balls in the head, mouth and breast.
OLIVER M. SKEEL. Age 25; born in Putnam County, 111.;
farmer; enlisted from Grand Rapids August 7, 1862; was at
Hartsville and on picket at time of battle, seized a horse and escaped,
not being able to Join the command. Was in the subsequent
campaigns; present at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign;
•on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives at Sandwich, 111.
MICHAEL H. STEWARD. Age 26; born in Preble County. Ohio;
farmer; enlisted from Dimmick August 14, 1862; was in the battles
of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Mustered
out June 6, 1865. Lives at Urbana, 111. Is a farmer.
FITCH SMITH. Age 23; born in Connecticut; farmer; enlisted
from Grand Rapids August 14, 1862; marched through Kentucky to
Hartsville. On detail at Gallatin at time of battle. In the TuUahoma
campaign and at Elk River. Took part in the Atlanta campaign,
present at Buzzard Roost — of Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro; in the pursuit
of Hood, the march to the sea and through the Carolinas. Was
detailed at Goldsboro on the escort of General Slocum. Mustered
•out June 6, 1865. Lives at Council Bluffs, Iowa.
GEORGE TAYLOR. Enlisted from Grand Rapids August 12,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in
the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. At Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign and battles, on the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered
•out June 6, 1865. Lives at Streator, 111.
DAVID TULLIS. Enlisted from Grand Rapids August 7, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Transferred to V. R. C. February
15, 1864.
JOHN C. VAREL. Enlisted from Serena August 12, 1862;
discharged for disability t)ecember 21, 1863.
JOHN K. VREELAND. Enlisted from Grand Rapids August 12,
1862; deserted June 15, 1863.
SPRAGUE L. WOODWARD. Enlisted from Grand Rapids
August 12, 1862; discharged for disability August 9, 1863.
LEMUEL F. WALLACE. Age 20; born in Brown County, Ohio;
farmer; enlisted from Grand Rapids August 12, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville; the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads;
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
Was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope
Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks. Taken
sick and sent back. Rejoined Regiment at Washington. Mustered
out June 6, 1865. Lives at Piper City, 111. Is a farmer.
ROBERT S. WALLACE. Enlisted from Grand Rapids August
7, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in
the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
•Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 429^
In the Atlanta campaigns and battles. Was on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas to Bentonvllle. Mustered out June G,
1865. Lives at Paxton, Neb.
ORA D. WALBRIDGE. Age 20; born in Marseilles, 111.; farmer;,
enlisted from Rutland August 14, iS62; was id the Kentucky
campaign, severely wounded in the right arm at Hartsville.
Discharged on account of wounds May 5, 1864. Lives at Marseilles, 111.
RECRUITS.
GROVER C. CLARK. Age 18; born in Genesee County, New
York; farmer; enlisted from Brookfleld February 24, 1864. Joined
the Regiment at Dalton on a Sunday evening and received his
baptism of fire the next morning. Was present in all the engage-
inents from that time on and saw the realities of war at Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks and Jonesboro. Was in the
pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea, on the Carolina campaign
and at Bentonville. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
Discharged July 12, 1865. Is a Methodist minister, located, 1895, at
Princeton, 111.
PETER COON. Enlisted from Marseilles April 11, 1865. Trans-
ferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
WILLIAM A. GREENLESS. Enlisted from Grand Rapids
February 16, 1865. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
DANIEL HARVEY. Enlisted from Rutland April 11, 1865.
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
WILLIAM H. HALL. Enlisted from Rutland April 11, 1865.
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
DAVID R. JOHNSON. Enlisted February 14, 1865. Died at
Philadelphia, Pa., March 23, 1865.
WILLIAM McCORMICK. Age 18; born in Ireland; farmer; en-
listed from Grand Rapids, February 16, 1865. Transferred to Thirty-
fourth Illinois Infantry. Lives at Ransom, 111.
GEORGE ROLLER. Enlisted from Rutland April 11, 1865.
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
HENRY SHAPLAND. Enlisted from Grand Rapids April 5..
1865. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
GEORGE E. VERMETTE. Enlisted from Rutland April 11, 1865..
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
STATISTICS OF COMPANY D.
Total enlistment Ill
Killed and mortally wounded 14
Wounded 24
Resigned 3
Discharged for wounds 9
Discharged for disability 12
Discharged for accidental wound 1
Discharged for promotion 4
Died of disease 5
Mustered out June 6, 1865 31
Mustered out at other dates 6
Transferred to V. R. C 7
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry 11
Absent, sick, at muster out h
Deserted 3
Known to be living (December, 1894 56"
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Company E — How and Where Orgranlzed— Roster and Blogra-"
phies— Statistics.
SKETCH OP COMPANY E.
This company was recruited at Ottawa between
the 7th and 15th of August, 1862, by John S. H. Doty,
W. W. Calkins and others. The original enlistment
paper in the possession of the writer contains the names
of one hundred and thirteen men who intended to
serve their country. One hundred and one were mus-
tered into the service of the United States August 27th,
1862. The company was made up of men from Ottawa,
South Ottawa and the surrounding townships. Sev-
enty-three had been farmers who proposed to turn their
ploughshares into swords, speaking figuratively. The
professions were represented by jtwo, and trades by the
rest. The company waijg a replresentative one of the
best American soldiers physically and mentally. At
least twenty would have made fine officers. An old
muster-roll states the average height of the one hun-
dred and one to be five feet nine inches; the average
age twenty-five years. Thirty-two were married; six-
ty-three unmarried. When the ranks were full and
overflowing the company was organized. John S. H.
Doty was elected Captain, Milton Strawn First Lieu-
tenant, Ransom P. Dewey Second Lieutenant. Wil-
liam W. Calkins was appointed First Sergeant, Henry
A. Doty, Homer A. Wilson, Robert A. Bratton and
George W. Cummins Sergeants. Thomas Weeks, John
D. King, Lyman L. Nattinger, David V. Diehl, Will-
iam J. Anderson, Chester Martin, Hilon L. Mead and
Almon C. Wilsey were appointed Corporals. The com-
pany was duly incorporated in the One Hundred and
Fourth as "E" and was known as the (?olor Company,
carrying the regimental flag, in battle a post of honor
and danger. That Company E served as a fair target
Capt J. S. H. Doty, Co. E.
W. A. Kain, Co. E.
Lieut. W. W. Calkins, Co. E.
C. H. Brown, Co. E.
Capt. R. P. Dewey, Co. E.
Sergt. W. H. Conard, Co. E.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 431
for the enemy, was well proven on many bloody fields
afterwards. Having been duly mustered into the ser-
vice and having enjoyed a few days of camp life at
Ottawa, the order to march came and Company E left
for the front at Louisville. There, after some delay,
clothing and arms were issued and in the intervals of
moving camp or marching, the men were drilled regu-
larly every day from four to six hours. But Bragg
was then rapidly approaching Louisville and the One
Hundred and Fourth took up very soon that long line
of marches, campaigns, and battles, ending only at
Bentonville, on the other side of the continent. With
the Regiment Company E marched in pursuit of Bragg
to Frankfort, thence to Bowling Green, Ky., and from
there to Tompkinsville and Hartsville, Tenn. At the
latter place December 7th, 1862, Company E made its
first bloody sacrifice. Lieutenant Milton Strawn was
mortally wounded; Corporals Thomas Weeks, John D.
King, David V. Diehl were killed; Edward J. Curtis,
George Hemenover, Orville L. Moorhead, Samuel N.
Merriam and Roderick D. Reed were killed or mor-
tally wounded. Brave boys were they who thus fell
in their first battle. Fifteen others were wounded
seriously or slightly. Some of these had to be dis-
charged. In the TuUahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns Company E was ever found in the line of ijuty
and gave other lives to the cause. At Chickamauga
Seward, carrying the flag, fell mortally wounded. At
Mission Ridge the brave William A. Kain fell, and in
the Atlanta campaign the company lost many brave
men, including the chivalrous Captain Doty, killed at
Peach Tree Creek. The ranks had thinned day by day
from battle and disease, but the remnant under the
iron-nerved Dewey, promoted Captain July 20th, 1864,
marched on to share with Sherman the triumph oft
Atlanta, the pursuit of Hood, and the final campaigns
to Savannah and through the Carolinas, ending with
Bentonville. The record of Company E is a part of
that of the One Hundred and Fourth, whose fame it
helped to make. The company had during its term of
43Z THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
service forty-seven men killed and wounded; of this,
number twenty were killed or mortally wounded, ex-
ceeding by three the death loss by battle of any other
company. There were no resignations in this company •^
ROSTER OF THE COMPANY.
CAPTAIN JOHN SAMUEL HAY DOTY. Age 23; born In Carlyle^
Pa.; carpenter; was first In the three months' service, enUsting
April 15, 1861; enlisted again August 7, 1862, and began raising men
for a company; was elected Captain unanimously and led his men.
in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville; was cap-
tured there, but escaped. See "Notes." In the TuUahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns, Captain Doty was present, and was in the actions
of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga.
Was one of the besieged at Chattanooga, and commanded his com-
pany at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign he participated in the actfon at Buzzard Roost, of Rocky Face^
the battles around Resaca, New Hope Church and Kenesaw Moun-
tain. At Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864, Captain Doty fell
mortally wounded — pierced by five bullets, and lived but a short
time. No more patriotic, brave or nobler soldier ever drew sword
in his country's cause. Every man in the Regiment considered it a
personal bereavement. To some of his own boys who crowded
around, he said with dying breath: "Take care of those rebels first
and see to me afterwards." His last words were: "Tell my father
that I die for the fiag. Good bye, boys." His remains were borne
to his home and now rest in the cemetery at Ottawa on the banks
of the Illinois.
CAPTAIN RANSOM P. DEWEY. Age 22; born in Tioga County,
Pa.; farmer; enlisted from Ottawa, April 17, 1861, in Company I, Elev-
enth Illinois; three months' service; enlisted again August 7, 1862; was
elected Second Lieutenant; was in the Kentucky campaign and bat-
tle of Hartsville, Tenn.; promoted First Lieutenant for meritorious-
services; date of commission, December 22, 1862. He participated in
the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns and was present at the
actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the skir-
mishes at Graysville and Taylor's Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign
was present at Buzzard Roost, the battles around Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of
Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Promoted Captain for meritorious
services; date of commission, July 20, 1864. He took part in the
pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea and through the Carolinas, to
Bentonville, closing his continuous service at the end of the war
without being absent a day from the Regiment. He was a brave
. and capable officer and so regarded. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Lives at l^arseilles 111.
FIRST LIEUTENANT MILTON STRAWN. Lieutenant Strawn
was the son of James and Hope Strawn, early settlers of La Salle
County, and was born in Ottawa, December 25, 1836. He grew to
manhood in his native town and after attending school some years-
entered the law ofilce of Hon. E. S. Leland, in 1859. He was admitted'
to the bar in April, 1862, and gave promise of a future bright career.
W. M.Wilson, Co E.
Chas Ruger. Co. E.
Lieut M. Strawn, Co. E.
John Wallace. Co. E.
Jas. M. Hills. Co. E.
Jas. D Lawrence, Co. E.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS.
439
But the tremendous iBsues then before the country called strongly
upon him to enlist, and he would have done so earlier had not the
care of his widowed mother and younger brothers prevented. He
enlisted August 9, 1862, and was elected First Lieutenant of Com^
pany B. Going with the Regiment to the front he was In the Ken-
tucky campaign and that in Tennessee, culminating in the battle
of Hartsville, December 7, 1862. On the night of the 6th, he was
in command on the picket line near the ford of the Cumberland*
When the enemy attacked he and the reserves joined the company
on the field and he bravely performed his duty there until shot
down by a ball in the right leg. The wound was of so serious a
nature that amputation became necessary, and although every pos-^
sible care and attention was given him at the private house to
which he had been removed, he was unable to rally and died Decem-
ber 22d. Lieutenant William Strawn, who was with him at the
time, said: ''His life in the army was singularly pure and noble, in
all things he was a pattern of manliness and honor, of purity of
heart and motive." This is also the testimony of his brother officers
and comrades. His remains were conveyed to Ottawa, and con-
signed to rest on the banks of the beautiful Illinois.
FIRST LIEUTENANT WILLIAM W. CALKINS. Age 19; bOra
In the Township of Farm Ridge, but lived during the greater part
of his early life in Deer Park and was raised a farmer. The family
removed from old Connecticut at an early day. Lieutenant Calkins'
grandfather on his father's side fought under General Stark at the
battle of Bennington, and he had several brothers who were also in
the army of the Revolution. The subject of this sketch enlisted from
Deer Park, August 7, 1862. He was appointed First Sergeant and
was with his company in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of
Hartsville. Was promoted Second Lieutenant for meritorious
services, his commission being dated December 22, 1862, and he was
until 1864 the youngest commissioned officer in the Regiment. When
the One Hundred and Fourth was attached to Beatty's Brigade at
Murfreesboro in 1863, Lieutenant Calkins was detached as Aide de
Camp on the stafT of General John Beatty, and served in that capacity
in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns, being present every
hour, and in the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; also both
days of the battle of Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1863.
Towards the close of the second day's battle he was wounded in the
right leg on the famous ''Horseshoe Ridge" while the rebels were
charging, and was taken prisoner there. He was sent from the battle-
field to Libby Prison, where he remained seven months and seven
days; was afterwards transferred to ^acon, Ga., and there selected by
the rebels as one of the five hundred officers to be put under the fire of
our own batteries (Gilmore's) at Charleston, S. C. That was re-
garded as an amusement and the object the rebels had in view, failed.
Lieutenant Calkins was next sent to Columbia, S. C, and escaped
from there (Camp Sorghum) November 28, 1864. by running the
guard. After ten nights of travel, he reached the sea coast at the
mouth of the San tee River and was rescued by the United States
Steamer Nipsic; was a prisoner of war fourteen months and sick
unto dying eight months of that time. For meritorious services
promoted First Lieutenant, July 20, 1864. After his escape he par-
tially recovered his health and rejoined the army in March, 186&,
first going to Charleston, where he was put in command of the First
434 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
I Battalion, Third Brigade, Coast Division, under General Jonn F.
^ Hatch. Subsequently, was ordered to rejoin his Regiment and did
f 00 in North Carolina, and was present at Johnston's surrender. He
I marched with the army to Washington, participated in the Grand
^ Review, and was mustered out June 6, 1865; then returning home
• was sick for several years in consequence of his prison life. In
j 1870, he removed to Chicago and still lives there. If there is one
[ thing more than another especially valued by him, it is that he was
a participant in the war for the Union, and a member of the One
Hundred and Fourth, whose history he has written.
SERGEANT HENRY A. DOTY. Age 25; born in Pennsylvania;
carpenter; enlisted August 7, 1862, from Ottawa; appointed Second
Sergeant; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Harts-
YiUe. Dischai^ed April 14, 1863, as First Sergeant; disability. Lives
at Bloomington, 111.
SERGEANT HOMER A. WILSON. Age 25; bom in Indiana;
Srain buyer; enlisted from Ottawa, August 7, 1862; appointed Third
Sen^eant; was in the battle of Hartsville and wounded in the arm.
Promoted First Sergeant. Transferred to V. R. C, January 2, 1864.
SERGEANT ROBERT A. BRATTON. Age 22; born in Penn-
sylvania; farmer; enlisted from Ottawa, August 12, 1862; appointed
j Fourth Sergeant; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma
i and Chickamauga campaigns; was in the actions of Elk River and
Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
1 and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buz-
I sard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around Kene-
' saw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. In the latter battle was
severely wounded and discharged for wound, as First Sergeant, May
13, 1865. He was a brave soldier.
SERGEANT GEORGE W. CUMMINS. Age 18; born in Indiana;
merchant; enlisted from Ottawa, August 7, 1862; appointed Fifth
Sergeant; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Harts-
ville, where he was wounded in the head. In the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; was in the actions of Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Took part in the
Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church,
the battles around Kenesaw Mountain, again wounded June 22,
1864, by a piece of shell in the breast; was at Peach Tree Creek, the
siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood; on
the march to the sea and through the Carollnas to Benton ville;
promoted First Sergeant for meritorious services. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives in San Francisco, Cal., 848 Valencia Street.
George would take another chew of tobacco while the bullets were
flying, with as much sang froid as though sitting around the camp
flre.
SERGEANT WILLIAM J. ANDERSON. Age 19; born in New
York; clerk; enlisted from Ottawa, August 9, 1862; appointed Cor-
poral; was in the battle of Hartsville and wounded in the arm; was
in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; was at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. Promoted Sergeant. Was at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree
Creek. At the latter severely wounded in the neck, and absent
wounded at the muster out of Regiment.
HEGIMENT n. LINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 435
SERGEANT WILLIAM H. CONARD. Age 18; born in Ohio:
fanner; enlisted from Serena, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and the battle of Harfsville; in the Tullahoma and
<:;hickamauga campaigns; was present at Elk River and Davis Cross
Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga; in the battles of Lookout
fountain and Mission Ridge and the skirmishes following. Pro-
moted Corporal for meritorious services May 1, 1864; was in the
Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, the battles around Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. In the
latter battle was severely wounded in the right shoulder and was
sent to hospital, thence home. On recovering he rejoined the Regi-
ment at Goldsboro, N. C^ and participated in the last campaign.
Promoted Sergeant April 7, 1865, for meritorious services. Mus-
tered out June 6, 1865. A soldier who could be counted upon in a
tight place. On his return home he was tendered a commission as
Lieutenant in the Regular Army by Hon. B. C. Cook, then a mem-
ber of Congress from the Ottawa district, but declined. Lives near
Ransom, 111. Has been, since the war, engaged successfully in farm-
ing and stock raising, and has held the office of Supervisor of the
Township of Allen. See "Incidents.*'
CORPORAL THOMAS WEEKS. Age 41; bom In England;
^ood turner; enlisted from Ottawa, August 16, 1862; appointed Cor-
poral; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsvllle,
Tllle, where he was killed December 7, 1862. He was a quiet man,
attentive to duty and a brave soldier. His death caused deep regret.
CORPORAL JOHN D. KING. Age 20; bom in Michigan; black-
smith; enlisted from Ottawa, August 9, 1862; appointed Corporal;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsvllle. where he
fought bravely until mortally wounded by a rebel bullet* in the heat
t>f battle.
CORPORAL LYMAN L. NATTINGER. Age 17; born in Ohio;
wogon maker; enlisted from Ottawa, August 7, 1862; appointed Cor-
poral; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsvllle,
where he was wounded at base of skull; was taken prisoner and for
a while in the rebel hospital at Murfreesboro; was taken to various
prisons, finally landing in Libby; exchanged at City Point; rejoined
the Regiment at Camp Douglas and went with it to the front in
April, 1863. He was in the Chickamauga campaign; at Elk River
and Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca. Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy
Creek, Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at
"San Jose, Cal.
CORPORAL DAVID V. DIEHL. Age 23; bom in Ohio; farmer;
enlisted from Deer Park, August 11, 1862; appointed Corporal; he
was in the Kentucky campaign, and battle of Hartsvllle, where he
was killed December 7, 1862. Corporal Dlehl was six feet two and
one-half inches in height, and fell facing the foe.
CORPORAL CHESTER MARTIN. Age 29 r born in New York;
farmer; enlisted from Ottawa, August 9, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsvllle. Died at home, March 10, 1864.
CORPORAL HILON L. MEAD. Age 27; bom in Ohio; teacher;
enlisted from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; appointed Corporal; marched
through Kentucky to Hartsvllle. At time of the battle was with the
supply train at Gallatin. Remained there on duty in the com-
486 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
missary department until he Joined the Regiment near Kenesaw^
Mountain in 1864. Was in the. battle of Peach Tree Creek anct
mounded on the head; went to hospital at Chattanooga and
Nashville. Rejoined the Regiment, after being on duty at Chatta-
nooga, in North Carolina. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives In.
Tacoma T^ash Is a lawver
CORPORAL ALMON C. WILSEY. Age 30; born in New York;
boatman; enlisted from Ottawa, August 15, 1862; appointed Cor-
poral; was in the battle of Hartsville. Transferred to V. R. C*
January 16, 1864. Lives in Chicago.
CORPORAL HENRY JONES. Age 44; born in Ohio; farmer;
enlisted from Utica, August 14, 1862; was in the battleof Hartsville,.
and in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. Was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Took part in the^
pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea and through the Carolinas;
promoted Corporal for meritorious service. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Was a soldier always ready for duty in camp or battle. No
soldier was more pfompt at all times.
CORPORAL JARED K. KIMBALL. Age 40; born in Connecti-
cut; mason; enlisted from Utica. August 14, 1862; was in the battle
of Hartsville; the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga. Lookout Mountain andr
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain. Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas; at Bentonville; promoted Corporal for
meritorious service. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Last heard of in
Kansas. There was no discount on Jerry, who was sometimes called
"ICansas **
CORPORAL WILLIAM WILKINSON. Age 22; born in England;
farmer; enlisted from Dayton, August 14, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville and in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at
Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge; wounded in the latter battle. Was in the skir-
mishes at Graysville and Taylor's Ridge; in the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,.
Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Took part in the pursuit
of Hood, the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Ben-
tonville. Promoted Corporal for meritorious service. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Moved to Kansas, residence not known.
DAVID A. WISHER. Musician; age 20; born in Ohio; farmer;
enlisted from Rutland. August 11, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
ville and badly wounded in the hand. Discharged for wound Aprir
14, 1863.
JOHN G. DEBOLT. Musician; age 26; bom in Illinois; farmer;
enlisted from Rutland. August 14, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
ville. V{as in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost. Resaca, New
Hope Church; mortally wounded July 9th. n^r Kenesaw Mountain;:
died July 10, 1864.
JOHN PARROTT. Age 29; born in Ohio; wagoner; enlisted from
Rutland, August 11. 1862: farmer; was in all the campaigns. Mus-
tered out June 6. 1865. Died several years ago.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 437
JOHN W. ABBOTT. Age 22; born in New York; farmer; enlisted
from Grand Rapids August 11, 1S62; was in the battle of
Hartsville; the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; the bat-
tles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek. Killed in the latter battle, July 20, 1864.
THOMAS ABBOTT. Age 19; born in New Jersey; farmer; en-
listed from Grand Rapids, August 11, 1862; was in the battle of
Jiartsville and in the Tullahoma campaign. Discharged December
9, 1863; disability. Lives in Nebraska.
SILAS H. BREESB. Age 19; bom in Illinois; farmer; enlisted
from Serena, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and
battle of Hartsville. Taken sick and transferred to V. R. C, Sep-
tember 30, 1863. Discharged July 7, 1865. Lives at Forest City, la.
ISAAC BAUMGARDNER. Age 29; bom in Pennsylvania;
worker in metals; enlisted from Ottawa, August 11, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville and the Tullahoma campaign, ^as attacked
with chronic rheumatism and discharged January 9, ^64. Lives at
Ottawa, 111.
EDWIN A. BOYCE. Age 28; bom in New York; farmer; en-
iisted from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was, in the Kentucky campaign
and the battle of Hartsville. Died in Chicago, March 19, 1863.
CHARLES H. BROWN. Age 29; born in Newport, R. I.; farmer;
enlisted from Deer Park, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and the battle of Hartsville, where he was wounded in the
neck. Was in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Was in
the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Taken sick
and transferred to V. R. C, February 29, 1864. Discharged Septem-
ber 26, 1864, on account of heart disease or neuralgia. Charley was
a crack shot and faithful to his duty. Lives at Ogalalla, Neb. Is
In the real estate business, but has had poor health since the war.
GEORGE H. BAILEY. Age 24; born In Connecticut; farmer;
enlisted from Ottawa, August 15, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
Yiile and the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River,
J)avls Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Not living.
ALEXANDER COYLE. Was in the Chickamauga campaigif, at
Davis Cross Roads and Chickamauga. In the Atlanta campaign and
that of the Carolinas. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
JAMES T. CUNNINGHAM. Age 20; bom In New York; glass
<jTitt«r; first enlisted in 1861, in the Twelfth New York Infantry,
Company E. Was in the first battle of Bull Run and was wounded by
the saber cut of a rebel cavalryman. Discharged after four months'
service. Enlisted again from Ottawa, August 18, 1862; was in the
Kentucky, Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads and Chickamauga. Wounded severely in the
latter battle in the ankle; in Nashville hospital until discharged for
wound, February 22, 1864. Lives in Chicago and is engaged ii^ the
newspaper business.
FREDERICK CREGGER. Age 29; born in Germany; farmer;
^enlisted from Deer Park, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
438 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
paign and the battle of Hartsville; in the Tiillahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Gross Eoads; at Chlcka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta
campaign at Buzzard Hoost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree-
and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood, on the mig*clL
to the sea and through the Carolinas; at Benton ville. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives in Deer Park, 111. ; is a farmer.
EDWARD J. CURTIS. Age 21; born in Illinois; farmer; en-
listed from Waltham, August 11, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam>
paign and the battle of Hartsville, where he was killed, December
7, 1862. He was much esteemed by all.
JOSEPH W. CONARD. Age 20; born in Licking County, Ohio;
farmer; enlisted from Serena, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and battle of Hartsville, where he was slightly wounded
under the left eye; flred the first shot at Hartsville that alarmed
the camp; was in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River, Davis ^ross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga, receiving
in the latter a severe gunshot wound. Was also in the battles around
Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek; in the various skirmishes,
in front of Atlanta; at Utoy Creek and Jonesboro. Was in the pur-
suit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to
Bentonville. When Joe fired some one dropped. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives at Buckley, 111. Is engaged in farming and
raising fine Jersey cows.
PETER DUNN. Age 18; born in Scotland; farmer; enlisted from
Ottawa, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle
of Hartsville; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at
Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Was
in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church and the battles around Kenesa«^
Mountain. Killed at Peach Tree Creek, July 20, 1864. Was a brave
and faithful soldier and grit to the backbone.
WILLIAM H. DEUKERT. Age 19; born in Illinois; farmer-
enlisted from Ottawa, August 16, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
ville. Discharged October 8, 1864; disability. Lives in Ottawa, 111.
LYSANDER DOWNING. Age 19; born in Lynn, Mass.; enlisted
from Serena, August 15, 1862; farmer; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of Hartsville; also in a part of the TuUahoma cam-
paign; taken sick and transferred to V. R. C, November 1, 1864;
was a Corporal in Company I, Seventeenth Regiment. Discharged
Jun*e 30. 1865. Lives in McMinnville, Ore. Is a farmer.
WILLIAM J. DAILY. Age 30; born in New York; farmer; en-
listed from Freedom, August 12, 1862;/va8'in the battle of Harts-
ville, and slightly wounded. Deserted January 6, 1863.
WILLARD M. ELLSWORTH. Age 22; born in Connecticut; en-
listed from Deer Park, August 11, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
ville and the TuUahoma campaign. Transferred to V. R. C. October
29. 1864.
LEVI EAMES. Age 28; born in Pennsylvania: farmer; enlisted
from Ottawa, August 12, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and
battle of Hartsville; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk River. Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga,
where he was taken prisoner September 20, 1863, sent to Richmond,,
thence to Anderson ville, and last seen in the prison at Macon, Ga.^
by Wallace; died there or at the former place.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. «»
THOMAS FERRIS. Age 23; born in New York; farmer; en-
listed from Ottawa, August 15, 1862; deserted September 6, 1862.
JEREMIAH GROVE. Age 23; born in Illinois; farmer; en-
listed from Rutland, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of Hartsville. In the Ghickamauga campaign from
Decherd, and was at Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Ghickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta cam-
paign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and
Utoy Greeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the mandi
to the sea. Taken sick at Savannah and died February 9, 1866.
JAMES L. GREEN. Age 22; bom in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from Dayton, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign, and at Elk River;
swam across that stream and scouted on the south side in advance
of our forces before the rebels had left the vicinity. At Gowan he
was detailed to drive an ammunition wagon. Was captured by
Wheeler's cavalry in the Sequatchie 'Valley during the siege c^
Ghattanooga, but escaped. Was in all the subsequent campaigns.
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Streator, IlL
JOHN W. HART. Age 23; born in Rhode Island; farmer; en-
listed from Deer Park, August 15, 1862; was at Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma campaign to Elk River; sunstruck, but recovered, and
was at Davis Gross Roads, ' Ghickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission, Ridge. Was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree and Utoy Greeks, Jonesboro. Was in pursuit of Hood, in
the march to the sea and through the Garolinas to Bentonville. Mus-
tered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Salina, Kan. Is a farmer and nearly
blind.
JAMES M. HILLS. Age 39; born in Sackett's Harbor, N. Y.;
bookkeeper; enlisted from Farm Ridge, August 14, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville and in the Tullahoma campaign. Was on detail
most of the time at brigade headquarters, being a fine penman and
accustomed to clerical work. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives in
Ghicago. Is cashier and bookkeeper and has been with the same
house since the war, always occupying positions of trust and re-
sponsibility.
EDWARD J. HARNEY. Age 27; born in Illinois; farmer; en-
listed from Freedom, August 14, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville.
Deserted Anril 12, 1863.
GEORGE HEMENOVER. Age 18; bom in Michigan; farmer;
enlisted from Rutland, August 11, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and in the battle of Hartsville, where he was killed, Decem-
ber 7. 1862. He was generous and brave.
JAGOB HURD. Age 39; born in Ganada; bridge builder; en-
listed from Ottawa, August 9, 1862. Deserted April 9, 1863.
JAMES F. HOLLAND. Age 23; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from Deer Park, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign
and battle of Hartsville. In the Tullahoma and Ghickamauga cam-
paigns; at Elk River, Davis Gross Roads, and the battle of Ghicka-
mauga. Was taken sick and died at Ghattanooga, November 3, 1863.
Always attentive to duty and never flinched.
ALBERT P. KEMP. Age 24; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted from
Utica. August 9. 1862: was in the battle of Hartsville. Discharged
April 24, 1865; disability.
440 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
WILLIAM A. KAIN. Age 21; born in Pennsylvania; farmer; en-
listed from Dayton, August 13, 1862; was in the battle of HarUyille;
in the Tullahoma and Ghickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads, and the battle of Ghickamauga. Was in the battles of
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the latter battle a rebebl
Bharpshooter, who had brought down several of our men, was himself
<iuieted by Kain, who shot left handed. The brave Kain was killed
soon after and the Regiment lost a noble soldier, whose memory
will always be pleasant to his comrades and those who knew him.
William M. Wilson says: "Billy Kain, who shot left handed, soon
flilenced that rebel so that he did not trouble us any more." William
frequently butchered cattle for the command, but his heart was
larger than those of the oxen he killed.
DAVID K. LATHROP. Age 39; bom in New York; farmer; en-
listed from South Ottawa, August 11, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
Tllle and part of the Tullahoma campaign. Taken sick; discharged
July 4, 1863.
OLIVER L. LAWRENCE. Age 29; born In New York; farmer;
unlisted from Utica, August 13, 1862; discharged.
JAMES LYLE. Age 22; bom in Massachusetts; farmer; enlisted
from Deer Park, August 14, 1862. He was in the Kentucky campaign
and battle of HartsviUe. Discharged December 12, 1862, for a serious
disability.
JAMBS D. LAWRENCE. Age 18; bom in Indiana; farmer;
enlisted from Serena, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of HartsviUe; in the Tullahoma campaign at Elk
River. Was in the action of Davis Cross Roads and the battles of
Ghickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the At-
lanta campaign; at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the
battles around Kenesaw, Peach Tree Greek and Utoy Greek, Jones-
l>oro. In the pursuit of Hood until taken sick with typhoid fever,
when he was sent from one hospital to another until mustered out,
Jifay 20, 1865. James always did his duty most faithfully.
LANGDON B. MORRILL. Age 27; born in New Hampshire;
fanner; enlisted from Deer Park, August 14, 1862; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign and battle of HartsviUe. Taken sick at Gamp Chase,
Ohio, and died January 15, 1863.
ALONZO W. MERRICK. Age 18; born in Indiana; farmer; en-
listed from Ottawa, August 13, 1862; discharged October 4, 1862;
disability. t
ORVILLE L. MOORHEAD. Age 24; born in Ohio; farmer; en-
listed from Deer Park, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and the battle of HartsviUe, where he was killed, December 7,
1862, by a bullet in the forehead and while in the act of firing on
the enemy; he was generous and brave.
SAMUEL N. MERRIAM. Age 20; bom in Massachusetts;
farmer; enlisted from Deer Park, August 13, 1862; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign and the battle of HartsviUe, where he was mortally
wounded and died a few days later. His death was mourned.
WILLIAM G. MIDDLETON. Age 25; bora in England; farmer;
unlisted from Dayton, August 14, 1862; was in the battle of HartsviUe
and the Tullahoma campaign. Died at Chattanooga, November 22,
1863.
FELIX M'CULLOUGH. Age 19; bora in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from Deer Park, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 441
imd the battle of HartsvIUe, where he was severely wounded In the
arm. At Camp Chase, Ohio, went to hospital; wound not having
been properly attended to, he died, December 28, 1862. He was a
brave soldier and his name an index of his nature.
JOHN M'CULLOUGH. Age 3D; bom in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from Deer Park, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign
and the battle of Hartsville. Took part in the TuUahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and
Chlckamauga. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek. Killed in the latter battle,
July 20, 1864. He was one of the bravest. See "Incidents."
JAMES Mccormick. Age 24; born in Illinois; farmer; enlisted
from Farm Ridge, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign
and the battle of Hartsville. Deserted April 12, 1863.
JAMES A. NEWELL. Age 19; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from Deer Park, August 13, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville.
Taken sick in 1863, but rejoined the Regiment and was in the battles
around Kenesaw Mountain; at Peach Tree 'and Utoy Creeks, JoneB-
boro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas; at Bentonville. James could be depended
upon every time. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Rockport,
Mo. Is a merchant.
JOHN W. NATTINGER. Age 29; born in Ohio; carpenter; en-
listed from South Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
ville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. In the Atlanta
t^mpaign; at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree and Utoy Creeks, and Jonesboro. In the campaign after Hood,
on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas; at Bentonville.
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at San Jose, Cal.
BENJAMIN PHILLIPS. Age 23; farmer; enlisted from UUca,
August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of
Hartsville, where he was wounded in the face severely, and slightly
in the neck. Discharged for wounds January 25, 1863. Lived at
Decatur, Neb. Died in 1894.
WILLIAM W. PILKINGTON. Age 19; born in Ohio; farmer;
unlisted from Allen, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and the battle of Hartsville. In the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle
of Chickamauga. In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca. New Hope Church and the battles around Kenesaw Moun-
tain. Mortally wounded at Peach Tree Creek, July 20, 1864, and died
shortly after. A fine soldier.
WILLIAM H. PEMBROOK. Age 20; born in Illinois; farmer;
enlisted from South Ottawa, August 15, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
CHARLES RUGER. Age 18; born in Illinois; farmer; enlisted
from Serena, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and
the battle of Hartsville. Took part in the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads, and the
battle of Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge, where he was wounded slightly; was in the engagements
tollowing the latter battle. In the Atlanta campaign he was present
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around
Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. Was in the numerous
442 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Bkirmishes in front of Atlanta. Was mortally wounded July 25^
1864, and died on the 26th. The Regiment lost one of its best soldiers,
when Charley Ruger died. His body was taken home by his father
and laid to rest in the family burying ground on the old farm.
WILLIAM C. ROSE. Age 50; born in New York; farmer; en-
listed from Deer Park. August 14, 1862; marched to Frankfort; dis-
charged October 15, 1862; disability. It can be said of him, "The
spirit was willing but the flesh was weak."
DAVID A. RUMPLE. Age 19; born in Perry County, Pa.;,
blacksmith; enlisted from South Ottawa, August 15, 1862; was in.
the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns, at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chicka-
mauga. Was in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope
Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jones-
boro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Always on hand. Mustered
out May 24, 1865. Lives in South Ottawa.
ROBERT ROBINSON. Age 33; born in Canada; farmer; en-
listed from Deer Park, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and the battle of Hartsville; discharged January 9, 1864; dis-
ability.
EDWARD C. RUSSELL. Age 21; born in New York; farmer;
enlisted from Deer Park, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and battle of Hartsville. In the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; was at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the
battle of Chickamauga. Was in the battles of Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was at Rocky Face, the
battles around Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain; at
Peach Tree Creek and Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit
of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Ben-
tonville. While at Savannah was one of one hundred picked men
selected by Major Widmer to charge the rebel breastworks across
the lagoon, in a night expedition. Mustered out June 6, 1865. His.
record speaks for itself. Lives in San Francisco, Cal.
ALFRED ROBERTS. Age 22; born in New York; farmer; en-
listed from Ottawa, August 9, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign
and seriously wounded in the battle of Hartsville. Discharged for
wound April 14, 1863.
JOHN P. REIGERT. Age 25; bom in Pennsylvania; farmer;
enlisted from Ottawa, August 9, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville;.
in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads, Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas. A good soldier and fine forager, generally
bringing in his mule loaded. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Died some
years ago.
RODERICK D. REED. Age 22; born in New York; enlisted from
Deer Park, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and the
battle of Hartsville, where he was killed, December 7, 1862. His
position, when he fell, was next to that of the writer, who remem-
bers the circumstance well and raised his head at the time. A gifted:
poet wrote a poem on his death, from which the following is ex-
tracted:
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 445:
"He Joined in the conflict and boldly did stand.
The battle raged fierce on the plain;
But soon fell the weapon from his faithful hand.
The noble young soldier was slain."
JOSEPH A. SHERMAN. Age 23; bom in Pennsylvania; mason;,
enlisted from South Ottawa^ August 13, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and the battle of Hartsville, where he was seriously
wounded in the arm. Discharged for wound, May 13, 1863.
CHARLES G. SMITH. Age 43; born in New York; carriage
maker; enlisted from South Ottawa, August 15, 1862; was in the battle
of Hartsville. Transferred to V. R. C, September 2, 1863.
WILLIAM H. SMITH. Age 32; born in Fayette County, Ind.;
farmer; enlisted from Utica, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga..
At Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign
was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was on the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Lives at Utica, 111.
HENRY B. SMITH. Age 27; born in Roxbury, Conn.; farmer;,
enlisted from Deer Park, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campagin;
at Elk River. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca^
New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Never missed anything^
but his rations and shot straight. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives
at Deer Park III
WILLIAM A. SMITH. Age 15; bom in Illinois. Discharged
October 15, 1862; disability.
JAMES G. SEWARD. Age 38; born in New York; carpenter;
enlisted from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and the battle of Hartsville, where he was wounded. In the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns at Elk River, Davis Crosa
Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga, where he was color bearer
and mortally wounded, dying at Chattanooga, October 22, 1863. He^
was a brave man.
JAMES C. SCHOONOVER. Age 22; born in New York; farmer;
enlisted from Freedom, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and the battle of Hartsville. Was in the Tullahoma cam-
paign and at Elk River. In the battles of Davis Cross Roads, Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign, was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church. Mortally
wounded before Kenesaw, May 30, 1864. Died June 26, 1864. Much
regretted.
ALBERT J. SCOVILL. Age 23; born in New York; painter; en-
listed from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville;
the Tullahoma campaign and at Elk River. In all the other cam-
paigns with the band and ambulance corps. Mustered out June
6, 1865.
RUSSELL WAIT. Age 29; born in Ohio; laborer; enlisted from
Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle
of Hartsville. In the Chickamauga campaign; at Lookout Moun-
444 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
tain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign and battles;
on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville.
Mustered out June 6, 1S65. Died several years ago.
WILLIAM M. WILSON. Age 18; bom in England; farmer;
enlisted from Adams, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and the battle of Hartsville. In the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; he was in the actions of Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads and the battle of Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1863.
In the skirmishes at Graysville and Taylor's Ridge, or Ringgold. In
the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, the battles around Kenesaw Mountain and Peach
Tree Creek, where he was severely wounded in the left shoulder
Joint, which was shattered. The surgeons made a resection and in
time Wilson partially recovered. Was discharged February 27,
1865, for wound. Lives at Spaulding, la., and is a farmer. There
are no fly-specks on his record. See "Incidents."
CHARLES W. WILSON. Age 29; bom in New York; farmer;
unlisted from Ottawa, August 13, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
Yille and wounded in the leg. Was in the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle
of Chickamauga. Absent, sick, at muster out of Regiment. Lives
«,t McCune, Kan. Is a farmer and grain dealer.
JOHN WALLACE. Age 23; bom in Dublin, Ireland, of Scotch
parentage; farmer; enlisted from South Ottawa, August 15, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville. In the Tullahoma campaign; at Elk
River; in the action of Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chicka-
mauga, where he was on the skirmish line and knocked over by
the concussion of a cannon ball hitting a tree, and was taken
prisoner. He was sent to Richmond and Danville; escaped from
the latter, but was recaptured and sent to Andersonville. Disguised
as a rebel, he escaped in November, 1864, and rode on a train to
Macon; there saw Levi Eames of Company E, who died in prison.
He then boarded a train for Savannah, but was detected by a rebel
•officer and startied back to prison. The train was captured by Kil-
patrick, and John was sent to Washington. Rejoined the Regi-
ment in the Carolinas and was. at Bentonville. Mustered out June
6, 1865. Lives at Pontiac, 111. Is a farmer and engineer and has
become wealthy.
WILLIAM A. WELLER. Age 39; born in New York; farmer;
•enlisted from Grand Rapids, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and at Hartsville. Discharged July 23, 1863; disability.
Died some years ago.j
• EVAN WYMAN. Age 26; born in Pennsylvania; enlisted from
South Ottawa, August 13, 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign
and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chicka-
mauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the
inarch to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Wounded
-slightly in the leg twice, once at Resaca and once in front of At-
lanta. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives in Omaha, Neb. Is in the
, book business. '
JOSEPH B. WILSON. Age 28; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from Utica, August 14, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville. At Elk
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 44tt
River, Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was also at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,.
New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas; at Benton ville. Carried considerable fat, but
it did not prevent his getting around, nor did the rebels get any.
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives in Utica, 111.
DANIEL C. WHITMORE. Age 18; born in Ohio; farmer; de-
serted January 6, 1863.
STEPHEN WALTER. Age 43; born in England; farmer; en-
listed from South Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign to Tompkinsville, Ky. Died there November 23, 1862. Waa
very useful to the Regiment as a butcher. His early death im-
pressed all.
QUINCY D. WHITMAN. Age 36; born in Huron County, Ohior
bookkeeper; enlisted from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; promoted Ser«
geant-MaJor. See N. C. Staff for record.
DARWIN ZEEK. Age 15; born in Illinois; enlisted from Ot-
tawa, August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and Jmttle of
Hartsville. In the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. At Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge and Resaca. In employ of Illinois
Central; residence Amboy, 111.
RECRUITS.
SAMUEL A. FISKE. Enlisted from Ottawa, December 16, 1863.
In the Atlanta campaign; on the march to the sea and slightly
wounded. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
NEWTON J. HORNBECK. Age 17; born in New York; farmer r
enlisted from Deer Park, December 16, 1863; was in the Atlanta
campaign; at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was in the
pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Caro-
linas; at Bentonville. Was always on hand. Transferred to Com-
pany I, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and mustered out July 12,^
1865. Is a large builder and contractor at Streator, 111.
JOHN G. NEWELL. Age 15; born in Brown County, Ohio;
farmer; enlisted from Deer Park. December 16, 1863; was in the
Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the
battles around Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Very young, but brave.
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. Mustered out at
Louisville, July 12, 1865. Is a farmer near Ransom, 111.
CHARLES A. PEMBROOK. Enlisted from Fall River, January
4, 1864; in the campaign of the Carolinas and at Bentonville. Trans-
ferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. Lives in Nebraska.
JOHN WARD. Enlisted from Freedom, December 21, 1863. Died
at Springfield, September 25, 1864.
446 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
STATISTICS OF COMPANY E.
Total ealistment 101
Killed and mortally wounded 20
Wounded 27
Discharged tor wounds , 8
Discharged for disability 16
Died of disease 7
Died in Anderson ville 1
Promted Sergeant-Major p,.. i
Mustered out June 6, 1865 26
Mustered out at other dates 1
Transferred to V. R. C 6
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry 5
Absent, sick, at muster out 1
Absent, wounded, at muster out 1
Deserted 6
Known to be living (December, 1894) 33
CHAPTER XXIX,
Company F— How and Where Organized— Roster and Blogra-
phles— Statistics.
SKETCH OF COMPANY F.
In regard to the recruiting and organization of this
company Captain Strawn writes: "About the middle
of the summer of 1862 James J. McKernan, of Bruce
Township, inspired by his love of country and stung
by the general and well-known fact of the backward-
ness of democrats in enlisting, made up his mind to
raise a company in his own town to be composed
mostly of democrats. He recruited about sixty, which
it was seen was about the maximum. He therefore
suggested to the writer to join with him and fill up the
<iompany. The suggestion was acted upon and by Au-
gust 14th the ranks were full and what became Com-
pany F organized.^' Thus by the patriotic and prompt
action of these two representatives* of different polit-
ical faiths in the town of Bruce, men who enjoyed the
confidence of all, as men. Company F sprang into being
and was made up almost wholly of the hardy and stal-
wart sons of toil in the southern part of the county.
On the organization James J. McKernan was elected
Captain, William Strawn First Lieutenant, John C.
Linsley Second Lieutenant. Austin V. Mitchell was
appointed First Sergeant; George W. Cooper, Joseph
M. Walker, Charles M. Johnson, Francis M. Daugherty,
Sergeants.
Benjamin W. Jones, George McCandlish, William
A. Smith, Benj. F. Fathnestock, Stephen Mason, Will-
iam Cunliflf, Calvin Brock, Martin H. Crider, Corporals.
The company reported at Ottawa and became a part
of the One Hundred and Fourth, with which its for-
tunes were thenceforth identified. In the future
inarches and battles of the Regiment the brave men of
448 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Company F were always found at the front wherever
duty called.. The personal daring of some of the mem-
bers is well known, while the steady bravery of the
company was a matter of pride to all. At Hartsville
the first sacrifice was made. Four good men, Cor-
poralJames Spencer, Jr., John McDougall, Rees Brock
and William Woodberry, were killed. Thirteen were
wounded, including Captain McKernan. Lieutenant
William Strawn was acting Brigade Commissary at
the time of the battle, and absent with about two hun-
dred men of the Brigade at Gallatin. On the returi>
of the Regiment to the front in April, 1863, Captain-
McKernan led his company until June, but resigned
on the 14th of that month owing to ill-health and hia
somewhat advanced years. He was a thorough patriot
and brave man. Lieutenant Strawn then became Cap-
tain and remained with the company and on constant
duty in all its future service. The pages of this book
will show in some small degree the part taken by Com-
pany F in the achievements performed by the One
Hundred and Fourth, but can never do full justice to
the brave men who fell on the battlefield or otherwise
for their country, nor to the living who yet cherish
proud recollections of former trials, hardships and
dangers.
ROSTER OF THE COMPANY.
CAPTAIN JAMES J. M'KERNAN. EnUsted in July, 1862, from
Bruce; farmer; was in the Kentucky campaign after Bragg; com-
manded his company at the battle of HartsviHe, and was wounded
in the left arm, right wrist and cheek. Resigned June 14, 1863, at
Murfreesboro. The Captain was a stand-up hard fighter and re-
gretted leaving the service. Died some years ago at his home in
Bruce, from the effects of Bright's disease of the kidneys, induced by
hardship in the service.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM STRAWN. Born in Licking County, Ohio,
November 7, 1822, a son of Jacob Strawn, of Morgan County, 111.,
the famous "cattle king" of the west. Moving to La Salle County
Captain Strawn engaged in farming and stock dealing, and during
the Kansas troubles raised and led a company of men to "Bleeding
Kansas." Whether he first imbibed a taste for blood and a military
life at that time we do not know, but he was always regarded as
a very mild mannered man, albeit of strong convictions on somer-
questions, and not afraid to show his faith by his works.
Therefore, on August 14, 1862, he enlisted and was elected.
First Lieutenant of Company F. From that time he was con-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 449"
tihuously In the service with his company, except when de-
tached as Brigade Commissary for short periods. Captain Strawn
was in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign he was present at
Buzzard Roost, of Rocky Face, the battles around Resaca, New Hope
Church; the battles around Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek;
the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro; was in the pursuit of
Hood, on the march to the sea, the campaign of the Carolihas, and
Bentonville. During much of this long period, Captain StraWn
commanded on the skirmish line in dangerous positions, where
bravery, firmness, and skill, were required. His services closed
only when there was no longer any foe to fight, and he retired ta
private life. Lives in Odell, 111., and in his advanced years meditates
on those stirring times of which he was a part. See his notes else-
where.
FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN C. LINSLEY. Enlisted from
Bruce in August, 1862. Was in the battle of Hartsville and received
a fiesh wound in the leg. Resigned August 7, 1864.
FIRST LIEUTENANT CHARLES M. JOHNSON. Age 22; born
in Clinton County, Ohio; farmer; enlisted from Bruce, August 14,
1862. Went out as Fourth Sergeant. Took part in the Kentucky
campaign and in the battle of Hartsville: was in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Moutain and Mission Ridge.
Sent home sick from Chattanooga, but recovered in time to take
part in the Atlanta campaign. Was promoted First Sergeant,
February 21, 1864. Was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of
Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. When Sherman started for the
sea he was unable to go on account of a chronic disease, and was.
sent to Nashville. Commissioned Lieutenant for meritorious services
August 5, 1864, but did not muster. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives
at Stockton, Kan. Is a farmer.
SECOND LIEUTENANT AUSTIN V. MITCHELL. Age 38; born
in Indiana; farmer; enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862; appointed
First Sergeant. Was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of
Hartsville, where he was slightly wounded in both ears. Took part
in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns, up to Chickamauga,.
when he was taken severely sick and sent to hospital. Commissioned
Second Lieutenant June 4, 1863, but not mustered. Discharged Jan-
uary 31, 1864, for disability and chronic diarrhea. Lives in Streator,
III. Retired from business.
SERGEANT GEORGE W. COOPER. Enlisted from Bruce, Au-
gust 14, 1862; appointed Sergeant; was in the Kentucky campaign^
Discharged for disability March 7, 1865.
SERGEANT JOSEPH M. WALKER. Enlisted from Bruce, Au-
gust 14, 1862; appointed Sergeant; was in the Kentucky campaign
and marched to Hartsville, where he was taken sick and died
December 4, 1862. He was a good man and soldier.
SERGEANT FRANCIS M. DAUGHBRTY. Age 24; born in
Nicholas County, Ky.; farmer; enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862;
appointed Sergeant; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tulla-
homa and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads^
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge^
460 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Took i^rt in the Atlanta campaign, and was present at Buzzard
Roost, of Rocky Face; the battles around Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek; the siege of Atlanta, Utoy
Creek. Was wounded in the breast at the latter place, August 7,
1864, but recovered in time to follow Hood to Alabama. Was on
the march to the sea and through the Carolinas, and was at Ben-
tonville. Mustered out with the Regiment^ June 6, 1865. He was
an intrepid soldier and good shot. Lives near Streator. Is a farmer.
SERGEANT MARTIN H. CRIDER. Age 25; born in Chambers-
burg, Pa.; farmer and teacher; enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862;
appointed Corporal; was in the battle of Hartsvllle, and in the
Tullahoma campaign. Took part in the battles of Liookout Moun-
tain and Mission Ridge; promoted Sergeant; discharged December
1, 1863, and commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Sixteenth United
States Colored troops. Promoted First Lieutenant July, 1865. Took
part in the battle of Nashville. Mustered out April 30, 1866. Lives
in Bruce. Is a farmer.
SERGEANT AARON G. BARDWBLL. Age 28; bom in Penn-
sylvanla; farmer; enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862; was in the
Kentucky campaign; at the -time of the Hartsville battle was on
detail at Gallatin. Was taken sick and sent home to die, but re-
covering, he rejoiped the Regiment at Stevenson, Ala., and there-
after never lost a day. He was in the action of Davis Cross Roads,
in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. Took part in the Atlanta campaign, being present at buz-
zard Roost, of Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was promoted
Sergeant before Atlanta and made color bearer by Colonel Hape-
man, for meritorious conduct. Also took part in the pursuit of
Hood, the march to the sea, the campaign of the Carolinas, and was
present at Bentonville. .Mustered out with the Regiment, June 6,
1865. Lives at Chanute, Kan. Is a farmer, but has been unable to
do any work for fifteen years on account of heart disease.
SERGEANT LEMUEL B. LAUGHLIN. Enlisted from Allen,
August 14, 1862. Was in the Kentucky campaign and at the battle
of Hartsville; distinguished for coolness and bravery; noted else-
where; was slightly wounded.. Promoted Sergeant for meritorious
service. Took part in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk River and the action of Davis Cross Roads. Was killed in
the battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863, and a brave man fell
on that bloody day.
SERGEANT JOHN H. SHAY. Enlisted from Bruce, August 14,
1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign; in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, the
battle of Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas to Bentonville. He was one of the youngest
soldiers and always on hand. Promoted Sergeant for meritorious
services. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Is a lawyer at Streator, 111.,
and a fine public speaker.
SERGEANT HUGH H. WILSON. Enlisted August 14, 1862;
farmer; he was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Harts-
ville; In the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. ' 451
Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign and its
battles; in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea, and north-
Wards to Benton ville; a brave and faithful soldier always. Pro-
moted Sergeant for meritorious services. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Lives at Pittsburcr Pa
SERGEANT JAMES MOONEY. Age 18; born in Ireland; farmer;
enlisted from Allen, August 7, 1862; promoted Corporal. Was in
the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge; promoted Sergeant for meritorious
services. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta,
Utoy Creek;, wounded at the latter place, August 7, 1864, in the left
hip. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Afton, la. Is a farmer.
CORPORAL BENJAMIN W. JONES. Enlisted from Bruce, Au-
gust 14, 1862; appointed Corporal. Deserted December 30, 1862.
CORPORAL GEORGE McCANDLISH. Enlisted from Bruce, Au-
gust 14, 1862; appointed Corporal. Transferred to V. R. C, April
30, 1864.
CORPORAL WILLIAM A. SMITH. Enlisted from Bruce, Au-
gust 14, 1862. Discharged for disability April 23, 1864.
CORPORAL BENJAMIN F. FAHNESTOCK. Enlisted from
Bruce, August 14, 1862; appointed Corporal. Discharged for dis-
ability December 28, 1862.
CORPORAL STEPHEN MASON. Enlisted from Bruce, August
14, 1862; appointed Corporal. Was in the battle of Hartsville. Dis-
charged for disability August 27, 1863.
CORPORAL WILLIAM CUNLIFF. Enlisted from Bruce, Au-
gust 14, 1862; farmer; appointed Corporal. Marched to Tompkins-
ville, Ky. ; taken sfck and died there, December 30, 1862.
CORPORAL CALVIN BROCK. Enlisted from Bruce, August 14,
1862; appointed Corporal; was sick in hospital much of the time up
to July 20, 1864; returned to the company and did good service
before Atlanta. Was in the subsequent campaigns of the Regiment.
Mustered out June 6, 1865.
CORPORAL DANIEL B. DAUGHERTY. Age 2%; born in Nich-
olas County, Ky.; farmer; enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862;
promoted Corporal; was in the battle of Hartsville; took part in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns, being present at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Taken
sick; discharged for disability November 23, 1863, and died on his
way home. Noted for being a fine marksman and soldier.
CORPORAL LEWIS DIEFFENBACH. Enlisted from Osage,
August 14, 1862; farmer;, promoted Corporal; was at Hartsville; dis-
charged for disability December 23, 1863.
CORPORAL WILLIAM HURST. Enlisted from Bruce, August
14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign and battles; on the march to the
sea and northward to Bentonville. Promoted Corporal for meritorious
services. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Cleveland, Minn.
CORPORAL AMOS L. MASON. Age 17; born in Clinton County,
Ohio; farmer; enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; promoted
Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign; the battle of Hartsville;
I 452 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis^
Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree .
Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro; in the pursuit
of Hood, the march to the sea, and the campaign of the Carolinas.
Wounded at Bentonville, March 19, 1865. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Lived at Stuart, Smith County, Kansas. Died April 3, 1895.
CORPORAL GEORGE MUSHBERGER. Enlisted from Bruce
August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign; in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns and battles. Was at Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign and its battles. Was
wounded July 21, 1864, in the right shoulder. He was a brave soldier.
Promoted Corporal for meritorious services. Mustered out June
6, 1865.
CORPORAL SAMUEL M. ZBLUFF. Age 20; born in Rutland,
La Salle County; farmer; enlisted August 14, 1862; was at Hartsville-'
and wounded there; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;,
at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountaia
and Mission Ridge; promoted Corporal ; w^as in the Atlanta campaign
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creeks
Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was on the march to the sea and through,
the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Contracted consumption
in the army and died in Grant City, Mo., August 11, 1884. Was
P. M. at time of his death.
CORPORAL JAMES SPENCER, JR. Enlisted from Bruce
August 14, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign
and the battle of Hartsville, where he was killed December 7, 1862.
JEREMIAH HOPPLE. Musician. Enlisted from Bruce August
14, 1862. Transferred to V. R. C. August 26, 1864.
GERARD HART. Musician. Enlisted from Bruce August 14,.
1862. Mustered out June 12, 1865.
HENRY ACKERMAN. Age 23; born in Germany; farmer;,
enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign
and severely wounded at Hartsville, having two ribs cut off, but
recovered and was in the battles around Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood, on the
march to the sea, and through the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6,.
1865. Lives at Grant, Iowa. Is a farmer.
JOSHUA AYERS. Enlisted August 14, 1862; he was in the
Kentucky campaign; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga. At Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign and its
battles. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea a^d
northwards to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at
Mount Auburn, Iowa.
ISAAC S. AYERS. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and a good soldier. Discharged for
disability February 5, 1864.
WILLIAM BROWN. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign; in the Tullahoma, Chickamauga and
Atlanta campaigns and their battles, besides, was at Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was on the march to the sea, and
northwards. Was never absent. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives:
in Streator, 111.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 453
RBES BROCK. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; farmer;
took part in the Kentucky campaign and in the battle of Hartsvillo,
where he was killed December 7, 1862.
EZEKIEL BROWN. Enlisted from Newton August 14, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville and wounded. Deserted December 26, 1862.
ABNBR W. BUCKNER. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862.
Was in the Kentucky campaign and wounded at Hartsville. Died
at Camp Chase, Ohio, January 27, 1863.
WILLIAM BURNS. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign, a good soldier. Discharged for disability
April 27, 1863.
JOSEPH . BARNHART. Enlisted from Fall River August 14,
1862. Deserted December 26, 1862.
ROBERT BURTWELL. . Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at
Streator, 111.
WILLIAM COOPER. Age 20; i)orn in Ireland; farmer; enlisted
from Bruce August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and at
Hartsville; also in the battle of Chickamauga, where his hearing
was destroyed by a cannon ball. Transferred to V. R. C. January
'30, 1864. Discharged June 29, 1865. Lives near Streator. Is a farmer.
JOHN COOPER. Age 23; bom in Ireland; farmer; enlisted
from Bruce August 14, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; present at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads. Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw
Mountain. Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Mustered out
July 2. 1865. Lives near Keman, 111. Is a farmer.
ORRIN CLARK. Age 24; bom in New York; farmer; enlisted
from Bruce Augiist 14, 1862; took part in the Kentucky campaign
and the battle of Hartsville. Was in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns, at Elk River, the action of Davis Cross Roads, and the
battle of Chickamauga. In the latter he was wounded in the leg
and captured; sent to prison at Atlanta and Richmond, where he
remained for five months with the bullet unextracted; the rebel
surgeons refusing to operate. Was then exchanged and discharged
for wound, June 35, 1864. The bullet was finally extracted by, a
doctor, but Mr. Clark is a cripple for life. Lives at Homer, Mich.'
WILLIAM CADWELL. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862.
Transferred to V. R. C. November 16, 1863.
OLIVER DIEFFENBAUGH. Enlisted from Bruce August 14,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and at Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns and their battles. Was at
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Took part in the Atlanta
campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain. Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was on the
march to the sea and northwards to Benton ville. Always present for
duty. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JOHN K. BWING. Enlisted from Magnolia August 14, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross
Roads and the battle of Chickamauga, where he was disabled by a
limb, cut off by a cannon ball; was placed on light duty. Mustered
out June 6, 1865. Lives in Iowa.
EDWARD EBERHART. Enlisted from Bruce August 14. 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River, Davis Cross
464 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge; in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, and
Keuesaw Mountain. Killed in front of the latter, July 29, 1864. His
death was much lamented as he had endeared himself to all hia
company.
WILLIAM FLANNIGAN. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign ; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle oi
Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign and its battles. Was in the pursuit of Hood,,
on the march to the sea and through the Carol inas to Benton ville.
He was a soldier who knew not the quality of fear. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives at Nevada, 111.
ISAAC W. GATCHELL. Age 24; born in Lincoln County, Me.;
farmer; enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville, the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; in the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
Wounded in the leg in the latter battle. In the Atlanta campaign
was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek» Jonesboro. Was in
the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the
Carolinas; at Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives near
Pontiac, 111. Is a farmer.
JAMES M. GATCHELL. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign from Frankfort to Hartsville and
the battle there; in the Tullahoma campaign; was at Davis Crosi^
Roads; in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,.
Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. Was badly wounded
in right hip July 21, 1864, while on the skirmish line before Atlanta,,
and supposed to be mortally wounded; was sent to Nashville and
from there to other hospitals; finally discharged for wound, March
4, 1865. Lives near Marseilles, 111. Is a farmer.
SAMUEL GREEN. Age 32; born in England; farmer; enlisted
from Bruce August 7, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and
the battle of Hartsville, where he was wQunded in the ankle.
Discharged April 27, 1863, for disability.
WILLIAM GOTTMAN. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862
was in the Kentucky campaign, also in the Chickamauga campaign,
Was at Lookout Mountain and wounded in the leg at Mission Ridge,
Mustered out June 9, 1865.
CHRISTOPHER HARBIT. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862
deserted December 26, 1862.
HENRY C. HAMILTON. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862
was in the Kentucky campaign. Died in Chicago, April 23, 1863.'
WILLIAM HEAD. Age 21; born in Newark, Ohio; farmer
enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign
and the battle of Hartsville. Discharged December 23, 1862, for
disability. Lives at Bedford, Iowa. In the insurance business.
JOHN HOLLAND. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; waa
in all the battles and campaigns of the Regiment. Mustered out
June 6, 1865.
JOHN HARBIT. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign. Discharged March 20, 1863, for disability.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 465
TURK HILL. Age 21; born in Stavanger, Norway; farmer;
enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was in the battle of HartsvlUe;
in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta,
Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was In the pursuit of Hood, on the march
to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Dfed June 12, 1894, at Otter Creek, his home.
ASBURY HOUCHIN. Enlisted from Bruce August 11. 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and
the battle of Chickamauga. In the Atlanta campaign and its battles,
on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas. Was a good
soldier. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
LEVI HAINE. Enlisted from Grand Rapids August 11, 1862;
deserted January 1, 1863.
WILLIAM JEFFERSON. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard Roost, of
Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, and Peach Tree Creek. On
July 21, 1864. while on the skirmish line in front of Atlanta, was
killed by a rebel sharpshooter.
HENRY KEYES. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign. Discharged May 5, 1863.
JOHN P. JOHNSON. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign. In the Tullahoma campaign and that of
Chickamauga; also at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. Wounded at Utoy Creek
August 8, 1864. Absent at muster out of Regiment.
ERNST KEISER. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; he took
part in the campaigns of the Regiment. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
SAMUEL A. KINER. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was
in some of the campaigns and was a prisoner of war for a long time.
Mustered out May 30, 1865. Lives at Otter, 111.
JOSEPH P. KELLY. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862;
detailed at Savannah in the Q. M. Department. Mustered out June
6, 1865.
ALONZO L. LARKIN. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville. Discharged February 1, 1863, for
disability.
JOHN W. LAUGHLIN. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville, the Tullahoma campaign and the
battles of Davis Cross Roads and Chickamauga. Was mortally
wounded in the latter and died September 29, 1863, in the rebel field
hospital.
OLIVER LARSON. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Died some
years ago at Pontiac, 111.
JOHN M'DOUGALL. Born in Scotland; enlisted from Bruce
August 14, 1862; was in the march through Kentucky and the battle
of Hartsville. where he was killed December 7, 1862. A man of
extraordinary intelligence and had the courage of his convictions.
456 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
JOHN MORRISON. Enlisted from Bruce August 14. 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign. Discharged February 1, 1863, for disability.
GEORGE W. MACKEY. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged April 27, 1863, for
disability.
CHARLES MACKEY. Enlisted from Bruce August 14. 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma, Chickamauga and Atlanta campaigns, on the march to
the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out
June 6, 1865.
EDWARD McCASHLAND. Age 25; born in Wayne County.
Indiana; was in the battles of Chickamauga. Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca. Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek. Utoy Creek,
Jonesboro; in pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through
the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Mustered but June 6, 1865. Lives at
Sutton, Neb. Is a farmer.
SAMUEL McCASHLAND. Enlisted from Bruce August 14. 1862;
was at Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga.
At Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign
was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach
Tree Creek. Was mortally wounded July 21st, before Atlanta, and
died June 29, 1864.
JOHN C. PRESSOR. Age 20; bom in Pennsylvania; farmer;
enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862; was in the Chickamauga
campaign; at Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga.
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, the siege of Atlanta.
Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march
to the sea and through the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Lives near Streator, 111. Is a farmer.
ROBERT POOL. Enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma.
Chickamauga and Atlanta campaigns and battles. Was in the pursuit
of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to
Bentonville. A brave soldier. Mustered out June 6. 1865. Lives at
Otter, 111.
GEORGE C. PRESSOR. Enlisted from Bruce August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and at Hartsville; in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
In the Atlanta campaign and battles. Was in the pursuit of Hood,
on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville.
Not now alive. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
SAMUEL ROBERTS. Enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862; was
In all the campaigns and battles and a good soldier. Mustered out
June 6, 1865.
NICHOLAS RUSH. Age 18; born in Switzerland; farmer;
enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville.
Discharged January 6, 1863, for disability.
THOMAS RYERSON. Enlisted from Bruce. August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and wounded in the right hip by a
piece of shell at Hartsville. Discharged for wound April 27, 1863.
REGIMENT ILLINQIS VOLUNTEERS. 457
DAVID RHODAHOFFER. Enlisted from Bruce, August U,
1862; he was in all the campaigns and battles of the Regiment and
always ready for duty. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
SQUIRE RUDE. Age 25; born in Illinois; enlisted from Bruce.
August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of
Harts ville; also in the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River; in the
battles of Chlckamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
Taken sick and left at Graysville, Ga. Discharged for disability
March 7, 1866. Lives at Pekin, 111.
WARREN ROCKWOOD. Enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and others until taken sick.
Discharged February 15, 1865, for disability.
THOMAS THOMPSON. Enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862;
was In the battle of Hartsville and wounded, the ball entering left
ishoulder and coming out at right. Discharged for wound January
17, 1863.
SAMUEL N. TRENARY. Enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville, where
he was slightly wounded; took part in the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns. Was in the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross
Roads: in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Misbion Ridge; was mortally wounded in the latter battle and died
at Cliattanooga, December 5, 1863.
JAMES H. WILKINSON. Enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 18C2;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Transferred to V. R. C, April
50, 1864.
WILJLIAM WOODBERRY. Enlisted from Bruce, August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville, whero
he was killed, December 7, 1862. A good man and soldier.
STATISTICS OF COMPANY F.
Total enlistment ^8
Killed and mortally wounded 10
Wounded 23
Discharged for wounds 4
Discharged for disability 19
Died of disease 4
ReMgned 2
Discharged for promotion 1
MuBtered out June 6, 1865 33
MiiEtered out at other dates 5
Absent, wounded, at muster out 1
Deserted 5
Trb-nsf erred to V. R. C 4
Known to be living (December, 1894) 26
CIIAPTRU XXX.
Company G — How and Where Orgranlzed — Roster and Biogra-
phles^Statistics.
SKETCH OF COMPANY G.
This fine company was recruited largely in the
township of Mission^ La Salle County, but contained
representatives from Kendall County and from several
other towns besides Mission. Johnson Misner, of
Mission, was the active manager in raising men.
Lieutenant Simpson and others were also active, so that
by August 15, 1862, the ranks were full and the organi-
zation was effected at once. Johnson Misner was
elected Captain; Robert V, Simpson, First Lieutenant;,
Samuel J. Ilaney, Second Lieutenant; Selim White
was appointed First Sergeant; Myron Newton, John
Jackson, George H. Marlatt and Wesley Misner, Ser-
geants. Asher D. Gibson, William Close, Samuel B.
Porter, John Thorson, Amos E. Brown, Charles B. Cook,.
John Blackburn and Samuel B. Buchanan, Corporals.
These preliminaries completed the company went
into camp at Ottawa, Ibecame a part of the One Hundred
and Fourth, and received the designation of "G."
While in Camp Wallace the company drilled, or
attempted to, daily, and went through the usual
' experience of green recruits in the first days of military
life, but the material for good soldiers was there and
some of the stalwart young sons of the prairies made
a record that is and will be remembered and admired
when Vanderbilt and Gould shall be forgotten. On
arriving at Louisville, Ky., Company G marched with
the Regiment after Bragg to Frankfort, and on hi»
retreat went to Bowling Green and from there to Harts-
ville, Tenn. On that disastrous but bloody field, only
one-half of the company was present in the battle, the-
other one-half, under Captain Misner, being on detached
duty at Gallatin, Tenn. Lieutenant Simpson, who had
p. A. Hawk. Co. G
M. Bagwill, Co. G.
W. M. Jones, Co. G.
Serg. G. H. Marlatt. Co. G.
Corp. J. J. Overmire. Co. G.
H Campbell, Co. G.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 459>
seen service, commanded the remnant of the company
and all the men f onght with the steadiness and bravery
of veterans. The heavy loss in killed and wonnded, in
proportion to numbers, tells its own story. The
company afterward guarded prisoners at Camp
Douglas until April, 1863. While there Lieutenant
Simpson resigned April 4, 1863. He was a good officer.
Lieutenant Haney also resigned March 8, 1863. Ser-
geant White and James P. Rood were promoted and
commissioned First and Second Lieutenants. In April,
1863, the Regiment was sent again to the front and
Company G shared thenceforth in its fortunes in over
two years of long campaigns and fierce battles in
Tennessee, Georgia^ Alabama, North and South
Carolina. After the Tullahoma campaign, during
which Captain Misner led the Company, a halt was
made at Decherd, Tenn., and there Captain Misner,
owing to poor health, resigned, July 22, 1863.
Lieutenant White then became Captain and James P.
Rood First Lieutenant. These officers led the company
from that time with skill and credit, but it is no
disparagement to them, aiid the same would apply to
every other company, to say that however brave,
competent, and skillful they were, the ranks of
Company G contained other men who would also have
filled a commissioned office with credit. It was this
quality of material that made the One Hundred and
Fourth renowned as a fighting regiment and added
to the proud record of each company.
ROSTER OF THE COMPANY.
CAPTAIN JOHNSON MISNER. Enlisted from Mission in
August, 1862; was prominent in raising men and on the organization
of the company was elected Captain. He took part in the Kentucky
campaign and marched to Hartsville, but with a number of otiier
officers and men, was sent to Gallatin to guard trains a few day a
before the battle. On the return of the Regiment to Tennessee in
1863, Captain Misner commanded his Company in the Tullahoma
campaign and was under Are at Elk River. Owing to age and poor
health he resigned at Decherd, July 22, 1863; returned home and
afterwards removed to Texas for his health. He died several
years ago.
CAPTAIN SELIM WHITE. Age 33; .born in Tioga, N. Y.;
farmer; enlisted from Mission, August 14, 1862; appointed First
-460 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Sergeant and present in the battle of Hartsville. Promoted First
Lieutenant April 3, 1863; took part in the Tullahoma campaign;
was at Elk River and the action of Davis Cross Roads; in the battled
of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the
Atlanta campaign he, as Captain, having been commissioned July
22, 1863, led his Company at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope
Church, the battled around Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek,
Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. He was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march
to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Is a farmer at Castalia, Dakota.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT V. SIMPSON. Enlisted from
Ottawa in August, 1862; had been in the three months' service; was
elected First Lieutenant, and marched with the company through
Kentucky to Hartsville; where he commanded on that occasion with
credit. Resigned at Camp Douglas, April 4, 1863, for disability.
Residence unknown.
FIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES P. ROOD. Enlisted from
Mission as a private, August 15, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville;
appointed and commissioned Second Lieutenant March 3, 1863; was
in the Tullahoma campaign and at Elk River. Commissioned First
Lieutenant July 22, 1863; took part in the action of Davis Cross Roads,
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. He performed valuable service on the skirmish lines
around Atlanta. He was also in the pursuit of Hood, on the march
to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville, where he com-
manded on the skirmish line. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Residence,
Moscow, Idaho.
SECOND LIEUTENANT SAMUEL J. HANEY. Enlisted from
La Salle in August, 1862; elected Second lieutenant and was with the
Regiment in Kentucky and at Hartsville. Resigned March 8, 1863,
and was afterward Captain in the Fifty-third Illinois; died of
wounds, July 24, 1864.
SERGEANT MYRON NEWTON. Enlisted from Ottawa, August
9, 1862; apointed Sergeant. Was in the Kentucky campaign and the
battle of Hartsville, where he was killed, December 7, 1862.
SERGEANT JOHN JACKSON. Enlisted from Mission, August
14, 1862. Discharged October 1, 1862. for disability.
SERGEANT GEORGE H. MARLATT. Enlisted from Grand
Rapids, August 9, 1862; appointed Sergeant; was in the Kentucky
campaign; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River. Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. In the
battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta
campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the
pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas
to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. He was a brave soldier.
Is not known to be alive.
SERGEANT WESLEY MISNER. Enlisted from Mission, Au-
gust 14, 1862; appointed Sergeant; was in the Kentucky campaign
and severely wounded in the thigh at Hartsville. Took part fn the
Chickamauga campaign and was in the Atlanta campaign at Buz-
zard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea, and
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 46L
at Bentonville was wounded in the head; was promoted First
Sergeant, and one who never had any trouble with his men. Mustered
out June 6. 1865. Died some years ago in Texas.
SERGEANT WILLIAM CLOSE. Age 38; bom in Union County,
Pa.; carpenter; enlisted from Millington, August 8, 1862; appointed
Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville;
promoted Sergeant; was in the Tullahoma campaign until taken sick
antf sent to Nashville. Transferred to Invalid Corps, November 15,
1863. Discharged from the Veteran Reserve Corps, July 5, 1865.
Lives at Sandwich, 111.
SERGEANT JOHN THORSON. Born in Norway. Enlisted from
Ottawa, August 14, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky
campaign and the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign;
at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; in the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; promoted Sergeant for merito-
rious services. In the Atlanta campaign he was present at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around Kenesaw Moun-
tain. Killed at Poach Tree Creek, July 20, 1864. H6 was a brave sol-
dier and could divide rations with exact Justice to all, besides per-
forming his other duties with satisfaction.
SERGEANT CHARLES B. COOK. Age 25; bom in Maine;
farmer; enlisted from Millington, August 8, 1862; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign and battle of Hartsville, where he was wounded
slightly. Promoted Corporal April 10, 1863; was in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the
battle of Chickamauga. In the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mis-
sion Ridge and the skirmishes following. In the Atlanta campaign
was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Slightly wounded
at Mission Ridge, Kenesaw and Chickamauga. After the fall of
Atlanta was furloughed home, and unable to rejoin Sherman, was
put in charge of a detachment and sent to Washington, where he
rejoined the Regiment. Mustered out as Sergeant for meritorious,
services, June 6, 1865. Now lives at Los Angeles, Cal. Is in poor
health.
SERGEANT JOHN RUBLE. Age 37; born in Indiana; farmer;
enlisted from Newark, August 1, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
ville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River,.
Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and
Utoy Creeks, August 7 and 13; on the latter date, while carrying
the flag, was severely wounded in the neck and sent back to hos-
pital at Nashville. Recovering he returned to Chattanooga; finally
ordered to take charge of baggage and report at Washington. Pro-
moted Sergeant and made color bearer for meritorious services, and
now has the order in his possession. Mustered out June 6, 186^.
Lives at Mitchell, S. D. Is a farmer and nearly blind.
SERGEANT JAMES L. ROWE. Age 28; born In Ohio; farmer;
first served in Company H, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, for three
months. Discharged July 30, 1861; enlisted in One Hundred and
Fourth August 15, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville, and in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, and the battle of Chickoipiauga. Promoted Sergeant for mer-
itorious services. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard
462 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Roo8t» Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood and on the
march to the sea and through the Carol inas; at Bentonville. Mus-
tered out June 6, 1865. James L. Rowe was always cool in battle and
would never run. Now lives at Sheridan, 111., and a constant sufferer
from disease contracted in the earmy.
CORPORAL ASHER D. GIBSON. Enlisted from Mission, Au-
gust 15, 1862; promoted Quartermaster Sergeant, and served abfy
until mustered out June 14, 1865. Lives in California. See N. C.
Staff.
CORPORAL SAMUEL B. PORTER. Age 28; bom in Ohio;
farmer; enlisted from Mission, August 14, 1862; appointed Corporal;
was in the battle of Harts ville and wounded in the arm. Was in
the Tullahoma and Chlckamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads, the battles of Chlckamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro.
Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through
the Carolinas; Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives near
Oreat Falls, Mont. Is a farmer.
CORPORAL AMOS E. BROWN. Enlisted from Mission, August
10, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign. Dis-
charged May 11, 1863, for disability.
CORPORAL JOHN BLACKBURN. Age 40; bom in Pennsyl-
vania; farmer; enlisted from Fall River, August 14, 1862; appointed
Corporal; was at Ha^sville, Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chlcka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign; the march to the sea and through the Carolinas. Mustered
out June 6, 1865. Lives at Dorchester, Neb.
CORPORAL CORNELIUS C. COURTRIGHT. Age 17; bom in
Newark, Kendall County, 111.; farmer; enlisted August 9, 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma
and Chlckamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads;
the battles of Chlckamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge;
was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit
of Hood, the march to the sea and through the Carolinas; Benton-
ville. Mustered out as Corporal for meritorious services, June 6,
1865. Lives at Newark. Is a farmer.
CORPORAL JACOB F. DIEHL. Age 19; born In Ohio; enlisted
from Farm Ridge, July 25, 1862; farmer; was in the battle of Harts-
ville; in the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads, the battles
of Chlckamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Promoted
Corporal for meritorious services. Was at Resaca and Peach Tree
Creek; in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through
the Carolinas: at Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives
at Nelson, Neb. Is a farmer.
CORPORAL JAMES C. DEEGAN. Age 16; born in New York;
farmer; enlisted August 14, 1862, from Ottawa; was in the battle
of Hartsville and wounded in the shoulder. In the Tullahoma and
Chlckamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the
battle of Chlckamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost, the battles around
Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around Kenesaw Mountain;
Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, 483
in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the
Carolinas; at Benton ville. Promoted Corporal for meritorious
senrices. Mustered out June 6, 1865. He never missed a skirmish or
hattle. Lives at Ransom, 111. Is a farmer.
CORPORAL GEORGE T. LEWIS. Enlisted from Ottawa, Au-
gust 15, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; promoted Corporal.
Discharged for disability August 11, 1863.
CORPORAL DANIEL MASON. Enlisted from Mission, August
15, 1862; farmer; was in the battle of Hartsville, the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; pro-
moted Corporal for meritorious services. In the Atlanta campaign
was at Buzzard Roost and Resaca. Wounded seriously in the latter
battle, losing a leg In consequence. Discharged January 6, 1865, on
account of wound. Lives at Ottawa, 111.
CORPORAL JACOB J. OVERMIRE. Age 20; bom in Perry
County, Ohio; farmer; enlisted August 12, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads, and at Chickamauga wounded in the arm.
Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paigm at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of
Hood, on the march to the sea, and through the Carolinas; at Ben-
ton ville. Promoted Corporal for meritorious services February 1,
1865. Always to be depended on in a tight place. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives at Templeton, la.
CORPORAL JAMES POWERS. Enlisted from Ottawa, August
15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville;
in the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads. Was at Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign and its battles, on the march to the sea and through the
Carolinas to Benton ville. Promoted Corporal for meritorious serv-
ices. Always on hand. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
WILLIAM J. PORTER. Age 23; born in Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from Fall River, August 14, 1862, as musician; was at Hartsville; in
the Tullahoma, Chickamauga and Atlanta campaigns. On the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Lived at Marseilles, 111., until his death, January 19, 1893. He
was highly regarded.
SAMUEL FULLERTON. Enlisted from Grand Rapids, August
14, 1862; was wagoner. Discharged April 6, 1864, for disability.
SAMUEL B. BUCHANAN. Enlisted from Farm Ridge, August
14, 1862; deserted January 1, 1863.
JOHN BAILEY. Enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign and severely wounded in the thigh in the
battle of Hartsville. Discharged May 4, 1863, on account of wounds.
Lives in Ottawa, III.
EDWARD S. BULLARD. Age 26; born in Kendall County, 111.;
farmer; enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville and the Tullahoma campaign. Mustered out May 30, 1865.
Lives at Millbrook, 111. Is a farmer.
MARSHALL BAGWILL. Age 20; born in Mission, La Salle
County; farmer; enlisted August 7, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of Hartsville; the Tullahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns; present at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; wounded
464 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
slightly at Chickamauga, but not enough to prevent his fighting oo.
the 19th, 20th and 21st, during which he fired 168 shots at the enemy.
Was in the battle of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, and.
wounded twice quite severely in the last in the grand charge up the-
heights. In the Atlanta campaign he was present at Buzzard Roost».
of Rocky Face, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around Kene-
saw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro; was in the
pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas;
at Bentonville. He saw it all and never flinched. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives at Milllngton. Is a farmer. See "Incidents."
JOHN BARR. Enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862. Trans-
ferred to I. C, November 1, 1863.
ALBERT F. BROWN. Enlisted from Ottawa, July 26, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged for disability May 11, 1863.
ABEL W. CAMPBELL. Enlisted from Fall River. August 14,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. In
the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads.
Killed in the battle of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863.
HAMILTON CAMPBELL. Age 19; born in Fayette County. Pa.
Enlisted from Fall River, August 14, 1862; was in the battle or
Hartsville, the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads, the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope
Church, Kenesaw Mountain and Jonesboro. After that was teamster
and in all the campaigns until close of the war. Mustered out June-
6, 1865. Lives at Anita, la. Is a farmer.
JOHN COX. Enlisted from Mission, August 14, 1862; marched
with the Regiment to Frankfort, Ky.; taken sick and died there, Oc-
tober 28, 1862. His was the first death in the One Hundred and
Fourth.
JAMES C. CARNES. Age 21; born in La Salle County; farmer;,
enlisted from Farm Ridge, August 14, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville; at the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; In
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree knd Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through South Carolina. Captured with Captain Ross at Stroud's
Mill, S. C, February 26, 1865. Exchanged, mustered out June 6,
1865. Lives at Mitchell, S. D. Is a farmer.
HUGH A. DUMMIT. Enlisted from Farm Ridge, August 15,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville,
where he was killed, December 7, 1862.
JACOB DEFFENBAUGH. Enlisted from Farm Ridge, August
14, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River
and Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Moun-
tain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard
Roost. Received a mortal wound at Resaca, May 14, 1864. Died May
23, 1864.
PETER DINGER. Age 17; born in New York City; confectioner;
enlisted from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was in the battle of Harts-
ville, at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,.
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesl^ro. In the pursuit of Hood, on
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. -465
the march to the sea and through North and South Carolina. While
on a foraging expedition near the Great Pedee Riyer, N. C, was
captured with others, the rest were shot. Dinger's life was saved
by a rebel officer. After sixty days in Libby, he w'as exchanged and
mustered out May 24, 1865. Lives at Gilman, III. See "Incidents."
ABRAHAM J. EASTWOOD. Age 23; bom in Mission, La Salle
County, 111.; farmer; enlisted from Mission, August 14, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. In the Tulla-
homa and Chickamauga campaigns at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads
and Chickamauga. In the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. Discharged for disability January 30, 1864. Lives at
Streator, 111.
BRADLEY FROST. Enlisted from Farm Ridge, August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsvllle. Discharged
for disability January 16, 1863.
BENJAMIN S. FULLBRTON. Enlisted from Grand Rapids,
August 15, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of
Hartsvllle, where he was killed December 7, 1862.
ORSENUS B. GILLHAM. Age 21; born In Madison County, 111.;
was in the battle of Hartsvllle, the actions of Elk River and Davis
Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
.Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and
Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Afterwards captured by Wheeler's Cavalry
and sent to Libby Prison; exchanged; mustered out May 24, 1865.
Lives at Hubbard, la. Is a farmer.
SAMUEL B. HANEY. Enlisted from Grand Rapids, August
14, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville.
Discharged for disability January 16, 1863; was highly regarded by
his Company.
OLIVER HARRIS. Enlisted from Farm Ridge, August 14, 1862.
Deserted March 15, 1863.
PHILIP A. HAWK. Age 18; born in Brown County, Ohio;
farmer; enlisted from Farm Ridge, August 2, 1862; was in the TuUa-
homa and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads,
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
Wounded at Chickamauga,. September 20, 1863, in the face and both
legs, but was able to limp back to Rossville and from there to
Chattanooga. He recovered soon and went on duty. In the Atlanta
campaign was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kene-
saw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks; was slightly wounded
July 26, in front of Atlanta, and again slightly August 9, at Utoy
Creek; was at Jonesboro. Was sent back to Nashville for horses and
mules when Hood advanced, rejoined the Regiment at Kingston and
was on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas. He was
one who never wanted to be left. Severely wounded at Bentonville,
March 19, 1865, in the thigh, and sent to hospital. Was the last one
of the Regiment wounded there. Mustered out May 26, 1865. Lives
at Mankato, Jewell County, Kan. Is a farmer. See "Incidents."
MARTIN HESS. Enlisted from Ottawa. August 15, 1862; de-
serted January 20, 1863.
WILLIAM M. JONES. Age 16; born in Pennsylvania; farmer;
enlisted from Ottawa, August 8, 1862; was at Hartsville and in the
Tullahoma campaign. Participated in the actions of Elk River and
Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
466 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
and Mission Ridge. In the latter was shot in left arm, which was
amputated. Discharged for wound, July 7, 1864. Lives at Grand
Ridge, 111.
•JACOB JONES. Enlisted from Farm Ridge, August 14. 1862.
Deserted January 1, 1863.
HENRY JACOB. Enlisted from Mission, August 14, 1862; was
in the Kentucky, Tullahoma, Chickamauga and Atlanta campaigns
and battles, and on the march to the sea and northwards. A good
soldier. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JOHN COON. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville and Tullahoma campaign. Discharged December
3, 1863, for disability.
JOSEPH B. LATHAM. Enlisted from Mission, August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign; left sick in Chicago. Was in the
Atlanta campaign. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives in Oregon.
OSMAN LARSON. Enlisted from Mission, August 14, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville, where he was
killed December 7 1862
JOHN LOND. ' Enlisted from Mission, August 14, 1862; dis-
charged for disability October 1, 1862.
OLIVER LAWRENCE. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 15, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville and in the subsequent campaigns;
wounded at Utoy Creek, August 7, 1864, in the breast Carried a
heavy knapsack, but kept up with the procession; was in all the
battles. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
CHARLES McCLARY. Age 24; born in La Salle County; farmer;
enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862; was at Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree Creek. Sent back sick. Rejoined Regiment in Savannah
and was in the Carolina campaign. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives
at Dwight, 111. Is a farmer.
WILLIAM M'KINNELL. Enlisted from Ottawa. August 8, 1862;
was at Hartsville. Was a prisoner also. Mustered out May 24, 1865.
JEPTHA H. MISNER. Enlisted from Mission, August 12, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville. Discharged for disability January
16, 1863.
JOHN H. MISNER. Enlisted from Mission, August 12. 1862.
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Coal City, III.
PETER MOLITAIRE. Enlisted from Mission, August 11, 1862.
Deserted January 20, 1863.
JAMES NEWMAN. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 15, 1862. De-
serted January 1, 1863.
JACOB NELSON. Enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862; was
In the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville, where his
right arm was broken. Died of wound in Chicago, May 2, 1863.
ISAAC NEWTON. Enlisted August 14, 1862; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign as far as Tompkinsville, Ky., where he was taken
sick and died November 26, 1862.
CANUTE C. NELSON. Age 16; born in La Salle County; farmer;
enlisted from Mission, August 11, 1862; was thrown from the train
near Jeffersonville in crossing a bridge and badly injured, but re-
covered and was in the battle of Hartsville and those of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Taken sick, partly as
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 467
the result of injuries and discharged May 30, 1864; has suffered ever
since. Lives at Randall, la. Is a farmer.
ANTHONY OBERST. Enlisted from Mission, August 12, 1862;
was in the Kentucky .campaign and in the battle of Hartsville, where
he was killed December 7, 1862.
FRANK L. POUND. Age 18; bom in Wayne County. N. Y.; en-
listed August 15, 1862; was in the Tullahoma and Ghlckamauga
campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and Chickamauga.
Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit
of Hood, on the march to the sea, and through the Carolinas; at Ben-
tonville. Only missed Hartsville, being sick at the time. Mustered
out June 6, 1865. Lives at Aumsville, Ore. Is a merchant.
JOHN PALMER. Enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville, where he was killed
December 7, 1862.
JESSE RIDDLE. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged for disability. May 11, 1863.
JACOB RITTER. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was
teamster and always attentive to duty. He was in all the campaigns.
Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JOHN W. ROSMARSON. Enlisted from Mission, August 15,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign; discharged for disability May
11, 1863.
ERASMUS ROSMARSON. Enlisted from Mission, August 15,
1862. Marched with the Regiment to Bowling Qreen, Ky., where
he was taken sick and died November 13, 1862.
HARVEY A. ROOD. Age 17; born in Mission, La Salle County.
Was with the Regiment until the battle of Bentonville, March 19,
1865, when he was taken prisoner. Exchanged and mustered out
June 9, 1866. Lives near Seneca, 111. Is a farmer.
ALFRED ROWE. .Enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862; he
was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged for disability, August
23, 1863.
OLE RICHARDSON. Age 20; born in Mission, La Salle County;
farmer; enlisted August 15, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville, the
actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign he was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the
battles around Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas. Was never in hospital. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives at Fairmont, Neb. Is a contractor.
JOHN SWANSON. Enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862.
Discharged for disability October 1, 1862.
ANDREW S. SIBERT. Enlisted from Grand Rapids, August
11, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign; in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns, and wounded at Chickamauga. In the
Atlanta campaign and ita battles; on the mrch to the sea and through
the Carolinas to Bentonville. He was in all the battles. Mustered
out June 6, 1865.
THOMAS STEVENSON. Enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862.
Deserted March 15, 1863.
468 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
TUNIS S. SERSINE. Age 19; born In Fox Township, Kendall
County, 111.; farmer; enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsville and was wounded in the arm. He was in
the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River and Davis
Cross Roads. In the battle of Chickamauga he was severely wounded
in the leg, September 20th, and unable to move was left on the
field, which was occupied by the rebels. There he remained and
lived— strange as it may seem — until the ninth day, and had no
nourishment except a little hard tack and water. On the ninth day
he was rescued by one of our ambulances under a flag of truce, taken
to Chattanooga, operated upon and finally sent home. on a cot; lay
in bed seventeen months; was under doctor's care for six years and
always suffered afterwards. Lives at Millington, 111., a striking
example of the cruelty of war and of his own tenacity of life. Absent,
sick, at muster out of Regiment.
EPHRAIM SCOTT. Enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaigm and that of Chickamauga. At Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign and
battles, and on the march to the sea and northwards. Mustered
out June 6, 1865.
SIMON SAMPSON. Enlisted from North ville, August 11, 1862;
was company cook and pleased the men in dividing rations and feed-
ing them on the skirmish line at personal risk and occasional loss
of a kettle knocked over by a cannon ball. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Lives at Keman, 111.
JOHN THOMAS. Enlisted from Fall River, August 14, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville, where he
was mortally wounded. Died at Gallatin, Tenn., January 13, 1863.
EDWARD H. THORSON. Enlisted from Mission, August 15,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns. Taken sick and died at Nashville, January 3,
1864.
ALONZO A. TICE. Age 18; bom in Michigan; farmer; enlisted
from Marseilles, August 15, 1862; marched to Frankfort, Ky.; taken
sick; sent to Bowling Green, Ky. Discharged November 30, 1862;
disability. Lives at Marseilles, 111. Is a machinist.
LEWIS E. TICE. Age 20; bom in Michigan; farmer; enlisted
from Marseilles, August 15, 1862; marched to Bowling Green, Ky.
Taken sick and left there. Discharged November 30, 1862; dis-
ability. Lives at Marseilles.
LEVI W. TICE. Age 20; born in Michigan; one of twins; en-
listed August 15,- 1862; marched to Bowling Green; taken sick; dis-
charged November 30, 1862; died on his way home.
JOHN K. WRIGHT. Enlisted from Fall River, August 15, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Transferred to I. C, November
1, 1863.
AARON WILKINSON. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 15, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville; died at Nashville, March 6, 1863.
WILLIAM WEIDNECHT. Age 23; born in France; farmer; en-
listed from Ottawa, August 15, 1862; was in the battles of Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge; in the Atlanta campaign he was
present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Took part in the march to the sea,
through the Carollnas and was at Bentonville. Mustered out June
6. 1865.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 460
JOHN M. WALKER. Enlisted from Mission, August 15, 1862;
was on the march to Bowling Green and TompkinsYille, Ky.; taken
sick; died at the latter place November 27, 1862.
RECRUITS.
JOHN H. CAMPBELL. Age 18; bom in Fayette County, Pa.;
clerk; enlisted from Fall River, January 4, 1864; was in the Atlanta
campaign at Buzzard Roost, the battles around Resaca, New Hope
Church and Kenesaw Mountain; In front of Atlanta, at Peach Tree
Creek, Utoy Creek and Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on
the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to BentonviUe,
where he fired his last shot. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois
Infantry. Mustered out July 12, 1865. Lives in Streator, 111. In
hardware trade.
THEODORE C. FULLERTON. Enlisted from Fall River, Jan-
uary 4, 1864; wa8^ in the Atlanta campaign, at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek,
Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to
the sea and through the Carolinas; at BentonviUe. Transferred to
Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. Was a good shot. Mustered out
July 12. 1865.
JOHN C. GILLHAM. Age 19; bom in Madison County, 111.;
farmer; enlisted from Fall River, January 4; 1864; Joined the Regi-
ment at Nashville; was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around Kenesaw Mountiiin,
Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of
Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas; at Ben-
tonviUe. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. Mustered
out July 12, 1865. Lives at RadclifF, la.
GEORGE D. MISNER. Age 30; born In Ohio; farmer; enlisted
from Joliet, February 12, 1864; was in the Atlanta campaign and
present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was in the pur-
suit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas;
was at BentonviUe, where he was wounded in the ankle. Trans-
ferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. Mustered out July 12,
1865. Lives at Lewis, Kan., and is a merchant.
LARS RICHARDSON. Enlisted from Belvidere, March 2, 1865.
Transferred to Thirty-fourth lUinols Infantry. Mustered out July
12, 1865.
JOHN RICHARDSON. Enlisted from Flora, March 2, 1865.
Transferred to Thirty-fourth IlUnois Infantry. Mustered out July
12, 1865. Lives at Ottawa, 111.
470 THE ONE HU NDRED AND FOURTH
. STATISTICS OF COMPANY. O.
Total enlistment 96
Killed and mortally wounded 11
Wounded * 18
Discharged for wounds 4
Discharged for disability 18
Died of disease 6
Resigned for disability 3
Promoted Quartermaster Sergeant , 1
Mustered out June 6, 1865 30
Mustered out at other dates 8
Transferred to Invalid Corps ' 3
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry 5
Absent, sick, at muster out ^ 1
Deserted 7
Known to be living (December, 1894) 37
Capt. 0 M. Southwell. Co.
Corp J S. Work, Co. H.
Capt. L Ludington, Co H.
H. C. G. Philips, Co. D.
Corp S. Brown, Co. H.
Lieut. O. S. Davidson, Co. ^.
CHAPTER XXXL
Company H— How and Where Organized— Roster and Biogra-
phies—Statistics.
, SKETCH OF COMPANY H.
This company was recruited in the early part of
August, 1862, in the southwest part of La Salle County,
largely in the township of Osage. Lewis Ludington was
the prime mover in getting men to enlist. There was no
difficulty in filling the ranks, that section of the county
being intensely patriotic and fully aroused to the grav-
ity of the National crisis. The company was organized
by the election of Lewis Ludington Captain, Orrin S.
Davidson First Lieutenant, John N. Wood Second Lieu-
tenant. Orrin M. Southwell was appointed First Ser-
geant; Austin H. Fowler, William C. Ream, Francis 11.
Stire and James S. Doolittle were appointed Sergeants.
The following were appointed Corporals: Samson H.
Cunningham, Isaac Vaughn, John G. Dillman, Egbert
S. Dresser, Ira C. McConnell, James S. Work, Allen
McGill and Reuben Downey. With this organization
the company was marshaled at Ottawa and in the reg-
imental roster was designated as "H." While await-
ing orders at Camp Wallace the time was spent in drill-
ing and acquiring an elementary knowledge of a sol-
diei^'s life, very elementary, too, was the education
received in the short period, but it was a beginning
in the school of the soldier without arms. The acorns
planted there by this and other companies grcTV into
oaks, destined in their fuller growth to stand unshaken
the storm of battle, with now and then a giant slain
or riven by the blast Going with the Regiment to the
front in September, 1862, Company 11 marched through
Kentucky and Tennessee to Hartsville. On that bloody
field James M. Porter, Alvin A. Myers and Henry Will-
avise were struck down by the enemy's bullets to rise
472 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
no more; others were Avounded, and X. Wolff, still liv-
ing, carries a rebel bullet in his body as a reminder
of Ilartsville. At Chickamauga Captain Ludington,
Lieutenant Southwell and others Avere wounded- The
company took part in the glorious battles of Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge, but lost in the latter the
brave Lieutenant Davidson. In the one hundred and
twenty days of the Atlanta campaign Company H wa«
always present wherever duty called, contributing to
the glorious results and building up her own record
and that of the Regiment on every battlefield. Officers
and men had fallen from her ranks, but the living took
their places and marched on to the sea with Sherman's
hosts, thence through the Carolinas to Bentonville, the
last and one of the decisive battles of the war.
ROSTER OF THE COMPANY.
CAPTAIN LEWIS LUDINGTON. Age 24; born in Ludington-
viUe, N. Y. Enlisted from Osage Township, August 5, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville, when command-
ing Company H, he carried on an Independent fight and was the last
to surrender. The scene of this combat was called the "bull pen."
He was in the Tullahoma campaign and at Elk River; in the Chicka-
mauga campaign at Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chicka-
mauga, where he was severely wounded. Resigned on account of
wound, January 16, 1864, and was ranking Captain at the time. Cap-
tain Ludington was a good officer and his loss regretted. After the
war he lived at Bloomington for a time, then in DeWitt County,
111., and was a member of the Legislature. Now lives in Lafay-
ette, Ind.
CAPTAIN ORRIN M. SOUTHWELL. Age 27; born in Romeo,
Mich. Enlisted from Evans, August 5, 1862; appointed First Serr
geant; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville.
Promoted Second Lieutenant, commission dated February 28, 1863;
was in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga, where he was
wounded. Promoted First Lieutenant, December 5, 1863; Captain,
January 16, 1864. In the Atlanta campaign he was at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, before which he was
severely wounded, June 18, 1864. Resigned on account of wounds,
December 19, 1864. Died February 21, 1879. Captain Southwell was
a brave and able officer, most highly esteemed by all.
CAPTAIN ISAAC VAUGHN. Age 31; born in Trumbull County.
Ohio; carpenter; enlisted from Osage, August 6, 1862; appointed
Second Corporal and Sergeant; was in the Kentucky campaign; also
in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Moun-
tain and Mission Ridge. Promoted First Lieutenant, January 16,
1864. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard Roost,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 473
Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around Kenesaw, where, on
Captain Southwell being wounded, he took command of the com-
pany; he was at Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks and Jonesboro; in the
pursuit of Hood; on the march to the sea and through the.Carolinas;
at Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865, as First Lieutenant.
Lives at Wenona and is in the drug business.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ORRIN S. DAVIDSON. Enlisted from
Osage, August 5, 1862; elected First Lieutenant; was in the Kentucky
campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads. In the
battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, where he was mor-
tally wounded in the charge and died soon after. He was a brave
man and a good officer, whose loss was deeply felt by the Company
and Regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN G. DILLMAN. Enlisted from
Osage, August 14, 1862; appointed Third Corporal; was in the battle
of Hartsville; promoted Sergeant. Was in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns. In the battles of Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign, on the march after Hood
and to the sea; and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Commis-
sioned First Lieutenant, December 19, 1864. Mustered out as First
Sergeant, June 6, 1865. Died in 1893.
SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN N. WOOD. Age 44; born in
Fayette County, Pa.; farmer; enlisted from Osage, August 12, 1862;
elected Lieutenant. Was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of
Hartsville. Resigned February 28, 1863. Lives in Wenona, 111.
Retired from business.
SERGEANT AUSTIN H. FOWLER. See N. C. Staff.
SERGEANT WILLIAM C. REAM. Age 24; bom in Ohio; en-
listed from Wenona, August 5, 1862; appointed Sergeant; was In the
battle of Hartsville and in the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River,
discharged August 22, 1863, as First Sergeant, for promotion in
United States Colored troops. Was Second and First Lieutenant;
and in the battle of Nashville, wounded; served four years and four
months. Lives in Joliet, III.
SERGEANT FRANCIS H. STIRE. Enlisted from Osage, August
6, 1862; appointed Sergeant; was in the battle of Hartsville and all
the campaigns of the One Hundred and Fourth. The organizer and
leader of the Regimental band. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Resi-
dence is Indianapolis, Ind.
SERGEANT JAMES S. DOOLITTLB. Enlisted from Osage,
August 15, 1862. Discharged December 4, 1862; disability.
SERGEANT SAMSON H. CUNNINGHAM. Enlisted from
Osage, August 7, 1862; appointed Corporal. In the battle of Harts-
ville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns. Mustered
out June 6, 1865, as Sergeant. Lives at Hennepin, 111.
SERGEANT EGBERT S. DRESSER. Enlisted from Osage, Au-
gust 7, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign and
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga.
At Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountfiiin,
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of
Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas; at Ben-
tonville. Promoted Sergeant. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
474 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
SERGEANT REUBEN DOWNEY. Enlisted from Osage, August
16, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the battle of Hartsville, the
actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was on the march to
the sea and through the Carolinas; at Benton vllle. Promoted Ser-
geant. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
CORPORAL IRA C. M*CONNELL. Enlisted from Osage, Au-
gust 11, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the battle of Hartsrille.
In the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads, Chickamauga. Was in the battles of Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
CORPORAL JAMES S. WORK. Age 23; born in Pennsylvania;
farmer; enlisted from Wenona, August 6, 1862; was in the Tulla-
homa and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads
and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge, tind the skirmishes following. In the Atlanta cam-
paign, was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Took part in the pursuit of Hood,
the march to the sea, and through the Carolinas. Always ready for
any duty. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Wenona, 111. Is a
farmer.
CORPORAL ALLEN McQILL. Enlisted from Osage, August 6,
1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga.
At Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign
at Buzzard Roost, Kesaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was on the march to the
sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out June
6, 1866.
CORPORAL JAMES K. BOSHELL. Enlisted from Wenona, At>-
gust 9, 1862; farmer; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tulla-
homa and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads,
Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was on the march
to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Promoted Cor-
poral for meritorious services. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Died at
Great Bend, Kan., February 19, 1889.
CORPORAL SAMUEL BROWN. Age 21; born in Pennsylvania;
farmer; enlisted from Osage, August 14, 1862; was In the battles of
Hartsville, Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Pro-
moted Corporal for meritorious services. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Now lives in Chicago. In the livery stable business. Was a model
soldier and loyal friend.
WILLIAM D. EARL. Musician. Enlisted from Osage, August
6, 1862. Discharged August 28, 1863; disability.
JOHN W. PHILSON. Musician. Enlisted from Hope, August
9, 1862; was in all the campaigns and battles of the Regiment. Lives
in Iowa or Nebraska. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 475
JOSEPH M. SONGER. Wagoner. Enlisted from Osage, August
13, 1862. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
THOMAS ADAMS. Age 27; born in Ireland; farmer; enlisted
August 12, 1862; was in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas to Bentonville. In a letter to the writer, Mr.
Adams naively says: "Was never woimded, but a good many times
thought I was.'' Mustered out June 6, 1865. Is Postmaster at Gas-
kill, Kan.
GEORGE C. ARMSTRONG. Enlisted from Osage, August 15,
1862; deserted March 15, 1863.
REUBEN BALDWIN. Enlisted from Osage, August 6, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Died at
Chicago, September 7, 1863.
VALENTINE BINGENHEIMER. Enlisted from Osage, August
6, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville: at Elk River and Davis
Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge,
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, and all the battles before Atlanta; on the
march to the sea and in the Carolina campaign. Mustered out June
6, 1865.
Z. P. BECKWITH. Enlisted from Osage, August 6, 1862; dis-
charged December 15, 1862; disability. Not now alive.
JAMES H. BANE. Enlisted from Osage, August 3, 1862; was
teamster. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Dana, 111.
MORRIS M. BOSLEY. Enlisted from Putnam County, August
9, 1862; was at Hartsville. Discharged March 4, 1863; disability.
JOHN W. BECKWITH, Enlisted August 6, 1862. Died Novem-
ber 18, 1862.
SAMUEL BALL. Enlisted from Osage, August 14, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville, at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads,
Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; was at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church. Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood, on the march to
the sea, and through the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Mustered out
June 6, 1865.
HARVEY M. BOSLEY. Enlisted from Hope, August 15, 1862;
was In the Kentucky campaign. Transferred to V. R. C, April 1,
1865.
WILLIAM S. BOSLEY. Enlisted from Osage, August 15, 1862.
Transferred to V. R. C, September 1, 1864.
JOHN W. CHAMP. Enlisted from Osage, August 7, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Discharged
April 14, 1863; disability.
WILLIAM L. CHALFANT. Enlisted from Osage. August 9, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville; discharged June 13, 1863; disability.
JAMES W. DANIELS. Enlisted from Hope, August 7, 1862.
Died at Gallatin, Tenn., December 25, 1862.
STEPHEN H. DEAN. Enlisted from Osage, August 9, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville; the actions of Elk River and Divis Cross
Roads, and the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
476 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro; on the march to the sea and in the
Carolina campaign; at Benton ville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
SOLOMON N. DOWNEY. Enlisted from Osage, August 12, 1862.
Detached at muster out of Regiment.
GEORGE DIXON. Enlisted from Osage, August 9, 1862; was
In the Kentucky campaign; the battle of Hartsville; the actions of
Elk River and Davis Cross Roads. In the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Discharged December 21,
1863; disability. Lives at Melvin, 111.
GEORGE W. DICUS. Enlisted from Osage, August 14, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville. Discharged June 21, 1863.
WILLIAM P. DILLMAN. Enlisted from Osage, August 15. 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville. Discharged December 3, 1863; dis-
ability.
JOHN ELY. Enlisted from Hope, August 9, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville. Died at Chicago, March 4, 1863.
JOHN EVERITT. Enlisted from Osage, August 6, 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsville: at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chicka-
mauga. Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, where he was wounded, August
11, 1864. Was on the march to the sea and through the Carollnas;
at Bentonville. Brave in battle. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
NATHANIEL EMERICH. Enlisted from Osage, August 9, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville; at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads;
in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. Present in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea
and through the Carollnas. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
HENRY R. ELLIS. Enlisted from Osage, August 15, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga; at Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope
Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro.
Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through
the Carollnas. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Cornell, 111.
JONATHAN W.- FLAGG. Enlisted from Osage, August 7, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Absent from company at muster
out; detailed in hospital.
TRIMBLE FEAGINS. Enlisted from Osage, August 8, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville. Was present in the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood,
on the march to the sea. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Dead.
ISAAC FRANK. Enlisted from Osage, August 14, 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Absent, sick, at
muster out of Regiment.
WILLIAM W. GRAVES. Enlisted from Osage, August 12, 1862;
was at Hartsville. Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Took part in the Atlanta
campaign and all its battles. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the
march to the sea. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
GEORGE W. GRIFFIN. Age 17; born in Marshall County, 111.;
enlisted from Osage, August 10, 1862; was in the battles of Harts-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 471
ville and Mission Ridge. Taken sick and sent to hospital; had been
poisoned at Louisville by a pie peddler. Discharged September 30,
1S64; disability. Lives near Magnolia, 111.
BENJ. F. HARDING. Enlisted from Osage, August 6, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Discharged
August 15, 1863; disability.
FRANCIS E. HOGLIN. Enlisted from Osage, August 15. 1862.
Discharged October 24, 1862; disability.
JACOB P. HUNT. Enlisted from Hope, August 9. 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. In the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and
the battle of Chickamauga. In the battles of Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, where he was mortally wounded
June 2, 1864, and died at Ackworth, Ga., July 7, 1864.
WILLIAM J. HUNT. Enlisted from Hope, August 9, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. Discharged De-
cember 21, 1863; disability.
SAMUEL M. HUNT. Enlisted from Hope, August 12, 1862. Not
mustered in.
GEORGE W. HAMMITT. Enlisted from Osage, August 15, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville. In the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at the battles of Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge, where he was wounded in the hand.
Was in the Atlanta campaign and battles, on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
ELISHA Inks. Enlisted from Osage, August 15, 1862; deserted
March 13. 1863.
ROSWELL JACOBS. Enlisted from Osage, August 12, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and at Hartsville; in the Chickamauga
campaign, at Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga.
In the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the
Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks. Wounded at the latter place, August
7, 1864. Transferred to V. R. C, January 1, 1865.
JAMES KIRKPATRICK. Enlisted from Osage, August 15, 1862;
was in a part of the Kentucky campaign. Taken sick and died at
Bowling Green, December 12, 1862.
WILLIAM M. LAUGHMAN. Enlisted from Osage, August 5,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign. Detailed in hospital April,
1864, and absent at muster out.
ALVIN A. MYERS. Enlisted from Osage, August 6, 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign; mortally wounded at Hartsville. Died De-
cember 10, 1862.
CHARLES M. MOORE. Enlisted from Hope, August 11. 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. In the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. In the battles of Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge, where he was killed, November 25, 1863.
EDGAR W. MOSHER. Enlisted from Osage, August 12, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. In the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. In the battles of Lookout
478 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Mountain and Mission Ridge, where he was wounded. Was in the
Atlanta campaign, on the march to the sea and through the Caro-
linas. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
ALEXANDER P. MILLER. £uUsted from Osage, August 6,
1862; was at Hartsville and in all the campaigns and battles of the
Regriment, and never lost his nerve in battle. Mustered out June
6, 1865.
HARRISON MILLER. Enlisted from Osage, August, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged March 10, 1865; disability.
EDWIN Sk MOORE. Enlisted from Hope, August 15, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chlcka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, in front of which he was wounded June 18, 1862;
Absent sick at muster out of Regiment. Lives in Iowa.
FRANKLIN R. MOODY. Enlisted from Hope, August 15, 1862;
discharged October 24, 1862; disability.
JAMES W. MILLER. Enlisted from Hope, August 9, 1862. Not
mustered.
HENRT NELSON. Enlisted from Osage, August 12, 1862; was
ir the battle of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross
Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign and battles; in the pursuit of Hood,
on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville.
One of the tried and true. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives In
Rutland, 111.
LEVI NELSON. Enlisted from Osage, August^l2, 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsville and slightly wounded. Deserted December
11, 1862.
JOSEPH T. ODER. Enlisted from Osage, August 11, 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville. He was on
picket and fired the first gun that announced the approach of John
Morgan. Oder was then a lad of sixteen or seventeen summers and
then, or afterwards, never lost his nerve. He was in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and
the battle of Chickamauga. Was in the battles of Lookout Mountain
and Mission Bidge, and said by some to have been the first soldier
from the Regiment on the Ridge in the grand charge. He was in
the battles of Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, and
on the march to the sea. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JESSE ONY. Enlisted from Osage, August 7, 1862; was in the
Kentucky and some other campaigns. Absent, sick, at muster out
of Regiment.
BENJAMIN ONY. Enlisted from Osage, August 15, 1862. De-
serted March 13, 1863.
JAMES M. PORTER. Enlisted from Marshall County, August
6, 1862: was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Harts-
ville, where he was mortally wounded and died December 11, 1862.
ABRAHAM PORTER. Enlisted from Osage, August 6, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign; at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickapiauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain. Wounded in the head, July
18, 1864, near the Chattahoochee. He was in the pursuit of Hood, on
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 479
the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Benton ville. Mus-
tered out June 6, 1865.
SAMUEL PORTER. Enlisted from Osage, August 11. 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and hattle of Hartsville. In the Chicka-
mauga campaign and wounded in the hattle of Chickamauga. In the
Atlanta campaign and the march to the sea. Discharged.
JAMES QUILLEN. Enlisted from Osage. August 8. 1862; was in
the hattle of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River. Davis Cross Roads;
the battles of Chickamauga. Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost. Resada. New Hope
Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks. Jonesboro;
in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and northwards
to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Not alive.
NEWTON RECTOR. Enlisted from Osage, August 9, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville; the actions of Elk River. Davis Cross
Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign and battles, and on the march
to the sea. Transferred to V. R. C, March 15. 1865.
NOAH RILEY. Enlisted from Magnolia. August 12. 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; soon after went
to hospital. Discharged June 24. 1864; disability.
DYER S. ROBERTS. Enlisted from Osage. August 12. 1862; was
left at Bowling Green, Ky.. sick; never after with the company.
Discharged August 20, 1863; disability. Died in 1894.
ISRAEL E. RICHEY. Enlisted from Osage. August 12. 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville. the actions of Elk River and Davis
Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga. Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign and its battles, on the
march to the sea and northwards. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
ISHAM SMITH. Enlisted from Hope, August 9. 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. the actions of
Elk River and Davis Cross Roads, and ^ the battle of Chickamauga.
where he was mortally wounded, being struck by four or five bullets.
Died at Chattanooga, October 10, 1863.
CHRISTOPHER SHORT. Enlisted from Hope, August 9, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign and its battles; in the pursuit
of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Ben-
tonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JACOB T. SPRING. Enlisted from Hope, August 9, 1862; was in
the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville. Not with
the Regiment after that. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JACOB M. SMITH. Enlisted from Osage. August 6, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Not with the
Regiment afterwards. Died at home. December 3, 1863.
PETER SIGG. Enlisted from Osage, August 11, 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns; at Elk River. Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chicka-
mauga. Died at Chattanooga, November 10, 1863.
SYLVESTER WAGONER. Enlisted from Osage, August 6,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, Chickamauga; in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mis-
sion Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost. Resaca.
480 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea, and
through the Carolinas to Bentonville. A brave and faithful soldier.
Mustered out June 6. 1865. Moved to Columbus, Kan., and died
there in 1886.
XAVIERWOLFF. Age 26; born In sunny France. Enlisted from
Wenona, August 6, 1862; he took part in the Kentucky campaign and
battle at Hartsville, where he was severely wounded in the hip,
December 7, 1862. Discharged for wound November 10, 1863. Lives
in IndianapoliS) Ind. The ball has never been extracted and Wolff
suffers much from it.
HENRY WILLAVISE. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 11. 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville, where he was
killed, Dece.mber 7, 1862.
SAMUEL C. WOODRUFF. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 15,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign and its battles. Took
part in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the
Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
LEWIS C. WELLS. Enlisted from Osage, August 15, 1862; w^as
in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged May 4, 1864; disability.
Lives in Illinois.
THOMAS WILSON. Enlisted from Osage, August 15, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga cam-
paigns. Discharged by order of President Lincoln, direct, April 25,
1864, on account of family afflictions. Lives at Coming, la.
RECRUITS.
MATTHEW BROWN. Enlisted from Hope, February 23, 1864;
was wounded at GraysviUe, Ga., in April, 1864, while at target prac-
tice, and not again with the company. Transferred to Thirty-fourth
Illinois Infantry.
WILLIAM O. DILLMAN. Enlisted from Hope, February 12,
1864; was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kene-
saw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. Taken sick and died in
Louisville, Ky., November 1, 1864.
HENRY S. EVERITT. Age 19; bom In Hope Township, La Salle
County. Enlisted February 19, 1864; was in the Atlanta campaign
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was on the march to
Savannq,h and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Marched to
Washington and transferred to Company E, Thirty-fourth Illinois
Infantry. Discharged July 12, 1865. Lives at Great Bend, Kan.
CHARLES E. GRAVES. Enlisted from Hope, February 19, 1864;
was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope
Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and the skirmishes
following. Was killed at Utoy Creek, August 7, 1864.
ISRAEL JOHNSON. Enlisted from Hope, March 28, 1865; never
reported to the company. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois
Infantry.
JOHN E. MERRITT. Age 18; bom In Belmont County, Ohio;
farmer; enlisted from Hope, February 12, 1864. Was in the Atlanta
campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. In the pursuit
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 481
of Hood, OH the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Ben-
tonville. He was cool and brave. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illi-
nois Infantry. Mustered out at Louisville, July 12, 1865. Lives at
Wichita, Kan., and is in the lumber business. See ''Incidents."
CORPORAL PARKER P. MILLS. Enlisted from Hope, February
12, 1864. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. Lives in
Illinois.
CHARLES H. TURNER. Age 21; bom in Fayette County, Pa.
Enlisted from Hope, January 12, 1864; was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas to Benton,ville. A brave soldier. Transferred
to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. Lives at Lostant, 111.
JAMES B. WILLIAMSON. Enlisted from Westfield, February
12, 1864; was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
?^ew Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Transferred to Thirty-fourth
Illinois Infantry.
STATISTICS OF COMPANY H.
Total enlistment 100
Killed and mortally wounded S
Wounded 11
Resigned for wounds 2
Resigned for disability 1
Discharged for wounds 1
Discharged for disability. 18
Died of disease 8
Propioted C. S 1
Discharged for promotion 1
Deserted . . ^ 4
Mustered out June 6, 1866 36
Mustered out by order of the President 1
Not mustered in 2
Transferred to V. R. C 4
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry 7
I>etached at muster out 1
Absent, sick, at muster out 4
Known to be living (December, 1894) 26
t
CHAPTER XXXII.
Company I— How and Where Organized— Roster and Blogra*-
phies— Statistics.
SKETCH OF COMPANY I.
When in July, 1862, the proclamation went forth,
calling for more volunteers a hearty response was made
everywhere, but in no section of the county more ear-
nestly than in the southwest part, which had been set-
tled largely by the hardy and patriotic sons of New
England, many of whom were the descendants of Revo-
lutionary sires. Such were Wadleigh and Pi-octor, who
recruited what became Company I of the One Hundred
and Fourth. Between the 1st and 15th of August^ 1862^
enough men had been enlisted to foi^m a company. It
was then organized by the election of John Wadleigh*
as Captain; Willard Proctor, First Lieutenant; Charles
E. Webber, Second Lieutenant. The folloA\ing non-
commissioned officers were appointed: William C F.
Hempstead, First Sergeant; Lorenzo G. Stoht, James
M. Wright, Arthur S. Smith and Andrew Moffltt, Ser-
geants; Elbridge Chapman, Charles L. Bangs, Timothy
Powell, Nelson H. Cooper, Abram A. Vermilyea, H.
Perry Hoge, William Cady and Charles L. Symonds,
Corporals. With this equipment the company reported
at Ottawa and went into camp. Captain Wadleigh
became the ranking Captain of the Regiment. The
company soon after went to Louisville and shared iu
all the marches and duties of the command in the Ken-
tucky and Tennessee campaigns and at Hartsville
fought ^ith steady bravery against superior numbers.
Two men, n. W. Traver and N. Ellenbocker, were mor-
tally wounded and thirteen wounded. While at ('amp
Douglas in the winter of 1863 Lieutenant Webber re-
signed and Sergeant Wright was commissioned 8ec<
ond Lieutenant Going to the front again iu April,,
Lieut. J. M. Wright, Co.
J. Bane, Co. I.
Capt. W. Proctor, Co. I.
M.J. Lane, Co. D.
Corp. W. E. Frink, Co. L
D. F. Trask, Co. \.
REGIMBNT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 483:
CJompany I was in the TuUahoma campaign with the
Regiment At Decherd, Captain Wadleigh resigned
and Lieutenant Proctor became Captain. Lieutenant
Wright was commissioned First Lieutenant. The
future history of the company from the beginning of
the Chickamauga campaign was one in which evory
member can take pride when he reflects on the part
taken at Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mis-
sion Ridge, and in the one hundred and twenty day&
of the Atlanta campaign and its battles. In all these^
in the purusit of Hood, the march to the sea, through
the Carolinas, and at Bentonville, Company I bore a
prominent part that reflected the highest credit on
both oflScers and men, several of whom were distin-
guished for coolness and nerve, bravery and enterprise,
on different occasions.
ROSTER OF THE COMPANY.
CAPTAIN JOHN WADLEIGH. Age 35; born In New Hamp-
shire; he came to Illinois in the *408 and settled in or near Rut- .
land, La Salle County; was engaged in farming until 1858, when he
went into the mercantile business in Rutland and has continued
In It ever since. When the war came he recruited a company for
the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, of wliich he was elected Captain^
but was finally unable to go out with it on account of business com-
plications. In Augrust, 1862, he was largely instrumental in raising
men for what became Company I of the One Hundred' and Fourth,,
and was elected Captain. On the organization of the Regiment he
became ranking Captain. Going to the front Captain Wadleigh
was with his company in the Kentucky campaign and the battle-
of Hartsville^ Tenn., where he did all that man could do to stem the
tide of defeat. When the Regiment was paroled, the field offlcera
being retained as prisoners of war, Captain Wadleigh took command,
of the Regiment. At Columbus, O., he secured its transfer to Camp^
Douglas, Chicago, and performed valuable services in reorganizing^:
the command, which without its field officers had become scattered.
When the One Hundred and Fourth returned to the front in April,.
1863, Captain Wadleigh accompanied it and participated in thd
Tullahoma campaign. His health, which had been poor, Induced
him to resign at Decherd, Tenn., July 30, 1863. He returned home-
and has since lived in Rutland, where he has held many offices of
trust in the town and county.
CAPTAIN WILLARD PROCTOR. Age 35; born in Rutland,^
Vt., of Revolutionary stock; farmer; enlisted from Rutland, 111.-,.
August 9, 1862; was elected First Lieutenant, date of commission
August 27, 1862; he participated in the Kentucky campaign and the-
battle of Hartsville, Tenn. In the Tullahoma campaign he was Id
the spirited two days* fighting at Elk River of Beatty's Brigade
against the rebel left wing of a division, the One Hundred and
484 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
Fourth taking a leading part in the advance. Captain Proctor led
his company in the Chickamauga campaign at the remarkable
action of Davis Cross Roads, September 11, 1863, and in the battle of
Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1863. Was commissioned Gap-
tain for meritorious services at Chickamauga, to date from July
30, 1863. He was at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; and in
the numerous skirmishes afterwards at Oraysville and Taylor's
Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard's Roost, of
Rocky Face, the battles around Resaca, New Hope Church and
Kenesaw Mountain; was at Peach Tree Creek, the daily skirmishes
In front of Atlanta; at Utoy Creek and Jonesboro. During this-
wonderful campaign of one hundred and twenty days, he was under
fire with his company and Regiment one hundred days, being often
in command of important portions of the skirmish or picket lines,
under Major Widmer, who was known as the best skirmish line
officer in the division. Captain Proctor was as little inclined to
give way in critical positions as the granite of his native state. He
took part in the pursuit of Hood and the march to the sea, but was
taken very sick in Savannah and was sent by sea to New York. He
therefore missed the campaign of the Carolinas. On recovering he
reported at Washington and commanded a provisional camp of
Sherman's soldiers, who had also missed the last campaign. When
the One Hundred and Fourth arrived at Washington, Captain Proc-
tor if^joined the company and after the Grand Review of the mighty
hosts of the Union armies, was mustered out June 6, 1865, and like
Clncinnatus of old, he returned home to his plow. Lives at Proctor,
111. Is a retired farmer, full of years, peace and war stoiies.
FIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES M. WRIGHT. Enlisted from
Rutland, August 9, 1862; farmer; was appointed Third Sergeant; was
commissioned Second Lieutenant, February 10, 1863. He was in the
Kentucky campaign and the battle of HartsvlUe. Took part in the
TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; was present at Elk River
and Davis Cross Roads; participated in the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Commissioned First Lieuten-
ant for meritorious services at Chickamauga; date of commission,
July 30, 1863. In the Atlanta campaign he was present at Buzzard
Roost, of Rocky Face, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, the en-
gagements on Utoy Creek, and Jonesboro. Was on the march to the
sea and through the Carolinas; at pentonville. Was noted for en-
terprise and bravery. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Now lives at
Ham's Forks, Wyo. Is a ranchman.
SECOND Lieutenant CHARLES E. WEBBER. Enlisted from
Groveland in August, 1862; elected Second Lieutenant; was in the
Kentucky campaign. Resigned at Camp Douglas, February 9, 1863.
Died in 1894.
FIRST SERGEANT WILLIAM C. F. HEMPSTEAD. Enlisted
from Rutland, August 12, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign,
soon after was promoted Chaplain of the Regiment. Resigned in
September, 1863. Died some years ago.
SERGEANT LORENZO C. STOUT. Age 28; bom in New Jersey;
farmer; coming to Illinois he settled near Rutland, and imbued with
patriotism, enlisted August 9, 1862; was appointed Second Sergeant;
was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville; promoted
ii^irst Sergeant March 15, 1863. Took part in the Tallahoma and
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 485
Chickamauga campaigns, was present at Elk River and Davis Cross
Roads. In the Atlanta campaign he was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was
taken sick and sent back to Nashville and was in the battle there,
being unable to join the Regiment on its march to the sea.
Sergeant Stout was distinguished for bravery. He was mustered out
June 6, 1865; returned to Rutland and thereafter for many years
was Justice of the Peace, Supervisor, etc. He stood high in the
esteem of all. But like many another soldier, he contracted the
disease in the army from which he died, January 13, 1893.
SERGEANT ARTHUR S. SMITH. Enlisted from Rutland.
August 9, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and
the battle of Chickamauga; slightly wounded September 19, 1863.
Mustered out June 6, 1865.
SERGEANT ANDREW MOFFITT. Age 34; bom In Fayette
County, Pennsylvania; farmer; enlisted August 9, 1862 from Rutland;
was at Tompkinsville, Ky., sick, at the time of the battle of Hartsville;
captured by Hamilton's cavalry and parolled, rejoined the Regiment
at Camp Chase. Participated in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns, and present at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, the battles
of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in, a
part of the Atlanta campaign, but owing to his being disabled in a
railroad accident was sent to the rear; had charge of regimental
baggage and papers and took them to Washington. Was mustered
out June 6, 1865. Lives at Dorchester, Neb. Is in the lumber
business.
SERGEANT TIMOTHY POWELL. Enlisted from Rutland,
August 9, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the battle of Hartsville;
iq the Tullahoma campaign; was present at Elk River and Davis
Cross Roads; promoted Sergeant. Killed at the battle of Chicka-
mauga, September 20, 1863.
SERGEANT CHARLES LAMP. Enlisted from Rutland, August
9, 1862; was at Hartsville, Elk River, Davis Cross Roads; in the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge;
promoted Sergeant for meritorious services. In the Atlanta campaign
was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, the battles around Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek,
Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea and through
the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at
Bloomington, 111. Did not lose any shots when occasion offered,
and never knew what fear was.
CORPORAL ELBRIDGE CHAPMAN. Enlisted from Groveland,
Augus^ 9, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and in the battle of
Hartsville, where he was wounded in the side. Took part in the Tul-
lahoma and Chickamauga campaigns, being present at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads and the first day's battle of Chickamauga. The
One Hundred and Fourth was supporting Bridge's Battery at a ford
of the Chickamauga and was under a terrific fire from the rebel bat-
teries when his right leg was shot away and his right elbow shattered
by a rebel shell. He lived but a few hours.
CORPORAL CHARLES L. BANGS. Enlisted from Groveland,
August 9, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; the actions of Elk
River and Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign and
486 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
battles, the pursuit of Hood, the inarch to the sea and through the
Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
CORPORAL NELSON H. COOPER. Enlisted from Groveland,
August 9, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged for
disability January 8, 1863.
CORPORAL ABRAM A. VERMILYEA. Enlisted from Grove-
land, August 11, 1862. Was at Hartsville. Deserted April 17, 1863.
CORPORAL R. PERRY HOGE. Enlisted from Groveland,
August 9, 1862; appointed Corporal, also appointed regimental
wagon master; was in the Kentucky campaign and at Hartsville.
Discharged May 29, 1863; disability.
CORPORAL WILLIAM CADY. Enlisted from Groveland.
August 9; 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of
Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign; at Elk River, Chickamauga.
lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; in the Atlanta campaign
and its battles, the march to the sea and the campaign of the
Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
CORPORAL CHARLES L. SYMONDS. Enlisted from Groveland,
August 9, 1862; marched with the Regiment to Bowling Green;
taken sick at Tompkinsville, Ky.; died there November 21. 1862.
CORPORAL WILLIAM E. FRINK. Age 26; born in New York;
farmer; enlisted from Rutland August 9, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and the battle of Hartsville; slightly wounded; in the
Tullahoma campaign, was present at Elk River. Was in the battles
of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; promoted Corporal for mer-
itorious services. In the Atlanta campaign he was present at Buz-
zard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, the battles around Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro; was again
slightly wounded. Took part in the pursuit of Hood and the march
to Savannah, and at the latter place performed some Important recon-
noitering services. Corporal Frink was also in the campaign of the
<3arolinas; at Bentonville. He was distinguished for courage. Mus-
tered out June 6, 1865. Now lives at Minnie Falls, Lincoln County,
^Washington. Is a farmer and stock raiser.
CORPORAL ARTEMUS C. QUINN. Enlisted from Groveland.
August 9, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of
Hartsville, wounded slightly in the breast. In the Tullahoma and
Ohickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the
battle of Chick amauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. lu the Atlanta campaign was present at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy
Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the
Bea, the campaign of the Carolinas, and at Bentonville. Mustered
out June 6. 1865.
CORPORAL LEWIS, WHITMAN. Enlister from Groveland
August 9, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville;, the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns, and in the actions of Elk River and Davis
Cross Roads; also in the battle of Chickamausa where he was
captured and sent to Andersonville prison pen. Died there June 7,
1864. Number of grave, 1699.
BARTHOLOMEW ANDREWS. Enlisted from Groveland,
August 11, 1862; was wounded slightly at Hartsville. Was a
prisoner for a long time. Transferred to I. C, June 30, 1864.
DAVID ALLEN. Enlisted from Groveland, August 14, 1862;
discharged August 17, 1863, for disability.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 487
FRANK W. BURNS. Age 18; born in Milford, N. H.; clerk;
-enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862; was in the battle of
HartPville, and severely wounded in the throat Was appointed
Postmaster of the Regiment in the winter of 1863; of the brigade
when General Carlin took command, and was subsequently
Postmaster of the division until the close of the war. Mustered out
.June 6, 1865. Lives in Le Mars, Iowa, and is in the milling businoiss.
See "Incidents."
SAMUEL BAKER. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged for disability January
20, 1863.
OLIVER C. BLACKBURN. Age 35; born in Pennsylvania;
enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and at Hartsville; drove the ambulance and helped
remove the wounded from the field. Was discharged for disability
January 29, 1863. Moved to Randall, Kan. Died March 21, 1889.
JACOB BANE. Age 17; born in Marshall County, W. Va.;
farmer; enlisted from Groveland, August 11, 1862; was in the
Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville, wounded in the
left hand: in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns he took
part in the brilliant actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads,
and the battle of Chickamauga, September 19, when his right arm
was shot away and he was badly wounded in the left foot. Mr. Bane
was the tallest man In the Regiment and well built in every way.
He served his country with a fidelity and bravery that can never
be repaid. Discharged for wounds April 23, 1864. He lives in Ottawa,
111., has been a Justice of the Peace. Is now a pension and claim
attorney. See "Incidents."
HENRY BANE. Enlisted August 20, 1862. Rejected.
JOHN BAILEY. Age 22; born in Ross County, Ohio; farmer;
enlisted from Groveland August 12, 1862; was on the march to
Bowling Green; taken sick and left there; rejoined the Regiment at
Chicago and was In the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
was at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga.
Served most of the time as a teamster and was in all the campaigns
of the Regiment. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Dana, 111. Is
a farmer
ANDREW J. BAILEY. Age 19; born in Ross County, Ohio;
farmer; enlisted from Groveland, August 12, 1862; was In the battle
of Hartsville; In the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at
Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. in
the latter on the 20th, he became separated from his Regiment when
It fell back before the rebel charge on the left, and Joining an Ohio
regiment, then coming up, fought with it until it, too, was driven
back with the loss of the color bearer and flag. The Colonel urgi.Ji
the men to recover the flag, but the fire was so severe, none would
go; then It was that* Bailey volunteered to attempt the dangerous
mission. He rushed for the fiag amidst a shower of bullets, secured
it and returned In safety; delivered the colors to the Colonel and
received his thanks. That was a brave act, but not the only one.
He captured that day the fiag of a Texas regiment. Bailey was at
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas to Bentonville, there finishing up his honorable
488 THE ONE HU NDRED AND FOURTH
career as a soldier. Mustered out June 6, 1865. He lives at
Audubon, Iowa.
DAVID BEAGLE. Enlisted from Groveland, August 13. 1862;
deserted April 5, 1863.
JOHN COOPER. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville; in the TuHahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of
Chickamauga. Was in the Atlanta campaign and battles, in the
pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carol inas
to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
ANDREW COLLINS. Enlisted ttom Groveland, August 9, 1862.
Discharged for disability November 7, 1863.
JOHN COYNE. Enlisted from Groveland, August 11, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was wounded in the
breast in the latter battle. Took part in the Atlanta campaign, the
pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea and through the Carolinas;
wounded again at Bentonville, March 19, 1865. Mustered out July
6, 1865.
ANTHONY CALLAGHAN. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9,
1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the
battle of Chickamauga. In the Atlanta campaign and battles; the
pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea, and through the Carolinas
to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives in Minnesota. Is-
a farmer.
ELISHA M. DAVIS. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and Chickamauga.
Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through
the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
HENRY C. DOUGLAS. Enlisted from Groveland, August 12,
1862; was at the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; in the actions of Elk River and Davis
Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout . Mountain and
Mission Ridge. Killed in the latter battle November 25, 1863.
RICHARD EVERITT. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862 r
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was
in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the
Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
NICHOLAS BLLENBOCKER. Enlisted from Groveland, August
9, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign; mortally wounded in the
battle of Hartsville, December 7, 1862. Died at Gallatin, Tenn.,
June 19, 1863.
JOHN ERIE. Enlisted from Groveland, August 13, 1862; he-
was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma campaign and Elk River advance. Died at Cowan, Tenn.,.
August 24, 1863.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 489*
SAMUEL FOSTER. Enlisted from Groveland, Augrust 9, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain..
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood,
on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Ben ton vi He,
always on hand. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
PORTER HARKNESS. Age 31; born in Bradford County, Pa.;
farmer; enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862; was in the battle
of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River tind David Cross Roads; in
the battle of Chickamauga, where he was wounded in the left hand.
Was in the Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea and through the
Carolinas. Mustered out June 6, 1865. No fly-specks on the record.
Lives at Yankeetown, Woodford County, 111. Is a farmer.
GEORGE E. LEWIS. Age 17; born in Peru, 111.; farmer;
enlisted September 6, 1862, as a musician; was in the battle of
Hartsville, where he beat the long roll to "fall in," for the first time; in
the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. In the Atlanta
campaign, was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek. Was on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas to Bentouville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Lives at Ottawa, 111. Is a farmer.
JOHN. LAKIN. Age 22; born in England; farmer; enlisted from
Groveland, August 9, 1862; marched with the Regiment to Frankfort,.
Ky., while there he disabled his right hand by an accidenial
discharge of his gun; sent to hospital at Louisville; taken with
diphtheria; discharged for disability November 16, 1862; died a few
days after.
WILLIAM LAKIN. Age 18; born in England; farmer; enlisted
from Groveland, August 13, 1862; was in the battle of Hartsville
and in the TuUahoma campaign at Elk River; was in the battles of
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign
was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, IJCenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek,
Jonesboro; in the pursuit of Hood; on the march to Savannah.
Was captured with Captain Ross at Stroud's Mill, S. C, February 26,
1865; sent to Libby; exchanged soon after. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Lives at Dorchester, Neb. Is a farmer.
ISAAC B. MULLIN. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862;
discharged for disability, June 10, 1863.
JOHN MARLBY. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862;
discharged for disability April 22, 1864.
WILLIAM M. Mcdonald. Enlisted from Groveland, August
9, 1862; discharged for disability, June 23, 1863.
THOMAS MAHAN. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862;
deserted May 1. 1863.
CHRISTIAN MILLER. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862;
was in the march to Bowling Green, Ky. Taken sick and died there
November 16, 1862.
BRASTUS F. MALLORY. Age 29; born in Rome, N. Y.; farmer r
enlisted from Groveland. August 9. 1862; was In the Kentucky^
campaign and the battle of Hartsville. When the Regiment left
Chicago for the front in 18763, he was too sick to go and did not, on
-400 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
account of continued and severe sickness, again Join the Regiment
until December 1863. In the Atlanta campaign he was present at
Buzzard Roost and Resaca. At the latter place he was wounded in
the right shoulder May 14, 1864, the deltoid muscle being severed;
this disabled him for further active service, but he recovered
sufficiently to act as nurse in hospitals until mustered out May 9,
1865. He has lost one eye and otherwise suffered ever since as the
consequence of his wound. Lives at Hamilton, Iowa.
JOHN MOORE. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862. Died
at Louisville, November 11, 1862.
FERNANDO D. McFADDEN. Age 25; born in Fayette County.
Pa.; enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville and in the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River. In the
Cbickamauga campaign at Davis Cross Roads and the battle of
Chickamauga where he was wounded in the right foot. In the
Atlanta campaign he was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, the siege of
Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro; was on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
Thf record speaks for itself. Lives at Laramie City, Wyoming. Is
ti farmer and stock raiser.
SAMUEL B. MALONE. Enlisted August 9, 1862; deserted
December 20, 1862.
HENRY T. MARSH. Enlisted from Groveland, August 11, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsvllie; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns: at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads. Killed in the
battle of Chickamauga. September 20, 1863.
MERRITT MALLORY. Enlisted from Groveland, August 12,
1862; was in tho battle of Hartsville. Discharged for disability May,
15, 1863.
WIRE A. MACKBY. Enlisted from Groveland, August 13, 1862;
deserted Decern bor 20, 1862.
N. H. MULLEN. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; wounded
slightly in the leg; discharged March 10. 1864. Lives in California.
ANGELO A. NEWTON. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9,
1862: was in the battle of Hartsville. Died at Cincinnati, December
2'> 1 g(j2
JOHN H. OVERMAN. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862.
Died ai Louisville. September 21, 1863.
JAMES C. POWELL. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862.
Discharged for disability December 30, 1862.
ANDREW PONTS. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; slightly
wounded in the thigh; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns: at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign
and battles; in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
MARK PURVIANCE. Age 20; born in Jefferson County, Ohio;
farmer; enlisted August 12, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign;
wounded through the neck at Hartsville. In the Atlanta campaign
was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kene-
saw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro; on the
inarch to the sea and through the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Mus-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 491
tered out June 6, 1865. Was one of the boys who waded the swamps
at Savannah. Lives at Cromwell, la. Is a farmer.
JOHN QUINLIND. Enlisted from Groveland, August 12, 1862;
discharged January 30, 1863, for disability.
OSCAR L. ROBINSON. Age 24; born in Bennington, Vt;
farmer; enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862; was in the battle
of Harts ville: in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns;
present at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chicka-
mauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta cam-
paign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit
of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas; at
Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Wenona, 111. Is a
mason.
DANIEL C. ROBBINS. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9,
1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and Chicka-
mauga. In the Atlanta campaign and battles; was on the march
to the sea and through the Carolinas. Mustered out June 12, 1865.
Resides in Nebraska.
CHARLES RICE. Age 31; born in Germany; farmer; enlisted
August 9, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and at Hartsville.
In the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
In the battles of the Atlanta campaign; on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Lives in Bloomington, 111.
SAMUEL READ. Enlisted August 9, 1862; born in England.
Deserted April 1, 1863.
NICHOLAS SHOEMAKER. Enlisted August 9, 1862; bom in
Germany. Deserted January 18, 1863.
HENRY J. SHOWMAN. Age 20; born In Fayette County, Pa.;
farmer; enlisted from Groveland, Augrust 9, 1862; was In the battle
of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
In the Atlanta campaign, was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. Was fn the
pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Caro-
linas; at Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Is a merchant at
Streator, 111.
JOHN SMITH. Enlisted August 12, 1862; deserted December
17, 1862.
CORNELIUS SNYDER. Enlisted from Groveland, August 11,
1862; was in the battle of Hartsville; wounded; in the actions of Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads, the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign was present
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree Creek. Wounded in right elbow at Utoy Creek, August
7, 1864. Mustered out July 16, 1865.
ABRAHAM SMOCK. Enlisted August 9, 1862; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Discharged June 16, 1863,
for disability.
WALKER PURVIANCE. Enlisted from Groveland, August 12,
1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in
492 THE ONE HX/NDRED AND FOURTH
the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns and battles. Trans-
ferred to Invalid Corps, June 21, 1864.
JOHNSON TRAVER. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of HartsviUe; wounded in
the hand. Died at Columbus, O., December 26, 1862.
JERRY THOMPSON. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862.
Discharged for disability December 18, 1862.
BARTON W. TAYLOR. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9,
1862. Transferred to New York regiment and honorably dis-
charged. Adjutant General's report is wrong.
HARVEY W. TRAVER. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9,
1862; farmer; was in the Kentucky campaign. Mortally wounded at
HartsviUe, December 7, 1862. Died December 10, 1862.
DARIUS F. TRASK. Age 29; bom in Cortland County, N. Y.;
farmer; enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign and battle of HartsviUe. In the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In
the Atlanta campaign was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca and New Hope
Church. Wounded in the arm at the latter place, June 6, 1864; laid
up six weeks, but recovered and was at Peach Tree Creek, the daily
skirmishes around and siege of Atlanta, Utoy Creek, Jonesboro.
Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through
the Carolinas; at BentonviUe. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Is &
farmer at Cimarron, Kan.
JAMES J. TRAVER. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862;
farmer; wounded severely in the face at the battle of HartsviUe.
In the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; was at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. Was wounded in the arm in the latter battle.
Took part in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks^
Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and
through the Carolinas to BentonviUe. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
ROBERT BRUCE WINANS. EnUsted from Groveland, August
9, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of HartsviUe,
where" he was slightly wounded. In the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle^
of Chickamauga. At Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, the
skirmishes following; at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was
in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and the campaign
of the Carolinas, also the battle of BentonviUe. No better soldier
ever shouldered a musket or found a chicken. Mustered out June
6, 1865. Lives at Dana, 111.
JOHN K. WILLIAMS. Enlisted from Groveland, August 9,
1862; discharged January 7, 1863.
LEWIS WINANS. Age 24; born in Greene County, N. Y.;
farmer; enlisted from Groveland, August 9, 1862; was in the battle of
HartsviUe, in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk
River, Davis Cross Roads, the battle of Chickamauga. Was at Buz-
zard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach-
Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro; In the pursuit of Hood, on the-
march to the sea and through the Carolinas; at BentonviUe. Mus-
tered out June 6, 1865. Is a farmer at Flanagan, 111.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. ^3
STATISTICS OF COMPANY I.
Total enlistment 82
Killed and mortally wounded 6
Wounded 19
Discharged for wounds 1
Discharged for disability 17
Died of disease 7
Died in prison 1
Resigned 2
Mustered out June 6, 1865 30
Mustered out at other dates / 5
Transferred to Invalid Corps. .• 2
Transferred to New York regiment 1
Rejected 1
Deserted 8
Known to be living (December, 1894) ^. . . .24
CHAPTER XXXIIL
Company K— How and Where Organized— Roster and Bio^a-
phles— Statistics.
SKETCH OF COMPANY K.
This company was recruited in Peru and vicinity by
J. W. Palmer and Joseph P. Fitzsimmons. The men
were hardy and nearly all under thirty years of age. A
large majority were native born and many of German
and Irish parentage. They were well fitted to endure the
hardships of a soldier's life. Before going to the camp
at Ottawa, Justus W. Palmer, who had been a member
of the Ellsworth Zouaves in Chicago, then living in
Peru, was elected Captain. Before leaving, the ladies of
Peru, through Miss Minnie Paul, presented a beautiful
silk flag to the company. At Ottawa, Joseph P. Fitz-
simmons was elected First Lieutenant and Otis S.
Favor Second Lieutenant Adolph Splitstosser was ap-
pointed First Sergeant, and Frank M. Sapp, William
Winslow, Charles G. Butterweck, and Adolph Sling-
man, Sergeants. The following were appointed Cor-
porals: George Alexander, William H. Craig, Benj.
Sutcliff, George Wine, Frederick G. McLain, William
Wilmarth, Francis M. Wood, Eli R. Moffltt. Many
changes soon occurred among the non-commissioned
officers and especially after the battle of Hartsville.
Thus organized Company K had the advantage at first
of being officered by men of experience, one of whom,.
Lieutenant Fitzsimmons, had seen active service in the
First Illinois Cavalry. Hence, Company K became one
of the best drilled in the Regiment and was assigned
to the left flank as a skirmish company. In the battle
of Hartsville, Tenn., it received the first fire of the
enemy and fought bravely imtil pressed back by the
overwhelming masses of the rebels. Joseph P. Arnold
was mortally wounded and a number wouijded, some-
Captain Joseph P. Fitzsimmons, Company K.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 496-
severely. Captain Palmer resigning in Chicago, I^ieii-
tenant Fitzsimmons was promoted Captain and there-
after led the company until killed at Utoy Creek,
August 7th, 1864. Company K always acquitted itself
with credit in every battle and was always prominent
on the skirmish line and could be depended upon, as
was so well shown in the Atlanta campaign, to hold any
point of vantage or to charge and seize the rifle pits of
the enemy. Its brave Captain, Fitzsimmons, seemed to
court the place of danger and his men followed him
with confidence. In common with the Regiment Com-
pany K shared in the glories of every battlefield from
Louisville to the sea, thence to Bentonville, losing
during the term of service its proportion of brave men
in killed and wounded.
^ ROSTER OP THE COMPANY.
CAPTAIN JUSTUS W. PALMER. Age. 24; occupation, photog-
rapher; was a member of the EHsworth Zouaves before the war;
helped recruit Company K with Joseph P. Fitzsimmons, ahd was
elected and commissioned Captain; elected Major by the Regiment,
but not commissioned; taken prisoner at HartsvlUe; with the com-
pany at Columbus and Chicago. Resigned February 28, 1863. Last
heard of in Kansas.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH P. FITZSIMMONS. Born In Stark County,
Ohio, May 5, 1835. When he was two years old, his father lost his
life while rescuing A drowning man. Later, young Fitzsimmons
learned the trade of a pattern maker and worked In Peru, Peoria
and Bloomington. He enlisted in the First Illinois Cavalry July 31,
1861, as chief bugler of Company A; was discharged October 14, 1861,
having been taken prisoner at Lexington, Mo., and released on
parole. Re-enlisted in the same Regiment as chief bugler of the
non-commissioned staff, and was discharged July 14, 1862. He as-
sisted in the organization of Company^ K, in August, 1862, and was
elected First Lieutenant and commissioned by Governor Yates. He
was in the Kentucky campaign and marched to Hartsville, but at
the time of the battle there was on detached duty at Gallatin. He
rejoined the Regiment at Camp Douglas in the winter of 1863, and
was commissioned Captain February 28, 1863. Thereafter he com-
manded the Company, and was at Nashville, Murfreesboro, and in the
Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. Was in the battles of Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge, and the skirmishes following. He
was one of the first officers to set foot on Mission Ridge and dis-
tinguished for bravery on that occasion. Captain Fitzsimmons par-
ticipated in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, of Rocky Face;
in the battles around Resaca, the niimerous engagements around New
Hope Church, and on the Pumpkin Vine Creek; the fighting around
Kenesaw Mountain and the battle of Peach Tree Creek; the engage-
496 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
ments before Atlanta and at Utpy Cre^]^. At the latter place he was
killed by a rebel sharpshooter While in the act of putting a rail on
the earthworks thrown up by our men in front of the enemy. In a
letter conveying intelligence home of his death. Colonel Hapeman
said of him: "He was brave and generous, and beloved by ofllcers and
men/' Although a rigid disciplinarian and strict in the enforcement
of military rules, he was most companionable and alwasrs ready to
participate with his men in the amusements of camp life. He was
constitutionally fearless and always ready to volunteer for the most
risky service, or to lead in a dangerous and doubtful encounter.
He possessed a vigorous physique, active temperament and keen
Intellect, and won and deserved the appellation of "the bravest of
the brave.*' At the time of his death he was the senior captain
with the Regiment. His body was buried with that of Sergeant Craig,
who fell a few moments after him at the same place.
CAPTAIN FRANK M. SAPP. Age 24; born in Bureau County,
111.; was publisher and editor of the Peru Herald when he enlisted
in August, 1862. He took a prominent part in the organization of the
Regiment and Company; was appointed and mustered as Second
Sergeant and served with his command in the Kentucky and Ten-
nessee campaigns, and the battle of HartsviUe. Was promoted Sec-
ond Lieutenant February 28, 1863. He was in the TuUahoma and
Chickamauga camj)aigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and the
battle of Chickamauga. In the latter he was badly wounded in the
right shoulder, from which he has never recovered. He was pro-
moted First Lieutenant, July 2^ 1864, and Captain August 7, 1864,
hut did not muster in the two latter grades because unable to rejoin
the Reginjent. While disable4 ha conunanded a company in Nash-
ville for two months. :^e .r4ialip\ed;^^ptember 23, 1864, on account
of wounds and chronic diarrfi^. Qa^tain Sapp was able, efficient
and brave, and left the service with regret. He has been for many
years editor and part owner of the Ottawa Republican, one of the
most influential newspapers in the state. He lives at Ottawa, 111.
CAPTAIN CHARLES G. BUTTERWECK. Age 19; bom in Ger-
many; clerk; enlisted from Peru, July, 1862; elected Sergeant. He
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of HartsviUe. Appointed
First Sergeant in March, 1863. He took part in the Chickamauga
campaign at Davis Cross Roads and the first day's battle of Chicka-
mauga, where he was wounded by a piece of shell; was not again
with the Regiment until the latter part of November, 1863. • In the
Atlanta campaign he was at Resaca and wounded in the right hand;
absent until the latter part of July, 1864. Commissioned First Lieu-
tenant, also Captain, August 7, 1864. He was on the march to the
sea; left sick with typhoid fever in Savannah and was in the hos-
pital there and at Raleigh and Washington. Discharged May 15,
1865. Is now a farmer near Lacon, 111.
FIRST LIEUTENANT OTIS S. FAVOR. Age 22; born in Bos-
ton, Mass.; bookkeeper. Enlisted .in June, 1862; was engaged in
recruiting men for the Eighty-ninth Illinois;- subsequently joined
Company K, of which, on the organization, he was elected Second
Lieutenant. He took part in the Kentucky campaign and battle of
HartsviUe. Was promoted First Lieutenant February 28, 1863. Was
in the TuUahoma and a part of the Chickamauga campaign. In the
Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, and New Hope Church.
Sergt. W. H. Craig. Co. K.
Jos. Burkaft. Co. K.
Capt. F. M. Sapp, Co. K.
Corp. A. L. Mason, Co. F.
Lieut W. Winslow, Co. K.
Sergt E. R. Moffitt, Co. K.
r\ .
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 4»7
Resigned near Dallas, Ga., July 23, 1864. Lives in Chicago and is
engaged in the mercantile business.
FIRST LIEUTENANT WILLIAM WINSLOW. Age 19; born in
Niles, Mich.; enlisted from Peru, August 14, 1862; appointed Ser-
geant; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. In
the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis
Cross Roads and the battle of Chickmauga. In the battles of Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. He was present in the Atlanta
campaign at Buzzard Roost, of Rocky Face, the battles around
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy
Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to
the sea and through the Carolinas; at Bentonville. Commissioned
First Lieutej^ant October 28, 1864, and took command of the com-
pany. Was mustered out June 6, 1865; was the only commissioned
officer in the company. Is a merchant at Freeport, 111.
SERGEANT ADOLPH SPLITSTOSSBR. Enlisted from Peru,
August 8, 1862; appointed Sergeant. He was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of Hartsville, where he was wounded. Discharged
for wound and disability April 27, 1863.
SERGEANT ADOLPH SLINGMAN. Enlisted from Peru, Au-
gust 9, 1862; appointed Sergeant. He was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of Hartsville; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battles of
Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was taken
sick and discharged for disahility, January 24, 1864. He died soon
after the close of the war. He was a brave and dutiful soldier.
SERGEANT WILLIAM H. CRAIG. Enlisted at Peru, August
9, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the
TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. Present in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard
Roost, of Rocky Face, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Moun-
tain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks. On August 7, 1864, while the
Regiment was in line of battle, a part engaged in throwing up
works, and a part firing on the enemy, the brave Sergeant was killed
by a rebel sharpshooter, the ball passing through his head from one
ear to the other. In his death the company lost a gallant soldier
and one who was loved by all.
SERGEANT FREDERICK G. McLAIN. Enlisted at Peru, August
8, 1862; appointed Corporal; was in the battle of Hartsville; in the
TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River and Davis
Cross Roads; in the the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge; in the Atlanta campaign he was at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree
and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro; on the march to the sea and through
the Carolinas to Bentonville. He was a brave and true soldier and
also a writer of ability, as shown by his letters written from the front
and published at the time. He is quoted elsewhere in this history.
Was mustered out as First Sergeant, June 6, 1865. When last heard
from lived at DuQuoin, 111.
SERGEANT FRANCIS M. WOOD. Enlisted at Peru, August 5,
1862; appointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle
of Hartsville. Promoted Sergeant. Discharged April 27, 1863; dis-
abiUty.
498 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
SERGEANT ELI R. MOFFITT. Age 25; boru In Pennsylvania;
enlisted at Peru, August 14, 1862; appointed Corporal; In the Tulla-
homa campaign and at Elk River; also In the battles of Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge; present In the Atlanta campaign at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was In the pursuit of
Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carollnas to Ben-
tonvllle. Promoted Sergeant for meritorious services. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. He had previous to enlisting In One Hundred and
Fourth, served In Company A, First Illinois Cavalry. Now lives at
Adrian, Mich.
SERGEANT HARRISON HOLCOMB. Enlisted at Peru, August
14, 1862; was at HartsvlUe; Ih the Tullahoma and Chlckamauga
campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chlckaihauga, Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain. Was on the march to the
sea and through the Carollnas to Bentonvllle. Promoted Sergeant
for meritorious services. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
CORPORAL GEORGE ALEXANDER. Age 31; bom In Roches-
ter, N. Y.; enlisted at Peru, August 11, 1862; appointed Corporal;
discharged October 11, 1862; disability. He had served previously
In Company A, First Illinois Cavalry. Lives In Dubuque, la.
CORPORAL BENJAMIN SUTCLIFF. Enlisted from Hennepin.
August 14, 1862; appointed Corporal; was In the Kentucky campaign
and battle of HartsvlUe. Discharged In January, 1863; disability.
CORPORAL GEORGE WINE. Enlisted from Peru, August 14.
1862; appointed Corporal; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle
of HartsvlUe; In the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River, where he
was killed by a solid shot from the rebel battery, Sergeant Mofflt
dodging the same ball Just in time. Corporal Wine was a brave
soldier.
CORPORAL WILLIAM WILMARTH. Enlisted from Peru, Au-
gust 14, 1862; was In the Kentucky campaign and battle of Harts-
vlUe. Discharged April 27, 1863; disability.
CORPORAL WILLIAM BARTON. Enlisted from Peru. August
18, 1862; was In the battle of HartsvlUe; at Elk River, the action of
Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chlckamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. Present in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, and the battles of the Regiment
around Kenesaw Mountain. Taken sick and transferred to the
Invalid Corps, January 31, 1864, When last heard from was a resi-
dent of Kansas.
CORPORAL THOMAS S. CONLEY. Enlisted from Peru. Au-
gust 13, 1862; was In the battle of HartsvlUe; the actions of Elk
River and Davis Cross Roads; the battles of Chlckamauga, Lookout
Mountain and Mission Ridge. Captured in the Sequatchie Valley,
but escaped; was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek. Again captured and sent to
Andersonvllle, again escaped and was In the Carolina campaign.
Mustered out as Corporal for meritorious services. June 6, 1865.
Lived In Putnam County after the war.
CORPORAL JOSEPH DUFFEY. Age 18; born in Pennsylvania;
farmer; enlisted from La Salle, August 8, 1862; was In the Kentucky
cPTTip^ign and battle of HartsvlUe; In the Tullahoma campaign at
Elk River. Was in' the battle of Chlckamauga, where he was
Lieut. Otis S. Favor, Company K.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 499
wounded in the right hip September 20, 1863; promoted Corporal.
Discharged February 24, 1865; disability. He also served in Com-
pany A, First Illinois Cavalry. Lives in La Salle. Is a mason.
CORPORAL FREDERICK FIENHOLD. Age 22; born in Ger-
many; farmer; enlisted August 14, 1862; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of Harts ville; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads. In the battles of
Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was present
In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Took
part in the pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea and through the
Carolinas to Bentonville. Promoted Corporal for meritorious
services. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Is now a prosperous farmer
at Kenwood, la., and smiles with satisfaction at the thought of his
-continuous career of army service in the cause of the Union.
CORPORAL JAMBS F. ALLEN. Enlisted from Hennepin, Au-
gust 16, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Harts-
viUe; promoted Corporal; in the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River;
in the battle of Chickamauga. Was taken sick during the siege of
Chattanooga and died March 25, 1864; much regretted. His father
will be remembered by the company for bringing them provisions
At Elk River, and his presence in the fighting there.
GEORGE PITZER. Age 25; bom in Rutland, La Salle County;
unlisted August 15, 1S62, as musician; was in the Kentucky cam-
paign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga
campaigns; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mis-
sion Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign and battles. Mustered
out June 6, 1865. Is a farmer in Rutland.
ALBERT ALLMAN. Enlisted from Peru, August 28, 1862; dis-
charged October 11. 1862; disability.
JOSEPH P. ARNOLD. Enlisted from Granville, Putnam
County, August 13, 1862; was In the Kentucky campaign and battle
of Hartsville, where he was mortally wounded while on the skirmish
line, December 8, 1862. He was the first man to fall in that battle.
CHARLES N. BROWN. Age 24; bom in Bureau County, 111.;
unlisted from Peru, August 5, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign
and battle of Hartsville, where he was severely wounded. Dis-
charged for wound, December 26, 1862, and died in 1863 from the
effects.
JOSEPH BURKART. Age 24; born in Baden, Germany;
laborer; enlisted from Peru, August 11, 1862; was in the Kentucky
campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chicka-
mauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign
was present at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree Creek; the skirmishes In front of Atlanta and
at Utoy Creek, where, August 13, 1864, he was wounded in the hip
and the wound dressed on the field by Surgeon Dyer. He was sent
to hospital, but rejoined the Regiment at Kingston, Ga., and was
on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville.
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at La Salle, 111.; prosperous in
business and a member of the Board of Supervisors of La Salle
•County.
ROBERT BELL. Age 19; bom in Ireland; enlisted from Peru,
August 14, 1862; he was in the Kentucky campaign and the battle
600 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
of Hartsville, where he was severely wounded in the- left thigh.
Discharged for wound, April 27, 1863. Resides at Chatsworth, III.
MILTON B. BUSHNELL. Age 19; born in Princeton. 111.; con-
tractor and builder; enlisted at Peru, August 14, .1862; was in the
Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, the action of Davis Cross
Roads and the battle of Chickamauga. He was in the battles of
Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. He took part in the skirmishes
of the Regiment following that battle, and was present at Buzzard
Roost, of Rocky Face, the battles around Resaca, New Hope Church;
the battles around Kenesaw Mountain; was at Peach Tree and Utoy
Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to
the sea and through a part of the Carolina campaign. On the 26th
of February, 1865, was one of a party of foragers commanded by
Captain Ross, sent out while the Regiment lay near the Catawba
River, S. C. The party was surrounded by rebel cavalry at Stroud's
Mill on Fishing Creek, and after killing five or six rebels, was
* obliged to surrender, none escaping except McCormick and Merritt.
Bushnell was sent to Libby Prison, but soon exchanged, and was
mustered out May 29, 1865, at Springfield, lU. He lives in Chicago
and is a contractor.
THOMAS BURROWS. Unlisted August 12, 1862; was in the
Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the
battle of Chickamauga. Died at Chattanooga, October 24, 1863. The
Company and Regiment lost a good soldier.
JAMES BURMINGHAM. Enlisted August 14, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville. Discharged April 27, 1863; disability.
CHARLES BURK. Enlisted from Peru, August 15, 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsville, the actions of Davis Cross Roads; the battle
of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the At-
lanta campaigns and battles. In the pursuit of Hood, on the march
to the sea and through the Carolinaii to Bentonville. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. He was always on hand.
JACOB BURKART. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was appointed
Sergeant, but was reduced to the ranks at his own request. He
was in the battle of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River and Davis
Cross Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Mission Ridge. Was in the pursuit of Hood; on the march to the
sea. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JOSEPH CARNEY. Age 26; enlisted August 11, 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River, Davis Cross Roads,
and the battle of Chickamauga, where he was captured; was in An-
dersonville; exchanged in April, 1865. Mustered out June 28, 1865.
Lives in Lee County, III.; is a farmer.
HENRT A. CHAPIN. Enlisted from La Salle, August 20, 1862;
was at Hartsville. Discharged April 30, 1864; disability. Lives In
Chicago.
JOHN P. DOWLING. Enlisted from Peru, August 8, 1862; de-
serted February 17, 1863.
FREDERICK DORI. Enlisted August 9, 1862; was in the battle
of Hartsville, the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, Buz-
zard Roost, Resaca, Sew Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 501
Tree and Utoy Creeks, .Jonesboro. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Died
soon after the war.
SAMUEL DIEFENBAUGH. Enlisted August 14, 1862; dishonor-
ably discharged. See Adjutant General's report.
LOUIS ENGEL. Enlisted August 11, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville, the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads, the
battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,
in front of which he was wounded June 21, 1864; was in the pursuit
of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Ben-
tonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Ladd, Bureau
County, 111.
JOHN ENZMINGER. Enlisted August 14, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville; in the TuUahoma and Chickamauga campaigns.
Discharged Janury 19, 1864; disability. Lives in Chicago.
GEORGE FIFE. Enlisted August 14, 1862; was in the battle of
Hartsville and in the Tullahoma campaign. Deserted January 14,
1864.
VALENTINE FEIST. Enlisted August 14, 1862; deserted May
1, 1863.
JAMES GATTT. Enlisted from Hennepin, August 14, 1862; was
In the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads;
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
Transferred t6 Invalid Corps, January 20, 1864.
ERNEST GERBER. Enlisted from Hennepin, August 9, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign. Discharged February 4, 1863; dis-
ability.
ANDREW A. HART. Enlisted from Hennepin, August 12, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville, and wounded severely there. Took
part in all the campaigns and in several battles; was teamster. Mus-
tered out June 6. 1865.
GEORGE HALL. Enlisted from Hennepin, August 12, 1862;
deserted May 20, 1863.
GEORGE W. HOSS. Age 22; born in Ohio; enlisted from Peru,
August 5, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Harts-
ville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River,
Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga; at Lookout Mountain and Mis-
sion Ridge. Present In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek
and Utoy Creek, Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood, on the march to
the sea and through the Carolinas to BeqtonviUe. Mustered out
June 6, 1865. Lives near Lincoln, Neb.
MARTIN HAYDEN. Enlisted from Peru, August 5, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Discharged
January 3, 1864; disability.
GEORGE HAHN. Age 20; bom in Germany; farmer; enlisted
from Peru, August 9, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle
of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chickamauga campaigns; at
Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga,
where he was wounded, September 20, 1863, while on the skirmish
line. He was in the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,
New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, ^nd on the march to the
502 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
sea and northwards to Bentonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives
in Bureau County.
MORITZ HOYER. Enlisted from Peru, August 16, 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsviile and the Tullahoma campaign. Taken sick
and died at Decherd, Tenn., October 11, 1863.
HERMAN JUNE. Enlisted from Peru, August 14, 1862; de-
serted December 20, 1862.
CHARLES KNAPP. Enlisted from Peru, August 9, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsviile, the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross
Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign and battles. In the pursuit of
Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carollnas to Ben-
tonville. Mustered out June 6, 1866.
JOHN H. KOHR. Age 17; bom in Peru; laborer; was in the
battle of Hartsviile; the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads;
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge,
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood, on
the march to the sea and through the Carollnas to Bentonville. John
took It all In. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives In Peru.
JOHN LINDEMEYER. Enlisted August 12, 1862; was In the
Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsviile; in the Tullahoma and
Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads and
Chickamauga; wounded In the latter battle. Was at Lookout Moun-
tain and Mission Ridge; in the Atlanta campaign and battles; the
pursuit of Hood, the march to the sea and through the Carollnas.
Mustered out June 6, 1865. Lives at Troy Grove.
FREDERICK LANGE. Enlisted from La Salle, August 14, 1862;
was In the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsviile; In the Tulla-
homa and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was
In all the battles of the Atlanta campaign; the pursuit of Hood, the
march to the sea and through the Carollnas to Bentonville. Mus-
tered out June 6, 1865. Not living.
JOHN LEMBKE. Enlisted from Hennepin, August 16, 1862; was
at Hartsviile, Davis Cross Roads, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In all the battles of the Atlanta campaign; at
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree and Utoy Creeks. Was In the pursuit of Hood, on the march to
the sea and through the Carollnas to Bentonville. Mustered out June
6, 1865. He saw It all.
HENRY LUKE. Enlisted from Peru, August 11, 1862; had
previously served in Company A, First Illinois Cavalry; was In the
battle of Hartsviile, the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross Roads;
the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge.
Was hi the battles of the Atlanta campaign. In the pursuit of Hood,
on the march to the sea and through the Carollnas to Bentonville.
Mustered out June 6, 1865.
FRANK MAURER. Age 18; born In Germany; enlisted August
14, 1862; was In the Chickamauga campaign and battle of Chicka-
mauga; at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; was a faithful and
brave soldier. Discharged January 19, 1864; disability. Lives In
Peru, 111.
MICHAEL MILLER. Enlisted from La Salle, August 14. 1862;
was In the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsviile; accidentally
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 503
drowned in the Ohio River, December, 1862, while on the way to
Camp Lew Wallace.
THOMAS MULCAY. Enlisted from Troy Grove, August 11, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Harts vi lie, where he
was wounded severely; discharged for wound, May 29, 1863.
HENRY MERKEL. Age 24; born in Germany; enlisted from
Troy Grove, August 11, 1862; was in the battles of Hartsville, Look-
out Mountain and Mission Ridge. He was in the Atlanta campaign
at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of
Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Ben-
tonville. Was wounded at Resaca, May 14, 1864. Mustered out June
6, 1865. Lives at Peru, 111.
THOMAS McGRAW. Enlisted August 18, 1862; deserted Septem-
ber 30. 1862.
MICHAEL McDERMOTT. Enlisted August 18, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville. The Adjutant General's report says: ''Deserted
January 14, 1863, returned." He did return and served through the
war with credit.
MICHAEL McNOON. Enlisted August 15, 1862. Deserted January
14, 1863.
JOHN McCONNELL. Age 32; bom in Ohio; farmer; enlisted Au-
gust 16, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Harts-
ville; at Elk River and Davis Cross Roads; in the battles of Chicka-
mauga. Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. Was in the Atlanta
, campaign; at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. Was in the
pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas
to Bentonville. Mustered out Jpne 6, 1865. Lives at Meriden, la.
Is a farmer and as successful as he was in fighting for his country.
CHARLES M. McKEON. Enlisted from Peru, August 11, 1862;
deserted December 1, 1862.
MARTIN MELECK. Enlisted from Peru, August 9, 1862; was
in the battle of Hartsville; the actions of Elk River and Davis Cross
Roads; the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. Was in the Atlanta campaign and battles; in the pursuit
of Hood, on the march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Ben-
tonville. Mustered out June 6, 1865. Died in 1893.
JOHN H. MOORE. Enlisted from Peru, August 22, 1862. Dis-
charged in October, 1862; disability.
OTTO L. M'LAIN. Enlisted August 5, 1862; was in the battle
of Hartsville, Tenn., and there fought bravely and after being cap-
tured escaped and carried the first news of the surrender to Galla-
tin. Deserted February 11, 1863.
MICHAEL O'LAUGHLIN. Enlisted August 12, 1862; was in
the battle of Hartsville and the Tullahoma campaign. Discharged
December 2, 1863; disability. Lives at Emington, 111.
HENRY PUST. Enlisted August 22, 1862; wap in the Ken-
tucky campaign and battle of Hartsville, where he was severely
wounded and had his leg amputated in consequence. Discharged
March 4, 1863.
LEWIS PPENTZ. Enlisted August 15, 1862; from Peru; was in
the battle of Hartsville. Discharged February 2, 1863; disability.
AARON PACKARD. Enlisted August 13, 1862; deserted January
11, 1863.
504 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
CHARLES F. PETERSON. Born in Sweden; -enlisted August
12, 1862, from Peru; was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of
Hartsville; in the Tullahoma and Chlckamauga campaigns; at ElK
River, Davis Cross Roads and the battle of Chickamauga; was severe-
ly wounded at Hartsville. In the Atlanta campaign and battles
until wounded again before Atlanta, July 24, 1864. but partially re-
covering, was on the march to the sea, going to Savannah on a
crutch, thus showing the stuff he was made of. Mustered out June
6, 1865.
FRANK ROEDLE. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 22, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Was on the
march to the sea. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
JOHN ROBINSON. Enlisted from La Salle, August 5, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville. Died in Nash-
ville, March 28, 1864.
NATHAN RHAM. Enlisted August 11, 1862. from Peru; was in
the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma
and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross Roads, and
the battle of Chickamauga; at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge,
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks, where he was wounded, August 13,
1864; disabled for further service by wound. Mustered out June,
1865 ; always ready for duty.
AUGUSTUS RUSNER. Enlisted from Peru, August 13, 1862;
was at Hartsville, Elk River, Davis Cross Roads; the battles of
Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. In the At-i
lanta campaign at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Peach
Tree Creek. Wounded at Utoy Creek, August 13, 1864. Mustered
out June 6, 1865.
ANDREW REEDER. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 16, 1862;
deserted January 14, 1863.
LUTHER S. SLYDER. Enlisted from Ottawa. August 16, 1862;
promoted Hospital Steward. See N. C. Staff.
GEORGE SCHWEIGART. Enlisted from Peru, August 11, 1862;
was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; In the Tulla-
homa and Chickamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, and the battle of Chickamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge. In the Atlanta campaign at Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy
Creeks. Killed at the latter place, August 13, 1864. The Regiment
lost a brave and true soldier.
SOLON K. SAPP. Age 19; born in Bureau County; enlisted from
Peru, August 13, 1862; was in the Kentucky campaign. Was taken
sick at Frankfort, Ky. ; rejoined the Regiment at Camp Douglas and
went with it to the front in 1863, but was again stricken down and
discharged for disability, August 24, 1863. He practiced law in St.
Louis from 1870 to 1892; died in September, 1892, in Colorado.
ALONZO D. SCRIBNER. Enlisted August 14, 1862; was in the
battle of Hartsville; in the Tullahoma campaign at Elk River.
Transferred to V. R. C, April 22, 1864.
GEORGE STROBLE. Enlisted August 15, 1862; deserted March
20, 1863.
PETER SHULTES. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 14, 1862; was
in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the Tulla-
homa campaign. Transferred to V. R. C. in 1864. Not living.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 505
JOSEPH A. STEIGER. Enlisted from Ottawa, August 28, 1862;
was in the battle of Hartsville and in the Atlanta campaign, and
the march to the sea. Mustered out June 6, 1865.
MICHAEL TOBACCO. Enlisted August 9, 1862; deserted Jan-
uary 14, 1863. *
JOHN ULRICH. Enlisted August 14, 1862; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign. Discharged April 29, 1863; disability.
JOHN WILLIAMS. Enlisted August 25, 1862; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the TuUahoma and
part of the Atlanta campaign. Transferred to V. R. C, January 1,
1865. Died In Cayuga, 111., In 1868.
MATTHEW WINZEL. Enlisted August 15, 1862; deserted
January 14, 1863.
FRANK TROMPETBR. Enlisted August 9, 1862; deserted the
second time, July 1, 1864.
JOHN TROMPETER. Enlisted August 9, 1862; was in the Ken-
tucky campaign. Discharged February 18, 1863; disability. Lives
In iCansas.
CHARLES TRENT. Enlisted from Hennepin, August 14, 1862;
he was in the Kentucky campaign and battle of Hartsville; in the
Tullahoma and Chlckamauga campaigns; at Elk River, Davis Cross
Roads, Chlckamauga. Was at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge,
Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach
Tree and Utoy Creeks, Jonesboro. In the pursuit of Hood, on the
march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Mus-
tered out June 6, 1865.
' RECRUITS.
JAMES BELL. Enlisted March 3, 1865. His term of service was
short but efficient. Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
Lives at Kempton, 111.
HENRY COX. Enlisted February 5, 1864; was in the Atlanta
campaign at Buzzard Roost and Resaca. Wounded in the latter
battle. May 14, 1864; was transferred to the V. R. C. Lives in St.
Paul, Minn.
JOSEPH FROELICH. Enlisted from Joliet, January 29, 1864.
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
EDWARD HOSS. Age 20; enlisted January 29, 1864; joined the
Regiment at Graysville, Ga. He was at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, New
Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree and Utoy Creeks,
Jonesboro. Was in the pursuit of Hood, on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas to Bentonville. Transferred at Washing-
ton to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and discharged July 12, 1865.
Lives at Cabery, 111., and is a farmer.
DANIEL McHARRIE. Enlisted . Killed at Winslow, S. C,
February 20, 1864, by guerrillas.
ALFRED G. PARKER. Enlisted from Rutland, October 3, 1864.
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
DAVID SHAFFER. Age 23; bom in Peru; enlisted September
17, 1864; was in the battle of Bentonville. Mustered out June 6,
1865. Lives in Peru, 111. Is a machinist.
506 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
STATISTICS OF COMPANY K.
Total enlistment 100
Killed and mortally wounded 7
Wounded 18
Resigned for wounds 1
Resigned 2
Discharged for disability 20
Discharged for wounds 5
Died of disease 4
Deserted 15
Mustered out June 6, 1865 31
Mustered out at other dates 3
Transferred to V. R. C. 4
Transferred to Invalid Corps 2
Transferred to Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry 4
Dishonorably discharged 1
Accidentally drowned 1
Promoted Hospital Steward 1
Known to be living (December, 1894) 33
Lieut. W. W. Calkins, Co. E.
J. G. Newell, Co. E.
Col. A. B. Moore.
Corp. J. Shapland, Co. D.
Serot. C. B. Cook, Co. G.
E. C. Russell, Co. E.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Narrative of the Imprisonment of Hapeman and Widmer, by Col-
onel Douglas Hapeman— Reminiscence of Utoy Creek, by Ma-
jor John H. Widmer— William M. Wilson of Company B, in
Resrard to Colonel Hapeman at Peach Tree Creek— Reminis-
cence of Peach Tree Creek, by Corporal John Shapland, Com-
pand D— How a Rebel Lady Got Even with the Major, by Cor-
poral John Shapland, Company D — Concludingr Remarks by
the Historian.
NARRATIVE OF THE IMPRISONMENT OF HAPEMAN AND
WIDMER. BY COLONEL DOUGLAS HAPEMAN.
The battle of Hartsville had been fought and we
were prisoners! For one hour and twenty-five min-
utes our little Regiment, less than 400 strong (two com-
panies had been sent to Gallatin and one company was
in the village of Hartsville), had resisted the attack of
Hahson's veteran brigade of Kentucky infantry and
Morgan^s cavalry, over 4,000 strong, and supported also
by twelve pieces of artillery, losing 51 killed and 105
wounded. The One Hundred and Sixth and One Hun-
dred and Eighth Ohio, on our right, had fled at the
first fire, leaving our flank exposed, and while we were
resisting the attack of the infantry in our front, with
good prospect of repulsing them, the dismounted cav-
alry made an attack on our right flank, almost sur-
rounding us, making it necessary to fall back, and soon
compelling us to surrender. The Regiment never did
better fighting, was never more deserving of victory
As soon as the firing ceased the rebels took possession
of our camp, destroying everything that they could not
carry away. While we were fighting, our cook, Char-
ley Clark, got behind some rocks, and cooked our
breakfast, and soon after the surrender called out,
"Colonel, breakfast is ready," but I was in no mood for
eating, and told him I did not wish any breakfast. I
wished many times before night that I had accepted
Charley's invitation. As soon as possible we were
508 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
formed in line and marched to the Hartsville Ferry,
over the Cumberland River, about half a mile distant,
and crossed over on horses, mules and wagons. Major
Widmer and thq writer were assigned to one horse, and
when about half way over the horse fell down, com-
pletely immersing us" in the water, which was any-
thing but pleasant, as the thermometer was only 10
above zero. On gaining the south bank of the river
we passed the cavalry drawn up in line along the road.
They were particularly anxious to get my spurs, and
kept calling, "Yank, give me those spurs," until I an-
swered one of them rather plainly, when he raised his
carbine, saying, "I'll show you." I shut my eyes,
expecting to be shot, but he thought better and let me
pass on. We were now fairly started for Dixie, and
as the artillery of Harlan's Brigade north of the river
had opened on the rebels, we made pretty quick time.
The march was severe; the weather was very cold with
snow on the ground, and my clothes being frozen it
was hard for ime toi keep up. We marched over twenty-
five miles before we went into camp that night. We
passed through Lebanon about seven o'clock in the even-
ing, the blazing fires in the large fireplaces looking very
inviting. We went into camp about five miles beyond
in a cedar thicket. Having had nothing to eat through
the day we suffered from hunger, while the cold was
intense, with no blankets. One of the guards divided
his scanty rations with me, for which I was very thank-
ful. The next morning we started early, marching to
Lebanon Cross Koads, about five miles from Murf rees-
boro. Here we halted and went into camp in a field.
About noon Major Widmer and myself were invited to
Morgan's headquarters, and this was the last we saw
of the Eegiment until we were exchanged, and joined
it at Brentwood, Tennessee, in the following May. Gen-
eral Morgan invited us to take dinner with him, he
having his headquarters at the house of a >fr. Black.
Several ladies of the family were af dinner with us, and
were very severe and cutting in their remarks about
the Yankees. In the evening we were taken out to the
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 509
house of a farmer, a short distance from Morgan's head-
quarters, where we staid during the night. After the
battle of Hartsville I gave my sword to Lieutenant
Buchanan, of a Kentucky regiment, but my pistol being
in my overcoat pocket, I neglected to give it to him.
When we retired that night I carelessly exposed my
pistol, so the farmer saw it, and he took the officer to
task for bringing enemies to his house with arms. The
officer told him he was responsible for his prisoners,
and did not care for any interference on his part, and it
seemed for awhile that blood would be shed. After
they quieted down I told the officer that I had a pistol,
and would give it to him if he desired it. But he told
me to keep it, and I did so until we reached Libby
Prison, three months later, when they searched me and
discovered the pistol and took it away. The next day
(the 9th of December) we were taken to Murf reesboro,
where we remained a week under close guard, when
we were sent to Chattanooga. The party now consisted
of Major Widmer and myself and eleven other officers.
We were sent by the Nashville and Chattanooga Rail-
road, and had to cross the Tennessee River at Bridge-
port on pontoons, as the bridge had been destroyed.
We were quartered in a house at the foot of Cameron
Hill, in Chattanooga, and marched to a hotel on Mar-
ket Street for our meals, which were prettj^ good for
prisoners. After remaining six days in that town we
were sent to Atlanta and quartered in a brick building
on the comer of Whitehall and Peach Tree streets.
We were the first prisoners in this building, and it was
quite clean and not crowded. But soon the officers
taken prisoners at Stone's River arriving the building
was overcrowded and we were not able to take good
care care of ourselves, while our food was poor and
insufficient. Among the prisoners from Stone's River
I remember General Willich and the gallant Colonel
Miller, of the Thirty-sixth Illinois, who was afterwards
killed at Kenesaw Mountain. Soon after reaching
Atlanta we were notified that we were held as host-
ages for General McNeil, who had ordered thirteen
510 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
guerrillas killed at Palmyra, Mo., and they would hold
thirteen field olficers as hostages until (leueral McNeil
was delivered to the rebel authorities. The order from
General Bragg was to hold us in solitary confinement.
This was not a pleasant announcement, as we knew our
Government would not deliver General McNeil, and
we would probably be held until the war was over, or
perhaps be shot, which would be better. We passed
the time as pleasantly as possible, playing cards, sing-
ing, etc. One of our guards was a whistler (the rebels
never sang), and would whistle the "Bonnie Blue Flag''
continuously during the two hours he was on guard.
At night, beginning at ten o'clock, the watchman would
call out the hour, and "All's w-e-M." The Georgia
"crackers" would bring in their produce to sell to the
Yankees at fabulous prices, charging fifty cents in Con-
federate money for a small onion. One day Major Wid-
jner asked one of them for some peanuts. The cracker
looked at him with disgust, saying, "You-uns don't
know anything; them'fe goobers." We had to go after
water with a Johnny behind carrying a gun. One day
the Major was in the detail, and while on the street
some of the pretty girls of Atlanta passed, and made
fun of him. The Major did not appreciate their jokes
and said he would get even with them. He did, for he
was with Sherman when Atlanta was captured and
destroyed in the fall of 1864. We had a good deal of
trouble fighting "those beasts," as General Willich
ealled them, beat known to soldiers generally as "gray-
backs." The literature we were able to get consisted
of G. R. P. James' paper-covered novels, and the rebel
papers, printed on wrapping paper, containing their
version of all the battles fought, and a small amount
of foreign news, as that from the United States was
styled. While in Atlanta we had the pleasure of a
visit from Augusta Evans, the novelist The Bishop
of Nashville also called on us while he was visiting
the city. Our prison was close to the car shed and we
could see troops moving by rail almost every day; also
fiupplies and ammunition being sent to the front We
REGIMENT IL LINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 6U
were frequently short of rations, but the rebels would
say it was caused by raids the Yankees had made on
their lines of communication. The prisoner were
gradually sent away to Richmond and other places, but
those held as hostages were kept in Atlanta. At last
they began to send the hostages away, but we did not
know where, until but five of us were left. Finally
orders were received to remove us, and, we were started
north on the railroad, but did not know where we were
going. Passing through Knoxville and Lynchburg we
finally reached Richmond, just before daylight on the
morning of April 13th, 1863. After being marched
around Richmond for some hours we were taken to
Libby Prison, and after registering, became the guests
of Major Turner, the commandant of that famous bas-
tile. We were turned in with the rest of the prisoners,
and our treatment was the same as theirs. However,
the hostages were graduaUy taken away, until Major
Widmer and myself were the only ones left. About
ten o'clock on the night of the 22d of April the Ser-
geant called Widmer and myself up and took us down
into the dungeon of Libby Prison. Why he did so we
were not informed; we had not violated any prison rules
that we knew of, and the thought that we were host-
ages, and not prisoners of war, also the disappearance
of all the other hostages, made us think that perhaps
the rebels intended to make way with us. The hor-
rors of that night I cannot describe. The dungeon
of Libby was in the damp cellar, into which no light
ever shone, and it was full of rats, vermin and all man-
ner of filth. None but the worst offenders were put in
there. Well might it be written, "Let him who enters
here leave hope behind." Amid such horrors, tortured
with conflicting emotions, and maintaining a night con-
flict with the natural inhabitants of this vile hole, our
long vigil ended at last, and in the morning we were
taken out, marched to the depot and sent by rail to
Petersburg, thence to City Point, where we were
exchanged and put on the flag of truce boat State of
Maine. We were once more under the glorious Stars
and Stripes, and our joy can be imagined, not described.
512 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
In going down the James River a number of rebel bat-
teries on the banks were passed, and we steamed by
the spot in Hampton Roads where the Cumberland and
Merrimac had their famous battle. The flag was still
flying from the masthead of the Cumberland, here
sunken. We reached Annapolis, Md., the next morn-
ing and were assigned to duty, but were sent a few
days later to Camp Chase, at Columbus, Ohio, On
arriving and reporting we were ordered to rejoin our
Regiment, which we did as soon as possible, and were
enabled to follow the old flag to the close of the war,
from Nashville to Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chatta-
nooga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; in the
Atlanta campaign; after Hood and to the sea; ending
with the campaign of the two Carolinas, Bentonville,
and the surrender of the rebel army under General
Joseph E. Johnston near Raleigh.
REMINISCENCE OP UTOY CREEK. BY MAJOR JOHN H.
WIDMER.
The following account of an event occurring at Utoy
Creek, Ga., was given to the historian by Major John
H. Widmer. He being the main actor, with his usual
reticence, was disinclined to give it any prominence
or publicity, but the writer thinks differently. It is
not only an interesting part of the history of the Regi-
ment, but reflects the highest credit on the gallant
Major. He relates as follows :
"After the action of August 7th, 1864, the position
of the One Hundred and Fourth at Utoy Creek was a
peculiarly annoying one. Our main line was within
point blank rifle range of the rebel skirmish line, which,
too, was hidden in a dense growth of pines, the same
ground where the sharpshooter who killed Fitzsim-
mons, Craig and Graves was concealed. Our skirmish
line was but a short distance from our main line; while
the main line of the rebels was a considerable distance
back of their skirmish line, and was out of reach of our
skirmishers. The result being, as I judge, a "butcher
bill" considerably in their favor. Our men in the main
line had to keep Very close behind the works, but still
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 513
several of them were hit and badly wounded by shots
from the pines. Corporal Ruble, then color bearer, was
one of these. We had no orders to drive the rebel skir-
mish line out of their position, and one day the idea
occurred to me that a little strategy to make things
more even, would not be out of the way. I also had
some curiosity to know just how their skirmish line
was located in the thick pines. So, a little after dark
I went to every pit in our skirmish line and told the
boys not to fire any more at the 'Johnnies' that night,
unless they made a charge. The result was the 'John-
nies,' meeting no reply, stopped firing about midnight.
The left pit in my line was in an old dooryard and on
the crest of a little hill. Opposite to it, about forty
yards distant, was the nearest rebel pit, just outside
of the thick pines. Between these two pits the ground
was perfectly clear. About three o'clocl^ in the morn-
ing I went to this left pit of ours and as soon as it was
light enough to clearly see the rebel pit I stepped out
in front of ours and called out: 'Hello, Johnliy!' In
about two seconds a living fellow in gray clothes rose
up in the other pit and replied, 'Hello, Yank.' I said:
'I'm coming over there to make you a visit' 'AH
right,' lie replied. I started at once; he hesitated a
little, and then started, meeting me about fifteen steps
from his pit. We shook hands, and then I gave him
my name and rank, and informed him that I had charge
of the skirmish line opposing his, and desired to meet
the officer in charge of his line. The man I was talk-
ing to was a Lieutenant in, I think, the Forty-second
Georgia. He informed me that Captain Howell, of his
regiment, had charge of their line. I inquired where
the Captain was. He pointed down the line of pits as
it ran into the pines, and said the Captain 'was in there.'
I asked him to accompany me, and w^e started off to
find the Captain. As we went down the line of rifie pits
in those pines it may be believed that I kept my eyes
wide open to see how the Johnnies were fixed in them.
We soon met Captain Howell, to whom I w^as intro-
duced by the Lieutenant, and I at once proceeded to
514 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
make known iny business. I told the Captain I thought
we were conducting a rather barbarous warfare on
our part of the line; that we were now and then break-
ing an arm or a leg, or killing some poor fellow, but
we were deciding nothing, only causing suffering; and
I proposed a temporary truce, to let the boys on both
sides have a chance to shake hands and get acquainted.
To all this the Captain, who seemed to be very much
of a gentleman, readily assented. We then agi'eed to
a truce to last until either of us received orders from
his commanding oflBcer to resume hostilities, upon
receipt of which orders tw^enty minutes' notice was to
be given to the other before any act of hostility was
done, and when firing began no attempt should be made
to hit an opponent for the first two or three rounds;
this to enable every soldier to get safely back to his
pit. Before starting out I had told my boys that if I
effected a truce I would signal to them by waving my
hat. As soon as the arrangement was completed I went
up to the first mentioned rifle pit and gave the signal.
It was laughable to see the way the Blue and the Gray
went for each other. They met and shook hands like
old friends. In fa<»t they had met before, but not just
in that way. Coffee, corn-bread, hard-tack, jack-knives,
tobacco and other inoffensive articles were freely ex-
changed, instead of deadly bullets. The deep Yankee
hurrah and the shrill rebel yell had given way to
friendly jokes and conversation. I made it a point to
praise the splendid fighting qualities of their people,
and to suggest that if we were again united we could
whip the world. This did not seem the least offensive
to those with whom I talked. In fact the Lieutenant
I first met called me aside and, in a low tone, asked me
what would be done with rebel soldiers who volun-
tarily came into our lines and surrendered. He told
me it was the common understanding with them that
deserters from their army would be compelled to return.
I told him our generals were not fools, and I could
assure him such soldiers would receive no worse treat-
ment than that of ordinary prisoners of war; and that
Regiment Illinois volunteers. sir,
I thought it highly probable that they would be seut
North and set at liberty upon taking the oath of alle-
giance to the United States. About nine o'clock in tjie
forenoon Captain Howell notified me that he had orders
to resume hostilities. This put an end to our truce, but
it bore fruits well worth the little risk I ran. A night
or two after some twenty-five or thirty of the Johnnies
laid down their guns and came into our lines, and I
do not remember that we afterwards had a single man
hurt by their fire a.t Utoy Creek. I never made any
written report of this truce, but learned, however, that
oui: division commander was not displeased."
WILLIAM M. WILSON, OF COMPANY E, IN REGARD TO
COLONEL HAPEMAN AT PEACH TREE CREEK.
The following passages contained in a letter to the
historian deserves insertion in the History. Wilson
says: "You spoke about a picture of some battle that
you desired to put in the book. I have in mind some-
thing that would be nice, a picture of our Colonel in
front of our color guard the morning of May 3d, 1864,
just before starting on Sherman's march to Buzzard's
Roost, when he addressed us with earnestness in regard
to carrying and defending the Aug in time of battle;
or a picture of the Colonel at Peach Tree Creek, back
of the Regiment, in full view of and in range of the
storm of lead that rained on us that day. I can never
forget the sight. After being wounded I made for the
rear, a very dangerous move, and it was then that I
saw the Colonel. He halted me and I showed him my
shoulder, upon which he let me pass on. He stood up
straight with his sword drawn and revolver in hand,
urging the men to stand firm, every inch the soldier he
was, and I think yet it was a wonder he escaped alive;
he seemed to be alone on top of a knoll some thirty feet
in rear of Company E, where bullets were flying lively ;
his conduct on that day showed him to be "the bravest
of the brave.' I wish I could describe that battle in
fitting language, but I have written hastily, thinking
our Colonel should be remembered."
M ^THE ONfi HUNDHED AND FOURTH
REMINISCENCE OF PEACH TREE CREEK. BY CORPORAL
JOHN SHAPLAND, OF COMPANY D.
I can never forget May 3d, 1864, when we left
Graysville, Ga., and Sherman's army began the Atlanta
campaign, nor that little speech made then by Colonel
Uapeman, in which he said we were going to take up
the last grand march, and would not stop until we
reached the final end, and how true it was! But I will
omit the conflicts and battles that were fought in that
campaign and relate my last experience at Peach Tree
Creek, July 20th, 1864. The experience of that day is
still as fresh in my memory as though it was but yes-
terday. I was down in the rarine cooking meat with
John McCullough, of Company E, when the firing
began. Leaving my meat I ran for the hill-top and
saw the Colonel swinging his sword and saying, "Fall
in, men; fall in!" It was the last call for many. I
remember Will Coyle and Otho Hobart, both shot
through the head, and by my side. When I was wounded
I was behind a log kneeling on one knee, and loading
my gun. The ball struck me under the right ear and
I fell; how long I lay I cannot say, but coming to I
crept away, and as I passed Company E, I met the
friendly look of Captain Doty, who was soon after
killed. I can never forget it. Finally becoming lost
from my Regiment I brought up at the Twentieth Corps
Hospital and was cared for in the very best manner,
and being unfit for duty, finally discharged.
HOW A REBEL LADY GOT EVEN WITH THE MAJOR. REMIN-
ISCENCE. BY CORPORAL JOHN SHAPLAND, OF COM-
PANY D.
When the battle of Hartsville was fought I was on
detail at Gallatin and remained there until ordered to
rejoin the Regiment at Chicago. While at Gallatin I
acted as orderly for the provost marshal of the town.
His name was Escariot, or Scariot, and he was Major
of the Tenth Michigan. The rebel women called him
Judas lacariot. He was very severe, stern, and fierce
as a lion. His large black eyes would pierce through
his enemies. The Major issued an order to all citizens
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 6l7
having soldier's elotlies (the blue) to^ bring them to his
oflttce. There was one rebel lady who was very bitter
against the Union men and especially the Major. This
lady hunted all over the town and getting the rag-
gedest old pair of blue pants she could find sent them
to the Major by a little negro girl. The office was in
the Court House, and when she came no one was in
but the Major and myself. The girl came in, shutting
the door behind her, and stood with her back against
it. The Major eyed her a moment, then said: "What
do 3^ou want, gir]?'^ She replied: "I came to bring
you a pair of pants my missus sent you.'^ The Major
said: "Hold them up," and she did. I don't know
when I wanted to laugh as bad as then; there was
nothing of them but the front part and the seat; the
color could hardly be seen. The Major inquired, "Who
is your missus?" On getting her name the girl was
sent away, and the Major, calling a Sergeant, ordered
him to go and bring the lady to his office. She came,
but memory fails to recall the discourse that followed,
but it was rich and spicy, and th^ lady was equal to
the emergency. The only way the Major got even was
to order the Sergeant to take her to her house, 'let her
pack up, and she was then ordered to be put outside
our lines. On hearing this the lady backed out of the
door with a disdainful look I can never forget. But
she did not go far until she repented and entreated
the Sergeant to return and tell the Major she was sorry
for what she had done and begged his pardon. When
the Sergeant returned and presented her request the
Major looked up with an air of triumph and after using
some harsh language, said she could remain, as all
he wanted was an apology. The lesson was not lost
on others who had more valor than discretion.
CONCLUDING REMARKS.' BY THE HISTORIAN.
The total number of officers and men in the One
Hundred and Fourth, including recruits, was nine hun-
dred and ninety-nine. The Adjutant-General's report
contains many errors, especially as to names, and some
reported discharged for disability were really dis-
Sl8 THK <)NK HUNDRED AND FOURTH
charged for wounds. The Regiment lost by being
killed in battle, or mortally wounded, one hundred and
twenty men. Two hundred and eighty-seven were
wounded; the total casualties were four hundred and
five. It is a matter of regret that the historian was
unable to consult the official reports on file in Wash-
ington, or after the most diligent correspondence to
get the names of all who were wounded. On this
account the rosters do not give all the casualties. It
must be remembered also that quite a number w^ere
wounded several times and in different battles, and
each such case should justly be counted a new^ casu-
alty, but have not been so considered.
CHAPTER XXXV.
THE NARRATIVE OF MY ESCAPE FROM THE CONFEDERATE
MILITARY PRISON AT COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA,
NOVEMBER 28, 1864, AFTER FOURTEEN MONTHS* IM-
PRISONMENT. BY LIEUT. WILLIAM W. CALKINS, COM-
PANY E.
Many books have been written by those who were
unfortunately the guests of the Tate Confederate States
as prisoners of war. I have read a number of these
and desire to say, that however true they are, tlie
r^eality as experienced by our men, was far worse than
it is possible for the most vivid language to express.
The story of my long imprisonment in Libby, Danville,
Macon, Charleston and Columbia, it is not my purpose
to relate now. My experience was much the same as
that of thousands of others. The many narratives al-
ready published will cover substantially my own case.
But my escape from prison affords incidents that will
be of interest to the old soldiers; to my personal
friends; and in fact to all who have not forgotten the
war for the union of the states in one indivisible
nationality.
The great battle of Chickamauga fought on the 19th
and 20th of September, 1863, was over. Serving at
that time on the staff of General John Beatty, com-
manding the First Brigade, Second Division, Four-
teenth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, I was
in both days' combat and participated in the last
fighting on "Horse Shoe Ridge," or the "Snodgrass
farm," as it is known. It was there that General
George H. Thomas won immortal renown and his well-
earned title, the "Rock of Chickamauga!" There I was
wounded and captured. Darkness closed down on the
bloody scene with nearly 33,000 men killed, wounded
and missing. That night I spent on the battlefield
among the dead and dying.
520 THE ONE Ht'NDRED AND FOURTH
The next day along with a great number of other
prisoners who were captured, I was started for Rich-
mond, and on arrival put in the infamous "Libby/'
May 7, 1864, we were all removed to Danville, Va.;
thence to Macon, Ga.; from there in July to Charles-
ton, S. C, the birthplace of secession, where we were
confined in what was known as the "workhouse," for-
merly a negro prison.
Night and day we listened to the scream and roar
of the shells from Gilmore's batteries as they came on
errands of death and destruction over our heads. We
listened with pleasure to these reminders that "our
flag was still there." The shells being mostly percus-
sion, did not explode till they struck something. Oc-
casionally, however, a fuse shell burst over us, some of
the pieces striking the prison.
While in this, the worst prison hell I had yet seen,
the yellow fever broke out and carried off numbers of
our men. I can never forget the scenes and horrors of
those days. I had been sick all summer and had be-
come reduced in weight from one hundred and seventy
to one hundred and twenty pounds. The yellow fever
I regarded with indifference, having reached a condi-
tion where with disease and death all around, I could
look unmoved upon it all. Amid these scenes the music
overhead day and night, was a positive relief, and our
sleep undisturbed by the uproar.
Early in October about twelve hundred of us were
transferred to Columbia, S. C. We were corralled in a
vacant lot neai* the depot and kepi there twenty-four
hours in the midst of a driving rain. Many were hat-
less and shoeless, while others were sick. No rations
were issued and all we had to eat was the remnant of
corn pone and meal we had brought with us. Finally
we were marched out to a plantation near Columbia,
which it was announced would be our quarters for the
present. No shelter of any kind was provided. But
there wa^^ a gro\Ai:h of young pines in the camp, and
the ingenuity of the prisoners enabled them to build
huts, and construct burrows partly under ground,
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 621
which, covered with limbs and dirt, afforded cover and
some degree of comfort. My two messmates and my-
self constructed one of these, which we had enjoyed a
week when I escaped. I had been meditating on this
scheme for some time and on the 28th of November
put it into execution by running the guard line thrown
around the camp, and taking to the surrounding
woods. Others had planned to escape the same day,
and whilst lying concealed I heard them approaching,
and joined the party. They were: Colonel Sanford
and Captains Nichols and Dennis of the Seventh Con-
necticut Infantry; Captain Elder and Lieutenant Egan,
First United States Artillery; Captain Belger, First
Khode Island Artillery; Captain Randolph, One Hun-
dred and Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, and Hendricks
of a Michigan battery.
The plan was to march to the Congaree river, about
ten miles from Columbia, secure a boat and float down
the Congaree and Santjee rivers to the ocean, where
we expected to be picked up by one of our war vessels
which we knew was blockading the mouth of the San-
tee river and Georgetown, situated near by. Mean-
time, the darkness had become more intense, much to
our joy, and we started out to find the turnpike lead-
ing from Columbia to Charleston, as this was on our
line of march. We were now, a half mile or more from
prison and moved very slowly and cautiously through
the woods, not knowing what moment we might be
challenged by concealed pickets. \*hilst stopping for
a while to take our bearings, we heard a rustling in
the bushes near by. We at once lay flat and motion-
less. No doubt our hearts beat faster as we saw com-
ing toward us a file of eight rebel soldiers. On they
came, nearer and nearer, passing by only a few feet
distant. I could have touched them by reaching out
my hand. For a few moments it looked dubious for
us. They were in single file and had been out in pur-
suit of us, but were now on their way to camp. When
the danger was over we felt much relieved and as
though Providence was with us. We noAv moved on as
522 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
fast as possible consistent with caution, but had not
gone far when we almost ran into a picket post. The
pickets, however, did not see us, nor hear the ominous
crackling of the leaves under our feet We retreated
for some distance on our hands and knees, and then
flanked our enemies without discovery. In a short
time we reached the desired pike and walked rapidly
on conversing only in whispers and scanning every ob-
ject, half expecting every moment to see a rebel sol-
dier spring up and halt us. We had perhaps gone a
mile when suddenly there stood before us in the road
the figure of a man perfectly motionless. This pro-
duced a panic at once. Some ran one way, some an-
other. But we soon recovered our wits. Knowing
that he must have seen us, we walked boldly up and
asked him who he Avas. To this he replied by a similar
inquiry, and we knew at once that he could not be an
enemy. We soon recognized one of our fellow prison-
ers, who had escaped a few days before, and had been
concealed by a Union man in Columbia. He was pro-
vided with a pass representing that he was a Quarter-
master in the rebel service. Armed with this, some
provisions, and a bottle of whisky, he was now on his
way to take the cars at a way station for Charleston.
Once there he proposed to get a boat and reach our
blockaders, on our lines near the city. We bad^ him
an earnest Godspeed and again resumed the march
toward freedom. It must have been nearly 11 o'clock
then and we quickened our pace, feeling every moment
in better spirits. Although in the very heart of the
enemy's country we were again free, a somewhat novel
but exquisite sensation after our long confinement
and sufferings. Thus we continued on all night, only
stopping occasionally to rest. The turnpike afforded
good walking and we could see a long distance ahead.
Only one more incident of importance occurred this
first night out. We had gone some ten miles, when we
observed a fire by the roadside. Not knowing what
danger might be there, we flanked it by going some
distance around and through a swamp. After this we
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 623
again struck the pike and traveled on, unconscious of
the flight of time, until breaking day warned us that
we must conceal ourselves. Unfortunately we were
near a little village, but we hastened into a piece of
woods, and weary with the journey, lay down. We
were hungry, too, having brought very little with us
in our hasty exit from Camp Sorghum.
When full daylight on the 29th came, we saw to our
dismay that outside of the little patch of woods in
which we lay, were houses in every direction. It
seemed that nothing but the utmost caution on our
part, and good fortune, could save us from being dis-
covered before night. As the day advanced we could
both hear and see the children at play only a few rods
distant. We lay very quiet, not daring to stand up or
move about. Hour after hour wore away in painful
anxiety, while our hunger increased. After what
seemed an eternity to us, night cast its welcome shades
about us and we were again saved by that gracious
Providence watching over all. During the day we
had, by consulting our map, come to the conclusion
that we must have traveled twenty miles the previous
night, and ten miles further than was intended or de-
sirable, on account of obtaining a boat on the river. It
was decided to march back over the road we had come,
and with the stealthy tread of a cat we left the wood
when it was quite dark, regained the turnpike and
toiled wearily along. The cause of this was intense
hunger. We also became sleepy and finally the column
extended along the road for some distance. At last
those ahead halted until all came up. After a con-
sultation and rest we marched on in single file, keeping
on the shaded side of the road. Soon we met a man on
horseback and expected trouble, but much to our sat-
isfaction he did not attempt to interview us. By this
time we were all becoming very weak, and realized
that food must be had. This could only come from the
black man, and I volunteered to find it, the party
agreeing to wait a reasonable time for me to return, it
524 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
being uncertain whether I would succeed, or what
fate might befall me.
I then left the party audi traveled along until I came
to a private road, which I knew would lead to a planta-
tion. Proceeding down this a quarter of a mile or
so, I saw some lights to the right, also a large house
and the usual negro quarters. One of the latter was
near the fence, and scaling this cautiously, fortunately
no dogs disturbed me, I reconnoitered the inside
through the openings between the logs, which were
plenty enough, and to my delight I saw sitting before
the rude fireplace a large black woman who, with her
hands on her knees, seemed to be watching intently a
pot boiling over the fire. Was ever sight more wel-
come! I knew by the savory odors that meat was in
that pot. Forgetting all else I hurried around to the
door and walked in. For a moment the surprise of my
sable friend was something wonderful, then as I ex-
plained matters and for proof pointed to the glittering
buttons on my threadbare coat, she let me know that
I was welcome. Meantime, with hunger gnawing at
my vitals, reminding me of my errand, I approached
the fireplace and took a piece of meat from the pot
without ceremony, but made hurried apologies. My
friend removed some ashes from the hearth and re-
vealed a beautiful corn pone. While eating ravenous-
ly, I informed the hostess about my party and ar-
ranged with her to feed them, which she agreed to
do after going out and bringing in her "old man,'^ as
she called him, to see me. They directed me to bring
the party to the woods near by, as it was very unsafe
for even myself to be in the house. I then returned
with a light heart and rapid steps to my fellow fugi-
tives, who were impatiently awaiting my arrival. We
were not long in going down the lane and to the ap-
pointed place. Our black friends soon after appeared
and set before us three dishes, which contained about a
peck of boiled sweet potatoes, two gallons of rice, and
a few slices of fried bacon. We had none of those
luxuries — knives, forks and plates, but with our hands
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS^ 525
and fingers in vigorous operation, proceeded to satisfy
nature^s demands. In ten minutes not a thing re-
mained and all felt happy again. One of the party
gave our kind friends a $20 Confederate note in pay-
ment for their hospitality, which pleased them very
much. The woman said that she knew as soon as I
entered the house that I was "One ob dem Yankees"
by my buttons. We told them that "Massa Sherman"
would soon come along and make them all free. They
had heard of him and were looking for liim. We then
bade a hearty good-by to these, our only friends, and
again resumed the march, but in far better spirits than
for many hours previous.
We had gone several miles when a noise in the
brush by the side of the road startled us. After much
reconnoitering, on both sides, we advanced, when our
imaginary foes turned out to be a Lieutenant of the
Seventy-ninth New York and Lieutenant Watson of
the Twenty-first Wisconsin. They had escaped also,
and were going down the river in a canoe. We left
them and soon after came to a road, which from the
description we had of it from our colored friends, we
believed led to the river. Yt^t another surprise was in
store for us, when there suddenly appeared from among
the trees, two more of our fellow prisoners, Captain
Nichols and Captain Hart. Thus reinforced we
marched on until near the river.
The night was now far spent and in order to guard
as much as possible against discovery, Ave waded for a
long distance through a dense swamp of cypress,
briars and water, where the traveling was necessarily
slow, and was the occasion of much complimentary
language and of merriment also, as we thought of the
ludicrous appearance we would have made could our
friends at home have seen us. Coming at last to a dry
place we halted and lay down, but were cold, wet and
in every way uncomfortable. Sleep was impossible
and we longed for the morning. While it was yet dark
on the 30th, Captain Dennis set out to explore the land
and find a friendly negro, who would feed and assist
526 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
US. Some time after daylight appeared Captain Den-
nis returned successful, and reported that we were on
Adam Keeger^s plantation, ten miles from Columbia,
He had found a friendly black man named Joe, who
agreed to feed and assist us. Joe thought we could get
a boat without much trouble. About an hour after-
ward Joe appeared bringing with him some corn pone.
Telling us to remain quiet he went away. In another
hour he came back and said that his master and others
were going to run the hounds after Yankees and de-
serters, whose tracks had been found on the highway.
This looked dark for us, but Joe said he would take
care of the party, and as it was not safe where, we were,
told us to follow him in single file and so as to show
but one track. This we did with some misgivings, as
is was now broad day. He led us out of the swamp
and through a tangled undergrowth of bushes and
briars to an old barn about one hundred rods off. Here
we found a very comfortable place in the hay mow and
lay down to await developments. Not long did we
have to wait before the yelp of bloodhounds in the dis-
tance announced that our fate would soon be decided.
Then the hoarse bay of the pack died away or was
faintly borne to us in distant echoes. Soon all
Avas still and after a while, the dark face of Joe, our
preserA^er, appeared in the barn. His face was now
lighted up, and we knew that we were again saved.
Joe said that the hounds had lost the scent in the
swamp and the pursuers had drawn them off and given
up the chase. We now felt much relieved and being
hungry helped ourselves to a basket of persimmons
which Joe had in the barn. We learned from him that
there was a boat on the river not far off, and
he agreed to conduct us to it after dark. We
passed the day in telling stories, eating persimmons
and sleeping, now quite certain that no one would dis-
turb us.
In the afternoon Colonel Sanford and myself went
outside to take a smoke and get a little fresh air, there-
by having a narrow escape from being discovered. We
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 527
were sitting by the barn near which ran a little creek,
when a white man — a brother of Keeger^s — was (lis*
covered by the watchfnl and faithful Joe, approaching
the creek to water his horse. We hurriedly re-entered
the barn and stayed there. Joe said that Keeger was
an old man and partially blind, had it not been for this
he might have seen us. Thus the long day wore away
and the welcome shades of night approached. We
were impatient to be off when Joe came in and told us
that he had been to the river and found the boat gone.
He said it was owned by two white men, who made a
living by carrying wood to Columbia, that they had
gone there and would not be back until to-morrow,
therefore the best thing that we could do would be tb
wait. This was a great disappointment. Some of the
party thought that Joe was getting ready to betray
us. Others were afraid we might be discovered by
staying. But as none of us were in any condition to
travel on foot, some being nearly barefooted, it was
decided to wait another day. Joe brought us a little
food, but not enough to satisfy our appetites. Most
of us had no overcoats or blankets, and our nearly
threadbare uniforms were a poor protection against
the cold of night at this season of the year in the
southern swamps. But we were free, this warmed our
blood and nerved us for all trials. So we went to bed in
the barn, crawling under the hay, with many jokes
and in good spirits, and withal, thankful to God for
the mercies shown us.
The morning of December 1st we were aroused long
before daylight by the voice of Joe, who wanted us to
leave at once. It did not take long to make our toilets.
We did not stop to brush off the hayseed, but marched
out and followed our guide, who conducted us for some
distance into a swamp to a very nice hiding place,
where as Joe- said, "De debbil hisselP could not find us.
Many a runaway slave had hidden there. It was very
cold on this December morning and as Joe said it
would be safe, we built a fire. Later when the sun
had risen high enough we did not need it. This day
528 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
was a long one for us, but night came at last and with
it our friend Joe, who told us the joyful news that the
boat was all right and chained up to a tree and he
would take us to it. Joe then went away for a while.
A^^out eight o^clock he returned — ^this time on a mule.
Joe directed us to march on his left about a rod, so
that no one could connect us in any way with the mule
tracks. His riding prevented any possibility of the
hounds scenting him. Thus we marched for some two
miles in a zig-zag course and across another plantation,
to reach the boat, which in a direct course was only one
mile from where we left the swamp. In this as in all
of Joe's operations he acted with great cunning, and
as a strategist would outrank some of our generals.
At last after many turnings and much weariness we
came suddenly to the river we had so longed to see —
the Congaree — flowing along, gloomy and sullen, broad
and deep, looking in the darkness like another Styx,
over whose bosom Ave must travel many a day before
reaching the happy Elysian fields beyond. Oh, free-
dom! who but thosel who have been deprived of it know
the sweetness of thy name! There lay the boat at
anchor.
We bade Joe good-by with both sorrow and joy, for
he had been a good and true friend to us, and we knew
not where we should find another. We unloosed the
chain that held the boat and with beating hearts sailed
out on the unknown river. The boat which was thus im-
pressed to carry us and our fortunes, was about fifty
feet long and sixteen wide, strongly built of hewed pine
logs, and made for carrying wood. It had no deck and
was clumsy and unwieldy. We found two large rough
made oars in it These' we used to propel the boat and
also to keep warm, for the nights were very cold. We
found the river swift, and knowing it was full of snags,
one of the party served as a lookout for these. Under
the combined influence of the oars and the current we
sped swiftly along during the whole night. Only once
did we meet with any trouble. This was caused by a
snag and delayed us two hours. Finally we released
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 529
the boat and after that sailed on until daylight of
the 2nd. Finding no creek to run into we were obliged
to tie up by the bank, where we were liable to be seen
should any one pass along. The rest of the party hid
in a ravine near by while I acted as sentinel, for this
purpose posting myself on the bank out of sight Pretty
soon I saw a dog running down toward the river and
a black man following after. Knowing that if no ex-
planation was made he would probably report what he
had found, I called to him and soon discovered that he
could be depended upon. I then conducted him to the
ravine and he had a chance to see some live Yankees,
which seemed to please him very much. lie informed
us th^t we were upon the plantation oJB General Pierce
Butler. His house could be seen from the bluff near by.
He also told us that his own name was Uncle Casey,
and he was eighty years old. After some further talk
he left agreeing to come back after dark with provi-
sions. We were hungry, but it would not be safe for
him to visit us in daylight Nothing of an exciting
character occurred after this during our stay on
Butler's plantation. With night came Casey and his
"ole woman" each bringing corn pone and bacon,
which answered for our supper. The old people were
very glad to serve us and no doubt cleaned out their
own larder in doing so. They informed us that six
miles below was a railroad bridge which was guarded
by soldiers and advised us toi be careful and not to start
early, as the new moon would make it too light How-
ever, we were anxious to be off, and bidding our aged
friends good-by, went aboard the boat and floated
down the river some three miles. We then pulled
ashore and tied up to a tree, resolved to wait until
later before attempting to pass through the bridge.
While thus waiting a light was discovered in a cane
brake near by. A closer survey made by some of the
party resulted in finding that it proceeded from a negro
hut Inside were two men and a woman, and a fresh
killed beef lay in one corner. The occupants of this
dismal abode were fugitive slaves who said they had
630 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
been there two years unmolested and lived by hunting,
which might be called stealing by some. In this dejise
swamp the chances of discoverey and capture were
slight in these war times. Our visit was a surprise to
them, but they were glad to see a real Yankee and gave
much information of value to us. For five dollars in
Confederate money, a quarter of beef was secured and
taken aboard our boat.
It was now nine o'clock or later, and leaving the
cane brake and the darkies, we again resumed our
journey, and soon after approached the bridge, where
once more the chances of escape and discovery
seemed about even. As we drew near all lay down
along the gunwales except Captain Nichols, who acted
as helmsman and pilot. The current ran near the
right bank so that we had to follow it. It was not
very dark and we could see a sentinel walking his beat
on the bridge while a party of soldiers were sitting
around a camp fire on the bank, evidently engaged in
some game, probably cards. Our boat impelled by the
swift current rushed through an'd so near the pier of
the bridge that nothing but the skill and strength of
Nichols saved her from striking. When through the
Captain stooped down and let her float. Not a word
was spoken nor a move made for some moments, when
having gone quite a distance we resumed the oars and
a bend in the river hid us from our enemies. Another
great peril was passed and we again had reason to be
thankful to the great Preserver of all. Our remarkable
success thus far augured well for the future and we
were happy. For the next two or three miles our
passage was smooth, but by some means we now got
into the wrong channel, one made by the river breaking
over a bend. Our boat being heavy and unwieldy we
could not return and so had'to go on. For several miles
we ran from snag to snag and eddy to eddy with light-
ning like velocity expecting often to be dashed to
pieces or become fixed on a snag so we could not get
off. But at last we emerged from these dangers and
found ourselves at the confluence of the Congaree and
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 531
Wateree rivers, which here form the Santee — a broad
and noble river. We then floated on all night without
any more startling adventures, glad enough to have a
little rest after the excitement of the day. At daylight
of the 3rd, we anchored in a cane brake. •
We spent the day in sleeping and eating by turns.
Our only food was the beef, for which we had no salt,
but the fierceness of our appetites served in place of
condiments. One of the party did some reconnoitering,
but failed to find any signs of civilization in sight.
However, we were contented, as all we wanted was to
be let alone. Around us in every direction were im-
mense cane brakes, which grew very thick and tall,
and were, well calculated to hide us from unwelcome
visitors. The only danger was that some stray boat
might come along the river. But the day passed quiet-
ly and at dark we again set out on our voyage. We
made probably forty miles that night. No* exciting
incidents occurred to vary the monotony. The night
was cold and we rowed by turns, by which means we
managed to keep warm. During the night a flatboat
manned by negroes passed us. We gave them plenty
of sea room, as we did not wish to talk. Between row-
ing the boat, watching for snags, and other possible
dangers, daylight came sooner than we expected.
From our calculations' we were now not more than one
hundred miles from the sea, and as we approached the
goal of freedom our anxiety became more intense to
reach it To fail now would be almost unbearable, so
we nerved ourselves for the last struggle.
At daybreak of the 4th we tied up in a canebrake,
which seemed to extend for miles in all directions.
The last of our beef disappeared at breakfast, and still
we were hungry and must remain so until night at
least, as to venture out in daylight for food would im-
peril the safety and success of the whole party. The
day passed quietly and at dark Sanford and Randolph
started on ahead^ in a little "dug out'' that we had con-
fiscated, for the purpose of finding some friendly
blacks who would feed us and give information as to
632 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
our route and the distance from the mouth of the San-
tee. We followed some time after in the flat and had
made a mile or more when we heard the ColonePs sig-
nal from shore and hauled in. The boat was chained
to a conl^enient tree. This done, what was our surprise
to see about twenty negroes — men and women, each
having in hand provisions for us. These were put on
board. Sanford and Eandolph had evidently struck
the right place.
Our inventory of stores received from these kind
friends footed up about five bushels of sweet potatoes,
eight chickens, two quarts of boiled rice, and a small
piece of bacon, enough we believed to last us through.
We spent some moments in conversation. It seemed
like meeting old and tried friends. The blacks were
overjoyed to see us and could hardly keep quiet. They
told us that General Sherman was reported marching
through the country and they expected to see him any
day. All were anxious to have us take them along, but
of course we could not think of such a thing, so we con-
soled them with assurances that they would soon be
free. One of the party, who was a body servant to his
master, said he could read and write. This he had
secretly learned to do. He was well posted and gave
us much valuable news which he had either heard or
read. There was now no doubt in our minds that our
armies were on the march, we knew not exactly where,
but the thought that they were triumphant w^as suffi-
cient for us to know, in order to raise our spirits and
determination to the highest pitch.
We bade our friends a heartfelt farewell at last,
unloosed the chain which held our boat and floated oflp
in the darkness, followed by the prayers and longings
of our dusky succorers. We were ravenous for food
and it had been provided. Before our hunger was
satisfied a goodly portion disappeared. But with a big
stock of potatoes we felt safe from further absolute
want. We had made about one-fourth of a mile when
we passed the residence of the ow^ner of the slaves who
had fed us. This was a large fine-looking house, stand-
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 633
ing near the river. The proprietor was a Major in the'
rebel army and then at home on account of a wound he
had received. We concluded not to call on him and kept
on down the river, the broad Santee bearing us slowly
but surely toward the mighty ocean — and freedom.
During the night we ran under another bridge, which
was closely guarded, but no one saw us, at least did
not hail us. The river was now becoming broader and
the canebrakes with their hooting owls and barking
alligators, had given place to rice fields, which ex-
tended back farther than the eye could reach on either
side.
The morning of the 5th we heard for the first time
the welcome sound of a cannon, the morning gun of a
blockader. This indeed was sweet to us, announcing
that we were not many miles from safety. We had
made forty miles during the night and this morning
tied up in a canebrake, back of which were rice fields.
The canebrake had formerly been a rice field and the
dikes, still intact, were gi»own up to cane. There was
no sign of man or house anywhere. We built a fire and
cooked our chickens and potatoes over the coals. The
day was spent in eating, sleeping and speculating as to
the prospects of our reaching the gunboat in the morn-
ing, we supposing that she lay immediately off the
mouth of the Santee. At dark w^e resumed the voyage
in high spirits and continuing on all night without any
interruption at daylight found that we were in an
open country of rice fields, with no cane and no woods
to be seen anywhere. We could not hide the boat, but
had to tie her up to the bank in plain sight. The day
of the 6th was cold and the sky cloudy, but it was
deemed hazardous to build a fire, so we ate our pota-
toes, the only commissary stores left, raw. In this
state we found them palatable and far better than no
food at all. It soon began to rain, a favorable circum-
stance however, as the chances of our being discovered
were less, and we were ready to endure anything rather
than be recaptured. The rice fields were filled with
immense flocks of geese, brant, ducks and sea fowls,
534 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
which kept up a ceaseless clatter, but it was not an-
noying and afforded us some amusement. About ten
o'clock a boat was seen coming down the river and as
it was. filled with men caused us some anxiety. On a
nearer approach the crew proved to be negroes. As
they came near Captain Nichols went out in the canoe
and hailed them. He told them who and what we
were and made inquiries as to the distance from the
Union lines. They said that three miles below on the
left bank was McClellansville, where there were rebel
batteries ancl soldiers, and that we would have to be
careful if we got safely by. They also said that an-
other night's voyage should put us at the mouth of the
Santee. They promised not to reveal our presence to
any one and went on. We had some doubts as to the
outcome, and kept a sharp watch all day and ourselves
well concealed.
When night came we felt relieved and set out on
the voyage, fondly hoping the morrow would witness
our release from rebeldom and arrival under the Old
Flag. We proceeded very slowly and cautiously for
about three miles, when we came in sight of Mc-
Clellansville and its fortifications. We could see a
sentinel walking back and forth on the parapet The
night was so still we could hear him humming a tune
. as we crept along the right bank of the river on the
opposite side. Our boat made some noise as it grated
against the rice overhanging the banks, which seemed
very loud, and we expected the sentinel would see and
halt us, then fire his gun and alarm the garrison, when
cannon would no doubt have been trained on us, but
somewhat to our surprise as well as joy, this did not
occur. We soon passed out of sight and sailed on with
lighter hearts. Only one more peril then remained to
be overcome before reaching our lines, the rebel picket
boats at the mouth of the river. The night passed away
without further adventures, and at daylight we found
ourselves near the mouth of the Santee, here two miles
broad.
The 7th of December was cold and rain falling.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 535
While looking around for a suitable hiding plate, to
our dismay the tide went out, leaving our boat high
and dry thirty yards from shore. Here was a dilemma,
but we all lay low, occupying the time in chewing sweet
potatoes and grumbling. Meantime it continued to
rain, which was fortunate as we lay ia full view of the
whole country round, and could see the village of
Georgetown a few miles away. At eleven o'clock the
tide returned, and we soon put the boat inshore under
the lee of a rice field, and at the mouth of the old San-
tee canal, which runs to Georgetown, connecting it
with the river. This had not been used for some time.
Here we lay all day, much disappointed that there
were no signs of our blockader anywhere. A more
rainy, dismal day would be hard to imagine, and yet
the conditions were all in our favor. Had it been
pleasant, people would have been out and our pres-
ence might have become known' to our enemies, who
would have attempted our capture. The day wore
slowly away in discussing the situation and planning
for reaching our lines. There was only one feasible
scheme, which was to run out to sea after dark and
take our chances of finding the blockader, which we
knew must lie in the vicinity. While thus waiting we
had occasional visits from sharks, which came in from
sea in search of their prey. They at least furnished
us food for reflection. But at last the long day ended in
darkness, inky black clouds hung low in the horizon,
whilst the billows of an< ocean I had never seen before,
roared in our ears. Our time had come, and we sailed
out on the now troubled waters with some misgivings,
unexpressed however, but we were fully determined to
succeed or die in the attempt. Our progress was slow,
the wind and tide being against us, and the huge
waves rolling in, tossing our boat here and there, but
with two men at each oar we 'finally reached the mouth.
We knew that picket boats should be in this vicinity,
and were congratulating ourselves on having eluded
them, when loud and clear, there broke upon our ears
through the dakness, the inquiry and command from
^36 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
a little distance to the right, "Boat ahoy! Who are
you? Come to!" And we did come to the oars with a
vengeance, and pulled for our lives. Captain Wall of
the Sixty-ninth New York yelled back more forcibly
than elegantly to the enemy, "Go to h — 11!" They
did not seem to like this and began firing, the bullets
whistling around lively, but hitting only the boat
Meantime we were pushing as fast as possible wdth our
clumsy boat up the coast In our haste we ran aground
on a bar and stuck fast. The picket boat began pulling
for us. Seeing this, Colonel Sanford said, "Boys, we
can't get ofif, every man look out for himself." So we
jumped into the water and made for the low coast
which w^as not far off, but were well wet before w^e got
there, sometimes sinking in the sand to our knees. All,
however, safely reached the shore. Supposing that we
would be pursued, w^e traveled up the beach very fast
for a mile or more, when utterly exhausted we paused.
No pursuers being in sight, we concluded to stay where
we were for the night. We then knew that we w^ere
on South Island, a low" sand bank covered with a small
shrubby growth of vegetation. In the scanty shelter
of this we spent the night, but not in sleep. We were
cold, wet, and hungry, while above all, weighed on our
minds the question, what of the morrow? Shall we
escape finally? Some had doubts. Sanford and my-
self were hopeful, and he remarked, "We will eat break-
fast in the morning on board the gunboat." That I was
not in despair is evidenced by the fact that while in
this apparently desperate strait on South Island, I
picked up and put in my pocket two shells as memen-
toes of the place. But above all I seemed to hear from
above the words, "I will deliver thee.* In such mo-
ments and when cornered, one appeals to and thinks
of God.
On December 8th, at the first gray streak of dawn
looking upon us from a leaden sky, cold and cheerless,
we saw the lighthouse, and outside the harbor we be-
held a more welcome sight, the spars and tall masts
of a ship. This could be no other than Uncle Sam's.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 537
We at once raised a signal of distress, one of the party,
contributing his only and last shirt for the purpose.
We also ran up and down the beach in great joy,
hoping to be observed and rescued before the enemy at
Georgetown or elsewhere should see us. The ship lay
several miles out and it was some time before we saw
any signs from it, but at last, it seemed an age, a small
boat filled with men hove in sight. At first we feared
they might be enemies, but as the boat came nearer
we recognized-^glorious sight! the "Old Flag.'^ When
within speaking distance, an officer hailed us through
a trumpet, "Who are you?" We replied, "Escaped
prisoners of war. Federal officers!" Soon after, not
fully satisfied that it was not some rebel ruse, he hailed
again. This time fully convinced, the boat was pulled
rapidly in, and as it approached, we waded out, and
seizing hold of the gunwales, crawled on board. Our
emotions were of course intense. No language or elo-
quence could at that moment have expressed fully our
joy and gratitude. Some cried, others laughed. It
seemed too good to be true. Above us waved the Starry
Banner — the emblem of the free. Around us were
the gallant tars of the American navy. We soon be-
came acquainted with Ensign Thomas, the officer in
command, and also witli the crew.
The first excitement being over, our hunger next
claimed attention. Having lived for the last few days
on raw potatoes, we were ready for something better.
The Ensign brought out the bread bag, and while some
ate, others asked for tobacco. Meantime the boat with
sail and oar was rapidly making for the ship. But the
tide was low and she grounded several times. We
then lightened her by springing out, hanging to her
side, and soon reached deep water, when w^e had no
further trouble. This was a regular picket boat, her
crew armed with rifles and revolvers, while a small
howitzer pointed from her bow, shotted and ready
for action. We now sailed gaily over the sea and soon
reached the Nipsic. I never saw anything half so
big or noble as the gallant ship appeared to me then.
538 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH
lying at anchor under close reefed sails, her decks
covered with officers and men waiting to receive us.
They gave a cheer as we climbed up the sides and stood
on deck under the Stars and Stripes once more. The
officers, thirteen in number, hurried us into the cabin,
where we found a good fire. The ship's Quartermaster,
Lieutenant Mansfield, provided each of us with a new
suit of seaman's clothing, and in a few^ moments we
had discarded our old and filthy rags with a promising
crop of "graybacks," and cast them into the sea. Most
of us were nearly naked. Lieutenant Clancy, Sixty-
ninth New York, had no outside clothing at all, not
even a hat. All of us were completely chilled through
when we arrived, but under the influence of our w^arm
reception; our new clothes; a hot fire; the prospect of
breakfast; and our metamorphosis generally, we soon
began to thaw out aad to feel like new men. The
Nipsic had been there eighteen months on blockading
duty, and anything to vary the monotony was wel-
comed. At eight o'clock we sat down to the first square
meal some of us had tasted in over a year, which was
duly appreciated. These old sea dogs were not in the
habit of doing things by halves, and we found the table
supplied with all the necessaries and many of the lux-
uries of life. Every few weeks a supply ship goes
around to the blockaders with fresh supplies and mail.
One was now^ daily expected and on this we could re-
■ sume our journey.
The day was most agreeably spent in getting ac-
quainted with our new' friends, relating our expe-
riences, and in walking the deck, trying to look at ease
in our new clothes, while studying at the same time
how to preserve the proper equilibrium of step and
carriage, a somewhat difficult task in a choppy sea.
When, night came the officers gave up their state rooms
to the party. There not being enough, two of us slept
in hammocks swung in the cabin. About ten o'clock a
gale sprung up and the Nipsic put to sea to avoid any
possibility of being driven ashore. The next morning
she returned to her old position.
REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 539
On the third day, the supply ship not having ar-
rived, and being ainxious to proceed. Captain Self ridge
put us on a small sailboat manned by an Ensign and
two men. At two o'clock in the afternoon we bade a
heartfelt farewell to the officers and men of the Nipsic,
and with three cheers for them and the flag, sailed
away for Charleston, fifty-four miles distant. Our
course was down the coast, but the wind was so light
that we did not arrive at our destination until the
next morning, when we reported to the ship John
Adams and were given breakfast There were no
hostilities on account of a flag of truce. A dozen
monitors and numerous other war vessels lay near by,
all of which were exceedingly interesting to us. In
the afternoon we were transferred to the steamer
James Adger. The next morning we reached Hilton
Head. Here we succeeded in drawing some money from
Uncle Sam's paymaster. After waiting several days
we embarked on the steamer Pulton and upon our ar-
rival at New York received orders to report at Wash-
ington, where we were interviewed by Secretary Stan-
ton, paid more money due us, and given leave of ab-
sence for thirty days. I had been ona month on the
journey from Columbia when I finally reached my old
home in Illinois.
My return to the army and participation in the
closing scenes of the Great Rebellion are not pertinent
to this narrative.
YC 51 III]
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
s>V ' ^! " *'^'