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Title Page.
March, 1861 to January, 1863
Illinois Infantry Volunteers from Cortland, Malta and Sycamore
DeKalb County, Illinois.
and from Nellie A. Hevenor and Matt J. Hevenor.
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The DeKalb County Historical and Genealogical Society.
Research by
Phyllis Kelley
Marian Anderson.
Thomas E. Woodstrup.
U. S. copyright applied for
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Dedication.
| Bushnell, Douglas R., Lt.Col. | Sterling | 11/27/63 | KIA Ringgold |
| Chappel, Wilson E., Cpl. | Malta | 6/6/64 | Died as POW |
| Clawson, Leonard L., Pvt. | Sycamore | 3/15/64 | |
| Goodrich, George, Pvt | Cortland | 2/16/63 | |
| Goodwin, Josiah K., Staff | Amboy | 8/4/63 | HospStwd |
| Green, Andrew J., Pvt. | Sycamore | 10/2/61 | |
| Hill, John, Pvt. | Malta | 1864 | |
| Hogan, Thomas, Pvt. | Sycamore | 5/25/63 | of Wounds |
| Keer, William C., Pvt. | Sycamore | 1/5/63 | of Wounds |
| Keppell, Isaac, Pvt. | N.Kingston | 5/17/62 | |
| Oieson, Hans, Pvt. | Cortland | 11/2/63 | |
| Peck, Charles V., Pvt. | Sycamore | 11/27/63 | KIA Ringgold |
| Russell, Alphonzo, Pvt. | Cortland | 12/29/63 | KIA Chickasaw |
| Russell, Wesley D., Pvt. | Sycamore | 6/26/63 | |
| Smith, Henry, Pvt. | Pierceville | 11/27/63 | KIA Ringgold |
| Smith, William S., Pvt. | Sycamore | 9/19/61 | |
| Stark, William H., Pvt. | Cortland | 12/15/61 | |
| Wing, Vinter B., Pvt. | Sycamore | 9/6/62 | internal fever |
| Wyman, John B., Col. | Amboy | 12/28/62 | KIA Chickasaw |
| Young, John, Pvt. | Sycamore | 1/13/64 | of Wounds |
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Pictures and Illustrations.
Wilson E. Chapel.
On the Cover: This is a tintype in its original case of Wilson E. Chapel. (It is in the collection given to the DeKalb County Joiner History Room.)
1. Map of Battle of Wilson's Creek, Springfield, MO.
2. Map of Battle of Pea or Bloody Ridge, AR.
3. Map of Battle of Vicksburg, MS.
Map was drawn by Pvt. Edward F. Sprague of Sycamore, who joined Company F as a recruit on Sept. 3, 1861, and sometime after Vicksburg was transferred to Company I, 56th Illinois Infantry. (The drawing has been slightly rearranged to accommodate page size.)
4. Tobacco Buildings..
The wooden and brick tobacco buildings used as Confederate prisons in Danville, VA, from December, 1863, to April, 1865, when the war ended. Chapel was confined from December, 1863, to his death in April, 1864.
5. Union Officer's Prison.
An officer prisoner, Henry Van der Weyde, illustrates what it was like even for non-commissioned soldiers, such as Chapel. (The illustration has been altered to highlight these conditions and for photo-copying improvement.)
6. Grave of Cpl. Wilson E.
The grave of Cpl. Wilson E. Chapel located in the National Cemetery at Danville, VA. (This was taken by the Szesko family in their research of Cpl. Chapel.)
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Preface.
Pvt. Reuben M. Hevenor, who had volunteered with and had been with Wilson E. Chapel for almost three years, and was with Chapel just before he was taken prisoner, presumably was entrusted with the three volume diary and brought it home with him from the Civil War.
Hevenor was mustered out of service on June 18, 1864, and returned to his home in Malta, Illinois. Twelve days before, Chapel had died in the Confederate prison at Danville, Virginia, on June 6, 1864. Just when Hevenor learned of this is not known, but he undoubtedly realized he had in his possession, a most valuable diary of both Company F, 13th Illinois Infantry, and of his deceased comrade.
Several years later, on the 25th anniversary of their enlistments at Dixon, Illinois, May 24, 1886, Reuben's daughter, Miss Nelle A. Hevenor, painstakingly with a neat and clerkly hand, copied the diary for the uses of the regimental historian. He died September, 1921 and since then at least the copy has been kept and preserved by friends and relatives.
Some of these descendents have been Jennie Margaret Hevenor who married(?) William Charles Smith, Darrell Hevenor Smith, Mathias John Hevenor, Margaret Jennie Hevenor Smith, Folger M. Smith, Matilda Smith Haviland and W.C. Smith. Thus, the artifacts and memorabilia are known as the Hevenor-Smith Collection.
In May of 1976, Mr. Gerald Szesko, of Chicago, IL, addressed inquiries to the Archives Division of the Virginia State Library, Richmond, VA; to the Archives-Records Management Div., Office of Secretary of State, Springfield, IL; and to Military Service Records, (NNCC) National Archives (GSA), Washington,
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D.C. He also had obtained references from the Chicago Historical Society and the Chicago Public Library. This added more information to verify the events related in Chapel's diary.In April, 1995, Judith and Gerald Szesko contacted and had delivered by special limo to Peter and Jane Degman of Malta, IL, the eight boxes containing the Hevenor-Smith Collection. They in turn, contacted Mr. Ivan Prall, the historian of Malta, and as a long time member of the DeKalb County Historical and Genealogical Society, delivered the Collection to Mrs. Phyllis Kelley of the DeKalb County Joiner History Room.
In 1998, Phyllis contacted volunteer Tom Woodstrup of Sycamore, who had written other local histories, and with the aid of the computer and further research, prepared the manuscript for publication. The assistance of the Society was then called upon to approve and support the final phase of the project.
Now about the book itself. Chapel had been educated at an academy in Massachusetts, and therefore, had both the motivation the talent for keeping a journal. This is demonstrated in his vocabulary, grammar and punctuation; however, in over one hundred years, one has to realize these have changed. Every effort has been made to maintain the story as Chapel wrote it.
Extensive footnotes have been used to assist the reader with older words and terms. Some notations may seem elementary but hopefully they will further the interest and save time, especially of students. The publication could well serve as a basic text for introduction to the overall Civil War. Names of boats and ships have been italicized so as not to be confused with proper names.
DeKalb County is especially proud of its many generals and right they should be. However, the reader should know that only a few of them were made field generals, like Brig. Gen. Daniel Dustin and Brig. Gen. Everell F. Dutton, who were breveted Brig. Gen. on March 16, 1865; and, likewise, Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Partridge. To be breveted meant to be given a higher position without benefit
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of more pay. Many of the others were Lt. Colonels or Colonels when they were in service and then were promoted to Brigadier General at the time of retirement.Many books and articles have been and are being written about the Civil War. Such a war should never be repeated. May the diary of Corporal Wilson E. Chapel make America better understand its past so as to better prepare for the future.
tew
P.S. The names of these Grand Army of the Republic comrades are given here for researchers who may wish to learn more about the 13th Illinois Infantry. The complete publication may be found in the Chicago Historical Society.
H.D. Dement wrote for Company A. Comrades J.D. Davis and Charles H. Sanford, had diaries of Company B. Comrades S. T. Josselyn had a diary and wrote for Company C. Francis Fox wrote for Company E.
A.H. Sibley wrote for Company H. For Company K, Charles Carpenter, Chalres E. Bolles and Capt. J.J. Cole. Mrs. Walter Blanchard, widow of the Captain of Company K, furnished his diary.
Comrade Reuben M. Hevenor, historian for Company F [GAR], furnished a valuable diary covering an important period of the services of the regiment.
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Prologue.
We promptly responded.
There was toil and exposure and suffering and death to many.
If we who live may be permitted to speak for all,
we would say that we would not change it.
The Union was preserved and humanity was helped by it.
In what better way can men exert themselves or even sacrifice life."
— Preface, Military Reminiscences
Illinois Infantry, 13th Regiment
The following excerpts are taken from Boies' chapter on the "Thirteenth Illinois Infantry" and parts will hereafter appear within Chapel's journal to further explain each appropriate historical setting and event. Also, within the diary these will hereafter be in italics so as to not distract from Chapel's recording
When Fort Sumter had fallen, and that indignant uprising of the people had occurred which everywhere followed it, in every town and hamlet of loyal Illinois the notes of martial preparation were heard, and little bands of men, gathered together, began drilling, and clamorously demanded of the government to be led against the enemy. The President soon called for 75,000 troops for three months, feeling warranted by the laws as they existed only in calling out troops for that length of time. This all was filled; and still hundreds of thousands of men, anxious to do their duty upon the battlefield, were left out of the ranks.
Upon the 4th of May, the President made a new call for 42,000 more men, to serve three years; and Illinois was given the privilege of furnishing six regiments of them. Then began such a
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scrambling for the privilege of forming a part of these regiments as was probably never seen before in may country. Places were sought in these regiments with as much avidity as civil offices are now struggled for. All manner of schemes, combinations and stratagems were used to affect the minds of the authorities, so as to gain the boon of a place in these regiments.
A convention of claimants for his honor in this congressional district was held at Geneva (IL), and every one who had any influence or acquaintance with any person in authority was urged to attend and secure a recognition for these companies. The convention accomplished nothing; but soon after, an order was procured for the creation of one regiment, the 13th Illinois, in this 2nd congressional district. Of its ten companies, one from Sycamore and one from Sandwich were fortunate enough to secure a place and a right to serve their country. Most of the companies had been filled up to the number of one hundred privates, besides the officers, when an order came from the War Department, still bent on diminishing the force, to reduce the company to eighty-four privates.
This was a sore disappointment to those who were excluded. In some of the companies the men drew lots to determine who should remain; and in others, by some kind of authority, the married men of the company were forced to fall out of the ranks and stay at home, the single men only being accorded the privilege of remaining. It is also a noteworthy fact that many men purchased the right of those who had been fortunate enough to be accepted, paying from $20 to $50 for the privilege of taking their places.
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Wilson E. Chapel was born September 26, 1839, in Washington, Birkshire County, Massachusetts. His family came and located at or near Malta, DeKalb County, Illinois, sometime in 1860. His military record stated he was single and a farmer; however, another reference states his occupation was that of a school teacher. Perhaps he was both.
From his journal he indicates that he had attended the Hinsdale Academy in Massachusetts. This may have been the equivalent of high school or more as he was 20-21 years when he came to Illinois. In those days even matriculation from eighth grade qualified a person to teach or substitute in many one-room school houses. As he was called to service in March, 1861, he most likely taught for only a short period.
He stood 5 ft. 9 Ë inches; had blue eyes, brown hair and had a dark complexion. The DeKalb County Joiner History Room has an original tintype believed to be of Chapel in his uniform. Chapel was just 23 years old when he died.
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Volume I: March, 1861 — Jan., 1862.
[March 18th, 1861]
On the 18th day of March, 1861, I with [Reuben M.] Hevenor
[May 9th, 1861]
I went back to Malta, and went to work in Mr. Evans' tin shop
At 10:30 A.M. we left Sycamore with the blessings and "God speed, ye" of a large number of citizens who had assembled to bid us good bye and see us off. The Sycamore Band accompanied us to Dixon, where we arrived at 1:00 P.M.
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The Sycamore company had for several weeks been drilling daily under charge of Z.B. Mayo, a decrepit old soldier who had seen service in the Mexican war; and many will recollect how, being without arms, they daily went through the manual in the streets of Sycamore with broomsticks and hoe-handles. [Boies]
Some of the Company's were there and others were continually arriving on the trains, and before night all were there. By the kindness of some Sycamore gentlemen, we found a good dinner awaiting us at the Nachusah [Nachusa] House, to which ample justice was done. After dinner, we marched up to the Fair-Ground where the camp was to be formed.
We found the Sterling Company already there and encamped, apparently at their ease and at home. We took possession of the buildings, used for animals on Fair days, and our Company was ensconced
[May 11th, 1861]
The next day, May 11th, we were sworn into the service of the State of Illinois for 30 days unless sooner called for the U.S. J[ohn] B. Wyman
The second night we did not fare so well as the first for it was rainy and cold and our quarters leaked badly, but we thought this was the lot of soldiers, so we submitted to it without a murmur.
In a day or two we got boards and fixed it up so it was very comfortable. I was rather lonely for a little while being wholly unacquainted with the Company, save those who had enlisted with
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me, but soldiers soon become acquainted with each other and I soon began to enjoy myself with the rest.We commenced drilling both in Company and in Battalion drill and made rapid progress. We had to drill about 6 hours a day, besides a dress parade every evening. We were kept very strict and had to come down to the regular Army discipline which we thought very severe; as indeed it was, and which caused the boys to growl not a little, but this was the very thing which caused our Regiment to become what it afterward was, the best drilled Regiment in the Department of the South West.
[May 16th, 1861]
On the 16th, Hevenor and I received a barrel of things from Malta and very thankful were we to get these. The ladies there made us each a nice blanket, which we needed very much as we had only one very thin one, before we received these and the nights were sometimes quite cold. Mr. Evans sent me a nice lot of cooking utensils and Mr. Munger
We had a mean dishonest Commissary, very appropriately named "Skinner,"
For some time we were drilled without arms as we were promised rifles and none could be obtained for us, and finally they asked us to take Springfield muskets, promising to exchange them for Rifles as soon as possible, so we took the muskets and used them as Rifles, drilling in the Light Infantry Tactics.
About the 1st of June, we received our new uniforms from Sycamore. It consisted of a light gray cap, coat and pants of the same color and they gave us the name of the "Sycamore Greys," but
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one other Company in camp (had) was uniformed when we received ours.The citizens were ignorant of any army regulations of clothing; but gray was thought to be a desirable color; and the boys were equipped in full suits of gray, the gifts of the ladies and gentlemen of the place. With a vague idea that each company required a banner, a beautiful silk flag was prepared and presented to our company by one of the young ladies, before an immense crowd gathered to witness the novel scene.
We were kept very close while in camp here and I only got a chance to go home to the city three times while I was there.
I was offered the position of 5th Corporal by Capt. Mayo,
I enjoyed good health all the time we were in Camp Dement with the exception of a short time when I had the Neuralgia in my face. Dr. Plummer
On the 9th of May, 1861, the 13th regiment was organized at Camp Dement, Dixon; and on the 24th it was mustered into the service. It is said to have been the first regiment to organize under the President's call for three years men, and the first to enter the United States service. [Boies]
Friday, May 24th, 1861
On Friday, the 24th of May we were sworn into the U. S. service for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged. All who did not wish to enlist for that length of time were allowed to
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leave, but most of the boys, as well as myself, were determined to see it through. On Thursday the 13th of June, we received our orders to march on the 16th; destination supposed to be Cairo, Illinois.The Colonel granted furloughs to eight men in each Company: the chances to be decided by lot. They were to extend from Thursday the 13th to Saturday the 15th. I was not one of the lucky ones who drew one, but S.W. Morris
I had a boxful of eatables and delicacies which Sister Sarah had prepared for me to take back to Camp for my mess-mates and myself, and very glad were we to receive them, for we could get nothing of the kind in Dixon.
I found several of our Company at the Depot waiting for the Train. Hevenor, who had been at home a week before I came, was there to return with me. I staid a few minutes at Mr. Evan's and then went over to Mrs. Roy's to bid her good-bye, and she and Anna Roy, Mary Archer, Delpha and Adell Munger went over to the Depot to see us safely off. At 12 noon the train came in, and amid the tears and well wishes of our friends for our safety, we left this time to start in earnest for the seat
We arrived in Dixon at 1:00 P.M.; found every things in bustle and all making preparations to leave the next day. While we had been gone, the Regiment had drawn a new gray uniform;
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consisting of hat, dress coat and pants of a bright grey.The regiment remained at Dixon for a few weeks engaged in improving its drill and discipline; and here lost its first man, Sergeant Berry, a young gentleman of fine promise, who was shot by one of the sentinels. [Boies]
The night before, our Seargeant Major
[June 16th, 1861]
Early in the morning of June 16th, we were up and getting ready to start for the South. I was detailed to help pack our baggage. Got the first load ready about 8 o'clock A.M. and I went down town to attend to loading it on the cars.
We found two large passenger trains awaiting us at the Illinois Central R.R
A Tremendous crowd had assembled to see us off. All were enthusiastic in their praises of the Regiment and in their cheers and waving of flags and handkerchiefs; as the train moved slowly away from the Depot, bidding farewell to Dixon and its good people for a
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long three years. These demonstrations of patriotism were repeated it every station and all along the roadside; the people manifesting great joy at seeing the first Regiment of three years volunteers from Illinois passing through their towns.At Waupella
At last it began to grow dark. We had some hard bread
At 11:00 P.M. we arrived at Sandoral [Sandoval],
[Monday, June 17th, 1861]
On Monday, June 17th we arrived at Caseyville, St. Claire Co., Ill., 9 miles from St. Louis, Mo.[Missouri]. Here we formed our first regular camp.
We found our tents awaiting us and in a short time had them up a short distance from town. The land here is low and swampy and we have rather a poor place for camp; but as it was very warm dry weather, it did not matter so much.
Caseyville is an old antiquated looking town, inhabited principally by coal miners. The mines around here are numerous and, I am told, quite rich. I visited some of them and, for the first time in my life saw coal brought out of the earth.
We were within sight of St. Louis and the river [Mississippi] and with a glass, we could see into the city quite plainly.
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We now commenced a systematic course of drilling under the instruction of drill master Harrington.
The regiment was soon after ordered to Caseyville, Illinois, and in July moved forward to Rolla, Missouri, an important strategic point, the termination of a railroad, and the depot of supplies. It was the first regiment to cross the Mississippi river, and move into the hostile region of Missouri. [Boies]
[June 22nd, 1861]
On the 22nd of June, Col. Henry Dougherty [of Belleville, IL] arrived there with the 22nd Illinois Regiment and encamped near us. We now had plenty of company and I am thinking the people there would not care about having the 13th and 22nd Regiments come back there again.
We found a Good Templars Lodge
Here we received our first pay for soldiering, it being $5.50 for one half month in the service of the State of Illinois. At this time there was a strong rebel feeling in St. Louis; Camp Jackson had just been cleaned out, and a Union Regiment had been fired upon while marching through the streets, and it was thought they would make a disturbance on the 4th of July and we expected to be called over there to keep order, but it passed away off quietly and we were not called on. It also passed very quietly in camp, nothing going on, save a few patriotic speeches; some firing of cannon, and target
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shooting by companies. I made the second best shot in our Company. Charlie CaswellCol. Parks resigned his commission here in compliance with a request from all the other Officers, and the men, as a general thing, were not sorry to have him leave. He was a good man in his place and profession, but he was out of his place in the Army. Major Gorgas was promoted to Lieut. Col. and F.W. Partridge, being the ranking Captain, was promoted to major.
[July 6th, 1861]
On the morning of July 6th a train came in from St. Louis for us and directly we were busy making preparations to break camp. At 9 o'clock A.M., at the roll of the drum, every tent fell, and in short order they were rolled up and taken on our shoulders over to the cars. The Regiment was formed and marched over and at 11:00 A.M. we were ready for a start.
The weather was very warm and in the crowded cars, with only what little air could come in through the car doors, we were almost suffocated before we got started. A ride of half an hour brought us to Illinois town on the River. We were ferried over to St. Louis and there for the first time I set foot on Missouri Soil.
As we marched through the streets, the majority of the people in the city did not appear very glad to see us. I suppose they would rather have seen Jeff Davis
Now for the first time we got an idea where we were going. We marched over to the Pacific R.R. Depot and immediately embarked on the cars. They had no passenger cars so we had to get into freight and lumber cars. We remained here until after dark and
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then started for Rolla, Missouri.We remained in town an hour or two and then marched to our camping ground; about 100 rods east of town; stacked our arms, and cooked breakfast, then went to work clearing off the camp and parade ground, and by night we had our tents set and were making ourselves quite at home.
The day was fine, but rather warm and sultry. Col. Boiles
On Monday, the 18th, we cleared a dress parade ground and had a dress parade in the evening. Our train came on but there was no prospect of our leaving soon.
[Monday, July 18th, 1861]
On the 21st of July, Col. Boiles left with his command and we were left alone to guard the post, until the 6th of August when we were reinforced by the 14th and 15th Ill. Regiments.
About this time we commenced building Fort Wyman on an emmence [eminence] 1Ë miles south of town. Four heavy siege guns were brought on from Pittsburgh
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[August 16th, 1861]
On the 16th of August, Gen. Seigle [Sigel]
In the 20th, we received Ten Dollars from the Government. It being part of the Fremont Loan.
We had a small cavalry force stationed at Salem [MO] 25 mi. east of Rotta and it was thought the rebels were about to attack them and they sent in for reinforcements. A detachment was sent out consisting of Companies A and F of our Regiment and two Companys each from the 14th and 15th Illinois and the 7th Missouri, under Captain Littlefield
We (Co. F) took up our quarters in the only church in town and the rest of the troop took possession of vacant stores, school and dwelling houses, etc., so we were all provided with comfortable quarters. While here we had a first rate time. We could buy plenty of fruit and farm produce of all kinds, besides what we confiscated from the rebels about there, who were very plenty. We had plenty of fresh meat, game, poultry, milk, honey and in fact almost everything we wished for.
[Sept. 22nd, 1861]
We did some scouting around took several prisoners, who were sent on to Rolla and from there to St. Louis. On the 22nd we received orders to return to Rolla, on a forced march.
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We left town at 4:00 A.M., leaving the "Stars and Stripes" floating from a Liberty Pole, which we had erected, but as soon as we left the rebels cut it down. We arrived at Rolla at 2 P.M. so tired and lame we could hardly move. This was the first hard marching we had ever done. We found our Regiment under marching orders, its destination being unknown.
On Tuesday, Sept. 24th, we received the full amount due us from the government, it being $38.70.
The regiment did excellent service in suppressing the plundering bands of guerillas who infested that region for forty miles around. They also served to inspire with courage the Union people of the country, who had been cowed by the prevalent disloyalty. While they were stationed here, Colonel Wyman organized many of the Union citizens of the neighborhood into cavalry companies, who afterwards, under General Curtis, proved themselves the most efficient cavalrymen in the southwestern army. While at this point, Captain Z.B. Mayo resigned his captaincy, and was succeeded by 1st Lieutenant E.F. Dutton. [Boies]
[Saturday, Sept. 28th]
On Sat. Sept. 28th, we with the Iowa 4th and Illinois 14th and 2 Battalions of Cavalry started for some point west of us, where we know not. We marched 10 miles and did not get in Camp till after dark. Camped on Little Piney River,
Sunday, Sept. 29th, 1861
Broke camp at 7:00 A.M.; crossed the Gasconade River
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are countermanded. We recrossed the River and went back 2 miles and encamped for the night at York [MO].Monday, Sept. 30, 1861
Broke camp early and arrived at Rolla at 4:00 P.M. The 36th Illinois had arrived during our absence and taken possession of our old camping ground. We had to encamp on our old drill ground. Col. Wyman now took command of the Post of Rolla and Col. Gorgas commanded the Regiment. We now commenced drilling in skirmishing and bayonet exercise and it was quite a relief to us to have something new after drilling the same way so long. We remained here until — Thursday, Oct. 10th, 1861.
Thursday, Oct. 10th, 1861
When we again took up a line of march for the southwest. This time we had only one Regiment of Infantry and one Battalion of Cavalry and a heavy train guard though. Marched 15 miles; crossed the Gasconade. It rained all day and was quite cold and we had a rather tough night of it; but we built log fires and kept as comfortable as possible.
Friday, Oct. 11th, 1861
Broke camp at 8:00 A.M. and marched 10 miles. Weather warm and rather sultry; country rough and very stony, with much heavy timber.
Saturday, Oct. 12th, 1861
Broke camp at 5:00 A.M.; marched 20 miles, and encamped. Weather very fine. In the evening, our pickets were fired on and driven in. We expect a brush with the rebels before long.
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Sunday, Oct. 13th, 1861
Started at 7:00 A.M. got along first rate until 10:00 A.M., when our train was fired into by the enemy. They were 900 strong and all mounted. We immediately turned and faced to give them battle, but they ran as fast as their horses could carry them with our cavalry in hot pursuit. We went on a double quick for 4 miles after them; over ridges; through swamps and grass, waist high, and we made the distance in less that 40 min. but could not get a sight of them. Our Cavalry succeeded in engaging them and killed 64 of and took 46 prisoners. Our loss was 1 man killed. We marched 6 miles after the battle and encamped. Day's march — 14 miles, besides the running we did after the rebels.
Monday, Oct. 14th, 1861
Our Company had to take charge of, and guard the prisoners. Marched 22 miles and arrived at Lynn [Linn] Creek, a little village on the Osage River.
When our advance came into the town, they surprised and took prisoners, a company of Reb's 40 in number.
Our camp was named Camp McClurg, in honor of Col. McClurg,
We enjoyed ourselves finely at this place by fishing and boating on the Osage. The inhabitants are principally "secesh,"
The prisoners were sent back to Rolla from here.
A band of rebels attacked one of our foraging parties a short distance from town and our forces repulsed them with a loss to them of 5 men killed. We lost no men this time.
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On the 18th Inst[ant], we got word that the enemy were about to attack us and we were ordered to be ready to meet them, day or night.
They came up with the intention of frightening us and lay one night in sight of us, intending to surprize us in the morning, but they heard the Cavalry bugles before daylight and thought they were discovered, and beat a hasty retreat. Had we known they were there, the surprise would have been on the other side, for we should certainly have gone out and attacked them, although they were 1500 strong and we only 1200.
On the 19th Col. McClurg arrived with 1200 State Militia and he intends to hold this Post when we leave it.
On Monday, Oct. 21st, we received orders to march, but could not go, as our teams were all out foraging, and many of our men are sick and not able to march.
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 1861
Received at 4:00 A.M., orders to march at 6:00. At this time we took the road toward Warsaw,
About 9:00 A.M. we reached and crossed Spoon (Stone) River near a saw mill. We marched 18 miles and encamped in a stubble field near a small creek. Weather cold and cloudy.
Wednesday, Oct. 23d, 1861
Reveille at 4:00 A.M. and at sunrise we were on the road. Passed over some very high bluffs, one of which was nearly 300 feet high and nearly perpendicular with a beautiful spring gushing out of its side about 20 ft. above its base of sufficient volume and power to carry a large grist mill with an over shot wheel.
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The road rook a winding course down this bluff but it was almost impossible to get our train down it. At its base was the Meango River a small but beautiful Stream which we crossed on some logs. We marched along beside this stream for some distance. The river on one side of the road and a solid mass of rock on the other, in some places from 20-40 ft. high and seemingly threatening to fall on us at every step, and I think it was, altogether, the wildest and most picturesque scenery I ever saw.
At length the river ran so near the bluff, that we must either wade the former, or climb the latter and of the two evils we chose the latter and pulled ourselves up the cliff by means of vines and bushes, and after marching a couple of miles through the woods, we came out to the road again and had a good [road?] to Mack's Creek
Thursday, Oct. 24th, 1861
Remained encamped here all day for rest. Nothing worthy of note occurred.
Engaged in this duty until October 25th, the regiment was then ordered forward to join the army which was forming under Fremont at Springfield, in southwestern Missouri. The troops were still comparatively unused to long marches; yet they were urged forward with great rapidity, marching, on the second day thirty-four miles, and reaching Springfield, a distance of one hundred miles, in four days. Gen. Fremont, learning the speed on which it had come to his assistance, named it his "Flying Infantry," and, noting its superior discipline assigned it the highest post of honor and danger in his army. [Boies]
Friday, Oct. 25th, 1861
Started at day light; roads very level and nice; but country rather barren until we came to "Round Prairie," which is a beautiful
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place and served to remind us of our Illinois homes, it being the first prairie we have seen since we left there; marched 12 miles.One of Company K died soon after we got into camp.
Saturday, Oct. 26th, 1861
Started at day light and marched until noon, when we came to "Grand Prairie." This is decidedly the richest place we have seen in our marches.
On the west of the prairie was a little village called Lewisburg [Louisburg], where the people are loyal and were glad to see us come, and it cheered us a great deal, too, for it had been a good while since we had seen any loyal citizens.
Today we made the longest march we have ever made, and I doubt if any of the troops have beaten it. We marched 34 miles and arrived in Bolivar,
This is a fine little village, with some 3 or 4000 inhabitants. The streets are well laid out, shaded and ornamented, and there is a public square surrounding a fine courthouse.
In the days of its prosperity (that was before the Rebellion broke out) it was as pleasant a village as one could wish to see. Here the Lynn [Linn] Creek and Springfield and Jefferson City and Springfield roads connect
During the night, 75 pieces of Artillery and a large number of Regiments of Infantry passed our camp on their way to Springfield.
Sunday, Oct. 27th, 1861
Remained encamped here. Troops passing our camp all day or Springfield. Gen. Sturgis
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Country people came in by the hundreds to see the soldiers, the like of which they had never seen before.
Our Company was on guard in town. The business places have all been robbed and closed by the rebels.
Monday, Oct. 28th, 1861
We started for Springfield at 8:00 A.M. but there being another command ahead of us, we were hindered a great deal, and only made 15 miles and encamped early. Our march has been across fine prairies all day, and we have passed some splendid farms.
Tuesday, Oct. 29th, 1861
We were up at 2 and off at 4:00 A.M.; marched 15 miles and arrived at Springfield at 10:00 A.M. Marched through town in grand style and received from Gen. Fremont the name of "His Flying Infantry" on account of our fast marching.
We camped one mile from town in a beautiful valley, well shaded by trees, and watered by a little creek flowing from a large spring about 40 rods above our camp which furnishes water enough to supply the whole Army.
There is now about 60,000 troops encamped in and around town and I doubt if ever a better organized or more perfect army was ever brought into the field. The troops were all in excellent health and good spirits and had an abundance of faith in Gen. Fremont and all they asked for was to be lead against the enemy, and an opportunity to show them what kind of metal we are made of.
Gen. Fremont's bodyguard, under Maj. Yagoni, had a sharp skirmish with the enemy, who were in town upon their arrival. They killed about 100 and completely routed the remainder. We encamped on the ground where the battle commenced, the trees are well marked with bullets, and farther back are indications where the hardest of it was fought: dead horses in plenty lie around, but the
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killed had all been buried and the wounded taken care of before our arrival.There is rumor in Camp that [Gen.] Price,
Wednesday, Oct. 30th, 1861
I went up and explored the town. This must have been a fine, thriving place before the war broke out but is now very dull. It is tastefully laid out and contains some noble buildings. There is no business of any amount done save by the soldiers and sutlers.
Sunday, Nov. 3d, 1861
When an order was issued for the troops to move out and attack Price. Some Regiments marched out and ours was formed when the order was countermanded, it being found out that he had gotten up and skidaddled [skedaddled] for Arkansas.
While here we had a general inspection and muster by Gen. Wyman. We could not visit the old battle-field as none but a few officers were allowed to go out. It is 9 miles from town.
On the 8th of November, Captain Dutton
We enjoyed ourselves first rate while here. We all had plenty of money and could buy anything we wanted from the farmers, who brought produce in to sell to the soldiers for miles around the town. We lived on butter, milk, cheese, honey and c. [etc.] and could have plenty of fruit for the trouble of gathering it from an orchard about a mile from (town) camp, and which contained more than 2000 trees all loaded down with fruit, but before we left, the apples were like "Angel's visits:" few and far between.
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On the 9th of November we learned that General Fremont had been removed from his command. This caused a general feeling of indignation among the troops here for his is believed by all of us to be just the man for the place and for us. Some of the Regiment threatened to stack their arms and never take them till he was restored to his command, and I believe that if one Regiment had set the example all the rest would have followed suit.
We also learned that the troops are ordered back to their starting point, so I suppose we will have to march back to Rolla. We were living so well that we regretted to hear marching orders which came —
Monday, Nov. 11th, 1861
At 2:30 A.M. we were awakened by the reveille and at 5:00 were on the road. When we got up in town we found that many of the troops had gone, and among the number the 42nd Illinois Regiment in which was our old DeKalb Company with whom we had some good visits during our stay. They had started back for Jefferson City.
We got through town just at sunrise. Took the road leading back directly to Rolla. Marched 16 miles and encamped. Weather: windy and rough, with signs of rain. Country: rugged but occasionally some fine farms.
But Fremont was now removed from command, the plan of the campaign was changed, and the 13th returned to Rolla. In the retrograde movement, on the night of November 11th, a very sudden death occurred at Camp Plummer, proving that the skeleton-king oft comes when least expected — passing from the blazing battery to strike his victim in the midst of security and peace.
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Tuesday, Nov. 12th, 1861
We started on our march at day light. Country: hilly and rough. Marched 25 miles, which was very hard on the boys, and some of them didn't get into camp till 9:00 in the evening. There were not more than 100 of our Regiment that went with the Col., but I was one of the number, though I was quite unwell, and quite sick during the night. We encamped in a large meadow and the boys had plenty of fresh pork.
Wednesday, Nov. 13th, 1861
I felt very badly today and rode part of the way on Yule Thompson's
Thursday, Nov. 14th, 1861
Broke camp at 7:00 A.M. This morning I was neither able to walk or ride on horseback, and as the Ambulances were full, I was obliged to ride in a Government wagon. The roads were hilly and rough and it would be terrible for a well man to ride in one of these wagons, what must it be for one so sick that he could not sit up, as was my case now, one can imagine.
It seemed as though we should never reach our camping place, although we only made 15 miles. Camped in a cornfield beside a small stream.
Friday, Nov. 15th, 1861
Broke camp early. I rode in the wagon all day, hardly able to sit up. At 11:00 A.M. we arrived at the little village of Waynesville [MO], where we met our commissary train, which was very acceptable to the boys as they were very short of rations, but for me it made no difference, for I could eat nothing at all.
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Rested here about an hour, then started on; marched 20 miles and encamped on the bank of the Big Piney River.Saturday, Nov. 16th, 1861
When we got up this morning there was a heavy frost on the ground. We started at daylight and the first thing was to get across the river. As there was no bridge the boys had to wade, which was tough, as the water was icy-cold. I was in the wagon and did not get wet.
Marched 24 miles and encamped within one mile of Rolla on the ground formerly occupied by the 14th
I kept growing worse and in two days after our arrival there, was placed in the Hospital, and for 4 weeks from this time I never even saw out of doors. I had the lung fever
Before I got away. Jack Hill was brought in, very sick and not expected to live from one day to another. While I was the most sick, it went pretty hard with me. I could eat nothing and if I had an appetite, I could get nothing to eat, but when I got better the boys from my mess would bring me toast, oysters & c.[etc.] and I got along first rate. If it had not been for them, I believe I should have died for something to eat.
On the 8th of December I was able to go up to my quarters for the first time but I was not yet able to stand up without some support. The weather was warm and beautiful and has been for some time.
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Generals Seigle [Sigel], Asterhaus [Osterhaus] and Asbothe [Asboth]When I got up to camp, its appearance was so much changed that I hardly knew where I was. Our little wedge-tents had been condemned and we had drawn "Fremont-tents" in their place. In these we could have a fire and make them quite comfortable. We also drew a new blue uniform and shed our old grey clothing and with it our name of "Greybacks." We have now a very neat and tasteful uniform.
Our Company exchanged their Springfield muskets for rifled Minnie [Minie] muskets which we consider the best arms in the service and the whole Regiment is to be supplied with them as soon as possible.
In the evening there was some sign of a muting among the Cavalry and half of our Regiment was called out to restore and keep order, but it did not amount to much and the boys returned back to camp.
On the 11th of December 1861, we were paid off. I received $21.00.
The regiment remained at Rolla till, on December 12th, it moved to Salem, where guerrillas were reported to be infesting the country, and, after remaining two weeks, returned to Rolla. [Boies]
In the afternoon, Ë of our Regiment including our Company started again for Salem, [MO]. Of course I was not able to and there were 6 sick men in my mess who had to be left behind and, although I was hardly able to walk around, I had to help take care of those that were worse off than myself. Burkie
A small Cavalry force of ours had been attacked by the enemy at Salem, but the latter had been repulsed with considerable
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loss, but it was feared that they might return with a superior force and our Regiment was sent out to reinforce them. The boys remained there 2 weeks enjoying themselves finely; occupying the same church we did the first time we went out there. During their absence one of my mess-mates, Wm. J. Jones,On the 28th of December, they were ordered back to Rolla and arrived on the 29th.
On the 31st, we were mustered for payment. I was now gaining strength and began to feel some what like my former self and began doing my regular camp duty. The weather was very fine nearly all the time, it was dry and much of the time the roads were dusty.
Nothing of importance occurred till the 15th of January when the different commands began to leave here for Springfield, and it is supposed we shall soon follow. Of late it has been quite stormy and the roads are now very bad.
On the 16th of Jan. we received orders to be ready to march on the 18th. Our train went to the Depot and loaded with commissary stores and it seems pretty certain that we are to leave.
Saturday, Jan. 17th, 1862
Today the boys are all busy making preparations to leave tomorrow. We dread the march and would rather remain here for the present.
Sunday, Jan. 18th, 1862
This morning our marching orders were countermanded and it causes great rejoicing among the boys. The troops are all gone except our Regiment and now we have all the duty to do. We furnish a provost guard in the town and labor details for the fort and a picket guard on the Rail-Road, besides our own Regimental duties and it keeps us very busy.
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Monday, Jan. 19th, 1862
Today Cap't. Dutton left for home having received a leave of absence on account of a wound in the foot by the accidental discharge of a revolver.
Wednesday, Jan. 21st:
Today the Iowa 9th arrived here but did not encamp but started immediately for Springfield. They are a fine looking body of men. On Friday, Jan. 23d, our whole Company was on guard in town. Six pieces of Artillery arrived from St. Louis and went on to join the army.
Saturday, Jan. 24th, '62.
This morning a detail was sent out to clean our old camping-ground, just vacated by the 36th Illinois and we are to move up there as soon as the ground can be prepared. We remained in "Camp Lafayette"
We now went to work and fixed everything up very comfortable; guarded our streets nicely, and had our camp neat and trim. We bought a good cooking-stove; put it in our tent, and could then live "like pigs in clover," and keep warm too.
About this time Capt. Dutton returned and took command of the Company. The people of Sycamore sent a nice lot of luxuries by him to the Company for which they received our warmest thanks. A detail was made out of our Regiment to guard some prisoners to St. Louis and Edd Olney of our Company went.
Our mess, known as the DeKalb mess, all went down and had a mess picture taken. Eleven of us on a plate and one for each of us and we presented one to Capt. Dutton. We were kept pretty busy until we were ordered to join Gen. Curtiss' [Curtis]
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Image27
Volume II: March, 1862 — July, 1862.
Rolla
Here [Rolla] the cold dreary winter was spent until, on the 6th of March, 1862, the regiment was sent to join the army of Gen. Curtis, who was threatened by Price's rebels, and who, before our regiment could reach him, had fought the famous and sanguinary battle of Pea Ridge. It was a terribly severe march. Through constant rain and mud, and amid want and destitution, it pressed on from twenty to thirty miles a day, living upon most scanty rations, and forbidden to forage upon the country — as the policy of the higher powers was still to please instead of punish the foe. [Boies]
Camp Rolla, [Phelps County] March 6th, 1862
We are ordered to be ready to march at 8 o'clock A.M. It is a cold, stormy morning and we did not strike our tents till 9 o'clock and got started at 10:00 A.M. After we got into the woods, it was much more comfortable. We marched 14 miles; crossed the Little Piney [River], and camped upon the bank.
After supper, we went upon a very high bluff, overlooking the Gasconade river. It was very tedious work after a hard days march, but the scenery from the top well repaid us for the trouble.
Friday, March 7th, 1862
Reveille sounded at 4 A.M. and at daylight we were ready to start. Marched till 11:00 A.M. when we reached the Big Piney river. It took about an hour to ferry us all across, started again at 1:00 [P.M.] and marched off again at a brisk pace.
I began to get footsore and lame, and with a good many others, fell behind and took our own time to get into camp. Got into camp about 3:00 P.M. at Waynesville[MO], having marched 22 miles. Captain Dutton and some of our boys went up town by
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order of Col. Wyman and emptied 8 barrels of whiskey on the ground.Saturday, March 8th, 1862
Reveille at 4:00 A.M.; broke camp at daylight; weather warm and beautiful as in May in Illinois. I am rather footsore, but by bathing my feet and soaping my stockings, I get along very well. Marched 18 miles and camped at 2:00 P.M. on the bank of the Gasconade River.
Sunday, March 9th, 1862
Broke camp at daylight; marched over a good road until about 10:00 A.M. when it commenced raining, but as there was no camping-ground short of Lebanon,
After it commenced raining, the roads were horrible, in some places the mud and water was over our shoes, and when we got to camp we had to pitch our tents in the mud and sleep in the same. Some of the boys went up town to sleep, but we thought as we were Soldiers we would take Soldiers fare. We rolled up in our blankets and slept well till morning. Day's march, 10 miles.
Monday, March 10th, 1862
Owing to our severe march yesterday and poor roads we did not break camp until 10:00
A.M. weather fine; marched 10 miles, and camped at 2:00 P.M.
Tuesday, March 11th, 1862
During the night we got word that a fight was going on near Springfield, between Generals Curtiss and Seigle and old Price and that we were wanted there as soon as possible. So we were 5 miles on our way by sunrise.
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We marched the first 14 miles in 4 hours. During the day we marched over some very pretty country, several small prairies that seem some what to remind us of Illinois. We marched 25 miles and camped at 3:00 P.M. within 16 miles of Springfield. We here learned that the fight had taken place at Sugar Creek, Arkansas,
Wednesday, March 12th
Broke camp at daylight. My feet are badly blistered and swollen, and as all the boys are tired and lame, we marched slowly. We marched within Ë mile of Springfield, we then dressed up in order and marched through the town in good style with Colonel Wyman at the head, feeling as proud, I venture to say, as he ever did in his life. We marched Ë miles from town on Wilson's Creek road and camped near the ground where the 4th Iowa first attacked old Price.
The town here has suffered severely in the hands of the Rebels since we were here last fall. Many houses have been burned and much valuable property destroyed.
Thursday, March 13th
As the men are all tired and lame, the Colonel concluded to remain here 1 day for rest.
After breakfast, some of my mess-mates and my self went to town to make a few purchases and look around a little. I bought me a light felt hat, and went back to camp and had my hair shaved, as it has come but badly since I was sick.
On the 14th it passed over the battle-field of Wilson's Creek, and on the 17th camped on the battle-ground of Pea Ridge. The ground was strewn with shot, shell, and other remains of the conflict. The odor of the decaying bodies was still extremely offensive. In one spot the bodies of seventy hostile Indians lay festering in corruption: there was such a bitter feeling toward the
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savages who had scalped and plundered our men, that they were refused interment. [Boies]Friday, March 14
During the night it has rained a great deal; the roads are muddy, and the creek very high. Weather misty and lowering. About 10:00 A.M. we had quite a shower. At 11:00 we reached the battle-field of Wilson Creek, the creek was very high, and as it crossed the road, we had to ford it, 3 times before we reached the field. We halted for a short time and scattered over the field to see what we could.
There are many marks here to show what a severe battle was fought. In one grave I saw where 20 Rebels were buried, and in many others, nearly as many. There is one place, that I did not see, where 80 are buried and on every hand, the bones of horses, pieces of clothing and other things lie scattered around to show what has taken place. We marched until 3:00 o'clock when we reached Day Springs and camped. This place was also the scene of skirmish last summer between Seigle and Price: the ground is wet and muddy, and we went 1Ë miles to get straw to sleep on.
500 prisoners went into Springfield with several Indians. Our advance guard took two prisoners — they said they were out duck hunting. One of the officers drew the charges from their guns and found it contained a ball and 9 buck shot. They intended to follow the Regiment and shoot any of the boys who might be lagging behind. If we could have had our way about it, they would have been finished in short order.
Saturday, March 15th
Left camp at 7:00 A.M. Weather cold and misty. We had to cross the creek several times so it kept our feet cold and damp. Marched 18 miles and encamped in an orchard.
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This is a very pleasant country, good enough to be Union, but they are nearly all secesh here and we do not look for anything else, consequently, where we camp the sheep, pigs and chickens have to suffer.
Sunday, March 16th
Broke camp at 7:30 A.M. We camped on the bank of the Plaite creek,
At 10:00 A.M. we passed through Keatsville.
We marched over to the further and camped having marched 24 miles. We are now in Arkansas and feel as though we are "way down south in Dixie."
On the 18th the regiment joined Curtis' army, but next day moved back again some ten miles, Price being reported within twenty miles with 50,000 men. But Price's army was too badly shattered by its late terrible conflict to dare to attack us. [Boies]
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Tuesday, March 18
This morning our Knapsack Wagon was discharged and, for the first time in our lives we packed our knapsacks on our backs; started at 8:00 A.M., and at 10:00 A.M. reached the pickets of the Main army. Here we halted and rested a little while, then marched into camp, eliciting many praises upon our fine appearance, numbers, &c [etc.]
We went through their camp and encamped on the bank of the creek, a short distance from Seigle's Camp. Our Company was on guard, but I was not detailed, for which I was thankful as it was a stormy night. Day's march, 7 miles.
Wednesday, March 19th
We were thinking that we should have 2 or 3 days rest, but during the night we got word that Price was advancing on Keatsville in order to cut off our supplies. Reveille was sounded at 3:00 A.M. and before daylight we were ready to start back but owing to the difficulty of getting a large body moving we did not get fairly to marching until 1 o'clock P.M.
We had to stand around with our Knapsacks on and this was worse than marching as the weather was cold and disagreeable. We marched back to Keatsville (24 miles); got there after dark.
There are three batteries of Artillery and a large force of Cavalry and Infantry. We thought that perhaps we might fall in with some of Price's forces, but we saw nothing of them. This was as severe a march as we ever made, having gone 24 miles between 1:00 P.M. and dark.
Thursday, March 20th
We remained in camp all day. Weather: cold and raw. Some of the boys went out foraging and brought in a sheep, half a pig and some chickens. These come very handy now, as we are short of provisions and reduced to ž rations.
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Friday, March 21st
It snowed all night and this morning we have as much snow as we had at Rolla any time this winter. It is a regular "Down Easter" equinoctial Storm.
As we left our overcoats and all our blankets, except one, at Springfield, we have to work hard to keep warm. I laid abed most all day, wrapped up in my blanket. Towards night the weather moderated a little. We got our 1st mail to night since leaving Rolla. I got a letter from Sister Eliza, also her picture.
March 22, Saturday
This morning the sun came out bright and pleasant and it is quite comfortable being out. We are all of us quite busy today writing letters in answer to those received last night. We do not know when we can send them, but will have them ready for the first chance. Toward night it clouded over and grew colder again.
Sunday, March 23
As we were short of rations, several of us went out foraging. We bought some dried apples and peaches and molasses and vinegar and killed a nice, fat pig. Got into camp at noon, went off about 4 miles. No duty to do in camp, but take care of ourselves.
Monday, March 24
Weather cool yet but more comfortable than during the past few days. Went out foraging again. Killed a yearling beef and carried it 5 miles to camp. I do not know but we shall have to come to living on parched corn yet, as some other troops here have.
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Tuesday, March 25
Last eve Lieut. Smith
We had a dress parade tonight for the first time since leaving Rolla. Went over and saw that of the Iowa 9th, which was rather a tame affair compared to ours.
Wednesday, March 26
Had a general inspection in the forenoon and I went out in the grove and wrote letters all afternoon. The weather seems much more like June than March.
Thursday, March 28
Went out foraging again with poor success. After we had gone to bed, Lieut. Buck
Saturday, March 29
We were up and all ready to start at daylight. We took 20 teams and went off to the North 27 miles. Where we found plenty of forage; loaded our teams and encamped for the night. Went off and bought some chickens and eggs, determining not to starve as long as we had any money.
We had out a picket guard and I went on and stood an hour with Lieut. Buck. This same night the Regiment got word that Price was advancing on them and were ordered to fill their canteens and to sleep on their arms, which they accordingly did; but the night passed away and no Price appeared.
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Sunday, March 30
We were up and ready to start for camp by sunrise. Nothing worthy of notice occurred on the road & we got back about 2:00 P.M.
Our Company had just received two month's pay from paymaster. We went and drew ours as soon as we came in. It was very acceptable to us now as we are nearly out of funds and in this country that is nearly equivalent to being out of friends.
Monday, March 31
Weather fine as one could wish. We had a Battalion Drill from 3 to 4:00 P.M. Col. Wyman commanding us for the first time on drill. Col. Gorgas always having had command.
Tuesday, April 1st
First and foremost, I did not get fooled in the whole day as many did. I was sick all the night before and Olney
Wed., April 2nd
I did not do anything all day, being excused from all duty, but did not think it necessary to see the Doctor. I loaned Capt. Dutton $45.00 and took his note for it. Our Company sent $1,375 home by the paymaster.
Thursday, April 3d
I went to see Doc. again, was excused from duty, but went on dress parade, which was witnessed by General Asbothe and Staff.
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Fri., April 4th
In the morning I felt much better and went out on Battalion Drill, but had to leave the ranks and go up to my tent and lie down. I got up and finished a letter to Bro. Enoch.
Saturday, April 5th
Reveille sounded at 5 o'clock. At roll-call we got orders to march at 8:00 A.M. At the hour, we were all ready to start. All the rest of the Division was in advance of us.
We took the back track as far as Cassville, then we turned off to the N.E. and marched 16 miles. Came upon a range of the Ozark Mts; went through one pass and camped in the valley. We have no idea where we are going or for what purpose. Even our officers, except the Generals, know nothing of the design of this movement.
Sunday, April 6
As we had to wait for the whole Division to pass by us, we did not get started till 11 o'clock, then owing to bad roads and the great length of the Division, and trains, we could not march very fast.
About dark, it commenced raining and we got wet through, but did not get to camp till nearly 11 o'clock P.M. and our train got stuck and our knapsacks were on the wagon and we had to do with out tents or blankets.
This is decidedly the hardest time we have seen in the service. We suffered much with the cold during the night. Days march 18 miles over the Ozark Mts. Camped upon the bank of Platte Creek at Cape Fear.
Monday, April 7th
Much to our satisfaction we were ordered to remain here in camp all day. About 8 o'clock A.M. our train came and we pitched
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our tent; took breakfast, and did not sleep much during the night and were consequently tired and sleepy and the most of us laid down and took a nap. Weather warm and pleasant.We lay encamped till the 8th of April, and then commenced a long, tedious and laborious movement across the country to Helena, Arkansas. No one who was engaged upon that terrible march can ever forget its painful weariness, the cold, the hunger, the drenching, chilling rains, the dangers from flooded rivers, the perils from hovering guerrillas and armed bands of the enemy, the destitution from scanty rations, and, at times, from thirst. Terrible sufferings were caused during the latter part of the march by this cause. The weather had become intensely warm, streams were very rare, the rebel inhabitants filled up and destroyed their wells upon our approach, and our troops often were without water for a day at a time. [Boies]
Tuesday, April 8th
The troops have been busy all day in crossing the river.
Wednesday, April 9th
Broke camp at daylight; crossed the river without any difficulty and, as the rest of the Division were out of the way, we weren't hindered for the first 4 or 5 miles, and then we came up to some more troops and were until noon marching to Galena [MO] 8 miles, encamped near the James River.
The weather has been uncomfortably cold all day, with occasional dashes of snow. Our road has been on a ridge of Mountains and winding in nearly every direction; some of the time it appeared that we were going back in the same direction we came.
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Thursday, April 10th
Reveille sounded at 3:00 A.M. and we started at day light. We crossed the river on a bridge of wagons, placed end to end across the river. The stream is wide, deep and rapid here and it was hard for the teams to cross. The roads are very bad, and it took all day to march 13 miles.
It is about as tiresome to be standing about all day with our knapsacks on as it is to be marching all the time. We had just time to pitch our tents and cook our supper of corn-meal pancakes and coffee without sugar, when tattoo
Fri., April 11th
Broke camp about 7 o'clock. Hardly had we got started when it commenced raining and kept it up steadily all the afternoon. The mud got deep and the creeks high and we were all the forenoon marching 7 miles.
Here we encamped on Bear Creek,
The Illinois soldier, like his companions in service from other states, developed a fine sense of the dramatic with respect to foraging, as well as appropriate knowledge of the regulations under which he operated. When he was told by his commanding officer that he could take only the top rail of a nearby fence for firewood, he quickly understood that as long as there was any rail at all, it was the top rail. When fences disappeared, as they eventually did, the cattle roamed unrestrained — usually into the camps of Union Regiments, where they were slaughtered.
In time, foraging developed the aspects of an art marked by subtlety and cleverness. On one occasion, the 13th Illinois, termed
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the "Stealing Regiment," stole a regimental surgeon's stove, fire and all, while his back was turned. [Long]Saturday, April 12
We lay in camp all day expecting orders to march, but none came. It came my turn to cook, which is no desirable job, now that we have nothing but corn-meal to live on and unbolted meal
Sunday, April 13th
Our trains went to Forsyth for rations for us and succeeded in getting a little for us. Adams and Olney went out and shot two pigs, which are very acceptable just now. Barton
Monday, April 14th
Weather fine. Did nothing but do a little writing, as we learned we could send letters and we have to improve [employ?] every opportunity, as it is so seldom we can send letters from here.
Tuesday, April 15th
Our boys went out and brought in a splendid, fat pig. Our Quartermaster is so mean that he will not furnish us rations when he might as well as not. The Line Officers are trying to get him out of his office, and I hope they will succeed. One thing is certain: we should starve if it were not for what we get foraging.
Wednesday, April 16th
Did nothing but lie around camp and read, and write letters. I wrote and mailed a letter to Sister Sarah. It was quite a rainy day and during the night we had a severe thunder-storm.
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Thursday, April 17th
It is dull business trying to keep a Diary when there is nothing going on, save the ordinary routine of camp life and duty. It is a rainy day; the mud deep, and everything dull and lonely.
Friday, April 18th
There is no change, either in our condition or the weather. I made a bet, with Jimmy Smith,
Saturday, April 19th
Reveille sounded at 4:00 A.M.; ordered to be ready to march at 8:00, but we did not move at all, and we were all glad of it, for it rained all day, and the mud was ankle deep.
Sunday, April 20th
Broke camp at 2:00 A.M. in the morning. It proved fair to be a rainy day and such it proved to be. We had to cross Bear Creek,
Monday, April 21st
About 10:00 A.M. our teams came up and we pitched our tent in order to dry it and make it lighter to carry. Weather fine and clear. We divided the train and Regiment, each Company going with its own wagon to help them out if they get fast. We marched about 2 miles and over took a train which had started early in the morning, but got fast in the mud and as our train could not get past them we had to encamp.
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Tuesday, April 22
At daylight we were ready to start. Took a N.E. course of the mts. [over the mountains?] The weather was fine and clear and the roads much improved. We marched 14 miles and encamped about 4 o'clock. As we had nothing to eat, we went out and killed a beef by permission of General Wyman. I hope our Quartermaster will be compelled [to] issue rations.
Wednesday, April 23d
Broke camp at 8:00 A.M., continued in the same direction. About noon we came to Crane Creek, which we had to cross 6 times, and we camped upon its banks at 6:00 P.M., having marched 15 miles.
Thursday, April 24th
Reveille sounded at 4:00 A.M. and we broke camp at 6:00 A.M. Weather, cloudy in the morning, but clear in the afternoon. We had to cross and recross the creek about a dozen times. About 4:00 P.M. we came to Beaver Creek and encamped. Days March, 21 miles.
Friday, April 25th
Started at 6:00 A.M., took the regular plan of marching; that is marching ž hours and resting ź at a time. We can march farther in this, than any other way; got into camp at 2:00 P.M., having made 15 miles: Our course is toward the Mississippi River, and its rumored that we are going directly to Memphis.
Saturday, April 26th
Broke camp at 6 o'clock. Marched over a good road till 3 o'clock having made 22 miles. We had to ford a stream several times, but as the water is getting warm it is not very bad wading. Weather, fine.
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Sunday, April 27th
Broke camp at 6 o'clock. Weather very warm. We are getting tired and our march of so many days without rest is beginning to worry us some. Got into camp at 1 o'clock, having marched 18 miles. Camped in a beautiful grove of pines, nearly the first I have seen in Missouri.
Monday, April 28th
We were called up at 3:00 but without Reveille, as we wanted to pass the division ahead of us and did not want to wake them with our guns. We started as soon as we could see and passed them before they got in line.
We made a hard march, and just before night, came up with Davis' Division
Tuesday, April 29th
Broke camp at 5:00 A.M., took the lead of the whole array toward Salem, Ark.,
Wednesday, April 30th
Broke camp about 6 o'clock. About 8 o'clock we crossed the line into Arkansas and got to Salem at noon, having marched 14 miles. In the afternoon, we were mustered for payment, but I suppose the pay will not be forth coming for a good while yet.
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Thursday, May 1st
Weather, very fine and beautiful. We had a days rest and we appreciated it too. I wrote two letters, but did not get a chance to send them. At this place, Col. Wood's Cavalry
Friday, May 2nd
As soon as it was daylight, the troops began to pass by our camp. We got orders to march at 1:00 P.M. At that hour we started, and marched through some of the prettiest groves I ever saw. The ground is covered with wildflowers and it is really delightful marching through them. Marched till 5:00 P.M. and camped upon a clear cold stream of water.
We are now father south in "Dixie" than we have ever been before and I think the country improving in appearance as we go south from Missouri.
Saturday, May 3d
Reveille sounded at 2:30 A.M. started at 4. Marched till 1:00 P.M. and camped on Strawberry Creek
Sunday, May 4th
Broke camp at 4:00 A.M. At the first start we got on the wrong road and had to go back half a mile. It rained nearly all day and we got completely wet through. By the road we were obliged to take it. Made 21 miles to Batesville [Ark.], which place we reached at 2 P.M.
The town is situated on the White River and is the most beautiful town I have seen in the west. Its street's Residences are
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beautifully laid out and ornamented. I was much surprised to find so pretty a town.This river is navigable from this place to Memphis [TN], we are now 100 miles from Memphis.
The people here are all secesh and they own it and defend it too. When our Cavalry came in here there were 3,000 of the rebels camped on the other side of the river, but a few shells from our Howitzers
Monday, May 5th
We did not get up till after sunrise being very tired and sleepy. At 10:00 A.M., we got orders to move to another camping ground 1Ë miles distant. We marched there and found a fine ground and plenty of wood and water. After we got our tents pitched, we all went down to the river. Some of us went fishing, but did not ever get a bite.
Tuesday, May 6th
I went down to the river fishing again, but with no better success than the day before. We are living better than we have since we left Springfield [MO]. When we came here, we found large quantities of army stores, designed for the Rebels, but which they did not have time to remove when we came so we took it for our own use.
Wes'day, May 7th
For the first time in a long while we have a chance to send letters to Rolla [MO] to be mailed and we all spent the rest of the day in writing letters. The troops have begun to march across the river and I suppose our turn will come soon.
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Thursday, May 8th
Our company was on guard, and I was on duty during the night. We learn that 10 Regiments are ordered to report at Rolla as soon as possible and some of them across the river are coming back.
Friday, May 9th
1 [One] year ago today, we enlisted in the service of the State of Illinois for 3 mos. [years] Little did we think that we should now be in the U.S. Service for 3 yrs. [mos.] and away down in Arkansas. But we now hope and think that the Rebellion is about crushed and that we soon will be discharged.
Saturday, May 10th
Reveille sounded at 2:00 A.M. and it was Reube's
Sunday, May 11th
For the first time since I have been in service, I attended service at a church. Chaplain Ing. preached in the Methodist Church. There were no citizens out except a few ladies and as they were thorough rebels they did not appear to like the services very well. It really seems as though we had got back into a civilized country, to hear a church-bell on Sunday Morning.
Monday, May 12th
Last night, a ferry boat capsized here and 6 men of the 3d Illinois Cavalry drowned. There was one Captain, one Sergeant and
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men. Every effort has been made to recover their bodies, but with out effect. They have probably floated down the river.Tuesday, May 13th
I went up town once and laid around camp the rest of the while. Weather excessively hot.
Wednesday, May 14th
Went up town again. Had some ripe strawberries the first of this season and the earliest I ever had. Green Pease [peas] and Potatoes are large enough to eat.
Thursday, May 15th
Today there is quite a sensation in camp. Caused by the rumor that Jeff Davis has ordered his men to lay down their arms and return to their allegiance, but we hardly credit it, as it is too good to be true.
Friday, May 16th
I went down to the river once and the rest of the day, felt too lazy to do anything. Weather, still hot.
Saturday, May 17th
This morning, Isaac Keppel
Sunday, May 18th
Broke camp at 8:00 A.M. Marched down to the river, took us from until after noon to be ferried across. Marched
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southward about 6 miles and encamped. If nothing happens to prevent we will be in Little Rock [AR] in less than a week.Monday, May 19th
Reveille at 4; marched at 6:00 A.M. We had quite a rain the day before and it was quite cool and comfortable. We crossed the Saladine Creek [AR] and encamped at 2:00 P.M. having marched 19 miles. Just as we got in camp it commenced raining again and rained hard all night. I was on cook detail and had rather a hard time baking in the rain.
Tuesday, May 20th
Broke camp at 6:00 A.M. in the midst of a heavy thunder storm and it continued to rain hard all day and the roads became almost impassable. We intended to march to Searcy [AR] on the Red River but the train ahead of us got stalled and we were obliged to encamp 4 miles short of the river and 16 miles from our last camp.
On our way we passed through an old secesh camping ground where there must have been a great many of them. It is reported that they intend to oppose our way to Little Rock but we are too strong for them. Only one team besides ours came up that night and most of the boys had to sleep out in the rain with out tents or supplies, but we divided with them as far as possible.
Wednesday, May 21st
This camp has been appropriately named by the boys "Camp Stick-in-the-Mud" for that was the sole reason of our stopping here. This morning the sun came out bright and pleasant, but the roads are so bad we are unable to get away.
The enemy are down the river in some force and they and our advance have done considerable skirmishing, though without any great damage on either side, I believe. We can hear their
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cannon occasionally. This is the only way they can fight, for the Rebs are on the other side and our men are on this and we have not force enough to attempt to cross under their fire.Thursday, May 22
Last night it rained again and now the roads are utterly impassable for our heavy trains. Our teams went out foraging with a heavy guard and may perhaps have some hard work before they get back, as such are the chances the Rebels take to attack foraging parties when they have at least 10 to 1 against us.
Friday, May 23
Today, General Curtiss [Curtis] and Staff came through from Batesville [AR], and it was all the horses could do to get through. They say no train can possibly reach us, so here we are shut off by the mud from all supplies and rations to last only 2 or 3 days at most. But we will not starve as long as there are plenty of provisions in the country and that too where the people are the worst kind of Rebels. They are committing all kinds of depredations where-ever they get a chance, especially the Indians who are with them. It rained all day and bids fair to be a rainy night.
Saturday, May 24th
One year ago today, we were sworn into the U.S. service at Camp Dement, Dixon, Illinois, 1/3 of our term of enlistment has expired and we hope that the time has nearly arrived when our services will no longer be required.
I am on cook detail again today; went out and gathered some huckleberries and made some pies which seems a little like old times. Weather, fine and warm.
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Sunday, May 25th
I attended services at Headquarters; preaching by 4th Iowa Chaplain. Weather fine. No news from the River yet.
Monday, May 26 1862
Nothing new going on in or out of Camp. Some of the boys went down to the river but saw nothing of the Rebels. They have retired a short distance from the river.
Tuesday, May 27/62
This morning we got orders to clear off our streets and set our tents in regular order and it looks a tho' we were destined to stay here for some time yet. Companies C and K went out with the train foraging. They took one piece of Cannon with them. They are going across the river and into Searcy and are bound to see what the secesh are made of.
Wednesday, May 28th
At 12 o'clock last night we were called up by the Captain of Company K,
About daylight we reached the river and about 7 o'clock entered Searcy without having seen an armed rebel. The town was almost entirely deserted the inhabitants having left the night before expecting a fight there in the morning. It is a very pretty town but not quite as pretty as Batesville.
It was reported that the Rebels were encamped 2Ë miles from town and that Company K was near them. We planted a gun at each of the principle roads leading into town and as we had
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better guns than the rest, Company A and ourselves were detailed to guard them.The balance of the regiment had previously been sent for as it was feared we were not strong enough for them. The Cavalry and some of the Infantry then went out to try to get around them and drive them back to town. But they were too quick for them. They had heard of our coming and had got up and left for parts unknown. In the skirmish the day before, one secesh Captain was killed which was the only loss on either side. When our boys came back we were quite disappointed for we hoped to get at least one shot at them. However, we got a large amount of provisions and forage. We started for Camp about 4:00 P.M. and got there just at dark.
Thursday, May 29th
We all felt plenty tired and did not get up very early as there was no roll call at Reveille. One of Company G was drowned while swimming in the river.
Friday, May 30th 1862
It was our Company's turn to do guard duty and I was on duty 2 hours. The rebels returned to Searcy and our Cavalry retreated to the River. Their number was not known and our small force there did not dare to meet them.
Saturday, May 31st
Today I went up and picked 6 quarts of huckleberries. They are just beginning to get ripe, in a few days there will be plenty of them. I wrote a letter to Mass.[achusetts]
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Sunday, June 1st
Weather warm but unsettled; rain and sunshine alternating. Weather so bad there was no preaching.
Monday, June 2nd
Some of our boys were sent to the river to guard some bacon and other stores which they found buried there by the rebels, and they will be very acceptable to us now.
Tuesday, June 3d
At 12:00 noon, we got orders to move at 1:00 P.M. Many of the boys are out of camp and we had to hurry ourselves to get our own and their things ready. The orders were unexpected for we had believed we were to stay here some time.
At 1:00 we started, but instead of going on as we supposed, we turned back toward Batesville; but on a different road from that on which we came. We know nothing of the object of this movement, but so it's all the time. We never know where we are going or what for, till after we have gone. We marched 15 miles and encamped at 6:00 P.M. Weather cloudy with occasional dashes of rain.
Wednesday, June 4th
Broke camp at 7:00 A.M. and at 10:30 A.M. encamped near Fairview,
I went to cooking for the Capt. till Will Kerr
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Thursday, June 5th
At last have found out the reason of our retrograde movement.
Weather hot, no duty to do in camp except take care of ourselves the best we can.
Men could be seen struggling along in the intense heat, their tongues swollen and hanging out of their mouths. Yet guards of United States troops were sent forward every day to guard every rebel's house that we passed, and prevent foraging upon the inhabitants. The march lasted for more than three months; and it was not till the last of July that our army reached the Mississippi at Helena, and again was furnished with the necessaries of existence from the stores of the United States. [Boies]
Friday, June 6th
Today there has been another mysterious movement made. Just as Reveille sounded the order came round for us to pack and start immediately without waiting to get breakfast. We thought this time we were sure to have a fight. The whole force with us, was up and moving and the cavalry was scouting in every direction. We marched 1Ë miles and took a position N.E. of town, in a thick clump of bushes. After waiting some time we were ordered to set our tents and encamp. We have done so, but do not expect to stay here long. Today we heard of Gen. Halleck's victories on the river.
Sunday, June 8th
At Reveille we were ordered to march as soon as we could get our breakfasts, but we did not get started till 8:00 A.M.
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marching was very slow, in consequence of the trains being ahead of us, and we were till 4:00 P.M. marching 13 miles. We camped in a thick clump of bush about 7 miles from Batesville.We now believe the alarm has been caused by the Cowardly Conduct of the 3d Illinois Cavalry.
Bill Tyler
Monday, June 9th
It was reported that we were to remain here some time, so we moved up the river about 40 rods and cleared off a nice camping and parade ground. Weather, fine, but very warm.
Tuesday, June 10th
At Reveille we got orders to march at 8:00 A.M., but did not get started until later, and we were hindered so much, we did not reach the river till sundown. We crossed the river and encamped in some woods near the river.
Our old ground is occupied by Gen. Steele's
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Wednesday, June 11th
The dispatch came today that Memphis [TN] was taken and that the river was in our possession.
Thursday, June 12th
Our Company's turn to do guard duty but I did not have to go on. There are all sorts of rumors in camp of recent victories and defeats but about the most pressing rumor to us that we are to get our pay in a day or two.
Friday, June 13, 1862
Today we signed the payrolls and expect our pay tomorrow. Weather very warm in the day time, but cool at night. This is a peculiarity of this Southern country, no matter how hot the day may be. The nights are so cold, that we need two blankets over us for comfort. This is a good thing for us, for if the evenings were proportionally hot with the days, we could not stand it.
Saturday, June 14
Today we received our pay from Government. Our paymaster has sold all his change to Sutlers and it is almost impossible to get a script changed. I went up town and got some cloth for shirts which I have got to make myself. Fortunately, I am able to make them having learned to sew when a boy.
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Sunday, June 15th
There was preaching in the Iowa 9th, but the weather was so hot I did not attend. I think but few did. I spent the day in reading and writing letters.
Monday, June 16th
I began one of my shirts; worked till tired, and then went up to town. We are very short of rations again. We do not draw a single thing from Uncle Sam except Coffee and hard bread and some of the once despised bacon would be thankfully received now. But what we lack in rations is made up in drills and dress parades. I do not think we have enough exercise in camp, so I had as soon drill.
Tuesday, June 17th
Today I finished my shirt and they all say it is well made. Weather very hot, and I do not know what we shall do when we get one mile farther south as we shall probably be and that too in the scorching month of July.
Wednesday, June 18th
Our boys went out with the boys foraging and our mess got 16 lbs. of Bacon which is quite a treat for us now. Last night we had about the hardest thunder storm I ever saw. The thunder and lightning were incessant and the rain just poured down, flooding the tents thoroughly, wetting us through.
Thursday, June 19th
Everything quiet in and around camp. They have taken up the pontoon bridge and taken it to Jacksonport and I suppose we shall soon follow. Weather cooler and more comfortable.
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Friday, June 20th
Went up town to temperance meeting. Made arrangements for a union meeting between Iowa 4th and our lodge. I think it will be interesting for us both.
Saturday, June 21st
Today we learned that the rebel gun-boat (that came up to Jacksonport) had come up again and had been captured by our men. She was called the "Monrepose" and she ventured up once too much.
Sunday, June 22nd
Today, Gen. Steele's Division left here, supposed to be going to Des Arc [AR] 40 miles below Jacksonport. We follow as soon as they get out of the way.
Monday, June 23d
Nothing of much importance going on. They are loading flatboats with provisions to take down the river. It is expected the boats from St. Louis will soon be here for us. They started from there a week ago yesterday.
Tuesday, June 24th
Ordered to be ready to march early; but for some good reason I suppose, I do not know what, we did not move. Capt. Dutton is sick up town and will have to be left if we leave here, as we expect to soon.
Wednesday, June 25
Reveille sounded at 2:00 A.M., marched at 4:00. Our Division is the last to leave the place. When we had gone 4 miles, we reached Sulphur Rock. This is a large spring of sulphur water
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like that at Lebanon, New York. We got in camp at noon, having marched 16 miles. Weather warm and roads dusty.Thursday, June 26th
Reveille at 2:00 A.M.; marched at 4:00; 1 mile from Jacksonport, having marched 8 miles. As the Division ahead was not all across we had to wait over night to cross.
A good many slaves take the opportunity to leave the masters and go with the army and the planters are following us up; but do not have very good success in getting their property back.
Friday, June 27th
Broke camp at 7:00 A.M.; crossed the river on the pontoon bridge,
Saturday, June 28th
Today the 9th Illinois Cavalry
Sunday, June 29th
No preaching today, weather very hot with the prospect of a thunder storm before morning. Had an inspection of arms at 9 o'clock P.M.
Monday, June 30th
At 9:00 A.M., we were mustered for payment. The boys are at work draining the Bayou to catch the fish in it.
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Tuesday, July 1st
Last night we had quite a rain and tonight it is cool and pleasant. The boys went out, bought some potatoes and bacon so we can live again for awhile. We expect to leave soon for Augusta [AR].
Wednesday, July 2nd
Companies B & F were placed on duty as provost guard of this town. We left the Regiment and moved up to the other side of town. We are to relieve the 24th Missouri, now on duty here.
Thursday, July 3d
Weather fine and tolerably cool. We now have an excellent place to camp with plenty of good water. An article we have not had before in a long while. I was busy all day in cooking and making a shirt for one of my mess mates.
We got inside a Secesh printing office, and just cleaned the old thing out. I got type for my name, which I mean to keep as a relic of our visit here.
In the evening I attended the I.O. of G.T. [International Order of Good Templars] Lodge meeting. We held it in the Hall, lately occupied by Gen. Curtis for headquarters. Had a large attendance and good time. Several Initiations; Lodge slowly but steadily increasing. I would that every man in our Regiment was a good, true G.T.
Friday, July 4th
Everything has been extremely quiet here today. They would not even allow us to fire our guns. I do not think I ever passed so still a 4th of July as this has been. One year ago today we were in Caseyville, Illinois, 9 miles from St. Louis.
Two more Regiments came here today: the 2nd Wisconsin and 10th Illinois Cavalry.
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together and shall be able to meet all the secesh they bring against us. Ordered to march at 3:00 A.M. tomorrow.Saturday, July 5th
Reveille at 1:00; broke camp at 3:00 A.M. Marched out of town a short distance and halted for the Regiment to come up, which they soon did; marched till 4:00 P.M. We got off our road and marched 4 or 5 miles more than there was any need of. Marched 22 miles making us 17 miles from Jacksonport. The day was very hot and the roads dusty and worse than all, there was scarcely any water to be had on the way, and we suffered a great deal from want of it.
The rebels have burned all the cotton along the road, to prevent its falling into our hands and our men retaliate by burning all the Cotton-gins and presses at some of the leading secessionist's houses. Captain Wordsworth
Sunday, July 6th
Reveille at 1:00, marched at 3:00 A.M. The day was if possible still hotter than the day before, and no water to be had along the road except in drained wells. No 1/4 of us
Reached Augusta at 2:00 P.M., having marched 18 miles. Not more than 100 men went in with Col., the rest being tired and laid down outside for rest. I fell out when within a mile of town and rested an hour. This is a regular rebel town and the boys threaten to burn it and have been beginning [at or it], by burning the largest store in town.
Monday, July 7th
Remained encamped here. I did not do much but cook and look around a little. Our Company was on provost guard in town.
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All the Divisions except ours have left here, and we follow in the morning. Our advance is skirmishing with enemy, and it is thought we have quite a fight in a day or two.
Tuesday, July 8th
Reveille at 1:00; broke camp at 2:30 A.M.; marched until 8:00 A.M. when we came to a splendid plantation, with two good wells of water and a nice shade. Rested here an hour, greatly to the annoyance of the secesh ladies who reside here. Marched from there at 9:00 and at 11:00 we halted; unloaded the wagons and cooked dinner as we expected to be up all night.
Our advance are skirmishing with the rebels and we are wanted as soon as we can get there. They had quite a fight this morning, killing 15 of our men and 150 of the rebels. At 5:30 P.M., we crossed the Cache River;
Wednesday, July 9th
Broke camp at 4:30 A.M. As we were in the rear we were hindered much and could not march more than half the time. At 11:00 A.M. we stopped and got dinner, expecting to move on in the P.M., but the orders came for us to encamp, which we did having marched 10 miles.
One of the Company "I" boys got his hand shot and had to have it cut off nearly to the elbow, poor fellow, his soldiering is over. No news from the advance today.
Thursday, July 10th
Reveille at 1:00; marched at 2:30 A.M. took another road leaving Des Arc to our right, marched 4 miles, then got on the
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wrong road and had to go back a mile; got right again about daylight.When the sun came up it was very hot and dusty and no water to be had and we had to go through on a forced march. At one time we marched 10 miles without halting for rest and in less than 3 hours. Not more than half the Regiment could stand it and they fell out all along the road. After we started from there, they did not try to keep in ranks at all, but every man marched to suit him self and rested just when he pleased. The Regiment was strung out as much as 5 miles long, but I got in camp as soon as any of them, which was about 4:00 P.M. Some of the boys did not get in till 9:00 or 10:00. Days march 25 miles.
I had to go 1Ë mile for water to cook with and got some poor muddy stuff at that. We are 6 miles N. of White River.
Friday, July 11th
Reveille at 3:00; marched at 4:30 A.M. Companies C, D, E, & F were detailed as the rear guard of the Division. Where the head of the division had marched 3 miles, they were formed in line of battle, as the rebels were said to be crossing the river ahead of us, and it was thought they intended to give us a chance for a fight. The train was corralled and we were ordered up on a double quick.
We soon came up and the batteries took position and we were ready to receive them. We waited all the forenoon for them, but not nary a one did we see. They had left their so-called strong fortification and skedaddled up White River. They are supposed to be 8000 strong and they dare not meet our division alone.
Our gunboats which were up at Clarendon [AR]
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Saturday, July 12th
Reveille sounded at 12:00 and at 1:30 A.M. We were on the road. Marched 5 miles toward Clarendon and took the road directly E[ast] toward the Mississippi. We marched till noon without finding a drop of water along the road and we could stand it no longer, so the Regiment halted and broke off on each side to hunt for water. Got our Canteens filled about a mile from the road; rested 3 hours; then started and did not rest again till we reached camp, which we did at 6:00 P.M. having marched 32 miles.
This is the longest march any man in this Department has done and I doubt if any harder has been done during the war. Last fall we marched 34 miles, but the weather was cool and there was plenty of water along the road. This was nothing to be compared to our march today. I hope I shall never have such a days marching to do. We camped at a Bayou where the water was plenty but very poor.
Sunday, July 13th
Broke camp at 5:30 A.M. As we had but a short way to go we took it quite easy and were until noon marching 10 miles. Encamped near Cypress Creek. Weather very hot and sultry.
Monday, July 14th
Reveille at midnight marched at 2:00 A.M. Made a good march before daylight. About 10:00 A.M. we came up with Steele's Division and were hindered a good while. About 4:00 P.M. we reached Helena [AR], on the Mississippi River, opposite the State of Mississippi, and 90 miles from Memphis. Days march 22 miles. Encamped near the ?LERREE River,
It really seems that we had got back to Civilization again, to see the river and the steam boats passing up and down. It is a beautiful place. It is thought we shall soon go to Vicksburg to help take the place.
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Tuesday, July 15th
As there is mail going out, I wrote two short letters to my brothers and sisters, to let them know that I was yet alive and well. This is the first chance we have had to send letters in 2 months.
Just at dark, our Company was ordered down town to do guard duty on and around the boats which have come in loaded with army stores for us. They are the same ones that went up the White River for us. There are eleven of them and there is no danger that we shall want for rations again very soon. A mail came in for us. I got a letter from Wm. and Hattie. We were on duty on board the boats. During the night the "Golden Era" left for Memphis.
Wednesday, July 16th
We continued our duty on board the boats. Early in the morning the Acacia came down from Memphis. I got my breakfast on board of her in the P.M. The hospital boat, D.A. January, came down for our sick and wounded.
At 6:00 P.M. we were relieved from duty and started for camp just as it commenced raining and we got wet through and when we got to camp we found our tents flooded and the rain just pouring in, but as we were pretty tired and hot not rested the night before we camped down and, I for one, wet as I was, slept well till morning.
Thursday, July 17
This morning the sun came out clear and the air was much cooler from the effect of last nights rain. Spent a good share of the day in writing.
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Volume III: July, 1862 — January, 1863.
Friday, July 18th
Today, we are necessarily very still & quiet, for the mud is so deep in and about camp that we cannot stir much without going in over shoe. Weather cool and quite comfortable.
Saturday, July 19th
Today I have been quite busy coloring my shirts. White shirts show dirt too easy for a soldier to wear. We have now drawn plenty of rations and begin to live some as we used to in Rolla, which seems very good to us; but would be considered very poor living by our friends at home.
Sunday, July 20th
At 7:00 A.M. we broke camp and moved down very near town. Got a first rate camp-ground on the sandy side of a hill where it is impossible for it to get muddy. We here have good spring water and are in every respect very comfortably situated. Got our mail today. Letters from Bro. E. & Sister Rachael — all well.
Monday, July 21st
Went down to the I.O of G.T. meeting at M.E. [Methodist-Episcopal] Church. Had a full degree meeting. Very pleasant time. Weather very hot. the crippled gunboat "Tyler" came up from Bayzoo River where she met with hard usage from rebel ram, "Arkansas."
Tuesday, July 22nd
Last night, some of the boys found where an old rebel had stored 50,000 lbs. of sugar, a lot of lard, and about $1,000 worth of champagne and they went there and took all the liquor and lard and
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as much sugar as they wanted. We took 150 lbs. of sugar for our mess, so we will not be short of it for a while.Wednesday, July 23
Weather fine during the day, in the night had a severe thunder storm with high wind. We did not get much wet, but our arbor
Thursday, July 24th
Today commenced drawing our new uniform. Drew our hats which are very good ones, and also drew shoes and socks and expect the rest in a few days. Adams
Friday, July 25th
Today, Gen. Hovey
We reached the river accompanied by an immense train of negroes, the slaves of the rebels, who followed the army loaded with such provisions and property as they could secure — a most ludicrous procession.
After some desultory service about Helena, the regiment was attached to General Steele's division of Sherman's army, then assembling for the movement upon Vicksburg. [Boies]
Saturday, July 26th
Today, Gen. Steele's Division started down the river, Destination unknown. More troops came down from Memphis. Drew new uniform pants.
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Sunday, July 27th
Today I finished my month's cooking but by the wish of the mess, I am to cook another month, no desirable job in hot weather.
Monday, July 28th
Today, the gunboat "Carondolet" came up from below. She, too, is crippled from the shots of the rebel "Arkansas" shots. This is the first iron-clad
Tuesday, July 29th
Today has been a rainy, muddy day and we are content to do as little as possible and were it not for cooking I should have done still less than I did.
Wednesday, July 30th
Today the paymaster paid the Iowa 4th and moved up to our Regiment. Our pay rolls were sent us, marked $26, when more was due us for clothing not drawn. Gen. J.B.
Thursday, July 31st
Drew our pay from U.S., got full amount. I drew for clothing and got $41.77. This with about $60, makes $100.75 of which I am going to lay up for a rainy day.
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Friday, August 1st
I went down to town to take a look at the fleet. The gunboats, "Burton," "St. Louis" "Curcumati"
Saturday, August 2nd
As my partner in cooking was sick, I had to do all the work alone, and this kept me so busy I had time to do nothing else. The thermometer stands at 126[degrees] in the shade. Wonder what the Northerners would say to that kind of weather up there.
Sunday, August 3rd
Went down to see the "Nebraska" come in. Expected Jule [Julius] Thompson, but he did not come.
Monday, August 4th
I sent $75 home by the paymaster. Capt. Dutton is quite sick and started for home with "Neb."
Tuesday, August 5th
Last night, I found an old friend and school and classmate whom I had not seen before for 6 years. He attended school with me at Hinsdale Academy in Massachusetts. He moved to Ohio and I to Illinois and I had not seen him since. He belongs to the 2nd Ohio Battery and has been near me a year but we have never met.
He was one of my particular friends at school and the meeting so far from home and friends was very pleasant for us both.
At 11:00 A.M. I was relieved from duty and went to camp and to sleep, as I had not slept much the night before.
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Wednesday, August 6th
Went down and spent the P.M. with my friend. He is in the Ordnance Dept. at present. The 3r and 12th Missouri are ordered out on some expedition. They do not know, what, but they drew an extra amount of Ammunition, so it seems there is a prospect of fight. Gen. Hovey has gone to White River with his division and will probably go on to Little Rock, [AR].
Burbanks
Thursday, August 7th
Weather still very hot. They have by the Drs. orders begun to issue regular rations of whiskey and quinine to the mess as a prevention of ague
Friday, August 8th
Had a drill before breakfast; another at 5:00 P.M., and Dress Parade at sunset. This comes hard on us this hot weather, but continual exercise in the manual of arms is necessary to keep our hand in and not let other Regiments get the start of us.
Saturday, Aug. 9th
Drill and Dress Parade the same as Yesterday. Ordered to have a general inspection at 4:00 A.M. tomorrow and be ready to march at a moments notice. But I doubt if we are going, for when we really are we never have more than two hours notice.
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Sunday, Aug. 10th
Drill at 5:00; Inspection at 7:00 A.M. and Drill at 5:00, Dress Parade at 7:00 P.M. No sign of our leaving very soon, on the contrary, Company D went on a scout taking 5 days rations with them. They have gone over into Mississippi hunting for and guarding cotton.
Monday, Aug. 11th
Got mail. Received a letter from Malta, folks all well. Busy all day copying a journal of 15 this ranks for me of Company E.
Tuesday, Aug. 12th
Continued at work all day on journal. Started a letter to Bro. Enoch in the evening, but did not have time to finish it. Between cooking, writing, and drilling and parading, I am kept pretty busy.
Wednesday, Aug. 13th
Had a grand review and inspection of our Brigade by Gen. Carr. We have a new Regiment added to our Brigade, the 5-6th
Thursday, Aug. 14th
An order has been issued to employ 5 contrabands in each Company as cooks. So we sent down town and got a negro to cook for us as we thought that it was better than work in the hot summer, bringing wood and carrying water, but that one was so lazy that we shipped him in a hurry.
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Friday, Aug. 15th
Today our Regimental colors came on from Illinois. Gen. Wyman has sent a requisition for them several times and they have just got along. It is a very nice stand of colors and our Regiment will now make a better appearance than ever. We got another cook today and his is a good one too. As I am now relieved from that duty, I have more time for writing.
Saturday, Aug. 16
I was busy nearly all day in making another copy of the journal. A great change in the weather. This morning it was cool enough to make the weather quite comfortable, but I am afraid such weather will not last long, and in a few days it will be hotter than ever before if such a thing is possible.
Sunday, Aug. 17th
Inspection at 9 o'clock. Service downtown in Episcopal [Church] at 10:30 A.M. Weather warmer than yesterday.
Monday, Aug. 18th
Formed in line on parade ground at 7:00 A.M. for the first time displayed our new colors. Marched down to the general review ground and the Brigade was reviewed by Gen. Carr and was seen by Gen. Curtis. Got back to camp at 10:00 A.M. and a muster in the afternoon and dress parade in the evening.
Tuesday, Aug. 19/62
I felt quite unwell and reported to the Surgeon who gave me opium and quinine to take which made me as drunk as tho' I had been drinking whiskey. Our negro cook has got sick and left and we to do without much to eat for I am not well enought to cook.
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Wed'ns, Aug. 20/62
Felt no better this morning reported to Surgeon again. He gave me blue mash camphor and opium to take, excused from all duty.
Thursday, Aug. 21st/62
Felt a little better but still under the Dr. care. I am taking so much opium and morphine that I want to sleep nearly all the time.
Friday, Aug. 22/62
Today the "Tyler" came down the River — she brought 8, 32 and 64 pound cannon for the fort which has been commenced here. The work is being done by negroes. Felt much better today.
Sat. Aug. 23rd/62
Last night the "Ac' acid"
Sunday, Aug. 24th/62
I attended service in Episcopal Church in town, there is fine organ in church, the first one I have heard since I left Illinois. Weather very warm and sultry.
Monday, Aug. 25th/62
All the troops here went out for target practice. One not knowing what was going on might well have supposed that we were having a fight. The continual thunder from the gunboats and land batteries and the cracking of rifles and muskets and cavalry carbine and revolvers, gives one a pretty good idea of how a battle
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sounds. We fired at a 12 inch target at a distance of 30 rodsTuesday, Aug. 26
Today some of the fleet came up, having been down to Yazoo River.
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Everything dull about camp. Weather scorching making ice water and lemonade in good demand.
Thursday, Aug. 28th
Companys E. & G. were sent out on a foraging expedition up the St. Francis River,
Friday, Aug. 29th
Weather very hot, commenced drilling Bayonet exercise and skirmishing for our general drill. It is a very pretty drill, but very hard to learn and difficult to practice, and just makes us sweat this hot weather.
Saturday, Aug. 30th
Our foraging party returned, bringing a lot of cotton and corn. They visited Gen. Pillow's
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and other property. They saw a few small squads of secesh who skedaddled as soon as they saw the boys.Sunday, Aug. 31st
Mustered for payment at 9:00 A.M. Showery in aft[ernoon] and eve[ning]. Reube and I took his and Mose Wyleys
Monday, Sept. 1st
Went out in the country a short distance foraging but did not get anything. We had had quite a novelty today in ration-drawing. Drew tea and sour-kraut, the first we ever drew of either. We have plenty of potatoes by paying $4 a barrel for them Corporal Deiley
Tuesday, Sept. 2nd
As soon as Reveille beat, I took Reube's horse and went out in the country for milk which I succeeded in getting at the moderate price of 20 cents per qt. Our company was on guard, but I was not as I was the last Corporal on duty.
Wednesday, Sept. 3d
Very busy all day doing nothing.
Thursday, Sept. 4th
Attended the Lyceum
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Friday, Sept. 5th
Went down town and bought a gold pen for which I paid $4.00. Got a script
Saturday, Sept. 6th
Busy all day in writing. In the evening W.B. Wing
Sunday, Sept. 7th
As I had not slept much the night before, I slept nearly the whole forenoon. Our comrade was buried with soldier's honors.
Monday, September 8th
One of the Company B
The flags on the fleet are at half mast and minute guns have been fired in honor of the late Generals Kearney and Stevens.
Tuesday, Sept. 9th
Nothing new in camp and no news from Virginia. In the evening, Companys A & F were ordered to be ready to go up to St. Francis on a scout. Two Companies of the Iowa 4th and 2 pieces of
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Artillery and some cavalry are going with us and we expect fighting to do up there.Wednesday, Sept. 10th
Up at 3:00 A.M., got breakfast by starlight. At 5:00 A.M our train was loaded and off out at 7:00 we marched down to the wharf where the steamer "Hamilton Belle" lay awaiting us; went on board and soon started. A ride of 12 miles up the Mississippi brought us to the mouth of the St. Francis where we turned and went 7 miles where we landed and encamped.
We were allowed to roam and forage at pleasure only limited by our own sense of prudence as there are Guerillas up here. The result of our first days foraging was such a supper: nice fat mutton; sweet potatoes; chickens and Uncle Sam's hard bread and a dessert of peaches, pears, melons, honey, etc. The like of which we had not seen for many a day. There are no Union men in this section of the country.
Thursday, Sept. 11th
Early in the morning we broke camp and prepared to pay a visit to Gen. Pillow's plantation. After a 3 mile march the roads became so bad that our trains couldn't get along and we had to turn back and encamped about noon. Loaded our trains with corn and they are to return to camp in the morning, while we are going up the river as far as the steamer can run to see what we can find up there.
Friday, Sept. 12th
All forenoon was spent in ferrying the teams across the river, during the time we scouted around the country as far as we could. At 1:00 P.M., we started up the river and at 4:00 P.M. had made 16 miles when the boat ran on a sand-bar, and to get her off we had to go ashore and marched 2 miles up the river when she
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struck another sand-bar and we had to encamp, which we did on the deck of the boat.Saturday, Sept. 13th
As we had to remain here all day, we had plenty of time to forage. A squad of us started out with instructions to, "Take nothing which you cannot carry," which was equivalent to take anything we wanted.
We visited a rebel plantation where there was said to be concealed arms. We searched the house and found 1 rifle, 1 shot gun, 1 bowie knife and a pistol, these of course were taken. There was also found some property belonging to Officers who were lost on the steamer "Acacia" which was lost nearly opposite this place. A party of our boys saw some Guerrillas and fired on them and they skedaddled without returning our fire. In the evening, we were drawn up in the line of battle expecting an attack, but the alarm was false and the night passed quietly.
Sunday, Sept. 14th
Bright and early we were up and getting ready to start down the river. We walked below the sand bar and then got on board the steamer and sailed down. When half way down we met the "A.R. Williams" coming up to see what had become of us. Nothing worth notice occurred on the return trip and we arrived at Helena [AR] at 4:00 P.M. in a thunder storm. Found everything quiet and no news.
Monday, Sept. 15th
Spent all day cooking, as we had nothing cooked when we got home. Weather cool.
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Tuesday, Sept. 16th
For the first time in a good while we have had a rainy day, so we were obliged to stay in our tents nearly all the time. No News of importance.
Wednesday, Sept. 17th
Rainy forenoon, but pleasant in afternoon so that we had Dress-parade in the eve. Weather cool. I wrote a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Evans. 8000 prisoners were brought down the river today to be exchanged for an equal no. [number] of our men now prisoners.
Sept. 18th, 19th & 20th
Remained in camp. Busy most of the time in cooking and writing. Heard rumors of McClellan's great victory in Maryland.
Sunday, 21st
Attended service in the Episcopal Church down town. Heard that McClellan had taken 15,000 rebs. Good news.
Monday, Sept. 22nd
This morning while on Battalion Drill an orderly came with a dispatch to the Col. that Gen. McClellan had taken 20,000 and killed as many rebels, and had routed the whole rebel army in Maryland. The news was received with three cheers and a tiger
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Tuesday, Sept. 23
As it was a rainy morning we were excused from Battalion Drill; rained all day and we kept pretty close to our tents.
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Weather quite clear and very cool. Adams, Olney
Thursday, Sept. 25th
We drew white flannel shirts, but as we do not like white shirts, Babcock
Friday, Sept. 26th
Today I am 23 years old. This is the second birthday I have passed in the service and I am afraid I shall pass yet another in the service. Everything is bustle and confusion as we are ordered to get ready to march nobody know where. Our Company was detailed to unload boats, but I did not have to go. Worked nearly all day in coloring shirts. Some think we are going [to] Batesville[AR] and some to Little Rock; but I hope it is to neither place.
Saturday, Sept. 27th
Our trains are all loaded and we have drawn every thing we need and are ready for a march. Today, finished my third month's cooking and I am tired enough to quit. Worked coloring shirts for the last 3 days and have colored at least 95 and hope we are about
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through with it, but many more want theirs colored and if we stay here we shall do it.Sunday, Sept. 28
Spent most of the day in writing. The day was misty and lowering. Our marching orders have been countermanded and there is now as fair a prospect of our remaining here another month as ever and we are glad of it, for none of us liked the idea of marching westward again.
Monday, Sept. 29th
Had 20 more shirts to color which with cooking, Battalion Drill and Dress Parade occupied most of my time. The hospital-boats "D.A. January" & "H. Choteau" took our sick up the river. Our Company sent 5, two of them my mess-mates, and the Regiment sent 70.
Tuesday, Sept. 30th
Colored about 20 shirts. Charlie commenced helping me cook. In the eve., Ally M. Cash
Wednesday, October 1st
Today, the paymaster came down from St. Louis; we shall soon be paid off and the boys never needed money more that at present.
Thursday, Oct. 2nd
It has been a rainy day and we have done little more than we were obliged to. I went down town through the mud and got some bread and that was pretty near all we had to eat through the day.
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Friday, October 3d
Busy all day in cooking and copying a journal. Learned that Generals Steele's and Hovey's Divisions, the 1st & 4th go to Ironton and Gen.'s Wyman & Osterhaus, the 2nd & 3d will remain here until further notice.
Saturday, Oct. 4th
This morning our Company reported 23 men sick and the other Company's in proportion. There was never so much sickness in our Regiment as now. Quite pleasant in forenoon, but steady rain in P.M. Maj. Partridge came back today having been to Illinois on leave of absence.
Sunday, Oct. 5th
Our Company with D, E & G were on chain picket. I was detailed, but when I got out, it was found that only 3 Corporals were needed so I returned to camp. The 1st & 4th Divisions commenced moving up the river. The Iowa 4th was sent out to look after a party of rebels said to be lurking near here.
Monday, Oct. 6th
In the forenoon the paymaster came to our Regiment and in the P.M., we signed the payrolls and were paid off. I received $26. Guarded camp at night.
Tuesday, Oct. 7th
The boys are all busy settling their debts as they always do when they received their pay. I paid all mine, but a good many owe me yet.
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Wednesday, Oct. 8th
Went down town and staid all the forenoon. Sent word to the paymaster about the money I sent home by him last payday and which I have not heard from since and am afraid I've lost it entirely.
Thursday, Oct. 9th
A very rainy and cold day. One year ago today we started for Springfield [MO] from Rolla [MO], and it was just such a day as this has been: cold, windy & rainy. But we can keep more comfortable now than we could then, marching in the rain and sleeping on the cold, damp ground. We now begin to need our overcoats and blankets very much, which we left in Springfield, Missouri. Gen. Wyman has sent for them and we shall have them soon.
Friday, Oct. 10th
Charlie and I worked nearly all day cooking and coloring shirts. Weather, cold enough to be very uncomfortable for us, although, if we had been up at the North all Summer we should think nothing of such weather, as there has been no frost here yet.
Saturday, Oct. 11th
We tore our house down and connected it with Charley's, Burkey's and Steffords,
Sunday, Oct. 12th
Had so much to do, that I could not attend church. Helped Lieut. Buck
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Monday, Oct. 13th
Early this morning, we with Companys A, B, C, D & E were ready to start; marched down to the wharf and were ferried across the river on "Hamilton Belle" and for the first time in my life I set foot in Mississippi. We were to go on picket guard but I did not have to go on till night. 20 of us went out on a scout, but finding nothing contraband we returned. I was on duty 4 hrs. in the night.
Tuesday, Oct. 14
This morning we learned that we were within 1 mile of a camp of 150 Guerrillas, and we had some thoughts of going to the very plantation when they were there. Had we known we should have certainly have paid them a visit and tried our rifled muskets on them, but it is now too late, for they left last night.
At 9:00 A.M., we were relieved by the Indiana boys and returned to camp at 10:00 A.M.
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Went down town and had two pictures taken for Lieut's Smith
Thursday, Oct. 16th
Spent all day in town. Worked some in Tinshop
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Friday, Oct. 17th
Worked some fixing our shanty. In the evening went down town to a concert by Smith's Minstrels
Saturday, Oct. 18th
This morning we had some trouble in the mess about cooking, and the result was the division of the mess, 6 of us seceding from the rest and leaving them to get along as best they could. We took half the furniture and fixed our house up, building a chimney and fireplace and making a table, benches, etc., and before night were keeping house as comfortable as any one could wish. A small mess is much more pleasant than a large one, and now I think there will be no grumbling or fault finding, if there is, it will not affect our side of the house.
Sunday, Oct. 19th
We were called up before day light to get ready to go over into Mississippi on picket guard again. We crossed the river about 8 o'clock. We found lying upon the bank the dead body of one of the pickets
Monday, Oct. 20th
This morning at 8 o'clock we were relieved by the 11th Indiana boys and got back at 10:00 A.M. Hardly had we got home before the pickets, who had relieved us, were fired upon and driven into the reserve, where they made a stand and routed the rebels and a cavalry force crossed just in time to follow and capture 2 of them. None were killed on either side. Thus again, have we been very
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near the enemy and have never seen any force of them. Not a man of our Regiment has ever been killed by a Rebel ball.Tuesday, Oct. 21st
Last night, the "Gladiator" bound for Memphis was signaled to come ashore for passengers and freight. No sooner had she touched the shore than she was boarded by Guerillas, who fired upon the passengers, killing and wounding several. A soldier backed the boat out into the stream (the engineer being killed) and several of the rebels who could not get ashore were captured and taken prisoners to Memphis. 20 of the passengers are killed & ___ [not given] missing.
Wednesday, Oct. 22nd
Today we colored 30 shirts, which, with the cooking, kept me pretty busy. One of our forage trains was captured with about 90 men of the 5th Illinois Cavalry. The rebs are plenty a short distance west from here and I believe if it were not for our gunboats, they would attack us here. Indeed, they say we dare not come out from the cover of our gunboats and fight them.
Thursday, Oct. 23
Felt rather unwell but kept at work cooking and coloring. Our Company was on Brigade chain guard. Weather cool but not uncomfortable.
Friday, Oct. 24
Our Company was on duty in town unloading boats. Received a letter from Champaign, Illinois. Loaned Burleigh $5.00 for Gould,
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Saturday, October 25th
Left camp at 7:00 A.M. Went over into Mississippi on picket guard. The weather was cloudy and cold, and about noon we had quite a flurry of snow. A thing which was never before known so early in the season and a thing which I never saw before, a snow storm before there had been a particle of frost, which there had not been but last eve it froze standing water ź an inch thick on top. As we were thinly dressed we suffered much from the cold on picket. We took 3 prisoners whom we sent over the river for safe keeping.
Sunday, October 26th
Relieved at 9 o'clock returned to camp at 11:00. Weather pleasant but cold. A little snow fell on the North side of the shanty and tents. Boys busy at work building fire places to keep Jack Frost out of their houses.
Monday, Oct. 27th
As I have been cooking nearly all the time for 4 months, I am tired of it and accidentally resigned and Adams will take my place. Went down and had a picture taken to send to Belvidere, Illinois.
Tuesday, Oct. 28th
Spent the day in writing & copying my journal. The 24 Iowa came in last night and 10 more Iowa Regiments are expected soon.
Wednesday, Oct. 29th
We were on duty on Brigade Chain guard. I was on duty 8 hours. A rebel boat came up from Little Rock to exchange prisoners. She neglected to fire a signal gun, but run up with the rebel flag flying and snubbed against our wharf-boat for which piece of imprudence she will be detained and confiscated and sent North.
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The boys gathered around the boat and said they would shoot their mast down unless they lowered the rebel flag, which they soon did, leaving a white one in its place. Several of their men deserted and say they will never go in Rebel service again.Thursday, Oct. 30th
The fort here is completed and today fired a salute of 13 guns, replied to by the gun-boats and land batteries. The promotion of our Officers were announced to the Company; 1st Lieut. Smith becoming Capt, and 2nd Lieut Buck, 1st Lieut., (and non-commissioned) 1st Seargt. Loring,
Friday, Oct. 31st
At 10:00 A.M. we were mustered for payment. 6 Companies were on picket over the river. I went downtown and bought a bbl. [barrel] of sweet potatoes, for which I paid $4.25. Sent a letter to Bro. E.B.
Saturday, Nov. 1st
Our Company on Brigade Chain guard, but I did not have to go on. Weather beautiful. Spent the day in reading and writing.
Sunday, Nov. 2nd
Attended church in town. Preaching by Dr. Wood of Chicago, also attended in eve., preaching by Dr. Emery of Quincy, Illinois.
Monday, Nov. 3d
Spent A.M. in town and P.M. in camp, doing nothing. Every thing dull around here and no news from abroad.
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Tuesday & Wednesday, Nov. 4th & 5th
Weather cool, but pleasant. No duty to do in camp, wood details.
Thursday, Nov. 6th
On picket guard over the river. Weather cold and disagreeable. The 29th Regiment [Wisconsin] came down today and encamped on the Mississippi side, so we shall not have to go over there on picket any more. They are new troops and appear rather green.
Friday, Nov. 7th
At 7:00 A.M. we were relieved by the 29th Wisconsin and returned to camp. The 30th Iowa came in today. The blankets which we left in Springfield came in good order today; but they will not let us have our gray overcoats, but we are to have blue ones instead.
Saturday, Nov. 8th
Eastman
Sunday, Nov. 9th
Attended church in town. Preaching by Chaplain of 11th Indiana Infantry. He is decidedly the smartest minister I have heard, since in the service.
Monday, Nov. 10th
Called by reveille before daylight. Prepared 2 days rations and at 7:00 A.M. we were ready to start on scouting and foraging expedition. There were 6 Companies of Infantry, 3 of Cavalry, and a section of Artillery. The Infantry took the Boat "A.J. Williams"
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and steamed up the river. The Cavalry and Artillery went with a train of 160 wagons.At 9:00 A.M., we reached the mouth of the St. Francis River [AR], went up it about 3 miles, when we came in sight of the train. They had seen two 25 Guerrillas, till reinforced by the Infantry, they dare not attack them, but the rebels had run as soon as they saw our advance.
We landed and I was detailed to take out a picket guard. I took two men and went out to where the Car [?] picket of 8 men was standing and they returned to their Company and the train moved on to the ferry and then we brought up the rear. We crossed the river and encamped. In the evening, cooked our supper of fresh port, etc., and made our beds in the sand & went to sleep.
Tuesday, Nov. 11th
Got up early and went to work picking corn. Work hard all day and picked more corn than I have since I left Illinois. In the evening, we went over the river and slept in the woods. It was a rainy night, but we kept pretty comfortable by building large fires.
Wednesday, Nov. 12th
It took all the A.M. to ferry the train across the river. We stood by the fire drying our clothes and blankets. About noon we were ready to start for home. A detail of 1 Company and 25 [men] was called for to return with the train. I drew lots with Corporal Kerr,
Thursday, Nov. 13th
Be rather tired and having no duty to do, I did nothing but go down town and then write up this journal from the 9th [Nov.].
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Friday, Nov. 14th
Nothing going on in camp until 5:00 P.M. when we had a Dress Parade. Ordered to prepare 3 days rations and be prepared to start on an expedition down the river.
Saturday, Nov. 15th
Early in the morning we were up and getting ready for a start. At 4:00 P.M., we formed in order on the parade ground. Marched down town and got on board of the magnificent steamer, "Imperial," one of the largest, fastest and finest on the river. The boats to compose the fleet are partly loaded with Quartermaster's supplies and our men had detail all night to unload our boat. We have on board the 13th Illinois, the 4th Iowa, the 1st Iowa, and one Battalion of the 3d Iowa Cavalry.
Sunday, Nov. 16th
At 10:00 A.M. our fleet formed in line on the river and we were ready for a start. Not until now was I aware of the size and strength of the Expedition. First in line comes the "Hiawatha," "Nebraska," "Ohio Belle," "Tecumsah," "City Belle (the flagship)
We steamed slowly down and at dark had got 45 miles commenced raining, and as we occupied the Hurricane deck
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Monday, Nov. 17th
Before daylight I was awakened by the men weighing anchor and in a few minutes we were under weigh. At 7:00 A.M., the "Carondolet" got on a sand bar and we had to round to, until she got off, which was at 11:00 A.M. About 5:00 P.M., we reached the mouth of the White River[AR] and ran in for the shore and tied up till morning. As the decks were still wet and cold many of the boys went into the hold but I made my nest in a box of sawdust, 4 ft. square.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
About 12:00, Midnight, our boat started back up the stream. Ran up 7 miles and landed the cavalry we had on board. Ran part of the way back and found the rest of the fleet up, so we followed suit and tied up too.
We were here transferred to the Decatur a boat of much lighter draft than the Imperial. The 29th Wisconsin and 30th Iowa were already on board and when we got on we were so crowded we could hardly find standing room, much less room to sit or lie down. In a short time we started down the river and at 2:30 P.M. we entered the mouth of the White River and ran up it, 3 miles and came upon a bar and we all disembarked and tried to run the empty boat over the falls but to no purpose.
We are now within 15 miles of a fortification, which was the purpose of this expedition to take, where it is said the Rebels have 15 guns and from 15 to 25,000 men, but we cannot get at them now, nor till the river is much higher than now. It being a rainy night, we took refuge in the hold and slept on the muddy floor below the river.
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Wednesday, Nov. 19th
Got up at daylight; went on shore, cooked our breakfast, and then started for the Mississippi, again on foot. The Decatur got there before us and we went on board and got our knapsacks and things which we had left and crossed the river to where the Imperial was lying. We went on board and felt like giving 3 cheers when we got where we could clean up and sit down once more. The whole fleet moved up the river a short distance and tied up where they lay the rest of the day and night.
Thursday, Nov. 20th
The fleet lay here all day and the boys had plenty of chances to go out foraging and have brought in lots of meat, chickens, etc. Just at dark we moved up the river a mile and tied to the Mississippi side. The "Gladiator" has gone to Helena and it is expected back tomorrow with orders for us.
Friday, Nov. 21st
About 9:00 A.M. we started up the river to meet the Gladiator. Met the gunboats Lexington & Tyler going down. At 11:00 A.M. the Gladiator brought orders to return to Helena as soon as possible. With these orders we put on steam and just ran away from the rest of the fleet and arrived at Helena at 5:00 P.M., five hours in advance of the rest of the fleet. We have made a round trip of over 200 miles and it has amounted to — just nothing. All the enemy we saw was a party of 20 rebels who ran as soon as they saw us. Found everything as we left it at H — [Helena] except arrival of 2 new Regiments 27 & 28 Iowa.
Saturday, Nov. 22
As we had no duty to do in camp and being too tired to ramble around much, we kept pretty quiet all day. I went down town in the evening & went to Smith's Minstrels.
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Sunday, Nov. 23d
Attended church, preaching by Chaplain of 47th Indiana Infantry.
Monday, Nov. 24th
Went down town with Capt. Smith. Had Company drill at 9:30 A.M. Dress Parade at 5:00 P.M. Spent most of the day in writing.
Tuesday, Nov. 25th
Wrote to my niece Anna Stewart. Sent journal to Bro. Wm. Drill from 8:30 to 10:30 A.M.
Wednesday, Nov. 26th
Busy all day getting ready to leave in the morning. I was placed on guard but was relieved at night by Company E as they aren't going with us.
Thursday, Nov. 27th
At 5:00 A.M. left camp; went down town and embarked on the Nebraska, but did not leave until noon. The fleet was the same as that first expedition ran down the river and the whole force, about 10,000 men, landed. We here learned that our course was into central Mississippi, some where, but for what purpose we don't know. We have an immense amount of commissary stores with us, and may possibly see [Gen.] Grant's army before we return. Made up our beds on bank of the River and rested till next morning.
Friday, Nov. 28th
At daylight, we were ready to march. We formed the rear of the 1st Division. Marched until noon, when we halted for Dinner, rested about an hour, and then marched until dark, making 22 miles. As it has been so long since we have done any marching it
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was rather tough on us, and we were very lame and sore, but not so bad as the conscripts as we call those who enlisted for a big bounty.Saturday, Nov. 29th
Woke in the morning very much rested, but still and sore from yesterday's march. Started at sunrise and marched steadily until noon, when we stopped and cooked our dinner. Rested 1Ë hours and marched till 5:00 P.M. and reached camp at the mouth of the Cold-Water River [MS] having made 8 miles.
Our advance found a party of rebels sitting on the bank of the river, threw a shell and killed three of them and the rest skedaddled in double quick time. Some of ours who were lame and fell behind were attacked by the Guerillas and were taken, and according to some accounts were killed, others say they were dressed butternut clothes
Sunday, Nov. 30th
Moved up Ë mile to the ferry across the Hatchie River.
Monday, Dec. 1st
We weren't allowed to leave camp at all, expecting an attack all the while, so we laid around camp till 4:00 P.M. when a long roll beat through the camp calling us into line of battle. A dispatch came in to effect that our cavalry were fighting at Panola, [MS]
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faced and marched back to camp, reached there at 9:00 P.M., but when we got there all our protection was gone and we had to lie on the damp ground.Tuesday, Dec. 2n
Awakened at 5:00 P.M., by the long roll being beaten and we were soon in line, and were ordered by Gen. Hovey
Wednesday, Dec. 3d
Relieved from guard at 10:00 A.M. Slept a good share of the day. Weather quite warm and pleasant. In the evening the artillery took position on the bank of the river and threw up breast works of logs to protect the gunners. We were ordered to sleep on our arms, expecting a night attack.
Thursday, Dec. 4th
Reveille at 5:00 A.M. and orders for roll-call every 2 hours to prevent me from leaving camp. The contrabands were kept at work all day, building rifle pits on each side of artillery pieces for sharpshooters to stand in and pick off Enemy's artillerists.
Friday, Dec. 5th
Reveille at 4:00 A.M. Left camp at 5:30. It had been raining all night and our blankets were wet and heavy and the roads were muddy and our day's march, 16 miles, was a hard one. Got in camp at 4:00 P.M. marched back in the direction of the Mississippi River.
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Saturday, Dec. 6th
Broke camp at daylight and soon passed the place where we camped when coming out. Made 17 miles and encamped at 3:00 P.M. in the door yard of a large plantation. The house was deserted and some of the troops occupied it, but we occupied the ground with the sky for a cover. One of the 28th Iowa was shot by a Rebel a short distance from camp. Night cold and uncomfortable.
Sunday, Dec. 7th
Before daylight we were on one road to the river. The distance was 7 miles, which we soon made and found boats there to take us to Helena, but we did not get started till nearly noon. We were on the "Empress" and a run of 2 hrs. brought us to town. We reached camp at 3:00 P.M. and a happy set of boys we were to get back to our comfortable houses and the boys were as glad to see us as we were to see them.
We find that the rumor that we were to take a supply train to Grant's army is incorrect, as we brought back all the supplies we took with us, except what we used when out there. All that we can learn is that the Cavalry destroyed the R.R. at Panola, the infantry being held in reserve. So ends [Gen.] Hovey's second Expedition.
Monday, Dec. 8th,
Had no duty to do and did not get up early. Spent day in writing letters.
Tuesday, Dec. 9th
Spent most of the day in town. They are building many new Government Houses, sutler stores,
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Wednesday, Dec. 10th
Last night Gen's. Gorman, Thayer and Chas. Hovey arrived in town. Today our Brigade was reviewed by Gen. Gorman who takes command here. The best review we have ever had as our Brigade is larger & better than ever before. Weather fine.
Thursday, Dec. 11th
Went down town with Lieut. Buck. He had a picture taken for me. Dress Parade at 4:30 P.M. Weather cloudy, little rain.
Friday & Sat., Dec. 12 & 13
Two rainy, dark & gloomy days. Mud so deep we could not stir round camp much. Had no duty to do and felt rather lonely. Plenty of time for reading and writing.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Weather cloudy, but not much rain. Inspection at 9:00 A.M. Too muddy to go to church.
Monday, Dec. 15th
Today we learned that there is to be an expedition to start from here on the 18th of this month for Vicksburg and as is usual the case where there is fighting to be done, we are left behind to hold the post of Helena. Gen. Wyman does not like it at all; but Gen. Gorman will give him no satisfaction about going.
Tuesday, Dec. 16th
This morning our Regimental Officers held a consultation; the result of which was to constitute themselves a "Committee of the Whole" to wait on Gen. Gorman and urge our claim up on him which they did and returned with the intelligence that the 28th Iowa had been marched off and the 13th substituted in its place. This pleases some, and displeases others, but if we are to go directly to
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Vicksburg, all are satisfied, but we were too well off here to wish for a tramp through interior Mississippi.Wednesday, Dec. 17th
Ordered to have inspection at 10:00 A.M. but waited all day, and the Inspector did not come. At night, ordered to be ready to march in the morning. I went to hear the Harmonists in the evening.
Thursday, Dec. 18th
Morning came but no orders to march today. At 10:00 A.M., we were reviewed by Lieut. Gorman, a regular Officer on Gen. Gorman's staff. Spent the day in making preparations to Leave. Sent a box of things to Bro. Enoch.
Friday, Dec. 19
Expecting every hour to be ordered to march and now that we know we are to go, we are anxious to be off. In the evening, I went down to the Ordnance Office to turn over our extra guns. Saw Allie Nash.
Saturday, Dec. 20
No orders, as yet, to move. Our Company turned over our cartridge boxes and drew new ones. I went down to the Ordnance Office and saw Allie Nash again. Pretty certain that we shall leave tomorrow.
Sunday, Dec. 21
All last night, Gen. Sherman's
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Missouri. At 11:00 A.M. we received orders to start and in a very short time broke camp and the 28th Iowa, immediately took possession of it. Embarked on the steamer "John Warner" a medium sized and very good boat. Our Regiment occupied it alone, and had to work by details all night to coal her for the trip. I did not do any work, but there was so much noise I did not sleep much. Night starlight and warm.[On the 22nd of December the regiment, with an immense fleet, moved down the Mississippi, and, on the 26th, under convoy of the gunboats, moved up the Yazoo river to the attack on the city in the east.] (Boies]
Monday, Dec. 22
All things being ready, we left Helena at 11:00 A.M. Our Brigade occupied the boats "Ella" with Gen. Thayer
Adriate, Alhambra, Arogle, Belle Padia, Blue Winy, Crescent City, Continental, Conway, Cheesenias, City of Madison, City of Memphis, Citizen, City of Alton, Champion, Chancellor, Die Vernon, Des Moines, Des Taylor, Decatur, Des Arc, Duke of Aigula, Empress, Emma, Ella, Ed Walsh, Fanny Bullet, Forest Queen(?), Fanny Ogden, Gladiator, Gen. Anderson, Hiawatha, Isabella, Iatau(n?), Iowa, Jessie Bell, John Warner, John J. Rowe, J.S. Pringle, John S. Dickey, J.C. Swan, Key West, Keunet, Lady Jackson, Louisiana, Luzerene, Meteor, Metropolitan, Northerner, Nebraska, Nere[?]Uncle Sam, Ohio Belle, Omaha, Pembina,
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Polar Star, Post Boy, R.J. Williams, Robert Carr, Robert Allen, Sucker State, Spread Eagle, Souix City, Sunny South, Dacotah, Thos. E. Tuck, Tecumseh, U.S. Corl, Universe, Von Phul, War Eagle, Westmoreland, Same Gatz, Planet, South Western, Warsaw, White Cloud, Robert Campbell and many others whose names I could not learn.Tuesday, Dec. 23
At 4:00 A.M., we were awakened by a cannonshot, fired as a signal for starting and in a few minutes we were under way. The morning was windy, cloudy and cold and our new over coats were very comfortable.
At 11:00 A.M. we passed the mouth of the White river and then were as far south as we had ever been. At 2:00 P.M., passed Napoleon[AR]
It was a splendid sight to watch the almost innumerable green and red lights on the boats where we landed. On both sides of the river the shores were lighted up and to make it still more grand, the houses and cotton gins on each side of the river were fired and the air was completely filled with burning cotton. Altogether it was a scene not soon to be forgotten.
Wednesday, Dec. 24
We did not leave the landing till 11:00 A.M. then made pretty good time through the P.M. and did not stop till 4:00 A.M. next day. Nothing worthy of notice occurred on the way. There is tiresome monotony in the scenery along the river here. The land low and swampy with here & there deserted plantations and then again nothing but stunted trees for mile along.
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At 8:00 P.M. we crossed the line into Louisiana and at 4:00 A.M. tied up at Millikens Bend,
Thursday, December 25th
Christmas morning. Got up as soon as it was daylight and for the first time set foot on Louisiana soil. Weather as fine as I ever saw in Sept. in Malta, Illinois. The fleet lay still all the afternoon and the boys improved the time by visiting from boat to boat and nearly all of us found some friends in the Regiments that had come down from Cairo [IL] & Memphis [TN]. I found some Malta Boys in the 55th Illinois
Friday, Dec. 26th
At 9:00 A.M. we pulled out into the stream, turned into the Yazoo river, and ran up about 12 miles and landed on the side next to Vicksburg; formed in line, and stacked arms. We soon heard the boom of cannon announcing the commencement of the bombardment of the city. We are in the rear of the city and I suppose the gunboats are in front.
Our Brigade formed and marched in the direction of the city. When out about 2 miles, we came upon the rebel pickets. They were just cooking their dinner and had to get up and leave everything, horses, cooking utensils, dinner and all. When out 4 miles we took a prisoner who said we were within 1Ë miles of their fortifications, where there are about 6000 sechers. Upon
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receiving this news, a halt was made and we then marched back, a short distance to water, and camped for the night.I think I shall remember as long as I live, the way I spent the Christmas of 1862, Lying under the guns of the enemy of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
On the morning of the 27th, the whole army was drawn up, the 13th, in Steele's division, on the left. During the afternoon the rebel pickets were driven in, and the regiment went into camp for the night in a furious rain-storm. In the morning the regiment was engaged in skirmishing, and during the afternoon a dashing charge was made upon a rebel battery by the 13th and 16th Illinois, under General Wyman. He had placed himself at the head of the 13th, and the regiment was moving on the battery, and had arrived at a small bayou, silenced the rebel guns upon the opposite side, and lay down and began firing on the sharpshooters who swarmed in the woods. As General Wyman rose up to move among his men, he was struck by a rebel bullet in the right breast and mortally wounded. The fall of the General was a terrible shock to the regiment. Several officers rushed to his assistance, but he cried, "For God's sake leave me and attend to the men." The regiment remained there some time, and were subsequently moved to another part of the field. At this time Porter D. West
On that night the men lay on their arms in line of battle, destitute of blankets, although the weather was freezing. [Boies]
Saturday, Dec. 27th
Marched early in the morning. Had not proceeded far when our advance was fired upon by the rebel pickets and about 1 mile farther we came upon a squad of 50, who retreated as soon as they saw us.
We now formed in line of battle and marched a short distance through the woods, which were filled with underbrush,
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making it almost impossible to keep up the line. As we came to the edge of the woods fronting a large open field, they opened fire upon us with artillery from the woods on the opposite side. Almost in an instant, the 1st Iowa, 1st Missouri and 4th Ohio Batteries were brought up and wheeled into position and returned the fire with interest. Our position was to support the 4th Ohio Battery and the order came, "To the ground men!" and lying on the ground, the enemy's shot and shell whistled harmlessly over our heads, although pieces of shell fell pretty close to us. A brisk artillery skirmish was kept up for about an hour, when the enemy having ceased to reply to our shots, the firing ceased for awhile. The enemy could be seen at work on their fortifications on a hill, about 2 miles distant and the Chicago Battery of 24-lb. Parrot gunsToward evening another Battery went out and fired a few shots and the rebel Infantry attempted to take it but did not succeed. As it was now growing dark, things remained in this position, with occasional exchanges.
On the 29th [December] occurred the grand desperate charge upon the rebel works on Chickasaw Bayou, in which the regiment lost one-third of its number.
About nine o'clock a line was formed for an assault upon the batteries. They stood on eminences, in horse-shoe form; and, in the terrible abyss into which shot and shell from three sides were pouring, the regiment was formed for a charge. There were three brigades: and the 13th was in the brigade under command of General Frank P. Blair. Most of this brigade was composed of new troops; so that the veterans of the 13th were required to lead the charge.
Into all this terrible storm of shot and shell the 13th marched without faltering. They captured two lines of rebel rifle-pits;
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and when they reached the third line, very few remained of this brigade but a scattered remnant of the 13th. [Boies]Monday, Dec. 29th
Early in the morning we formed in line of battle and so remained till 11:45 A.M. when all ready for the charge. Our Brigade was to enter at the front and Gen. Thayers to the right. As the signal, our column advanced in quick time to the edge of the wood. Here we had to descend a steep bank into a ravine of about Ë mile in width which had been blockaded by the rebels by cutting small trees about 2 ft. from the ground and felling them in every direction. In the center of this was a bayou with water about 2 ft. deep. We took a double-quick step across this ravine, keeping in line as well as we could and get over the brush and we reached the bank on the opposite side without the loss of a man, although the enemy were pouring in their fire from the batteries beyond. Here we halted to recover breath and then climbed the breast-work.
We were now at their first rifle pits; crossed these and stood upon a wide open plain of about a mile in length and Ë mile in breadth. On the bluffs on the opposite side, arranged in a semicircular form, were the enemy's fortifications and artillery, which we were trying to take. The field was filled with rifle pits cut in every direction and filled with sharp shooters; while the brow of the hill was covered with Regiment upon Regiment of rebel infantry. Here began the work in earnest.
Our line was broken up by the 16th Ohio lying in the rifle pit, out of which the enemy had retreated and the only way we could do was to press forward, every man for himself. We advanced on a run, under a murderous cross fire of artillery from over 30 cannon and Regiment after Regiment poured their fire into us, still we kept on. It rained a perfect shower of shot and shell around us; men were falling on every side, but with General Blair
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on the field himself, his sword waving over his head, and his hearty voice cheering us on, we never thought of turning backShells were bursting over our heads and on every side of us and one piece struck me on the leg, causing me to fall and bruising me severely. My canteen was all shot to pieces by my side and it seemed impossible that anyone could escape, but all our efforts were in vain. When we were within a short distance of the works, the Gen.[Blair] saw we could never take them and ordered a retreat. This we did in the same manner we advanced, every man for himself and we arrived under cover of the woods at 1:00 P.M., having been under fire 1Ë hours.
But Oh! what a sight was our Brigade and our Regiment. Many of our poor fellows lay dead, or wounded on the field, and the woods were filled with men bearing off their wounded comrades. The loss of our Regiment in killed, wounded and missing was 179, over ź of the men we took into action.
Companys D, E, F & G suffered the most. Our Company (F) lost 21 men, Capt. Smith,
We retired a mile from the field and encamped. It rained hard all night and I never laid down or went to sleep, all night. The rebels would not allow us upon the field, under a flag of truce, to take care of our wounded or bury our dead and they had to lay
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there all night exposed to the cold rain with the exception of a few that our nurses stole up on the field and took care of.The Gens. here say the 13th fought as well as men could and for this we are thankful, that, whether we ever get home or not we have a good name to send. Participants at Pea Ridge [AR] and Shiloh [TN] say that no Regiment there were exposed to such an awful fire as we here at Walnut Ridge. [MS]
They were now within thirty rods of the fortifications. Of the 600 men who started, 177 were either killed, wounded or captured. Of 63 men of Company F, 22 were killed, wounded and missing. Captain R.A. Smith, who had gallantly led his company to the third rifle-pit, lost his arm while in the advance, but bound it up and continued with the troops until the charge was over. [Boies]
December 30, Tuesday
Felt rather badly, having been standing around in the rain all night and my leg was quite lame and we were very thankful that we were allowed all day for rest. Just at night we moved our camp a short distance and remained through the night, which was clear, but quite cold one. I slept more, in all, than I have since I left the boat.
If we could have captured the fortifications, which we had now so nearly accomplished, the road to Vicksburg would have been open to us, and all the loss of life and property that subsequently occurred in the struggle for its capture would have been saved.
But the day was full of misfortunes; the divisions moved without concert of action. No reinforcements were sent forward, and, after holding their ground for half an hour, the order came to retire; and, as similar misfortunes had occurred at other points, the day was lost. The grand attack upon Vicksburg had failed, and the country was much depressed. [Boies]
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Wednesday, Dec. 31
Our Brigade received orders to march on a secret expedition at 8:00 P.M. with two day's rations. We lay around all day and in the evening lit big camp fires to lead the enemy to believe that we were to remain there over night. Left camp without any noise, not a word being spoken loud, any guns carried at "trail" arms. Marched down to the Continental and embarked, expecting to move to some other point. The night was very cold and we suffered very much for want of blankets and were very glad when daylight came, which found us still lying at the landing, where we got on the night before.
Thursday, Jan. 1st [1863]
New Years, but not a very happy one to us. Weather quite comfortable. Lay on the Continental till dark, when orders came to disembark and go aboard the Warner, which was lying two miles below and right glad were we to get back on our own boat and to have our knapsacks and blankets, but what a difference in our ranks when we left the boat and now. When we were then crowded for room we have now plenty in the same space. My bed-fellow (Olney) is lying wounded on the City of Memphis, but I am thankful that it is no worse. Remained at the landing all night and enjoyed a good nights rest.
Friday, Jan. 2
I went down to the City of Memphis to see our wounded boys. Found them as comfortable as could be expected, but Olney has an ugly wound in his shoulder. The ball is yet in there and cannot be found.
At 2:00 P.M., the fleet pulled out into the river; ran down the old channel, and a little before 4:00 P.M. we tied up on the Louisiana shore of the Mississippi River, remained there until after dark when we were ordered up to Millikens Bend. The night was
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dark, rainy and foggy and it was very difficult and dangerous running. We put up some tents on the Hurricane deck, but were in danger of swamping our boat from having too much sail upon her and had to take them down in double quick time and then lay exposed to a terrible rain storm all night. Got to the Bend at 10:30 P.M. and laid over until morning. The troops are all with drawn and the rebels are in peaceable possession of Vicksburg again.Saturday, Jan.3d
A very rainy day. We moved up a short distance and laid by through the day. At 8:30 P.M., we came for a picket guard and [Co's.] F & G were detailed. It was raining like great guns at the time, but we had to go and it was not much worse than staying on the boat for we could not get out of the rain anywhere, but fortunately for us it cleared up soon after we went out and the remainder of the night was moonlight and pleasant.
Sunday,Jan. 4
Lay in shore nearly all day. Weather very fine. Just before night pulled up a short distance to where we could get wood and wooded up our boat. Started up again and were working slowly along all night, stopping occasionally for wood and once to draw rations off the Adriatic. The night was beautiful, and though we had not rested much for several nights it was more pleasant to remain up and watch the river and the boats than to go to bed, and I staid up nearly all night. I took a good nap just before morning, which refreshed me a good deal.
Monday, Jan. 5
Worked slowly along up the river sometimes towing a gunboat along and again stopping to help a boat that had run ashore. In course of the day got up to Game's Landing
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staid over night on the downward trip. Stopped one night here again.Tuesday, Jan. 6
Received a mail today. A letter from Rachael. It seems as though we were making no headway up the river. We have no coal and have to stop very often for wood which is very poor stuff at best to fire a Steam-boat with. We had to tow the gun boat Louisville all night and in the morning were 30 miles below Napoleon, Arkansas.
Rain all day. Passed Napoleon [AR] about noon and just before dark reached the mouth of the White River
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Laid tied up to shore all day, not certain which way we are going yet.
Thursday, Jan. 8
Went over to the Luzem for coal for our boat. Took on 500 bushels and went back to the Mississippi shore. In the evening went back again and were taking coal all night. Ordered to start up White River at 8:00 A.M. tomorrow.
Friday, Jan. 9
Early in the morning we went over to the Adriatic to draw rations; but other boats were ahead of us and we had to start up the river without them. Ran up the river to the Arkansas cut off; turned into that, and ran through to the Arkansas up which we ran 60 miles and tied up. Remained here all night.
Up the Arkansas river was Arkansas Post, a strong fortification to protect that river, and to McClernand was assigned
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the task of capturing it. Steele's division, in which was the 13th Illinois, was among the troops. After a day of hard fighting, Arkansas Post was forced to surrender to the Union arms; and with it five thousand prisoners were taken, and a large amount of munitions of war. It was a victory that raised the hopes and the spirits of the country, and greatly cheered the hearts of the soldiers. [Boies]Saturday, Jan. 10
Dissembled early. About a mile below Arkansas Post. Which is our purpose to take. Remained in the field near the boats until after noon. When we were ordered forward. Moved to the right, about a mile, through a swamp, when we were met by an orderly and ordered back. Went back near the boats and stacked arms and in a few minutes our whole Division had returned. Gen. Thayer's Brigade soon moved out to the front and we had just got some good fires built and were prepared to cook some supper when we (Blair's Brig.) were ordered out, but owing to some obstruction in the road and the darkness we moved only a short distance and encamped for the night. About 11:00 P.M. our train came by and we got some supper and went to bed about 1:00 A.M.
Sunday,Jan. 11th
Moved early in the morning. Took a circuitous rout and came out near the river, above the fort. The gunboats and land batteries soon opened fire on the fort and entrenchments and continued shelling them all afternoon. At about 1:00 P.M. our infantry opened fire and the gun-boats moving up close there was an incessant booming of cannon and rattle of musketry for 3 hours when the enemy's cannon being disabled they hoisted the white flag.
Our loss was 240 killed, wounded and missing. Enemy's, much more. Our Brigade was held in reserve, consequently were not exposed to much fire. The loss of our Regiment was 2
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wounded. We took over 6000 prisoners, among whom were 2 Brig. Gens.; 29 pieces of cannon; 18 siege & 11 field pieces. Every artillery horse of the enemy was killed and their heaviest cannon disabled and the case mated [made?] fort knocked edgeways.From the moment our colors floated over their works till after dark cheer after cheer sound till everything rang. It is a great victory and partly makes up for our defeat at Vicksburg. They had built log huts for the winter and lots of supplies. I acted as color guard, but prefer my own company.
Monday, Jan. 12
I took a walk over the battlefield and gathered some relics. Moved into the rebel barracks at 9:00 A.M. Our Regiment occupying 5 streets & our Company 5 houses, which makes up plenty of room. Our mess occupies the Rebel Lieutenants Quarters. Spent day in cleaning & putting new bunks in. They tell us we are to remain here for a time. For the first time since I left Helena [AR] I undressed & slept well.
Tuesday, Jan. 13
Wakened at daylight by Reveille. Quite a new thing as we have not heard reveille before for 3 weeks. Had a nice Johnny-cake make of sechers corn-meal for breakfast. Spent half the forenoon on the battlefield and just got back, when Adjutant Jenks
We were ordered to put every thing combustible in the houses and fire them, which we did and at 3:00 P.M. we started for the boats, leaving nothing but smoking ruins. The rifle Pits are filled up & the fort being demolished as fast as possible & soon the Fort [Hindman] at Arkansas Post, will remain, only, in History.
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We were busy loading all night. I volunteered to stand guard for the sake of having a dry place to sleep,Wednesday, Jan. 14th
From daylight to dark it continued to rain in perfect torrents, not even holding up long enough (and ran down the old channel) for us to cook anything. The new Mentor came up from the Mississippi River. She carries two 13 inch Dahlgren guns
Thursday Jan. 15
Snowed all day. 2 or 3 inches of snow. Severest storm known here for a great while. Pulled out at 9:00 A.M. and started down the river. The boat broke one of her runners and we had to go slow, to keep right side up. At 7:00 P.M. we reached Napoleon & tied up to the wharf. Col. Gorgas told us to go on shore and make ourselves as comfortable as possible in the vacant houses around town & we all found shelter. We (Company F) went into a boarding house & found some stoves & felt quite at home,
Friday,Jan.16
Busy all day cooking and fixing up our quarters. We found some molasses and made some excellent candy. We were sent out on picket guard and although I was one of the color guard and excused from all duty, I went out and stood my regular guard with the rest. We did not come on [off?] duty till 5:00 A.M.
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Saturday Jan. 17
We remained on duty all day and for some inexplicable reason were not relieved and had to remain out.
Sunday, Jan. 18
We were relieved at noon and ordered on board the Warner immediately. Packed up our traps and embarked. Had not been out long, when some rascal set fire to the town & the boats had to move up stream. Rained nearly all night.
Monday,Jan.19th
Early in the morning the signal gun was fired, and soon the whole fleet was moving slowly along down stream; but did not make much heading and the boats were in a huddle all the way.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Continued moving down stream all day. Busy writing all the time. Sent a letter to Bro. Ebenezer. Weather clear but quite cold.
Wednesday, Jan. 21st
About 3:00 P.M. we arrived at Millikens Bend[MS], 30 miles from Vicksburg. It is said we're to remain here a few days. It seems good to get on shore if only for a few hours.
Thursday, Jan. 22
A very pleasant day. Our boat lay along side the Adriatic nearly all day, drawing rations. I was detailed to take charge of a funeral escort of Bashaw
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Friday, Jan. 23
Quite early we moved down to where the rest of the fleet was lying. We disembarked and were busy almost all day in getting our things off the boats. Just before dark we moved out a short distance and there had to stand or lie around all in the mud 3 or 4 hours. Then we moved off in a southerly direction, but the roads were very bad and we could not move far and about 10:00 P.M. we encamped for the night.
Saturday, Jan. 24th
At day light, without waiting for breakfast we moved on across a large swamp and after a hard march of 3 miles we came out into the river, as far below Vicksburg, as we were above it when we left the boats. By going across the river where there was a big bend, we have got below them without having been in range of their guns. We are in sight of the city, though 6 miles away from it. They are now at work cutting a canal across where they begun it last summer. Worked in the forenoon setting tents and fixing camp.
A little before noon, the rebel transport, "Vicksburg," came up the river and as she passed, our battery opened fire upon her, but it was foggy and she hugged the other bank closely and got past and ran up under the protection of their forts, but when the "De Soto" came up, she did not have such good luck. Not knowing that we were below the city, she came up on this side of the river and ran in ashore for wood and our boys "lay low" and as soon as they had tied up, boarded her and took her prize and her officers & crew.
In the afternoon, I went back to the boat for rations and had a fine walk of 8 or 9 miles through the mud and rain. Went to bed early; thinking to have one good night's rest, but about 11 o'clock, a rebel boat was heard on the river and it was that the rebels were landing troops below us and so we were called up and marched down the levee and formed in line of battle on bank of the river
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waiting about Ë hour, we returned to camp and were ordered to be ready to fall in at day light.Went to bed again and I was just getting along nicely, when around came the orders again to fall in. Our whole Brigade was out and we thought that this time we were sure to have a fight Marched down a little farther than before and stood in line of battle without seeing any enemy, save a drenching rain, until daylight in the morning.
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Volume IV: February, 1863 — April, 1865.
Note
[Actually a fourth volume of Chapel's journal has not been found up to this time. Chapel was taken prisoner near Tuscumbia, AL, and died in the Confederate prison at Danville, VA. Hevenor, was mustered out June 18, 1864, as were most of the 13th, and was able to return home to Malta, Illinois. He brought three of the volumes with him; how much of a fourth volume was ever written is unknown. With most of the 13th's activity coming in the last two years of the war, it is doubtful as to how much time was allowed Chapel to keep up an almost daily journal. Thus, in place of a Volume VI, the following accounts are being continued here: Henry L. Boies' chapter "The Thirteenth Illinois Infantry" from History of DeKalb County, Illinois and Victor Hicken's Illinois in the Civil War.]
[February, 1863]
Upon the fall of Arkansas Post, the regiment accompanied General Steele to Greenville, Miss., where an immense amount of stores were captured and destroyed. Passing then under the immediate command of General Grant, it marched across Milliken's Bend to Grand Gulf, and, making a detour, took part in the capture of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. Orders from the General authorized the 13th to inscribe upon its banners, with Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post, the word Jackson, as a token of its participation in that achievement of our troops. [Boies]
[July, 1863]
From Jackson the regiment moved upon Vicksburg, and engaged in the siege of that place until its final fall on July 4th, 1863. In the trenches, in the deadly assault, in the dangers and sufferings of that long siege, the 13th bore its full share; and
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Vicksburg was also inscribed upon its banners and its list of triumphs.It was the grandest triumph yet vouchsafed to the Union cause: for it bisected the Confederacy and restored to us the control of the Mississippi, the great Father of Waters. [Boies]
[July 10, 1863]
Two days after the surrender, the 13th were again moving upon Jackson, which had been re-occupied by the enemy; and, upon the 10th of July, that city was again in possession of our boys, and Jackson, July 10th, was added on our banner to the list of our victories.
For a few weeks the regiment was rested, encamped upon Black river, in the rear of Vicksburg. There George Carr and Samuel Bryant were captured by the enemy, and for many long months endured the horrors of captivity in rebel prisons.
Then under the great Sherman, it moved on Chattanooga. Arriving at Bridgeport, on the Tennessee river, Col. Gorgas turned over the command to Lieutenant-Colonel Partridge, and departed on recruiting service, appearing no more with the regiment until after its active campaigns had ceased.
The regiment now engaged in the active operations for the capture of Chattanooga. They acted as rear guard for the 15th Army Corps on its march from Corinth to Tuscumbia, and for one week were every day engaged in severe skirmishes with the enemy, who was striving to cut off its wagon-train. Upon the capture of Tuscumbia, the name of that place was ordered to be placed upon its banner.
In Lookout Valley the regiment was placed in the command of Fighting Joe Hooker, and participated in the memorable capture of Lookout Mountain, and, on the 25th, in the still greater victory of Mission Ridge, where the 13th captured more prisoners of the 18th Alabama regiment than it had men of its own, and
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carried off in triumph from the field of the battle flag of that regiment. [Boies]In the ranks of the 123rd Illinois most of the men pessimistically viewed the charge up the mountain as a "forlorn hope" and thought that it would not be successful. Then, for one heart-stopping instant, the colors of a Federal regiment were seen waving from near Craven House. The band of the 123rd immediately broke out in a quickstep version of "Hail to the Chief," and in the ranks of the Illinois regiment not a few were emotionally affected. Far to the right of the Federal line, the "awful glory of the spectacle" was similarly revealed to the men of the 34th Illinois. The fog near that side of Lookout had completely blown away, revealing the brilliant regimental colors of the 13th and 75th Illinois. And, when the sun went down and dusk fell over the mountain, the long string of campfires of the Federal troops, glowing like lava from an active volcano, indicated to an entire Union army the success of Hooker's men. [Hicken]
Here the rebel foe was defeated and routed, flying in despair across the Chickamauga, and burning the bridge in its rear. The 13th was among the troops sent in pursuit of them. Cleburne, who, among the rebels, was called the Stonewall Jackson of the west, was in command of the rear of Bragg's flying host, and, at Ringold Gap, determined to make a stand and resist his pursuers.
The 13th, upon that bloody day, was the first to engage the enemy and the last to leave the field. It was sent forward over an open plain to seize an important position. Of their service on this occasion, General Osterhaus officially says: "The 13th Illinois executed the order in magnificent style. They charged through a hail-storm of balls, and gained the position assigned to them — held it, although the enemy poured a murderous fire into their brave men, both from the gorge above and the hill upon the right."
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The rebels rallied and made a desperate charge upon its position, but the charge was repelled with heroic courage. General Hooker says: "The position was heroically taken and held by that brave regiment, it all the time maintaining its position with resolution and obstinacy. It has never been my fortune to serve with more zealous and devoted soldiers." No small praise, this from the most famous fighting general of the war.
The regiment gained undying fame by its valor at this fight; but it was at a fearful cost. It lost, in dead and wounded, one-one-seventh of the entire loss of the desperate battle; but the victory was won, and Cleburne driven from his position.
Among its dead was Major D.R. Bushnell, and of its wounded were Colonel Partridge, Captain Walter Blanchard, and Captain James M. Beardsley. Major Bushnell was a citizen of Sterling — one of the noblest and manliest of all our citizen soldiers. His loss was sadly deplored. Captain Blanchard, who subsequently died of his wounds, was an aged man, a judge of DuPage County Court, and President of the Naperville Bank; had two sons in the army, but endured all the hardships of the service with a heroism that nothing could overcome. [Boies]
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A Prisoner of the Confederates
Corporal Wilson E. Chapel was taken prisoner near Tuscumbia, AL, on October 26, 1863. Just one month before on August 23, 1863, he had been detached or detailed as clerk at Division Headquarters, Div. 15 Army Corps.
Just how Chapel arrived at the Confederate prison at Danville, VA, is unknown. He may have been one of many who were rounded up and put in a cattle car on the Southern Railroad, which ran northeast through the valley to Virginia, to the Richmond & Danville Railroad or the Danville & Western Railway. Of course, by this time many of the railroads had been destroyed or were inoperable. Alabama had had five railroads, Georgia ten, Tennessee five. North Carolina five and Virginia eighteen. Or he may have had to walk from Alabama, a distance of approximately 700 miles.
On some occasions the newly arrived prisoners would be greeted by a Negro band and a colored-people chorus singing "Dixie" as they were led through the streets to the prison.
The prison(s) were six brick or wooden tobacco factories, each three stories high. They had been stripped of all furnishings, including lamps and chairs. Four of the buildings were located at the comer of Spring and Union Streets; three of these were the factories of J.W. and C.G. Holland. Behind Prison No. 1 was a hut used as a cook house for all four prisons. Prison No. 2 was a wooden factory adjoining Prison No. 1.
Prison No. 3 was a brick factory converted into the officers' prison. Prison No. 4 was across the street. Prison No. 5 was at Floyd and High Streets. And Prison No. 6 was almost in the center of the city at Lynn and Loyal Streets, resembling a brick-turreted Bastille, and initially used for Negro prisoners.
About 650 men were crammed into the three floors of each factory. There was a two-inch crust of dirt on the floors, a breeding
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place for rats and vermin. The smell of old tobacco and other manufacturing odors was still strong and became even worse. On each floor the prisoners slept in rows of four, two rows with their heads to the walls and the other two rows with their heads to the center of the building. The former was preferred since the cracks in the boarded windows allowed air to lessen the stench of unbathed bodies and uncovered waste.Potbellied stoves were at the end of each floor. But the small coal ration was poor in quality and difficult to keep ignited. Men fought for positions around the stoves; this only absorbed and blocked the circulation of any heat. Some tried building fires atop pieces of scrap iron laid on the floors, but the smoke of inferior coal and wet wood only burned their eyes and parched their throats. In winter the temperature could go below zero and the men would keep walking and stumbling to keep from freezing to death.
In addition to the stagnant drinking water and lack of adequate food, there were the fleas, lice and other parasites. They crawled over the ground and from body to body. By daylight the men could pick them off, which they called "skirmishing," but in the darkness there was nothing to be done but to suffer with patience.
Cleanliness was impossible. Thirty men at a time were permitted to go outside to makeshift troughs and rinse themselves quickly with muddy river water while the guards prodded them along with bayonets. Twice a day under heavy guard, fifteen men were allowed to go down to the Dan River and obtain drinking water for their floor. But as they gradually became living skeletons, two men cold barely struggle back with half a pail of water between them.
Ever since December, 1863, when the first Federal prisoners arrived in Danville, there was an epidemic of smallpox. The disease had quickly sped through all six prisons, prostrating men by the hundreds. A special hospital was established south of town. But
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owing to a lack of drugs and medical knowledge, the few doctors in attendance were powerless. Wagons laden with corpses made daily trips to a makeshift cemetery just off the hospital grounds.The citizens of Danville protested to the Board of Health in Richmond, VA, because of the unsanitary state and the unbearable odor from the hospitals. The filth ran unchecked down ditches and drains owing to a lack of water works in Danville.
The outbreak of smallpox gave rise to a number of escape attempts by the prisoners. Although guards patrolled the area, few of them dared venture into the prison buildings. Tunnels from the basements were dug by the prisoners but were usually discovered. In the only successful attempt, the tunnel came out behind a colored family's shanty; about 75 prisoners escaped before it was discovered. Because of pressure from the town's people, prisoners were relocated to the second and third floors which made them even more crowded. This meant that only six men at a time would be allowed to descend to the first floor to use the latrine. Particularly in the morning, the waiting line from both upper floors was long and some could not restrain themselves. A prisoner artist had depicted "Morning Toilet," showing those conditions; it shows the artist placing his cup on the window sill and notes the rafters were whittled down to a breaking point to boil "Crust Coffee."
Also, to prevent other possible escapes, the guards began firing at those who ventured too close to the windows. They were intermittently searched by the guards for valuables they "forgot" to return. They could not approached within six feet of a guard.
This became a problem in the hot summers when the few windows did not allow for enough air and the men bordered on suffocation. For short periods during the day, the prisoners were permitted to congregate in improvised courtyards. But their filth attracted hordes of flies which swarmed around their face, arms and legs. By late summer, scurvy, combined with chronic diarrhea, had
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become the new uncontrollable killer and was much more feared than the smallpox.The most frequent and severe complaint, however, was against the food. The citizens of Danville had but little food and that given to the prisoners was inferior. Their basic diet was a meal of corn and cob ground together made into a johnny cake. They sometimes received rice but often it had maggots bugs or rat dung. Their soup contained musty rice, spoiled cabbage and was diluted with river water. Coffee was made from burnt rye, burnt peas or scorched wheat bran. Food might be obtainable from the outside if they could pay for it. They sometimes cooked their own vegetables but it had to be eaten immediately or it would be stolen by a half-starved companion. Some local citizens brought bread or whatever provisions they could spare. A church distributed newspaper and magazines and the local ministers visited the hospitals. By late 1864 over 4,500 men were quartered on the upper floors of the six buildings.
Chapel died on April 6, 1864, of fever and ague malaria. The list of Danville prisoners dates from November 24, 1864 to April 28, 1865. The Union army had captured Danville the day before. Chapel's name is listed as Corp. W. Chaplin, F, 13th Ill. and he had died over a year earlier.
He is buried in the National Cemetery, Danville, VA. His marker there reads "262, Corpl. W. E. Chappel, ILL" and underneath reads "One Unknown Soldier" which may indicate another prisoner was buried in the same grave. There is also a grave stone in the Malta, IL, cemetery which may be a memorial placed there by his family and friends.
One of his buddies since the winter of 1860-61, wrote: "... he was as true a friend as it falls to the lot of men to have. His devotion to country was not of the spasmodic order; but was of that kind to be found in the descendants of hardy old Massachusetts stock."
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From Tuscumbia, AL, to Danville, VA
Perhaps more needs to be said about Chapel's long trek from where he was taken prisoner and the 700 or more miles to the Confederate prison in Danville, VA. A portion of the Danville Register, April 6, 1865, gives some insights as what may have occurred.
The railroads in the South, which were still relatively new, were very important to both sides of the War. General Robert E. Lee said, "If the Danville road cannot be made to supply our wants, we shall inevitably starve." Thus, as it turned out, the Richmond and Danville Railroad was literally his last lifeline.
Remembering that Chapel was captured, along with many others, on October 26, 1863, some of the railroads were still in the process of being built. And some of those already running still had an unfinished look with makeshift stations and freight offices and poorly made and already worn tracks. And locomotives were no better than the rails they ran on.
Danville depended upon the R&D RR and more so when the Piedmont Railroad was completed in June, 1864, when it connected with roads in North Carolina and in the lower South. However, this would be almost nine months before the Confederates could use it for transporting prisoners.
Further, although the R&D was the last of the fourteen major Confederate railroads to be attacked (in May, 1864), many of the roads in the South had already been ruined, if only temporary. There was a shortage of labor to do the repairs both on the line and in the shops.
A Confederate law adopted in February 1864, provided for the exemption of one man per mile of railroad in use for military transportation. Despite this law, their Bureau of Conscription
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refused to relax its iron clad rules. Nearly one-third of the company-owned slaves escaped, adding to the shortage of labor.The company, then, decided to hire slaves. In 1864, it had 700 at work on the R&D and was advertising for 1,000 to work on the Piedmont. And to make matters worse, when attacked, many of the company's slave workers were carried away or driven off.
The destruction of bridges was also a major problem. Many were burned or destroyed by the Confederates to keep the Union from crossing the major rivers. Even bridges constructed by the oncharging Union army were destroyed.
Thus, it appears in October, 1863, the prisoners from Alabama and Georgia, especially, were more likely to have marched most of the way to places like Danville, VA. This could have been a great hardship in itself before they ever arrived at these temporary prisons. There may have been much cruelty on the way and the food and other supplies would have been at a minimum.
Danville may have been the better location for a prison as it had never been the target of a raid by the Union, and because of the R&D Railroad was able to obtain supplies from Richmond for both the town and the prisoners.
(The above is based on an article by Angus J. Johnston II in "Civil War History," a publication of the University of Iowa.)
Why Was Chapel Not Taken to Andersonville, GA?
While Andersonville, GA, might have been about 500 miles closer to Tuscumbia, AL, and much less of a march certainly than to Danville, VA, the main reason was that Andersonville did not become established until February, 1864. Chapel was captured on October 26, 1863.
Andersonville was eventually the largest and best known of Confederate military prisons, but Chapel perhaps would have done far worse there because of its much poorer conditions.
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[April 17th, 1864]
On the 17th of April, when the time of the regiment would have expired in a week, it was posted at Madison Station in Alabama. The rebel Roddy's command, outnumbering it five to one, came upon it disguised in the blue uniforms of our own army and completely surprised and surrounded it. The regiment at this time had only 350 men fit for duty. The rebels had three pieces of artillery and 1500 cavalry and infantry. After two hours hard fighting against these odds, the regiment was obliged to abandon the station, fighting its way through its foes, losing sixty-six men prisoners in their hands, the enemy's loss, as reported by flag of truce, was sixty killed, wounded and missing.
In the summer of 1864, worn down with hazards and hardships of three years of very active service, having traveled through seven Southern States, marched more than three thousand miles, fought twenty pitched battles and innumerable skirmishes, the scarred and war-worn veterans of the 13th Illinois came back to their homes, and were received with a welcome such as their heroism deserved. [Boies]
[The War Ends, April, 1865]
A large number of the regiment re-enlisted, and were consolidated with the 56th Illinois Infantry, being there known as Company "I"; and for another year they fought the rebellion till its close. Of the remainder of the regiment, full one-half subsequently re-enlisted in other regiments, and again took the field. The regiment entered the service with 1010 men. It received 55 recruits, but, when mustered out, its whole force was 500. It had lost from the various casualties of war 565 men. [Boies]
[According to 1903 estimates by the U.S. Adjutant General, about 194,000 Northern and 215,000 Southern soldiers were prisoners, of whom more than 30,000 Union and nearly 26,000 Confederate POWs died in captivity.]
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Appendix.
Major Battles of the Civil War.
| By Name of Battle | Casualties | |||
| North | South | |||
| Antietam (Sharpsburg) | MD | Sept. 17 1862 | 11,500 | 9,000 |
| Bull Run (Manassas) #1 | VA | July 21 1861 | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Bull Run (Manassas) #2 | Aug. 29-30 1862 | 10,000 | 9,000 | |
| Chancellorsville | VA | May 1-4 1863 | 11,000 | 10,000 |
| Chattanooga | TN | Nov.23-25 1863 | 5,500 | 2,500 |
| Chickamauga | GA | Sept.19-20 1863 | 11,500 | 17,000 |
| Cold Harbor | VA | June 03 1864 | 6,500 | 1,500 |
| Fair Oaks (Seven Pines) | VA | May 31 -June 01 1862 | 4,500 | 5,500 |
| Fort Donelson | TN | Feb.16 1862 | 2,500 | 2,000 |
| Fort Henry | TN | Feb. 6 1862 | 34 | 16 |
| Franklin | TN | Nov. 30 1863 | 1,000 | 5,500 |
| Fredericksburg | VA | Dec.13 1862 | 12,000 | 5,500 |
| Gettysburg | PA | July 1-3 1863 | 17,500 | 22,500 |
| Kennesaw Mountain | GA | June 27 1864 | 2,000 | 270 |
| Mobile Bay | AL | Aug. 5 1864 | 315 | 32 |
| Murfreesboro(Stone River) | TN | Dec.31 1862-Jan. 2 1863 | 9,000 | 9,000 |
| Nashville | TN | Dec.15-16 1864 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Perryville | KY | Oct. 8 1862 | 3,500 | 3,000 |
| Petersburg, Siege of | VA | June 20 1864 -Apr. 2 1865 | 17,000 | 13,000 |
| Seven Days (Richmond) | VA | June 25 -July 01 1862 | 16,000 | 20,000 |
| Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing) | TN | Apr. 6-7 1862 | 10,000 | 9,500 |
| Spotsylvania Court House | VA | May 8-12 1864 | 10,000 | 9,000 |
| The Wilderness | VA | May 5-6 1864 | 17,000 | 11,000 |
| Vicksburg, Siege of | MS | May 19 -July 04 1863 | 9,000 | 10,000 |
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| By Chronology | Casualties | |||
| North | South | |||
| Bull Run (Manassas) #1 | VA | July 21 1861 | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Fort Henry | TN | Feb. 6 1862 | 34 | 16 |
| Fort Donelson | TN | Feb.16 1862 | 2,500 | 2,000 |
| Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing) | TN | Apr. 6-7 1862 | 10,000 | 9,500 |
| Fair Oaks (Seven Pines) | VA | May 31-June 01 1862 | 4,500 | 6,500 |
| Seven Days (Richmond) | VA | June 25-July 01 1862 | 16,000 | 20,000 |
| Bull Run (Manassas) #2 | Aug. 29-30 1862 | 10,000 | 9,000 | |
| Antietam (Sharpsburg) | MD | Sept. 17 1862 | 11,500 | 9,000 |
| Perryville | KY | Oct. 8 1862 | 3,500 | 3,000 |
| Fredericksburg | VA | Dec.13 1862 | 12,000 | 5,500 |
| Murfreesboro(Stone River) | TN | Dec.31 1862-Jan.2 1863 | 9,000 | 9,000 |
| Chancellorsville | VA | May 1-4 1863 | 11,000 | 10,000 |
| Vicksburg, Siege of | MS | May 19 -July 04 1863 | 9,000 | 10,000 |
| Gettysburg | PA | July 1-3 1863 | 17,500 | 22,600 |
| Chickamauga | GA | Sept.19-20 1863 | 11,500 | 17,000 |
| Chattanooga | TN | Nov.23-25 1863 | 5,500 | 2,500 |
| The Wilderness | VA | May 5-6 1864 | 17,000 | 11,000 |
| Spotsylvania Court House | VA | May 8-12 1864 | 10,000 | 9,000 |
| Cold Harbor | VA | June 03 1864 | 6,500 | 1,500 |
| Kennesaw Mountain | GA | June 27 1864 | 2,000 | 270 |
| Mobile Bay | AL | Aug. 5 1864 | 315 | 32 |
| Franklin | TN | Nov. 30 1864 | 1,000 | 5,500 |
| Nashville | TN | Dec.15-16 1864 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Petersburg, Siege of | VA | June 20 1864-Apr.2 1865 | 17,000 | 13,000 |
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History of 13th Regiment Illinois Infantry, 1861-1865.
This is a review of the 13th Illinois Infantry, and particulary of Corporal Wilson E. Chapel's last days assigned to Company F.
Because Volume IV of his diary has never been found, this is an attempt to replace it with excerpts from other sources. Thus, the unit is traced from where Chapel with his diary left Mississippi.
The following accounts are being reiterated in an effort to continue and complete the story:
Henry L. Boies' chapter "The Thirteenth Illinois Infantry" from History of DeKalb County, Illinois.
Victor Hicken's Illinois in the Civil War.
T. M. Eddy's The Patriotism of Illinois.
Report of the Adjutant General [AGR] of the State of Illinois, Volume I, Containing Reports for the Years 1861-66. Revised by Brigadier General J. W. Vance, Adjutant General Springfield, ILL; H.W. Rokker, State Printer and Binder, 1886
(Sources not noted are from Chapter XLIII, entitled "Operations on Memphis and Charleston R.R." from "KY., SW., VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA." Pages 17-30.)
April 21, 1861. Organized at Dixon, ILL., and mustered into State service.
The Thirteenth Regiment Illinois Infantry was one of the regiments organized under the act known as the Ten Regiment Bill. It was composed of companies as follows: "I" from Cook County, "H" from Kane county, "K" from Du Page county, "E" and "F" from DeKalb county, "A" and "C" from Lee county, "B" and "G" from Whiteside county, and "D" from Rock Island county.
John B. Wyman of Amboy, was elected Colonel, B.F. Parks of Aurora, Lieutenant Colonel, and A.B. Gorges of Dixon, Major.
The Regiment was mustered into the State service on the 21st day of April and into United States service on the 24th day of May, 1861; for three years or during the war, by Captain John Pope, of the Regular Army, at Camp Dement, Dixon, Illinois. [AGR]
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May 24, 1861. Mustered into U.S. service by Capt. John Pope, being the first three years Regiment from Illinois mustered into U.S. service.
The Thirteenth was the first Regiment organized from the then Second Congressional District of the State, and was composed of as good citizens as Northern Illinois contained, many that enlisted as privates rising to field officers in later regiments.
Its Colonel, John B. Wyman, organized and commanded the "Chicago Light Guards" the first Crack Corps the Garden City ever had, and he soon brought the Thirteenth to a degree of proficiency in drill and soldierly deportment that was never excelled by any regiment with which it was afterwards associated. [AGR]
June 16, 1861. Moved to Caseyville, Ill. On the 16th of June it was ordered to Caseyville, Ill., 10 miles east of St. Louis, and on the 5th day of July it passed through St. Louis to Rolla, Mo., where it remained until the spring of 1862. [AGR]
July 5-6, 1861. Thence to Rolla, Mo., ,being the first Regiment to cross Mississippi River into hostile Missouri.
During the summer of 1861, it remained at Rolla, Missouri, guarding that post, for it being a depot of supplies, was constantly threatened by the enemy. Here the regiment did excellent service in suppressing many predatory bands that invested that region within a radius of forty miles; and by their zealous protection of the Union people who had suffered from their cruel and relentless foes, inspired this persecuted class with a like attachment and devotion to the cause of their country. While here, Colonel Wyman succeeded in organizing many of the citizens into cavalry companies; and, under Gen. Curtis, these intrepid scouts proved themselves the most daring and efficient cavalry in the Southwestern Army. [Eddy]
July to October, 1861. Attached to Fremont's Army of the West.
Till October 10, 1861. Duty at Rolla, Mo.
While stationed at Rolla it was engaged in guarding supply trains to and from General Lyon's army, suppressing guerrilla bandits in that part of the State, and was a part of General Fremont's force that went to Springfield, Missouri, in the fall of 1861, after General Price, when the regiment was well and favorably known as "Fremont Grey Hounds," a name given to them by General Fremont himself, on the evening the regiment joined his army at Bolivar, a splendid regiment in splendid shape, after a day's march of forty-two miles. [Patterson] [AGR]
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October 10-November 7, 1861. Fremont's advance on Springfield, MO.
In October, 1861, the regiment joined the army under General fremont, then forming at Springfield, Mo., and their admirable condition and efficiency in drill being marked by the General, they were assigned the highest post of honor in that "Grand Army;" but on the arrival of Gen. Hunter the plans of Gen. Fremont were entirely changed, and this regiment returned tobRolla. [Eddy]
October 13, 1861. Action at Wet Glaze, MO.
October 15, 1861. Linn Creek, MO.
To January, 1862. District of Rolla, Dept. of Missouri.
November 10, 1861. Return to Rolla and duty there till March, 1862.
December 1861. Action at Salem, Mo.
March, 1862. Unattached, Army of Southwest Missouri.
March 6, 1862. Ordered to join Curtis at Pea Ridge, Ark.
In 1862 it joined General Curtis' army at Pea Ridge, 250 miles southwest of Rolla, and was with General Curtis in his memorable march from Pea Ridge to Helena, Arkansas, on the Mississippi River. [Arthur Patterson]
In 1862 it joined General Curtis' army in his attack upon Chickasaw Bayou, and from that time on became a part of the noted Fifteenth Army Corps, commanded so long by General Sherman in person. In the first day's assault at Chickasaw Bayou, Colonel Wyman was killed. The day following, it was a part of General F.P. Blair's Brigade that distinguished itself by approaching nearer to the rebel works than any other command in that part of the field. The losses to the Regiment on that day were 183 killed and wounded. It was present at the capture of Arkansas Post, after which it returned to Young's Point opposite Vicksburg. While there, General Steele's Division, of which the Thirteenth was a part, made a very successful raid to Greenville, Miss., and up Dear Creek, driving the rebels out of that region, and destroying an immense quantity of corn intended for the rebel garrison at Vicksburg. [AGR]
March 6, 1862, it was sent to join the army of Gen. Curtis, and participated in that terrible march across the country to Helena, Ark., during which journey the most unparalleled suffering was endured from thirst, heat and short rations. [Eddy]
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April 8-July 14, 1862. March to Helena, Ark.
To July 1862. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of Southwest Missouri.
To November 1862. Helena, Ark., District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. of Missouri.
Till December, 1862. Duty at Helena, Ark.
To December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. of the Tennessee.
December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 11th Division, 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee.
To January 1863. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Sherman's Yazoo Expedition.
December 22, 1862-January 3, 1863. Sherman's Yazoo Expedition.
December 26-28, 1862. Chickasaw Bayou.
December 26, 1862, the men of this regiment being considered as veterans, were placed in the advance of General Sherman's army in the attack on Chickasaw Bayou, and during the second day's fight lost their brave Colonel, who was shot by the sharpshooters of the enemy. [Eddy]
The 13th Illinois Infantry was part of Gen. Sherman's army in his attack upon Chickasaw Bayou and from that time on became part of the noted 15th Army Corps, commanded so long by General Sherman in person. In the first day's assault at Chicasaw Bayou, Colonel Wyman was killed. The following day, it was a part of General F.P. Blair's Brigade that distinguished itself by approaching nearer to the rebel works than any other command in that part of the field. The losses to the regiment on that day were 183 killed and wounded. [Patterson]
December 29, 1862. Chickasaw Bluffs On the 29th, the terrible charge was made on Gen. S.D. Lee's entrenchments, and the regiment lost one hundred and seventy-seven men killed, wounded and missing. [Eddy]
January 3-10, 1863. Expedition to Arkansas Post, Ark..
Jan. 10-11, 1863. Assault and capture of Fort Hindman, Arkansas Post. It was present at the capture of Arkansas Post, after which it returned to Young's Point, opposite Vicksburg. [Patterson]
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January 17, 1863. Moved to Young's Point, and duty there till March While there, General Steele's Division, of which the Thirteenth was a part, made a successful raid to Greenville, Miss., and up Deer creek, driving the rebels out of that region, and destroying an immense quantity of corn intended for the rebel garrison at Vicksburg. [Patterson]
February 14-26, 1863. Expedition to Greenville, Miss. Upon the fall of Arkansas Post, the regiment accompanied General Steele to Greenville, Miss., where an immense amount of stores were captured and destroyed. Passing then under the immediate command of General Grant, it marched across Milliken's Bend to Grand Gulf, and, making a detour, took part in the capture of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. Orders from the General authorized the 13th to inscribe upon its banners, with Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post, the word Jackson, as a token of its participation in that achievement of our troops. [Boies]
April 2-14, 1863. Expedition from Milliken's Bend to Greenville, Black Bayou and Deer Creek, Miss. It was a part of General Grant's army that crossed the Mississippi at Grand Gulf below Vicksburg, and participated in a part of the battles the rear of Vicksburg and in the capture of Jackson, and was with General Sherman's Corps on the right of the army during the siege of Vicksburg.
April 29-May 1, 1863. Demonstration against Hames' and Drumgould's
May 2-14, 1863. Moved to join army in rear of Jackson, Miss., via Richmond and Grand Gulf. It was part of General Grant's army that crossed the Mississippi at Grand Gulf below Vicksburg, and participated in a part of the battles in rear of Vicksburg and in the capture of Jackson, and was with General Sherman's Corps on the right of the army during the siege of Vicksburg. [Patterson]
May 14, 1863. Jackson, Miss. It was with General Steele's Division in the fruitless assault on the rebel works on the 2nd day of May, where it suffered severely. [Patterson] [AGR]
July 4, 1863. Vicksburg, Miss., surrendered. Vicksburg surrendered on the 4th day of July, 1863, and on the same night at 12 o"clock the regiment started with General Sherman after Joe Johnston. [Patterson] [AGR]
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From Jackson the regiment moved upon Vicksburg, and engaged in the siege of that place until its final fall on July 4th, 1863. In the trenches, in the deadly assault, in the dangers and sufferings of that long siege, the 13th bore its fall share; and Vicksburg was also inscribed upon its banners and its list of triumphs.
It was the grandest triumph yet vouchsafed to the Union cause: for it bisected the Confederacy and restored to us the control of the Mississippi, the great Father of Waters. [Boies]
Note: After Vicksburg, the 13th U.S. Army Corps was sent to Gen. Banks, Dept. of the Gulf; however, most of the 15th U.S. Army Corps was sent to Memphis, TN.
July 10-17, 1863. Siege of Jackson. The 13th was present the second time at the capture of Jackson, Miss., and moved still further east to Brandon, where the pursuit of Joe Johnston ended, and with the remainder of the command returned to Black River and went into camp. [Patterson] [AGR]
Two days after the surrender, the 13th were again moving upon Jackson, which had been re-occupied by the enemy; and, upon the 10th of July, that city was again in possession of our boys, and Jackson, July 10th, was added on our banner to the list of our victories.
For a few weeks the regiment was rested, encamped upon Black river, in the rear of Vicksburg. There George Carr and Samuel Bryant were captured by the enemy, and for many long months endured the horrors of captivity in rebel prisons.
Then under the great Sherman, it moved on Chattanooga. Arriving at Bridgeport, on the Tennessee river, Col. Gorgas turned over the command to Lieutenant-Colonel Partridge, and departed on recruiting service, appearing no more with the regiment until after its active campaigns had ceased.
The regiment now engaged in the active operations for the capture of Chattanooga. They acted as rear guard for the 15th Army Corps on its march from Corinth to Tuscumbia, and for one week were every day engaged in severe skirmishes with the enemy, who was striving to cut off its wagon-train. Upon the capture of Tuscumbia, the name of that place was ordered to be placed upon its banner.
In Lookout Valley the regiment was placed in the command of Fighting Joe Hooker, and participated in the memorable capture of Lookout Mountain, and, on the 25th, in the still greater victory of Mission Ridge, where the 13th captured more prisoners of the 18th Alabama regiment than it had
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men of its own, and carried off in triumph from the field, the battle flag of that regiment. [Boies]In the ranks of the 123rd Illinois most of the men pessimistically viewed the charge up the mountain as a "forlorn hope" and thought that it would not be successful. Then, for one heart-stopping instant, the colors of a Federal regiment were seen waving from near Craven House. The band of the 123rd immediately broke out in a quickstep version of "Hail to the Chief," and in the ranks of the Illinois regiment not a few were emotionally affected. Far to the right of the Federal line, the "awful glory of the spectacle" was similarly revealed to the men of the 34th Illinois. The fog near that side of Lookout had completely blown away, revealing the brilliant regimental colors of the 13th and 75th Illinois. And, when the sun went down and dusk fell over the mountain, the long string of campfires of the Federal troops, glowing like lava from an active volcano, indicated to an entire Union army the success of Hooker's men. [Hicken]
Here the rebel foe was defeated and routed, flying in despair across the Chickamauga, and burning the bridge in its rear. The 13th was among the troops sent in pursuit of them. Cleburne, who, among the rebels, was called the Stonewall Jackson of the west, was in command of the rear of Bragg's flying host, and, at Ringold Gap, determined to make a stand and resist his pursuers.
The 13th, upon that bloody day, was the first to engage the enemy and the last to leave the field. It was sent forward over an open plain to seize an important position. Of their service on this occasion. General Osterhaus officially says: "The 13th Illinois executed the order in magnificent style charged through a hail-storm of balls, and gained the position assigned to them — held it, although the enemy poured a murderous fire into their brave men, both from the gorge above and the hill upon the right."
The rebels rallied and made a desperate charge upon its position, but the charge was repelled with heroic courage. General Hooker says: "The position was heroically taken and held by that brave regiment, it all the time maintaining its position with resolution and obstinacy. It has never been my fortune to serve with more zealous and devoted soldiers." No small praise, this, from the most famous fighting general of the war.
The regiment gained undying fame by its valor at this fight; but it was at a fearful cost. It lost, in dead and wounded, one-one-seventh of the entire loss of the desperate battle; but the victory was won, and Cleburne driven from his position.
Among its dead was Major D.R. Bushnell, and of its wounded were Colonel Partridge, Captain Walter Blanchard, and Captain James M.
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Beardsley. Major Bushnell was a citizen of Sterling — one of the noblest and manliest of all our citizen soldiers. His loss was sadly deplored. Captain Blanchard, who subsequently died of his wounds, was an aged man, a judge of DuPage County Court, and President of the Naperville Bank; had two sons in the army, but endured all the hardships of the service with a heroism that nothing could overcome. [Boies]July 19, 1863. Brandon, Miss.
Till September 27, 1863 Camp at Big Black.
September 27-November 21, 1863. Movement to Memphis, thence to Chattanooga, Tenn. When General Sherman was ordered to join General Grant at Chattanooga with his corps, of which this regiment was still a part, it went from Vicksburg to Memphis by boat, and from there to Chattanooga was a continuous fight, at the rebels tried every way in their power to prevent Sherman from joining Grant's army. [Patterson] [AGR]
October 20-29, 1863. Operations on Memphis & Charleston R.R. in Alabama.
October 21, 1863. Cherokee Station, Ala.
General Sherman telegraphs from Bear Creek: Iuka, October 21, 1863 My advance found Forrest's Cavalry, 400 strong, at Barton's Station, and whipped them handsomely yesterday, killing 2 and taking 9 prisoners. Our loss, 1 killed and 3 wounded slightly — all of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, which acted most handsomely. The Tennessee River is up 8 feet on the shoals. I must cross over to communicate with Nashville and Chattanooga, and must have a steam ferry-boat. I will keep a regiment at Eastport. Wheeler, 10,000 strong, is near Decatur. I hope he will oppose my advance, but thing he will swing up on my flank. My advance is at Cane Creek.
October 24-25, 1863. Tuscumbia and Barton Station, Ala. They accompanied General Sherman in his march from Corinth to Tuscumbia, being for one week daily engaged with the enemy. From the Tennessee to Lookout Valley their division was the rear guard of the 15th Army Corps, and frequently they were engaged with the enemy in his unsuccessful attempts to capture the train. [Eddy]
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Union Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods report: At 3 a.m. on October 26, Woods left camp at Cherokee Station, AL, with his brigade, having the advance of the division, and proceeded in the direction of Tuscumbia, AL. The brigade is composed of 12th Missouri Infantry, 13th Illinois Infantry, 27th Missouri Infantry, 3rd Missouri Infantry, 76th Ohio Infantry, 32nd and 29th Missouri, 70th and 31st Missouri Infantry. It was accompanied by the 1st Missouri Horse Artillery, and the 4th Ohio Battery, and was followed by the Second Brigade of the division.
When I reached Barton's Station I found that the cavalry had driven the enemy to a strong position. I deployed two regiments, the 13th Illinois and 76th Ohio, on the left of the railroad and the remainder of my brigade on the right, taking the two battalions, composed each of two regiments, to a position žs of a mile to the right, and posting them in a piece of woods. Having completed these dispositions, and thrown skirmishers well to the front, I ordered the brigade to advance.
The Second Brigade, with skirmishers in front, advanced at the same time on my left. The skirmishers moved forward in gallant style, driving the enemy from their position and pushing them back to Cane Creek, a distance of a mile. Here they reformed, having five pieces of artillery posted on high ground, with open fields intervening, and skirmishers strongly posted along the creek bottom. After reconnoitering, I pushed my right forward in the edge of the woods. The skirmishers soon reached the creek, and succeeded in crossing.
At this point the firing was very heavy, but of short duration. the enemy, abandoning their positions, fell back to the Little Bear creek, 3 miles from Tuscumbia. They made a stand upon a hill which commanded the valley between us. I posted my brigade on the right of the road upon a hill. About the time the first two regiments were posted the enemy's cavalry made a charge across the open field on my right, with the evident intention of getting possession of the hill. They were checked and driven back by a volley from the Third and Twenty-seventh Missouri, by which Colonel Forrest was severely, if not mortally, wounded by a Minie ball through both thighs.
It being late, nothing further was done than to take a position and to hold it until dark. The troops, except three regiments, which were left on picket duty, were then withdrawn into a ravine. On the following morning, the 27th instant, I deployed the Seventeenth Missouri, Col. John f. Cramer commanding, as skirmishers, supported by the Third Missouri on the opposite side of the creek. At the same time the Second Brigade moved up on my left and the Second Brigade moved up on my left and the Second Division on my
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right, the movement was successful, and by 12 m.[midnight] the troops were in Tuscumbia. I append a list of killed and wounded.Report from Confederate Major-General Stephen D. Lee, from his Headquarters Cavalry in Mississippi, Six Miles East of Tuscumbia, Ala., October 28, 1863:
I have the honor to report that the enemy were held in check at Bear Creek, 3 miles west to Tuscumbia, till 9 a.m. yesterday morning, when my position was flanked, and I was compelled to withdraw. The enemy displayed about 6,000 infantry in line of battle. From prisoners captured I learn that Osterhaus' division is in front, Blair's next. The rest of Sherman's corps is still beyond Big Bear Creek. Grant now commands all west of the Alleghanies, Sherman commanding the Department of the Tennessee, Blair commanding Sherman's corps. The enemy have retired from opposite Decatur. I cannot account for the enemy allowing me to destroy so much of the railroad, as they have seen the work and are aware of it. General Ferguson has not been heard from yet. General Roddey returned in time to join me yesterday morning. I sent him in the rear of the enemy again last night. My scouts have captured the medical wagon attached to Osterhaus' headquarters full of valuable supplies. The enemy do not seem disposed to advance to-day. Their pickets are 2Ë miles from Tuscumbia. I shall annoy them in every way, and break their communications.
P.S. I regret to state that the gallant Colonel Forrest was severely wounded while leading his regiment against the enemy on the 26th. He had to be left in Tuscumbia, as also some 15 or 20 men too severely wounded to be moved.
October 26, 1863. Skirmishes near Cane Creek and at Barton's Station, Ala.
October 26, 1863 Corporal Wilson E. Chapel is reported to have been taken prisoner on this day. Although still part of Company F of the 13th Illinois, he had been detached August 23, 1863, as clerk at Division Headquarters, Division 15 Army Corps.
Oct. 27, 1863 Little Bear Creek, Tuscumbia, Ala.
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Report from Confederate Major-General Stephen D. Lee, from his Headquarters, Tuscumbia, Ala., October 31, 1863:I have the honor to report that on the 26th instant the enemy advanced in force, and after severe skirmishing on the 26th and 27th occupied Tuscumbia.
On 28th, the enemy evacuated Tuscumbia and moved back toward Big Bear Creek. I attacked his rear guard 15 miles west of Tuscumbia on the morning of the 29th, and after a severe skirmish retired before his main force. The enemy's force consisted of two divisions of infantry, under Osterhaus and Morgan L. Smith, the whole commanded by General Blair, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. The force of the enemy was about 8,000. They rebuilt the bridge over Big Bear Creek and run the cars to Cherokee Station, 8 miles east of that point. The thorough destruction of the railroad and the stubborn resistance made to their advance have deterred them from this route, and they are now crossing at Eastport and moving on the north side of the Tennessee River. They intended rebuilding this road to Decatur.
The enemy acknowledge a loss of 100 killed and wounded on the 22d [21st] instant. Their loss has been heavier since. My loss so far is 6 killed and 40 wounded.
On the night of the 25th, I sent Brigadier-General Ferguson with two regiments after a raiding party from Corinth. He succeeded in meeting the enemy, routing him and scattering his entire force over the country, capturing 2 pieces of artillery, 4 guidons, 30 prisoners, a considerable quantity of small-arms, &c. Prisoners are still being caught over the country. The raiders were mostly composed of the Tory regiment from North Alabama. My scouts captured a valuable medical wagon attached to Osterhaus' headquarters, full of medicines, &c.
The enemy are marching through Florence, and I think toward Huntsville. There is little doubt that the enemy intends another flank movement on General Bragg via Will's Valley. There is little further use for cavalry in this valley, and, unless I receive orders to the contrary, will leave for Mississippi in about a week. My horses need shoes and resting. Am having my command filled up as rapidly as possible. It would not be prudent for me to cross the Tennessee now with my present force and the dispositions of the enemy. Their main cavalry force from what I can learn is in the vicinity of Huntsville, and at last accounts the cars were running from Steepness to Paint Rock, and the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad was strongly guarded by troops from Meade's army.
October 29, 1863. Skirmish at Cherokee Station, Ala.
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November 23-27, 1863. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign.
November 23-24,1863 Battles of Lookout Mountain. It was with General Osterhaus' Division, temporarily attached to General Hooker's command at the battle of Missionary Ridge, where the Regiment captured 2500 prisoners, and followed the retreating forces to Rossville, where the enemy was overtaken and a severe skirmish ensued; from there the enemy was driven to Ringgold Gap, where they massed their batteries to protect their retreat.
The losses in this battle were 67. Among the killed were Major Bushnell, Captain Blanchard and Color Bearer Riley, the latter, when shot through the breast, fell in such manner as to be rolled up in the flag, staining it with his heart's blood. For its conduct in the battles in and around Missionary Ridge, the Regiment received the following complimentary notice in Gen. Hooker's report, vol. 8, page 215, Rebellion Record:
Nov. 25, 1863. Mission Ridge. Captured flag of the 18th Alabama Infantry.
It was with General Osterhaus' Division temporarily attached to General Hooker's command, at the battle of Missionary Ridge, where the regiment captured 2,500 prisoners, and followed the retreating forces to Rossville, where the enemy was overtaken and a severe skirmish ensued; from there the enemy was driven to Ringgold Gap, where they massed their batteries to protect their retreat. [Patterson]
At Mission Ridge the 13th captured more than its own aggregate of the 18th Alabama rebel infantry, carrying the 18th's battle flag in triumph from the field. [Eddy]
November 27, 1863. Ringgold Gap, Taylor's Ridge.. Osterhaus' Division fanned in line of battle, the 13th being directly in front of the Gap and massed batteries. It being impossible to take the Gap by charge, the Division was withdrawn and again advanced up the side of the mountain to the left of the Gap, where it encountered the forces of General Pat Clayborn, strongly entrenched at the top of the mountain. Here the Thirteenth Illinois and the Division held their grounds till their ammunition gave out, and they were finally relieved at the third attempt by the 14th Army Corps, they held this trying position for about two hours, the greater portion of the time being without ammunition, depending wholly for their safety upon "fixed bayonets: and their determination never to retreat.
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The losses in this battle were 67. Among the killed were Major Bushnell, Captain Blanchard, and Color Bearer Riley — this was a brave Irish-American of Downer's Grove — what more glorious record has any man than this: "Color Sergeant, killed at Ringgold, November 27th, 1863." He fell when shot through the breast in such a manner as to be rolled up in theflag, staining it with his heart's blood. For its conduct in the battle in and around Missionary Ridge, the regiment received the following complimentary notice in General Hooker's report
"At the same time the enemy kept his artillery busily at work. Their skirmishes were driven in, and, as we learned the position of the battery, the Thirteenth Illinois Regiment, from the right of Wood's line, was thrown forward to seize some houses from which their gunners could be picked off by our men. These were heroically taken and held by that brave regiment. Apprehensive that he might lose his artillery, the enemy advanced with superior force on our skirmishes, and they fell back behind Wood's line, when that excellent officer opened on the rebels and drove them into the leaving, as they fled, their dead and wounded on the ground. Our skirmishers at once reoccupied their line, the Thirteenth Illinois all the time maintaining its position with resolution and obstinacy." [Patterson] [AGR].
The General finishes his eulogy on this division in these words, "It has never been my fortune to serve with more zealous and devoted soldiers." [Eddy]
At Ringgold Gap they were the first to engage the enemy, and, refusing relief, were the last to leave the field. Here their loss was sixty-three killed and wounded. [Eddy]
The following is from Gen. Osterhaus' official report: "Strengthening Col. Cramer by skirmishers from the 12th Missouri infantry, I sent orders to that officer to push the left of his line well forward, and at the same time ordered the 13th Illinois (which held the extreme right) to advance rapidly over an open field to a few houses in front. The 13th Illinois executed the order in magnificent style. They charged through a hail-storm of balls, and gained the position assigned to them, and held it, although the enemy poured a murderous fire into these brave men from the gorge in front, and the hill on the right."
Speaking of the desperate charges repelled by the obstinate bravery of these men, he concludes his allusion to the 13th in the following language: "The 13th Illinois remained undaunted, keeping up a vehement fire." [Eddy]
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February 3, 1864 First negotiations for peace failed.
To April, 1864 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee.
April 17, 1864 At Madison Stataion, Ala.
On the 17th of April, when the time of the regiment would have expired in a week, it was posted at Madison Station in Alabama. The rebel Roddy's command, outnumbering it five to one, came upon it disguised in the blue uniforms of our own army, and completely surprised and surrounded it. The regiment at this time had only 350 men fit for duty. The rebels had three pieces of artillery and 1500 cavalry and infantry. After two hours hard fighting against these odds, the regiment was obliged to abandon the station, fighting its way through its foes, losing sixty-six men prisoners in their hands, the enemy's loss, as reported by flag of truce, was sixty killed, wounded and missing.
In the summer of 1864, worn down with hazards and hardships of three years of very active service, having traveled through seven Southern States, marched more than three thousand miles, fought twenty pitched battles and innumerable skirmishes, the scarred and war-worn veterans of the 13th Illinois came back to their homes, and were received with a welcome such as their heroism deserved. [Boies]
April 9, 1864 Generals Grant and Lee meet at Appomattox Courthouse, VA.
April 26, 1864 Gen. Johnston surrenders to Gen. Sherman near Durham, N.C.
April 27, 1864 Action at Madison Station, Ala. This regiment was assigned to the post of 1st regiment, 1st brigade, 1st division, 15th army corps; but changed to the 3d division in April as their time had nearly expired. On the 17th inst., they were completely surprised and entirely surrounded by a portion of Roddy's command at Madison Station, Alabama. The surprise was occasioned by the enemy advancing on the pickets clothed in United States uniform. After two hours' hard fighting against immense odds the regiment was compelled to abandon the station, breaking through the enemy's line. The enemy had three pieces of artillery with from 1,000 to 1,500 cavalry and infantry. The regiment at this time only numbered 350 men for duty. Sixty-six pickets and skirmishers were captured by the enemy. The enemy's loss, as reported by flag of truce, was sixty killed, wounded and missing. One out of the four prisoners taken from the enemy has died from
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his wounds, leaving the killed and wounded of the enemy as high as fifty-seven. [Eddy]May 4, 1864. Gen. Richard Taylor surrenders Confederate forces in Alabama and Mississippi.
May 26, 1864 At Shreveport. LA, Gen. Edmund Kirby-Smith surrenders the last Confederate army still in the field.,
Till May, 1864 Stationed at Madison Station, Ala..
May 13-15, 1864 Resaca, Ga., (Detachment).
To June 1864 Unassigned, 3rd Division, 15th Army Corps.
June 18, 1864 Mustered out, Springfield, IL. The time of this regiment being so near out they were not taken on the march to the sea, but left to guard the communications in the rear. On the 18th of June, 1864, the regiment was mustered out at Springfield, Ill., having served three years and two months. [Patterson] [AGR|
In the summer of 1864, worn down with the hardships and hazards of three years' active campaigning, having traveled through seven Southern States, marched more than 3,000 miles, fought for the flag and the Union in twenty battles and skirmishes, the scarred veterans of the 13th came home and were received with a grand welcome. Such men deserve to live in the hearts and affections of the people for whom they have fought.
It is estimated that a majority of the 13th veterans have re-enlisted and are again in the field. [Eddy]
This regiment entered the service with 1,010 men, since which time it has received fifty-five recruits. The aggregate when mustered out was five hundred, leaving their loss at five hundred and sixty. [Eddy]
A large number of the regiment re-enlisted, and were consolidated with the 56th Illinois Infantry, being there known as Company "I"; and for another year they fought the rebellion till its close.
Of the remainder of the regiment, full one-half subsequently re-enlisted in other regiments, and again took the field. The regiment entered the service with 1010 men. It received 55 recruits, but, when mustered out, its whole force was 500. It had lost from the various casualties of war 565 men. [Boies]
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Names on Monument at Vicksburg: 13th Infantry Co. F.
| Captain Richard A. Smith | Corporals | Musicians |
| 1st Lieut. Azro A. Buck | Panson Burleigh | R.M. Hevenor |
| 2nd Lieut. Thodore Loring | Edward W. Olney | Albert Mulligan |
| Sergeants | Thomas Hogan | |
| John S. Harroun | Wesley D. Russell | |
| Enos Churchill | Wilson E. Chappel | |
| Porter B. Hall | Nicholas Dupue | |
| Byron F. Wyman | John Adams | |
| Richard S. Davenport | Albert F. Kingsley | |
| Privates | ||
| Allen, William | Harrington, Nelson | Spiking, John H. |
| Atwood, Morris | Harrison, Chas J. | Sprague, Edward F. |
| Babcock, Isaiah | Houghton, Alonzo | Stafford, Seymour |
| Barnes, Dav. A.A.B. | Humphries, John | Thompson, Julius |
| Barton, Anthony | Humphries, James | West, Asa P. |
| Bradley, Daniel | Locy, Joseph W. | Young, John |
| Brown, George | Merrill, Abbott | |
| Bryant, Samuel T. | Miers, Frederick C. | |
| Burbank, Elbert | Nagreen, Joseph | |
| Burbank, Horace C. | Nichols, John W. | |
| Burkee, Cyrus C. | Norris, Sylvester W. | |
| Campbell, George | Orr, Thomas J. | |
| Carr, George | Orvis, Charles W. | |
| Caswell, Chas. E. | Partridge, Z.B. | |
| Clawson, Leonard L. | Patten, David H. | |
| Courtwright, C. | Peck, Charles V. | |
| Crosby, Charles R. | Ramer, Henry | |
| Deily, Jacob S. | Russell, Gustavus F. | |
| Fidermont, Samuel | Secord, Francis | |
| Gaudy, Wayne | Smith, Henry | |
| Hartman, Philo D. | Smith, Oliver W. |
This is a total of 64 men and does not include the support group that remained behind. A separate monument has their names on it.
The names of Colonel Adam B. Gorgas, Lieut. Colonel Frederick W. Partridge, Major Douglas R. Bushnel, and other Field/Staff members are at the top of the plaque above the ten companies.
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Chapel Family Buried in the Malta Cemetery.
The Chapel Family Buried in the Malta Cemetery are:
Blk 2 Lot 3 [spelled with one "L"]
George Chapel, 1828-1899, Gr. 007
Isaac H. Chapel, 1845 — 8 Oct. 1862 Gr 008 (died when Wilson was in service)
Joseph Chapel, 1793 — 13 May 1874 Gr. 005
Mary Elizabeth Chapel, 1828 — 10 Jan 1902 Gr. 6
Blk 10 Lot 3 [spelled with two "L's"]
Clarence E. Chapell, 20 Aug 1859 — 08 Mar 1893 Gr. 007
Enoch Chapell, 24 Apr 1827 — 02 Sep 1883, Gr. 005
Sarah P. Winchell Chapell, 22 Jul 1834 — 22 Nov 1921, Gr. 006
Wilson E. Chapell, 26 Sep 1839 — 06 Jun 1864, Gr. 004
(This may be a memorial stone, as he is/was buried in National Cemetery, Danville, VA. From his journal he wrote he was celebrating his 23rd birthday on 26 Sept. 1863. If so, he would have had a birth date of 1840, not 1839.)
Census 1860 (not in 1850 Census as moved to Malta in 1860).
Household 462.3528
George Chapell, 35 M Fanner, R MA
Mary Chapell, 34 F Housekeeper MA
Emma Chapell, 4 F IL
Household 463
William Chapell, 2 M IL
Thomas Galicole 17 F FL ENG [Farm Laborer?
Isaac Chapell, 12 M MA
Dewitt Dewitt, 20 M FL MA [Farm Laborer?]
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Story of the 13th Illinois Flag
The Regiment Flag of the 13th Illinois Infantry had the following inscription:
Actually first at Chickasaw Bayou and assault of 29th; Jackson, May 14th, 1863; Vicksburg and assault. May 22, 1863; Jackson, July 10, 1863; Tuscumbia, Oct. 26-27, 1863; Lookout Mountain, Nov. 24, 1863; Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863; Ringgold, Georgia, Nov. 27, 1863.
The flag was transmitted to the State [Illinois] with letters to Illinois Governor Oglesby from the Governor of Massachusetts, John A. Andrew, and Rev. Dr. S.K. Lothrop. The letters describe how the flag was found.
From the Governor of Massachusetts letter:
"Locke, who is a fine young fellow in appearance, brought it to me in person, and brought with it the silk flag, the first Union flag displayed in Richmond [VA] on the day of its capture. Upon examination, this flag appears to belong to an Illinois regiment numbered the 13th: but of what arm of the service, whether infantry or cavalry, does not appear. It was probably hanging in Turner's office as a rebel trophy. It belongs of right, therefore, to your State, and I hold it subject to your order, content in yielding it to you, to remember, as symbolical of the common patriotism of the whole country, that the first Union flag raised in Richmond was an Illinois flag by a Massachusetts soldier."
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From the Rev. Dr. S.K. Lothop's letter:
"The bearer, John F. Locke, of Somerville, a private of company E. 39th regiment Massachusetts volunteers, 5th army corps, was captured at the attack on Weldon railroad, on the 19th of August, 1864, and sent to Salisbury , N.C.., where he was kept till the 20th of February, 1865, and on that day was sent to Richmond, arriving there on the 22nd, to be paroled and exchanged. The day after his arrival at Richmond, he met Capt. Porter, Adjutant General of his brigade who had been left by Gen. Hays in charge of the supplies sent to Richmond for our prisoners there, and Capt. Porter wished him to remain and assist in the charge and distribution of these supplies. With this wish or order he complied, and remained at Richmond so employed up the time of the evacuation of that city by the rebels, civil and military. Capt. Porter having in the meantime left, and Capt Stuart, of the 146th, New York regiment, taking his place. On the morning of the 3d of April, Capt. Stewart, Locke and one soldier having passed the night in the building containing out stores, which was near Libby prison, Capt. Stewart left a little before 7 o'clock, and walked up Main street to see what was going on, the explosions, the fires and other indications all satisfying them the city was being evacuated. Locke was left in charge of the building. About twenty minutes after this, Capt. Stewart's servant came down to the building and said the Federal cavalry were coming in — that they were about a mile and a half off. Locke, upon hearing this, went immediately over to Libby, entered Major Turner's off, found there two captured Union flags — one silk, the other bunting — returned to the building, and proceeding to the third story, hung out the Union flag from a window or doorway before any of our troops were in sight and while there were yet straggling many rebel soldiers in the street. He claims thus to have raised the first Union flag in Richmond, and as he proposes wailing upon your Excellency [Governor] with the Union flag which he took from Major Turner's office in the Libby, and wanted these facts to be known to you, I have taken the liberty to write them out in the form of this note to you. Locke has been nearly three years in the service, and is twenty-one years old." AGR p. 159.
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The Flag After the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou
[But the 13th Illinois were the heroes of the day. They fought with magnificent bravery, reckless of all danger. No sooner were their lines formed than they fell before the pitiless storm of shot and shell, like grass before the scythe of the mower: yet they held their position like Spartans, although exposed to this terrible fire from batteries against which their own fire was harmless.
The colors of the regiment were left upon the field of battle, and afterwards sent as a trophy to Richmond. They lay there till the final capture of that city, when they were found by one of the first of the Union troops who entered, and were thrown to the breeze — the first Union flag that had been seen in that rebel capital since the fall of Sumter.]
"Patrick Riley, the color-bearer, while carrying the flag across the open plain, was struck in the breast, and fell to the ground, the flag bespattered with his blood; but he still held it firm and erect, until his successor was obliged to wrench it from his dying grasp and pass on. The regiment gained undying fame by its valor at this fight; but it was a fearful cost. It lost, in dead and wounded, one-one-seventh of the entire loss of the desperate battle; but the victory was won, and Cleburne driven from his position." Boies, p. 302
This flag is stained by the life-blood of Patrick Reilly, color-sergeant, who was killed at Ringgold Gap, November 27, 1863. He was shot through the breast and fell in such manner as to be rolled up in the flag.
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The Story of Henry Holt, the Bugler
A young man, Henry Holt, bugler of Major Power's cavalry, attached to the 13th regiment, was complaining of feeling rather ill, when the Quartermaster, Captain Henderson, who had a passion for aught like fun, proposed to bury the musician; and in the spirit of merriment, seized a spade, and, after measuring the complainer, dug a grave of his exact proportions.
The bugler laughed, as did his companions, at the humor of the officer, and soon after went away to discharge some duty with which he had been trusted.
About nine o'clock the same evening. Holt was sitting, with seven or eight of his company, about a camp-fire, within a few feet of the grave, when some one pointed to it and remarked, in a tone of badinage:
"Come, Harry, get ready for your funeral!"
The youth looked over his shoulder at the gloom cavity in the earth, put his hand to his head, and fell from his stool. His companions laughed at the little piece of acting, as they supposed it, and were surprised that he did not rise from the earth.
They went up to him, asking, "Are you asleep, Harry?"
He made no answer, and yet his eyes were open.
They shook him in vain.
His friends grew alarmed. One placed his hand upon Harry's heart. It was still: he was dead!
He had perished of a stroke of apoplexy, and was buried at midnight, in the grade made for him in jest by a merry-hearted friend.
And so the droll jest was drowned in the hollow sound of the earth falling upon a rude coffin, and solemnly waking the stillness of the night-morn amid the solitude of a broad prairie of the southwest. [Boies]
175
Brig. General Frederick W. Partridge
Originally from Norwich, VT, and Sandwich, IL, he settled in Sycamore after the War. He came from a military family:
Capt. Samuel Partridge fought in colonial and Indian wars before the Revolution; Capt. Isaac Partridge was in the Revolutionary War; Capt. Cyrus Partridge was War of 1812. A cousin was Supt. of West Point. F.W. was assigned a secret mission in the 1847 American-Mexican War (and failed!).
In the Civil War he fought at Lookout Mt., Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga and Ringgold Gap, TN. Mustered out in 1864, he recovered from his wounds, resumed his law practice, and came to Sycamore when he became Clerk of the Circuit Court. A friend of General Grant, F.W. became President. General of Siam (U.S. Ambassador to Thailand) when Grant became President. While in Siam he became a hero by saving the King's son. He once sponsored a dinner for both Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. His first house was destroyed by fire in 1880 with all its contents including the finest Siamese curiosities in America.
He lived at the Smith-Partridge House, 230 Somonauk St., often referred to as the Wetzel House and now owned by St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Capt. Richard A. Smith was also wounded in the Civil War and became a leader of Sycamore's GAR. This is the only House in the Sycamore Historic District built in the 19th Century Gothic architecture, perhaps because it is located between two Gothic churches.
General Partridge passed away 22 January 1899 and is buried in Elmwood Cemetery. His wife, Mary (Pauline), died in 1885, but had a plaque, which is on the inside south wall of St. Peter's Episcoapl Church, is dedicated to her husband. Miss Blanche Partridge, the only daughter of the General, died at his home on Feb. 23, 1898. She was 38 years of age and was buried in Sandwich, IL. The 1880 census shows the General as a merchant and also living in the household were Anna Brown, a servant, and Ann B. Pauline, his sister-in-law.
176
Orderly Sergeant Edward Bridge
Although not mentioned by Chapel, he undoubtedly knew and perhaps heard about Orderly Sergeant Edward Bridge who was also from Malta, IL. Boies History relates:
"Among those from Malta, [IL], who gave their lives in defence of their country, was Orderly Sergeant Edward Bridge, an intelligent, exemplary and patriotic young soldier of Company B, Fifty-fifth Illinois. He was severely wounded at Shiloh, but recovered and lived to fight the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Haines' Bluff, Champion Hills, Black River, Vicksburg and Jackson, winning the highest commendation in his relation as a soldier and as a man, but he died of pneumonia at Larkinsville, Alabama, January 11th, 1864. Aged 21." p. 530.
Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) Confederate President. He grew up in the Mississippi frontier. Was educated in Kentucky and Transylvania. Graduated from U.S. Military Academy, a year ahead of Gen. Robert E. Lee.
He served seven years in remote garrisons in Wisconsin and Illinois; saw action during the Black Hawk War, 1832. He married the daughter of President Zachory Taylor; she died after three months of marriage.
He ran successfully for Congress, 1845. He was in the Battle of Buena Vista, 1847. He returned to Washington, D.C., as a Senator. He was Secretary of War, 1853-57, during President Pierce administration. He was in the debates about slavery.
He resigned Senate seat, Jan. 21, 1861. Was made President of Confederacy, Feb. 18, 1861.
Not to be confused with Brig. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis, under Gen. Curtis, and later of the 14th Corps of the Army of the Cumberland.
Rev. Arnold T. Needham
The chaplain at the time the 13th regiment went out of service was Rev. Arnold T. Needham. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted as a private. He was subsequently promoted as sergeant for bravery. By his active, yet unobtrusive piety, his zeal in caring for the wounded and dying, he had so won upon the
177
officers of the regiment that they recommended his appointment to that office although he was not even a licentiate. Leave of absence granted; he returned to his home in Chicago, was licensed and ordained, and received his commission. Chaplain Needham is a devoted Christian minister, and at the expiration of the time of enlistment, he entered the Rock River Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was appointed to a pastoral charge, where he gives full proof of his ministry.The Services of Two Sycamore Doctors
While not directly associated with Company F of the 13th Regiment, there were two Sycamore doctors who were appointed or otherwise called into service during the War.
According to the Adjutant Generals Report, Dr. O.M. Bryan of Sycamore was appointed to the medical board under General Orders No. 25 of the War Department for the Medical Department. He came on a new board on June 14, 1861, along with four other doctors from Chicago, Collinsville, Paris and Peoria, IL. "Dr. Bryan was subsequently promoted to Brigade Surgeon." AGR, p. 25
On April 30, 1862, extra surgeons were authorized to be appointed because of "the anticipation of the close approach of a great battle before Corinth, [MS], then closely invested by our immense army,"
Among 15 appointed from throughout Illinois and at the head of the list, was Dr. P.J. Wardner of Sycamore. On July 5, 1865, he was paid $113.60 "These Surgeons, although acting under the authority of the War Department, really formed no part of the army. They were not mustered into service, nor did their names appear upon any rolls, either for muster or pay. Nevertheless, as early as possible after their appointments, they severally repaired, at their own expense, to the several posts assigned them, to render such medical aid to our soldiers as the necessities of the service demanded: and it is believed their services were timely and efficient." AGR, pp. 101-2.
178
| Residence | X Enlisted May 24, 1861 |
Death or Mustered Out Date | |
| Adams, John | Syc | 5/30/6 | 6/18/64 MO as Corporal |
| Allen, William | Syc | X | 6/10/64 |
| Atwood, Morris | Syc | X | 9/9/63 Discharged Disability |
| Babcock, Isaiah | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Barnes, Daniel, A.A.B. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Barton, Anthony | Syc | X | 6/21/64 |
| Berogan, John | Pierceville | 6/15/61 | ? |
| Bradley, Daniel | Syc | X | 5/8/65 POW |
| Brown, George | Crtld | 7/6/61 | 6/6/65 POW |
| Bryant, Samuel T. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Buck, Azro A. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 Prom., Sgt, 2nd&1st Lt., Capt. |
| Burbank, Elbert | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Burbank, Horace C. | Syc | X | 9/1/63 Transfer to Invalid Corps |
| Burgess, Lewis | Cortland | X | 1/1/62 Discharged |
| Burkee, Cyrus C. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Burleigh, Ranson | Syc | X | 6/18/64 MO as 1st Sgt. |
| Campbell, George | Syc | X | 6/8/65 POW |
| Carr, George | Syc | X | 6/6/65 POW |
| Caswell, Charles H. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Chappel, Wilson E. | Malta | X | 6/6/64 Promoted to Corp., POW, Died |
| Churchill, Enos | Cortland | X | 6/10/61 |
| Clarke, John | Cortland | X | 12/10/61 Discharged |
| Clawson, Leonard L. | Syc | X | 3/15/64 Died |
| Coogle, John | Syc | X | 8/18/61 Deserted |
| Cook, Charles | Dixon | 12/18/63 | 12/18/63 Trans. to Co. I, 56th Ill. Inf. |
| Courtright, Cyrn's S. | Cortland | X | 6/18/64 |
| Crosby, Charles R. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Culver, Harian | Cortland | X | 1/1/62 Discharged |
| Davenport, Richard S. | McDonough | X | 6/18/64 MO as 1st Sgt. |
| Deiley, Jacob S. | Syc | X | Unknown Wounded in Hosp. 12/29/62 |
| Dolan, Thomas | Syc | X | 7/1/62 Discharged |
| Dupue, Nicholas | Syc | X | 6/18/64 MO as Corporal |
| Dutton, Everett F. | Syc | X | 9/22/62 Promoted to Field & Staff |
| Fidermont, Samuel | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Freeman, William | Syc | 7/1/61 | 7/31/61 Deserted |
| Gaudy, Wayne | Cortland | X | 5/4/63 Discharged Disability |
| Goodrich, George | Cortland | X | 2/16/63 Died |
| Gould, Benjamin L. | Cortland | 7/6/61 | 1/26/63 Discharged Disability |
| Green, Andrew J. | Syc | X | 10/2/61 Died |
| Hall, Porter D. | Unknown | X | ? Absent, w'nd, since 11/27/63 |
| Harrington, Nelson R. | Syc | 9/3/61 | 1/29/64 Vet, Cpl, trans to Co. I, 56th Inf. |
179
| Harrison, Charles J. | Syc | X | 7/25/64 |
| Harroun, John S. | Unknown | X | ? 1st Sgt., Absent on Duty |
| Hartman, Philo D. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Hevenor, Reuben M. | Malta | X | 6/18/64 |
| Hill, John | Malta | X | 4/28/63 Deserted |
| Hogan, Thomas | Syc | X | 5/25/63 Died of Wounds |
| Houghton, Alonzo | Syc | X | 1/29/64 Vet trans to Co. I 56th Ill. Inf. |
| Humphries, James | Peoria | 9/3/61 | 5/8/65 POW MO as Corporal |
| Humphries, John | Syc | X | 4/30/63 Discharged Disability |
| Jones, William J. | Malta | X | 12/14/61 Discharged |
| Keer, William C. | Syc | X | 1/5/63 Died of Wounds |
| Keppell, Isaac | N.Kingston | X | 5/17/62 Died |
| Kingsley, Albert F. | Syc | 6/16/61 | ? Promoted to Corporal |
| Lawrence, John M. | Cortland | 6/10/61 | ? |
| Locy, Joseph W. | DeKalb | X | 6/6/65 POW |
| Loring, Theodore | Cortland | X | 6/18/64 Prom. Sgt, 2nd & 1st. Lt. |
| Loudon, George | Syc | X | 1/1/62 Discharged |
| Mayo, Zeiotes Bingham | Syc | X | 7/25/61 Resigned, prom. Capt. to Col. |
| McLaughlin, Thomas | Syc | X | 2/28/63 Deserted |
| Merrill, Abbott | Kaneville | 5/30/61 | 6/18/64 |
| Miers, Frederick C. (Myers) | Syc | X | 6/6/65 Vet, POW, trans. Co. I, 56th Inf. |
| Milligan, Robert | Syc | X | 4/28/63 Deserted |
| Mulligan, Albert | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Nagreen, Joseph | Syc | X | ? Absent, sick since 10/21/63 |
| Nichols, John W. | Syc | X | 5/30/65 MO as Sgt. |
| Nichols, Stephen | Syc | 9/3/61 | 2/21/63 Discharged Disability |
| Norris, Sylvester W. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Oleson, Hans | Cortland | X | 11/2/63 Died |
| Olney, Edward W. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 MO as Sgt. |
| Orr, Thomas J. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Orvis, Charles W. (Ovis) | Syc | X | 1/29/64 Vet. Trans. to Co. I, 56th, POW |
| Ovitt, John | Malta | X | 11/24/62 Discharged Disability |
| Patridge, Frederick W. | Sandwich | X | 6/18/64 Lt. Col. 13th Co. E &Staff MO |
| Partridge, Zeolotes B. | Syc | X | 5/6/63 Discharged |
| Patten, David H. | Syc | 5/30/61 | 6/18/64 |
| Peck, Charles V. | Syc | X | 11/27/63 KIA at Ringgold |
| Phelps, William A. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Potter, Seneca | Syc | X | 7/23/62 Discharged Disability |
| Ramer, Henry | Pierceville | X | 6/18/64 |
| Robbins, Alfred | Syc | X | 10/20/62 Discharged |
| Russell, Alphonzo | Cortland | 9/3/61 | 12/29/63 KIA Chickasaw Bayou |
| Russell, Gusfavus F. | Cortland | X | 6/18/64 |
| Russell, Wesley D. | Syc | X | 6/26/63 Died |
| Secord, Francis | Syc | X | ? Absent sick since 10/1/63 |
| Sigline, Jacob | Syc | X | 9/10/61 Discharged |
| Smith, Henry | Pierceville | X | 11/27/63 KIA at Ringgold |
| Smith, James M. | Syc | X | 5/31/62 Deserted |
| Smith, Oliver W. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
180
| Smith, Richard A. | Cortland | 8/6/61 | 8/21/63 Promoted 2nd Lt, 1st Lt, Capt |
| Smith, William S. | Syc | X | 9/19/61 Died |
| Spiking, John H. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 |
| Sprague, Edward F. | Syc | 9/3/61 | 9/3/61 Trans. to Co. I, 56th Ill. Inf. |
| Stafford, Seymour | Syc | X | 9/1/63 Transfered to Invalid Corps. |
| Stark, William H. | Cortland | X | 12/15/61 Died |
| Thompson, Julius | DeKalb | X | 6/18/64 |
| Waldron, John | Syc | X | 12/16/62 Discharged Disability |
| West, Asa P. | Syc | X | 6/6/63 Discharged Disability wounds |
| Whitney, Lorenzo H. | Syc | X | 9/10/61 Discharged |
| Willis, Moses M. | Syc | X | 8/11/63 Discharged Disability |
| Wing, Vinter B. | Syc | X | 9/6/62 Died of internal fever |
| Wyman, John B., Col. | Amboy | X | 12/28/62 KIA at Chickasaw Bayou |
| Wyman, Byron F. | Syc | X | 6/18/64 MO as 1st Sgt. |
| Young,John | Syc | X | 1/13/64 Died of Wounds |
| Other names on Boies List | |||
| Chappel, Wilson E. | Malta | Not on Boies list. | |
| Chapel, Charles | So.Grove | 11/23/65 Commissary Sgt, 17th Ill. Cav. | |
| Courtwright, Cyrenus S. | Cortland | AGR abbrev. Cyrn's | |
| Gandy, Wayne | Cortland | Boies misspelled Gaudy | |
| Gandy, George W. | Cortland | Boies: Early resident of | |
| Gandy, Isaac | Cortland | Boies: Early resident of | |
| Depue, Nicholas | Sycamore | Boies misspelled Dupue | |
| Depue, J.H. | Genoa | 3/21/64 Sgt. died In Civil War | |
| Depue, James S. | Sycamore | 12/23/61 Discharged 8th Ill. Cavalry | |
| Depue,Joseph | Sycamore | 1/11/63 Discharged Disability 105th Inf | |
| Depue, Richard D. | Sycamore | 12/16/65 MO 17th Ill. Cavalry | |
| Durkee, Cyrus C. | Sycamore | Boies misspelled Burkee | |
| Losee, Joshua | DeKalb | 6/6/65 POW | |
| Losee, Rufus | DeKalb | 12/28/62 Discharged Disability | |
| Orritt, John | Malta | Boies spelling of Ovitt? | |
| Siglin, Jacob | Sycamore | Boies spelling of Sigline? | |
| Siglin, Isaiah | Sycamore | 12/18/65 MO 17th Ill. Cavalry | |
| Siglin, Jacob M. | Sycamore | 7/15/62 Resigned 8th Ill Cavalry | |
| Siglin, Joshua | Sycamore | 12/18/65 MO 17th Ill. Cavalry | |
| Willis, Moses B. | Sycamore | Boies initial for "M"? | |
| Willis, Henry B. | Sycamore | 10/17/64 MO 42nd Ill. Infantry |
181
| Afton Cemetery | ||
| Dunbar, Eugene W. | Co. E Pvt. d. 8/11/1866 | |
| Dunbar, S.T. | Co. E. Cpl. d. 2/24/1868 | |
| Charter Grove | ||
| Siglin, Joshua | Co. F Pvt. d. 1/8/1906 | |
| Culver, Cem. Sandwich | ||
| Wright, John H. (Henry) | orig. from Northville | Co. E. Pvt, |
| Dickson Cem., Sandwich | ||
| Skinner, Robert | orig. from Northville | Co. E. Sgt. |
| Elmwood Cem, Sycamore | ||
| Crosby, Charles A. | Co. F. Pvt. Died 5/22/1905 | |
| Deily, Jacob | Co. F. Pvt. Died 1898 | |
| Dutton, Everell F. | BrigGen 105th Died 6/8/1900 | |
| Harrington, Nelson R. | Co. I, 56th Inf, Cpl d. 1/4/1912 | |
| Kimberly, Frank (Kinerly) | not on AGR or Boies list | Co.F13th Pvt d. 12/21/1881 |
| Mayo, Zeiotes Bingham | Co. F Capt. d. 3/12/79 | |
| Nichols, Stephen L. | Co. F. no death date given | |
| Partridge, Frederick W. | 13th Ill lnf. BrigGen d. 1/22/99 | |
| Phelps, William A. | Co F Pvt. died 10/21/1884 | |
| Smith, Richard A. | Co. F Capt. Died 2/24/1919 | |
| Smith, William S. | Co. F no info but d. 9/19/61 | |
| Waldron, John | Co. F Pvt. Died 1875 | |
| Wyman, Byron F. | Co. F. Sgt. Died 4/27/1909 | |
| Greenwood, Hinckley | ||
| Ankle, Henry | orig. from Somonauk | Co. B&E Pvt. d. 7/16/1894 |
| Darnell, Enoch B. | orig from Fox | Co. E. Pvt. d. 7/14/1916 |
| Kingston Cemetery | ||
| Russell, W.D. | 13th Ill Inf. Pvt. d. 1863 | |
| Malta Cem. | ||
| Chapel, Wilson | Co. F Cpl d. 6/6/1864 | |
| Deily, Jacob | Also, see Elmwood, Syc | Co. K 15th Ill. Inf. D. 8/8/1934 |
| Havenor, R.M. | Co. F Pvt d. Sept. 1921 | |
| Hill, John | Co. F. Pvt. d. 1864 | |
| Mayfield Cem., Sycamore | ||
| Nichols, John W. | Co. F. Pvt. d. July 1899 | |
| Mound Rest, Cortland | ||
| Ovitt, Simeon D. | not listed In AGR | Co. F. Lt. d. 1922 |
| Ramer, Henry E. | Co. F Pvt. d. 1914 Co. D? | |
| Oak Lawn Cem, Sandwich. | ||
| Barnes, Charles E. | Co. E. Pvt. d. 8/17/1877 | |
| Wallace, Henry | not on Dekalb Co list | Co. E. Pvt. |
| Mullen, John | not listed AGR nor Boies | Co F. Pvt. no death date |
| Underwood, William E. | Co. E. Cpl. no death date | |
| Oak Ridge Cem. Sandwich | ||
| Palmer, C.L. | Co. E. Pvt. d. 6/12/1863 | |
| Devoll, George B. | Co. E. 1st Lt. d. 6/16/1895 |
182
| Ohio Grove, Cortland | ||
| Burgess, Lewis | Co F. Pvt. d. date unknown |
| Buried Elsewhere | Those of Co. F who died in Service | |||
| Bushnell, Douglas R. | Sterling | 12/29/62 | 11/27/63 | Lt.Col.13thStaff KIA Ringgold |
| Chappel, Wilson E. | Malta | X | 6/6/64 | Promoted to Corp., POW, Died |
| Clawson, Leonard L. | Syc | X | 3/15/64 | Died |
| Goodrich, George | Cortland | X | 2/16/63 | Died |
| Goodwin, Josiah K. | Amboy | X | 8/4/63 | 13thStaff HospStwd Died |
| Green, Andrew J. | Syc | X | 10/2/61 | Died |
| Hill, John | 1864 | Co. F. Pvt. d. 1864 | ||
| Hogan, Thomas | Syc | X | 5/25/63 | Died of Wounds |
| Keer, William C. | Syc | X | 1/5/63 | Died of Wounds |
| Keppell, Isaac | N. Kingston | X | 5/17/62 | Died |
| Oleson, Hans | Cortland | X | 11/2/63 | Died |
| Peck, Charles V. | Syc | X | 11/27/63 | KIA at Ringgold |
| Russell, Alphonzo | Cortland | 9/3/61 | 12/29/63 | KIA Chickasaw Bayou |
| Russell, Wesley D. | Syc | X | 6/26/63 | Died |
| Smith, Henry | Pierceville | X | 11/27/63 | KIA at Ringgold |
| Smith, William S. | Syc | X | 9/19/61 | Died |
| Stark, William H. | Cortland | X | 12/15/61 | Died |
| Wing, Vinter B. | Syc | X | 9/6/62 | Died of internal fever |
| Wyman, John B., Col. | Amboy | X | 12/28/62 | KIA at Chickasaw Bayou |
| Young,John | Syc | X | 1/13/64 | Died of Wounds |