Civil War Letters
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LIEUTENANT ANDREW M. BROWN OF ALTON
Date: August 23, 1861
We take the following from the correspondence of the New York
Tribune, written from Springfield, Missouri, by one who was present
when the battle was fought.
“Lieutenant Brown, calling upon his men to ‘come forward,’ fell with
a severe scalp wound on the side of his head. Being carried to the
rear, faint and bloody, he cheered on those brave defenders of the
country whom he met, declaring that the enemy would be routed.
General Lyon, meeting him, pointed to him as a proper example for
his comrades.”
Lieutenant Brown, mentioned in the extract, is Andrew M. Brown of
Alton, who enlisted and went to St. Louis three or four months
since, and became a Lieutenant of a Company in Colonel Frank Blair’s
Regiment. All honor, we say, to the brave Alton boy. The
secessionists will find before this war is over that Alton has
furnished many such countless men at the Lieutenant named above.
LETTER FROM A SOLDIER
Date: September 20, 1861
From a Camp Near Rolla, Missouri
“I have not written to you for want of time or for want of something
interesting to communicate. I arrived here on the third, and found
this a new country, made of rocks and hills, with a slight
sprinkling of sterile soil and scrub oaks – beautiful to the eye,
but almost barren to agriculture. We have quartz, sandstone,
limestone, conglomerate and indications of gold and lead. Ours, the
Fourteenth, Colonel J. M. Palmer’s Regiment, is the extreme western.
We expect from rumor to receive marching orders in a day or two –
will probably ____ to Syracuse or Boonville – uncertain. Much
sickness in camp. Some of our Companies are sent off on a twenty or
thirty mile excursion every few days to break up an itinerant camp
of wandering_________, They usually return with a few secession
horses and guns, a few prisoners and worn out themselves. These
raids are more injurious to us than to our enemies.
This war is a reality. Do all our people realize it? The
Confederates call us foreigners. Are any Illinoisans for their rest
enemies – for the people who declare themselves a foreign nation to
us, or are they for what must under all circumstances while they
live in it, be their own country?
This war may continue – still continue – for years, unless we unite.
Whether we as Northerners, unite or not, our interests must continue
united. If the war continues, it must eventually unite us. Is it
not, therefore, wisdom for us to unite now! If a man is not for us,
he is against us, and we should send him out from us.
The Unionists of Springfield have generally escaped to Rolla and
other towns and cities of refuge, while the receeders of Rolla have
fled to Springfield. Almost every house in Rolla is crammed with
fugitive families. Rolla is a new town, in the wilderness, forced
into being by the railroad. It has grown like Jonah’s gourd in a
night, the presence of about seven thousand soldiers is the life of
it. If the army should be withdrawn, it would, like Jonah’s gourd,
wither in a day.
Lieutenant Colonel Totton’s battery and all the United States
Cavalry were ordered from Rolla today, and are now being placed on
the freight cars. This seems quite an army of ordinance, baggage
wagons, horses and men, and one is puzzled to know how all this
heterogeneous mass can be packed away on one train. This is the
battery and these are the cavalry, that effected such carnage at
Springfield. We shall have only two 6-pounders, but the completion
of this heavy work will yet require much time to render of any
service or to mount a single gun. Signed Truly yours, George T.
Allen.
P. S. Colonel Palmer has just now returned, after an absence of a
week – don’t believe we are to move camp."
LETTER FROM HEADQUARTERS, 22ND REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS
From Camp Norfolk, Missouri
Date: Alton Telegraph, October 04, 1861
“We wish to communicate through the columns of your estimable
journal our warmest thanks to the kind ladies of Alton for their
generous donations to our hospital, and also for the bountiful
supply of eatables, which we received at the same time, all in the
finest possible order. Ladies, with such strong evidence of your
esteem and kindness before us, we cannot forget our homes or your
smiling faces. Could you have been present and witnessed the
countenances of our soldiers brighten up when it was announced to
them (after a hard day’s scouting) that they were in receipt of a
large quantity of delicacies, prepared by the hands of their
mothers, sisters and friends at home, I think you would have felt
amply paid for your trouble. Ladies, your donation to our soldiers
is another evidence added to the many we have already received of
your high appreciation of the great work we have embarked in the
suppression of this gigantic rebellion and the restoration of peace
and plenty to this once prosperous and happy country of ours. And
may we all live to see it return at no far distant day, which each
and all can return to our homes and enjoy the happiness bequeathed
to us by our forefathers, unsullied by the loss of a single star
from that proud banner that now trails in the dust, under which we
still rally for the defense of the constitution and the laws as our
ancestors made them. Ladies, permit us once more to extend to you
the warm thanks of the 22d Regiment of Illinois Volunteers for your
kind consideration and attention to our wants. We ever remain yours,
most affectionately, H. Dougherty, Colonel 22d Illinois Volunteers,
H. M. Hart, Lieutenant Colonel, 22nd Illinois Volunteers, John
Seaton, Captain, Company B., R. H. Clift, J. N. Morgan, and F. H.
Allen, and many others.”
APPRECIATION TO THE MONTICELLO YOUNG LADIES’ AID SOCIETY
Date: November 08, 1861
“Permit me through the columns of your paper, to extend to the
Monticello Young Ladies’ Aid Society the sincere thanks of the sick
of the 17th Illinois Regiment, for their contribution of clothing
for the hospital. We all feel thankful for the gift, while at the
same time we admire the patriotism of the donors. The young ladies
of the Monticello Aid Society will have the satisfaction of knowing
that they have made the sick soldiers, who are far away from home
and gentle treatment, more comfortable. The ladies will ever be
remembered by those who have been benefitted by their contribution.
Respectfully, G. A. Wilson, Hospital Steward, 17th Illinois
Regiment.”
ALTON BOYS FIGHT IN THE BATTLE AT BELMONT
Letter from Captain John Seaton of Alton
Camp Lyon, Bird’s Point, Missouri - November 9, 1861
Date: November 15, 1861
“I take the first opportunity of informing the Alton and Madison
County public of the particulars of the desperate fight at Belmont,
Missouri, opposite Columbus, Kentucky, in which the Alton boys more
than won laurels of everlasting fame.
On the evening of the 6th, we received orders to prepare ourselves
on the following day with forty-eight hours rations in our
haversacks, to march somewhere. Well, all was life and bustle in our
camp on the 6th. The men were in the spirits at the prospect of
having something more interesting than the dull monotony of camp
duties to attend to. On the evening of the 6th, the steamboat
Memphis steamed over from Cairo, and hauled up at Bird’s Point, and
took onboard the 22d Illinois Regiment. The steamers Chancellor,
Montgomery, Key Stone, and Alack Scott too on the 7th Iowa, 27th
Illinois, 81st Illinois, and 30th Illinois.
We all got underway about 10 o’clock p.m., and proceeded slowly down
the Mississippi, preceded by two of our gunboats. On arriving at
Norfolk, we rounded to and lay by the balance of the night on the
Kentucky side, a little below Norfolk, until daybreak of the 7th,
when we again pushed out and moved slowly down to within three miles
of Columbus, and landed on the Missouri side just around the bend
out of sight of Columbus. Here the troops all disembarked and formed
in line in their respective places, preparatory to taking up the
line of march for Belmont, which is immediately opposite Columbus.
We got all arranged and remained halted in a cornfield for an hour,
while our gunboats proceeded down and engaged the Columbus
batteries. It was but a few minutes after they started till we heard
the angry dogs of war bark out in tones of thunder, and then the
light of battle shone forth in the eyes of our heroic men, who were
eagerly listening for the command of ‘forward march.’ There we stood
for one hour, while the battle raged between our gunboats and the
rebel batteries, when finally, the command was given ‘right face,
forward march.’ We marched quickly by the flank, through woods and
cornfields, alternately, until we arrived at a place about one mile
from their camp, where the column was halted, and skirmishing
companies thrown forward, through the thick woods that encircle
their camp, to stir them up and ascertain their exact location. I
was ordered to take my Company (B) and Company C, and deploy them to
the left, and as soon as the camp was found, to retire back on our
regiment which was to remain where I left it. It being General
Grant’s design to use the 22d as a reserve corps. I took my
division, and threw out skirmishers, and scoured the woods for half
a mile, bearing towards the river, without discovering any of the
enemy, when suddenly, away on our right, there began some scattering
firing which indicated that the skirmishers on the right flank had
come in contact with the rebel skirmishers, after proceeding a few
yards farther, the firing on our right became general – one
continued, unceasing roar of musketry. Then I gave the command to
‘rally on the battalion,’ which we did in good order. But on
arriving at the place where we had left our regiment, it was not to
be found, having all gone to the scene of action. All that was left
were two hospital wagons, under the charge of Charles W. H. Brudon.
Charley said they had left no instructions for me.
The battle was raging in all its fury. Thousands of infantrymen were
busy keeping up the roar of musketry, which was also interspersed
with the still louder roar of cannon, and the falling of treetops as
the ball, a mowed through them, accompanied by the shouts and
screams of men in deadly conflict. This was enough for me to know
that we were needed without awaiting orders. I told the men to
divest themselves of all surplus weight. I had on my best uniform
coast, which I pulled off and put away with the balance of some of
the men’s things at the foot of a big tree. I rolled up my shirt
sleeves, and commanded the two companies to follow in double quick
time.
We made our way through the woods crossing a valley on the way,
which brought to my mind the ‘valley of the shadow of death.’
Sergeant Frank Allen and I pushed along shoulder to shoulder, with
my division following in good order; every few paces meeting some
poor fellow making his way back to the hospital to have a wound
dressed, and occasionally some being borne back by the musicians,
who were detailed for that duty. I frequently made inquiry about
where to find the 22d; none knew where they were. The only reply was
‘they’re in there somewhere.’ We finally got into the thickest of
the fight. Balls flew around as like hail stones, we pushed from
tree to tree, firing and charging bayonets alternately. Slowly the
enemy were driven from place to place. In vain did they attempt to
rally and beat us back, the impetuosity of our boys knew no control,
and they beat them at every point for two hours the fight raged,
before we beat them back out of the woods towards their camps. They
finally fell back to their entrenchments, and there disputed our
further advance for two more long hours.
When our boys effected an entrance, and got our battery inside of
their camp, then was the first time I came across the 22nd, they
were with the cannons, with the 7th Iowa. I pushed in with my little
band and came running up to get my place in line, and then it was
that cheer after cheer rent the air from our regiment, they had made
up their mind that we had been cut off and taken by the enemy.
Lieut. Colonel Hart was in command of our regiment – Colonel
Dougherty being in command of our brigade. I got up and took my
position in line on the right of our regiment, which brought us just
behind our battery which was playing lively on the enemy; we then
soon silenced all the enemy’s cannon on the Missouri side, and drove
them entirely off the field, they then ceased firing and we had the
field. We then went to destroying their tents and property, after
doing which the command came to retire to the boats; in the
meantime, though our battery and the Columbus guns were at work
exchanging friendly salutation; while they were at work, we
discovered a large steamboat and a sternwheeler coming up the river
literally black with troops. We turned one of our guns on them and
compelled them to retire.
As the army was retiring, I saw that we were leaving two of the
enemy’s cannon on the river bank, I called to some of my men to come
and assist me to haul them off. They were fine brass pieces, and
named Jeff Davis, which was engraved on the top of one of them. I
got one off one hundred yards, when some of our artillery coming
along, hitched it on to theirs and then went and got the other one
and hitched it the same way. Those two pieces we now have at Bird’s
Point.
We got started and then came the tug of war. They had managed to get
reinforcements over from Columbus to the number of 7,000, and had
formed in ambush for a mile in length on each side of us. The boys
had to fight their way through. Men dropped all around me. It was a
fearful and terrible fire they opened upon us. We managed to get
through in tolerable good order, and got our wounded aboard in a
hurry, for it was ascertained that the enemy was in pursuit. Just as
we were ready to back out into the stream, they made their
appearance on the bank of the river, and poured in a most
destructive fire upon us. Our gunboats opened out on them with grape
and cannister, and mowed them down by scores. We kept up from the
boats a running fire for some minutes, but finally got out of reach
of them. It was then sundown, and that terrible day’s work was
ended. I must here state that one of the guns we captured is the
“Loe,” which was used with such a terrible effect at the Manassus
battle. It is a twelve-pound howitzer.
The loss of my company is as follows, viz:
Killed – Joseph Linby; Andrew Peters.
Missing – Jefferson Kent
Prisoner – Stephen Dobson
Wounded – William H. Edsall, Corporal, shot to the calf of the leg,
on the boot; James Haley, private, shot in the head, on the boat –
dangerously; William O. Johnson, private, shot through the left side
in the gnarly part of the battle – not dangerous; Rufus P. Allen,
private, shot in the right breast – not dangerous; George Chapman,
private, shot through the thigh – not dangerous; John P. Kennedy,
private, shot in the hand.
I was hit by a spent ball just under the eye, which beyond the
effect of bringing the clavet, did no damage to me. Lieutenant
Morgan was acting Adjutant of our regiment during the day and did
his duty bravely.
Alton may continue to feel proud of her fair fame, for her boys
stood up to the work like veterans. I did not see a man show a
disposition to shirk. We attacked in the first place three times our
number, and then had the 7,000 fresh ones to break through. We did
not have over 3,800 in the field. I lost my coat, also my sword,
that Charley Steiner used to own. I still have the scabbard, but the
sword I guess is ‘taken prisoner.’ I have a splendid Maynard Rifle
Carbine, which I brought along with me, that I obtained in their
camp.
The people of Columbus were eager spectators of the fight. It was a
beautiful sight to look across the river and see the crowds on the
levee watching us. There was one regiment drawn up in line, also, on
the levee, and a little distance above on the hill could be seen the
enemy’s camp. The white tents covering the hill, and three or four
regiments drawn up there, watching the progress of the Stars and
Stripes as they slowly gained ground, bearing closer, closer to the
river, till finally they waved triumphantly over that blood-stained
field. I took of my company to the fight, two sergeants, viz: Allen
and McKenzie, four corporals, viz: Johnson, Olden, Edsall, and
Gould, with forty-six privates.
Colonel Dougherty is taken prisoner, and has had his leg amputated
just below the knee. Captains Challenor and Abbott are wounded, and
prisoners in Columbus, Lieutenants. Smith of Co. G, and Adams of Co.
D, are also wounded and prisoners. The other losses of our regiment,
killed, 24; prisoners and missing, 85; wounded, 73. Yours truly,
John Seaton, Captain, Company B, First Regiment.”
NOTES:
John Seaton, author of the above letter, was born in Cincinnati,
Ohio, on June 11, 1834. when three weeks old, his family moved to
Louisville, Kentucky, where he spent his boyhood. At 15 years of
age, he went to work to learn the trade of machinist. He then moved
to St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked as a journeyman.
At the age of twenty-two, although his entire capital consisted of
two dollars and fifty cents, John Seaton started a foundry at Alton, Illinois, with partner Mr. Reber.
They manufactured stoves, hollow ware, and tinware in their foundry
at the northeast corner of Piasa & Fourth Streets. In 1857, the
partnership was dissolved, and Seaton continued the business alone.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, he offered his services in defense
of the Union and was commissioned a Captain of Company B,
Twenty-second Regiment, Illinois Infantry. His first engagement was
the battle of Belmont under General Grant, and Captain Seaton was in
command of the skirmish line that opened this engagement. He served
for one year and then resigned his commission and returned to Alton
to take charge of his business. After the war, Mr. Seaton remained
in Alton in charge of his foundry until 1872, when her moved to
Atchison, Kansas, with his entire force of fifty employees. Mr.
Seaton was in business continually from 1856 until the time of his
death from pneumonia, on January 12, 1912. From his hard work, he
became one of the wealthiest citizens of Atchison. Surviving Mr.
Seaton was his wife and four children.
LETTER FROM GEORGE W. CHRISTY
Private in Captain Miles Company, 27th Illinois Regiment
The Battle of Belmont, Missouri
Date: November 22, 1861
Camp Cairo, November 09, 1861
“We marched around to the rear of their camp, and drove in their
pickets, when the 31st, 12d, and 7th Iowa marched to attach the main
body. In about half an hour the firing began. Such a rattling of
muskets and cannon I never expected to hear. The gunboats began to
throw shells into Columbus. When we heard the firing, our Colonel
had us around to the right, and within about two hundred yards of
their camp, and we were fired into by the guard. We then formed into
a line of battle as well as we could, for the time and big logs, and
with a large force of the rebels in front of us. We fired into them,
and it would have done you good to see them run. I took deliberate
aim, as if I was shooting a squirrel, and brought my man the first
fire. We now formed to attack a larger body that we discovered
nearer their camp. The command was then given. “Forward, charge!”
when we started on the run, all we got into their parade ground,
when we were fired into by thousands concealed by logs and trees,
that they had cut down for that purpose. I saw our boys falling all
around us, and thought they were shot. I fired a couple of rounds on
the ridge where we were standing. When I saw our boys on the ground
on their banks and every imaginable position, ramming the cartridges
into their guns and firing as fast as they could, I discovered my
mistake and lay down like the rest. I fired fire or six rounds in
this position, when the ____ of my gun blew out. I rolled down to
where our 1st Lieutenant was lying, and asked him what I should do.
He told me to get some dead man’s gun. I crawled around a good while
hunting for one, but could not find one, as there was no one killed
near me then, and the wounded wanted their guns to defend themselves
with. I saw there was no chance there, and I jumped up and ran like
blazes to the rear, the bullets singing within a few inches of my
head, and every now and then a cannon ball or a shell from Columbus
would come whistling over, when I would dodge like a good fellow, no
matter if it was forty feet above my head. I succeeded at last in
getting a gun from one of our sergeants. By this time our men had
fell back. When the artillery came up, we rallied and went as it
again.
The killing part of the business now just began. A man was shot down
by my side, the ball passing through his brain, killing him
instantly. We got behind logs and fired at them till they began to
give way. We then followed them up, shooting them down, and getting
shot in our turn, till we got into their camp. Here was the hardest
fighting of the day. I saw a scamp poke his head up from behind a
log, when I blazed my gun and put a ball through his head, and
stretched him out beautifully. We drove them towards their boats,
and just mowed them down as they were going on tumbling them off the
boat into the river. A lot of us now charged down to the river bank,
where there was a lot of them firing, and took about 300 prisoners.
We now tore down their flags, blowed up their artillery powder
(their artillery our men had taken), and fired all their tents.
Our boys were busy picking up our wounded, and plundering together,
when the rebels were reinforced by 6,000 or 8,000 from Columbus. We
now could fight no longer, as we were completely tired down and had
no water. My mouth was drawn up, and my tongue parched for the want
of water. I was also as black as a negro with powder. We now thought
of nothing but retreating, which we began to do, the balls flying
like hail. The artillery at Columbus got range of us with their
cannon, and the balls whistled altogether too close for a man to
feel safe. A six-pound shot flew over my head, about three feet
above, striking close by and plowing up the dirt like smoke. The
secesh [supporter of the Confederacy] had now almost completely
surrounded us. I was certain we would all be cut to pieces, but we
turned in another direction and managed to get around them, when we
started for the river through the woods, without knowing where we
were.
The other regiments got to the boats about two hours and a half
before we did. Just as they were pushing off, the rebels run to the
river bank and fired on them, killing and wounding a few, when the
gun boats dispersed them with shells, and continued shelling them
after they got into the timber. Some of the shells fell into our
midst, but fortunately killed no one. We reached the boat just after
dark, and got aboard the gun boat, and arrived safe at Cairo with
200 prisoners.
The rebels were well armed with Minie rifles and muskets, and they
fought well. They had their own position and double our number, and
yet, if we could have had some fresh troops to attack them on the
other side, we would have whipped them worse than they were ever
whipped before. After the first fight, dead horses, disabled
artillery, and dead and wounded men were lying all over the ground.
I counted as many as 16 dead and dying secesh in one place. Their
loss most have been very heavy. Our loss was considerable, but how
many I am unable to say.
It was our first fight, and we did splendid. We were all cool and
even laughed and joked as we fired. Bill Carter and myself stayed
together as long as we could, but we got separated and I thought he
was killed, and he thought I was. Towards the last, there was no
order at all, every man fought on his own hook and killed all he
could. Some of our boys took swords, knives, revolvers, uniforms,
blankets, horses, and a great many other things. We were dealt out
40 rounds of cartridges on the boat, but I never fired over ten of
them, as I would fill my pockets with secesh cartridges. Our company
had none killed, and but four wounded. One through the wrist and
thigh. Another a ball just cut between his lips. Another in the back
of the head. Ada Adams was firing when a bullet struck his gun, and
another just grazed his hand.
Signed by George W. Christy, son of S. A. Christy of Alton”
THE FALL OF FORT DONELSON, TENNESSEE
Letter from the Illinois 29th Infantry
Date: February 28, 1862
“Again, it is my pleasure to chronicle the fall of another
stronghold of the Rebels, but not as before without the loss of
life. On the evening of the fifth inst., we took up our line of
march from Fort Henry, just as the sun was setting, for Fort
Donelson on the Cumberland River, thirteen miles distant. The first
brigade composed from the 8th, 18th, 28th, 20th, and 21st Illinois
Regiments, under command of Colonel R. J. Oglesby, were in the
advance. A march of three hours through heavy timber brought us six
miles on our road towards, what has since proved to be the greatest
victory of the war. The moon shining brightly, the trees seemed to
us to be the omen of coming success, and made us all rejoice that it
was out lot to be in this expedition, which had already created so
much consternation among our enemies.
A good rest, with the open air for a covering, and the first good
water we had yet tasted, made us none the worse for our morning’s
march. By seven we were again on our way, and by noon our cautious
movements indicated our near approach to the enemy. Soon a sharp
fire directly in front, upon our advance guard, made it doubly plain
that we were to see hot work, and that before long. Their
skirmishers were soon repulsed, and we made our way slowly on until
we found ourselves in full view of the tents and defenses of Fort
Donelson. Our position was constantly changing, and all the
afternoon and evening we were moving along quietly, hoping to gain
in the night a position we could hold by day.
While thus moving, a sharp, sudden fire from an unseen enemy, a few
yards distant, caused three regiments to open an indeterminate fire
upon themselves, killing four and wounding six of our soldiers. We
were soon rallied, and retreated back from that position, and laid
on the cold ground that night, with but little rest, as all our
blankets had been thrown aside at our first skirmish.
We found in the morning we had been _____ upon the enemy, and then
formed in column behind a ridge, which was in direct range of their
artillery and even their rifles, for our men killed many during the
day. Whenever a head was made visible above their breastworks, which
extended for at least six miles around the Fort and town of Dover.
Early in the morning, they commenced their attack by their
artillery, about six hundred yards distant, and which was defunded
by redoubts inside of their entrenchments. Their fire was soon
silenced by our batteries placed on the ridge behind which we were
covered. I can assure you, that when grape, cannister and shell came
among us, in rapid succession, we hugged the mother earth very
affectionately. We here had none killed, though several were
wounded. They here attempted to charge our batteries, but were
repulsed with much loss.
The 1st Brigade was assigned the right of all our forces, which now
___ _____ ____ _____. We moved steadily to the right, and by night
found ourselves occupying the position we held during the fight of
the 15th inst.
The night was cold, alternately snowing and raining, yet we were not
destined to enjoy it quietly, for we had no sooner composed
ourselves, as best we could, than a sharp fire of musketry from the
rifle pits of the enemy, two hundred yards distant, caused us to
fall quickly into line. We were not allowed to fire for fear of
attracting the fire of sharpshooters. What we had supposed to be a
sully upon us, proved to be the means employed by them to prevent an
attack by us. We did not know that then, and throughout that long
cold night, we stood our sleepless watch not daring to break our
line. The two days provision we had taken at Fort Henry had given
out sometime before this, and the men suffered hunger as well as
exposure.
The day following but little was done. The gunboats, from which so
much was expected, had as yet, so far as we knew, affected nothing,
and had it not been for the heavy fire from them, for an hour,
sending several shots almost into our line, we would not have been
aware of their presence.
Large reinforcements from Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky today, came up
the Cumberland to our relief. Just at night, Colonel McArthur, with
his brigade composed of the 9th, 12th, 40th, and the Illinois
Regiments, came down upon our right flank, near the river, for the
double purpose of supporting us and preventing the escape of the
enemy, should that plan be adopted by them. If they did not attempt
that, we were, in the morning to attack them by making one grand and
simultaneous charge upon the whole extent of their strong defense.
It subsequently proved that we were to defend and not to attack. At
night we prepared for another night of watchfulness, and perhaps
more conflict. A heavy, damp snowstorm again made our watch anything
but rest. The sharp occasional firing from the enemy kept us as
before on the alert, and the morning found us feeling more like
seeking rest than fighting. The morning of the greatest and most
hotly contested fight, yet recorded on this continent, broke upon us
among the trees and bushes, fair and beautiful. With the rising of
the sun, the battle – destined to end the lives of hundreds of brave
men, and send hundreds of others home to endure a crippled existence
– commenced upon the extreme right of our forces with a spirit that
led us to think that the enemy was atoning for their cowardly
retreat from Fort Henry.
Their attack quickly extended along our front, and soon the two
brigades before mentioned were hotly engaged. For two hours our men
stood their ground splendidly, pouring into the already rapidly
thinning ranks of the enemy a terrible stream of fire, which was
returned with a persistency and desperation hitherto unparalleled.
The first falling back of our forces was caused by the failure of
ammunition in the 9th Regiment. Thus giving back for relief gave the
enemy a chance, which they improved and managed by the most
determined fighting to partly turn our right flank. Our men were now
falling fast. Bullets from their guns, and shot, cannister and shell
from their batteries, came pouring upon us with terrible effect, but
did not break our line. For five hours our brave men manfully
endured the terrible conflict, returning as good as they received.
The severest fire came upon the 8th, 18th, and 11th Regiments, which
never flinched. By 10 o’clock, four regiments, two Indiana and the
17th and 25th Kentucky, filed in at our rear for our relief. Very
poor relief they afforded. For they had hardly taken position in our
rear when they, for some unaccountable reason, opened a fire along
their whole line upon our force, not fifty yards distant. Our men
turned in confusion, thinking our right was turned and our line
completely flanked. Those regiments that fired upon us and killed
many of our men, then broke in confusion, making it almost
impossible to rally them. We partly succeeded in making a stand
several times, but the terrible fire the enemy now stormed upon us
caused us to abandon the attempt, and we left this “valley of death”
as best we could, leaving many of our dead and wounded upon the
field. The advance of the enemy was soon stopped by other regiments,
which charged and drove them back over the ground we had occupied.
The 1st Brigade fell back a mile, and there rallied our scattered
forces as best we could. It was in this fight that Colonel Logan was
wounded, Lieut. Colonel Smith of the 48th; Lieut. Colonel White of
the 31st was killed, and many others of lesser note, but equally
brave.
After our first fight, General Smith, with his entire division,
charged upon and succeeded in occupying the position of the enemy,
in their intrenchments, on our extreme left, near the river, on the
lower side of the Fort. After this, the battle seemed to be about
over for the day, and our forces prepared themselves for an attack
on the following day, Sunday. We heard rumors of surrender and
evacuation of the fort during the evening, but did not abate any of
our vigilance until the joyful fact was fully established.
The sad sights of the dead and wounded were constantly before our
eyes, and so numerous were they, that our aid, though large, could
not begin to meet the demands of the occasion.
Our triumphant march now commenced, and from all sources our now
victorious army poured into the grounds we had so gallantly fought
for. It was a sight that would make the heart of a true American
swell with pride. I never viewed the flag we all hold so dear, with
half so much reverence as I did when I beheld it planted where the
ensign of rebellion had so lately derisively flaunted its folds, and
from which place it had been torn by the brave men, many of whom
have now gone to that rest from which there is no return. Hail
Columbus and Star-Spangled Banner never seemed to have that
significance that they did when, at the front of the numerous
regiments, the bands sent forth their soul-stirring strains. You
read of the victory and estimate its importance by the fifteen
thousand prisoners taken, and the vast amount of munitions of war
captured, and the comparative loss of life on each side, but to us,
who had endured the fatigue, shared the danger, and witnessed the
death of so many friends, we look upon it with far different eyes,
for to us it was a retense as well as conquest. The acclamation of
victory had to us a meaning you cannot fully appreciate.
Now let General McClellan with his eastern hordes make a like move.
Our western boys have struck a blow of such importance that from it
the rebels cannot recover. Let the east with their grand army, but
partly follow the example set by the west, and it will not be long
before the glad news of peace will ring throughout the length and
the breadth of the land.
The scenes I have since witnessed among the wounded – the appearance
of the prisoners – the impressions formed by conversing with them –
the many incidents of the battle, will afford a fruitful subject for
another letter. The account I have given you is simply a narrative
of what I saw and what I participated in, and as such, I submit it
to you. Let your thoughts go back to Sunday morning, and reflect
that while you were listening to the sound of the church-going bell,
or peacefully wending your way to the house of worship, we passed
___ ____ ____ ____ all had preached for days past, amid the
declamation’s and shouts of victory resounding from our whole grand
army of western men.
Signed by a Soldier of the Twenty-Ninth Illinois Infantry”
LETTER FROM LT. CYRUS EDWARDS
Date: June 06, 1862
“During my stay I fell in with an old friend of whom was related,
being a sergeant in his company. He said that when this young man
joined the army, and the soldiers found that he neither drank whisky
nor used profane language, they called him the milk maid, and his
fighting qualities were distrusted by nearly all the privates, last
at the battle of Shiloh, he arose from a sick cot, took command of
his section, that during the fight his No. 1 of one of the men was
wounded in the shoulder, he seized the rammer, shook it at the
advancing enemy and exclaimed, ‘You rascals! You rascals!’ Ordered
his guns to be loaded with canister, which he fumed home himself,
checked the advance of the rebels and finally drove them back. This
officer is now the idol of his men, and was complimented by his
Division General, Hurlbut, and is the son of the venerable and
patriotic Dr. Benjamin F. Edwards [brother of Lt. Cyrus Edwards],
and 2d Lieutenant 1st Missouri Artillery, Cavander’s Battery.”
LETTER FROM CAMP NEAR BOONEVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
Date: July 04, 1862
“Long before you get this, you will have heard that the long agony
is over, and that Corinth, another ‘impregnable position,’ another
‘last ditch,’ is in full possession of General Halleck’s forces. The
enemy made a very good retreat, sweeping the place of everything of
value. Even a Hebrew rag-gatherer could not have made much money by
the pursuit of his avocation in Corinth after Thursday, May 20th. I
cannot help thinking that our Southern brethren have pursued their
system of evacuation so long that they have become complete masters
of that branch of the tactics. They should certainly be patted on
the back, called good boys, and allowed ‘to go up head’ for the very
workmanlike manner in which they performed their work at Corinth.
The special correspondents will give you full details of what was
done during the few days previous to the evacuation. There was some
fighting every day, unattended, however, by any serious loss on
either side. On Wednesday and Thursday, May 28th and 29th, Pope’s
division drove the enemy from their strong position a short distance
in advance of their main fortifications, though we did not dislodge
them without a severe struggle. Early on Friday morning a force of
which our Regiment formed the advance, made a cautious “forward
movement,” and crossing the track of the Memphis & Charleston
Railroad, took possession of two forts within a few rods of the
railroad. These two forts had mounted several heavy guns, which
during the two preceding days, had given us considerable trouble.
Now, however, the works were found to be entirely deserted. The guns
were gone, so were the troops, and so were the ammunition and
stores. The only foes within our immediate reach were silently
reposing in a collection of newly-made graves nearby. The Regimental
flag of the ‘old Tenth’ was planted on the larger of the two
abandoned forts, and then the ‘re-possession’ of so much of Uncle
Sam’s property was consummated.
By the way, I see by the papers that various Regiments, principally
from Ohio, claim the honor of being first on hand after the
evacuation. For the satisfaction of all genuine Suckers, I wish to
record here that the Tenth Illinois has been continually in the
advance since it landed at Hamburg on the 22d of April; and,
moreover, that our colors were thrown to the breeze over the enemy’s
works at Corinth on Friday morning, May 20th, at twenty minutes past
six o’clock, precisely. As I have seen no claim to entering the
fortifications earlier than 6:40, I presume the Tenth was ‘ahead as
usual.’
About five o’clock Friday evening, we started in pursuit of the
flying fun, taking a road leading directly south. On Saturday we had
a little skirmish with the enemy’s rear guard, in a most infernally,
dismal looking swamp, about seven miles south of Corinth. Although
of a retiring disposition, our opponents had the impudence to give
us a few rounds of grape, but we finally induced them to avail
themselves of one of the ‘reserved rights’ and ‘skedaddled.’ On
Sunday we started again, and on Monday reached Booneville, 20 miles
south of Corinth, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. Since then, other
movements have been made, but I had better say nothing about them,
lest I might be giving ‘contraband’ information. I may tell you,
however, Uncle Sam’s locomotives are now running through from
Corinth to Booneville. As I write, I hear one screaming as it rushes
by. They have already been used for the transportation of troops,
and will doubtless be of immense value to us very soon.
This is a queer country, entirely. It is a great wonder that the
people ever ‘went in’ for anything so radical and disturbing as this
‘cursed’ rebellion. Everybody and everything is severely
‘conservative.’ Even the fences are imbued with the prevailing
sentiment – being so thoroughly conservative and so entirely opposed
to ‘agitation,’ that when they fall down, they stay there, scorning
to exhibit the weakness of even attempting to regain the
perpendicular. The chivalry do not seem to know the meaning of the
word progress. Even their armies progress backward. Thus far, I have
seen no indications of a desire to improve upon the condition and
custom of half a century ago.
The people mostly stay at home, instead of fleeing before the
invaders, as heretofore. They have got about as far south as they
can go, so there’s no use thinking. At most of the way along the
road we see fine ladies, whose skillfully constructed breastworks
furnish ample evidence that all the cotton is not destroyed yet.
Only on one or two plantations have we seen cotton burning. Signed
by G. W. T.”
LETTER FROM CAMP BUTLER
Date: September 19, 1862
“The novelty of camp life has passed away, and the strange abandon
which had taken possession of the minds of the men, which had found
vent in oaths and obscenity with some, and in frivolity with others,
has abated, and the men seem settling down to the habits of home
restraints, which at first would have been scarcely borne, are now
greeted with cheers. We are weary of the midnight din and the
commands to attend to roll call at half past 8, and to retire to
rest at nine, are gladly obeyed.
The camp was visited last Wednesday by General Fuller. We marched to
the parade ground and were drawn up by Major Newsham in the form of
a square. We then proceeded with nine companies to elect our field
officers. Colonel R. M. Moore was unanimously elected Colonel.
Lieutenant Colonel Merlum was elected over his opponent, Captain
Berry, by a large majority. The candidates for Major were Captains
Newsham and Kinder – Newsham was elected. The position of Major by a
previous arrangement was to have been given to a Madison man.
Captain Kinder was chosen by a majority of three votes by the
Madison companies. The commissioned officers of the regiment,
thinking they were only bound to elect a Madison man, chose Captain
Blakeman; and finally, the matter being left to a vote of the
regiment, Captain Newsham was chosen. Captain Newsham is said to be
one of the best drilled officers in the United States service,
having served as Adjutant for Colonel (now General Paine) from which
position he was promoted to the position of Adjutant General, on the
staff of General Smith. After the death of Smith, he would have been
assigned to the staff of General Hurlburt, but resigned with the
recommendation of General Halleck. Many of our officers, though men
of fine intellect, have little military experience, and Major
Newsham will be a vast advantage in the organization of the
regiment. After the election of our officers, we listened to a very
fine speech from General Fuller. It was replete with eloquent and
patriotic thoughts, and good advice to the men and officers. The
General is a whole-souled man, with commanding presence. He is an
adept in the art of flattery, and poured it on until we made the air
reverberate with cheers in his honor. During the time, a great black
cloud was rising in the West, and soon it burst upon us in a deluge
of rain. We were quickly formed in line by our Major, and started at
double-quick for our quarters with three other regiments. The
double-quick soon became a regular stone bridge retreat. It was
amusing to see the men flying at their utmost speed, while many a
poor fellow who had been so unfortunate as to fall, was vainly
endeavoring to arise, and begging the crowd not to trample him to
death. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the confusion was
suggestive.
The tenth company having joined our regiment, we were finally
organized on Saturday last. General Fuller made us another speech,
telling us we were the finest regiment in the service, and that our
clothes, arms, and pay, were all ready and waiting for us. We are
anxious to receive them, and hope to be on the way to the field of
glory in a few days, but nothing is certain. The boys are all
anxious to start, and soon confident of victory. Yesterday (Sunday),
good order was preserved throughout the camp. Our Chaplain (Mr.
Gillham of Edwardsville) preached his first sermon from the very
appropriate text, “Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God,”
and was listened to attentively. There were several other religious
meetings during the day, and the camp until nine at night was
melodious with sacred song. There were 325 letters sent from our
regiment this morning. Thus, you see we are a writing community.
There has been little encouraging in the news of the last few days.
The great error of scattering our forces could scarcely have
resulted otherwise. The cry of forward to Richmond, which preceded
the battle of Stone Bridge, although it was believed for a time, by
that reverse, was in reality dictated by a correct policy. The
policy of concentration and advance. A simply defensive policy on
our part is equivalent to the abandonment of our cause, and to
advance without concentration will produce nothing but disaster. In
the conduct of the war thus far, the Napoleonic system of striking a
blow at the heart of the enemy’s country, and at the sources of his
power, has been totally ignored. In its stead, was substituted “the
anaconda,” which has proved a magnificent failure. The lines of
Yernas Verdras were proper works for a defensive General. But ours
must be an offensive war. We hope the American people will not allow
another campaign to be conducted on the banks of the Potomac. Let us
run the risk of defeat, rather than remain in inglorious inactivity.
It will take some time to organize, but let plots be abandoned, and
let it be done as speedily as possible. Until we are willing to make
sacrifices, defeat stares us in the face. Live the Republic if a
thousand ambitious hopes perish forever. How fearful the courage
that prompts a man to stand in the way of the onward march of
humanity, and to sacrifice the hopes of millions of unborn
generations on the shrine of ambition. Signed, Occasional.”
LETTER FROM DR. SAMUEL WILLARD, 97th ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Date: October 24, 1862
I give you a few extracts from a letter of Dr. Samuel Willard,
surgeon of the 97th, Colonel Rutherford’s, dated Fort Mitchell,
Covington, Kentucky, October 12, 1862. He says our journey from
Illinois gave us a huge sick list Tuesday, the day before we came to
this fort, gave us 144 on the sick list, but now our list is small,
only fifty-three is reported sick, two companies not reporting.
“It is sad to see what destruction is wrought upon farms and
orchards, fences and groves, all along here. To get to our camp
(which lies in part, outside the trenches), we pass through a fine
nursery, all turned out, belonging to a firm Union man. The region
is excessively hilly, with deep ravines and deep slopes, like those
along the Cantina at Collinsville, only deeper. Our regiment is
spread upon two such ridges. Many tents halfway down on the main
one. The great ‘Pike’ from Cincinnati to Lexington passes near us.
Some of our neighbors are patriots, and some are secesh. One fine
house near us is left to wanton destruction, its owner being in the
C. S. A. [Confederate States of America] army. We may take the
building for our use, but it is outside of the guard line, and I may
conclude it unsafe.
Our tent was but just set on the day of our arrival in Covington,
when a broad-faced, pleasant-looking, loud-voiced man came in, and
introduced himself as the owner of the nearest house, and bade us
welcome. He would do anything he could to help us, his wife would
cook for our sick, if we would furnish tea, they would have it made
at all times for our men. Wouldn’t I come in and get some toast and
tea for supper? Mr. Croninger was very friendly, and really so, as
it proved. I took some meals there, and they made tea for our men as
offered. He is a printer, a Methodist, a zealous minister, and has
been eighteen years a citizen of Kentucky.
Tuesday was a busy day – inspection was the order today. It occurred
at 11 o’clock, and all sick men of any spirit got well for the
occasion, if they could. We were inspected by General Van
Rossellaer.
Dr. Davis is taking his turn at our fever, but is not as ill as
Curtis (my hospital steward) or I have been. Curtis is almost well.
There is less sickness in the regiment, but far too much at best.
Today we had reported 32 sick. The boys from Alton (Trible’s
company) are generally well. Tuesday morning, I had to amputate a
finger for one of them, named Kear, mutilated by his shooting
himself when on picket guard. He fell, and his gun being cocked,
went off. D. Paddock has just rejoined the regiment. Dr. Davis is
not much sick, but like the rest of us who try it, he will be out of
sorts for several days. Rev. Mr. Baker is a treasure of a Chaplain.
I rejoice in him greatly.”
LETTER FROM THE POTOMAC
Sharpsburg, Maryland
Date: October 24, 1862
“As I promised to drop you a line occasionally, I shall jot you a
line now. We arrived here Sunday evening last, safe and sound in
body, but the ambulances in which we left Harper’s Ferry were pretty
well used up. The road was very rough. Out trip from Alton was
pleasant, except that it rained constantly until we reached
Pittsburg. At Baltimore, we laid over one night, and enjoyed a fine
view of the city and Chesapeake Bay from the Washington Monument.
Baltimore is a much larger and a much more handsome city than I had
anticipated. The streets upon which the principal residences are
situated are clean, and a stream of water passes down many of them
on each side. The shipping, the bay, and the forts across the bay
are seen to great advantage from the monument.
Taking the road from Harper’s Ferry, we passed the Monocacy Junction
only a few hours ahead of the raid by Stuart’s rebel cavalry. The
route from Baltimore to the Ferry is very rough and broken. Just
before reaching Ellicott’s Mills, we caught the first glimpse of the
Blue Ridge, much resembling a blue haze in the atmosphere. Near
Point of Rocks, we saw the first ravages of war. Bridges, or rather
abutments of bridges which have been destroyed by the rebels, are in
sight at every turn. The canal, full of canal boats, is dry. As we
approached the Ferry, the camps were more numerous, and at
Knoxville, or in the vicinity, we found the headquarters of
McClellan. The bridge across the Potomac at Harper’s Ferry, which
was destroyed by the rebels when they had possession, has been
rebuilt, and trains run constantly. There is not a hotel in the town
worthy of the name. The long row of government buildings in ruins is
about the first thing that strikes the eye of a visitor. Old John
Brown’s house on the corner is now used by the government as a
storehouse, and in the yard are cords of musket barrels, locks, &c.,
which were destroyed when the place was evacuated by our forces
twelve or fourteen months since. We climbed some of the high hills
in the neighborhood, and for miles and miles back of the town, could
see camps of soldiers, looking like one vast city. During the day,
we saw General Burnside passing through the city. He is a
fine-looking officer, and rode a large raw-boned horse, said to be
thirty-two years of age – his Mexican War steed.
We left the Ferry for this place in the afternoon, fording the
Potomac. We were in a two-wheeled ambulance, a most uncomfortable
vehicle – and as luck would have it, the horse was a bulky one.
Stopping in the river, he refused to proceed, although moral session
in the shape of a good whipping was applied. Our contraband jumped
into the river and lashed the brute until we again got started, only
to balk again at the coming out place. Thus, it worked – at the foot
of every hill – and there were enough of them, until we reached this
place after dark. The exercise we had with our horse gave us a
hearty appetite, and seven of us slept in one room soundly.
This place suffered considerably during the fight at Antietam –
several houses being burned by shells, while but few others remain
without some mark of that struggle. The house in which I write has
some three holes in the roof made by some six-pound shell. A house
about two squares up the street has twelve or fifteen marks upon it.
The battlefield is only about a mile and a half from this house, but
the weather being bad, I have not yet visited it.
There is some talk of a forward move soon, but I cannot learn
whether there is any cause for the rumor. Much indignation is felt
because of the impunity with which the rebels have just made a raid
into Pennsylvania, passing entirely around in the rear of our army
from the right wing to the left. It is the most shameful thing of
the war. Several cavalry regiments have passed through our streets
within a few hours, en route for McClellan’s headquarters.
It has cleared up this afternoon, and the sun shines brightly as in
the Old Sucker States.
Signed by Yours, &c., Sucker.”
FROM CAMP NEAR LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
Date: November 07, 1862
“Since the date of my last letter from Fort Mitchell, we have
undergone trials and vexations, incident to a soldier’s life,
compared with which that previously experienced by us, was mere
child’s play. On Friday afternoon, October 17th, we received orders
to strike tents, and a little after 8 o’clock, we were on the move.
We proceeded out on the Lexington turnpike, and reached Florence,
some nine miles distant from Covington, about dark, where we
encamped for the night in the fairgrounds at that place. Here we
passed our first night in the open air. The night was very cold, and
in the morning a heavy frost was visible on all sides.
At Florence we met three of the regiments composing our brigade –
the 77th, 108th, and 112th Illinois – who kept us company during the
_____ of our journey. At early dawn, we were in readiness to move
forward, but did not get in motion until 7 o’clock. After marching
some three hours, we halted several hours for a provision train to
overtake us, when we again pushed forward. We reached a small
village called Walton, eleven miles distant from Florence, between
four and five o’clock p.m., and here we put up for the night and
passed another night in the open air. A dirty pond, compared with
which the various mud holes about Alton would be deemed delectable,
supplied us with water wherewith to make coffee. No use talking –
had to come down to it, if we did have to hold our noses while we
drank it.
On Sunday morning we were again on the move at an early hour. During
the tumult and excitement of the march, we had quite forgotten that
it was the Sabbath day, and the 77th regiment, as it filed out of
the enclosure where we had been encamped, striking up the familiar
hymn, “The Shining Shore,” first led us to reflect upon the subject.
At half past ten, we reached Crittenden, where we received a most
enthusiastic reception. Almost every house had its representatives,
who cheered us lustily as we passed through the place.
At Crittenden, 26 miles from Covington, we left the prize and took a
south-easterly course. The roads were bad, and we had a severe time
of it. It is a saying among men in the army, that they know Sundays
as the days on which occur the longest drills; we have occasion to
remember our Sundays as the days on which we made the longest
marches. On the 19th, we made something over 18 miles, and finally
encamped in a ravine, where we spent another uncomfortable night.
Here, another frog pond furnished us with water for coffee, and a
neighboring straw stack supplied us with straw for a pillow. The
night was very cold, and ice formed to the thickness of half an
inch.
On Monday morning, October 10th, we were astir betimes, and
proceeded on our journey at an early hour, and reached Falmouth,
distant some 14 miles, at 5 o’clock p.m. The roads traveled during
this day were very bad – crooked, twisted, uphill and downhill –
principally uphill.
At Falmouth, we found several regiments encamped, and it was
generally understood that we would remain here several days. With
this view, we spent most of Tuesday in properly arranging our camp,
cleaning up, &c., and in consequence acquired little rest. That
evening, we received marching orders, and at 8 o’clock Wednesday
morning were pushing on to Cynthiana, distant 22 miles. This was a
severe journey, and will be recollected by every man in the
regiment. It has not rained in this section for over three months,
and everything is dried up. Water was not to be had, and the
suffering among the men which thirst produced was awful. Toward the
afternoon we reached a small mud hole, over which some hogs and
geese were reigning supreme. These were driven out, and the water
eagerly snatched up by the men. We put up for the night in a field
within a mile or so of the city, which place we reached between 7
and 8 in the evening. We stretched our weary limbs upon Kentucky
soil, and with an empty stomach, perhaps many dreamt of better
times. On Thursday morning we passed through Cynthiana, and encamped
a short distance beyond, on the bank of the south fork of Licking
River. Here we remained several days.
On Sunday morning, October 26th, we left for Paris, a distance of
eighteen miles. During the evening previous to our starting, snow
fell to the depth of six or eight inches, in consequence of which
the roads were in bad condition, and our march during the day was
arduous in the extreme. We scarcely had a half hour’s rest during
the entire day. Previous to our leaving Camp Butler, it was quite
common to overhear the expression, “Who wouldn’t sell a farm to go a
soldiering?” but it was evident, from the mutterings heard along the
lines on this day, which were uttered both loud and deep, that quite
a change had come o’er the spirit of their dreams. “I enlisted,”
says one, “for a change; but little did I expect to be changed to a
pack mule.” “This is only the beginning.” “Three years unless
discharged.” “$13 a month and found” – were the exclamations most
frequently indulged in.
We reached Paris about four o’clock, having made the rifle in eight
hours. Here we received a most glorious reception. The sidewalks
were literally filled with ladies, who cheered and hurrahed for the
Illinois boys, as we walked through the streets. “As the ladies go,
so goes the Union,” was the remark prompted by the occasion. We
preceded about a mile beyond the city and took up our quarters on a
beautiful spot of ground, north of the fairgrounds. Here we found
some ten regiments quartered, and remained with them one day.
On Tuesday morning we took up our line of march for this place. We
made sixteen miles in less than six hours, and quartered for the
night in a field within a mile and a half of Lexington. Here, some
Kentucky rails afforded us a light campfire, and some hay in a field
close by gave us a soft bed. Between eleven and twelve o’clock, the
camp was alarmed, and the men were under guns, in consequence of
repeated firing heard in the direction of our pickets. But it proved
to be a false alarm, and we were dismissed. This morning we marched
through Lexington to this camp, four miles beyond the city. We have
a beautiful camping ground, and the supposition is that we will
remain here long enough to be formally mustered into a brigade and
division.
Lexington is a beautiful city, our passage through the place was
flattering in the extreme. Just beyond the town stands the Henry
Clay monument. As we filed past it, the conviction forced itself
upon our minds that if the people of this country had heeded the
words of this great statesman, we would not have passed this way on
such a mission as that in which we are engaged.
The country between Crittenden and Falmouth, properly embraces the
Licking bluffs, and is generally barren and uninviting. An Illinois
farmer would not be able to make a living in the tract above
described. The houses are of common structure, and the general
appearance is that a vast hurricane has passed over this section,
literally sweeping everything before it. Such of the people as make
their appearance generally assume a careless attitude, and gaze at
us with a listless, vacant expression. They say little, and scarcely
ever answer a question correctly. Here and there we find a Union
family, but at the same time it must be borne in mind that a large
number of people hereabouts have a faculty of accommodating either
party that may happen along.
Between Cynthians and Lexington the scenery is grand, and
magnificent residences can be seen on all sides. This tract is
generally regarded as the garden spot of Kentucky, and well it may
be.
At Paris, the members of the African persuasion predominate three to
one. Squad G kindly took one in charge, and formally initiated him
into the “mysteries and miseries” of the cooking department. He is
still with us. A member of Captain Achenbach’s Company, named Kerr,
from Vandalia, died last night. The health of the men is very fair,
although a large number are complaining of sore feet, produced by
the long marches we have made. Signed by Rip Snorter.”
LETTER FROM A SOLDIER
Company D, 122th Regiment, Illinois Infantry
From Humboldt, Tennessee
Date: December 05, 1862
“Ye loyal men of the North – ‘there is still hope for the country.’
Let the Vallandighamers, with the assistance of all their secession
friends, rejoice quickly and loudly, for their race is almost run.
We have to admit, much to the disgrace of Illinois, that the Rebels
rejoice over the late Democratic victory [election]. But hearken ye
Rebels, ye traitors of the beloved State of Illinois, did you think
of the 160,000 of the brave sons of your noble state, who threw
aside the comforts of home and took up arms to merely have a grand
bear hunt, for three years in the unhealthy malarious swamps of
Missouri, Virginia, and Tennessee, or the dangerous climate of the
extreme southern states? Did you think a soldier’s life so charming,
with its long, footsore marching, through rain or shine; its lonely
and dangerous picket duty, or its pay so great; that the young
farmer left his farm, the mechanic his shop, the printer his press,
or the salesman his counting room, to rush into the ranks as a
Private soldier? I tell you – no. We had the good of our common
country in view, and we are getting provoked almost past endurance
by this scattering fire in our rear. We don’t intend this war to
last forever, nor do we expect to die here in Dixie. No, we will
return. All we ask is to be led on to victory, then we will return
to mote out a just recompense to northern traitors. There are
thousands of Democrats in the army, and some of them are awfully
afraid of the negroes in Illinois. I wonder if we could not, on our
return, have the same power to vote against their occupying more
than they now do, of our territory, that we did before we left. But
if these few editors of certain papers, that we soldiers won’t read,
could hear the Democrats swearing that they were bound to do away
with northern traitors when they returned, if they interfered in
this war, when we are confident of bringing it to a satisfactory,
and so soon. If those editors could hear and would publish, somebody
would not rejoice quite yet. Then, Mr. Editor, just ask them if the
South prevails, if it will be five or ten years before there is a
war in Illinois. No, Illinoisans, do not despair, there is a light
ahead. The day breaketh. Then do your whole duty, asking God in
faith to assist you in your just cause. In haste, Minto, Co. D,
122nd Regiment, Illinois Infantry.”
LETTER FROM A SOLDIER
Camp Moon, near Memphis
Date: December 05, 1862
Our youth still preserve the thirst for knowledge in camp, and on
the march, and the papers which you kindly furnished us were read
with eagerness on our journey. Arrived at St. Louis, two sad
occurrences which arrested, for a time, the sound of mirth and our
smiles. A citizen of St. Louis, in attempting to get on our boat,
was struck by a loose spar, knocked into the river, and drowned.
Soon after, a young lady, who had become attached to one of the men
and had followed the regiment to St. Louis, was refused admittance,
whereupon she drew a package of poison from her pocket and swallowed
it. We marked the traces of despair and agony on her face, and saw
her as she reached the shore, stagger and fall. We have since heard
that she is dead.
At St. Louis, we got onboard the Empress, and on the morning of the
twelfth, started on our journey to Memphis. The bluffs that skirt
the river on one side and then the other, served to break the
monotony of our journey. Those rocks towering two hundred feet high,
gleaming in the sun, looked grand, and to minds unused to such
scenery, sublime. The manifestations of loyalty, as we passed, were
cheering, and when the flag was unfurled by fair bands along the
shore, as was often the case, the 117th sent up a shout that made
the woods and rocks sing again. At Liberty, a smiling young lady
joined the patriotic throng that pelted us with apples from the
shore. One of our gallant Captains, being on shore, made her
acquaintance, conversation ran up, and vows were plighted. The
Chaplain was brought forward by the Lieutenant Colonel, but them
being no license, the marriage was postponed till he returns,
covered with glory from the war. The bell rang. The boat shoved out
into the stream, and the band struck up the tune, “The Girl I Left
Behind Me,” amid most deafening cheers.
We ran aground several times and did not get to Cairo until Friday.
We were greeted with three rousing cheers by the 33rd Wisconsin, as
we neared the shore, and in response our band struck up, ‘Hail
Columbia.’
Here are the signs of war – the dark, formidable gunboats are lying
placidly in the Ohio, while the cannons are pointed at either shore.
We went on land, and noticed signs of growth and activity in the
city, and were quite favorably impressed with its appearance. Having
obtained some supplies, we passed on. About four miles before we
reached Columbus, on a low, wooded point, we beheld the field of
Balmont. All eyes were turned to view the ground where our hero dead
repose.
‘There honor comes a pilgrim gray, To deck the tan that wrap their
clay,
And freedom shall awhile repair, To dwell a weeping hermit there.’
We arrived at Columbus on Friday evening, and had a full view of the
formidable fortifications which the rebels were compelled, by the
strategy of our Generals, to evacuate. Among other traces of their
former presence, we saw part of the chain by which they attempted to
obstruct the navigation of the river, still hanging on the bluff.
Having unloaded part of our freight, we left Columbus at dark. The
evening was beautiful, and the men gathered on the deck of our
magnificent steamer and sang the song they sing at home, and the
popular airs of the hour. The song you favored us with in one of
your issues was sung again and again, until the enthusiasm grew
wild. There are moments favorable to the indulgence of romantic
thoughts. The turbid tide of thoughts and memories that had rolled
through our brains that day had quieted, and as we looked at the
dark form of the woodland on either shore, felt the shadow of a fear
that some traitor host might have returned to visit their old
familiar haunts, heard the murmur of the waters, and gazed up to the
sparkling sky, we could feel the inspiration of the author as we
sang the expression.
‘The stars of heaven are looking mildly down, as we go marching on.’
We slept, and when we awoke, we had passed Island No. 10, and were
lying at New Madrid. The next day no flags were seen waving on the
shore, but into the brain of the African had crept the shadowy
presentiment that the ‘year of jubilee is come,’ and as we pass
along, they wave their hats and even dance for joy upon the shore.
One of them came to us while lying on the shore, and said his master
had driven him away because he said, to use his own exact language,
‘De Norf would beat de Souf.’ The boys gave him a pair of shoes. He
threw his old shoes in the river and put them on.
Yesterday in conversation with a resident of Memphis, who has lost
three negroes, he stated that there is a universal desire for
freedom among the negroes. He is not a cruel man, but on the other
hand, seems kind. He says, however, they won’t work unless someone
looks to them. Present them with motives, and it will be different.
The little ebony and the little white children play together, as we
pass along the streets, and this morning while conversing with an
old gentleman, a little white child being near, he told it to go to
black momma, and it ran smiling away.
We are encamped near Memphis in a splendid grove near the 130th
Illinois and the 33rd Wisconsin. The city is not so deserted as we
expected. It contains many fine buildings and tasteful residences.
Many tricks are resorted to, to evade the vigilance of the pickets.
The skin of a dead horse was stuffed with medicines for the
Confederate army, but the smuggler failed.
The news is very meager, but so far as heard, cheering. We are all
satisfied with the removal of McClellan, and hope it is the
beginning of the end. Last night the falling rain flooded our
encampment. In our particular tent the proportion of land and water
was about the same as on the entire surface of the earth, but this
morning we awoke from our watery bed singing. Signed, Occasional.”
A SOLDIER’S OPINION OF EMANCIPATION
Date: December 12, 1862
A soldier of the 122nd Illinois (Colonel Rinaker’s), now in
Kentucky, writes to the Carlinville Free Democrat concerning the
President’s Emancipation Proclamation as follows:
“The wisdom of this measure seems not to be so well understood North
as here. Not only do the citizens feel the force of the impending
blow, and tremble at the result, but the soldiers understand that
the South has taken all the laborers that can be spared from their
farms, and put them in the army. That if we take away a large number
of strong, laboring men, that their armies must of necessity sutler
for want of provisions. This will force them to send a part of their
army home to their farms to procure the needed supply, or abandon
the struggle. If they send part of the men from the army, it will
reduce the number of those to contend with us in the field, and we
can defeat a small army easier than a large one. Every man in the
army can see this, and to him it is a matter in which he has a
personal interest, for in proportion as their armies diminish, each
soldier’s chance is increased to escape wounds and death on the
battlefield. It is consequently the manifest interest of the
government to sweep the country as far as possible of every slave
capable of producing more than he can consume.”
LETTER FROM GEORGE T. ALLEN
Date: December 19, 1862
From Memphis, Tennessee, December 06, 1862
“The duty incumbent on me to write long reports of the condition of
all the camps, hospitals, hospital steamers, transports, &c., that I
can reach in a district embracing Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama,
and Arkansas, keeps me constantly on the move, and binds me to the
pen so fatiguingly as to lead to far greater neglect of the press
than I desire. But few of the hospitals in my district are ……
[unreadable] sick and wounded are tenderly fact that the ….. way for
the satisfactory operation of medicine. With few exceptions, our
army surgeons labor with constant assiduity and patriotic zeal, in
the discharge of their multifarious duties; sobriety and good
management characteristics every department, and the sick or wounded
soldier here finds a comfortable home, kind attendants, and faithful
surgeons.
If our army Chaplains were as faithful as our leading surgeons – if
they were Christians and not sectarians, Christl-like and not
Jew-like – they might successfully ‘minister to ….. discussed,’ and
often but ….
Most of the regiments that were here a month ago have departed, with
soul-inspiring enthusiasm, for fields of more active duty and scenes
of more heart-stirring inter…. Regiments, brigades, and divisions,
in vast numbers, have been pressing southward towards Vicksburg,
some by river to Memphis, thence on foot; some by railroad through
Jackson, Tennessee; some by steamer to ….., and others, I suppose,
to the vicinity of Vicksburg, without disembarking. It is a glorious
sight, and one that fires the spirit and thrills the whole man, to
witness the ardor of these martial hosts, fresh from the love and
bounty of the North – men of ‘lion hearts and eagle eye’ – they
press onward to ‘man the deadly broach’ and to die honors or to
return victors.
I have been one week in Memphis on inspection duty, and this is the
third visit I have made here, officially. This city presents the
appearance of prosperity, comfort and wealth, and when its people
are at home, it must be as pleasant a town to dwell in as it is
pleasant to the eye, but most of its thirty-five thousand
inhabitants, like ‘Jeshurun ….’ Heart need, desire, and in which it
is evident that ‘luxury finds a magnificent abode.’
There are a few warm-hearted Union-loving people here – in this
wilderness of secession – who loved the old flag and dared be true
to it during all the rebel days of power inspired men’s souls in
Memphis, but the men who owe all these grand blocks and most of the
palatial residences are leading rebels. Our Fathers rebelled in 1776
because they were taxed by a foreign power, holding no just claims
to their allegiance, as long as they had anything to be taken,
because they were ground into the dust by unrighteous laws, they
were suffered to have no voice in making because a foreign army
grasped their earnings with one hand, while holding the rod of
threatening in the other, and alien bayonets were employed to force
them into subjection.
Every rebellion the world has justified was the offspring of
oppression and persecution, but this, in which the memories of our
Fathers are desecrated by traitors who declare the Declaration of
American Independence a slander, the labors of 1776 a failure, and
our political system a fraud, was conceived in iniquity, aborted in
perjury and consecrated by false political priests to theft and
murder, while its authors were rolling in luxury and pride, and were
prospered as few people have been. Here, they have cut off the right
hand of Washington’s monument, cut it down the chest and abdomen, as
if to rip it open, and have scratched upon it ‘Washington, the first
rebel.’ They disfigured the name and likeness of Washington
everywhere throughout rebeldom.
The city is beautifully situated on an elevation that stretches two
miles down the river, jutting gracefully to the water. There are
throughout the town some of the finest blocks, hotels, and churches
to be seen in any city, and scattered near the place and about its
suburbs are many of the noblest private residences. History will
certainly record three startling facts against the South: viz:
First, that the country was colonized by man who fled to it from
civil and religious persecution, to establish a government whose
people could enjoy religious liberty; while all other nations were
colonized to extend power, receive convicts, dig treasure, or amass
wealth in some other way.
Second, in 1776, having expatriated themselves to a land distant
from the despotisms of the Old World, to live beyond the reach of
persecution and the power of the tyrant having pursued and hunted
them out, they repudiated his claims and in weakness and poverty
waged a successful war to establish and extend liberty.
Third, in 1861, a small minority of their descendants, while rich
and fat, and living in a “land of milk and honey,” of gold, of
goodly rivers and of professed Christianity – forgetting the history
of their fathers and ignoring their teachings and example – rebelled
against a government that had, under a kind Providence, poured upon
them all these blessings that had extended the broad agents of its
defense around them when at home, securing the rewards of peace and
industry, and spread its sure protection about them when abroad,
alike in the courts or palaces of kings; or the hamlets of their
subjects. Rebelling and committing political parried(?), because a
large majority of their brethren would not suffer them to extend
human slavery. Our fathers rebelled to extend Liberty – our
brothers, to extend slavery.
Can any people occupy a loftier position among the nations of the
earth than this did, or fall into a deeper, darker stygian abyss.
There are degrees of turpitude in crime, but all just men brand the
sin of treason to be the lowest infamy. The names of Jefferson
Davis, Floyd, Yancey, Mason, Stedell, Loney, Thompson, Twiggs,
Wigfall, Pryor, Rhett and Buchanan will blacken the same page in
history with Benedict Arnold.
The name of American citizens was a passport throughout the world –
a talisman that unbarred every port, unlocked every door, and opened
every heart. But, sir, you have in the free North, where no apology
can be urged for treason, hid in their own in significance and
shielded by their littleness, as vile examples of total depravity as
the South will ever weep over, and your city is not without its
specimens!
We need heroes now – what has become of the modern Napoleon? Judas
got thirty pieces of silver for betraying his Lord and Master, but
what was the price of the three erratic dog stars that dimly glimmer
with the uncertain light of an ignus fatome, shining and stinking
and stinking and shining like a rotten mackerel by moonlight, near
the murky horizon of the Alton Democrat?
Signed by George T. Allen”
LETTER FROM LIEUTENANT THOMAS B. SPALDING
Co. K, 97th Illinois Volunteers, 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 13th
Army Corps
Date: January 25, 1863
“Although personally unknown to you, yet from the tone of your
editorials I am not left in doubt as to your sentiments upon the
issues of the times, the war, and also your good feeling for every
Union soldier, and as such, I most respectfully desire the
publication of a letter in your columns to my friends, relative to a
letter purporting to have emanated from my pen while before
Vicksburg last Spring to Judge Lurton of Newbern, from which a
certain malicious character, a poor substitute for either a man, a
gentleman, or an editor, but, an orbit around which treason gathers,
I am informed, sought to animate and subsist a crew of Copperheaded
Rebel sympathizers with a few extracts, intimated to have been
called from said letter. Having been furnished with a copy of those
extracts by a friend while marching on Raymond, Mississippi. From
the tory sheet of Jerseyville, I found that my letter, written to
Mr. Lurton from Young’s Point, had been culled, and that half
sentences had been put together in such a manner as to form quite a
different meaning from that which my letter, or any part, fairly
published, would convey. I wrote to Mr. Lurton from Young’s Point,
giving him my views on the Emancipation Proclamation, which were in
substance as follows:
‘The principles embodied in the Proclamation are just, and its
Constitutionality cannot be called in question; but is it
superfluous? Does it enable us to do more than we were enabled to do
under the Act of Confiscation of Rebel Property? I conceive it to be
a universal admitted military prerogative for the conqueror to
seize, confiscate and appropriate the property of the conquered to
the use of the government of the conqueror, and as slaves are
admitted property, why spend time in fruitless legislation upon a
point so obviously unnecessary? The administration, it appears,
could better employ valuable time and adopt means more consistent
with our interest.’
Thus, I expressed myself upon the merits of the Proclamation, from
which John Dobelbower drew a picture, emblazoned all over with
copper, I presume, entitled ‘another Conversion to the Democracy.’
Letters came to me from every quarter stating that rumor had
informed them that I had turned Democrat, and an anti-war man,
condemned the acts of the Emancipation Proclamation, Confiscation
Act, the draft, &c. I could not account for all these statements,
and as I was almost daily on the battlefield, from the 1st of May
until the 17th of July, I was compelled to wait until after our
return from that every memorable expedition against Jackson. On the
23rd, I had a short leave of absence.
Where these hell-born lies emanated from I have sought hard to
ascertain, but cannot learn. I called on Mr. Lurton, and he assured
me that my letter to him had never been in the hands of John
Dobelbower, and he also gave Mr. Cockerel his word that no part of
any letter of mine written to him had been published. Then it
appears the Rebel Editor has issued his venom, and from reports to
as to what I had written, concluded to play Shakespeare with me,
while I was on the field fighting his friends. Allow me here to
state that during the Presidential campaign, although too young to
vote, I was a conservation Republican. I was prevented by
inflammatory sore eyes from entering the service in 1861 under
Colonel Birge. Recovering, I entered school, and when the late call
for 600,000 troops, I threw aside my studies, enlisted, and marched
into camp at Springfield, and uniting with the 97th Regulars under
Colonel Rutherford, have since been with that regiment, fifty-three
whole days under showers of lead and iron, hail, &c.
When I entered the United States service, I resolved to know no
party, but marching under the Nation’s Banner, with representatives
from all parties, I was going forth, not to discuss politics, but to
whip the Rebels. From this point I deviated so far as to express my
views on the Proclamation, but the Conscription Act, the drafting
and putting the black man in arms against his Rebel master, or any
other possible means of injuring the enemies of our country, has my
most hearty approval and my aid. I have said as a war policy, I
cannot see any advantage we have derived from the Emancipation
Proclamation, but the experience of today has spread before us its
virtues. As an act of diplomacy, it has turned back the deluge of
foreign intervention at a time most to be feared. It has developed
public sentiment and pointed out the enemies and friends to the
cause of the Union.
As to my becoming a Democrat in view of the condition of my bleeding
country, I can see no reason why I should change my coat as long as
the war lasts. Then if the loyal branch of the Democratic party will
help us to hang those northern traitors, if they will help us cheer
old Abe when he proclaims disenfranchisement the penalty of all who
are, or have been commissioned in the Rebel army, and death for the
crime of overt treason; if they will oppose the further spread of
slavery – should a vestige remain – and stand ready to vote the last
dollar and the last man for the defense of the government, then I’ll
join the Democracy. Without, I could not without feeling myself
untrue to my country. I have ever been astounded to think there are
men reared and educated – even in my own proud Illinois – who are
enemies to her great and free institutions. Lost to every impulse of
patriotism. And although Illinois is represented with her tens of
thousands, bearing aloft the ensign of the Republic on every field
of the Union, still many are at home with hearts filled with treason
and ingratitude, and call the abolition black snakes, soldiers, and
frown at our victories and laugh at our defeat.
The rebellion could not survive a hundred days if our soldiery had
the sympathy from home, they so justly merit. But toiling on amid
sunshine, tempest and battlefields of carnage, with hearts imbued
with a patriotic love for country, liberty and Union. We have
pledged to the cause of our country our most sacred honors, and if
needed, our lives, and swear before “the Eternal the Federal Union
must be preserved.” Our constitutional obligation for the protection
or toleration of slavery has been severed and forfeited by an
attempt at disunion and the subversion of the Federal Government,
and through universal emancipation now lies the only road to
permanent peace.
American must be free! God has designed it, and the civilized world,
the Chief Magistrate and soldiers of the American Government demand
it. This great republican continent, when New England’s Puritans
planted the Bible in its soil and spread its precepts over the land,
was sacredly dedicated to God and universal freedom. The oppressed
of all nations here find sympathy and a refuge. When shivering from
the cold winds of adversity, we cordially clasp them by the hand and
wrap them in the ample folds of the Stars and Stripes.
A few words more and I close. The rebellion is hell-born, and is the
blackest crime a just God ever punished. The people of the South,
reared amid the barbarism of slavery, prejudice and polluted in
manners, morals, and principles by its degenerating and degrading
influences, I can look upon with a degree of leniency, proportionate
to their ignorance, but those croakers, all over the North, educated
at public free institutions, beholding the Star Spangled Banner
fired upon and torn to the ground, the friends of the Union
murdered, their native land deluged in blood, stand with folded
arms, when their bleeding country calls loudly for help, smiling
upon the murderers of the model Government of Freedom, encouraging
them on in their work of devastation and rapine. Such men I say
should receive not only the execration and condemnation of all
mankind, but should be tortured to death and eternally damned.
I can say to both my friends and enemies, and all others whom it may
concern, that I am no partisan, no politician, but irrespective of
all parties, I am for my country, now and forever, and for a
vigorous prosecution of this with all the strength, both white and
black, we can bring to bear, until an unconditional surrender on the
part of the enemy heralds the dawn of benign peace.
These are the kind of ‘anti-war sentiments’ I ever preached and my
sentiments are the same today that they were when I entered the
service, only a little more severe on traitors. I think it about
time to begin stringing them up, wherever found, and I think the
people of Jersey County could do their country good service by
sending John Dobleblower with his friend Nathan Bernard, to their
friends in Dixie. His course is tending to inaugurate war in
Illinois. But I trust there are good people enough at home, without
calling the soldiers from the field, to preserve peace, law and
order, at the North. May God save my native State from the horrors
of Civil War and devastating armies.
Yours, most cordially for the Union,
Lieut. Thomas B. Spalding,
Co. K, 97th Illinois Volunteers, 2d Brigade, 4th Division, 13th Army
Corps.
NOTES:
Dr. Thomas Benton Spalding was born February 05, 1841, in Grafton,
Jersey County, Illinois. Thomas had been a school teacher until
1862, when he enlisted in the Army. He served until the close of the
Civil War. In 1869, he graduated from the Rush Medical College in
Chicago. He practiced medicine in Troy, Edwardsville, and Decatur,
Illinois. In 1869, Thomas married Dora Minerva Bostwick. She was the
daughter of John Bostwick and Mary Ann Higham. Thomas died in
February 1919, at the age of 77. He was interred in the Turlock
Memorial Park Cemetery, Turlock, California.
LETTER FROM “OCCASIONAL”
Fort Pickering, Tennessee, October 03, 1863
Date: October 16, 1863
“The affairs in this vicinity for some time past have been, as
usual, monotonous, and for that reason I have failed to write.
Yesterday I received a copy of the Telegraph, and it suggested some
thoughts which with others I now transmit:
The trip on the river as far as Cairo was monotonous. It was
announced that we were going to Johnson’s Island, and soon we were
flying at railroad speed over the prairies of Illinois. We did not
fail to compare her beautiful, luxuriant fields, and her pleasant
happy homes, with the land we had left behind, and to mark the
contrast between these emblems of the beneficence of our
institutions, and the desolation caused by treason’s withering
breath. And we thought how great must be the madness that would
flight our own fair State with the ravages of war. The people
flocked to the cars to see the prisoners, and contrary to our
expectations, nearly all seemed to be loyal. Our country’s flag was
waiving from the housetops and in the hands of the fair daughters of
Illinois as we passed along. The transition from the somber-sullen
South to the presence of these smiling faces was inspiring. After
arriving at Indianapolis, we repaired to the soldiers’ home, where a
supper was prepared for the prisoners and the guard. It was ten
o’clock, and while they were partaking of the repast, we were
regaled by music by some of the fair daughters of the city. They
sang that beautiful song, then new to us, “When This Cruel War Is
Over,” inspiring friends and foes. Colonel Edwards of the 49th
Alabama responded in some appropriate remarks. Never did we feel
prouder of the magnanimous people of the North, who could but treat
those who but a few days before poured the missiles of death into
the ranks of those they loved. How nobly it contrasts with the
fiendish spirit of our foes.
At eleven we started, and dawning day found us on the soil of Ohio.
The inland towns of Ohio are among the most beautiful we ever
beheld, and are inhabited by a people whose generous hospitality we
will long remember. At every station, cakes and pies were brought to
the cars and distributed gratuitously among the guards, who will
never tire of praising the loyal women of the North, or of fighting
for the only government on earth that exalts the character of woman.
As we drew near our destination, our prisoners were mistaken for
Morgan and his men, and when we arrived at Sandusky, an immense
crowd had assembled to get a sight of the great horse thief. A
steamer was waiting to convey us to the Island, three miles distant
from the city, and we immediately embarked. We had seen the lake
before, it was in the “bleak December,” many a year ago. It had been
lashed into fury by the frigid northern blast. Now it was calm, and
as we moved out on the broad expanse, in that solemn twilight, there
came over us a strange feeling of delight. The white houses of
Johnson’s Island, the destined home of our prisoners, were visible,
and gliding over the surface as the lake here and there a bark was
dimly seen. The prisoners seemed glad. Many of them exclaimed they
had fought long enough to be entitled to a little rest. And
certainly, they could not have chosen a more desirable place for
that purpose. Its beauty, its fine rocky beach, and its salubrious
air make it delightful. Here we bid farewell to the prisoners – they
are all here, thanks to the vigilance of the guards. They have
taught us that the officers of the Southern army are in favor of
Monarchy in preference to our Government. This is their unanimous
expression. They are mere pigmies in knowledge, and our men made
them often blush for their ignorance of the causes of their action.
We all left them with a firmer conviction of the necessity of
prosecuting the war with vigor. They aim to overthrow Democratic
institutions, and they must be beaten or the overthrow of freedom,
for white men on this continent is at hand.
The fatigue of six days ceaseless vigilance, with an average of two
hours sleep in twenty four, prepared us for the embrace of Morpheus,
and after a stroll on the beach, during which we bathed our fevered
brain in the limpid waters of the lake, and partaking of the
hospitable board of the Commandant of the Island, we slept, and woke
when the rays of the morning sun were lighting up the rocks and
shining grandly on Sandusky Bay. During the day we accompanied a
pleasure party to the scene of Perry’s Naval victory, and beheld the
grove where he buried his heroic dead. From the tombs of these
heroes comes a voice of encouragement and hope.
Next morning, we started for Dixie, and arrived at St. Louis on the
31st. There were no government boats going out for several days, and
we spent four days at home. During our short stay in St. Louis, we
became convinced that affairs were not going on well in the
department, and five hundred negro soldiers were at Sheffield
Barracks, but they were not armed, because it is contrary to the
Constitution of the state of Missouri. Commanders in our departments
should recognize the “Constitution of the United States and the laws
passed in pursuance thereof, as the supreme law of the land.” A
contrary course will always be productive of ruinous consequence. In
this case, it has culminated in the raid of Quantrill and his
massacre of Lawrence. There is quite a clamor by our semi-Copperhead
papers here for the re-opening of trade. We think General Grant
knows as much about that as F rank Blair, and the late steamboat
disasters are undoubtedly the work of traitors, and show that the
plan is not at present practicable.
The news of Rosecrans’ defeat has reached us, but we have confidence
that he will be able to hold Chattanooga. We are under marching
orders, but will probably remain here, although it is our unanimous
desire to go. We are tired of duty at this post, though serving our
country, and long for the tented field to share the perils and glory
of battle. It is truly discouraging to read the editorials of some
of the Copperhead papers of the North. Such infamous sheets as the
Crisis of Ohio should not be allowed to circulate, to poison the
public mind. We cannot believe that the people of Ohio will so sink
the honor of their state as to elect a traitor in the coming
election. They will not put a blot in their history that will cause
every honest Buckeye in coming years to blush for shame.
Companies F and D are in Arkansas on picket duty. Last night a squad
of sixteen from Company F evaded the pickets, and went out in the
country in search of guerillas. On hearing Charles Lindly had heard
from a negro that some guerrillas were in a certain house, they
surrounded it, captured three guerillas, one of them the notorious
Lieutenant Barton, who burned several boats near Memphis last
winter, and brought them in. They had six revolvers and two
shotguns. They showed fight, and one drew his revolver, but Charley
told him if he moved, he would blow out his brains, and he
surrendered.
Charles Frazier of Company B, while out on a scouting party several
weeks since, shot at a Rebel and missed him, but he would not give
it up at that, and ran after the Rebel, who surrendered, although he
had a loaded pistol in his hand. He soon after met some of his
comrades, and they saw another Rebel who made for the woods. The
search was soon abandoned by all but Frazier, who finally succeeded
in capturing him, thus making two captures in one day.”
Signed by “Occasional”
FROM THE 97TH REGIMENT – TERRIBLE ACCIDENT
Many Killed and Wounded from Train Wreck
From New Orleans, November 08, 1863
Date: November 20, 1863
“Knowing the deep interest felt by your readers in the 97th Regiment
Illinois Volunteers, I write to lay before them the particulars of a
frightful accident which befell us on the morning of the 1st last.
The regiment has been for some weeks stationed at New Iberia, on
Bayou Teche, guarding the Commissary post established there at the
base of supplied for the advance. On the 29th of October, we
received orders to return to New Orleans, and embarked on a steamer
for Brashear City on the night of the 30th. We reached Brashear on
the evening of the 31st, at about half-past 11 o’clock, without
accident, and immediately got onboard the cars, leaving the station
between one and two o’clock. We numbered 340 in the regiment, and 34
prisoners, who we were guarding to this place. All went well until
about six o’clock in the morning, when we were awakened from our
slumbers by a frightful crash, finding our cars piling one upon
another, or also over-turning in the ditch. All was terrible
confusion for a while. It seems that the train, which preceded us,
transporting the 64th Indiana, whose time has expired, had in some
way gotten either the engine or one of the cars off the track, and
so occupied the road. The conductor, instead of sending back a
signal light, went into the tankhouse to sleep. So our train was
without warning, and as not one of the cars had brakes, it was
impossible for our conductor to avoid the collision after he
discovered the forward train. Our cars were platform cars,
fortunately, or else more would have been injured. The men were
lying asleep, and by the force of the collision, the cars were so
piled upon one another that five occupied the space of but one.
There were nine cars in all loaded with troops, and of these, only
one remained on the track. The car in which the most of the officers
and the prisoners were, was a box car, and the whole of one end was
crushed in, and it was thrown from the track and about half
overturned, when it was stopped by being attached to a car heavily
loaded with horses. Strange to say, no one in or on this car was
much injured, excepting one of the prisoners. We immediately began
to clear away the wreck, so as to get out the killed and wounded, of
whom I give you a list below. It was a terrible sight. We have been
in many battles, but in none have we suffered as severely, and in
none did the sight seem so horrible. We finally arrived in this city
on the morning of the 2nd inst., and are in very comfortable
quarters, while the wounded are receiving every attention in St.
Louis and St. James Hospitals.
LIST OF THE KILLED
Company B
Thomas Smith
Company C
Richard Smith, Company C
Company D
George Pope, Company D
Company K
Sergeant John P. Slaten (died after reaching the hospital. Body will
be sent home.
Company L
Ennis Osborn
Frank Akeman
John Miller
Company M
Lt. William Martin, Company M
George Draper, Company M
John Corbitt, Company M
William Reed, Company M
William Woods, Company M
LIST OF THE WOUNDED
Company A
Joseph Barnes, contusion of hip
A. H. Barnes, contusion of hip
Jeremiah Dwyer, various bruises
Lewis D. Wood, leg and ankle bruised
Company B
J. A. Kilgore, right arm amputated below elbow. Head severely
gashed. Doing well.
J. H. Nicholas, bruised on left side, severe, but doing finely.
Philip Huffman, left arm broken. Side contused.
G. J. Allen, contusion of back
C. H. Campbell, contusion of left leg
Andrew Barry, contusion of breast
Company C
Herman Zeitz, contusion of face and shoulders
E. Knowlton, wounded in head
Samuel White, contusion of thigh
J. H. Pace, left leg broken below the knee
John Bethards, right wrist injured
Company D
J. Woodrow, contusion of breast
S. B. Pennington, contusion of back and leg
Company E
Francis Rice, left ankle hurt
J. C. Kilbourne, right foot crushed
John Davidson, contusion of back and hips
Company F
P. Kelley, contusion of left leg
Company G
J. Wyant, contusion of face and jaw
J. H. Stillwell, contusion of left wrist
D. W. Stanton, bayonet wound in right hand
Company H
Frank Burks, thigh jammed
J. W. Wicker, contusion of head and hips
Henry McCullum, contusion of leg
J. H. McGee, contusions and arm broken
J. Currey, cut on the back of the head
D. F. Wicker, contusions back and leg
B. L. Mathony, contusions face, hips, and legs – doing finely
S. Girard, leg broken
T. Powers, gash on the head and leg bruised
G. D. Sunderland, various contusions
B. R. Robinson, right thigh broken
J. A. Hagy, various contusions
W. W. Oglesby, left side and groin injured
Peter Hughes, fingers of left hand torn off and head bruised
Silas Jarret, left leg bruised
Martin Wood, bowels, breast and back contused
Company I
W. J. Cloud, contusion of the side
M. Sigler, contusion of the back and hips
William Halladay, cut on head
John Cloud, contusions of the face
James Ferguson, right leg broken and head cut
J. Weishampt, contusion of the back
M. Hickman, bruise of the leg
Company K
J. Francis, body severely bruised and prubes separated
James White, leg broken in two places and body bruised
Hinto Palmer, contusions
James Ryan, ribs broken
John Globe, contusions
J. A. Chaput, contusion of the chest
Sidon Massey, contusion of the breast and shoulders
G. Roland, contusion of back
I. Giberson, contusion of neck and shoulders
J. Huffins, stab in left knee
R. S. Giberson, contusions
E. Lowe, left arm broken below elbow
Captain Slaten, very slight bruises
Many others were wounded, but did not go to the hospital, so that
our effective strength is reduced about 100. In the confusion,
Colonel Martin did all that a brave commander could do for our help.
Signed by M.”
ITEMS OF WAR
From “J. F.”
Nashville, Tennessee, March 07, 1864
Date: March 18, 1864
“Times are brisk in Nashville – trade more prosperous than at any
period since the breaking out of the Rebellion. Stores and shops
filled with goods – and Jew and Gentile alike on the qui-vive, and
doing well. Nine-tenths of the business men here are of the newly
imported “Yankee” persuasion – they are rapidly dove-tailing in with
the old secesh property holders, and there is a much better state of
feeling than existed here twelve months ago.
Military affairs are very brisk. It is a curious scene to witness
the rush upon these railroads. A dozen or more immense trains per
day leave here for Chattanooga – laden with cattle, horses, mules,
bread, meat, clothing, and soldiers. The trains in some instances
are so well loaded that soldiers and civilians cannot find a
standing place, and are left, while the more venturesome will cling
to the steps and roof.
I can report of Altonians as follows:
Will Tunnell, with a partner, has the contract for selling news and
stationary at Knoxville, and in Schofield’s Department. He is doing
well. Mr. Brock is with him, I understand. I met Fred Draper here
yesterday, mounted on a big horse and riding with the appearance of
business. He is a brigade wagon master, located near here, and wide
awake and doing well. I met Lieut. Colonel Davison of the 73rd
Illinois. He gave me a most flattering account of young Captain Joe
Morgan – how he rose from the ranks, through trials and battles, to
his present position – how manfully he acted at the late battles,
the regiment being among the first to climb Mission Ridge, in
opposition to orders of Gordon Granger and Grant – how they won, and
the Generals got all the newspaper and shoulder strap glory. I met
here, yesterday, Dr. Silvers, formerly of Alton. He has a dentist
office. He says he is doing well. He came from Memphis here, a few
weeks ago. Like the balance, he keeps moving.
Captain Metcalf is thus in a very prominent and responsible
position. In his office I met with John Metcalf and Orson Hewit,
Esqs. Also met with George R. Stocker, Esq. He has had an interest
in contracts for tent making, wagon covers, haversacks, &c., and he
now proposes to do such work at Louisville, as well as Cincinnati –
giving employment to hundreds of soldier’s wives and families in the
former city, who now have nothing to do.
Appearances, altogether, are very favorable hereabout. The people
are too busy with war and trade to growl over political questions.
They are not so much troubled as to the next President as are out
good folks at home.
Signed, J. F.”
FROM THE BATTLEFRONT
George W. Tuthill
Chattanooga, March 02, 1864
Date: March 11, 1864
“The temporary quiet of this department has been disturbed during
the past few days by a reconnaissance in force to Dalton, in search
of information as to the enemy’s strength, position and intentions.
The force employed for the work consisted of portions of the 4th and
14th Corps, and a small detachment of mounted troops – the whole
being under command of Major General Palmer, just the leader for
bold and enterprising movements. The column left this place on
Monday morning, the 22nd. Certainly the “fitness of things” was
consulted in commencing the enterprise on a day which must ever be
dear to the hearts of every true American citizen. I will not stop
to weary you with details which the wires and the special
correspondents have already made familiar to your readers. It is
enough to say that the reconnaissance was completely successful in
unmasking the position and forces of the enemy, and also in
preventing them from sending a heavy column to oppose Sherman. I
have heard no reliable estimate of our losses, but they were not
heavy. The 60th Illinois and 10th Michigan of the 1st Brigade, 2nd
Division, conducted themselves most gallantly, and lost more men
than any other two regiments engaged. Morgan’s old brigade is one
which any man might be proud to command, and will always do splendid
execution when it has the opportunity. While I am on this subject,
it may be well to mention that three-fourths of the 60th Illinois
and of the 10th Michigan have re-enlisted as veterans, and will
probably leave for “America” in a few days. There are but five
regiments in this brigade, and as they have all re-enlisted, it may
fairly be doubted if any other brigade from the Rappahannock to the
Rio Grande has done as well. Where is the brigade in the army that
can beat this?
It is the intention to hold Ringgold, a force having been left there
for that purpose. This place is seventeen miles from Chattanooga.
The railroad will be repaired as soon as the work can be done, thus
completing another step toward the center of the Confederacy. Uncle
Sam don’t step off very fast, but he certainly takes long strides,
and he very seldom walks backward.
From the west, the iron horse is rapidly nearing us, and we will
soon communicate with Nashville by means of the Tennessee and
Alabama railroad, via Columbus and Huntsville. These extended lines
offer great temptations to such chaps as John Morgan, and it is
already reported that this famous Southern Brigadier is preparing
for a raid on our communications. I hope they will get him and put
him where there are no holes and no chance to make any. He stands a
fine chance of being captured if he should try any of his tricks,
and if he reads the Telegraph, as he ought to do, he can’t say that
I have not given him fair warning.
I wish to call attention to two glaring abuses, both prompted by a
greed of gain on the part of citizen shirks, and ‘ornamental sogers’
who are ‘on duty’ (theoretically) in the North. One is the practice
of enlisting men into the service who are totally unfit, physically,
to endure even the lightest of its hardships. They are mustered in,
and the ardent patriot who has thus thrust another screen between
himself and Dixie, pockets his $3 premium and steps off like a
‘jumping jack.’ The recruits are sent to the front, when their
officers are forthwith compelled to discharge them. But it’s all
right of course, for the papers announce is glaring terms, ‘we are
glad to hear that the patriotic citizens of the gallant old _____
District are nobly filling their quota, keep the ball rolling.’
The other abuse to which I would call attention to is the arrest of
true and faithful soldiers as deserters for the sake of the reward.
I have heard of instances where soldiers at home for a little rest,
after their long absence, have been arrested and sent back to their
regiments, being subjected to all sorts of indignities at the hands
of those engaged in the praiseworthy task of shoving them to the
front. They had furloughs at their homes, but were nabbed at some
distance away, and hurried off without having a chance to show their
documents. I have no doubt such cases have occurred, for isn’t each
deserted worth just thirty dollars in greenbacks to the fortunate
captor? Really, if the ardent patriotism which now commands the
highest premium is not restrained, men in the army will be compelled
to take lessons in loyalty when they return to their homes. The old
standard appears to have been decidedly incorrect.
Returned veterans are arriving on every train, swelling the
effective force here to imposing proportions composed of splendid
material. Longstreet and Joe Johnston are dodging about like will o
wisps, and are probably practicing strategy on an extended scale.
Their practice will do them no good when this army gets after them.
It would astonish you to see the number of buildings here filled
“cram-full” of all kinds of military stores. New ones are being
opened as fast as needed, and Chattanooga will soon be literally a
‘hard tack’ city.
Signed by George W. Tuthill"
NOTES:
George Whitfield Tuthill was born in Alton, Illinois, on December
27, 1835. He worked in the printers’ trade at the Alton Telegraph,
and later moved to Springfield, Illinois. He served in Company D,
10th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. He married Mary
Elizabeth Winter (1844-1905), and they had the following children:
May V. Tuthill Bellamy (1860-1944); George W. Tuthill Jr.
(1862-1947); and John Englis Tuthill Sr. (1872-1903). George Tuthill
Sr. died on November 03, 1908, and is buried in the Fairview
Cemetery at Sweet Springs, Missouri. He was a brother-in-law of
Captain John Seaton, who also served in the Civil War.
LETTER FROM THE BATTLEFRONT
From Louisiana
Date: May 13, 1864
“I send to you an account of our movements since leaving Memphis. We
had the fortune to form a part of the celebrated Meridian
Expedition. We started from Vicksburg on the 3d of February, and
reached Meridian 160 miles on the 14th. We had scarcely any
fighting, but a very fatiguing march caused mainly by the slow
progress of our train, by which we were delayed, reaching camp
frequently at 11 or 12 at night. We were most of the time on half,
and sometimes quarter rations, but the men bore it cheerfully. And
the 117th stood the marching as well as the best. As the boys very
frequently remarked, we fairly got out of the band box.
After destroying the armory and tearing up the railroad in every
direction, we began our retreat on the 20th, and reached Canton by a
different road on the 26th, where we remained for a few days,
resumed our journey, reached Vicksburg on the 4th of March. Many of
us, like many in the North, were disappointed when we were ordered
to return. We expected to go to Mobile, and have reason to believe
we could have captured that place without a severe struggle,
notwithstanding the various suppositions. General Sherman issued a
congratulatory order at Meridian stating that the objects of the
expedition were accomplished.
The 117th had the honor of being in the advance on the 5th of
February, and our skirmishers drove the Rebels a distance of nine
miles, our regiment most of the time in line of battle, with such
rapidity that the train never halted. We lost one man killed, and
six wounded. This, with slight skirmishing the previous day, was the
only fighting done by the infantry on the expedition.
Charles Stewart, who was killed, was from Madison County, a brave
and noble-hearted youth. His loss is deeply regretted by his
companions in arms for “None knew him but to love him, None name him
but to praise.” Another desolate hearth; another bereaved mother;
another noble soul sacrificed for his country and mankind.
Our stay at Vicksburg was short, on the 10th day of March we started
on the Red River expedition. And on the evening of the 12th, landed
on the right bank of the Atchafalaya River. At dark on the 13th, we
began our march against Fort Durussy, and at 4 p.m. on the 14th,
reached that place. An assault was immediately ordered, and the
works carried by the 1st and 2nd Brigades of our 3rd Division, the
3rd being detailed to support a Battery. Three hundred and ten men,
ten pieces of artillery, six of them heavy guns, a large quantity of
ammunition and some commissary stores, a very strong fort, which had
cost the Rebels $1,800,000, were the results of the engagement,
while our loss was 10 killed and 23 wounded.
Ascending the river, we took possession of Alexandria without
opposition, on the evening of the 10th, where we remained until the
arrival of General Banks’ forces. On the 32nd, General Mower
commanding the detachment of the 1st Division, advanced against the
Rebels during a heavy rain, skirmishing with them all afternoon. At
dark, hearing that a considerable body of cavalry were in his front,
he made a circuitous march, and coming on their rear at midnight,
captured 4 pieces of artillery and 300 cavalry, without firing a
gun. The next day, the Rebels retreated and sent out scouts in every
direction to burn cotton. It is said $200,000,000 worth of cotton
was destroyed, but I think the estimate is large.
On the 24th, General Banks arrived, and on the 26th our forces moved
by land and reached Cotile Bayou on the 27th. Remaining here several
days on the 2nd of April, we embarked and ascended the river,
reached this place on the evening of the 3rd of April, forming a
junction with Banks’ overland army, consisting of detachments of the
13th and 19th corps. The trains being replenished, the 13th, 10th,
and 19th, corps were ordered to move against Shreveport on the
morning of the 6th. But owing to the trains, our corps was delayed
till the 7th. The army met with slight opposition until the 8th,
when a brigade of the 13th corps was ordered forward to support
sufficient. The 77th Illinois were deployed as skirmishers. The
resistance becoming greater, two sections of Nima Battery were
placed in position, and the 77th Illinois ordered to support them.
But the commanding officer, thinking the force in front light,
detailed two companies to support the batteries, and with the
remainder, moved on, driving the Rebels through a strip of woods and
across a field. At this time, the Rebel line began to advance in
great force, driving the cavalry before them in great confusion, and
falling on the 1st Brigade with resistless fury. Their line was soon
almost annihilated, and the cavalry train captured; also, a part of
the ammunition train of the 13th corps. The Rebel line still swept
on, falling next on the 2nd Brigade of the 4th Division. The men
fought bravely, but being thrown into confusion, to rally them was
attempted in vain. The 3rd Division of the 13th Corps, and the 19th
Corps, were ordered up, but the former being three and the latter
eight miles in the rear, they were too late to save the two brigades
in front. The 3rd Division was in its turn overwhelmed, and not till
the Rebel line met the firm column of the 19th corps did they halt
in their career of victory. Against it their columns dashed in vain,
and night coming on, ended the bloody and disastrous day. The Rebels
prepared to renew the battle on the morrow, General Banks ordered
his column to fall back to Pleasant Hill, where our detachment was
encamped. General Smith counseled battle, and battle was resolved
on. Skirmishing and cannonading commenced early in the morning, and
was continued during the greater part of the day. The battle was
opened at 4:30 p.m. by a furious assault on our right. Colonel Shaw,
commanding our 2nd Brigade, held his ground with unflinching
resolution until all his supports were gone, when he was ordered to
fall back, which he did in good order under a destructive fire. The
attack then became general, and the battle raged with terrible fury
along our entire line. The Rebels, elated by their former success,
advanced on the batteries which were mowing them down in platoons,
regardless of loss, and rove the men from many of the guns. The
regiments in support rallied, and returned to the charge with
renewed energy. Officers, regardless of danger, galloped over the
field and cheered the men, waving their swords and encouraging to
press back the furious tide. The roar of musketry was terrific. The
two regiments of our brigade posted in the center, under command of
Colonel Moore, of the 117th Illinois, stood their ground firmly till
ordered to fall back by Colonel Moore. Retreating precipitately 100
yards, they rallied, and lying down awaited the approach of the
Rebels, who were advancing across an open field. When within a few
paces, our men rose and delivered a destructive fire. This caused
the Rebels to waver, and our men advanced in their turn and drove
the Rebels from the field with a wild yell. The shout was caught on
all parts of the field, and it was in vain that the Rebels rallied
and endeavored to stem the tide4. Another tremendous volley and
another round of cheers followed each other in rapid succession
along our whole line, receding farther and farther announced that
the day was ours, and that the Rebels were flying from the field.
Darkness again closed over the scene, and the pursuit was abandoned.
Such cheering we never expect to hear again. It died away upon the
night air, and in its stead came the groans of the wounded and
dying, spread over the broad field, mocking the splendor of the
starry heavens on that fatal night. Three miles from our position,
the pursuit was abandoned, but on the morrow, we expected to move
on. So intended General Banks when he heard the cheers of the army,
but in the night, other counsels prevailed, and ere the sun had
risen, our gallant army that late had made the valleys ring with the
shouts of victory, were moving in sad and sullen retreat, leaving
our captured artillery to be taken by the enemy. We have since
learned that the Rebels retreated the same night, and left 80 wagons
behind. In the morning, they sent in a flag of truce to our few
cavalry who remained, requesting to bury their dead.
But enough of this. Our boats left to themselves returned, and
thanks to the gallant Porter, were all saved. We went up to meet
them with our regiment, and after two days labor getting them ever
the bar, came in with the last on the evening of the 15th. Where we
are going now is a mystery. More hereafter. Signed by
‘Occasional.’”
LETTER FROM MAJOR FRANK MOORE
Date: January 13, 1865
For the gratification of the numerous friends of this brave and
gallant officer in this vicinity, we republish the following letter
written by him to the Cairo War Eagle. The editor of the Eagle says,
“We have been favored with an interesting letter from Major Frank
Moore of the 2nd Illinois Cavalry, from which we make a few
extracts. The Major dates from “West Pascagouis, Mississippi, 30
miles southwest of Mobile, and 65 miles southeast of New Orleans, at
the mouth of Pascagoula Bay, December 16, 1864, and says he was at
headquarters ‘in the saddle,’ and then continues:
“We have made a rapid and extensive raid through Eastern Louisiana
and Southern Mississippi since I last wrote to you, having with us
two divisions of cavalry and artillery, a heavy pontoon train, which
served us well in the crossing of Pearl River and several other
rivers, and other matters, and were needless to be specified. When
we set out, there were as many different opinions as to our
destination, almost as there were men in the command, but we, at
last, halted here in the roads and swamps at the mouth of the bay.
We have been the whole sixteen days upon the raid, and thus far have
met no enemy. The distance traveled by the command cannot be much
short of three hundred miles, coming, as we did, around Lake
Pontchartrain and Lake Horn, &c. For my part, I supposed at first
that we were bound for Mobile, or rather to cut the railroad
communication in the rear of that city, and I still think this must
have been the real object of the expedition, but we shall have to
secure a larger force before we try the railroads, as I understand
the enemy to be hereabouts in considerable force, and they have
Pascagoula heavily fortified, ready to receive us. Time will reveal
what we are to do. The country through which we have passed to come
here was one dense forest, with many swamps and lakes, and very
thinly inhabited. The whole vicinity was jay hawked and plundered,
of course contrary to orders.
I send you a specimen Confederate postage stamp, rather the worse
for wear, and three twenty-five cent postage currencies, issued at
Franklinton, Louisiana, directed to Joseph Armstein, and calling for
twenty-five cents each in Confederate notes, when presented in sums
of ten dollars. For a vignette, they have a rough wood cut of a
beehive, a musical organ, and a harp entwined with leaves. They are
printed in the coarsest manner, upon the coarsest of common print
paper. There is also a specimen of currency issued by the Parish of
Helena, Louisiana, signed by the Auditor and Treasurer, dated at
Greensburg. It calls for fifty cents in current funds, and
circulates readily hereabouts. And besides you have four fifty cent
shinplasters, issued by the State of Louisiana, Parish of
Washington, payable in current funds to bearer at the Treasurer’s
office, two years after date (1862) when presented in sums of $20.
They are duly signed by S. Ellis, Clerk of the 6th Judicial
District, and bear the statement upon their face that the taxes of
the Parish are pledged for the redemption of this issue – receivable
for all dues to the Parish. We captured a dray load of the stuff on
our raid near Franklinton, and it is considered good by the citizens
when properly signed. I think it is just good enough to kindle
fires.
The weather here is warm and pleasant, being a little rainy. Have
not had but two frosts here this year, and the pesky mosquitoes are
humming about my ears and biting my face while I write. We have
plenty of oysters, on the half-shell, and fresh oranges and wild
game in abundance. Cattle and horses run wild here, too, but of
course the 2nd Cavalry does not touch a single cow or horse. Oh, no!
We are not that kind of men. The bay is full of transports and
gunboats.
It is now the 17th, and I have not until today had a chance to mail
this. We are still in the old place waiting for something to turn
up. It is reported this morning that a rebel force is coming in
behind us, supposed to be that of Dick Taylor and Forrest, but I am
incredulous. Will write soon again. Franklin Moore.”
LETTER FROM THE 117TH REGIMENT
Date: January 20, 1865
“I have had little leisure for the last month. The first few days of
our sojourn in Nashville were devoted to the construction of
breastworks. Our first line was constructed in the night, and in the
morning we had breastworks and absitis of surprising strength, in
which we would have been ever joyed to welcome the enemy. The
occupation was a new one, but our men went at it with vigor, and the
117th constructed three lines in very quick time. We waited two
weeks for the enemy to attack us, but they did not come. They,
however, advanced their lines within six hundred yards of ours, and
on the first night of the siege, their men were very jubilant,
cheering for McClellan. They were continually taunting our men with
the questions, “How do you like to be prisoners?” It came our time
at last. On the morning of the 15th, the command was ordered to
move. On the right wing our regiment was first out of the works, and
soon our whole division was in line of battle and advancing with the
1st Division on our right. Only our skirmish line met with any
opposition, but about noon, the whole of General Smith’s command
swung round to the left, and swept down on the rebel flank. The
charge was successful, and 15 pieces of cannon and 1/200 prisoners
were captured – principally by McArthur’s division. The regiment
charged in fine style, and Companies A and B of the 117th
distinguished themselves, entering the rebel works as skirmishers in
advance of General McArthur’s division. They captured three cannon
and sixty prisoners.
We camped in the rebel works, and were surprised at their
comfortable quarters. They had dug houses underground, and had
fireplaces in them. Many of their pots were still on the fires, from
which it appeared that hominy had been their principal food.
On the second day, our detachment was in the center. The right and
left had both failed to carry the works. At four p.m. we were
ordered to charge. The task was difficult, but our ancient, good
fortune did not forsake us. We advanced 600 yards under a heavy fire
of grape and canister, and a sweeping fire of musketry, and carried
the rebel works, held by two lines of infantry, with the greatest
precipitancy and with only small loss. Five pieces of artillery and
140 prisoners fell into the hands of our regiment. The rest fled,
throwing away their guns and everything that would retard their
flight. The Madison companies lost but one man – Henry Wilder of
Company G, from Edwardsville. A shell stretched the brave Wayland of
Company B, lifeless on the ground, and tore away Wilder’s left arm.
The screaming shells were terrible, but the line swept on. He bore
his wound with the greatest fortitude – not a moan escaped his lips.
We have not heard from him since the night of the battle. We fear he
cannot survive. He was at his post and fell like a true soldier. He
can no longer be one of our band, and we will miss him very much.
The day was rainy, and it continued with increased rapidity during
the night, and not until the 21st had we a good day in which we
could dry our clothes. The roads were very muddy, the rivers were up
and pursuit was slow. The men, notwithstanding the exposure,
continued in fine health. The last month was almost a continued
rain, but the spirit of the men sustains them whether under
screaming shell or pelting rain, and they laugh and joke and seem to
enjoy themselves as well as around their fires at home.
We parted from the main army a few days since, and are now on the
Tennessee on our way to Eastport, with General Smith in command. Our
further destination is unknown. General Hood is said to be at
Corinth. We have had little rest for a year, and marching and
fighting is becoming our normal condition. We hear but little news,
and are anxious to get some papers and a mail. Signed, Occasional.”
LETTER FROM THE 10TH KANSAS VOLUNTEERS
Date: January 20, 1865
“Feeling impressed with the idea that the citizens of Alton could
but entertain some feeling of interest in the fate of the regiment
they so generously put forth their effort to secure us that flag,
which it will ever be our first, and proudest motive to bear at the
head of our little band with honor to ourselves and credit to the
cause of liberty and justice. I thought to give them through the
medium of your columns a retrospective view of our meanderings since
leaving the narrow confines of your city and its very disagreeable
garrison duty [at the Alton prison]. On the 1st of October, the
commanding officer of the regiment received orders to hold his
command in readiness for embarking on board the fleet lying at the
levee, to proceed to Paducah, Kentucky, and report to Major General
A. J. Smith. Company B, however, being on detached service as
Provost Guard of the city, could not be relieved until after the
election, which in consequence delayed our departure until the
morning of the 9th, at which time we were duly embarked on board the
steamer, Lilly, for Paducah, Kentucky. At which place we found the
regiment in camp, and the men in the best of spirits, at which place
we remained until October 28th, at which time we were again ordered
on the steamer with orders to report to the commanding officer at
Nashville, Tennessee. Arriving at the latter place on the evening of
the 29th ult., where we remained until morning, and were then
ordered to Columbia, Tennessee, arriving about 4 o’clock p.m., and
bore a part in the engagement at Franklin, without any casualty to
the regiment. But not so at the last engagement before Nashville –
being placed on the skirmish line at daylight, where we remained for
the day. At 9 o’clock a.m., Companies B and C were ordered forward,
a heavy fire commencing immediately, but I am proud to be able to
say that every man remained at his post like a patriot and soldier,
bearing aloft and floating proudly on the breeze that noble old
flag, which with the patriotism that was swelling each and every
heart, was the only incentive to advance under a most galling fire,
and finally halt at a distance from ____ _____ _____ [unreadable]
the enemy’s works, from which place we silenced one of their most
effective batteries, from the fact that under our fire, they were
unable to man the guns – resulting in their capture.
The casualty list while on the skirmish line up to the time of the
charge at four o’clock, is as follows:
Company A
Six wounded, Lieutenant Wood commanding.
Company B, twelve wounded and one killed, Lieutenant Thorpe
commanding.
Company C, one wounded, Lieutenant May commanding.
After which we joined in the pursuit of the rebel forces on foot to
Clifton, Tennessee, at which place we embarked on board the fleet,
bound for Eastport, where we have now been awaiting orders for the
past two days. There is now a rumor afloat that this (the 16th)
corps is ordered to Paducah. If so, I will then write you again –
assuring our friends in Alton that they have, and very deservedly,
our best wishes for their success and prosperity in life, and hoping
ever to merit theirs.
I am very respectfully, John E. Thorpe
First Lieutenant, Company B, 10th Kansas Veteran Volunteer Infantry”
LETTER FROM THE 10TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Date: February 03, 1865
We have had the following letter from this old veteran regiment
handed to us for publication by our young friend, Henry M. Scarritt,
who was for a long time connected with the 10th. The letter will
speak in eloquent terms for itself, and we hope its earnest appeal
will reach a tender place in the hearts of our loyal ladies:
“From Savannah, Georgia, January 01, 1865
To the Ladies of Alton:
The enclosed star was once one of the stars of the National Colors
presented by the ladies of Quincy, to the 10th Regiment, Illinois
Infantry, Vet. Volunteers, while on veteran furlough. From the time
of its presentation, to the present day, the banner from which this
star was torn has borne its part in the brunt of battle, never tardy
when called upon to act, it has no mean record on the pages of our
country’s history. From Chattanooga to Savannah, it has waved in
triumph. It has been planted upon the hills and mountains of
northern Georgia and Alabama, and the swamps and rice fields of
southern Georgia. Alas! It can wave but little longer. The campaigns
from Chattanooga to Atlanta, thence back nearly to Chattanooga,
returning through northern Alabama to Atlanta, and later from
Atlanta to Savannah, with attendant skirmishing through woods and
swamps have rendered this once beautiful ensign a torn and tattered
rag. Wind, rain, bullet, hail and shell have left their marks upon
it.
It has waved defiantly in the face of the foe at Tunnell Hill,
Buzzard’s Roost, Rocky Face Ridge, twice at Snake Creek Gap, twice
at Rosaca, at Rome, Dallas, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain,
Merietta, Nicksjack, fortifications Chattanooga River, Peach Tree
Creek. In a score of positions in front of Atlanta, at Jonesboro,
Stations No. 31/2 and No. 1, Atlanta and Savannah Railroad and at
Savannah. Shall it continue floating in the breeze till its broad
white and crimson stripes are turned to shreds and the last star
shall have dropped or faded from the tattered remnants of ethereal
blue it illuminated and beautified? Or will the generous hearted
ladies of Alton present the 10th Regiment of Illinois Infantry
Veteran Volunteers with a new flag to plant upon the walls of
Charleston?
May its broad stripes and bright stars wave over the burning
remnants and ashes of that once proud, still haughty, and ever
treacherous city when no one stone is left upon another to mark the
birthplace of American treason. Should the ladies of Alton present
us with a flag, we do not promise to return it as bright and
beautiful as we receive it, but we do solemnly promise that it shall
be returned unsullied by dishonor, undisgraced by any cowardice on
our part.
I am, ladies, Your most obedient servant,
A citizen of Alton and a veteran in the 10th
Ladies and gentlemen who may wish to contribute for the new flag
will enclose their donation, with name, to H. J. Lowe or H. M.
Scarritt.”
LETTER FROM THE 132ND ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Date: February 10, 1865
“Once more we have been made glad by the reception of a copy of the
Telegraph, like an angel of light, or the bright and cheerful face
of a long-absent friend, it appeared in our camp, spreading genial
thoughts of far distant homes, where seated around the old family
hearth stone, loving ones are daily praying that the now broken
family circle may soon be reunited by the close of war, and the safe
return of their soldier boys. Alas! How many, very many, of those
broken circles will never be reunited in this world. But some may
think us too jubilant at the mere reception of a paper, yet had they
been tramping around over rebeldom, month after month, seldom
getting a letter or paper from home, and then be brought up
“standing” at such an out of the way port as this, especially if
they had once before been lost for one month in this same spot,
during which time not a word was received from the busy world, then
let them, rather unexpectedly, have an old family paper thrust into
their hand and know that but a short period has closed since the
“home folks” were reading it, and see if even they don’t tickle just
a little.
In ours, of December 14, we rather gave it as the general impression
that we would soon go out and make a general inspection of Hood’s
fortifications around Nashville. So, as you very well know, off the
very next day we did more out and inspected for two days, with
results that have been published and republished so often, that any
remarks from us at this late date would be worse than folly. All we
would say on the subject is that the old first and third divisions
of the 16th army corps were there under the command of Major General
A. J. Smith, and they fought as they always have, but as somebody
does not see fit to employ paper-colored newspaper correspondents to
follow in our wake for the purpose of praising and extolling our
deeds to the world, some of our friends seemed to think we were
counted out on that rather noisy occasion. Well, had they been
acquainted with all the floating camp rumors, how some of the 4th
corps were said to hold the opinion that the 16th boys, being used
to fighting nothing but guerrillas, could not fight regular troops
like Hood’s and General Thomas, asking General Smith if his men
could hold such a position, &c., they might have had some foundation
for thinking we were in reserve. However, had we not been obliged to
follow the rebels in the vain ….[unreadable] … we should have tried
to enlighten them on the subject of describing the part our regiment
and brigade took – how four companies of our regiment, under command
of Major Chapman, being on the skirmish line the first day, got
rather out of our latitude and brought up about sundown in a rebel
fort, in advance of our main line, composed of first brigade (I
think), first division, then discovering a fleeing twelve-pounder,
some of the skirmishers gave pursuit so hotly that the Johnnies cut
traces and left our fleet-footed Yankee boys in quiet possession,
who turning said twelve-pounder until its black and hideous mouth
looked in the direction Johnny had taken, when discovering a distant
earthwork, thought it fair to just try a hand at shelling, whereby
developing the fact that behind the earthwork, rebel gunners were
awaiting the near approach of Yankee blue, to open an uncomfortable
fire in our direction, for at the second bark of this war dog, they
replied in such a careless manner as to satisfy the minds of these
inquisitive soldier boys. How on the next day, we advanced to a
convenient hillside, lay by and watched our numerous batteries as
they belched forth constant and defiant peals of thunder, while to
our left, the 4th corps could be seen making what we thought were
rather unsuccessful attempts to get possession of a long and strong
line of works. Then away to the right could be heard a noise very
like distant wind, with peals to thunder often mingled, which was
supposed to be caused by the 23d corps and a large body of cavalry,
trying what is called a flank movement. How Generals Thomas, Smith,
and others, rode around seemingly in the very best humor, until
suddenly somebody seemed to think it time for Smith’s guerrillas to
go in, and how they did go, right through the fields, down hill and
into the woods, where a long and strong line of works lined with
butternuts was discovered and changed hands so suddenly that it
could not be described. Then the 4th corps was seen to move up again
and with success. Finally, that Smith’s men fought through both
days, doing every place every time they tried. We say, find an
opportunity occurred soon after the battle, we would have made an
effort to post our friends on these subjects, but as it is so late,
we let it pass, being satisfied that every corps, brigade, or
regiment did its duty and nothing more. The next day, General Smith
moved out slowly in the rear of the 4th corps, which was supporting
the cavalry. When we got as far as Pulaski, on the Franklin
turnpike, there being no prospect of Hood’s making a stand, he
turned aside, and on the evening of January 2d, arrived with his
command, now composed of three divisions (the old third being called
second), and designated as detached army of the Tennessee. We there
took boat and came to Eastport, Mississippi, disembarked, threw up
fortifications, cut down timber, and have what we are willing to
take for winter quarters, provided there is nothing for us to do.
Many rumors of peace float over our camp, but we are too old
soldiers to be caught with the excitement. I do not think any of us
would refuse to go home, provided our government could get up an
honorable peace, but we do not think it is coming just yet. The
rebel government is not quite crushed out, although rebellion is
fast growing below par with the citizens. All we ask is hurry up the
draft and call again Uncle Abe, the sooner and larger, the better
for us and the country. Shake another heavy draft in their face if
you want to see Jeff run. Signed, Minto, 132nd Illinois Infantry.”
LETTER FROM THE 97TH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
Date: March 24, 1865
We are permitted to publish the following graphic sketch of the camp
at Fort Barranens, near Pensacola, Florida, written by an officer of
the 97th Regiment Illinois Volunteers, to a friend in Alton, under
date of March 01, 1865. There is not much danger of men becoming
demoralized where there is so much taste displayed in making their
camping grounds pleasant to the eye and comfortable and inviting to
all present, as is the case in this instance.
“Seven regiments are encamped in line, and the camps laid off in the
regular order of the regulations. Four thousand, five hundred men
under shelter tents, on a nice little high ground, always present a
pretty sight, but I have never seen such a beautiful spectacle of
camping as this. The line officers’ tents are in a line, and back
about twenty paces the field officers have their tents. This avenue
has two rows of tall evergreens to beautify it. About forty paces in
front of the line officers’ tents, the streets of the company tents
begin, running perpendicular to the line of officers’ tents. This
broad avenue is decorated with two and sometimes four rows of tall
evergreens or small green pines, which grow abundantly around here,
making a delightful walk in the sunny days. Before the tents of the
men are also planted these little pines. In some of the regiments,
before the officers’ tents, much taste is displayed in little
borders of sand and sawdust arranged in triangles, hearts and
masonic emblems. The top of these beds is covered with fine, white
sand from the beach, nicely smoothed and raised in places in various
ornaments. Red and black gumberries surmount the white sand, and are
thrown around the little shrubs that are planted on the beds. I have
never seen any garden beds that look nicer than some of these. And
to this, all rubbish and filth is scrupulously swept away, and you
may form from this imperfect description some idea of ___ ____ _____
[unreadable]. The little trees and large ones are whitewashed to the
height of two or three feet from the ground. The trees of the 97th
are whitewashed only every other one, and this slight variety and
contrast gives that camp, I think, a little more picturesque
appearance than some of the others.”
LETTER FROM MAJOR FRANK MOORE
Date: June 09, 1865
The following letter was written to the editor of the Cairo Times,
and although it is a little old, it will still be read with much
interest by his many acquaintances and friends in this vicinity. We
were shown a star taken by him from the hat of General Pillow, whose
capture is mentioned in the letter. Major Moore has been one of the
most indefatigable and successful officers in the Union army, and
now that the war is over, he will be enthusiastically and most
gratefully welcomed to his home by his neighbors and many friends in
Illinois.
Headquarters of the 2nd Illinois Cavalry
Montgomery, Alabama
May 08, 1865
Friend Goodall:
“I have nothing of much importance to write you this time. I wrote
to you when I was at Blakely, Alabama. I left there on the 9th of
April, the day that the fort was taken. We went to Claiborn, 65
miles distant, then back to Stogden, 50 miles, then to Monroeville,
80 miles, then to Greenville, 47 miles, then to Pineville, 45 miles,
then to Union Springs, 70 miles, then to Midway, 24 miles, then to
Eastport, 16 miles, where we received orders that General Lee had
surrendered, also General Johnson. We were then ordered to
Montgomery, a distance of 98 miles. Here, we were ordered to Enfolla
and Columbus on the Chattahoochee River. We had a very sharp fight
with about 600 of the 15th Confederate States Cavalry, near Olive
Branch. We captured about 65 of them and two battle flags. The old
2nd got one of them, and the First Louisiana got the other.
The prisoners were all paroled on the ground by General Lucas of
Cautz’s Brigade. We also captured with this squad a large United
States flag. It had on it in large letters, “Reindeer.” I think this
flag was taken from Alton Packet Company in 1861. They had a boast
by that name, but she was sunk about that time. I have the flag
here, and shall send it to J. J. Mitchell of Alton. The Rebs say
that this flag was taken from a steamer near Vicksburg in 1861, but
that the boat had some name they had forgotten. Mr. Mitchell will
probably be surprised to find his old flag, taken by me from the
Rebs in the pine woods.
On our return here, we ran against old General Pillow and staff and
about eighty Rebs. We, of course, welcomed the old man in our ranks.
We had no fight with him. He and staff are here now prisoners. He
feels very badly, and expresses great sympathy for the South. He
thinks that they will be allowed to keep their negroes, &c. We now
have good prospects of peace. The Rebs have all thrown down their
arms, and are coming by hundreds to be paroled. They say that they
are tired of war, and want to stay at home honorably.
General A. J. Smith’s and General Steele’s Corps are here. Boats are
now running to Mobile from here daily. The railroad is fast being
repaired to Mobile. It is reported that Dick Taylor and Forrest have
surrendered their forces. If so, we will be at home soon, I think.
I have just received your paper of the 16th. It gives the full
particulars of the assassination of our President. It was the first
that I had seen of all the particulars. Sad mourning in camp.
We have been in our saddles ever since the 19th of March, almost day
and night. We have worn out several sets of horses, but always keep
our number good from the citizens. There are no armed rebel forces
in this country, but a great many that are unarmed. When the Rebel
General Buford was here, and heard that General Wilson was advancing
on the place, he set fire to all the warehouses and cotton sheds in
the place. It is said that he destroyed about one million bales of
cotton in this city, also a large portion of the city is destroyed –
depots &c. We are again under marching orders. I, of course, don’t
know where. I would like to rest my horses a few days. The
supposition is that we will go across by land to Vicksburg. I send
you a captured letter or two. I think that this rebellion has played
out. My health is good. The health of my regiment was never better.
Yours truly,
Franklin Moore
Major, 2nd Illinois Cavalry