YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Purchased from the income
of the bequest of
WILLIAM ROBERTSON COE
Honorary M.A. 1949, for
material in the field
of American Studies.

A WAIF OF
THE WAR;
OK, THE
jtatorg of 1km $tp*rttS$h cPnois Jnfantrg,

EMBRACING- -

THE ENTIRE CAMPAIGNS
OF THE
ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND. t
BY :
WM. SUMNER DODGE,
Author op " CHRONICLES OP THE ARMY OP THE CUMBERLAND; or, HISTORY
OP THE OLD SECOND DIVISION."

Here the free spirit of mankind, at length
Throws its last fetters off; and who shall place
A limit to the giant's unchained strength,
Or curb his swiftness in the forward race ?
Bryaht : The Ages.
From a conservative and progressive republic — The only one durable, the only one pos
sible — May the unseen hand cause to bloom forth what is germinant in this kind of institution
— The morality of the people and the reign of God. — Lamartlnb : History of the French
RevoVuUon.

CHICAGO:
CHUECH AND GOODMAN, PUBLISHERS,
51 L> Salle Street.
1866.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by
WILLIAM SUMNER DODGE,
In the Clerk's office of the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Church, Goodman ahd Donnelley, Printers.

PREFACE.

Bt request of the officers and soldiers of the Seventy-fifth
Eegiment Illinois Volunteers, who, upon the expiration of their
term of service, partially raised the amount necessary to write
out its history, I undertake the task. How well it is accom
plished, remains with them to say. Illinois has' sustained a
proud record in the late war for the Union ; and among the hun
dreds of regiments she has sent into the field, none have reflected
greater credit upon her name than this. I have aimed to re
count its marches and battles in such a manner as to do the com
mand justice ; and while doing this, have presented the outlines
of campaigns, and the actions of the corps, division and brigade
under which it acted a subordinate part. I have also given a
sketch of other commands when acting in unison with it. To do
this clearly has involved the labor of collating and examining a
large mass of documents, apart from those necessary to strict
regimental details. Three years of service in another division
of the same army gives me, perhaps, some claim to an under
standing of army operations, and also frees me from that bias
which might attach to a writer who himself belonged to the regi
ment. It is but justice to the brave men who have served so faith
fully through our country's peril, that their services be recorded.
For myself, Iwill state that, appreciating the desire of the mem
bers of the Seventy-fifth for such a memorial, I have, without
compensation, given my time in its preparation. If it meets the

IV. PREFACE.
approval of those interested, I have my reward. It has not been
my intention to over-praise any, or to disparage any. In this
matter, the official record has Been mj guide. Circumstances
beyond my control have delayed its publication for months longer
than I anticipated. Those reasons I need not explain here.
The command had the good fortune to serve until the end of the
war. Entering the service when the black clouds of despond
ency had settled over the land, it withdrew only when the sun
light of Peace illumined a clear sky, from zenith to horizon.
Liberty has been won. Republican institutions now stand vindi
cated before the world. If, now, the brave men who have fought
the battles of the Republic, will stand forth in the dignity of
true manhood, and by the exercise of a just conservatism in their
political ideas, abjuring all sectional parties and isms, continue to
maintain what has ieen gained, sealed as it is by the blood of our
martyred President, Abraham Lincoln, and fulfil the hopes of the
Fathers — the labor of his life — then will the unity of the nation
be established on a basis that cannot crumble, and the world for
ever feel its power for good.
WM. SUMNER DODGE.
"Washington, D. C, Sept. 15, 1866.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I.
A brief History of the Political and Military Situation of the Country
in the Spring and Summer of 1862  11
CHAPTER n.
Company and Regimental Organizations — Drill — Discipline — Visits of
Friends while Encamped at Dixon — Departure for the Seat of "War. . 23
CHAPTER HI.
Arrival at Louisville, Eentucky — The New Organization of Buell's
Army, and the Assignment of the Regiment — The Opening of a New
Campaign — Movement of the Various Corps — The Situation —
Skirmishes with the Enemy — The Attack upon Rousseau and Jack
son — Great Gallantry of these Generals — The Battle of Perryville —
Conduct of the Seventy-fifth Illinois — Official Recognition of its
Services..  31
CHAPTER IV.
Pursuit of Bragg-'s Forces — It is Abandoned, and the Army Moves
upon Nashville — Reorganizations and Changes — The Position of the
Army Around Nashville  50
¦I
CHAPTER V.
Advance of our Army upon Murfreesboro — The Battle of Stone River
— Recital of its Struggles — Gallantry of the Seventy-fifth — Resum£
of the Battle — Retreat of the Rebels, and Occupation of the Town . . 56
CHAPTER VI.
Murfrees'boro and its" Surroundings — The Campaign of Middle Ten
nessee — Battle of Liberty Gap — Defeat of the Rebels — The New
Line of our Army  15

VI. CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VH.]
Winchester — Advanee of the Army — Battle of Chickamauga — Opera
tions of Post's Brigade during this Campaign — Its Heroism and
JJ Endurance  81
CHAPTER VIII.
Chattanooga and its Scenery — Reorganization of the Army — Farewell
Address of Colonel P. Sidney Post — The Seventy-fifth Assigned to
' Colonel Grose — Removal to Whitesides  99
CHAPTER IX.
A New Campaign — Battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge,
and Ringgold — Grandeur of the Conflict, and the Decisiveness of its
Results — The^ Record of the Regiment — The Carnage-field of Chicka
mauga — Heart-sickening. Scenes — Burial of its Fallen Braves —
Return lo Whitesides  101
CHAPTER X.
Winter Encampment at Whitesides — Movement to "Blue Springs — The
Reconnoissance to Dalton — Organization of Pioneer Company —
Preparations for the Great Atlanta Campaign  122
CHAPTER XI.
Opening of the Atlanta Campaign — The Battles of Buzzard Roost,
Rocky Face, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Resaca, and Dallas — The Move
able Column  130
CHAPTER XII.
Continuance ofthe Campaign — The Battles of Pine, Lost and Kenesaw
Mountains — Battles of Adairsville, Symrna or Culp's Farm, and
Peach Tree Creek — The Chattahoochie and Atlanta — The Battles of
Jonesboro and Lovejoy's Station — Occupation of Atlanta — End of
the Great Campaign.  141
CHAPTER XLII. ,
The Rebels Resume the Offensive — Retreat of a Portion of our Army —
The Decoy of Hood — Thomas Operates against Hood, while Sherman
Marches to the Sea — Skirmishes at Columbia and Spring Hill —
Battle of Franklin — Retreat of our Army to Nashville  113

CONTENTS. Vll.
CHAPTER XIV.
The Battle of Nashville — Defeat ofthe Rebels, and their Utter Rout —
They are Driven Across the Tennessee — Heroic Bravery of our
Men — Thomas's Congratulatory Order  189
CHAPTER XV.
Campaign into East Tennessee — Final Surrender of the Rebel Armies
— The Dawn of Peace — Return of Thomas's Army to Nashville —
Order for Muster-out — Closing Episodes — Final Payment and Dis
charge ofthe Regiment — Conclusion  .*  ,  201

CHAPTEE I

A BRIEF . HISTORY OP THE POLITICAL AND MILITARY
SITUATION OF THE COUNTRY IN THE SPRING AND
SUMMER OF 1862.
The rebellion, which our people were confident of
crushing in three short months, with a force of
seventy-five thousand men, had continued through
an entire year, rousing the nation, to a realization
of the fact that a bitter fratricidal strife was upon
us; a war of sections, which augured much blood
shed, great expenditure of treasure, ruined homes,
devastated fields, broken and sorrowing hearts.
Already three hundred thousand additional troops
were in the field ; but, seemingly, the larger our
army, the more complex our difficulties — yet farther
off the termination of the dreadful struggle.
True, in the West there had been sanguinary bat
tles, resulting in rebel defeats, and consequent re
treats, entailing upon us the necessity of defending
longer exterior lines of operation, and more extended
highways of communication. The battles of Mill
2

18 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
Springs and Belmont had been fought, the storming
of Fort Donelson effected, and, as a logical sequence,
the evacuation of Columbus, Bowling Green, and
Nashville by the rebel forces. Then came the terrible
ordeal of Shiloh, where the united armies of Grant
and Buell routed the Beauregardian hosts of the
Confederacy, and drove them pell-mell within their
fortifications at Corinth. Other brilliant successes
on the Mississippi, and beyond it, also added eclat
to our victorious western banners. The surrender
of Island No. 10, and the blood-bought field of Pea
Ridge, for a moment inspired faith in our speedy
triumph. And the dashing operations of Mitchell's
command in Alabama greatly strengthened that
faith. But now there was a lull in the conquering breeze.
Defiantly sat the combined rebel armies of the
South- West in the intrenchments at Corinth, await
ing the attack of the concentrated Union forces
under Grant, Buell, and Pope. Here resulted a long
and weary siege, ending in the escape of the entire
rebel army, outwitting all the deep-laid plans of the
military chieftain, Halleck.
But the war which, until the siege of Corinth, had
been such a success in the West, had been almost.
one constant reverse in the East. Like the Spanish
campaigns against the Moors and Turks, the Crucifix
triumphed here, the Crescent there. From Bull Run
to Yorktown, thence through the memorable Chick
ahominy campaign, resulting in the indomitable but

SUCCESSES AND ADVERSITIES. 19
ill-starred battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines' Hill,
Savage Station, and Malvern Hill, up to the very
gateways of Richmond, within grasp of the coveted
prize, the Union cause oscillated, until every gleam
of hope was dispelled ; when at last the sad intelli
gence was published that the Army of the Potomac
rested at Harrison's Landing — thousands of patriot
men in their graves, and nothing accomplished.
Our navy, weak in numbers, but gallant in heart
and purpose, invested the coast, each harbor and
inlet, aiding so far as possible in preventing rebel
communication with Europe, cutting off the enemy's
supplies, and placing him strictly within the pale of
insurrection, or rebellion. Besides this onerous duty,
it maintained its olden reputation for achievement
in the capture of Newbern, St. Augustine, and New
Orleans. Such was 'the status of military affairs. The
politics of the country, which then in fact controlled
the army, its movements and policy, were in a far
more lamentable condition. Slavery, the cause of
the rebellion, and therefore the root of discord which
should have been exterminated, or rather to destroy
which should have been the policy of the Govern
ment, was, strangely enough, cared for as tenderly
as a child. A foreigner, not familiar with the his
tory of the conspiracy, its causes, and the ambitious
motives of its leaders, would have supposed that we
regarded Slavery as a tower of strength in our cause
— that upon its protection depended the salvation

20 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
of the Union. .Campaigns were conducted, marches
made, the armies sustained in such manner as least
to tax the energies and resources of the South.
Our army fought for the maintenance of the Union :
the rebel army for its disintegration, and the perpe
tuity of Slavery. The deadly conflict was waged by
us against the latter idea, yet outside of the battle
field no steps could be taken to thwart the foul pur
pose. Rebel property was protected by Federal
bayonets. Their homes, their fields of corn and
grain, and the slaves who sustained the damnable
cause, were each and all secured to the rebel masters.
When it was deemed necessary by military commanders
to use or appropriate any species of property belong
ing to the enemy, this could only be done with im
mediate and full compensation. And the negro, the
innocent cause of all, he who never yet through all
the war betrayed our side, and who from his position
was ever able to give valuable information relating
to rebel movements, was denied admission within
our lines, and if by chance he came into our camps,
Union soldiers were employed to force him to re
turn to his so-called master. So despised was the
negro, and so fearful were the politicians and military
of giving offence to their " Southern brethren !"
War is a calamity to any nation involved in its
bloody meshes. But when it is forced upon a peace
ful people, all its terrible enginery should be used to
crush the aggressor into the earth. Every means
allowed by the law of nations should be employed to

THE POWER OF SLAVERY. 21
make the conflict speedy and decisive. With us wa?
presented the anomaly of fighting to destroy a heresy,
yet protecting it behind the very shields we in vain
sought to shatter. War thus waged was inhuman.
It awarded a premium to butchery, without hope of
good results. It was like the cannibals of the South
Sea Islands, who, binding their victims, cover them
with wounds, yet are careful not to pierce a vital
part, lest the sufferings of the tortured cease. God
had no attributes that would side with us in such a
warfare. But He had not deserted us. He suffered our
people to flounder on in this sea of trouble, until
calm reason should teach them by stern experience
what party prejudices and passion had failed to do,
that emancipation of the negro and the fulfillment of
the promises of the Declaration of Independence were
the conditions of our national safety.
Thus formidable was the power of Slavery. From
the first cannon-shot which announced the fray, until
July in 1862, it controlled not only its own usurped
domains, but the political power of the Free States,
so that no arm was yet sufficiently nerved to attack
the giant criminal. Then the people, realizing that
Divine favor could never be bestowed on injustice,
marshalled their forces to storm the citadel. Our
martyred President, who ever leaned upon the pop
ular heart, and directed his policy in accordance with
its pulsations, finally, thinking the hour had come,
grasped the thunderbolt under which the iniquity

22 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
should stagger to its fall. Nearly contemporary with
this glorious event came the demand for more troops,
to carry on war in earnest, and under this call of
July 6, 1862, came that generous outpouring of
brave and loyal hearts, adding new strength to the
armies already in the field, and constituting with
them that grander force which in the future would
astonish the world by its magnificent triumphs.

CHAPTER II

ORGANIZATION  DRILL — VISITS OF FRIENDS 
DEPARTURE.
Immediately upon the call of the President, July 6,
1862, for three hundred thousand volunteers, and
before it was yet definitely known what would be
the quota for Illinois, Governor Richard Yates, than
whom no better ever served a State, full of patriotic
ardor and lofty devotion to the cause, issued a stirring
proclamation to the citizens of Illinois. It was the
bugle-blast calling to battle — the key-note to a
grand success.
In a few days after the call was made, it was
announced that the Illinois quota would be 52,296
men. The Secretary of War had previously called
for nine regiments as a part of this quota, and nine
camps of rendezvous were at once established for the
troops. Among them was one at Dixon, the county
seat of Lee. This was the camp of instruction for
the Seventy-fifth Illinois, and was entitled Camp
Dement, in honor of a highly esteemed citizen of

24 the seventy-fifth Illinois.
that town, who had formerly held various offices of
public trust — Colonel John Dement.
On the 15th of August, 1862, Captain Wm. M.
Kilgore, who had on the previous 17th of July been
commissioned by the Adjutant-General to raise a
company for the service, received the following :
" General Order No. 82.
" Gen. Head Quakteks State of Illinois, )
" Adj't Gen'l's Office, Springfield, >
" August 15th, 1862. )
" Captain Wm. M. Kilgore, of Whiteside county,
will assume temporary command of volunteers at
camp at Dixon until further orders, and make daily
reports to this Department.
" By order of His Excellency, Richard Yates, Gov
ernor. " Allen C. Fuller, Ad ft General."
In obedience to this order, Captain Kilgore took
charge of " Camp Dement," and the new levies for
that Congressional district were rapidly concentrated
here for organization and drill.
The several companies which composed the Sev
enty-fifth were speedily organized, to wit :
Company A was enlisted at Dixon by James A.
Watson, Ezekiel Giles, William Parker, and George
Putnam. The men were principally from Dixon,
Palmyra and Nelson. It elected its company officers?
and was sworn into the State service August 11th,
and rendezvoused at Camp Dement on the 13th.

COMPANY ORGANIZATIONS. 25
Company B was recruited at Lyndon, Whiteside
county, by John Whallen, James Blean, and others.
Its members were principally from Lyndon, Fenton,
Garden Plains, Newton, Round Grove, and Prophets-
town. It was organized and company officers elected
on the 12th of August, and on the 15th proceeded
to Dixon.
Company C was raised at Morrison, Whiteside
county, chiefly by the energy of John E. Bennett,
assisted by Ernest Altaian and George R. Shaw. Its
members were from Morrison, Prophetstown, Round
Grove, Newton, Clyde, and Portland. This co*mpany
was recruited in five days, commencing August 4th,
and being organized by the election of officers on
the 9th. It left for Dixon the 14th of August.
• Company D was recruited under the auspices of
the Chicago Board of Trade, by Capt. A. McMoore,
in the vicinity of Sterling, Colomo, Genesee, Hume,
Hannahman, Hopkins, Montmorency, Portland, and
Prophetstown — all of Whiteside county. This com
pany first rendezvoused at Sterling. On the 11th
of August it elected its officers, and that night pro
ceeded to Chicago. But owing to misrepresentation
or misunderstanding on the part of the Board of
Trade, it returned to Sterling, and on the 15th joined
the company organizations at Dixon.
Company E was raised almost wholly from the
towns of Lee Center and Sublette, in the county of
Lee. Its organization was more the result of an out
burst of patriotic ardor on the part of the loyal peo-

26 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
pie, who were determined to see our cause succeed,
than that of individual effort. Yet to Wm. S. Frost,
F. H. Eels, and J. H. Blodgett, the officers elected,
is the company indebted for speedy preparation for
the field. It rendezvoused at Dixon about the middle
of August.
Company F was recruited in the vicinity of Am-
boy, county of Lee, by Addison S. Yorrey and James
Tourtillott. It rendezvoused in Amboy during its
enlistment, and when ready was sworn into the State
service by Samuel Brown, Esq., on the 21st of
August, and on -the 27th joined the volunteers at
Dixon. Company G was organized at Franklin Grove, Lee
county. Its members were from that vicinity and
adjoining towns. Those who contributed particularly
to its success were Joseph Williams, Robert L. Irwin,
and James Taylor, of Lafayette. The latter, by his
influence alone, raised thirty men for this company.
Twenty-seven of the members were married men.
Upon its organization it reported at Dixon.
Company H was recruited in Sterling, Como, Gen
esee Grove, and Jordan, through the efforts of John
G. Price, Joseph W. R. Stambaugh, and others. It
remained for a short time in Sterling, but upon
the election of its officers it moved to the encamp
ment at Dixon.
Company I was enlisted in Whiteside county, prin
cipally in the townships of Sterling, Erie, Fulton,
and Ustick. The election of officers took place at

ORGANIZATION COMPLETED. 27
Wallace Hall in Sterling, on the evening of August
14th, and was made an occasion of much festivity
and good feeling. After the meeting was over, the
"boys" amused themselves by hauling an old "Mc
Cormick " through the streets, one of their number
going through the motions of " raking off." This
gave them the name of the "Reaper Company." It
rendezvoused at Dixon, August 18th, and awaited
further orders.
Company K was organized at Wyoming, Lee
county, and was enlisted by Dr. George Ryon,
James Thompson, B. G. Barrett, and I. L. Hunt, in
Pawpaw, Willow Creek, Wyoming, and Yiola. On
the 25th of August it proceeded to Dixon.
Such is a brief history of the organization of the
companies which were soon to constitute the Sev
enty-fifth Illinois Infantry. They were composed
almost entirely of farmers and farmers' sons, and
young men in the country towns of the 22d judicial
circuit. They were emphatically citizens, but very
few of whom, either as officers or men/ had seen
actual service in war. Now they were entered on a
field of duty unknown and untried, full of fatigue,
hardship, suffering, and danger. They were men,
who, now the Republic was in imminent peril, re
solved to throw themselves into the deadly breach,
that it might be saved. Forgetful of self, and rising
above the sordid views of gain, they abandoned the
quiet of their homes, society and its fascinations, the
world at large and its constant whirl of excitement,

28 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
and as soldiers were now to "gird on their armor,"
march forth to battle, and, breasting the leaden and
iron hail of the enemy, stand the avowed champions
of the national honor aud safety.
On the 2d day of September, the regimental com
panies, having lotteried each for its letter designation,
and also elected its field officers — Dr. Geo. Ryon, of
Co. K, as Colonel ; John E. Bennett, of Company C,
as Lieutenant-Colonel ; and Wm. M. Kilgore, of Com
pany I, as Major — they were mustered into the ser-
ice of the United States, under orders of Governor
Yates, " for three years or during the war," by Capt.
T. O. Barri, of the Eleventh U. S. Infantry.
" Camp Dement " now became a grand school of
instruction. Several other companies, the nuclus of
other regiments, were here, and officers and men
must, so far as possible, be thoroughly informed of
the duties pertaining to the camp, the garrison, the
march; and the field. Tactics, embracing the school
of the soldier, the company, skirmish drill, and the
school of the battalion, were carefully and constantly
taught, and theory joined to practice. Major Kilgore
and Captain Hale having seen some service, one in
the 13th, and the other in the 11th Illinois, aided
much in a quick understanding of those movements.
Here for nearly a month, the regiment was busied
in learning to be soldiers. Schooling in positions,
facings, the principles ofthe step, the manual of arms,
loading, firing, bayonet exercise, kneeling, alignment,
inarching, and wheeling, was the order ofthe day.

THE PERIL OF THE COUNTRY. 29
The camp was thronged with visitors and friends
of the soldiers, and much amusement was afforded
them. But this was mere play at soldiering. It was
not to last long. The Government had not called
them into being as blue-dressed toys to tickle a war
like nation's pride ; but for stern work, such only as
heroes are fit for and die in the doing.
The country was full of dangers. Everywhere,
north, south, east and west,. the demons of destruc
tion raised their hydra heads, and howled madness
and wrath. Here it was open, declared foes ; there
it was a concealed enemy, the more dangerous be
cause secret. But the safety of the Republic rested
with its citizens, its founders and supporters. If so in
clined, they could maintain it against every shock.
Would they do it ? History nowhere testifies to
such an out-pouring of patriotism, such shedding of
blood, such sufferings, and finally such triumphs.
But there were dark days still in store for us ; days
such as, while their events are recorded in the great
scroll of time, should sadden many a household
hearth. And the Seventy-Fifth, unable to read
the dark horoscope of the immediate future, drifted
rapidly into its vortex of " fire and blood."
Orders came for a movement immediately to the
seat of war. And so, on the 27th of September,
many a last farewell was spoken, many a lip was for
the last time pressed, and many a heart mutely told
what the tongue, dumb with anguish, could not
utter.

30 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
But they were going forth to battle for God,
Country, and Right, and they felt that they were in
His good keeping ; and if they were numbered with
the slain, it was to serve his own wise purpose.
Hence they hesitated not at duty.

CHAPTER III,

THE BATTLE OF CHAPLIN HILLS  ROUSSEAU  VALOR
OF THE SEVENTY-FIFTH  ITS FEARFUL LOSS. I,
Upon tlje arrival of the Army of the Ohio at Louis
ville, Ky., whence it had* retreated to save that city
from the rebel army under General Bragg, it was
thoroughly reorganized, and the new levies were dis
tributed in the different divisions and brigades of
the old army. It was organized into three army
corps, the First commanded by Major-General A.
McD. McCook ; the Second by Major-General T. L.
Crittenden ; and the Third by Major-General C. C.
Gilbert. The army consisted of eleven divisions,
formed of brigades numbering from One to Thirty-
seven. The Seventy-fifth Illinois arrived at Jeffer-
sonville, Indiana, on the 29th of September, via
Chicago and Indianapolis. Thousands of others of
the new troops were all along the Indiana shore,
rallied there to repel the threatened capture of Louis
ville. A gigantic task was now before the command
ing General ¦ — that of supply. These great armies
of men, old and new, must be fed and clothed, and

32 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
to a great extent newly equipped. This and the
reorganization accomplished, the campaign could be
commenced with reasonable hope of success.
The Seventy-Fifth was assigned to the Thirtieth
Brigade, Ninth Division, and Third Army Corps.
General Crittenden's Corps constituted the right
wing, General McCook' s the left, and General Gil
bert's the center. Such was the new organization of
the "Army ofthe Ohio."
By the 30th of September the army was consolid
ated, equipped, and ready for the advance. Bragg's
forces were still at Bardstown, Kentucky, and on
the 1st of October the army moved out the Bards
town, Frankfort and Lebanon pikes, with the inten
tion of attacking them. But now, Bragg had moved
his command from Bardstown to Perryville, and the
concurrent testimony of citizens and prisoners proved
that it was his intention to move still further south
ward, and not to offer the "wager of battle." But,
finally, learning that the advance of Buell' s columns
was moving rapidly upon the rear of his own column,
he resolved to mass his force'sand crush one or more of
them, and thus, if necessity compelled, or opportun
ity offered, destroy our army by detail. Bragg,
therefore, skillfully amused our generals by means
of small parties of cavalry, skirmishing at Floyd's
Fork, Claysville, Mount Washington, Bardstown,
Springfield, and Texas ; inducing them to believe
they were closely upon his heels, while in reality he
was most judiciously posting his army to entrap us.

PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE. 33
He had planted his batteries upon a range of low,
wooded hills in front of Perryville, overlooking and
completely commanding a large space of open ground
lying immediately at the foot of the ridge. His
infantry were massed around and behind his artillery,
and his cavalry were prepared to charge down the
slope of the hills, and sweep everything from the
comparatively level ground below. Such was the
position selected by the rebel general. His forces
were under the immediate command of the Rev. and
General Leonidas Polk. His division commanders
were Hardee (who had two divisions), Cheatham,
Buckner, and Anderson.
On the 7th October; the two armies well confronted
each other. Skirmishing with infantry, and artillery
duels were of frequent occurrence. Our own lines
were gradually established, and preparations made
for battle. Major-General McCook, with his two
divisions, Rousseau's and Jackson's,, occupied splen
did, ground, selected by Rousseau — ground which
the sequel proved was admirably held, although with
the most terrific fighting. Gilbert's Corps came in
on the Springfield turnpike, and when within five
miles of Perryville, the enemy appeared in force,
the Ninth Division, General R. B. Mitchell's, was
drawn up in line of battle across the road. No
engagement, save light skirmishing, ensued, and soon
after the Eleventh Division, General Phil. Sheridan,
was passed to the front, and established on some
heights to the right of the road near Doctor's Creek.
3

34 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
General Crittenden's corps was moving up the
Lebanon pike, but was not within supporting dis
tance. The order of battle thus established was :
Rousseau's division on the extreme left, with Jack
son's division somewhat to the rear ; joining this on
the right and in prolongation of the line, was Sheri
dan's division, with Mitchell's in reserve. The cav
alry, under General Gay,, was deployed on the flanks.
The night was a beautiful moon-light. Softly
Luna shone on hill and valley, on forest and field —
tinting with mellow hues the foliage of the trees.
The scene was grandly solemn — solemn, because
while Nature herself was so peaceful, man, enraged
against his.brother, was marshaled in warlike array,
eager to inflict death, destruction, and woe. All
through the night shot and shell went' whizzing over
head, crashing through the trees ; constant monitors
that the enemy was present, and heralds of a bloody
to-morrow. It was hardly day-break on the 8th, for the beau
tiful moonlight still slumbered upon the hills, when
the rebels appeared on the front and flanks of the
Thirty-sixth Brigade, Colonel Daniel McCook' s, and
planting a battery, poured forth a shower of shrapnel,
which went crashing through its lines ; but although
new troops, they never flinched from duty. A few
well-directed shots from Barnett's artillery silenced
the rebel guns. But the foe was determined, and
thrice rallied round the guns and opened fire ; each
time to be repulsed by the deadly Parrotts, and

THE INITIATORY BATTLE. 35
finally to retire altogether. Thus McCook held in
undisputed possession the contested ground. General
Gay then threw forward a portion of his cavalry,
the Second Michigan, in. pursuit of the retiring rebels,
one battalion dismounted, two mounted, and soon
encountered resistance. The dismounted force, aided
by the Fifty-second Ohio, entered into the work with
energy, and drove them from the woods ; but they
soon met reinforcements, rallied, and in turn forced
our men to retire, obstinately contesting each inch
of ground.
In a few moments it seemed as if the battle had
commenced. On came the rebels, pouring volley
after volley into the ranks of our cavalry and ad
vanced infantry — pushing them back to their orig
inal position. ¦ This gave the enemy courage ; and
with that whoop or yell so peculiar to them, they
prepared to attack our main line of battle. The
situation was critical indeed. Should they break the
line of the Thirty-sixth Brigade, they would hold the
center of our intended line of battle, and disaster
must ensue. Fortunately, Mitchell's division had
moved up, and was already establishing a prolonga
tion of this line of battle, and covering securely the
entire right of the hill. So far safe ; but more for
tunate still, the Second Missouri Infantry, of Pea Ridge
fame, came gallantly to the aid of the imperiled
line, and then the Michigan heroes advanced anew,
the Second Missouri moving close after in line of
battle, supported by the Fifteenth Missouri. Again

36 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
the battle raged fiercely. A perfect hailstorm of
bullets greeted them; shot and shell tore among
them fearfully ; and many a brave heart departed to
another world. In vain this murderous fire, in vain
the sleet of leaden hail. Undaunted they pushed on,
the " Stars and Stripes " gloriously aloft, and soon
the dismayed and conquered rebels fled from the
field. Pursuit was made for more than a mile ; and
Hotchkiss' Minnesota battery aided much by an
effective fire upon the enemy's flank.
Thus ended the initiatory engagement on this
fatal clay. It was ten o'clock in the morning. Our
loss had been considerable ; the enemy's equaled at
least our own, for both had fought with tenacious
purpose ; but we were masters of the ground. This
attack of Bragg confirmed our generals in the opin
ion that here we were to be met and driven back, if
possible. Thus it was deemed the height of impru
dence to invite attack by any offensive demonstration
on our part, until our own army was all in order of
battle, or at least within close support.
It is evident, however, the rebel generals chafed
with madness and impatience. Their well conceived
plan of drawing our advance troops into a trap had
failed, owing to the judicious cautiousness of their
movement as they neared Perryville. Again, the
longer they delayed the battle, the more doubtful
was their success, as they justly reasoned it were
better to fight two or three divisions than six. Hence
the order of Bragg, to " assail at once, and vigor
ously."

ATTACK ON ROUSSEAU. 37
About noon, or perhaps somewhat later, everything
being quiet, as all indications were that the enemy
had for a time retired, General Rousseau concluded
to resume his march to Chaplin Creek, anticipating
by a little a verbal order of General Buell given to
General McCook, to move to this point, as his men
were suffering most intensely from thirst.
While General Gay was skirmishing with the
enemy, he had requested support from Rousseau for
his artillery, and the General had sent him the
Forty-second Indiana, and Loomis with two of his
long-range Parrott guns. These had remained in the
position occupied during the engagement'; and now,
as the head of Rousseau's column was within a hun
dred yards of Loomis's guns, it was reported to him
that the enemy was reappearing in the woods beyond.
He halted the column, rode forward personally to
satisfy himself of the fact, and in a few moments
more the rebels could be seen plainly. The. discharge
of shell from three masked batteries proved unmis
takably that they were in force, determined on
action. Rousseau ordered Loomis to reply, instantly, and
to hasten forward the remainder of his guns.
Simonson's Fifth Indiana Battery was ordered up, and
the contest opened in thunder tones. He then di
rected Colonel Lytle to form his brigade on the right
in a strong position, and immediately learning from
Captain Wickliffe, of the Second Kentucky Cavalry,
that a great force of cavalry, infantry and artillery

38 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
was moving down directly on the front of Colonel
Harris's brigade, he galloped over to him and assisted
in forming his brigade in two lines of battle, on the
left of Colonel Lytle. Here the gallant Starkweather
announced by a messenger his arrival on the field
still further to the left. Rousseau's heart was glad
dened, for these men were veterans, tried and true.
The Twenty-Eighth Brigade had been accidentally
cut off in the morning by a movement of General
Jackson's division at Maxville ; but Starkweather,
true to the instincts of a soldier, hearing firing in the
front, had abandoned the road, moved around Jack
son's column, and halted where Rousseau found him,
and, as Rousseau says, in his official report, " on the
very spot where he was most needed." At this mo
ment a large body of rebel cavalry was seen moving
down the road a full mile in front of Starkweather's
line, which, admirably shelled by Stone's First Ken
tucky Battery, was dispersed in great disorder. The
First Kentucky and Bush's Fourth Indiana artillery
were then placed on a high ridge on the extreme left
of the battle line, extending diagonally to the front.
These batteries were supported by the First Wiscon
sin, while the Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania, in line on
another ridge running at right angles to the one on
which the batteries were planted, delivered a splendid
cross-fire upon any troops attempting to charge them ;
and this proved to be the key of the position during
all that bloody ordeal soon to follow.
These positions were all taken in great haste, but

A TERRIBLE STRUGGLE. 39
without the least confusion. Rousseau now returned
to Harris's brigade, and found the Thirty-third Ohio
already engaged, being ordered further forward by
General McCook, closely supported by the Second
Ohio. Rousseau then led forward in person the
Twenty-fourth Illinois, which was rapidly deployed
into line, and went galloping into action on the left
of the Thirty-third Ohio. Harris's entire brigade
now received a fearful shock in battle. Cheatham's
whole division bore down upon it, three to one, and
the cannonade and musketry fire was terrible. Mars,
the great god of war, now held full sway. He was
carrying out on the grandest scale a tragedy more
direful than ever was presented on the foot-boards,
to never so excited an auditorium. Tragedy had
stepped into full life ; all that devoted band were
actors. The brightness of day had changed into the
gloom of night. The demon of Death hurtled through
the sulphureous canopy his ministers of steel and
flame, and laid hundreds of brave men low. But
right gallantly this noble brigade held the enemy at
bay, hurling back each assault with desperate energy ;
and among those noble soldiers none displayed more
valor than the new regiment, the Ninety-fourth Ohio,
Colonel Frizell, which, acting in unison with the
Thirty-eighth Indiana, did service worthy the eternal
gratitude of the country. The men not only emptied
their own cartridge boxes, but those of the dead and
wounded around them.
At this juncture, General Jackson's division, com-

40 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
posed entirely of new troops, and hence lacking that
confidence which association with veteran regiments
would naturally give them, having been terribly
pressed by another overwhelming force of the enemy
— Hardee's division — -their gallant Generals Jackson
and Terrell being killed, and the chivalrous Webster
mortally wounded, yielded the field in great confu
sion, hundreds of their men falling meantime, under
a most merciless fire of musketry, sacrificing the
magnificent battery of Parsons, and breaking the
line of battle. At first they fought with commend
able courage, and again and again checked the rebel
tides as they rolled frantically against their lines. But
the troops opposed to them were the veterans who had
taken part in the battles of Belmgnt, Fort Donelson,
and Shiloh, and their resolution and skill had not in
the least abated. And it is not singular that they
were forced to yield the contest. However lamenta
ble the fact that they did succumb, impartial history
must do them justice, and state that they did all that
undisciplined men could do, regiment vieing with
regiment, and man with man, to see who should
longest withstand the fierce assaults — retreating,
rallying, reforming, again supporting the batteries
of Harris, Stone, and Parsons, together vomiting
forth a perfect lava of bullets, grape and canister,
into the very bosoms of the advancing host, literally
strewing the ground with the bodies of dead and
mangled victims.
Jackson's division routed, and, flushed with the deli-

STAND OF THE VETERANS. 41
riuni of victory, the rebels now, under the lead of
Bragg and the infamous Buckner, were encouraged to
re-attack Rousseau's Spartan band. And here occurred
one of the bloodiest passages at arms recorded in the
annals of time. The attack was made on the devoted
brigade of the gifted Lytle. As the column appeared
from, behind a belt of timber which had sheltered it
in its formation, it presented a most beautiful pag
eant. Long lines of burnished bayonets gleamed
brightly in the already setting sun. The regimental
flags, with their fields of blue and single stars, waved
proudly in the air. Their leaders and their staffs
were splendidly mounted on spirited white horses,
fend all seemed impatient for the fray. It was one
of those sublime spectacles — a picture of the " pride,
pomp, and circumstance of glorious war" — where,
too often, horror, woe, and death finally wraps the
scene in the gloom of tragedy. .
Arriving within artillery range, the enemy planted
twTo batteries and opened a galling fire upon the
Third Ohio and Forty-second Indiana. Their infan
try advanced steadily under cover of this fire, and
when within close musket range, poured a most ter
rific fire into these two regiments. They stood like
a rock washed by an ocean tempest ; yes, stood,
although nearly one-half of their number strewed
the ground. But an accident compelled them to
that which the enemy could not. A large barn filled
with hay, near which the right of the Third Ohio
rested, took fire, and in a moment the whole was in

42 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS. ,
a blaze. The heat was unendurable, yet the heroes
stood their ground until their faces were blistered ;
at 'last they retired to the foot of the hill, and in
doing this got into disorder. The Fifteenth Kentucky,
Colonel Curran Pope, rushed up the eminence, to
supply its place. Immediately it was greeted with
every deadly missile of war, and its ranks were deci
mated ere it had been there a single minute, — Lieu
tenant-Colonel Jouett and Major Campbell were killed,
and Colonel Pope wounded. It' retired, but rallied
at the foot of the hill. The forced retreat of these
regiments uncovered the right wing of the Tenth
Ohio, and a brigade of rebels approached it under
cover of the crest where the other regiments had
been, and unawares struck that command in flank
and rear, almost annihilating it ere it could change
front and repel the attack from so unexpected a
quarter. Lytle had expected the enemy in his front,
and his men were lying down behind the crest of the
hill, and he intended to have the Tenth charge him
with the bayonet, as he came over the ridge. Oh !
it was heart-rending to see that noble regiment thus
compromised, yea, sacrificed ; but it was alone, cut
off from support, and Rousseau's eagle eye was else
where engaged, cheering the men on the left, who were
beating back most murderous assaults. The heroes
of Carnifex soon received a withering volley from
the cat-like foe, and leaping to their feet, unable to
form line, deliberately walked away. Here fell, and
it was thought, mortally wounded, the noble Lytle,

THE FALL 0F..LYTLE. 43
the Chevalier Bayard of Ohio. One of his sergeants
lifted him in his. arms, and strove to bear him off the
field. " You may do some good yet," said he ; " I
can do no more ; let me die here." He was left
there, and was captured by the enemy ; but he did
not die. God reserved him to fall finally in such
another forlorn hope at Chickamauga. Hearing of
this terrible mishap, and with his great heart bleed
ing at the sacrifice, Rousseau, our American Murat,
galloped over to the right to cheer it by his presence,
and assure them that, though left alone, they were
not forgotten, but that stern necessity had compelled
it. He found Harris's brigade re-formed, and though
few in numbers, determined to perform their duty.
While here he saw another heavy force of the enemy
bearing directly down on the Fifteenth Kentucky.
On approaching, this regiment rose, cheered, and
again hastened to the crest of the hill, where it was
ordered by Rousseau to lie down. He then ordered
Loomis to open fire, which he did with terrible effect ;
but the rebel line moved straight on, its broken ranks
closing up with alacrity, although riddled by a cross
fire from the Seventeenth brigade.
Rousseau's heart sank within him. His division
had been incessantly engaged for more than three
hours, losing terribly ; and now, tired out and with
almost exhausted' cartridge-boxes, it must stand an
other trial against greatly superior, and from appear
ance, fresh numbers. Could he not have help ? Is
there no one to come to the rescue ? Gilbert is fight-

44 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
ing, but are his forces all engaged ? McCook had
sent repeatedly for reinforcements, but none came.
Was his corps to be sacrificed, and an entire army
within a few miles, idly lying on its arms ? Thus it
seemed. But no ! Fortune smiles on , the heroes !
Help is at hand. A courier announces that a brigade
from Mitchell's division awaits orders for action;
Rousseau hails the news with gladness, withdraws
Harris's worn-out men, and the fresh brigade, Colonel
Gooding's, forms its line of battle and shows what it
can do. Into the contest it hastened like
" Many a stout corps that went
Full ranked from camp and tent,
And brought back a brigade ;
Like many a brave regiment
That' mustered only a squad."
This brigade was formed in line of battle as
follows : The Twenty-second Indiana on the right,
the Fifty-ninth Illinois on the right, and the Seven
ty-Fifth Illinois in the center, with Pinney's Fifth
Wisconsin Battery on an eminence in the rear, bor
dered with woods.
Instantly the battle raged anew ; nor was it con
fined to this brigade ; it extended along the entire
line. But nowhere did it rage fiercer than here.
The roar of the cannon and musketry was deafening ;
the earth trembled under their shock. For two
hours a lurid sheet of fire blazed between the oppos
ing lines; hurling destruction into each other's ranks.

ACQUITTAL of colonel ryon. 45
Fiercer and wilder grew the contest, and almost hand
to hand they fought at least three times their own
number, often charging upon them with such impet
uosity that they retired weakened by the deadly fire.
At one time the Twenty-second Indiana charged on
the enemy with fixed bayonets, completely routing
them from their position on the right of the brigade,
but at the same time a reserve force attacked them
on the left, in which the Fifty-ninth and Seventy-fifth
were engaged, and with great desperation. Soon the
Twenty-second Indiana lent its aid — and then fell the
gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Keith, of that Regiment,
and Major Kilgore, of the Seventy-fifth Illinois. The
former was killed, the latter, most dangerously
wounded. The tenacity with which the Seventy-
fifth Illinois maintained the 'conflict in the centre is
worthy of all praise. Colonel Ryon, who had been
arrested for neglect in not having the Regiment sup
plied with ammunition (unjustly though it was),
entered the ranks, and fought side by side with his
brave men. After the conflict had ended, so gallant
was his conduct, his sword was restored to him, and
a court martial convened to try him for " criminal
negligence in not supplying his regiment with ammu
nition," honorably acquitted him, and he was restored
to his command.
The loss of the regiment was fearful, and by it the
hearts of hundreds ,of households were wrung with
anguish. Among the many, many fallen, were Lieu
tenants Franklin H. Eels, and James Blean, killed ;

46 the seventy-fifth Illinois.
Major W. M. Kilgore ; Captains John Whallon, Wm.
S. Frost, and D. M. Roberts ; Lieutenants Edward H.
Barber, Wm. H. Thompson, Robert L. Irwin, and
James H. Blodgett, wounded. Kilgore, Roberts and
Irwin were supposed to be mortally hurt, but after
long suffering, they recovered and returned to duty.
The conduct of the fated Blean was most noble,
although rash. When wounded, he refused to be
carried off the field, saying, " I'll take care of myself.
Fight on ; ¦ give the rebels the best you have."
While lying on the ground, just in rear of the line of
battle, whence he had crawled, he was again wounded,
and died the next day. At times it seemed impossi
ble to keep the men. in line, so anxious were they to
win a reputation for good fighting ; and, doubtless,
this ambition was stimulated by the sad misfortune
which occurred to General Jackson's division of new
troops. They would advance beyond the line, . in
some instances several rods, and there remain, sharp-
shooting, until ordered back. Among those whose
names are remembered, are Earnest Wernick, Daniel
Burns, and Wm. Armstrong, of Company F. Cor
poral D. B. Walker, color guard, lost here his right
arm. Another instance occurred worthy of mention.
Corporal James L. Bracken had been detailed in
charge of the guard for the regimental baggage train,
some five miles in rear of the battle-ground. Hear
ing the cannonade and musketry, he was convinced
a fight was raging, and desired to participate in it.
Asking the consent of the Quartermaster, Lieut. J.

THE BRIGADE RETIRES. 47
E. Remington, he was refused. Said Bracken, " You
had better let me go : I must go. I shall desert my
post." Finally he consented, when Bracken double-
'. quicked it, with his gun, for five miles, on that hot,
dusty day, and reached the regiment just as it was
movinp- into line of battle in aid of Rousseau. It is
needless to add, that then, as many times since, he
distinguished himself for bravery and soldierly
bearing. Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett, commanding the regi
men?, behaved with great gallantry, winning men
tion in the reports of superior officers. His horae
was shot from under him, but he himself remained
unhurt. The other officers did their duty faithfully,
and well, so far as I know, displaying true mettle.
And too much praise cannot be given the men, for
their behavior in this, their first rencontre with the
foe. Some captured rebels, speaking of this brigade,
said, " We should have routed you, if it had not been
for those regulars. They fought like devils." Forty-
three were left dead on the field, and nine mortally
wounded, besides one hundred and fifty more who
received hospital treatment, many of whom were dis
charged as unfit for further service. Twelve were
also taken prisoners. The brigade commander, Col
onel Gooding, being taken prisoner in the heat of
the action, Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett, being senior
officer in the brigade, reformed it, in its second line
of battle, and led it off the field. Night came on,
and the battle ended. Now the horrors of the car-

48 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
nage began to be realized. All through the night
the unfortunate soldiers were brought from the field,
as fast as they could be found, by dint of the callings
and gropings of Samaritan comrades. All night the,
surgeons unceasingly worked in dressing their
wounds. And here Surgeon George W. Phillips, of
this regiment — now brigade-surgeon, as Dr. Hazlitt
had been killed during the action — and Assistant-Sur
geon John C. Corbus, I believe, rendered most effi
cient service, the former being in charge of the ampu
tation cases in one of the field hospitals. To those
who labored so faithfully, the country owes a debt of
gratitude. The entire loss to us in the action is not known to
the author ; but from statistics such, as he has, it is
eight hundred and seventy-eight killed,, two thou
sand eight hundred and sixty-one wounded, and two
hundred and five prisoners ; making a total loss of
three thousand nine hundred and forty-four men.
Two-thirds of this loss was in Rousseau's division
alone. Such was the battle of Chaplin Hills. In it
the Seventy-fifth Illinois received honorable mention.
Major-General McCook says of the brigade : " Good
ing's gallant attack, assisted by Pinney's Battery,
drove back the enemy and re-occupied the position
of Russell's house." General Mitchell says : " The
Seventy-fifth Illinois, under Lieutenant-Colonel Ben
nett, having a reputation to gain as soldiers, nobly
did the work before them." And Major-General
Rousseau, speaking of the brigade which reinforced

THE PERIL OF THE COUNTRY. 49
him in his hour of extreme peril, says : " The rein
forcements were from Mitchell's division, as I under
stood, and were ' Pea Ridge men.' I wish I knew
who commanded the brigade, that I might do him
justice ; I can only say that the brigade moved
directly into the fight like true soldiers, and opened
a terrific fire, and drove back the enemy."
The noblest manhood and youth in the counties of
Lee and Whiteside had gone forth in this regiment
to battle, and how many, alas ! never to return. The
day is not far distant, when^the pen of the historian,
delving among the records of the^ array, and gleaning
from the secret springs of action the true causes
which led to the criminal neglect of McCook and
Rousseau, in their direst peril, will stamp the seal of
damnation upon the guilty ones.
But our individual loss is our beloved country's
gain. Such is the sacrifice that a wrathful but just
God demands for our Nation's boon. Then
" Enduring Valor lifts his head
To count the flying and the dead ;
Beturning Virtue still maintains
The right to break unhallowed chains ;
"While sacred Justice, born of God,
"Walks regnant o'er the bleeding sod."

CHAPTER IV.

PURSUIT OF BRAGG  ITS ABANDONMENT, AND MARCH
UPON BOWLING GREEN AND NASHVILLE  REORGAN
IZATION OF THE ARMT  POSITION AROUND NASH
VILLE.
Upon the repulse of Bragg's forces, on the 8th of
October, he evacuated his position, and pushed north
to Harrodsburg, apparently to occupy a stronger
position, and again face Buell's troops; but after
making a demonstration, as if to attack us, he retired
to Camp Dick Robinson, at the junction of Dick's
and the Kentucky rivers. Heavy reconnoissances
were made to ascertain whether all the rebel forces
had crossed this river, and it proved they had ; but
it was yet unknown whether the enemy intended to
offer battle in his new position. On the 12th of
October the different columns encamped on and near
the battle ground were set in motion, with the evi
dent intention of turning his position at Camp Dick
Robinson, and compelling him to accept battle on
less favorable ground. On the night of the 13th of
October, it was ascertained beyond a doubt, that

bragg's distrust of himself. 51
Bragg was evacuating his stronghold, and moving
southward. General Buell tardily ordered pursuit.
The corps of Generals Crittenden and McCook pur
sued by way of Stanford and Crab Orchard, and
General Gilbert's corps by way of Lancaster and
Crab Orchard. The enemy's rear guard was finally
overtaken and severely pressed until reaching Lou^
don ; then all conflict ended.
At Lancaster*, the thirtieth brigade engaged the
enemy's cavalry in a lively skirmish, which was of
short duration. During its progress, however, a bat
tery of ours rushed to the front, to gain position on
an eminence, whence it could open fire ; but a force
of the enemy hitherto unseen, chanced to occupy it,
and opened on the artillerymen, driving them back.
In their retreat, one of the guns ran foul of a tree,
breaking the pole, and they abandoned it. Captain
Watson, with several members of his Company, A,
went forward, hauled the piece to the rear, and saved
it. Captain Altman, of Company C, was severely
wounded, the only one injured in the Seventy-fifth.
Having arrived at Crab Orchard, and the pursuit
being now abandoned, the troops rested for four
days on Logan's Creek near Hall's Gap. The rebel
army had made good its escape.. After a long and
weary march, endured for the permanent occupation
of Kentucky, after one sanguinary battle, and a re
pulse, Bragg distrusted his own success, was fearful
of his own safety, and abandoning all his lofty re
solves for the conquest and the subjugation of the

52 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
North, retreated through Cumberland Gap to Mid
dle Tennessee. Bragg omitted the grand essential of
success in his plan when al Munfordsville, as his
forces were between our army and the Ohio river,
that he did not attack us. Had he defeated General
Buell then, his success, for a time at least, would
have been insured. Had he been defeated, he still
had open to him the means of retreat. He neglected
to strike at the opportune moment, and from that
point final victory clearly rested with our arms.
On the 19th of October, General Buell again
ordered an advance. It was essential that our forces
should occupy Bowling Green, Nashville, and Mur-
freesboro in advance of Bragg, or the safety of the
garrison at Nashville, under Generals Palmer, Neg-
ley and Miller, would be jeopardized, and Middle
Tennessee again be overrun with the rebel hosts.
The army therefore countermarched, once' more pass
ing through Stanford, Danville and Perryville.
Thence it proceeded toward Lebanon, and across
the North Rolling Fork. On the 24th of October it
crossed the Rolling Fork, passing through New Mar
ket, and to the vicinity of Saloma. Here, for the
first time, the army trains joined the troops ; and
they could not have arrived more seasonably, for the
next day there was a heavy fall of snow, and the
weather became intensely cold. It was the first
severe symptom of the coming winter. The march
was now steadily southward. On the 31st of Octo
ber the regiment arrived at Bowling Green.

REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY. 53-
At this place, in obedience to orders from the
General-in-Chief, dated at Washington, D. O, Octo
ber 21st, General Buell, on the 30th instant, turned
over the command of the army to General Rosecrans,
On that occasion he addressed a well-written fare
well order to his troops. But the change in com
manders caused no delay at Bowling Green. The
army moved on to Nashville, Tennessee, reaching that
city on the 7th of November. The troops mostly
encamped on the Edgefield side of the river. Regi
ments were left along the line of the Louisville rail
road to protect communications to Mitchellville, be
low which they had been badly damaged by John
Morgan's raids. From Mitchellville to Nashville, a
distance of nearly forty miles, all supplies must . be
hauled in wagons, until the road could be repaired,
which would require at least one month. The Ninth
Division remained encamped at Edgefield until th.e
27th of November, when it moved six miles out on
the Nolensville turnpike, and established camp on
the left of the road, connecting it with General
McCook's Corps.
On the 7th of November, General Rosecrans issued
orders for a reorganization of the army. General
George H. Thomas was assigned the command of the
center, composed of the Divisions of Rousseau, Neg-
ley, Dumont, Fry and Palmer.
General McCook was assigned the right wing — the
Divisions of Generals Sill, Jeff. C. Davis, and Sheri
dan.

54 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
General Crittenden was placed in command of the
left wing — the Divisions of Generals Wood and Van
Cleve. V
General Buell had intended to push the troops
straight on to Murfreesboro, thirty miles south of
Nashville, thereby compelling Bragg to fall back to
his original position at Chattanooga — an object which
would doubtless have been consummated had Gen
eral Rosecrans moved to the same point. It is prob
able that the reduced condition of the army, the
length of his line of communication, and the difficul
ties involved in the necessary transportation of sup
plies by wagon trains, determined him, for a time at
least, to remain at Nashville. Again : the situation
of the rebel army was not clearly defined. Bragg
had the advantage of < a powerful cavalry arm,
which was ever on our front, and vigilant, and be
hind this cover the rebel commander manoeuvred his
troops and perfected his plans. Information of a
positive character was soon obtained, however, and
the army settled into the quietude of camp.
The front of our army was rapidly formed. A
small stream, called Mill Creek, with abrupt banks,
and lined with a thick growth of bushes and cane
brake, extended its entire length, and constituted a
strong natural fosse, or intrenchment. While en
camped in front of Nashville, the Federal lines were
frequently assailed by the rebel cavalry, and our for
age trains were often attacked, but we never lost
transportation thereby. The Seventy-fifth, although

DESIGNATION of brigades. 55
often out as guard, never was engaged with the
enemy. On the 19th of December the army was again re
organized. The Ninth Division was consequently designated
as the First Division, Right Wing, Army of the
Cumberland. The brigades of the Division were
thus designated:
First Brigade (old Thirtieth), Colonel P. Sidney
Post. Second Brigade (old Thirty -first), Brigadier-Gen
eral William P. Carlin.
Third Brigade (old Thirty-second), Colonel W. E.
Woodruff. The soldiers, thankful for the appreciation of their
services by the country, rapidly recuperated their
worn-out energies, and were soon in a better condi
tion than ever before, and only awaited the trum
pet's blast to summon them to battle.

CHAPTER V.
ADVANCE ON MURFREESBORO — THE BATTLE OF STONE
RIVER  GALLANTRY OF THE SEVENTY-FIFTH  RE
TREAT OF THE REBELS. ]
The movement upon the enemy at Murfreesboro
commenced on the morning of the 26th of Decem
ber, 1862. The announcement was made on Christ
mas night, and was greeted by the troops with a
wild, shrill clamor, which bespoke willing hearts and
the assurance of victory. The day dawned drearily.
Thick volumes of mist hugged the valleys, and dense
masses of black clouds overhung the heavens. Soon
the reveille rolled through the cordon of drowsy
camps encircling Nashville, and then all was activity
and life.
Bragg did not expect Rosecrans to make a winter
campaign, but supposed he had established winter
quarters on the line of Mill Creek ; and therefore
had settled his at Murfreesboro. Hugging this de
lusion to his bosom, he had sent a large force of his
cavalry, under Forrest, into West Tennessee, to har-

PLAN OF ATTACK. 57
rass General Grant, and another, under Morgan, into
Kentucky, to destroy Rosecrans' communications.
The absence of this powerful arm of the rebel service
was deemed by General Rosecrans the opportune
occasion for striking a blow. Positive information
was had that the forces of Polk and Kirby Smith
were at Murfreesboro, and that Hardee's Corps was
on the Shelbyville and Nolensville pikes, between
Triune and Eaglesville. The army therefore moved
in three columns, to wit :
McCook, by the Nolensville pike, to Triune.
Thomas, on McCook's right, down the Franklin
and Wilson pikes, threatening Hardee's right, and
then to fall in by the crossroads to Nolensville.
Crittenden, down the Murfreesboro pike, to La
Vergne. With Thomas's command at Nolensville, McCook
was to attack Hardee at Triune, and if the enemy
reinforced Hardee, Thomas was to support McCook.
If McCook beat Hardee, or Hardee retreated, and
the enemy attacked us at Stewart's Creek, Critten
den was to fight him. Thomas was to come in on
the left flank, and McCook, after detaching a division
to pursue or observe Hardee, if retreating southward,
was to move with his two remaining divisions on his
rear. At six o'clock, General Davis's Division moved
down the Edmonson pike, to Prim's blacksmith shop,
and thence by a dirt road to Nolensville, with Gene
ral Johnson's Division in the rear. The dirt roads

58 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
traveled by our troops, especially that taken by
Davis's Division from the blacksmith shop, were very
rugged, and almost impassable, for it rained inces
santly, and in torrents, all the day ; but the prospect
of meeting the foe cheered our men, and their enthu
siasm increased as the barometer fell. They mani
fested the disposition soldiers ought when going into
danger— their hearts full of confidence. The enemy
was encountered within about ten miles of Mill Creek,
but was easily driven by Davis's escort. When with
in a mile of Nolensville, Davis ascertained that the
town was occupied in force by rebel infantry, cavalry
and artillery. He prepared for action. His first
brigade, consisting of the Twenty-second Indiana,
Fifty-ninth, Seventy-fourth, and Seventy-fifth Illi
nois, and Pinney's Fifth Wisconsin Battery, under
command of Colonel P. Sydney Post, was imme
diately deployed for an advance upon the town.
The battery was posted so as to command the town,
and all approaches from the south-west. At this
time the rebel cavalry took position on a range of
hills south-west of the town, to flank Davis's position.
A rebel battery also opened fire upon Post's Brigade.
Pinney's Battery silenced the enemy's guns, and
caused his cavalry to fall back ' beyond the town.
Davis's second brigade, Colonel W. P. Carlin, com
manding, formed its line of battle on Post's right.
His third brigade, commanded by Colonel W. E.
Woodruff, was deployed on the right of Carlin, to
check any effort to turn the right flank of his line.

the enemy completely routed. 59
They advanced in splendid style, considering the
depth of mud to be waded through the ; skirmishers
driving everything before them. Post's Brigade
pushed for Triune — Pinney's Battery on the pike,
the Twenty-second Indiana and the Seventy-fourth
Illinois on the. right of the pike, and the Fifty-ninth
and Seventy-fifth Illinois on the left. The enemy
was posted in a position of great natural strength,
some two miles below the town, at a place c.alled
Knob's Gap, his line resting on the hills both to the
right and the left of the pike, with one section on the
road, and the remainder near it. The rebels opened
at long range ; but our- line, undaunted, moved
straight on, and soon Pinney, from a knob on the left
of the road, opened at short range with his guns,
while Post's Brigade, moving with the steadiness of
automatons, carried the heights in its front, compel-
ing the enemy to abandon one of his guns. Hotch
kiss' Battery also opened a steady fire, while Carlin' s
Brigade carried the heights on the right of the road,
charging the battery direct, capturing two of the
guns, and, in cooperation with Post, completely rout
ing the enemy from his position. Woodruff's Brig
ade, meantime, had driven the enemy upon the ex
treme right, and thus maintained our line intact.
This success stimulated the men to hew energy and
daring. They frequently broke out in loud cheers,
which were taken up by each regiment in turn, and
echoed in strong reverberations among the hills.
At daylight on the 26th, the corps again moved

60 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
forward, the cavalry under command of General
Stanley, in the advance, followed by General John
son's Division, Sheridan closely supporting, with
Davis in the rear. A wintry fog covered the coun
try, so that only the most prominent points could be
seen, making a successful movement of troops a diffi
cult undertaking. When a mile or so advanced, a
large force of the enemy's cavalry, supported by
artillery, opened on our cavalry. The skirmish grow
ing animated, Kirk's Brigade pushed forward, and
soon compelled the enemy to retire. When some
half mile from Triune, the enemy was found strongly
posted, and another sharp skirmish ensued, in which
the Twenty-ninth Indiana and the Thirty-fourth Illi
nois, of General Kirk's Brigade, charged a rebel bat
tery, but the artillerists did not stand to receive the
shock. Night coming on, the troops bivouacked one mile
south of Triune. The rain had descended in tor
rents the greater part of the day, making marching
still more tedious. Here the corps encamped during
the 28th, awaiting the developments of the enemy on
Thomas's and Crittenden's fronts. Meantime a re
connoissance was made by General Willich, in the
direction of Shelbyville, and developed the fact that
Hardee's forces had retreated to Murfreesboro. Gen
eral Thomas's Divisions met no resistance, and arrived
at Nolensville on the 27th. Crittenden's Corps drove
the enemy from La Vergne, and charged him at
Stewart's Creek, saving tlie bridge — a very impor-

FORMATION OF OUR LLNES. 61
tant one to us. Here the left wing rested during the
28th, also. Thus, on this day, the army was at rest,
while the Commanding General perfected his plans
for further movement.
On the 29th of December the army was again in
motion, the right wing on the BuUe Jack road, which
leads into the Wilkinson and Murfreesboro pike.
Davis's Division again led the advance, Sheridan at
close support. The next day the entire corps crossed
Stewart's Creek, and encamped for the night at
Overall's Creek, three and one half miles from Mur
freesboro. It was now definitely known that the rebels would
make a stand in front of Murfreesboro. The 30th
was to see our army in position, and the next day
was to become memorable in the annals of our land,
as the beginning of a combat, fearful in its intensity
and frightful in its losses, and - yet ineffectually tell
ing on the fortunes of the rival republics, under whose
banners the armies so desperately fought.
Crittenden was first in line of battle on this day.
Sturdy Thomas came in next, joining his lines on the
right of Palmer; the chivalrous Rousseau lying as re
serve to Negley. General Sheridan, after stubborn
fighting, arrived opposite to Negley, and established
his line of battle on the right of the Wilkinson pike.
Woodruff's Brigade moved to the front with much
steadiness, driving the rebels out of the timber in his
front, and joining General Sill's right. Carlin stead
ily pressed the enemy in his front, but as he was

62 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
establishing his line, the enemy opened on his right
with a terrific fire of round shot and shell, and the
Twenty-first Illinois, galled into madness, charged the
battery, but meeting an infantry force, and being mur
derously used, was compelled to fall back to the brig
ade. Post's Brigade, with the Seventy-fourth and
Seventy-fifth Illinois deployed on the skirmish
line, under command of Captain Hale, acting Major
of the Seventy-fifth, was still further on the right,
and then constituting the extreme right of the army.
They moved to the aid of the Twenty-first Illinois ;
but in crossing a deep ravine, were also opened on
with shell and canister, and compelled, first to lie
down, and then to retreat. The Twenty-second Indi
ana was protecting the right flank from the enemy's
cavalry, while the Fifty-ninth Illinois supported Pin
ney's Battery. Captain Hale here displayed great
gallantry, and excellent judgment. He was wounded
through the fleshy part of his leg, and had a horse
shot under him during this affair. Several in the
Seventy-fifth were here wounded, but as their names
are not designated as such on this particular day,
they must come under the aggregate for the battle.
Post's Brigade in line, Kirk and Willich joined him,
thus completing the battle order.
Across the narrow valley which extended along
our front was posted the rebel army, in order of bat
tle ; its right wing resting upon heights on the east
bank of Stone river, intersecting the river parallel to
our left front ; the center extending along a ridge,

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BATTLE. 63
through cotton fields and timber, which sloped grad
ually toward our center ; its left wing tracing the
crest of a rough and rocky ridge, partially screened
by timber, and terminating some half mile south of
the Franklin turnpike.
The 30th of December had been a dreary day.
Rain had fallen almost constantly, and the soldiers
were saturated with water. Toward night the wind
swept coldly from the north, and as no bivouac fires
were allowed on the real front, the aspect was truly
cheerless. At midnight the stars faintly twinkled
through the cloud-rifts which still hung heavily over
head, portentous of rain. Within half a mile of each
other lay two mighty armies, in the most perfect
silence, waiting for the morning's light, to rush to
gether in the deadly rencontre. Peace then ruled
supreme — " The forests' fretted aisle,
And leafy domes above them bent
And solitude —
So eloquent !"
The contest began at break of day, on Wednes
day, the 31st of December, by a most audacious at
tack on Johnson's Division, and another almost simul
taneously on Sheridan's; then another on Davis's.
On Johnson's Iront — on the devoted brigades of
Kirk and Willich — was massed more than half of the
rebel army, under McCown, Cheatham and Clai
borne. It was a most desperate struggle, and re-

64 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
suited in the immediate discomfiture of Johnson's
men, in the death wound of the gallant and gifted
Kirk, and in the capture of the brave old Willich.
Captain Pinney stood by his guns in a perfect frenzy
of impatience to open on the enemy as he passed in
front of Davis's pickets ; but as his object could not,
in the dim light, be clearly discerned, he was not
permitted to fire. It was a sad mistake ; for as the
enemy moved by the flank, within rifle shot, Pinney
could have dealt death in his ranks, and aided by
Post's Brigade, all of whom were anxious for the
fray, the tide of battle might have been turned, and
the dreadful disaster which occurred to the right
wing prevented, or at least stayed until better pre
pared for the attack. The retreat of Johnson's
Division left Post's Brigade exposed to a flank move
ment, which the enemy was now rapidly executing,
and compelled it to fall back and partially change
front. In the execution of this movement, Compa
nies E and H, of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, under
command of Lieutenant Blodgett, were on the picket
line, and he received instructions to contest the rebel
advance as skirmishers. The tide of battle pushed
back so rapidly as to leave these companies so far in
the advance that some of Carlin's Brigade, — already
furiously engaged by another force of the enemy,
which had obliqued to the left from its attack on
Johnson,— mistook it for a rebel force, dimly seen
through the trees and bushes, and fired into it a ter
rible volley, fortunately doing but little damage.

A GALLANT RESISTANCE. 65
They finally withdrew to the regiment. The brig
ade kept falling back, changing front three times, so
that now its line of battle was perpendicular to its
original formation. At last, stationed behind a
fence in the edge of the timber, it awaited the rebel
onset. Davis's troops resisted the terrible battle-
shock of the enemy for some time ; . but at length
they were compelled to give way. Nearly one fourth
of their number lay either dead or wounded on the
ensanguined field, proving how determined their re
sistance had been. But again and again, Johnson's
troops, though stubbornly fighting, constantly give
way ; and as the right doubles back on the center,
Davis is forced to retire also ; each tree in the belt
of timber furnishes a temporary shelter, and not
until an enfilade fire weakened the line, would they
leave their position. Again it fell back across a
large cotton field, and here a most determined resist
ance was made. Here Captain Pinney was mortally
wounded while serving his own guns, and mowing
huge roadways through the rebel ranks. He was
left on the field where his gallant deeds were done.
Here the Fifty-ninth Illinois received magnificently
a charge of the enemy, and with fixed bayonets held
him at bay. During this retreat Captain Hale was
wounded in the hip by a splinter from his sabre-blade,
which wras knocked out by a rebel bullet. This
compelled him to leave the field. Here, too, dashed
up a mounted officer, very near the Seventy-fifth's
line, as if to give an order, and was supposed to be
5

66 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
one of our own Generals until a gust of wind blew
back his overcoat, disclosing his uniform, when he
was found to be a rebel., Several muskets were in
stantly leveled on him ; he escaped unharmed, and
disappeared in the cedars. The rebel tide again
surged onward, and backward flow Davis's brigades.
Now they near the Murfreesboro pike, which inter
sects the battle ground, and is the key to the posi
tion, for on it are all the Federal supply and ammu
nition trains. These captured, our doom would be
sealed, and victory inevitably perch on the rebel
banners. The enemy, thus far, had been each time
repulsed on Davis's and Sheridan's front ; but his
heavy turning columns so completely enveloped the
right, that the positions could not be maintained.
They had fallen back full a mile and a half. It was
now two o'clock in the afternoon, while the furious
onset was commenced at a little after six in the morn
ing. Eight hours of conflict, with a foe so over
whelming, proves of itself that there was no disgrace
ful panic, such as some cowardly newspaper reporters
back at Nashville had stated, thereby stigmatizing
with shame the fair name of our soldiers, and depriv
ing them of their most valued jewel — honor. It was
a serious question now, whether this position — the
last one which our army could hope to take — could
be held. Johnson's tDi vision was already there,
nearly in prolongation of Davis's line, and fighting
with the desperation of despair. And, happily for
him, his gallant division, the first to be compromised,

SCENE AFTER THE BATTLE. 67
was now the first, aside from the pugnacious Rous
seau, to hurl back the enemy with a force which de
moralized him completely. Davis, seeing this, and
seeing the enemy, who had so terribly menaced his
own front, again moving upon his decimated brig
ades, in columns of battalion front,, four battalions
deep, resolved to imitate Johnson, and crush him,
if it were a human possibility. And here, most
opportunely, other help arrived. Negley's and Rous
seau's Divisions came upon the ground. Boldly the
foe marched up ; short but desperately bloody was
the struggle. A dazzling sheet of flame burst from
the firm ranks of our heroes, which quickly shivered
their lines, and aided by several batteries which now
opened with terrific roar, shaking the very earth,
crushed into flying fragments his solid masses ; and
thus, for the right wing, ended the battle for this
day. The scene now presented was awful. The
smoke of battle had lifted, and the field could again
be surveyed. The ground was literally covered with
the dead and wounded, friend and foe, cruelly man
gled, scores of horses, broken gun carriages and cais
sons. Davis's troops, now exhausted in ammunition
and in strength, were relieved, and did not partici
pate any further in the engagement until late in the
afternoon. As the division moved into position on the
right of the newly established line of battle, some
skirmishing ensued, which nightfall ended.
Thus fought General Davis's Division in that event
ful Wednesday's battle. For more than eight hours

68 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
it resisted the engulfing wave of rebel prowess con
testing its advance by every obstacle possible. No
where, in all that extended battle front, was a firmer
countenance presented ; and no where, save on Rous
seau's front, did the enemy charge more desperately,
or meet with more disastrous receptions. And
among the regiments which here distinguished them
selves, none did more valiant service or is more enti
tled to honorable mention than the Seventy-fifth
Illinois. Its loss was not as heavy as that of many
other commands, while it effected equally decisive
results. Two were killed, twenty-five wounded, and
twenty-one taken prisoners, among them Captain A.
McMoore, of Company D. The gallantry of Colonel
Bennett, Major Watson, and Captain Hale, elicited
encomiums of praise and mention in the reports of
superiors. At one time, as the regiment fell back
from its position in the timber, Major Watson and
Sergeant George G. Messer remained behind for sev
eral minutes, and discharged several volleys into the
advancing foe.
The company commanders, Captains McMoore,
Frost and Storey, Lieutenants Shaw, Sandford,
Thompson and Parker, and Sergeants Elisha Bull,
Frank Bingham and Augustus Johnson, command-,
ing Companies B, H and I, respectively, did their
duty well, and proved themselves gallant, discreet,
and competent for the position they held. Thus,
amid the glorious results of such a battle, it is a
pleasing duty to' mention the names of the gallant

READJUSTMENT OF OUR LINES. 69
living, and it is equally painful to mention those of
the heroic dead. Privates Washington AVood, of
Company C, and Sydney Merriman, of K, fell in the
heat of the fray, as soldiers love to fall— with their
faces to the foe.
Never before was the service of the medical de
partment so promptly executed. Surgeons braved
danger nobly, and suffered captivity, that they might
administer to our wounded. Among this class was
Assistant-Surgeon John C. Corbus.
Wednesday night it rained, and many, during the
conflict, had abandoned their knapsacks, blankets
and shelter tents, so they must patiently endure their
sufferings, hoping for the New Year and sunlight.
At length morning came, and with it sunlight. By
ten o'clock the clouds had rifted away, and a breeze
swept refreshingly from the north, and dried the
mud. The sky became a clear, deep blue, and
Nature smiled lovingly on yesterday's field of car
nage. The results of Wednesday's battle compelled a re
adjustment of the Federal lines. The left wing was
retired some two hundred and fifty yards from its
former position, the extreme left resting on Stone
river, the right on the Nashville railroad and pike ;
joining this was Thomas's Corps ; then came Johnson,
Sheridan and Davis, the whole line running nearly
north-west, and refused to the light, resting along
the slope of a ridge covered with a heavy cedar
growth, Davis's Division extending across and to the

70 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
rear of the Nashville pike. The cavalry was further
down the pikeito Overall's Creek.
The first of January passed without any general
engagement. There were several artillery duels
along the lines ; skirmishing with the pickets was fre
quent, and reconnoissances were pushed forward to
all points where it was supposed the en§my was con
cealed from observation. General Rosecrans made a
personal inspection of every part of his lines, and
directed several changes in position ; and so hand
somely did he arrange all things, that the designs of
the enemy were defeated. The right wing threw up
breastworks for defence, and in this work the Sev
enty-fourth and Seventy-fifth Illinois were engaged.
During this day, while Company F was deployed on
the skirmish line, General Rosecrans rode along, and
told the men they " ought to retire a little, as they
were too much exposed." Captain Vorrey replied,
" We were ordered, General, to hold this particular
line, and mean to do it." The General rejoined,
" That is right ; obey orders."
Toward night General Crittenden was ordered to
occupy a point opposite a ford near which his left
rested. He first sent a brigade, then the division of
Van Cleve, supported by another brigade of Palmer's.
About three o'clock in the afternoon — having, du
ring the morning, opened his batteries on our center,
and made strong demonstrations of attack on our
right, as a feint to cover his real intentions — the
enemy debouched from the woods opposite to Van

SUCCESS OWING TO MILLER'S BRIGADE. 71
Cleve, and moved directly upon him in heavy masses
of infantry, battalion front, supported by three bat
teries of artillery. It was Breckenridge's command
advancing to a banquet of death. Van Cleve was
forced back, and his men rushed across the river in
great confusion, closely followed by the enemy. The
artillery of the left was now ranged to meet the foe,
when that brave and true soldier, Colonel Join F.
Miller, commanding a brigade in Negley' s Division,
perceiving a splendid opportunity to attack the enemy
in flank, ordered his brigade forward, charged bayo
nets, routed him, turned the fortune of the day, cap
turing four cannon and one stand of colors, besides
strewing the ground with heaps of slain. It is right,
here, that the truth should be asserted, in order that
history may be vindicated. The glory of this
grand success is universally given to General Negley.
Negley was a good soldier ; but he had one failing
— that of overcautiousness. He never ventured.
At the time of the rout of Van Cleve, he was in the
rear, aiding the former general in rallying his disor
ganized brigades. He was not at the front when
this opportune moment presented itself, which Col
onel Miller perceived and embraced. Miller inquired
for Negley, to ask leave to charge, but being in
formed of the mission he was then on, he assumed
the responsibility of the movement himself, and
therefore he it was who conceived, ordered and exe
cuted the crowning -action of that memorable field of
carnage. Jeff. C. Davis's Division, and Willich's

72 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
(Gibbon's) Brigade of Johnson's Division, were hur
ried up to the support of the menaced front ; but
with the exception of one or two regiments, had no
active participation in it ; and this aid was not given
where Miller operated, but on Palmer's front. It
seems an injustice in Generals Rosecrans and Negley,
not to give Colonel Miller the credit for this affair,
as they were thoroughly conversant with the facts ;
and the only plea that can be made in their behalf
(which does not in the least justify it), is, that its
brilliancy conceded to him, would disparage too
much the reputation of Negley, and deprive the Com
mander-in-Chief of a little of that iclat, which at that
time surrounded him. Hence, while each of them,
in their official reports, greatly complimented Colonel
Miller, for his gallantry in this action, neither of
them alluded to this great service, and thus, in their
reports, and in all the histories of the rebellion, the
credit rests upon Rosecrans and Negley. It won for
the latter his second star, while Miller still wore his
eagle. Finally, after the action of Liberty Gap,
where he lost his left eye, the Government began to
appreciate his services, and conferred upon him a
Brigadier's commission, and subsequently that of
Major-General by brevet rank.
When the cheers of Miller's victorious troops rolled
back over the hills, commingled with the roll of
musketry and the booming of cannon, all was excite
ment on the line of the right wing. Every one asked
what it meant. Just then, up rode Colonel Post,

OUR LOSSES AND GAINS. 73
flushed with excitement, and exclaimed, " Cheer
away boys ; I may take you into a fight within
fifteen minutes !" and as the cheer resounded along
his front, up dashed an orderly, with orders to move
to the left, as we have before mentioned. It was
nearly dark when they arrived and took position
upon the extreme left of our army. That night they
threw up breastworks, and lay down to rest on the
cold, wet ground, while the constant whiz of sharp
shooters' minies proclaimed watchfulness and auda
city on the side of the rebels. Daylight of the 3rd
arrives. The rain still continues incessantly, the
stream rises rapidly, necessitating a recrossing by the
troops; so the position is abandoned, and Davis's
troops return to their old place of bivouac. The
enemy was shelled by our artillery, but no regular
engagement occurred. Another great battle was
then anticipated; but the rain must first cease. Du
ring that night, Bragg, despairing of success in the
contest, evacuated Murfreesboro, retreating toward
Tullahoma ; thus furnishing the most conclusive evi
dence of his complete discomfiture and defeat. On
Wednesday their success was considerable, driving
our right wing back from one to two and a half
miles, besides capturing twenty-eight pieces of artil
lery ; but Friday's terrible repulse showed we were
the final victors.
The Federal loss in this battle was fifteen hundred
and thirty-three in killed, including ninety-two offi
cers, and seven thousand two hundred and forty-five

74 THE SEVENTY-FLFTH ILLINOIS.
wounded, besides about twenty-eight hundred prison
ers. Bragg, in his official report, admits a loss of
more than ten thousand in killed and wounded ; but
this does not include twenty-eight hundred wounded
and prisoners left in our hands.
Our army at once occupied Murfreesboro, throwing
around it a cordon of camps, the position of the
Seventy-fifth being some ten miles from town on
the Shelby ville pike. Thus ended this fearful strife,
beginning, in fact, on the 26th of December, .1862,
and ending on the 3rd of January, 1863. The rebel
lion had received another blow, but at a fearful cost
in life and limb. Again the nation rejoiced and
mourned.

CHAPTER VI

MURFREESBORO  THE BATTLE OF LIBERTY GAP  WIN
CHESTER.

Murfreesboro is situated upon high and rolling
ground, and is on the east bank of the west fork of
Stone river. It is the center of a rich agricultural
section, and cotton is a heavy staple in its trade.
From it diverge many turnpikes and roads, commu
nicating with all the principal places in Middle Ten
nessee ; indeed it is considered as the military key
of that country. As such, it has been in the posses
sion either of the Union or rebel forces ever since
the outbreak of the rebellion. General Rosecrans
availed himself of its commanding heights to secure
a strong defensive position. A proportionate force
of the army was constantly detailed for the work,
and to-day every knoll of importance is crowned with
a fortification. The rainy season had already set in, and the Cum
berland river, swollen by the rains, teemed with
transports laden with supplies; and Murfreesboro
was made an intermediate depot for army stores.

76 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
The camp of the First Division was most of the
time on the Shelbyville turnpike, which crossed the
chain of Coffee Hills at a place known as Guy's Gap,
some seven miles south of Murfreesboro. This gap
was the scene of several brilliant skirmishes during
the months of January and February, as McCook's
Corps procured from that section the forage for its
animals. Our losses were always slight, and the
engagements were not of importance enough to de
mand special mention.
Shortly after the army moved into Murfreesboro,
the War Department again remodeled it, forming it
into three corps d'armee. The troops under Thomas
were designated as the Fourteenth, those under
McCook the Twentieth, and those under Crittenden
the Twenty-first Army Corps.
During the month of March, the enemy appeared
in heavy force along our front, and Van Dorn laid
siege to Franklin. The enemy also made several dem-'
onstrations on the troops at Murfreesboro, advancing
in considerable force, and attacking our outposts on
the Salem and Middleton roads. Sheridan was sent
to the aid of Granger at Franklin, and a reconnois
sance was ordered on all the roads leading from Mur
freesboro. Post's Brigade was stationed for a time
at Salem, as a corps of* observation. Davis's entire
division shortly after moved to Franklin, but parti
cipated in no engagement, and after a week's stay,
returned again, on the 11th of February, to Murfrees
boro. While there, however, it built a bridge across

RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY. 77
the Harpeth river, made a ford to cross teams, and
did picket duty. The weather was very rainy, and
the mud almost fathomless, during the entire trip.
On the 7th of March the Seventy-fifth made a recon
noissance to Triune ; saw no enemy, but foraged con
siderably in the country round about, and returned
again on the 10th instant.
During the severe service following the Stone river
campaign, Captain Frost, of Company E, being the
senior officer present, was much of the time doing
duty as a field officer, and his name appears on the
official records of those days of hardship as a faithful
officer, ever at his post. He was especially noted
for his care and attention with the picket lines.
While encamped here, Captain McMoore and Lieu
tenant Blodgett returned from their captivity in the
South, having enjoyed for three months the hospita
ble attentions for which the Southern people have
been so noted since the beginning of the war. Most
of the men also returned, save those who fell victims
to disease. The regiment here, too, shortly after the
battle of Stone river, learned of the death of Lieu
tenant Ezekiel I. Kilgore, of Company I. He was a
martyr to our country's cause — not a victim to the
leaden hail of our enemies, but to sickness consequent
upon exposure and hardships following the battle of
Perryville. He died on Christmas evening, 1862.
The encampment of the Twentieth Army Corps,
while at Murfreesboro, will never be forgotten by
the new troops of 1862, and it will be equally remem-

78 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
bered by the friends of many a poor soldier who
there rendered his final accounts. It was unusually
rainy, even for the winter season, and lurid skies,
humid atmosphere, deep mud, miserable tents, and
inexperience in the new condition of life, all con
spired to produce sickness and death, and convert
the camp into one great field-hospital.
Several influences were in silent operation, pro
ducing serious disease. The chief of these were
malaria and scorbutive taint. The former displayed
itself in the different types of pneumonia, the latter.
in diarrhcea. It was the process of acclimation, ani
it must go on, be the process ever so fatal. Again,
the diseases produced by miasmatic influences seemed
to assume an adynamic character, and greatly per
plexed the minds of the physicians as to the proper
mode of treatment. Measles also prevailed to a
great extent. Many died fruin its effects. January,
February and March of this year were dismal months
indeed to the gallant men of the North, who daily
saw comrade after comrade wasting away, unattended
by wifely care or sisterly affection, and at last fol
lowed, with solemn step and aching heart, their re
mains to a soldier's grave.
It was impossible to procure official documentary
evidence of the medical department of the regiment,
relative either to its monthly sickness or monthly
mortality rates ; but from such' data as are attain
able, based upon the returns of Surgeon McDermot,
Medical Director of the army, the ratio of sickness

POSITION OF THE ENEMY. 79
per thousand of mean strength, during the three
months named, was, on an average, 230.70 per cent.
per month. The mortality rates were higher, accord
ingly, the average ratio per thousand being for the
same period, 6.82 per cent. Surgeons Phillips and
Corbus worked faithfully in the discharge of their
high duties, and with marked success, considering
the stores at their command and the location of their
patients. ' It is the cruel fate of war, and in future
the living comrades in arms will tearfully think of
them, and the struggles they together endured. Now
•
We are scattered — we are scattered ;
Yet may we meet again
In a brighter and a purer sphere,
Beyond the reach of pain.
Where the shadows of this lower world
Can never cloud the eye —
When the mortal hath put brightly on
Its immortality.
By the first of June the fortifications were com
pleted, and everything in readiness for another cam
paign. The soldiers hailed the indications with
pleasure, and joyfully sang of the " good time com
ing." By the 20th of June the location of the enemy's
army had become thoroughly understood. His main
infantry force was in position north of Duck river, its
right resting at War Trace, and its left at Shelby-
ville. Cavalry protected its flanks, on the right to

80 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
McMinnville, and on the left to Columbia and Spring
Hill. In front of this entire position was a chain
called the Coffee Hills — a spur of the Cumberland
range — high, rough and rocky, with but few roads
suitable for the movement of an army. These roads
are, leading from Murfreesboro : by the way of
McMinnville ; by the Manchester pike, which crosses
the hills at Hoover's Gap ; by the War Trace road
through Liberty Gap ; by a dirt road through Belle-
buckle Gap, and by the]; Shelby ville pike, through
Guy's Gap. The enemy held all these passes with a
strong force, and his main position at Shelbyville
was strongly intrenched. Here Bragg intended to
offer battle, as he supposed General Rosecrans would
attack in this direction, this pike affording most ex
cellent means for the transportation of troops and
trains. Polk's Corps was at Shelbyville ; Hardee's
joined him on the right, occupying the Gaps. The
total effectivexebel force was estimated at forty thou
sand men. Tullahoma is strongly intrenched with a
redan line of rifle-pits, and a bastioned fort. It is
further protected by the defiles of Duck river, a nar
row, but deep and swift stream, with a range of rocky
hills intervening between it and the "barrens;" in
fact, this stream constitutes the dividing line between
the higher and lower lands, or basin of Middle Ten
nessee. To expel the rebel army from this region was the
object of the next campaign. The plan adopted was
to menace their left and center with a heavy force of

GALLANTRY OF JOHNSON'S TROOPS. 81
infantry and cavalry, and under eover of these feints,
to turn their right, destroy the bridge across Elk
river, six miles south of Tullahoma, cutting off their
line of retreat, thus compelling them to offer battle
on our own ground, or retreat by a circuitous and
hazardous route across the Cumberland mountains
and the Tennessee river.
The morning of the 24th of June — the day which
was to begin the inauguration of a brilliant and
enduring victory — like that of the 26th of Decem
ber, the day of the advance upon Murfreesboro,
opened with . a dreary, dismal rain, which soon ren
dered the roads almost impassable for artillery and
trains; but the troops were joyous, nevertheless, and
indulged in all the burlesque usual to camp. Gen
eral Sheridan's Division led the advance down the
Shelbyville pike, proceeding on to Guy's Gap.
Johnson's and Davis's Divisions followed Sheridan
for six miles, and turned to the left, marching along
a dirt road to Old Millersburg. The column arrived
at this place about noon. Thus far, there were no
signs of the enemy. General Johnson then proceeded
to reconnoitre the canon of Liberty Gap, closely sup
ported by General Davis. Johnson soon discovered
the enemy, and right gallantly his troops proceeded
to carry the hills. In two hours' time, by skillful
manoexivreing, he had routed the enemy — Liddell's
command — and held the entrance to the Gap. Pur
suit was made for a mile, to "Liberty Meeting
House." Picket lines were then established, the

82 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
division moved up, with Davis at the entrance of the
Gap, and there encamped for the night. Willich's
Brigade, of Johnson's Division, which did most of
the fighting on this day, sustained a loss of ninety-
two men in killed and wounded.
The men, exhausted by the weary march through
deep mud, and the excitement incident to battle,
raised their shelter-tents, rolled themselves in their
blankets, and though soaked to the skin, and lying
on the wet ground, were soon oblivious to all things
earthly. An occasional report of a sentry's gun was
all that broke the stillness of the dismal scene.
Three o'clock in the morning of the 25th found
the troops astir and in arms — a precaution against
surprise. Information, positive in character, had
been received, that Liddell's Brigade was reinforced
by Cleburne's Division, and that a stout resistance
would be made to our further progress.
The line of battle established next morning was —
for Johnson's Division, Willich and Miller in the
front, with Balderin as reserve ; for Davis's Division,
Carlin and Post in the front line, with Woodruff's
Brigade as reserve. From daylight until about ten
o'clock, a desultory fire was kept up between the
forces on outpost along the entire front, at long
range, and with but few, if any, casualties. At ten,
an attack was made on Willich, and a warm skirmish
ensued. Again all was quiet, but it was the stillness
which precedes the storm. In less than half an hour
another most determined attack was made upon Wil-

CHARGE OF THE FORTY-NINTn OHIO. 83
lich. This was kept up constantly until two o'clock,
when the rebel general made a furious charge upon
his front. Willich's men stood undismayed, although
the rebel shells fell among them with fatal precision,
Four times was the rebel column repulsed. Still it
would not yield the contest. At last Willich's
ammunition gave out, and he determined to attempt
a decisive measure, and force the rebels from their
position at the base of the hill. Accordingly he
ordered that splendid regiment, the Forty-ninth
Ohio, which had lain in reserve, to charge. Its form
ation was in four ranks, and the order was given to
advance firing. With the gallant Gibson at its head,
it faced steadily a perfect shower of leaden hail and
iron shell, reserving its fire until within close range
of the rebel line. Then it opened deliberately and
unerringly. The third volley by rank routed the
rebel brigade, and flung it back into the open field.
With a shout, Gibson's men rushed on, impatient to
use the bayonet ; but the rebel retreat was too rapid,
and so the column was judiciously halted at the fence
whence the enemy had fled.
General Johnson, thinking that now the enemy,
thus pressed, could be driven from his position in the
opposite hills, ordered forward Miller's Brigade.
The Thirty-fourth Illinois formed a part of this com
mand. Miller deployed his regiments into line of
battle, passed to the front, and engaged the enemy
en echelons by battalions at sixty paces. Colonel
Miller was severely wounded in the very outset of

84 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
the action, and the command fell upon Colonel Rose,
of the Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania, a brave man,
most gallant in battle, skillful in handling a regi
ment, but of too excitable a temperament to judi
ciously manoeuvre a brigade. Hence a sad mistake'
was given, in an order which deprived this brig
ade of the full fruition of victory, by a movement
in retreat, instead of by the flank. The Thirty-fourth
most tenaciously held its ground, and saved the posi
tion. Carlin' s Brigade moved up on the right of
the Thirty-fourth, and the Thirty-eighth Illinois be
ing directly in front, charged up the hills, thus end
ing the conflict. Post's Brigade did not participate
in the engagement, otherwise than to maintain a pro
longation of the front. But it was ready and willing
to engage the foe, had necessity required it. Captain
Hale, of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, had just received
an appointment as Inspector on the Brigade Staff.
Lieutenant Segur, of Company I, just promoted from
sergeant, being unwell, Lieutenant Henry Parrott,
of. Company C, was assigned to its command. These
are all the changes that seem worthy of note at this
stage of the narrative.
While all this was going on, Thomas had been
equally successful at Hoover's Gap, routing the foe
and pushing him back on Manchester and Tullahoma.
Gordon Granger had been successful in his attack
upon Shelbyville, and instead of making a feint,
merely, he achieved a handsome success, driving Polk
across Duck river, and toward Tullahoma. Critten-

NEW POSITION OF THE ARMY. 85
v
den was struggling in the mud on the Manchester
road, but arrived at that point with the rest of the
army; and now the whole column concentered on
Tullahoma, at which point the rebels had massed by
the 28th. The troops marched from Liberty to
Hoover's Gap, and thence to Manchester, from the
26th to the 28th instant. Here they remained until
the first of July, awaiting the arrival and disposition
in battle order of the other corps cParmee. While
here, all extra baggage was sent back to Murfrees
boro ; but the horrible state of the roads, and the
starved condition of the mules, most of whom had
nothing to eat for three days, rendered it necessary
to destroy most of the stuff transported.
On the night of the 30th of June the army was in
order of battle, ready to engage the enemy on the
morrow. Heavy reconnoissances pushed forward on
the 1st of July toward Tullahoma, developed the
fact that the enemy was retreating. The army was
at once put in motion, but so soft and spongy was
the soil from the almost incessant rain since the 24th
of June, that it required eleven hours of marching for
the infantry to reach Tullahoma, a distance of eleven
miles. Johnson's. Division remained here ; but Davis
and Sheridan, together with Thomas and Crittenden,
pushed on across the Elk, driving the rebels into the
Cumberland mountains, and capturing sixteen hun
dred prisoners. Davis's Division encamped at Win
chester, and now that Bragg was across the Tennes
see, our army established a new position, its right

86 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH JLLLNOIS.
resting at Winchester and Cowan, and its left at
McMinnville. Here it recruited from the exhaustion
of its weary marches. Our victory had been a bril
liant, although almost a bloodless one; the losses on
onr part not exceeding one thousand in killed and
wounded.

CHAPTER VII

WINCHESTER  THE MARCH ACROSS THE TENNESSEE 
CHICKAMAUGA  CONDUCT OF THE SEVENTY-FIFTH
ILLINOIS — ARRIVAL AT CHATTANOOGA  END OF THE
CAMPAIGN.
Winchester is a very pretty town, and numbers about
one thousand white population. Its streets run at
right angles, and are of good width. The sidewalks
are good, and the town is suburban in its aspect of
green wilderness. In the center of the public square
stands the Court House — a large, square, two story
brick structure, but antique in its style of architec
ture. There are several churches, representing the
leading denominations. The college is a female in
stitution, well endowed, and bears the name of its
principal donor. There are but few Unionists in
this county. The voice of Freedom had no utter
ance during the war ; it was banished like an outlaw.
Three regiments of infantry, a battalion of cavalry,
and one artillery company, were recruited in this
county alone, to fight in the rebel cause.

I
88 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
Here the army rested until the 16th of August.
The health of the soldiers was fine — in fact, it was
never better. The orchards of the country were
'laden with an abundance of fast ripening fruit, and
the roadways were lined with the most luscious black
berries ; of these the men ate most heartily.
On the 16th the different army corps were again
in motion, soon to meet the foe on another most im
portant occasion of the war. Crittenden's Corps
moved in three columns from Hillsboro, Manchestei
and McMinnville, over the Cumberland mountains to
Thierman, Dunlap and Pikesville, in the Sequatchy
valley. Thomas's Corps moved over the mountains
by way of the University, to Battle Creek and Crow
Creek, near the Tennessee. McCook's Corps moved
as follows : Davis's Division moved to near Steven
son, Alabama, by way of Mount Top and Crow
Creek. Sheridan's Division was already at Steven
son and Bridgeport, whither it had advanced upon
the completion of the railroad to those points. John
son's Division moved from Tullahoma by way of
Winchester, Salem and Larkin's Fork, to Bellefonte,
Alabama. Cavalry moved tipon both flanks of the
sarmy to protect it against the enemy's cavalry; that
on the right striking the Tennessee river at Whites-
burg, that on the left at Shell Mound.
By the 21st the army was encamped on the north
bank of the Tennessee. And here it enjoyed a res
pite ; but it was only temporary. Meantime the
Michigan Engineers, the Pioneers, and heavy details

MOVEMENT ACROSS THE TENNESSEE. 89
of infantry were busy in the construction of pon
toons, trestles and rafts, whereby to cross the river,
and move upon the enemy. It was evident the
ordeal of battle was not far distant, either as to time
or place.
While the Seventy-fifth lay near Stevenson,
Major Kilgore — now Lieutenant-Colonel — rejoined
the command, after an absence of about ten months,
on account of his terrible wound, received at Perry
ville. Possessing a very strong constitution, wiry
and vigorous, he had outlived that which would have
been the death of any'one less favored by nature or
habit in health. He was now again in the field,
ready for another battle and its dreadful fortunes.
About this time, also, Sergeant-Major Silas D. Frost
passed such a creditable examination before the Mili
tary Board, that he received a Captain's commission
in one of the new organizations of colored troops.
The movement of the army across the Tennessee
commenced on the 29th of August. The crossing
was made in boats at Shell Mound, on rafts at Battle
Creek, on a trestle bridge at Bridgeport, and on
pontoons at Copeton's Ferry, opposite Stevenson.
Thomas traversed the Sand Mountains, and concen
trated near Trenton, Georgia. He then seized Frick's,
Cooper's and Stevens's Gaps on the Lookout range.
The valley along these gaps is called Le Lemore's
Cove. Crittenden moved to Wauhatchie, in Look
out valley, joining Thomas, and threatening Chatta
nooga across the nose of Lookout mountain. McCook

90 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
pushed his corps over the Sandy mountains, and into
the valley beyond, seizing Winston's Gap at its head.
The cavalry made demonstrations toward Alpine and
Rome. It was on the 30th of August Davis's Division
crossed the Tennessee, and on the 4th of September
it arrived at Valley Head, and encamped several
days at Winston's house. While the troops were
guarding this important pass, a supply train was
sent to Stevenson, on which many sick men were
returned to hospital, escorted in part by Company
A, of the Seventy-fifth Illinois. The train returned
safely on the 16th. Meantime, on the 9th, the Sec
ond and Third Brigades made a reconnoissance for
ward on Lookout mountain toward Alpine, and the
First Brigade, Colonel P. Sidney Post, was instructed
to hold all the passes to this mountain leading from
Valley Head. The Seventy-fifth, during this time
and for some days previous, was under the command
of Lieutenant-Colonel Kilgore, Colonel Bennett being
sick, although still with the regiment. He was too
brave a soldier to leave the command at such a crit
ical time, so long as he could possibly walk or ride.
The brigade picketed these passes until the night of
the 11th, when Colonel Post received an order from
General McCook, assigning his command to the
" onerous and important duty of moving all the trains
of this corps and the cavalry corps to the front."
The ascent over the mountain was very steep, and
the task an arduous one ; but by the help of seven

bivouac near stevens's gap. 91
companies of infantry, who put their shoulders to the
wheels, all the trains cleared the ascent.
Colonel Post, learning from scouts and citizens,
also by a letter from General McCook, that a large
force of Confederate cavalry was near Lebanon, threat
ening his communications, and trains crossing Sand
mountains, and also learning that a large cavalry
supply train was moving up in his rear without a
guard, he dispatched the Seventy-fifth Illinois,
now under command of Colonel Bennett, to protect
it. The regiment returned on the 13 th with the
train, having made, with much endurance and com
mendable spirit, a march through the heat and dust
of twenty-eight miles in less than twenty hours.
Now, Post's Brigade being temporarily assigned to
the command of General Lytle, and being informed
by him that he should withdraw his command at
three o'clock on the morning of the 16th, Post sent
the Fifty-ninth Illinois up the mountain, to defend
the approaches by the Alpine road. It reached its
position near Little river about one in the morning
ofthe 16th, and was soon after strengthened by the
Seventy-fifth Illinois.
On the 18th, the road being clear, Post pushed
forward his trains, keeping them in constant motion
until eleven that night, when he bivouacked within
one mile of Ste.vens's Gap, having made a march
of twenty-three miles over very hilly and rough
mountain roads.
Meantime, developments had been made on the

92 the seventy-fifth Illinois.
centre and left. Crittenden had moved up Lookout
mountain by a dangerous road called Nick-a-Jack
Trace to Summertown, and developed the fact that
the enemy had evacuated Chattanooga. It was now
ascertained that Bragg had been ordered to fall back
toward Atlanta on the Georgia State road, and await
the reinforcement of Longstreet's Virginia forces,
and that Breckenridge was at Rome. Crittenden
occupied Chattanooga on the 9th, and moved his
advance down the valley to Rossville on the . 10th.
Our cavalry made reconnoissances down Alpine and
Broomtown valleys, and the weight of evidence now
showed that the enemy was massing at Lafayette.
Crittenden therefore moved to Ringgold, and recon
noitered to Gordon's Mills. Thomas moved out of
the passes which he had held, pushing toward Lafay
ette, through Dry Gap of Pigeon mountain. Find
ing the enemy in heavy force, he retreated to Ste
vens's Gap. McCook's Corps concentrated here, and
now it was further ascertained that Johnston's Missis
sippi army had reinforced Bragg, and that our army
would soon be attacked with an overwhelming force.
It was in a bad position to resist. It extended from
Gordon's Mills, on Chickamauga Creek, to Alpine, a
distance of fifty jmiles. There must be a rapid con
centration, or it would be annihilated in detail. On
the 17th the concentration was* effected. Crittenden
remained firm at Gordon's Mills. Thomas joined
him on the right. Sheridan came next, occupying
Stevens's Gap ; Davis's two brigades were at Dug

VICTORY AT CHICKAMAUGA. 93
Gap, while Johnson was at Pond Springs, near Cat-
lett's Gap.
On the 18th the enemy made strong demonstra
tions toward our left, with the intention of cutting
off our communications with Chattanooga — the objec
tive point of the campaign — and forcing it to battle
under great disadvantages and against overwhelming
odds. Rosecrans now moved his forces down the
Chickamauga,' so as to cover the Chattanooga road,
and hardly were they in position, when Bragg made
a furious attack on our left. Then came the carnage
of Chickamauga, which lasted for two long Septem
ber days, and far exceeded in intensity Shiloh or
Stone River. On the 21st our army arrived at Chat
tanooga, where it was destined to undergo a terrible
siege, which for a time seemed likely to end in our
evacuation of the place.
All in all, Chickamauga was a victory. On the
19th of September the entire army, with the excep
tion of two brigades, was in the battle, and defeated
every attempt of the enemy to turn our left flank,
securing its own concentration, and holding the great
object of that day's strife — the approaches to Chatta
nooga. The battle of the 20th was equally a success,
for, after a last desperate but fruitless assault, the
enemy ceased the combat. The army then withdrew
to Rossville, and awaited attack. But the enemy,
deprived of more than nineteen thousand combatants,
felt incapable of keeping the field. The campaign
was offensive, but the battle defensive. Had we

94 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
been driven back across the Tennessee, it would
have been a' sore defeat for our cause; but as we
occupied, fully and securely, the great point which
we sought to gain — Chattanooga— the impartial
mind can but say we secured the substantial fruits of
a victory. Our side, too, sustained a fearful loss of
more than fifteen thousand men, in killed, wounded
and prisoners.
We will now return to ascertain the fate of Post's
brave command, which, in that hour of extreme peril,
had been left so isolated from the protection of the
main army. At two o'clock on the morning of the
19th, Post received a letter of instruction from
Department Headquarters, to remain at Stevens's
Gap, and " to hold that point at all hazard ; but
if compelled to abandon the" Gap, to retire along the
mountain road to Chattanooga, contesting the ground
inch by inch." Dispositions were made accordingly.
At four o'clock, on the morning of the 20th, General
McCook directed him to send the trains by the moun
tain road to Chattanooga, and to hasten his brigade
to the battle-field by way of Crawfish Springs. With
the train were sent sixty-seven rebel prisoners, cap
tured during the march and the stay at Winston's
and Stevens's Gaps. As the brigade advanced, the
cannonading grew more and more distinct, telling,
too truly, that a tremendous contest was waging, in
which they were not participating, yet suffering all
the disquietude incident to separation and exposure.
At the Ringgold road the enemy was found in con-

DARING OF CAPTAIN HALE. 95
siderable force, but a heavy line of skirmishers, under
command of Captain Robert Hale, dispersed him,
though constantly annoyed until the command reached
the Springs, which was one o'clock that afternoon.
Here Post reported to General R. B. Mitchell, com
manding a cavalry division, who was posted to par
tially cover the right flank of our army. Mitchell
informed Post that all communication with McCook
was cut off, and that it would be madness to attempt
to join him with a single brigade. Mitchell there
fore directed Post to form his brigade in line of
battle to repel an 'attack which he greatly feared
would be made upon him. This disposition was
made ; but Post, having received orders from
McCook to join the army, felt extremely anxious to
do so, or at least to inform him of his arrival at
Crawfish Springs, and ascertain what further should
be done. Mitchell's cavalry had made several inef
fectual attempts to communicate with McCook, but
each horseman sent was either captured or yielded
the mission. Captain Hale, ambitious to serve the
cause in any way honorable to himself, and as full of
intrepidity and daring as evei was Israel Putnam, of
the " olden time," stepped forth, and volunteered to
act as a courier. It was deemed rashness by Mitchell,
and was considered doubtful by Post ; but so earnest
was Hale to venture the experiment, that both con
sented, and mounting one of the swiftest cavalry
horses in the command, he started, safely reached
McCook, although environed with perils, and several

96 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
times narrowly escaping death or capture ; and not
only did he this, but he returned, bearing a dispatch
from McCook. Later in the day he repeated the
adventure as satisfactorily as before, and received the
official compliments of Post, Mitchell, Davis and
McCook. Captain Hale's reports fully satisfying Post and
Mitchell that it would be unwise to attempt joining
the main army, the two forces remained together,
moving down Chattanooga Creek into Lookout val- '
ley, resting for the night at McCuUoch' s house. On
the 21st orders were received from Department Head
quarters, directing Colonel Post to remain with
Mitchell. Accordingly, . position was taken beside
Crook's Division. The enemy passed in heavy force
within gun-shot range, but did not attack them. At
one o'clock in the morning of the 22d, Post stationed
his command at the cross-road leading to Rossville,
the order now being received to retire to Chatta
nooga. The battle of Chickamauga had ended, our
forces were already in Chattanooga, and the enemy was
fast taking possession of Lookout mountain and Mis
sionary Ridge. Hence it was of the most vital im
portance that the immense wagon trains should safely
reach the army, or Chattanooga would have to be
abandoned for want of immediate transportation and
supplies. While Post was in this position, the cav
alry all passed to the rear. He then resumed the
line of march, but had not proceeded far before he
came upon the enemy in force, who now had posses-

THE ARMY IN ITS NEW POSITION. 97
sion of the road, and defended it with a battery of
artillery. He formed line of battle on the side of
the road, and prepared to contest its occupancy.
Gardner's (Pinney's) Battery opened with all six
guns with such good effect, that the rebel battery
retired, yielding the right of way. The command
then moved by the left flank on the right of the
road, Gardner's artillery in it, thus being able to re
form his line of battle instantly, if occasion required.
The enemy's artillery soon opened again, but its
shell and shot passed harmlessly overhead, and the
troops safely crossed the bridge over Chattanooga
creek, rejoining the division at one o'clock that
afternoon. Upon reporting to General Davis, the brigade was
ordered to relieve the third brigade of his division,
doing duty upon the skirmish line, and- that after
noon and night thoroughly intrenched itself. While
doing this a rebel battery sought to drive it away,
but McKnight's section of artillery caused it to with
draw. The army was now safely established in its new
position, and the campaign completed. The troops
whose course we have traced, although they did not
rush into the fore-front of battle, nevertheless did a
most important duty. And their willing hearts,
valor, and endurance of fatigue, in this long and
perilous march, were entitled to, and did receive, the
thanks of the Commanding General. Had the enemy
presumed to attack them while they were holding
7

98 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
the mountain passes, their conduct throughout the
campaign justifies the assertion that they would have
made a Spartan defence.

CHAPTER VIII.

CHATTANOOGA AND ITS SCENERY  REORGANIZATION OF
THE ARMY — POST'S FAREWELL ADDRESS — REMOVAL
TO WHITESIDES.

Chattanooga is not a beautiful, but evidently a very
pleasant little place " in the piping time of peace ;"
in time of war the town itself certainly possesses
no great charm. Its main street is nearly a mile in
length, and constitutes the business portion of the
place. Its population is about two thousand, and its
citizens ordinarily are inspired with a goodly degree
of activity and spirit. The center of almost the
entire system of Southern railroads, it could not fail
to derive importance from that fact. Besides, it is
the great entrepot of vast mines of coal and nitre.
It nestles lovingly beside the broad and beautiful
Tennessee, and !among mountains famous for the
grandeur of their scenery. Three miles away rises
Lookout mountain, mighty in its frowning battle
ments/studded with the foliage of the cedar and oak,
whose shadows sometimes hang heavily across it,
deepening its beauty, like the veil of a nun. To the

100 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
eastward is Missionary Ridge, not so lofty, but no
less pleasing in its charms. Across the Tennessee
are the spurs — the ground-swells of that great moun
tain rang*, whose grim, black walls rise upon the
vision away in the distance — the Cumberland. .Such
scenery seen in autumn, as it was now by our sol
diers, could but lift the soul of him who possessed an
ideal nature and refined culture far above the mere
dross of worldly things, and fill him with something
akin to inspiration. Indian summer was indeed
existent, "in reality as in name," and scarce a morn
ing passed but a vaporous veil of mist overhung
mountain and stream, reflecting the rich and fervid
hues of the forest leaves, giving them the brilliancy
and glare of stained glass in some grand old cathe
dral of Nature's building. There is a sublimity and
awe in this grand landscape which can seldom be
surpassed anywhere in the wide world ; and old Look
out strengthens this feeling, as, towering through
the mist, and fog, and clouds, like Hawthorne's great
stone face, it looks down so fatherly and benignantly
upon us. And could it be possible, that ere long a
deadly conflict would rage upon its fore-front, its
forests be lurid with lightening fires, the rebel host,
which so ignobled it, be routed from its resting-place,
and the sacred banner of E Pluribus Unum, the hal
lowed emblem of Freedom, float proudly from its top
most peak?
Practically, Chattanooga was in a state of siege.
The enemy extended his lines from the Tennessee

SEVERE PRIVATIONS OF OUR MEN. 101
river, east of Chattanooga, to the river at and below
the bold promontory of Lookout, west of Chatta
nooga. His main force rested principally on Mission
ary Ridge and Lookout mountain, with extended
lines of fortifications at their base in Chattanooga
valley. In Lookout valley, west of the mountain, a
brigade was posted, and securely intrenched. His
pickets also extended along the river, through White
side, Shell Mound, and almost to Bridgeport, thus
holding 'nearly thirty miles of the Memphis and
Charleston railroad, compelling our army to rely for
its supplies on wagon trains moving from Stevenson
through the Sequatchy valley, and over the Cumber
land mountains. The most strenuous exertions of
the Quartermaster's Department could not furnish
the army with quarter rations, and the animals, over
worked, and actually starved, died by hundreds.
Trains were frequently twenty days on the route
from Stevenson, a distance of sixty miles, so bad
were the roads ; and as each must be accompanied
with a guard, the instances were frequent when all
the provisions on the train were consumed ere its
arrival at Chattanooga, and the men compelled to
draw rations out of the meagre stock in the commis
sary depots. Indeed, by the 1st of November, so
reduced were the public animals, that they could not
be relied upon to haul the empty wagons, and more
than ten thousand of them strewed the road from
Chattanooga to Stevenson. Scores dropped dead
daily in the streets of the town. The soldiers, too,

102 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
suffered severely, especially those who chanced to be
there unassigned to any command. Day after day
they consumed the pittance furnished them, and hun
dreds could be seen following the track of the wag
ons, and picking out of the mud the kernels of coffee
and rice which scattered from broken sacks and bar
rels. Hard bread, grown moldy a,nd rotten ¦ from
exposure to the rain while in transitu, and which
had been condemned by the commissaries, was seized
by the half-famished soldiers, and eaten with avidity.
A squad of the Seventy-fifth were reduced to even
greater extremity than this. The regiment had
moved down the river, and these men, unable to
march, were left behind. Not requiring medical
treatment, they were not admitted to hospital, and
for some reason the commissaries, who were very
fearful lest they should issue a starving soldier a
ration without strictly red tape authority, would not
recognize the provision returns made Out for them,
and they were compelled to rely upon their own wits
for a subsistence. So they gathered around the
slaughter yards, and when the cattle were killed for
the troops, they secured the tails from the hides, and
gleaned all other eatable bits that were left with the
offal. The Orderly Sergeant of Company G was one
of the squad, and by. force of circumstances learned
to prepare an excellent article of ox-tail soup, with
out' the facilities of a first-class restaurant.
The evacuation of Chattanooga seemed a " mili
tary necessity," and more than once it was seriously

reorganization. 103
contemplated. Happily, the dogged tenacity of our
beloved Rosecrans butted against fate, and sustained
the. siege. His successor, that " tower of strength,"
the noble George H. Thomas, was equally persistent ;
and when General Grant, on the 19th of October,
telegraphed him to " hold Chattanooga at all haz
ards," his reply was, " I will hold the town until we
starve !" Most noble language, and grand augury
of a transcendent victory.
But highly important changes were destined soon
to occur — no less than a reorganization of the Army
of the Cumberland, the destruction of two corps and
several division organizations — commands which on
the field of battle had won imperishable glory for
the National arms.
On the 10th of October, 1863, General Rosecrans,
under orders from the War Department, published
an order discontinuing the Twentieth and Twenty-
first Army Corps, relieving Generals McCook and
Crittenden from their commands, and consolidating
these divisions, brigades and regiments into a new
organization, entitled the Fourth Army Corps, Major
General Gordon Granger commanding. It was the
misfortune of the First Division to be included in
this humiliating order. It was much to be regretted.
But the chivalrous men whose career we have thus
far traced, could not and would not fail to prove
equally as daring in glorious deeds, when the oppor
tunity should present, no matter what the organiza
tion under which they were known.

104 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
Colonel Post's Brigade was completely disorgan
ized. The Seventy-fifth Illinois was assigned to
the Third Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army
Corps, Brigadier-General William Grose command
ing ; General John M. Palmer in command of the
division. We possess no copy of General Davis's farewell
address, if he issued one ; but Colonel Post, who was
greatly esteemed by his brigade, issued the follow
ing. It expresses true sentiments and lofty patriot
ism, and touched a tender chord in the hearts of his
men ; and he retired to his new field of duty with
the hearty "God bless you!" of all who ever knew
him: " Headquarters First Brigade, }
First Division, 20th Army Corps. >
Chattanooga, Oct. 16, 1863. )
" General Order No. 51.
" In the reorganization of the army, this brigade will lose its
identity, and be transferred to another division and corps.
" Organized on the banks of the Ohio more than a year ago, it
has traversed Kentucky and Tennessee, scaled the mountains of
Northern Alabama and Georgia, and now terminates its exist
ence on the south bank of the Tennessee. The year during
which it has remained intact will ever be remembered as that in
which the gallant armies of the West rolled back the advancing
hosts of rebellion, and extinguished the Confederacy in the valley
of the Mississippi.
" In accomplishing this glorious achievement, you — soldiers of
the First Brigade — have performed no mean part. On the labo
rious march you have been patient and energetic, and in battle
and skirmish second 'to none in stubborn valor and success. In
one j-ear you lost upon the battle-field eight hundred and fifty
heroic comrades.

ROSECRANS RELIEVED FROM COMMAND. 105
" Baptized in blood at Perryville, this brigade led the army in
pursuitof the retreating foe, and again attacked him at Lancaster,
whence he fled from Kentucky. In the mid-winter campaign it
opened the battle of Stone river by attacking and driving the
enemy from Nolensville, and on the memorable 31st of Decem
ber, together with the rest of the Twentieth Army Corps, val
iantly met the attack of the concentrated opposing army. At
Liberty Gap, and in the late battle of Chickamauga, it performed
well the part assigned to it, and finishes its honorable career
weaker in numbers, but strong in the confidence and discipline
of veterans.
" For the able and hearty cooperations its commander has re
ceived from the officers, and for the cheerful support yielded by
its gallant men, he returns his sincere thanks. ' No petty jeal
ousies, no intrigue or disorganizing influences, have ever dis
graced and paralyzed our efforts for the country's cause ; and the
commander unites in the just pride which all feel in the history
of, and in their connection with, the First Brigade, First Divi
sion, Twentieth Army Corps. " P. Sidney Post,
" Colonel Commanding Brigade."
The new brigade to which the Seventy-fifth was
assigned was composed of the Ninth, Thirtieth, and
Thirty-sixth Indiana, the Fifty-ninth, Seventy-fifth,
Eightieth and Eighty-fourth Illinois, and the Sev
enty-seventh Pennsylvania.
On the 25th of October the entire division moved
across the river, over Walden's ridge, thence across
the river again, one brigade securing lodgment at
Shell Mound, another at Bridgeport, while the third
brigade occupied Whiteside. During this trip, Gen
eral Rosecrans was relieved from the command of
the army by General Thomas, and General Palmer

106 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
assumed command of the Fourteenth Army Corps.
General Charles Cruft was temporarily placed in
command of the division.
Whiteside is the name of a small station on the
Memphis and Charleston railroad, fourteen miles
west of Chattanooga. The object of the movement
hither was to hold the different points along this
road so far as practicable, and to cover the move
ment of General Joseph Hooker's command (the
Eleventh and Twelfth Corps of the Potomac Army)
whose duty it was to dislodge the rebels from Look
out mountain, thus aiding in raising the siege of
Chattanooga ; also to reinforce Hooker in his move
ments, should battle ensue and help be needed.
Whiteside is a very romantic place — in reality no
town, but a succession of very high hills with narrow
gorges, through which a small stream flows, called
" Running Waters." It is a bleak, dreary region,
but its hills abound in mines of coal and nitre, several
of which were partially worked before the rebellion ;
also considerably during its progress. Now the war
is ended, the indications of petroleum are found to
be very strong, and much excitement prevails in that
locality. Several mining companies have been organ
ized to experiment for this valuable oil. But only
in a military point of view was it held by our forces.
As such, General Grose's Brigade remained here,
awaiting the hour for a new call to arms, and the
eclat of another enduring success.

CHAPTER IX.
THE BATTLES OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN AND MISSIONARY
RIDGE  RINGGOLD  HEART-SICTCENING SCENES ON
THE OLD CHICKAMAUGA BATTLE-GROUND  THE WIN
TER ENCAMPMENT AT WHITESIDE.
Most memorable among the many grand events of
this war is the series of brilliant successes achieved
by Major General U. S. Grant and his able corps of
subordinate generals, around Chattanooga, in Octo
ber and November, 1863.
General John M. Palmer, with a portion of his
command, moved down the north bank of the river
to Whiteside, crossed over to the south bank, hold
ing the ground passed over by Hooker's command in
its march to Whiteside and Wauhatchie, thus at the
same time practicing a feint upon the enemy, and
guarding against any attack he might make on our
communications, owing to Hooker's advance from
Bridgeport. In the meantime a force under the direction of
General W. F. Smith, Chief Engineer, was thrown
across the river below Moccasin Point, and at or

108 the seventy-fifth Illinois.
near Brown's Ferry, to seize the range of hills at the
mouth of Lookout valley. The seizure of these hills
was of the highest importance to us, as they covered
the Brown's Ferry road to Wauhatchie and White
side, and would enable us to draw supplies by <a
much safer and shorter route than the mountain roads
over Walden's ridge. It also afforded a shorter line
by which to reinforce our troops in Lookout valley,
in case an engagement ensued.
The expedition under General Smith, on the night
of the 27th of October, was most brilliant in charac
ter. It consisted of a force of eighteen hundred men,
under General W. B. Hazen, which, in sixty pontoon
boats, containing thirty armed men each, floated
from Chattanooga quietly down the river, past the
grim-visaged heights of Lookout and its armed sen
tries, landed on the bank below the foot of the moun
tain, seized the enemy's pickets stationed there, and
the adjacent hills; and all this was accomplished
with the loss of only four or five men wounded.
Twenty-two hundred more, under General Turchin,
with the materials for a bridge, moved down to Moc
casin Point, thence to Brown's Ferry, unobserved by
the enemy, and before daylight were ferried to the
south bank, and effected a lodgment, securing great
advantages, and completely astounding the enemy at
the audacity and success of the enterprise.
On the 28th of October, Hooker advanced to the
position assigned him, and Bragg found himself foiled
in his scheme of starving out the Army of the Cum-

CHARGE OF THE MULE BRIGADE. 109
berland. He' saw in this achievement a foreshadow??
ing of defeat. To regain the lost ground and re^|te|i
his own good name, were now the foremost things" to
be accomplished. The very night after Hooker's
arrival in the valley, Longstreet's forces attacked
Geary's Division ; but Geary's men displayed great
heroism, and repulsed the enemy. But this was not
,all. General Howard directed a bayonet charge up
the heights west of Lookout creek. The hill was
more than two hundred feet high, and defended by
two lines of barricades. Right gallantly our heroes
drove the enemy out of his defences, off the hill and
down into Lookout valley. And it is well here to
mention that the mules of Geary's command contrib
uted much to that night's success. A large number
of them, affrighted by the noise of battle, dashed
into the ranks of Hampton's rebel legion, causing
much dismay, compelling them to fall back under a
supposed charge of cavalry. Thus han'dsomely was
accomplished the beginning of the end in this fear
ful crisis. The signs were auspicious, foretelling a
glorious victory.
Finally, on the 23rd of November, General W. T.
Sherman's Fifteenth Army Corps having arrived in
its designated position, the main action commenced.
Sherman, aided by Davis's Division of the Four
teenth Corps, safely effected a lodgment on the south
bank of the Tennessee, above Chattanooga, and near
the northern terminus of Mission Ridge. Thence, by
a skillful movement, he established himself securely

110 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
on a very important chain of hills, the first of the
series leading to Mission Ridge — the main point in
contest. Here he fortified, and awaited the next
day to resume operations. Thomas, meantime, was
alert, awaiting the developments • made on his right
and left, under Hooker and Sherman.
With this general outline of the situation, we will
now turn to recount the operations under the indom
itable Hooker, whose mission it was to carry the
steep and wooded heights of cloud-capped Lookout.
It being feared that the enemy had discovered
Sherman's intention, and that he would withdraw
his forces on Lookout to Mission Ridge, and thus
endeavor to crush him, Hooker was directed to take
Osterhaus's and Geary's Divisions, and Whittaker's
and Grose's Brigades, and make a strong demonstra
tion on the northern slope of Lookout, thus attract
ing the enemy's attention, leading him to suppose
this to be the real point of attack, and thereby pre
venting the massing against Sherman. Hooker was
instructed, that in making this demonstration, if he
found the position and strength of the enemy favor
able to carrying the mountain, he should do so.
By four o'clock on the morning of the 24th of
November, Hooker reported all ready for an advance.
Lookout creek, swollen by the rains, was found to
be impassable ; so Geary's Division, supported by
Whittaker's and Grose's Brigades, under General
Cruft, moved down to Wauhatchie to cross the creek,
while the balance. of his forces constructed a. tempo
rary bridge across the creek on the main road.

CROSSING OF LOOKOUT CREEK. Ill
In this eventful affair it is our duty to particular.
ize the part taken by the gallant brigade under that
true and tried soldier, " Old Billy Grose," as the sol
diers familiarly called him.
Grose's effective force in the affair was sixteen hun
dred and ninety -three officers and men. This force
moved from Whiteside to Lookout valley on the 23rd
instant, and bivouacked near Hooker's headquarters.
At daylight on the 24th, Grose was ordered by
Hooker to drive the enemy from a crossing at a
destroyed bridge on Lookout creek, near the railroad
crossing, and close to the base of the mountain.
Grose, nothing doubting, ordered up the Eighty-
fourth Illinois, closely supported by the Seventy-
elfth Illinois, the former in line, with skirmishers
in front, and advanced them through a bayou, or
pond, which they waded, waist deep, driving the
enemy under cover, and gaining a foothold on the
west bank. Captain Chambers, with a detail of the
Thirty-sixth Indiana, undertook to repair the bridge,
the two advance regiments sharply skirmishing with
the rebels. It soon became evident that the good to
be effected would not compensate for the loss of life
and limb which would ensue in maintaining the posi
tion, so it was abandoned.
Hooker then directed Grose to proceed up the
creek, where Wood's command was preparing to
cross by constructing a pole bridge, which was nearly
completed. Some poles were thrown lengthwise
over the gap, on which the Seventy-fifth and the

112 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
Eighty-fourth Illinois crossed. These regiments de
ployed into line of battle, the Seventy-fifth with
Company E on the skirmish line. Two other regi
ments of the brigade followed, prolonging the line of
battle on Wood's right. Grose formed his command
in double lines, with the Thirty-sixth Indiana and
the Fifty-ninth Illinois in advance, filling up the
interval between the brigades of Whittaker and
Geary. The line thus formed moved obliquely up the
mountain slope in most splendid style, full of spirit,
and resolved to conquer. What cared they for the
enemy's fierce cannonade and musketry hail ? The
mountain was before them, and there also the foe.
Theirs the task to scale its precipitous side, to pierce
through the thick veil of fog and mist which hung
heavily upon it, and behind and beyond which other
forces of the enemy lay in ominous silence, waiting
the moment when they should illume it with the
lightning flashes from thousands of muskets and
" deep-mouthed dogs of war." It was veteran against
veteran. The day was full of peril ; nay, the very
air was charged with it, and ere night victory must
surely settle on Union or rebel banner.
But our heroes felt that God was with them, and
like Godfrey de Bouillon, in the contest of the Cru
sades, they emblazoned " God wills it," on their stan
dards, and staked all in the issue.
Never was presented a nobler sight. Onward they
went, and upward, sweeping everything before them,-

the enemy quieted. 113
through rebel camps and over rebel pits, still press
ing the foe, who, now that Geary had extended his
line so as to flank their last line of pits, surprised^ at
the unthought-of occurrence — the " Yankee trick," —
became dismayed, disheartened, and in their panic
threw away their ' arms and ran, or instantly surren
dered. Nearly, if not quite two thousand men were
thus entrapped, and made prisoners of war.
Then the Seventy-fifth and Eighty-fourth Illi
nois moved forward to the left, covering and advanc
ing on the main Chattanooga road, over the mOUn-
tain slope, opening communication with Thomas's
forces in Chattanooga valley, and enabling him to
send reinforcements when necessary.
So full of enthusiasm were the brave men of the
Seventy-fifth, and so ardent in the accomplishment
of great deeds were Colonel Bennet and his officers,
that they only halted when imperatively ordered to
do so. But it was well they did, for isolated as they
were, a serious fate might have awaited them. Near
nightfall Colonel Grose sent the Ninth Indiana and
the Fifty-ninth Illinois to relieve two other regi
ments who were immediately under the high ledge
of rocks at the top of the mountain. These two regi
ments were engaged in an active but desultory fire
until they exhausted their ammunition, when the
Thirty-sixth Indiana and the Twenty-fourth Ohio
relieved them. The enemy ceased his efforts at dis-
lodgment at midnight, and silence the most profound
reigned every where.
8

114 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
Thus gallantly served Grose's Brigade. The con
fidence reposed in it is exemplified in the fact that
ere the day's battle had ended, all its regiments were
in the front line, ready for danger and duty.
At daylight, next mornings the Seventy-fifth
and Eighty-fourth Illinois pushed forward on a recon
noissance, to develop the position and strength of
the enemy. They captured a few guards, consider
able abandoned camp equipage, and several boxes of
ammunition ; but the enemy had evacuated the moun
tain, and crossed Chattanooga valley to Mission
Ridge. This fact was at once reported to Hooker,
and at ten o'clock all his troops started for Rossville,
five miles distant, at the base of Mission Ridge, and
constituting the outlet of Chattanooga valley.
Meantime the "Stars and Stripes" were raised
upon old Lookout's highest peak, proclaiming far
and wide the completeness of the victory won.
Cheer ascended upon cheer. The troops at Chatta
nooga, seeing the " old flag" proudly floating where
but yesterday the rebel banner was displayed, re
newed the wild acclaim, thrilling all true soldiers
with joy, and filling traitor hearts, too, with ill
omens, as it swept over to Mission Ridge in utterance
clear and sonorous.
Yes, Lookout is won. Our heroes triumph.
" They have conquered ! God's own legions I "Well their foes
might be dismayed,
Standing in his mountain temple, 'gainst the terrors of his aid ;
And the clouds might fitly echo paean loud and parting gun,
When, from upper light and glory, sank the traitor host, undone."

PLAN OF ACTION AT MISSION RIDGE. 115
There was a definite object in Hooker's moving to
Rossville. Sherman had been stubbornly fighting at
the north end of Mission Ridge, and by noon had
carried its summit, so he could overlook Chattanooga,
and view Thomas's force as it lay in the valley. As
soon as Hooker should arrive at Rossville he was to
change direction, and with his left in Chattanooga
valley, his center and right covering Mission Ridge,
move northward, striking the enemy in flank and
rear, until meeting the center of our lines, or advance
as near as possible. Then, Sherman having by his per
sistent attacks caused Bragg to weaken his center,
Thomas, with strong columns, was to assault and
carry the ridge in his front, thus breaking the rebel
center, and hurling Bragg' s shattered columns back
upon Sherman and Hooker, making the capture of
his entire army almost a certainty. Hooker's col
umn, after working for four hours in rebuilding the
crossing over Chattanooga creek, arrived at the
designated point about three o'clock. Osterhaus
•was in the advance, and engaged the enemy as he
reached the gorge. The rebels were soon routed,
and the passage made. Coming to Mission Ridge
proper, Cruft's command changed direction, and
moved at a right angle with the road. The ridge
ascended, a volley of musketry announced that the
enemy had again made a stand, and Cruft's cavalry
escort fled precipitately to the rear. Grose's Brigade
advanced in three lines, the Ninth Indiana and the
Fifty-ninth Illinois in the advance, and the Seventy-

116 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
fifth Illinois in the third line. The advance, full of
courage, charged the enemy with the bayonet, driv
ing him from two lines of barricades, inflicting severe
loss and taking many prisoners. Soon Hooker's
whole column was in motion northward, and the
advance was rapid. The1 rebels, though stoutly
resisting, were forced back constantly, until at night
fall, Hooker's and Thomas's right Division — 'General
R. W. Johnson's — were within eight hundred yards
of each other. A force of near four thousand rebels
now found themselves in a terrible dilemma, and,
graciously as possible, surrendered.
The battle was now ended, and the troops bivou
acked for the night. The prisoners were disposed of,
the wounded cared for, the dead buried.
The victory was complete ; one of the grandest in
the war. Two formidable mountains had been car
ried by assault, and the enemy routed. His losses
were severe, although in killed and wounded not as
heavy as our own. He had lost more than six thou
sand prisoners, forty cannon, sixty-nine artillery car
riages and caissons, and seven thousand stand of
small arms. The balance of his forces, greatly
demoralized, withdrew during the night toward Ring
gold, Georgia.
On the morning of the 26th, Granger's Corps was
ordered to the relief of Burnside, at Knoxville, who
was besieged by Longstreet, while Sherman and
Thomas pursued Bragg — the former by way of Chick
amauga, the latter by way of Grayville.

ENGAGEMENT AT RINGGOLD. 117
Sunset found our troops in Pea-vine valley. The
deep mud and dense underbrush of this region
demanded slow movement. Grose had closely sup
ported the advance all day, and skirmishing with the
enemy's rear guard was frequent. That night the
brigade bivouacked in battle order, with a heavy
skirmish line in front, three companies of the Sev
enty-fifth aiding in this duty.
While here, on guard, a rebel soldier and some
citizens were groping about in the dark for aban
doned forage, and unconsciously ran into the picket
line of Company A. They were captured, and feel
ing very sore at this discomfiture, revealed the fact
that many more soldiers were at their houses, half a
mile distant. Colonel Bennett pushed Company A
forward cautiously through the brush, and directed
Corporal George G. Messer, a most trusty soldier, to
move a few paces in advance, to draw the fire of the
enemy, should there be a concealed force awaiting
them. They soon reached the houses, and captured
the soldiers there without harm to a single one of
our own men. The night was intensely dark, and
the mission perilous, but handsomely accomplished.
On the 27th the troops moved to Ringgold. Here
the rebels 'were found strongly posted, and Oster-
haus's Division became seriously'engaged. The bat
tle lasted for four hours, and was desperately fought.
At last the enemy were flanked and forced to retreat,
but we lost many valuable men. Here the Thir
teenth Illinois distinguished itself for bravery. Here,

118 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
too, the noble Major Bushnell, a fine soldier and popu
lar officer, fell, a ^sacrifice upon our country's altar.
That night Grose's command lay in the town of
Ringgold. On the morning of the 28th, by request
of General Osterhaus, Company A, Captain Parker,
was sent off to the right of his position, to watch the
enemy, lest he should pass through a gorge in the
mountains, and turn his flank. The rebels were
plainly visible a greater part of the day, but no effort
was made in that direction. The company returned
at night. On the 29th Grose's Brigade moved in
advance of the column, pursuing and skirmishing
with the enemy to Tunnel Hill, where a division was
found strongly posted, and prepared to contest the
ground. The pressure upon Burnside being very great, and
the necessity urgent for more troops to be sent to his
aid, General Grant ordered Sherman to move toward
Knoxville, and directed Hooker to push the enemy,
but not to risk a general engagement.
The campaign was now ended. Hooker's troops
remained at Ringgold until the evening of Novem
ber 30th, when they were ordered back to theh'
old encampments, as before the battle. On the
return, Grose crossed the memorable field of Chick
amauga, and halted there a day, to bury the dead
of that carnage field.
The marks of that fearful strife were still visible.
Here and there were lines of barricades hastily con
structed ; the ground was strewed with knapsacks,

OUR UNBURIED DEAD. 119
haversacks, pieces of clothing, fragments of harness,
canteens, tin plates bullet-pierced, round shot and
unexploded shell. Here, too, were straps, buckles,
cartridge-boxes, old socks and old shoes, rotting let
ters — all sad signs, and all telling their sad but silent
story of the great fight at Chickamauga. What a
crowd of sorrowful memories press upon the mind
and sicken the heart at their contemplation ! Then,
indeed, can be felt the wing of the Death-angel as
the gloom shadow flits over the soul. Where is the
brave soldier who wore that mud-stained, belt ?
Where the one who wore those shoes ? Is he cold
in death ? If so, what eyes have been bedimmed at
his sad fate ! What hopes have been destroyed,
what affections crushed, what hearts wrung with
anguish, never more to brighten !
But sadder sights than these greeted our brave
boys as they passed over the field of battle. Sadder
thoughts, too, filled their minds — the unburied re
mains of hundreds of Union soldiers. Here, full-
length skeletons lay side by side ; there, skulls
" touched each other like the cheeks of sleepers."
In some places the head and feet were visible ; in
other, the trunks only, of human bodies. Others,
again, had been covered so slightly that the swine
had rooted them out, and the remains lay scattered
about in promiscuous heaps.
The rebels remained masters of the field, and it
was their duty to have given a decent interment to
onr dead. Their own were generally well interred ;

120 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
but on our right and right center they had neglected
the burial of their own as well as our dead. What
shameful negligence ! What awful guilt must weigh
down the necks of those who could thus cruelly leave
the mangled bodies of human beings, friend and foe
alike, to decompose in the hot sun and the chill night
air, and their bones to bleach upon the plain ! God
pity and have mercy upon them ! Justice will be
done. And you, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters,
sweethearts, what think you ? And my country,
how beats thy great heart ? jj Oh remember thy fallen
braves !
" Lay the laurel on their cold brows,
Honored martyrs to their Union vows —
The brave soldiers whose lives on their country's shrine were
given ;
Bow the head and drop the tear,
As you plant banners o'er the bier
Of the patriot whose spirit soars with angel wings to heaven."
This last sad task ended, the command returned
to Whiteside, where it arrived on the 2d of Decem
ber. On the return, Companies C and H were de
tached, and under command of Lieutenant Bannister
gathered up the abandoned rebel property — stores.
caissons, ammunition, etc. — taking it to Chattanooga
Here it enjoyed a respite for a season.
In the battle the brigade captured seven hundred
and seventy-seven prisoners. Its loss was surpris
ingly small, and can only be accounted for in the

RETURN TO CAMP DUTIES. 121
fact that the audacity of our men in charging what
were considered impregnable defences, astonished
and demoralized the enemy. Four were killed and
sixty wTounded. The loss of the Seventy-fifth was
but two wounded. With a full consciousness of hav
ing done their whole duty in this hour of peril, the
soldiers now quietly performed their accustomed
camp duties, biding the time when they should again
be called forth to meet the foe, and strike another
blow for the Constitution and the Union.

CHAPTER X.
THE WINTER ENCAMPMENT AT WHITESIDE  MOVEMENT
TO CHARLESTON AND BLUE SPRINGS  RECONNOIS
SANCE IN FRONT OF DALTON  ORGANIZATION OF
THE PIONEER COMPANY  PREPARATIONS FOR THE
ATLANTA CAMPAIGN.
Whiteside is situated on the Charleston and Mem
phis railroad, and is equidistant from Chattanooga
and Bridgeport. It is not really a village, although
there are, perhaps, in the vicinity of the depot, one
hundred inhabitants. It is a wild, romantic spot,
environed by high, cone-shaped hills, well wooded,
which yield abundant coal. Mines have been started,
but they are only nominally worked. Northern
enterprise will yet develop their rich resources.
Through the valley at the base of these hills winds a
stream called Running Waters. Where the railroad
crosses it is a deep gorge, more than one hundred
feet deep, and the bridge which spanned it had been
destroyed by order of General Rosecrans, during the
Chickamaugatcampaign. It was a serious task now
to rebuild it, so as to facilitate supplies to the main

CONSTRUCTION of bridges. 123
army at Chattanooga. This work was intrusted to
the energetic bridge-builders, Boomer and Company,
of Chicago, and many of the men in the regiments
had opportunity to aid the work, not by detail and
compulsory labor, but voluntarily and with compen
sation. The soldiers of the brigade engaged in its
construction were under the charge of Major James
A. Watson, of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, a man
selected by Colonel William Grose expressly for his
competency and energy in work of this character.
It was completed about the first of February, and
since then the trains have traversed the road unim
peded, and the troops have never since seen Point
Starvation quite so plainly as before. All the tim
ber for this bridge of such great height and length
(being nearly four hundred feet), was cut from the
adjacent forests, hewed and fitted to its place mostly
by the exertions of this brigade. It is worthy of
commendation. While here, the non- veterans of the
Fifty-ninth Illinois infantry, a detachment of seventy-
four men, were assigned to the Seventy-fifth, remain
ing with it from January 29th to April 16th, prov
ing themselves worthy peers in morality, bravery
and fidelity to duty. They were under command of
Lieutenant Blodgett, of Company E.
This completed, another field of duty lay before
them. The construction of other bridges was neces
sary. To guard those engaged in rebuilding these,
the First Division was moved up to Charleston, arriv
ing there on the 3rd of February. Two clays after

124 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
the command returned to Blue Springs, four miles
south of Cleveland, where it remained until the 3rd
of May.
*" While lying here, the second and third brigades of
the division aided in making a most important recon
noissance near Dalton, Georgia. The object of this
was simply to ascertain the precise locality of the
enemy's forces, and the nature of his defences. The
second and third brigades of the Fourth Corps par
ticipated in it. The third brigade, under Colonel
Grose, left Blue Springs on the morning of the 22d
of February, with the additional strength of the
Eightieth Illinois, under Lieutenant-Colonel Kilgore,
of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, and Battery H, Fourth
United States Artillery, Lieutenant Heilman com
manding. The former had been placed temporarily
with the brigade. It had been captured the spring
before, in the famous Streight raid to Rome, and the
officers had not yet been exchanged. The total force
of the brip-ade in this affair numbered seventeen hun-
dred and ninety-six officers and men. The brigade was
in the advance, the Thirty-sixth Indiana in front. It
arrived at Red Clay, or "Council Ground," at 12.30
p.m. ; thence it moved toward Dalton, to feel the
enemy. At Wade's house, three miles beyond, the
enemy's pickets were found. These were driven
back, and a company of the Fourth Michigan Cav
alry, by order of Colonel Grose, pursued them rapidly
a mile and a half. It being near night, the com
mand then withdrew to Red Clay, and bivouacked.

ADVANCE TOWARDS BUZZARD'S ROOST. 125
On the 23rd the reconnoissance was pushed in an
other direction. The two brigades moved twelve
miles westward, near Catoosa Springs, to form a
junction with the Fourteenth Army Corps, arriving
there about nine o'clock at night.
The next morning the two brigades counter
marched some six miles to Lee's house ; thence
moved south-east, toward Dalton. To move upon
Dalton in front was impracticable, as it is covered by
an inaccessible ridge, presenting one continued line
of rock epaulments, and known as Rocky Face.
Through this ridge there is a canon, or pas's, called
Buzzard's Roost, lying between Tunnel Hill and
Dalton. North of Tunnel Hill the ridge is passa
ble, and here Grose passed his command. The coun
try is very mountainous, it being little less than a
constant succession of hills and narrow ravines or
valleys. Having crossed two of these hills, Grose
pushed down a road running south, and at Neal's
house joined Colonel Long with six hundred cavalry.
Neal's farm is six miles north-west of Dalton, and three
miles from the Dalton and Chattanooga railroad.
Both advanced on the wagon road until beyond Davis's
house, where it crosses to the west side of the ridge.
Some five hundred yards from its western base, a
deep gorge, through which Mill Creek flows, sepa
rates it from another, beyond which is the valley
which farther on forms Buzzard's Roost. The col
umn steadily advanced along this ridge, with Long in
front, driving the enemy from all the ground north

126 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
of the creek. Arriving in the valley, Long deployed
to the right, along the base of the hills to the west,
while the Seventy-fifth and Eighty-fourth Illinois
moved clown the valley on the left of the cavalry,
covering the slope of the eastern ridge wdth skirmish
ers, thus protecting the right flank of the line. The
Twenty-fourth Ohio supported the cavalry. Sharp
skirmishing ensued, the rebels constantly falling
back, until they were forced out of their camps at
the railroad. This advanced line was firmly main
tained for some time, when the enemy, realizing
Grose's intention, began to move his infantry upon
him. The engagement now became lively ; but the
skirmishers evinced so much pluck that with the aid
of the artillery they were halted and forced under
cover. It was now ascertained that Stewart's rebel
division was posted in their front, with Stevenson's
near at hand. Reinforcements were not within quick
supporting distance ; night, too, was again throwing
its sable mantle over the weary combatants, so it was
deemed prudent to retire.
Kilgore, with the Eightieth Illinois and the cav
alry, was left at Neal's farm ; the remainder halting
further back, at the widow Burke's. Here the facts
were reported to the commanding general, and orders
awaited. Early on the 25th, General -Cruft joined Colonel
Grose with the balance of the division, and the
advance commenced. Kilgore had ascertained that
the rebels occupied the ridge beyond Davis's house,

AN IMPOSING SPECTACLE. 127
and that his line extended a full mile to the north.
Nearing this point, the division formed, in battle
order — Grose's Brigade on the ridge to the right,
covering the summit and the greater part of the
eastern slope, with the Thirtieth Indiana, the Sev
enty-fifth and Eightieth Illinois in the front line, and
the Eighty-fourth Illinois, Twenty -fourth Ohio and
Thirty-sixth Indiana in the second line. The second
brigade, Colonel Champion, deployed on his left, with
Long's cavalry extending his left, while the first
brigade, Colonel Dickerman, served as a reserve. It
was now nine in the morning, when General Palmer
appeared on the field and requested Colonel Grose to
meet him. They met and consulted, in front of the
skirmish line. At eleven o'clock Baird's Division
joined Grose on the right, and the bugles sounded
Forward ! Then was presented one of the finest and
most imposing scenes ever witnessed by man. The
Seventy-fifth Illinois was the " battalion of direc
tion," and the movement left oblique, treading the
crest of the ridge. Far to the right and the left,
over the hills and through the valleys, were the long
lines of blue coats, their bayonets and sabres glisten
ing with the sunbeams ; while in the valley beyond,
and on its background of hills, were the hosts of the
enemy, prepared to try titles to the passage.
Hardly was the line in motion, when the fire of
musketry began, constantly growing sharper and
heavier, intermingled, too, with the thunder of artil
lery ; clouds of smoke ascended toward heaven from

128 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
either side, as if invoking aid from the great God of
battles. This affair did not assume the dignity of a
battle, but was, nevertheless, quite decisive in its
results. The enemy could not withstand the prowess
of the Federal heroes, and were constantly forced
from one position to another, for at least a mile and
a half. During the action Major Watson was severely
hurt by the falling of a limb which a cannon ball
had struck down, and several were wounded. Ere
the conflict ceased night again set in, and General
Palmer reporting that the object of the reconnois
sance was gained, the entire force withdrew to the
west of Tunnel Hill, and rested for the night. Once
during this day's affair, Companies A, F and D were
on the skirmish line, and elated with their success,
charged the rebel lines, scattering them pell-mell,.
Company F capturing two prisoners. Companies C,
H and I were also on the skirmish line, and behaved
nobly. On this day, Sergeant Oscar A. Seely, of
Company C, who is noted for his cool bravery, was
struck in the back by a musket ball, which passed
through his body, coming out just above the groin,
and then through his right arm near the wrist. In
this condition he walked back to the rear unsup
ported, bearing with him his gun and accoutrements.
On the 26th, the Surgeon of the regiment, a French
man, Octave P. F. Ravenot, a genial man and a good
doctor, but quite eccentric in his manners, was sent
to look after a man wounded the day before, and on
his return was captured by Wheeler's cavalry. He

GRAND CAMPAIGN PREPARATION. 129
rejoined the command on the 13th of September,
1864. On the 26th Grose's Brigade moved south a mile
on the ridge, encountering some rebel cavalry, and
drove them out of sight and hearing. That night
Grose moved to the old " Stone Church," near
Catoosa Springs. On the 27th the brigade started
for Blue Springs, where it arrived on the 28th, and
settled quietly down in its olden routine of duties.
In this affair the Seventy-ftfth displayed the
heroism and endurance which ever have character
ized it, and received mention in the reports of supe
rior officers. Its casualties were seven wounded, in
cluding Major Watson, beside the surgeon captured.
From this time until the first of May nothing of
importance transpired. The army was slowly recruit
ing its strength for another and grander campaign
than had ever yet been attempted during this war ;
one which, in fact, has never been surpassed, if ever
equaled, in the annals of European warfare.

CHAPTER XI.
OPENING OF THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN — THE BATTLE8
OF BUZZARD ROOST, ROCKY FACE, RESAOA, PUMPKIN
VINE CREEK AND DALLAS  SUCCESS OF THE " MOVA
BLE COLUMN."
On the 14th of March, 1864, General W. T. Sher
man received notice from General Grant that he had
been appointed as commander of the Department of
the Mississippi. Sherman immediately proceeded to
Nashville and held a conference with General Grant,
at which a full understanding was had of the policy
and plans of the ensuing campaigns, Sherman's part
of which extended from Chattanooga to Vicksburg.
The troops destined to operate in this campaign
were designated as the Army of the Tennessee, Gen
eral McPherson ; the Army of the Cumberland, Gen
eral Thomas ; and the Army of the Ohio, General
Schofield. These commanders were visited, and the
lines of operation explained to them ; garrisons were
appointed to guard the lines of railroad; Chatta
nooga was established as a secondary base, and the
storehouses were filled with supplies to overflowing.

THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 131
Finally, in the last days of April, Sherman received
a letter from Grant, announcing that on the 5th of
May he should move upon the enemy from his camp
near Culpepper, Virginia, and desired him to do the
same. Accordingly, on the 29th of April, Sherman
had all the troops of the Armies of the Ohio and
Tennessee en route for Chattanooga, and on the 6th
day of May the campaign was fairly commenced.
There was now upon the line of march to Dalton
a force of 98,797 men, and 254 cannon, all under the
orders of General W. T. Sherman.
This army, now prepared to advance South, was
the largest, and by far the best appointed force that
our Government had ever yet placed under the com.
mand of a single general officer, to undertake either
regular operations or an adventure.
For an army whose object is to withstand the
march of invaders who came from the north, the
position in and about Dalton is happily formed by
nature, and capable of being made very strong by
art. I have before mentioned that Dalton was protected
in front by a high, inaccessible ridge, whose summit
is faced by a steep ledge of rocky epaulments known
as Rocky Face. The only pass at or near this point
is Buzzard's Roost, through which passes the rail and
wagon roads. Mill Creek also flows through it, and
was now of great service to the rebels. The valley
itself being narrow, was thoroughly obstructed by
abattis, and was flooded by dams built across this

132 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
stream. It was thoroughly commanded by batteries
located upon the hills and acclivities, whose fire could
penetrate its entire length, and into all its narrow
ravines and winding gullies. A skillful engineer had
doubtless exhausted his contrivances for the defence
of a ground having all this natural strength of fea
ture. So much in favor of its defence. It was unde
niably safe against any attack that could be made in
front or immediately in flank. Johnston's forces con
sisted of three corps of infantry and artillery, viz :
Hardee's, Hood's and Polk's, together with Wheeler's
Cavalry Corps, making a total strength of 55,000
men. I have no data by which to estimate the num
ber of his guns. This was the force to be overcome or
destroyed. Sherman was too wise a general to mass
his army for an attack against such a position, where
defeat would be an inevitable consequence, and the
hills and valleys in contest run red with brave men's
blood. Against Johnston's plan of occupying this range
of hills, covering Dalton with the forces at his com
mand, there were two cogent reasons : one was, that
the Federal troops greatly outnumbered his own :
the other, that the position which, in consequence of
this, he would be required to cover, was too extended
for the number he had to defend it.
Understanding the physical obstacles to this front
movement, Sherman resolved upon turning the ene
my's flank. Accordingly, McPherson was ordered to
move from his position at Gordon's Mill, via Ship's

THE PIONEER COMPANY. 133
Gap, Villanow and Snake Creek Gap, directly on
Resaca, or to any point below Dalton on the line of
railroad, and meeting the enemy, make a bold attack ;
or failing in this, to destroy the road for a good dis
tance, and then fall back to a strong defensive posi
tion near Snake Creek, there to strike the enemy in
flank if he should be forced to retreat. Meantime,
Thomas was to make a strong feint of attack in
front, while Schofield pressed down from the north
upon the enemy's right flank.
It is proper here, in compliance with the require
ments of this book, to go back to Blue Springs,
where the First Division lay encamped up to noon on
the 3d of May, and trace out briefly its line of march,
and the part which it, or a portion of it, had in the
demonstrations in front of Dalton.
Another thing must be mentioned. By order of
General Sherman, issued previous to the campaign,
each regiment in the army was directed to organize
a pioneer company, composed of twenty men, by
details of two men from each company in the regi
ment, the whole to be under the command of a Lieu
tenant and two non-commissioned officers, trustwor
thy and energetic. The detail of the Seventy-fifth
Illinois was commanded by Lieutenant John L.
Newton, with sub-officers Sergeant R. D. Talbot and
Corporal Isaac Barr. These men had frequently a
double duty to perform, for while they carried the
musket and cartridge-box, they also were armed with
an axe, hatchet, pick or spade. It was their duty to

134 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
construct corduroys for the passage of artillery and
trains, rifle-pits and breastworks to protect the troops,
pontoons to cross streams, and, in fact, everything
requiring the use of implements. It will be seen
hereafter, that the pioneer organization of the Sev
enty-fifth Illinois won for itself a good name, and
rendered most efficient and praiseworthy service.
Lieutenant Newton also retained command of Com
pany H.
The regiment, together with Grose's Brigade and
the Division, left camp at Blue Springs at noon on
the 3rd of May, via Red Clay, for Catoosa Springs,
the point of concentration for the army, where it
arrived on the 4th and rested until the 7th instant.
On the morning of the 7th, the Fourth and Fourteenth
Corps advanced upon Tunnel Hill. This clay the
Seventy-fifth was in the second line of battle. The
advance regiments drove the enemy from his intrench
ments, and camped on the ground they had won.
On the 8th the command advanced upon Rocky Face.
On this occasion the Seventy-fifth Illinois, and the
Ninth and Thirtieth Indiana, were in the front line.
Grose's position was on the left of the rail and wagon
roads leading through Buzzard's Roost. As in Feb
ruary, this position was found strongly fortified.
And although impregnable in front, yet in obedience
to Sherman's orders to Thomas to threaten heavily,
Grose frequently made assaults upon the enemy in
heavy skirmish line, and in these affairs his loss was
some forty killed and wounded. The brigade lay

BATTLE OF ROOKY FACE RIDGE. 135
close under the ridge, firmly holding the ground, and
occasionally worrying the enemy with shot and shell,
until, on the 9th, Davis's Division, in line on the
right of the Fourth Corps, being severely engaged,
it moved to his support. Finally, on the 11th, the
foremost battalions of Davis's Corps carried the
ridge in his front, and pursued the retreating col
umns. The Fourth Corps occupied the ground
vacated by it.
On the 7th instant, while the brigade lay close
under Rocky Face, the pioneer company was ordered
forward to build breastworks for cover. The enemy,
divining the purpose, made a vigorous assault upon
our lines, temporarily driving them in, and resulting
in the capture of a good many tools, and very nearly
that of many of the men. While here, too, on the
7th, Company D was detailed for picket' duty, and
in conjunction with the details of the brigade did
constant skirmishing, and was not relieved until the
9th instant. Once it charged up to within fifty
yards of the enemy's main line.
By the 12th, the entire army, save the Fourth
Corps and some cavalry, left to watch Dalton, were
in motion, west of Rocky Face Ridge, for Resaca.
These columns fairly passed through Snake Creek
Gap, the Fourth Corps pushed through Dalton, soon
coming upon the rebel rear guard. These were
steadily driven back, until, three miles south of the
town, the rebels were found posted upon a high
wooded hill ready for battle. When in cannon-shot

136 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
range; his artillery opened, and ours replied. A
heavy duel now progressed for some time, only an
open farm with a low valley intervening. During
the advance here, the Seventy-fifth was on the
skirmish line, and captured a rebel captain, and
Company A was the first to occupy the town of
Dalton. The enemy's guns becoming very annoying, and
passive, enduring courage not suiting the pride of
Grose, he ordered the Ninth and Thirty-sixth Indi
ana, supported ' on the right by the Eighty-fourth
Illinois, to form into line and carry the position by
assault. Grandly these regiments traversed the open
field under a shower of fire, scaled the hill, encoun
tered the rebels, almost hand to hand, drove them
from their barricades, and remained masters' of the
position. This ended the contest for that day. The
troops now moved to the west, on the Dalton and
Rome road, passing into Sugar Creek valley, and
encamped there for.the night, nine miles from Dal
ton. During the night ofthe 13th, the enemy fell back
to his works around Resaca. Our army closely
pressed him. McPherson's Corps first struck his in
fantry pickets, advancing from Snake Creek Gap,
drove them within their fortified lines, and occupied
a ridge of " bald hills," his right on the river Oosta-
naula, and his left abreast the town. Thomas, with
the Fourteenth Corps, moved up on McPherson's
left, while Schofield, after hard and tedious toil,

BATTLE OF RESACA. 137
gained his left. Two things saved Johnston's army
at Dalton. One, the topographical nature of the
country ; and the other, the foresight of the rebel
chieftain. At Resaca the Fourth Corps joined the Fourteenth
on the left, and the First Division lay upon the right
bank of the Oostanaula. About 12 o'clock, noon,
on the. 14th, Colonel Grose was directed to conform
his movements to those of General Wood, of the
Third Division. The other two brigades of the First
Division were to have formed on Grose's left, but
they failed to be in position. So, when at two
o'clock the advance was made, Grose found himself at
the extreme left of the line. His brigade was formed
in double lines, with the Seventy-seventh Pennsylva
nia, Seventy-fifth and Eightieth Illinois, and the
Thirtieth Indiana in the advance. Of the Seventy-
elfth, the Pioneers and Company A were on the
skirmish line, and behaved well. Private Thomas
Wood was wounded. The ground over which the
troops must march to attack the enemy's main line,
was very rough in its configuration — hilly, ledgy,
and heavily wooded for the most part, with here and
there an opening of some small farm. Thus, it was
difficult, on a rapid advance over such ground, to
maintain much military coherence, yet the formation
was kept remarkably well, under the circumstances.
The enemy opened a terrific fire of round shot and
shell, which continued some forty minutes ; but when
the command " Forward !" was given, our brave bat-

138 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
talions moved right on, through the iron shower,
none wavering, none falling . back, save those whom .
fate there destined to fall dead or wounded. Where
Grose faced the enemy, it was impracticable to move
artillery, and thus our men were without that valua
ble arm. Nevertheless, by dint of active,, fiery cour
age, the assault was made, the enemy driven from the
woodland, through the valley; and over a hill beyond
it, to his interior line of works.
Then, for a time, the fighting ceased. The com
mand bivouacked for the night. Taking advantage
of the darkness, the pioneers, ever faithful, con
structed barricades for defense. Late that afternoon,
the other two brigades of the Division advanced and
formed line of battle on Grose's left. Just at night
fall, these regiments were destined to suffer assault.
The enemy, maddened at the advantage we had
gained, charged upon these two brigades most
furiously, hurling them back, threatening Grose's
left flank, and endangering the safety of the army.
In the midst of danger, and unforewarned, to form
a line so as to answer for the safety of an army, is a
work of great moment, and requires sound judgment,
a quick eye, and steady nerve.
These Grose possessed to an eminent degree. Soon
as the enemy struck the brigades on his left, and
drove them in, thereby compromising his own com
mand, Grose formed his rear regiments in a line fac
ing his left, and perpendicular to his rear. This for
mation was made on the double-quick, by the Fifty-

LOSS OE BRAVE MEN. 139
ninth Illinois, the Thirty-sixth IndianB, and one com
pany of the Eighty-fourth Illinois.
Hooker's column chanced to be coming into posi
tion on the left and to the rear of the two discom
fited brigades, and the routed troops passing it, his
men gave the exultant rebels a terrible welcome,
piling the ground with dead and wounded, and forc
ing them back under cover. Grose's men only par
ticipated in this bloody contest at long musket range.
His Battery, "B," Second Pennsylvania, however,
which had now arrived, dealt an effective fire upon
the enemy's flank and rear.
This day witnessed the loss of many brave and
noble men. Captain Davis, of the Seventy-seventh
Pennsylvania, Assistant Inspector-General, a most
faithful officer, here fell, struck by a cannon-shot in
the thigh. He was thought to be mortally wounded,
but he finally recovered, although a cripple for life.
Here, too, Sergeant Jacob Rhodehamel, of the Sev
enty-fifth, was killed. And he deserves special men
tion. At the call of patriotism, and although too
old to be liable to the draft, he left a large family, to
volunteer for the defence of his adopted country.
From his enlistment, in 1862, up to the hour he was
struck by the fatal missile — a fragment of shell — he
was never away from the command, nor off duty an
hour. He was a noble, whole-souled man and patriot,
and his loss is mourned by his brave compatriots in
arms. A piece of the same shell struck Norman
Brooks, of Company I, breaking his leg, and disa-

140 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
bling him for life. Another shell burst over the
right of Company F, and a fragment of it tore
through the folded blanket of Ernest Wernick, un
strapping it from his back. The blanket doubtless
saved his life, and that of Sergeant James D. Place.
On the afternoon and evening of the 15th, Scho
field and Hooker, on the left of the First Division,
engaged the enemy in a heavy* battle, driving him
from several strongly fortified hills, and capturing a
four gun battery and many prisoners. The First
Division swung around its left, ' to conform with
Hooker's advantage. Later at night, the rebels
charged Hazen' s Brigade, on the right of Grose, and
the Third Brigade went to his assistance. The
assault was repulsed with heavy loss.
That night Johnston escaped, retreating across the
Oostanaula, and the next morning our forces entered
Resaca. Early on the 16th, the whole army started
in pursuit, with the Fourth and Fourteenth Corps
close on his heels. McPherson guarded well the
right flank, crossing the river at Lay's Ferry, while
Schofield pushed forward by obscure roads to the
left. In Resaca another four gun battery was found
abandoned, also a large supply of stores, showing
with what rapidity the rebel chief had been com
pelled to act.
The pursuit was continued without remission until
the 19th, the enemy only making a short stand at
Adairsville ; but General Newton engaged him there
handsomely, and he withdrew. Johnston passed

JEFF. 0. DAVIS 8 DIVISION. 141
through Kingston, and four miles south to Cassville.
Here the ground was comparatively open, and well
adapted for a grand battle. Hence, proper disposi
tions were made. Schofield closed in upon Cassville
on the north, followed by Hooker on his right, with
the Fourth Corps still further to the right. Mc
Pherson remained at Kingston, as a reserve. While
moving into position, the Fourth Corps did heavy
skirmishing, Grose routing the foe in his front, cap
turing hospitals, property, etc. Skirmish and artil
lery firing was very heavy until nightfall, and among
the wounded was Sergeant A. S. Christopher.
Again the Pioneers and other details constructed
trenches for protection, and that night the enemy
again retreated, across the Etowah, and south to
Cartersville and Allatoona Pass. Here the army
rested until the 23rd. For sixteen days it had been
one constant battle of greater or less intensity, and
prudence dictated a respite for the men. Besides,
thus far our army might be likened to an engine
drawing its supplies, by means of long pipes, from a
river, and it must be thoroughly replenished by draw
ing fresh supplies from its base ere it could hope to
move on [successfully and satisfactorily. This was
quickly accomplished, however, and by the time
above indicated, all was ready for another forward
movement. Meantime, Jeff. C. Davis's Division, which ¦ had
made a diversion to Rome, down the west bank of
the Oostanaula, from Resaca, returned from this ex-

142 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
pedition, having achieved great success. He had
captured Rome, with its forts, eight or ten guns of
heavy calibre, its valuable mills and foundries. He
also secured intact two good bridges across the Eto
wah, near Kingston, affording the army a speedy
crossing towards the South.
General Sherman, satisfied from his maps, and the
knowledge gained from others who were familiar
with the locality, that Johnston could and would hold
Allatoona Pass, resolved, without even making a
feint in front, to flank it on the right ; and having
supplied his wagon trains with twenty days' provi
sions, cut loose from the railroad, leaving only a gar
rison force at Rome and Kingston, and pushed his
columns on to Dallas.
McPherson crossed the Etowah at the mouth of
Conasene Creek, near Kingston, and marched to the
position assigned him, south of Dallas, via Van Wirt.
Davis's Division moved directly from Rome to Dal
las, via Van Wirt. Thomas, with the Fourth, and
the other divisions of the Fourteenth Corps, pro
ceeded to Dallas via Euharlee and Burnt Hickory,
while Schofield moved by other roads to the east,
aiming to form line of battle on Thomas's left.
This movement of Sherman's was one seldom per
formed ; yet there are many precedents ;in history.
It was what is called in military parlance, a " mova
ble column," in contradistinction to " regular opera
tions." As will readily be seen, the difference is
broad. In the former, the commander purposely

BATTLE OF PUMPKIN-VINE CREEK. 143
places himself in those very circumstances which
would ruin an army carrying on regular operations.
He yields the road to his resources, yields the
defence of everything but himself. If in such an
adventure he meets with success, all is well; other
wise he is placed in jeopardy, in danger of ruin-; — aye,
extermination. It remains to be seen how Sherman
succeeded. The head of Thomas's column reached Burnt
Hickory on the 23 rd of May, and captured a rebel
courier, bearing a letter of Johnston, showing 'that
he detected Sherman's move, and was prepared to
meet him at Dallas. Still the army pushed on. The
country through which it passed is very rugged,
mountainous, and densely wooded ; the roads few and
obscure. On the 25th, while Thomas's command was mov
ing across Pumpkin-vine Creek, on the main Dallas
road, his advance was encountered by cavalry. A
fight ensued, the cavalry were driven, but not until
they had set fire to the bridge. But our men rushed
through the flames to the other bank, and finally
saved it. Two miles further on, the rebel infantry
were encountered, and Geary's Division had a sharp
rencontre. Hooker's other divisions came up at last
(they were moving on different roads), and he de
ployed two divisions into line, and, by order of Gen
eral Sherman, made a bold push to secure possession
of a position designated as " New Hope Church," a
point where three roads meet — from Ackworth,

144 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
Marietta, and Dallas. Here the battle grew fierce,
the men on either side fighting with desperation.
Night setting in, dark and stormy, and the rebels
having constructed temporary barricades, Hooker
was compelled to cease his efforts. Hearing heavy
firing in the advance, the First Division of the Fourth
Corps moved up to within close support of Hooker,
Grose's Brigade forming line of battle, the Seventy-
fifth Illinois in the second line. None of the
Fourth Corps, however, became engaged.
On the morning of the 26th, the enemy was found
strongly intrenched, and prepared to dispute our fur
ther progress. This compelled a new disposition of
our army. McPherson was moved up to Dallas,
Thomas was deployed in front of New Hope Church,
while Schofield was directed to move well upon our
left, to turn the enemy's right. One cavalry divi
sion, under Garrard, operated with McPherson ; an
other, under Stoneman, with Schofield. McCook
guarded the rear.
The country being so rugged, and so densely tim
bered, several days were occupied in deploying into
position. Finally our lines were placed in close con
tact with the enemy. This accomplished, Sherman
resolved to extend his line eastwardly, and strike for
the railroad east of Allatoona. In making this
development before the enemy, several sharp skir
mishes ensued, in some of which Grose's command
participated. On the 27th of May the Seventy-
fifth was engaged, losing one man wounded — Elisha

OCCUPATION OF ALLATOONA PASS. 145
Drew, of Company D. The skirmishing lasted all
day ; and at night, in conformity with Sherman's plan
of jextending his left, the First Division moved into
the position held by Wood's Division, he in turn
occupying the ground held by Hooker. This posi
tion was held by the army until the 1st of June.
And here the pioneers of the regiments were again
brought into important use. With daring unex
celled — those of the Seventy-fifth, especially — felled
trees, cut them into logs, and then rolled them to
within four hundred yards of the enemy's line of
breast-works, secured them in position, and con
structed a formidable barricade, the rebels all the
time pouring into the boys a terrific plunging fire,
but to no purpose. After shifting about from one
part of the line to another, enduring night and day
a heavy fire, holding themselves in readiness to rein
force McPherson, on the one hand, when he was so
furiously attacked, and Hooker, on the other, when
he with equal persistence repulsed the foe, they were
gladdened with the intelligence that one more strong
hold was yielded, and another stride made towards
Atlanta, the goal so eagerly sought for.
The movement of our army to the left, thereby
occupying all the roads leading back to Ackworth
and Allatoona, while Stoneman and Garrard occu
pied Allatoona and the west end of the pass, turned
this famous position of the enemy.
The operations of the "movable column" were
now at an end. Its mission was fully and satisfac-
10

146 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
torily accomplished. Eclat was won from the bold
enterprise. Sherman now ordered the railroad
bridge to be rebuilt across the Etowah, and examin
ing the Allatoona Pass, and finding it served an ex
cellent purpose as a depot for supplies, he established
it as a secondary base. It was duly fortified and
garrisoned, and by the 9th of June communication
with Chattanooga was re-established. Again the
army rested for a time ; but it was only for a mere
breathing spell.
The fortunes of the rebels had, indeed, thus far,
been checkered, and it might be safely said that at
this moment their prospects were a good deal over
cast. Nevertheless, they were enlisted in a bad
cause — one of anarchy and ruin — and that madness,
which it is said the gods inspire men with whom
they wish to destroy, possessed them, and ' they
rushed on to a gloomy and tragical fate.

CHAPTER XI.

THE BATTLES OF PINE, LOST, AND KENESAW MOUN
TAINS, ADAIRSVILLE, SYMENA OR CULp's FARM, AND
PEACH TREE CREEK — THE CHATTAHOOCHIE AND
I ATLANTA — JONESBORO AND LOVEJOY's — END OF
THE CAMPAIGN.

As our grand army was moved upon the enemy, on
the 10th of June, they faced a drenching rain, which
soon made them very uncomfortable, but did not in
the least depress their spirits — these were as buoy
ant as ever. In their front lay Kenesaw, the bold
and striking Twin Mountain, as it is called, with a
long and high range of chestnut covered hills, trend
ing away to the north-east, and terminating in a
knob designated as Brushy Mountain. On its right
was a smaller hill, Pine Mountain, and further on,
Lost Mountain. These hills are so arranged as to
form, one with another, a continuous chain of em
bankments, the most commanding heights presenting
a conical peak. On these the enemy was posted,
and his position was admirably chosen, with one
exception — his line was too long. Kenesaw, Pine,

148 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
and Lost Mountains constitute a triangle, in which
Pine Mountain is the apex, the other two the base.
The natural rampart thus formed, securely protected
the town of Marietta in its rear, and the railroad
back to the Chattahoochie.
Johnston rested his hopes now upon the assump
tion that he could hold this position against repeated
assaults; and he prepared the ground for a great
defense. Extensive lines of breast-works threaded
along the base of these hills, signal stations turreted
each conical peak, and all along the summit were
placed his batteries. It were a wonder, indeed, if
our army could soon overcome these obstacles, and a
wonder still greater if it were done without immense
loss of life. But the Chattahoochie and Atlanta, the
enemy's great magazine and workshop, lay beyond;
these must be reached. Therefore these defenses
must be encountered, and the foe routed. So willed
the chief.
To accomplish this task, McPherson moved toward
Marietta, his right resting on the railroad ; Thomas
on Kenesaw and Pine Mountains ; Schofield to Lost
Mountain ; while the three divisions of cavalry looked
to either flank and the rear. The depot of supplies
was Big Shanty.
On the 10th, Grose's brigade is in the advance,
and after moving some three miles, meets the enemy.
Skirmishing begins ; the foe is found in force, and
the line halts. That night earth-works are con
structed, and the position maintained. At daylight

death of general polk. 149
the works were strengthened from the inside, to re
sist a heavy artillery fire, which the rebels directed
upon them. That night the Seventy-fifth Illinois
and the Thirty-sixth Indiana moved into the front
line, and were soon pushed forward some three hun
dred yards, to erect a new bine of works — the enemy
looking down upon us, and thoroughly commanding
the ground — this could not be done in the day time.
Two more days' labor strengthened these lines won
derfully, and made them proof against any force of
cannon shot. During this time the Seventy-fifth
lost one man wounded.
Finally, Sherman's dispositions to break the ene
my's line between Kenesaw and Pine Mountains suc
ceeded, and during the night of the 13th he evacu
ated his first line of intrenchments. On the 14th a
severe demonstration was made upon the enemy both
along the Fourth Corps, and Howard's front. Our
lines had advanced on to the mountain early that
morning, and there was but little disposition to skir
mish on the rebel side. The artillery fire, however,
was constant and terrific. Havoc was made, and
among the lives lost was that of the rebel ex-Bishop
and Lieutenant-General, Leonidas Polk. He fell by
a shot from Simonson's Fifth Indiana Battery, which
was under Grose's command, and was in position to
the right and front of his brigade.
Again, under cover of the darkness, the enemy,
huge and grey, valiant, yet half discouraged, crept

150 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
gliding down the inner slope of the hill, retiring to
Lost Mountain.
Two miles of pursuit, and he was again confronted
in fortified lines. As ever, field-works were built
The presence of the enemy was immediate, and at
such times this kind of fortification is of infinite
value, even though it be a mere rudiment, as it in
spires confidence in the men, gives greater security,
and forms a basis for that coherence, or unity of pur
pose, demanded of men when regular formations are
endangered. On the 16th the trenches were advanced, but by
dint of hard skirmishing. Every inch of ground was
fought for, and several valuable lives were lost,
among them that of the brave and gallant Captain
Simonson. His men swore to avenge his death. "
Daylight of the 17th showed that Lost Mountain,
too, was abandoned, and pursuit was next in order.
The enemy retired, sullen and morose, doggedly con
testing our advance with his rear guard. Of the
Fourth Corps, Wood's Division led, closely supported
by the First Division. Our army pressed the enemy
at all points, on all fronts — Hooker's, Howard's,
Davis's, McPherson's, and Schofield's. Over hills,
through ravines and dense forests, it slowly fought
its way, until the bold front of Kenesaw towered
above them. Here evidently was to be an herculean
struggle. Johnston's position was strongly in
trenched, with Kenesaw as his salient, his right wing
thrown back, covering Marietta, while his left ex-

CLOSE PURSUIT OF THE ENEMY. 151
tended across Nose's Creek, protecting his communi
cations with the Chattahoochie. Thus had he cor
rected his first mistake of defending too long a line
— fully two miles in extent — and now his lines were
contracted, and strengthened accordingly.
From the time of coming into this position until
the 19th, Grose's Brigade was held in reserve, and
was not under fire. The men thus gained rest, for
they sorely needed it.
But even this position of the rebel chief could not
be held against the pressure Sherman brought to
bear upon it. So, during the night of the 18th, he
fell back three miles further, locating himself more
directly on Kenesaw. Our army kept close upon
his heels, Grose's Brigade^leading the First Division.
Two miles out shots were exchanged, and soon a
battle became imminent. Grose formed his brigade
in two lines — the Ninth and Thirty-sixth Indiana,
the Eightieth and Eighty-fourth Illinois, in the front
line, the Fifty-ninth and Seventy-fieth Illinois,
Thirtieth Indiana and Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania
in the second line. Then he advanced, driving the
enemy from his position — mostly an open field farm
— and into his fortifications at the base of Kenesaw
and the adjacent hills. The men fought splendidly,
and Grose's loss was severe in officers and men. It
was here that gallant soldier, Lieutenant Bowman,
was shot down and killed.
Whilst Grose's advance battalions stormed the
rebel works, a little squad of men, a mere handful of

152 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
braves, consisting of Company B, and five men from
Company A, Seventy-fifth Illinois, under command
of Captain Charles R. Richards, distinguished itself
equally as well ; for being sent out on the flank as a
skirmish line, it fought constantly andjwith accuracy.
Finally, being hard pressed, the balls raining into
the ground around them, and being firm, proud men,
they resolved to chastise the foe. On they went,
forcing him- into a run, scattering him over the field
and into the belts or clusters of timber, capturing
several prisoners. But this was done under so thick
a flight of balls, that several were struck down,
killed and wounded. Among the latter were two of
Company A, Joseph Crawford and Anthony Zim-
mer. I regret that I am unable to give the
names of those in Company B. They were heroes,
and deserve mention; but the record of casualties
does not specify clearly the precise time of the inci
dent. The contest continued all of the 20th, the enemy
trying to hold, and our forces to drive him from, a
swamp between the main trenches. In this the brig
ade succeeded ; but it was not all a permanent ad
vantage, for a portion of the works had to be aban
doned, owing to a destructive artillery fire which the
enemy directed upon them from batteries located at
•three different points. It was a flanking fire, and
particularly affected the Seventy-fifth Illinois,
severely wounding four men.
As near as I can judge, it was here that a blanket

terrible charge of the rebels. 153
wrapped around Edwin E. Faunce, of Company F,
saved his life. A four-pound cannon shot struck him
in the chest. Its power of resistance prevented its
crushing in.
The night of the 20th was villainously bad — the
rain descending copiously, and the scene black as
Cimmerian gloom. Yet on this night there'^sprang
up in one of the rebel columns a warlike spirit, and
it resolved to spend its fitful ire on 'some portion of
the First Division front.
This warlike mass came on. It moved slowly, as
if in awe or doubt. But it moved, and fired not a
shot ; for the orders were not to fire, but to charge
with the bayonet. The dirty, grey mass moved
upon Whittaker's Brigade, conjoining with Grose.
Whittaker's men were alert, and lay with their rifles
leveled across the parapet, and with their eyes just
peering above its top, were face to face with the
front rank of the surging mass. Arriving within fifty
yards of the works, the order was given, " Charge !"
and on the rebels rushed with unearthly whoops and
yells. It was an awful shock, and for some moments
the issue seemed doubtful. It was a hand to hand
encounter, and the slaughter was cruel. But the
Fortieth Ohio seemed endowed with superhuman
strength and will, and did much to repulse the
assault. Again and again it was repeated, but fail
ure crowned each rebel effort. Grose, realizing the
vigor of the attack, promptly dispatched the Ninth
Indiana and the 59th Illinois to Whittaker's aid, and

154 the seventy-fifth Illinois.
they, too, participated with great honor in this
bloody affray. On the 21st, the balance of the brig
ade moved over to Whittaker's position, and he with
drew, aiding the Fourteenth Corps in flanking the
rebel position in front of Kenesaw, further to the
right. Here they strengthened the breast-works
already commenced, but their possession was one of
doubtful tenure; for the rebels directed a fearful artil-
lery fire upon them, which penetrated through,
wounding several men. They were Sergeant L. TL
Burkett, Corporal W. A. Howland, Calvin DeFrain,
of Company A, Sergeant Oscar Seeley and Private
William Squires, of Company C, and Private Charles
Reynolds, of Company I.
The brigade remained here on the 22d, and
strengthened the position ; but the men were terri
bly annoyed with the enemy's shells, and the Sev
enty-fifth lost one man killed, and one wounded.
That night the brigade moved two miles to the
right, and occupied a portion of the position vacated
by the Twentieth Army Corps.
On the 23rd, a series of demonstrations were made
upon the enemy's lines around Kenesaw, mostly
resulting in a repulse of our forces.
In obedience to orders, Grose deployed a heavy
skirmish line, and under the brave Captain Hale,
charged the enemy, capturing the rebel outer works ;
but was unable to hold them against such superior
numbers. Company I, of the Seventy-fifth Illinois,
was in this affair, and did gallant service. When

PREPARATIONS FOR AN ASSAULT. 155
assailed in the rebel works, it made stubborn resist-
ance, and lost, as prisoner, Sergeant Samuel Orcutt.
The position of Grose's* command was substantially
the same from this date until the 3rd of July. The
troops lay in the intrenchments, and within four
hundred yards of the enemy's works. They suffered
all this while a most annoying fire from artillery off
Kenesaw, and many were* the victims.
On the 24th of June, the Seventy-fifth was on
the front line, with one company on picket. Here
Lieutenant R. L. Mangum, of Company D, was
wounded, losing a leg. Two were killed and three
wounded. Some time had elapsed, and still our army fronted
Kenesaw. Heavy demonstrations had not convinced
the rebel general of the policy of yielding it. He
considered the task a difficult one to outflank it, and
he did not beHeve Sherman would venture an assault
on fortified lines, like those he now held. Our own
men were of the latter opinion, and looked for the
commander to outflank.
Sherman seemed to appreciate the reasoning both
of friend and foe, and therefore resolved to test the
moral power of an assault. But he had a policy to
execute, as well as a moral force to achieve. He
selected the left centre as the point of attack, as, to
use his own language, if he could "thrust a strong
head of column through at that point, by pushing it
b51dly and rapidly two and one half miles, it would
reach the railroad below Marietta, cut off the ene-

156 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
my's right and centre from its line of retreat, and
then, by turning on either part, it could be over
whelmed and destroyed."
The 27th of June was the day appointed, and the
assault was to be made at two points, south of Ken
esaw — one near Little Kenesaw, by General McPher
son, and the other a mile further south, by General
Thomas. The hour was fixed, and the details given
in Field Orders No. 28, of June 24th, and the
assaults were made at the hour and in the manner
prescribed ; but both were signal failures, and cost
us dearly, losing Generals Harker and McCook — in
fact, an aggregate of three thousand men.
Of Thomas's troops, Jeff. C. Davis's and Newton's
Divisions made the assault ; and it was here the gal
lant Thirty-fourth Illinois displayed such bravery,
and lost so heavily. The assault was made upon
Grose's immediate front, and the assaulting columns
passed over his brigade. Some of these troops be
coming terribly demoralized at the failure, rushed
back in a panic, and were halted by Grose's men at
the point of the bayonet. The First Division took
no active part in this affair ; but lay as a reserve for
any emergency.
Sherman has been severely criticised for ordering
these assaults — and with some degree of justice. He
assumes, however, the whole responsibility of it, and
claims that although a failure, it " proved to General
Johnston that he would assault, and that boldly."
One thing certainly was gained — ground so close to

EVACUATION OF KENESAW. 157
the enemy's parapets that he dared not show a head
above them. It is but justice, however, here to state,
that the assault was made strongly against the opin
ions of Generals Thomas and McPherson, both of
whom predicted its failure ; yet each did his best to
make it a success.
General Sherman understood the nature of his sol
diers too well to lie long in idleness after such a fail
ure ; accordingly, Schofield was ordered to push
strongly on the rebel left ; and on the first of July,
Garrard's cavalry occupied the position held by
McPherson, while he prepared to throw his corps by
the right, down to Nick-a-jack Creek and Turner's
Ferry, across the Chattahoochie. The effect was in
stantaneous. Hardly had McPherson commenced
moving, ere Johnston comprehended the movement,
and feeling that he could not prevent its success,
hastened to save himself.
Consequently, on the night of the 2d of July, he
evacuated Kenesaw, and made good his retreat to
the Chattahoochie. Pursuit was immediately made.
McPherson and 'Schofield pushed forward to attack
him in flank as he crossed the river ; but Johnston
had covered his movement too well. He had in
trenched a tete-de-pont at the Chattahoochie, with a
strong intrenched advance line at Smyrna camp-
meeting ground, five miles south of Marietta, and
four north of the river.
Thomas's column moved forward to the railroad,
and turned south in pursuit. Arrived at Smyrna,

158 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
Thomas found him, his front covered by a formidable
parapet, his flanks behind the Nick-a-jack and Rotten-
wood creeks.
Grose's Brigade led the advance' of the First Divi
sion!, and at nightfall of the 3rd, commenced skir
mishing with the enemy. The brigade halts, and
the pioneers construct works in an exposed position,
losing three men wounded. The Fifty-ninth Illinois,
of Grose's Brigade, has the honor of being the first
to enter Marietta.
The 4th of July was made memorable by pushing
a strong skirmish line down the main road to Smyr
na camp ground, capturing the entire line of the
enemy's pits, and making strong demonstrations
along Nick-a-jack Creek and Turner's Ferry,
In this affair Grose was heavily engaged. His
brigade made a charge across a large corn farm, car
rying the enemy's outer works, and capturing many
prisoners; but at the sacrifice of eighty-nine in
killed, besides the Wounded. This position was held
until night, when the enemy withdrew to the heights
along the Chattahoochie.
And here I must go into details. When tlie' skir
mish line Was formed which must charge these rifle-
pits, Company E, of the Seventy-fifth Illinois,
under command of Lieutenant James H. Blodgett,
was moved to its support. After advancing a half
mile, it halted in a ravine to re-form, and charge
anew. It was now in close proximity to the rebel
works. When the order was given to advance again,

GALLANT CONDUCT OF COMPANY E. 159
for some reason it stood still. Captain Hale, who
was in command of the whole line — a body of some
two hundred men — seeing this, proceeded to Lieu
tenant Blodgett, whose Company lay as reserve still,
and asked him to lead in the charge. Blodgett and
his brave boys advanced to the front line, and on the
double quick, charged the pits, killing or capturing
nearly every soul in them. This company crowned
itself with honor. Not a member left the ranks save
one, and he to conduct the prisoners to the rear. I
do not know to what other Companies of the Sev
enty-fifth the details in the skirmish line belonged,
except Company C ; but the regiment lost seven men
wounded, and the accomplished soldier, Captain
Hale, killed. He was struck by a random shot,
while drinking from his canteen, after his task was
accomplished. Corporal Lyman Chase, of Company
C, was also shot down in the act of taking the Cap
tain off the field. He suffered intensely for a few
moments, and he remarked to his comrades, " Well,
boys, I guess I'll go with the Captain."
The regiment, now under command of Major Wat
son, maintained its lines firmly, and in unison with
the brigade, fought splendidly. Watson, in partic
ular, was distinguished for great gallantry. I regret
that I have no details of the affair.
Daylight of July 5th, found the works of the
enemy abandoned. He had yielded all of the coun
try north of the Chattahoochie, and was now massed
to cover his pontoons. Again Sherman resorted to

160 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
a flank movement. He transferred nearly all his
army from the right to the left, built three bridges
across the river above Johnston's position, one at the
mouth of Soap's Creek, one at Power's Ferry, and
one at Roswell's Ford. These were secured by the
9th of July, and preparations made for a movement.
That night Johnston abandoned his tete-de-pont,
destroyed his bridges, and fell back upon Peach
Tree Creek. Thus was gained the chief object of
the campaign, namely, the advancement of our lines
from the Tennessee to the Chattahoochie. The
army had rested quietly from the 5th to the 10th,
doing nothing but picket duty. But another prize
lay before them — one worthy of the gain — Atlanta,
with its magazines, stores, arsenals, workshops, and
foundries. Here, too, converged the Southern sys
tem of railroads, which not only supplied Johnston's,
but Lee's forces, away in Virginia.
Meantime, General Sherman ordered a raid upon
the enemy's communications. General Rousseau was
placed in command of the expedition. It consisted
of two thousand cavalry. There is but one stem of
completed railway connecting the channels of trade
between Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, running
from Montgomery to Opelika. To destroy this road
was Rousseau's object. He left Decatur, Alabama,
on the 10th of July ; crossed the Coosa at the Ten
Islands on the 14th instant, whipping the rebel Gen
eral Clanton's Brigade, passing thence through Tal-
ledaga, striking the railroad at Loachapoka, and

rousseau's raid. 161
destroyed it from Chehaw Station (whipping the
rebels again at this point) to Opelika ; thence out
three miles on the Columbus and West Point road —
about thirty-two miles in all. He then moved north,
arriving at Marietta on the 22d, having sustained a
loss of less than thirty men.
This was one of the most successful raids of the
war. Its results were splendid, and it added greatly
to Rousseau's already brilliant reputation as a bold,
daring, and skillful chieftain.
During this time, supplies were collected at Alla
toona, Marietta, and Vining's Station. Finally, on
the 17th, all being ready, a general advance was
ordered. Grose's command, however, had crossed
the river on the 12th, at Roswell Ford. Here Major
Watson superintended the building of a bridge.
Thomas crossed at Power's and Price's Ferries, and
moved to Buckhead ; Schofield crossed at Soap's
Creek, and marched by Cross Keys ; McPherson
moved straight against the Augusta road, near Stone
Mountain, continuing by a general right wheel. The
whole army was now in a line along Peach Tree road.
On the 18th, the several columns were in motion ;
moved six miles to Peach Tree Creek. The next
day the Seventy-fifth Illinois made a reconnois
sance up to and across Peach Tree Creek. Two
companies, under command of Lieutenants Isaac L.
Hunt, of Company K, and Frank Bingham, of Com
pany C, went in advance of the regiment, and took
a position on the creek, sending two sentinels across
11

162 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
to fhe opposite bank. No enemy was discovered ;
but two mounted men, wearing the uniform of Fed
eral soldiers, rode up, and, wheeling away when
ordered to halt, were fired at and wounded. The
regiment was suddenly left without support, the
reconnoitering force of the Second Division having
become frightened at the supposed presence of the
enemy, and retired. Company A, Captain William
Parker, was placed on picket, and soon discovered
the rebels throwing up works, south of the creek.
Shots were exchanged, but no advance was made.
The brigade soon came up, and the position was in
trenched. On the 20th, the brigade moved to the
left, taking a new position, and fortifying it. One
man was killed.
The enemy's position was 'carried by assault on
the 21st, very handsomely, by our troops, our loss
being slight, the Seventy-fifth having one man
wounded. Forty-three prisoners were taken. On
the 20th, all the armies had closed in, closely con
verging upon Atlanta. But a gap existed between
the Corps of General Thomas and that of Schofield,
and two divisions of General Howard's Corps were
transferred to the left to fill it, thereby leaving New
ton's Division resting on the Buckhead road, and
somewhat in air. About four p.m., the enemy sal
lied out in heavy force, and attacked Newton, swing
ing around upon Hooker's Corps, next south, and
upon General R. W. Johnson's Division, of Palmer's
Corps. Newton's defence was a line of rails, hastily

battle of peach tree creek. 163
piled up. Hooker was entirely uncovered, and was
compelled to fight desperately; Johnson was well
intrenched, and held his position with ease. The
enemy's loss was nearly five thousand men, besides
seven stands of colors, and many prisoners. This
engagement is called the battle of Peach Tree Creek.
On the morning of the 22d of July, the enemy's
lines were found abandoned, and it was thought
Atlanta would fall without further contest ; but it
was a mistake. General Johnston had been relieved
from the command of the rebel army, and General
J. B. Hood substituted. Johnson was removed be
cause he did not contest the ground desperately, even
to the sacrifice of his army. Hence, with a jknow-
ledge of this, Hood was bound to fight, even against
his better judgment, in order to still the clamors of
the Southern people, grown desperate at their con
stant reverses. Poor man ! he was doomed to be
sacrificed, let him choose either horn of the dilemma.
Did he fall back at Sherman's flanking movements,
he would be denounced as incompetent in general
ship, and afraid of hazard. Did he meet the Federal
troops at every point when pressed, hurl his columns
against them, and suffer defeat and great loss, then
the stigma of rashness and butchery would attach to
him. As an index of his policy take Peach Tree
Creek. Again the order was forward. At three a.m., on
the 2 2d, the army was in motion, and at sunrise the
city of Atlanta was in sight. When within three

164 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
miles of the centre of the city, the enemy was en
countered, with a bold front, and behind well-finished
parapets. Our advancing ranks charged them with
great enthusiasm, sweeping over them, routing or
capturing all in them.
The skirmishers of the Seventy-fifth were under
command of Lieutenant Prentiss L. Bannister, of
Company C. His men did bravely, driving the
enemy back into his main works, within two miles
of the centre of the city. Sergeant Martin L. John
ston, of Company I, was killed, and Mark S. Plant,
of Company D, badly wounded, by a shell from one
of our own batteries. Lieutenant-Colonel Kilgore
says of the former, in his official report of the cam
paign, that " his soldierly conduct and bravery, all
through these series of battles and skirmishes, is
deserving of all praise."
The regiment lay here in nearly the same position
until the 25th of August, Picket duty was regularly
performed, and a few men wTere wounded. On the
23d of July, Captain William Frost, of Company E,
was wounded seriously.
On the 27th of July,- General Stanley assumed
command of the Fourth Army Corps, and Colonel
Grose that of the First Division. This placed Col
onel P. Sidney Post, of the Fifty-ninth Illinois, in
command of the brigade. On the 5th of August,
Grose returned to his brigade wearing the " star,"
having, during his absence, received his well-merited
commission as Brigadier-General.

DEATH OF MTHERSON. 165
During the investment of Atlanta, there were sev
eral sharp battles on the fronts of the different corps.
No attempt was made to carry the enemy's defences
around the city. It was surrounded with strong
redoubts, built a year previous, and these were now
connected with curtains, making a continued line of
fortifications, and well strengthened by rifle trenches,
abattis, and chevaux-de-frise. On the 2 2d of July,
the Army of the Tennessee had a terrible engagement
with the enemy, lasting for several hours, losing very
heavily ; and among others was the gifted and noble
Major-General McPherson. Our loss was more than
three thousand in killed, wounded, and missing ; the
enemy's loss was frightful. His dead alone were
3,200, and in aggregate, more than 8,000 men.
Finally, the expeditions sent out under Generals
Garrard and Stoneman having destroyed the Augusta
and Macon roads, but not as effectually as desired,
owing to the failure of General Stoneman to concen
trate his forces at Lovejoy's (he having been cap
tured), General Sherman resolved to move his army
by a grand right flank movement, and thus obtain
possession of the Macon road, over which the enemy
still brought his supplies. Meantime he ordered
down from Chattanooga four four and a half inch
rifled guns, to try their effect upon the city. From
the 10th to the 16th of August these guns were kept
in constant use, night and day, doing much execu
tion, destroying many buildings, and creating great
confusion ; but the enemy seemed determined to hold

166 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
his works, though the city were destroyed. Sher
man did not desire this, so, on the 16th of August,
he issued orders for the march. Learning, just then,
that the rebel General Wheeler, with a large force
of cavalry, had attacked his communications at
Adairsville, and broken the road at Calhoun, he
countermanded the orders, and again attempted the
destruction of the Macon road. Kilpatrick was
selected this time ; he, too, failed to do sufficient
damage, owing to meeting superior forces of the
enemy, and returned on the 22d of August. Then
Sherman re-issued his orders. This was a most im
portant movement. Of necessity, it raised the siege
of Atlanta, and compelled an attack upon the ene
my's communications, instead of upon himself. The
sick and all surplus baggage was sent back to the
Chattahoochie, and the Twentieth Corps with it.
On the night of the 25th, the Army of the Cum
berland drew out of its lines on the extreme left, and
moved to a position below Proctor's Creek. The
next night the Army of the Tennessee moved circu-
tiously to Sandtown, and across Camp Creek, the
Army of the Cumberland moving, meantime, to Utoy
Creek, Schofield remaining in position. The third
movement by the flank placed the Army of the Ten
nessee on the West Point railroad above Fairborn,
the Army of the Cumberland about Red Oak, and
Schofield at Digs and Mins. Then commenced the
destruction of the railroad. And it was effectually
broken up. For twelve miles the ties were burned, the

BATTLE OF JONESBORO. 167
rails heated and bent, the cuts filled up with trees,
rock and earth intermingled, while loaded shell, pre
pared like torpedoes, were placed all through them,
to explode in the event of an attempt to clear them
out. This task performed to General Sherman's sat
isfaction, the army pushed eastward — Howard on the
right, toward Jonesboro, Thomas on the centre, by
Shoal Creek Church to Couch's, and Schofield on the
left, about Morrow's Mills.
On the 31st of August, Howard found himself
within a mile of Jonesboro, and in presence of a large
force of the enemy. He at once formed line of bat
tle, and the men covered their front with a parapet.
Fighting soon commenced. Schofield at once moved
on Rough and Ready, Stanley's Corps supporting.
Davis's Corps struck for the railroad. While these
movements were progressing, the enemy sallied out
of his fortifications at Jonesboro, and attacked
Howard, en masse. He met with a dreadful reception,
and after a contest of two hours, withdrew, leaving
four hundred dead on the field. Schofield soon met
opposition, and Stanley's Corps deployed to the
front, Grose in advance of the First Division. His
advance line, the Ninth and Eighty-fourth Indiana,
and the Eighty-fourth Illinois, drove the rebel cav
alry from the east bank of Flint river, and advanced,
striking the Macon road about 4 p.m. on the 31st
instant. Grose now formed line on the right of the
division, Newton^s Division joining his right, the
whole line fronting south. Here the troops rested
for the night.

168 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
September 1st, the troops were all in motion for
Jonesboro, moving down the railroad, and destroy
ing it as they advanced.
Towards night the First Division joined the left
of the Fourteenth Corps, two miles north of Jones
boro. Line of battle was established, Grose forming
on the left of the First Brigade. Grose was much
troubled while getting into line, as he was checked
by a thick bramble, or underbrush, through which
it was almost impossible to move. Besides, a heavy
skirmish line of the rebels, supported by artillery,
which played upon him, did not help the difficulty ;
however, he forced his way through. Emerging
from the brush, he found a long interval between the
first and his brigade. He moved by the right
oblique, swinging around his left, until suddenly he
came upon the rebel barricades. It was now near
night, yet the Ninth Indiana, the Eighty-fourth Illi
nois, and the Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania, charged
up under a perfect hailstorm of bullets, to within
three hundred yards of the barricades. The position
was maintained, and during the night, the rebels
fled. The fighting had been continuous along the
entire line, Davis's Corps, in particular, having dis
tinguished itself. The Thirty-fourth Illinois here
did important service.
Jonesboro evacuated, the rebels moved south to
Lovejoy's. During the night of the 1st, heavy ex
plosions were heard in the direction of Atlanta,
twenty miles north, succeeded by minor explosions,

THE BRUSH AT LOVEJOY S. 169
which seemed to the troops around Jonesboro like a
battle raging fiercely at or near Atlanta. No one
knew 'the cause, but evidently it was one of two
things — either General Slocum had made a night
attack on the city, or the enemy was blowing up his
magazines, preparatory to an evacuation.
The rebels wrere pushed rapidly into Lovejoy's
Station, Thomas moving down on the left of the
road, Howard on the right, Schofield two miles to
the east.
- As usual, the rebels were found strongly in
trenched, with flanks well protected behind a branch
of Walnut Creek, to the right, and a confluent of the
Flint River to the left. On this march of six miles,
the First Division was the rearmost of the corps.
About 2 p.m., the advance division came upon the
enemy, and the deployment of the column was
ordered. Grose moved to the left of the railroad,
and formed in battle order — the Seventy-fifth and
Eighty-fourth Illinois, and the Eighty-fourth Indiana
in front, in a corn-field to the left of Wood's Division.
Soon the whole army was in line of battle, and an ad
vance ordered. The configuration of the ground was
very rough and hilly, and rapid movement difficult.
They were soon upon the enemy in his rifle pits, charg
ing upon him with a shout, routing or capturing all his
forces. Nearly in front of Grose rose a hill, one
which the enemy held, and the key to their position,
for it commanded their main works, still to the rear.
Colonel Bennett was directed to take this1 position.

170 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
Generals and others gathered to witness the assault.
Off started the command, the skirmish line in
advance under command of Lieutenant James H.
Blodgett. A terrific fire of artillery and musketry
greeted them as they neared the crest. Nothing
daunted, they moved straight on with precision and
alacrity, none falling behind save the dead and the
maimed. The summit reached, a shout, long, and
clear, and wild, arose upon the air, and the issue was
made — the works were scaled, the victory won. The
sulphurous canopy lifted from the earth, and dis
closed how complete the success. In this charge,
Sergeant Draper Angel, of Company H, and Corpo
ral John Nass, of Company E, captured and took to
the rear eight prisoners.
The rest of the brigade performed its part well,
carrying the parapet in its front, sustaining heavy
loss. The skirmishers advanced some distance
toward the main works ; but the contest was too
unequal, and they retired suffering severely.
The position gained was fortified, and the troops
to the right and left conjoined, intrenching. Here
the army rested until the 5th, skirmishing at inter
vals with the enemy, who presented a firm front, as
if still determined to contest obstinately.
On the 4th of September, Colonel Bennett assumed
command of the brigade ; and that night a courier
arrived from General Slocum, reporting that the
enemy had evacuated Atlanta, blown up his maga
zines and seven trains of cars, and retreated by the
McDonough road.

END OF THE GREAT CAMPAIGN. 171
The object of the campaign was accomplished —
the Gate City was in Federal possession — and as it
was useless to chase a demoralized army through the
wooded country below them, Sherman ordered a con
centration of the army near Atlanta. Therefore, on
the 5th, the countermarch was commenced ; on the
8th, the armies were encamped — Thomas's around
Atlanta, Howard's about East Point, and Schofield' s
at Decatur.
Thus closed one of the most eventful and success
ful campaigns in the history of modern warfare. For
four months the contest was waged steadily, and for
full one hundred days were the armies under fire.
For endurance of the men, severity of fighting, and
tenaciousness of purpose in attaining its object, the
campaign is without a historical parallel.
The soldiers who fought its battles need no eulo
gium. Their record is their country's ; their laurels
constitute the nation's wreath of glory. General
Grose, in his official report, says this of the brave
men constituting his command : — " It is due to the
officers and men to notice, in terms of gratification
to myself, and commendation to them, that better
soldiers I never wish nor expect to command."
Lieutenant-Colonel Kilgore, in his report, says of
Major James A. Watson, that " he did credit to him
self for his bravery and readiness at all times, and
ably performed his part as commanding officer of the
regiment in the battle of Smyrna Camp Ground, on
the 4th of July."

172 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
To Captain Hale he pays a high tribute of respect.
Of him he says : " The regiment has lost one of its
best officers, the country a valiant and patriotic sol
dier. He died as he had lived, a Christian soldier
and gentleman." The loss of the Seventy-fifth
during the campaign was, in officers, one killed and
four wounded ; in enlisted men, ten killed and fifty
three wounded — a total of 68. The loss of the brig
ade was, in killed, ninety-six ; in w-ounded, six hun
dred and one — a total of six hundred and ninety
seven men. These, as General Grose — that true-
hearted and noble soldier — feelingly says in conclu
ding his official report, " present the bitter fruit of
such a brilliant campaign, and leave many aching
hearts ; not only with families and friends at home,
but these fallen heroes will ever be remembered and
lamented by their comrades in arms, as the jewels
sacrificed upon the altar of our county."
The Atlanta campaign seemed to clear the pros
pects of the war. It confirmed to the Union armies
that military ascendancy over the Confederate forces,
which had been more than half gained already by
the valor of our men, displayed on former battle
fields. It lent the sanction of a victory to the haz
ardous enterprise of an invasion. It more than ever
pronounced the war a rebellion. It did more. It
proved that the prize for which we contended — the
restoration of the Union — was within our grasp, were
the opportunity pressed, and that speedily.

CHAPTER XIII.
THE RETREAT OF THE UNION FORCES — THE DECOY OF
HOOD  SKIRMISHES AT COLUMBIA  BATTLE OF
FRANKLIN — ARRIVAL AT NASHVILLE.
The preceding chapter left the Union army en
camped around Atlanta, West Point and Decatur ;
the rebel army at Lovejoy's Station.
Our army rested quietly in its camps until the 3rd
of October. Meantime, it underwent a thorough
reorganization. The time of service of the original
three years' troops, except those who veteranized,
had now expired, and they mustered out. The vet
eran organizations, new regiments, and recruits, were
consolidated, the entire army re-clothed and equipped,
and great preparations made for another campaign. :
During September, the rebel army under Hood
moved westward from Lovejoy's toward the Chatta
hoochie, and despatched its cavalry forces in the
direction of Carrollton and Powder Springs. The
spirits of the rebel soldiery were at a low ebb ; and
they despaired of ever achieving success. To pre
vent the utter and voluntary disbandment of their

174 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
armies, Jefferson Davis, the so-called President of the
rebellious States, proceeded to Macon, Georgia, and
harangued them, saying an active campaign would
at once be inaugurated, and that ere it ended, the
Union forces would be hurled back across the Ten
nessee, and the rebel banner firmly planted as far
north as Kentucky soil. Thus encouraged, their
armies started northward, with Cheatham, S. D. Lee,
and Stewart, as corps commanders. Wheeler had
command of the cavalry. The fact of this move
ment became definitely known to General Sherman
on the 28th of September. General Thomas was
sent to Nashville, to organize the new troops ex
pected- there (volunteers and drafted men), and to
make preparations to meet Hood from the north.
About the first of October, Wheeler's cavalry
crossed the Chattahoochie, and the infantry forces
were closely following. Sherman immediately ordered
the Twentieth Corps to hold Atlanta and the Chat
tahoochie bridges, and on the 4th of October, the
Fourth, Fourteenth,. Fifteenth, Seventeenth, and
Twenty-third Corps, moved to Smyrna Camp
Ground, and on the 5th, arrived at Kenesaw.
Wheeler had already destroyed the railroad at Big
Shanty, and French's Division of infantry had moved
against Allatoona, where were stored a large amount
of Government supplies. Its redoubts were held by
a force of three small regiments, under Colonel Tour-
tellotte, of the Fourth Minnesota. General Corse
reinforced him during the night of the 4th of Octo-

weaver's plucky refusal. 175
ber, and met the attack of the enemy on the 5th in
stant. After a very severe fight, lasting all day, the
rebels were repulsed with great slaughter. Hearing
the sound of the battle at Kenesaw, Sherman ordered
the Twenty-third Corps toward Dallas, threatening
the enemy's rear. This caused his withdrawal to
Dallas. Hood's army was now well concentrated and
pushed westward, feigning on Rome, but striking at
Resaca. Here he demanded a surrender. But Col
onel Weaver was a plucky soldier, and refused. Be
ing reinforced by Raum's Brigade, he repulsed the
assaults made upon him, and Hood then employed
his time in destroying the railroad from Tilton to
Dalton. Our troops pushed on rapidly, moving through
Allatoona Pass to Kingston, thence to Rome, Cal
houn, and Resaca, reaching this point on the 14th of
October. Here Sherman determined to strike Hood
in flank, or force him to battle. The enemy held
Snake Creek Gap. The Army of the Tennessee
moved upon this position. The Fourth and Four
teenth Corps moved by Tilton to the rear of the Gap
near Villanow. Howard engaged the rebels in front,
but Hood, divining the trap set for him, retreated
before Stanley could get to his rear. Our armies
now pushed for Lafayette, desiring to cut off Hood's
retreat. He was now stationed at Ship's Gap. On
the l7th^the march was in the beautiful valley of
•the Chattooga. Howard pursued by way of Lafay-

176 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
ette and Alpine, Stanley by Summerville to Gayles-
ville, and Cox from Villanow by Glover's Gap to
Gaylesville. Hood, however, marched light, unen
cumbered by long trains, and when arrived at Gayles
ville, Sherman found the enemy was near Gadsden,
where the Lookout range abuts on the Coosa river.
The Chattooga valley is very rich in soil, and at
this time it abounded in a plentiful harvest, yet un-
garnered. And as General Sherman did not yet
fully know what course Hood would pursue, he
determined to rest a few days, subsist off the coun
try, and watch the rebel leader's movements. It
was evident to Sherman that Hood wished to avoid
a battle ; and it was further evident, by the strategic
game Hood was playing, that he had a sufficient
force to give Sherman much trouble, by endangering
his communications, but insufficient to meet him in
armed conflict. In view of these facts, Sherman rea
soned this way :
" To remain on the defensive would be bad policy
for an army of so great value as he commanded ; and
to follow Hood would simply amount to being de
coyed away from Georgia, with little prospect of
overtaking and overwhelming him."
He therefore submitted a plan to General Grant,
which involved the destruction of Atlanta, the rail
road to Chattanooga, and a march from Atlanta
through the heart of Georgia, to one or more of the
great Atlantic seaports. Sherman's plan having re
ceived the sanction of the Commander-in-chief, he'
prepared for the march.

hood's invasion. 177
The Fourth Corps was ordered to Chattanooga on
the 26th of October, and on the 30th instant the
Twenty-third Corps proceeded to the same place —
both under orders to report to General Thomas at
Nashville, who had full powers of command over all
the troops in his Military Division, excepting the
four corps which were to move southward. This
gave Thomas the Fourth and Twenty-third Corps ;
also the Sixteenth Corps, A. J. Smith's, then in West
Tennessee ; also all the troops in the various garri
sons, and the cavalry forces of Kentucky and Ten
nessee, under Generals Wilson and Johnson. This
aggregate force Sherman deemed sufficient for
Thomas to repel any invasion Hood might attempt.
Sherman now turned his attention southward.
Rome and Atlanta were destroyed. All garrisons,
muniments of war and supplies were sent to Chatta
nooga, fortifications razed, and the country, so far as
¦possible, desolated. By the 14th of November all
was in readiness, and the campaign commenced. It
does not belong to this book to detail these move
ments. Sherman's " Great March to the Sea," is as
familiar as Dickens' " Household Words ;" and to its
" Story," published by several ambitious writers, I
refer. By the 1st of November Hood's army had moved
westward from Gadsden, made a feint upon Decatur,
passed Tuscumbia, and laid a pontoon at Florence,
Alabama. It was plain, now, that Hood was carry
ing out the invasion announced by Davis in his
12

178 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
speech at Macon, and that its aim was the occupation
of Western Kentucky.
This necessitated a rapid movement of the Fourth
and Twenty-third Corps to Pulaski, to intercept the
onward march of the rebel horde. Consequently the
Fourth Corps was embarked as speedily as possible
in cars, and pushed forward to Athens, Alabama.
The First Division was in advance, and the Third
Brigade, Colonel L. H. Waters, Eighty-fourth Illi
nois, now commanding, was the first to reach this
point, disembarking at 2 a. m., on the first of
November. The fort was found abandoned, the regi
ments (new ones) which held it had been terribly
frightened at the mere report of an enemy in their
vicinity, and ignominiously retreated. The ground
was strewed with camp and garrison equipage, cloth
ing, blankets and rations. The Pioneer Company
was the first inside the fort, and made their choice in
the spoils. A reconnoissance was made, but no
enemy was found. A squad of rebel cavalry had
ventured into the vicinity, but attempted no harm,
not even displacing a rail on the road. Information
was gathered that Hood had crossed the Tennessee
near Florence, and was moving north by the old mil
itary road, the one which General Jackson used
when, in 1812, he marched to New Orleans. The
corps having all arrived at Athens, daylight of the
2d instant found the troops en route for Pulaski,
wading Elk river, and camping at Pulaski on the
evening of the 3rd of November. While here, all

THE DEFENCE OF PULASKI. 179
the hills around the town were fortified, and an ex
tensive line of rifle pits constructed, the enemy being
expected to attack that point, as until near the 20th,
it was defended by the Fourth Corps only. About
this*time a small portion of the Twenty-third Corps
arrived, the larger part of it remaining at Columbia,
thirty-four miles north, that place being also threat-
¦ened by the enemy's cavalry. On the 23rd of
November, General Thomas ascertained, beyond a
doubt, that Hood was striving to outflank him by
passing some distance westward, and crossing the
defile of Duck river, thence moving rapidly on Nash
ville and its defences, unguarded save by the force
under Major-General L. H. Rousseau, District
Commander, and his subordinate, the Post Com
mandant, General John F. Miller. TBe Fourth
Corps fell back upon Columbia during the night
of the 23rd, arriving there in the afternoon
of the 24th, making a forced march of thirty-four
miles over a hard pike in less than twelve hours.
By the time they reached Columbia, the men were
tired nearly to death, yet there was no rest for them.
The presence of the enemy was immediate. Indeed,
the rear of the column had skirmished briskly the
last five miles out. Here the pioneers, and, in fact,
all of the troops, as at Pulaski, were engaged in
throwing up breastworks facing south and west, and
in a semi-circular line, about a mile from town. *
When Pulaski was evacuated, the Seventy-fifth
Illinois was left behind to destroy all stores and

180 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
ammunition which the trains were unable to trans
port north. A large amount of supplies, principally
sanitary, was consigned to the flames — more, in fact,
than had ever been issued to the Fourth Corps dur
ing its entire existence. Yet the corps had lam at
Pulaski full twenty days, and sorely needed much of
what was destroyed. The Sanitary Commission
knew full well that the tenure of the place was ex
tremely doubtful ; still they preferred their whole
sale destruction, to their speedy issue, although well
deserved. This fact excited much bitter comment among the
soldiers — and justly. Nor is it the first instance in
this army where a similar scene has transpired. This
work was accomplished by midnight, and the Sev-
enty-fifth joined the brigade two miles from town,
and hastened north, serving as the infantry rear
guard of the retreating column. A small force of
cavalry covered their movement. They arrived at
Pulaski at 8 p. m., on the 24th, having marched
constantly, and without stopping to cook rations.
The troops remained in position on the defences
around Columbia until the night of the 28th of
November. They then withdrew to the north bank
of Duck River, and intrenched, the Pioneers doing
the principal work. It is well here to add a word
concerning that Httle force of fhe Seventy-fifth
Illinois. After the close of the Atlanta campaign,
Lieutenant Newton was relieved, being placed in
charge of a transportation train, and Sergeant Tai-

PLAN OF THE REBEL CHIEFTAIN. 181
bot went home on furlough. Sergeant George M
Houck, of Company E, was then placed in command,
and thenceforward discharged the duties of com
manding officer faithfully and well, constructing em
brasures and bridges across the Elk and Duck Riv
ers. On the 29th instant, the position was aban
dOned, and the whole army retreated north to Spring
Hill. While on this march, General Grose, who had
been absent home, returned, and assumed command
of the Third Brigade.
Let us now, in order to a full understanding of
these movements, examine the designs and operations
of Hood, the rebel chief. His aim was, if possible,
to reach Kentucky without offering or being forced
into a battle. The reason of this was, that he ex
pected the rebellious portion of her people would
flock to his standard, and that his army would thus
be increased to at least 80,000 or 90,000 effective
men. This, he judged, would enable him to defeat
any force Thomas could bring against him. Hood
commenced his campaign by moving from Florence,
Alabama, on the 21st of November. The want of
a good map of the country, and the deep mud through
which his army marched (for it had rained almost
constantly for three weeks previous) prevented him
from appearing in front of Columbia within three
days' march of the time he intended. Thus General
Thomas ascertained his locality, and checkmated the
game by falling back upon Columbia on the 23 rd
instant. During the 29th, his army was all in posi-

182 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
tion in front of our defences at Columbia. And here
he sought again to outflank and cut off. With this
view, on the night of the 28th, he crossed Forrest's
cavalry to the north bank of Duck River, a few miles
above the town, and during the 29th, 'followed with
Stewart's and Cheatham's Corps, and Johnson's
Division bf Lee's Corps, leaving Lee's other divisions
to make a show of front at Columbia, and hold
Thomas's forces in position. His troops marched
light, with only one battery to a corps, his object
being to turn Thomas's flank by moving on roads
running parallel to the Columbia and Franklin pikes,
intersecting at Spring Hill, and thus cut off that por
tion of our army at Columbia. But again Thomas
discovered Hood's intention, and retreated to Spring
Hill. His cavalry engaged our forces in charge of
the trains, which stretched fully ten miles, about
mid-day, but they were so strongly guarded that no
impression was made, nor damage done, save in a
few killed and wounded. Here our army had a nar
row escape. Cheatham's Corps had formed in line
two miles south of Spring Hill, and he was ordered
to attack the column in charge of the trains vigor
ously, destroy the trains, and get possession of the
pike. But for some reason, Cheatham made but a
feeble and partial attack, failing, in consequence, to
reach the pike. Stewart's Corps and Johnson's
Division were hastening to Cheatham's support ; but
night had now come on, and it was one of pitchy
blackness ; and Stewart, who was instructed to form

THE ESCAPE AT SPRING HILL. 183
his line on Cheatham's right, failed to find it, and
after groping about until near 11 p. m., went into
bivouac. It was about midnight that the greater
part of our forces pushed through Spring Hill, mov
ing in great confusion — artillery, wagon and ammu
nition trains, and troops, all intermixed. Not a mile
to the right were seen the camp fires of Stewart's
Corps, brightly burning, and all along the line rof
flankers were heard the exchanged shots with the
rebel pickets. This made matters worse. All of
our men expected capture and rout. Hood was in
formed of this fact, and ordered Cheatham to attack
him with a heavy force of skirmishers, and still fur
ther confuse the march. Again Cheatham failed to
accomplish the duty assigned him, and all passed
safely, reaching Franklin on the morning of the 30th
of November. It cannot be questioned that had
Cheatham deployed a skirmish hne, and pressed it
firmly, there would have been an abandonment of
our entire trains, and a perfect temporary rout of our
army. The only reason that can be assigned for
Cheatham's non-compliance with Hood's order is,
that he was himself unfamiliar with the country
around him, and was afraid to attack in the night,
lest his own corps should, in the confusion, become
demoralized, and be as badly off as the Union forces.
Again, he doubtless thought our troops would make
a stouter resistance than they were really capable of
doing, for they were stretched along the pike by
brigades, for miles. Thus was the golden opportu-

184 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
nity lost to Hood to bring disaster upon our arms.
Now there was no chance of cutting our army off
from its depot of supplies and defences at Nashville.
Our troops, now under command of General Scho
field, of the Twenty-third Corps, fell back upon
Franklin, making a feint as if to give battle on the
hills some four miles south of Franklin ; but upon
the appearance of Stewart's Corps, which imme
diately deployed for attack, and sought again to
flank by the left, Schofield ordered them to retire
slowly but obstinately to Franklin. Hood now
ascertained, by dispatches from Thomas to Schofield
(and which were captured at Spring Hill), that the
latter was directed to hold that place until the posi
tion at Franklin could be fortified, indicating that
Thomas would hold his old line of defences from
Franklin to Murfreesboro. Hood, therefore, judged
it all-important to attack Schofield and Stanley be
fore this position was secured.
Schofield established his line of battle in the south
erly limits of the town, with its flanks resting upon
the Harpeth River, which here makes a very abrupt
bend, half encircling the place. The First Division
of the Fourth Corps formed on the extreme right, its
left resting on the extension of .the main street. Its
general direction was east and west, with a portion
of Grose's Brigade refused to the right. Joining
this division was the Second Division of the Twenty-
third Corps, prolonging the line in a north-east direc
tion. The First Division of this corps completed the

DEPLOYMENT FOR BATTLE. 185
line, its direction being due north. A reserve force
rested in the rear centre of each division. Seven
hundred yards of this front was an advanced fortified
line extending across the Columbia Pike, and defended
by the Second and Third Brigades of the Second
Division, Fourth Corps. The Third Division of the
Fourth Corps was placed in position on the north
bank of the river, to protect the trains, and serve as
an auxiliary force, if the emergency required. The
men were very tired, worn out by the tedious
marches and fatigues, and many of them fell asleep
while constructing their hastily-formed barricades.
It was near three o'clock, p. m., when our troops
were all in position, and they were immediately con
fronted by Hood, whose front line was formed by
deploying Stewart's column to the right, and Cheat
ham's to the left, of the Columbia Pike, his right
stretching across the Nashville and Decatur railroad,
reaching well to Carter's Creek Pike. Wheeler's cav
alry guarded well his flanks, and Johnson's Division
lay in rear, as reserve. At 4 p. m., Hood's line
advanced, with orders to drive our forces, at the
point of the bayonet, into or across the Harpeth
River, while Forrest, if the charge should be success
ful, was to cross the river, attack and destroy the
trains and broken columns. It was a fearful moment
when the rebels advanced to the charge. With an
iron steadiness they marched up to the outer works.
Our soldiery for a time held their ground, fighting
most desperately, and dealing fearful execution on

186 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
the assailants. But they were overpowered and forced
to retreat to the main line. The rebels had indeed
handsomely carried the position, and captured many
prisoners. Emboldened by this success, they advanced against
our interior lines, and succeeded in this also, in some
places. And here, too, the battle was of the fiercest
possible character. The main assaults were directed
upon the divisions of the Twenty-third Corps, and
lapping partially on the front of the First Division
of the Fourth Corps.
The enemy advanced but once upon the front of
Grose's Brigade, and then he met with a disastrous
reception. This charging column, as it swept over
the open field, was directed full upon the front of the
Ninth and Thirtieth Indiana, and the Seventy-fifth
Illinois. As he approached within easy musket
range, General Grose ordered his men to fire. The
effect was terrible, and the rebels fled precipitately.
They made no lodgment on Grose's front ; but on
the left of the First Division their success was more
encouraging. Never did brave but deluded men
fight more earnestly, or with more infatuation of
madness. The rebels were for some distance on the
outer side of the parapet, our heroes on the inner
side. Muskets were clubbed, the bayonets freely
used, and in many instances the pioneers fought with
their spades and axes.
I regret that I am unable to particularize
more of what occurred with Grose, although I

THE REPULSE BY GROSE. 187
am satisfied I have, in the brief statement made,
done the command justice.""" Such, in brief, was
the battle of Franklin. It was terrible ; the rebels
held out, constantly, though vainly, hoping to
break our centre; till, after suffering unparalleled
loss, night came on, which the rebels had the melan
choly honor of passing on the field of battle. Gen
eral Stanley, who was ever present, and distinguished
himself by his daring bravery, was wounded. Among
the rebels killed were Major-General P. R. Cleburn,
Brigadiers Gist, John Adams, Strahl, and Granbury.
Among the wounded were Major-General Brown,
Brigadiers Carter, Cockrell, Manigault, and Scott.
General Gordon was captured.
Each party claimed the victory; Schofield and
Thomas exhibiting, as proof of their success, twelve
rebel banners, which their corps, admitted to be in
ferior in numbers, bore off the field ; and the heavy
loss which they had inflicted upon the rebels : Hood,
that he kept possession of the field, while our forces
retired, the very night of the battle, from Franklin
to Nashville. Five of our flags were in rebel hands,
and the ground between was strewed with six thou
sand killed and wounded; but five-sixths of them
were gray-coats.
About 9 p. m. the troops commenced falling back
upon Nashville. General Grose's Brigade, under
* In writing this chapter, I find that what purported to be General
Grose's report of the battle of Franklin was only a duplicate of the battle
of Nashville ; and I have no time nor opportunity to obtain it.

188 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
command of Colonel Bennett, moved as rear guard,
covering the retreat until after passing Wood's Divi
sion, still in bivouac on the north side of the river.
The brigade marched all night, arriving at Nashville
in the forenoon of December 1, 1864. During that
day the entire army was in position around the city,
and awaited Hood's advance.

CHAPTER XIV.
THE BATTLE OF NASHVILLE — GALLANTRY OF GROSe's
COMMAND  DEFEAT AND ROUT OF HOOD'S ARMY 
CESSATION OE PURSUIT.
The position around Nashville was quickly taken,
and rapidly fortified with a redan line of pits, con
necting the forts, which had been previously erected.
Major-General Steedman, commanding the colored
troops, formed and intrenched on the extreme left of
the line, his left flank resting on the Cumberland
River above the city, and one mile from its outskirts.
The Twenty-third Army Corps, General Schofield
commanding, joined Steedman on the right, extend
ing to the Granny White Pike. The Fourth Army
Corps, General Thomas J. Wood, joined Schofield,
his right stretching across the Hillsboro Pike, and
nearly to the Hardin Pike. The Sixteenth Army
Corps, General A. J. Smith, having arrived from
Memphis, extended Wood's line to the river below
the town. General Wilson's cavalry corps rested
near the river, and behind Smith's right wing. The
forces of General John F. Miller, Post Commandant,

190 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
occupied the inner line of intrenchments, from the
Murfreesboro Pike to Fort Negley. The Quarter
master's forces, consisting of all Government employ
ees, numbering thousands, guarded the line from the
Granny White to the Charlotte Pike.
On the 2d of December, the enemy made his
appearance, deploying along our entire front, and
threw up a line qf works, varying in distance from
700 to 1,500 yards of ours. • On the 3d he advanced
upon the front of the Fourth Corps, and attacked
the skirmish line. He was repulsed, and our men
occupied the position lost by him. On the 6th it
was ascertained that Hood was calling for volunteers
to storm our works ; in consequence of which, unu
sual vigilance was kept up, and extra dispositions
made to meet the attack ; but nothing came of it.
On the 8th, the enemy attacked the outposts in front
of the First Division, drove in the pickets, and occu
pied the line of works ; but by rallying the skir
mishers and charging the enemy, they were repulsed
and the line retaken and held. From this time until
the 14th, heavy details were constantly engaged
strengthening the works, and preparing both for
offence and defence. On the 14th, General Grose
received orders to march at 6 a.m., on the 15th, this
being the clay set by General Thomas for attacking
the enemy in his fortified position.
The plan of the battle was this : General Steed
man attacked the enemy's advanced position on his
right, as a demonstration, and Wilson's cavalry made

THE ORDER OF BATTLE. 191
a wide detour, to attain the enemy's left and rear.
Smith's Corps moved en echelon, to strike the rebel
left, in conjunction with the cavalry movement.
Wood's Corps held its intrenched line, connecting
with Smith's right. The intrenchments and forts
were held by new troops. Schofield's Corps lay in
reserve. Steedman's demonstration was successful'.
Johnson's cavalry, on the extreme left, drove the
rebel General Chalmers's cavalry from his position
on the river, capturing his artillery, and pursued
him down the Charlotte Pike. Smith's Corps swung
around to conform with the cavalry advance. At
1 p.m., Wood's Corps assaulted and carried Mont
gomery Hill. Then Smith's Corps and Hatch's cav
alry advanced and seized the rebel positions in their
fronts. This was at 2 p.m. Schofield's then moved
rapidly to the right of Smith, and formed line of bat
tle, extending his right.
Then the whole line swept forward. Wood's
Corps forced every rebel position in his front, rout
ing the enemy from three fortified hills. Smith,
Schofield, and the dismounted cavalry, pressed back
the rebel left, and drove them a mile among the
Brentwood Hills. It was now night, and darkness
ended the conflict. The conflict was bloody, the
battle desperate — the spoils, thirty cannon and 2,000
prisoners. Such was the outline of the battle on the
15th of December.
It is proper now to particularize the operations of
Grose's command. His effective force was seven

192 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
regiments — in all, 2,190 men. The order of battle,
when the corps advanced from its works, was en eche
lon, by divisions forward on the right. His brigade
was formed on the right of the Hillsboro Pike, and
directly in front of the enemy's fortifications, which,
in fact, extended around the city. The Second Divi
sion of the corps was on his right ; the First Brigade
of the First Division on his left. The Ninth Indiana,
Eightieth and Eighty-fourth Illinois, were in the front
line ; the Seventy-fifth Illinois, Thirtieth and
Eighty-fourth Indiana in the second line ; the Sev
enty-seventh Pennsylvania in reserve. The enemy's
line of works ran at right angles with the Franklin
and Granny White Pikes, and continued until it
reached a high hill to the left of the Hillsboro Pike.
Then it made an angle obliquely to the rear, front
ing near the left of that pike, covering well the left
flank of his main line of battle.
Grose's brigade was formed directly in front of
this angle. It was noon when Smith's Corps and the
cavalry had swung around, they having much far
ther to move, before the Fourth Corps could advance
in a general and effective line of battle. Meantime,
a furious musketry fire was kept up, and the guns
from Forts Negley, Confiscation, and Morton, thun
dered away with ominous mutterings, filling the air
with screaming shells, which exploded in the enemy's
line frequently, dispersing his moving columns, and
disorganizing his order of battle. When Smith's
Corps had attained its proper alignment, the Fourth

THE CHARGE BY GENERAL WOOD. 193
Corps moved forward in grand style, driving the
enemy's outposts — Grose's men, especially, capturing
many prisoners, and sustaining some loss, occasioned
mostly by artillery fire.
The hill was carried, the rebels falling back to
their works. Skirmishers were then thrown well
down the acclivity. While resting here, General
Grose' suggested to the corps commander that if an
other intervening ridge, to the left of his command,
and in front of Kirby' s Brigade, was carried, he
could advance across the valley, and. carry by assault
the enemy's main line, where was posted the artillery.
which had done him so much damage. General
Wood promptly replied that it should be done.
Soon after, he advanced, in conjunction with Kirby',s
Brigade. Away went the line, through hedges and
over stone walls, and across the narrow valley, until
it reached a long stone wall at the base of the ene
my's hill, and about four hundred yards from his
main works and battery at the angle before men
tioned. Much time was spent here, under the pro
tection of this wall, in preparing for the assault, and
awaiting the advance of the division on the right, to
preserve intact the line. Meantime, Grose's and
Kirby's skirmishers gradually crept up the hill. The
loss at this time was not great ; but the next move
ment seemed to the soldiers pregnant with danger.
A thick storm of shot and shell crashed through the
air above them, but it seems that these missiles of
war sound far more dangerous than they are. Near
13

194 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
four o'clock all was in readiness, the bugle sounded
" forward," and the whole line, from right to left,
was instantly in motion. The Eightieth Illinois,
Grose's centre regiment, struck the enemy right at
the angle of his works, the Eighty-fourth Illinois to
the right, and the Ninth Indiana to the left. Up
the hill they rushed, like the surging of a tidal wave,
stark on, full against the rebel stronghold, over his
works, fighting hand to hand, routing the host, kill
ing many and capturing many. And, strange to
say, the loss to us was trifling. Thus do dangers
shrink before the advance of brave men. The strug
gle was very short — -scarce ten minutes. A four gun
battery was among the trophies. Grose's advance
yas now all excitement ; eager for pursuit, his two
left regiments, without support, followed the enemy
some six hundred yards beyond the works, and
•halted only under imperative orders. It was now
near dusk. The sun was already setting, and fight
ing must soon cease.
This grand triumph had necessarily broken the
line formation. This was now re-adjusted, and pur
suit attempted. The brigade crossed the Granny
White pike, moving along the enemy's works to the
east, feeling for the rebel outposts ; but night settled
down heavily, and the pursuit was abandoned. The
pioneers threw up a hasty line of defence on the
brigade front, and the command rested for the night.
Thus ended the first . day's battle. The morrow
was to witness a deadlier strife. On the 16th of

THE DEADLY STRIFE. 195
December, the operations were as follows : Wood's
Corps pushed the enemy's advanced lines backward
across the Franklin Pike into his intrenchments on
the Overton Hills. Smith's Corps, connecting with
Wood and Schofield, pressed the enemy closely. A
furious assault was made upon the enemy at Over
ton Hills ; but the rebels fought with frightful mad
ness,- and the attack was repulsed. Meantime, Wil
son's cavalry, under Hatch and Croxton, made a de
tour to the Granny White Pike, and attacked the
enemy's left and rear vigorously. Smith then assailed
and carried the key point to the enemy's position, on
the Brentwood Hills, and to the right of the Granny
White Pike. This success was followed by an
advance of the whole line to the extreme left, result
ing in the capture of every part of the rebel intrench
ments, twenty-five guns, and 3,000 prisoners. The
enemy, routed at all points, retreated toward Frank
Hn, pursued by cavalry, under Hatch and Johnson.
Again to detail Grose's movements. At daylight,
on the 16th, he advanced, crossed a creek, and occu
pied the abandoned works of the enemy, on the right
of the Franklin Pike, skirmishing going briskly on
Beyond this was discovered another abandoned posi
tion of the enemy, and the brigade occupied it
There was much moving about at this time, to ascer
tain the precise locality of the enemy's main line
It was near noon when this was discovered, and
orders issued for an advance. Grose formed in three
lines: the Seventy-fifth Illinois, Eighty-fourth

196 the seventy-fifth Illinois.
Indiana, and Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania in the
front line ; the Eighty-fourth Illinois and Ninth Indi
ana in the second line; the Eightieth Illinois and
the Thirtieth Indiana in the third line.
Advancing a little, the rebel lines were in plain
view. Sharpshooters were busy, and the irruptions
of artillery frequent. The ground in Grose's front
was open — mostly tillage land, with a ravine • run
ning obliquely across his front to the left, and which
he must cross before reaching the enemy's line.
Soon after noon the advance was ordered, and the
Fourth Corps moved to battle. The rebel skirmish
ers rapidly withdrew to their advanced line of works.
These were assaulted and carried with inconsiderable
loss. At this juncture, Grose discovered the Third
Division moving on the enemy's main works, some
four hundred yards on his front ; and, anxious to be
as forward as the most daring, he ordered an advance.
Hardly was his line in motion before he discovered
that the Second Division, on his right, had not
moved. Not wishing to expose his right flank to a
decimating enfilade fire, he directed his two right
battalions to halt. The left battalion, Seventy-sev
enth Pennsylvania, moved forward on the right of
the Third Division, to within a few paces of the re
doubt. A terrific fire of round shot, canister and
grape, caused the Third Division to fall back, and
Rose retired with it. In this charge, the gallant
Lieutenant A. T. Baldwin fell dead. Grose now
directed the line of parapets which he held to be

the white line of death. 197
strengthened. And here he rested securely. About
4 p. m. Smith made his assault upon the key point
of the rebel defences, and after a heavy slaughter it
was carried. Then the rebels began to "roll up"
the flank back upon its centre, and the Fourth Corps
desired to aid in the good work. Soon as the Sec
ond Division started, Grose moved, keeping the
alignment, and close upon him foUowed Wood, the
line striking the rebel parapet at an angle. Steed
man, beyond Wood, continued the assault with mixed
troops, white and colored, and the engagement be
came general. It was magnificent, grand — if, indeed,
a scene of war can be grand— grand in its awfulness
and power for evil. As our Hues neared the parapet,
first one gun, then another, then more, vomited fire
and iron hail. .From west to east the parapet grew
white, and so enfolded it in a bank of silver smoke,
that the guns could no longer be seen except at the
moment when they were pouring a blaze through the
cloud. Yet our men were within three hundred
yards of what may be termed its glacis ; and when
one is that close, the lightning, the thunder, and the
bolt, are hardly a second in time apart. Death loves
havoc, and on such occasions as this he reaps his har
vest. Our men fell rapidly ; but fortunately the ex
posure was only temporary, for the advance never
ceased, and in less than five minutes, the works were
ours. Then ensued a scene of rout such as is seldom
witnessed. Most of the enemy in Grose's front, as
indeed on some other fronts, were captured. Grose's

198 THE SEVENTY-FIETH ILLINOIS.
men claimed three guns now as trophies. The rebel
trenches were strewn with arms, accoutrements, camp
equipage, etc., and officers and men vied with each
other making captures, and still further discomfiting
the foe. Colonels Bennett and Kilgore, and Major
Watson — in fact, all the company officers, with their
men — sought to outstrip each other in the chase.
There were no cowards there ; none who loved safety
more than honor. And among the heroic actions
displayed on this day — and they were numberless —
was the capture of five armed rebel soldiers by pri
vate Joseph Watson, of Company A, and of another
stalwart Irishman, who was in the act of firing, by
Patrick Dailey, of Company D. It was here, too,
that Lieutenant Henry Parrott, of Company C, aide- "
de-camp to General Grose, a most gallant young offi
cer, fell, dangerously wounded in the hip.
Grose now advanced his command several hundred
yards beyond the right of our Hne of battle, throw
ing his skirmishers into Brentwood Pass, and bivou
acked for the night.
Early on the 17th pursuit was continued, Grose in
advance of the First Division. Our forces persist
ently pressed the enemy, until the remainder — those
not killed, wounded, or captured, had crossed the
Tennessee River, one hundred and ten miles south of
Nashville. The weather was villainously bad, the
mud very deep, and the marches made with great
labor and fatigue.
In brief, Grose's command routed the rebels from
every position attacked, captured seven pieces of

APPROBATION FROM HEADQUARTERS. 199
artillery, a large number of small arms, twelve cap
tains, twenty-three lieutenants, and six hundred and
six enlisted men. The loss of the Seventy-fifth
Illinois was two officers wounded, Lieutenants Par
rott and Erwin, and enHsted men wounded, privates
Byron, Williloh, Talcott, Haley, and Whalen — a
total of six. It is wonderful that the loss was so
smaH, considering the nature of the assaults. The
loss of the brigade was proportionately as small,
there being but four killed and seventy-six wounded.
General Grose extended his " grateful thanks to his
officers and men for their willing obedience to orders,
their brave and efficient execution of every duty, on
the battle-field, and during the campaign." The
army quietly settled in its new camping grounds.
Major General Thomas issued the following congrat
ulatory' order to his army :
Headquarters Department op the Cumberland,
Pulaski, Tenn., Dec. 29, 1864.
General Orders, No. 169.
Soldiers : — The Major-General Commanding announces to
you that the rear guard of the flying and dispirited enemy was
driven across the Tennessee Eiver on the night of the 27th in
stant. The impassable state of the roads, and consequent im
possibility to supply the army, compels a closing of the campaign
for the present.
Although short, it has been brilliant in its achievements, and
unsurpassed in its results by any other of this war, and is one of
which all who participated therein may be justly proud. That
veteran rebel army, which, though driven from position to posi
tion, opposed a stubborn resistance to much superior numbers
during the whole of the Atlanta campaign, taking advantage of
the absence of the largest portion of the army which had been

200 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
opposed to it in Georgia, invaded Tennessee, buoyant with hope,
expecting Nashville, Murfreesboro, and the whole of Tennessee
and Kentucky, to fall into its power an easy prey, and scarcely
fixing a limit to its conquests, after having received the most
terrible check at Franklin, on the 30th of November, that any
army has received during this war, and later, met with a signal
repulse from the brave garrison of Murfreesboro, in its attempt
to capture that place, was finally attacked at Nashville, and,
although your forces were inferior to it in numbers, it was hurled1
back from the coveted prize, upon which it had only been per
mitted to look from a distance, and finally sent flying, dismayed
and disordered, whence it came, impelled by the instinct of self-
preservation, and thinking only how it could relieve itself for
short intervals from your persistent and harrassing pursuit, by
burning the bridges over the swollen streams as it passed them,
until finally it had placed the broad waters of the Tennessee
Eiver between you and its shattered, diminished, and discomfited
columns, leaving its artillery and battle flags in your victorious
hands, lasting trophies of your noble daring, and lasting memen
toes of the enemy's disgrace and defeat.
You have diminished the forces of the rebel army, since it
crossed the Tennessee Eiver to invade the State, at the least
estimate, fifteen thousand men, among whom were killed,
wounded, or captured, eighteen General Officers.
Your captures from the enemy, as far as reported, amount to
sixty-eight pieces of artillery, ten thousand prisoners, as many
stand of small arms — several thousand of which have been gath
ered in, and the remainder strew the route of the enemy's re
treat — and between thirty and forty flags, besides compelling
him to destroy much ammunition, and abandon many wagons, and
unless he is mad, he must forever relinquish all hope of bringing
Tennessee again within the lines of the accursed rebellion.
A short time will now be given you to prepare to continue the
work so nobly begun.
By command of Major General GEO. H. THOMAS :
William D. Whipple,
Assistant Adjutant General.

CHAPTER XV

MOVEMENT TO EAST TENNESSEE  RETURN TO NASH
VILLE  MUSTER OUT  CLOSING EPISODES  FINAL
PAYMENT AND FAREWELL.
The pursuit of Hood's broken and demoralized col
umns having ceased, the army settled into the quiet
of camp life, stretched along from Chattanooga to
Florence. The First Division encamped at Hunts
ville on the 5th of January, 1866, and remained there
until the 13th of March. While here, another change
occurred in the command of the Pioneers. Sergeant
Houck having been promoted to Orderly Sergeant
of Company E, was relieved, and Lieutenant Joseph
Dexter, of the same company, was placed in com
mand, with non-commissioned officers Sergeant
George G. Messer, and Corporal Samuel Snyder.
These, too, fulfilled their duty, and merit mention.
Meantime, it was ascertained that the rebel army,
reorganized, and under the command of Dick Taylor,
had moved easterly through Alabama and Georgia,
hoping to pass through East Tennessee, and thence
into Virginia, to reinforce Lee's army, who was now

202 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
struggling in death throes with the indomitable and
never yielding Grant. The Fourth Corps was
rapidly transported to Knoxville by cars, and on the
17th instant reached Strawberry Plains, -memorable
for the defeat of Longstreet's Corps by Burnside in
December, 1863. The First Division, on the 25th
of March, moved to Mossy Creek, then to Bull's Gap,
and five miles beyond. The army was now so dis
posed as to prevent the rebel forces from entering
into the long mountain defiles through which alone
Virginia could be reached; and here it remained
until about the middle of April. It was on the 18th
instant that the First Division started for Nashville,
where it arrived on the 24th. The grand drama of
war had ended. Lee had surrendered to Grant,
Johnston to Sherman, and Taylor to Canby. There
was now no armed force against the Union, save in
Texas, where a force of some 20,000, under. Kirby
Smith, still renounced the terms of capitulation. But
the Government made active preparations to meet
this refractory force, by sending a large corps to New
Orleans, to prepare for an active campaign against
him. With this view, the Fourth Army Corps was
recalled to Nashville. And here it lay, awaiting
developments, expecting each day to be ordered to
Texas. Finally, the order came for the payment of
the veteran troops, and the muster out of all the
three years' regiments and detachments whose term
of service would expire by the 1st of September ensu
ing. This order included the Seventy-fifth Illi-

OVATION TO GENERAL GROSE. 203
nois, save about eighty men — recruits. These men
— hard seemed their fate — were organized into a
company, and placed as "guard to Corps headquar
ters, General Stanley's, to share the fortunes of the
veterans, be it good or ill. On the 10th of June,
Colonel Bennett, now Brigadier-General by brevet—
a reward for his gallantry in action, and soldierly
conduct — received the welcome order to prepare thg^p
muster out rolls. The intelligence was received with
a wild clamor of cheers, and the old forest in which
they were encamped echoed them back wildly. Soon
the Eightieth and Eighty-fourth IUinois, and the
Eighty-fourth Indiana, received similar orders, and
the brigade was ablaze with joyful glee.
The work rapidly progressed, and was soon con
summated; and on the 13th day of June the Sev
enty-fifth Illinois was en route for Chicago, there
to be paid off, doff the soldier's blue, and don the
toga of a citizen. And who could be more entitled
to the rights of American citizenship, than those
brave men, who for two years and nine months had
risked their lives in their country's defence.
While lying at Nashville, several episodes occurred
worthy of mention. On the 25th of May, General
Grose, who had been absent at home for some time
(there being no necessity for his presence in the
field), returned and resumed command. Every sol
dier's heart was glad, for he had become endeared to
them as few officers do, and they resolved to \give
him a glorious welcome. A torch-light procession

204 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
was improvised, by mounting candles in the sockets
of their bayonets, and at 8 p. m., they marched to
the General's headquarters. The blaze and flicker
of thousands of torches, as the men moved through
the timber, presented a pleasing scene. And the
joyous acclaim which rang out on the evening air,
proved that the demonstration was spontaneous, and
from the heart — a tribute to their gallant com
mander. And, indeed, it was fitting that hearts thus
united in defence of a common cause, should, now
that the strife was ended, and the great victory won,
unite in the expression of mutual confidence and
love. When considering the progress of events for
the past four years, and more especially for the last
year and a half — the great marches made, the san
guinary contests waged, the presence of the living,
and the memories of the fallen brave — the scene was
touching, and could not fail to swell with emotion,
akin to commingled joy and grief, the heart of every
patriot soldier or citizen who witnessed it. The
band first discoursed a few stirring airs, and the
general presented himself. After the enthusiastic
cheers which greeted him had subsided, he proceeded
to make a speech, earnest, feeling, and common-
sense. He thanked them for the welcome they had ex
tended him ; reviewed briefly the struggles through
which they had passed ; the progress of humanity
and civilization which the war had engendered ; the
triumph of our cause, of liberty and a constitutional

NOBLE SENTIMENTS OF GENERAL GROSE. 205
Government ; and referred with emphasis to the fact,
that now our land was free in reality as in name, and
that the humblest citizen could now utter his senti
ments in favor of human rights and democratic doc
trines every where within our borders. He then
spoke glowingly of the feelings of the northern peo
ple in regard to her patriot men in the field, and said
they would be hailed gladly by the great northern
heart when they should return home. He gave
them sound advice as to the manner in which they
should conduct themselves upon resuming the peace
ful avocations of life, remarking, feelingly : " Oh !
never let it be said that one of my comrades in arms,
who for four long years has risked his life in his
country's defence, and then battle-stained and battle-
worn, triumphantly returns home, and disgraces him
self by violating the law's of the land he has fought
to maintain, or so conduct himself as to tarnish the
bright reputation he has won." FinaUy, thanking
his true and tried men for their great kindness
toward him since his connection with them, he bade
them good night.
Never did a brave soldier, a tried and skillful gen
eral, a pure, patriotic man, utter sounder sentiments,
or give utterance to nobler ideas, than did General
Grose on this occasion. There was no effort at rhe
torical flourish, but the plain expression of manly
duty, and the practical interests of life. There was
not one unsatisfied heart — not one but who went
away feeling a better man, and proud that his cause
was maintained by so good a man.

206 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
The brigade then called for Brevet Brigadier-Gen
eral Bennett, Colonel of the Seventy-fifth Illinois,
another soldier who had won the love of the entire
brigade. Reluctantly he appeared upon the stand.
He too, made a stirring speech, replete with olden
memories, historical allusions, and lofty sentiment.
The attentiveness which was given him proved how
great the effect of his remarks, which, although
purely extempore, exhibited the elegance in diction
of a finished orator. Colonel Suman, of the Ninth
Indiana, being called for, said that " it would not do
for him to discharge pop-guns after the firing of such
heavy guns. It was all he could do to keep up in
the field. It was sufficient for him to attempt to
talk to plebeians at home, not to such veterans as
those before him. Therefore, as it was ten o'clock,
he would propose three cheers for Generals Grose
and Bennett, and a return home." The Colonel's
remarks were applauded, the cheers given with a
wUl which showed that they were meant, the band
played " The Star-Spangled Banner," and each regi
ment again wended its way to camp, rejoiced at the
success of their endeavor to please, and the apprecia
tion it had met.
And somewhat earlier than this occurred another
scene, equally touching, but confined to the regiment.
This was the sending home of the regimental and
national flags — colors which had been carried through
the war. I can not better portray the feelings of
the soldiers of the regiment than by giving, in full,

PLACING THE COLORS IN THE ARCHIVES. 207
the letter of General Bennett, given to the Color
Sergeants, who bore the colors, and addressed to His
Excellency, Governor Oglesby.
Headquarters Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteers, )
Camp Harker, Nashville, Tenn., V
May 6th, 1865. )
His Excellency EICHAED J. OGLESBY,
Governor of the State of Illinois.
Honored Sir : — I have the honor to present you, as the Chief
Executive of the State of Illinois, by the hands of David E. Bry-
son, and John W. Weldon, Color Sergeants of this regiment, our
Eegimental and National Colors, to be placed in the archives of
the State.
In doing so, allow me to say that these colors were the first
ever received by us from the hands of the Government, and have
been borne the most of the time by these brave Sergeants.
They also contain' upon their folds the record of the many
engagements we Jiave been in with the enemies of our glorious
Union, with the exception of the Atlanta campaign, and the bat
tles of Franklin and Nashville.
Beneath their starry folds, many of our brave comrades have
fallen, and now sleep their last sleep upon the field of their glory.
These old banners, though tattered and torn, are sacred memen
toes of the past; and in parting with them, we do so with sad
ness, mingled with pride and pleasure ; with sadness, at the
thoughts of those who left their happy homes in 1862, who went
nobly forth to battle for their country, but now fill honorable
soldiers' graves ; with pride and pleasure — that we can send to
you, and the State of Illinois, who sent us forth, so honorable a
record. And now that the Angel of Peace is about to spread her wings
over our once prosperous country, we know of no more appropri
ate place to deposit these sacred relics.

208 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
Hoping that we may all soon- have the pleasure of returning
to our quiet homes in Illinois, and that the nation may learn the
art of war no more, I am,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
JOHN E. BENNETT,
Col. Seventy-fifth JU., and Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. V.
Nor was this all. As the day drew near when
the brigade was to be reorganized — the veterans
now being ordered to Texas — the staff officers of
General Grose, two of whom were from the Seventy-
fifth Illinois — Captain Frank Bingham, and Lieu
tenant Henry Parrott — addressed the General a fare
weU letter, as follows :
Camp Harker, near Nashville, Tenn. )
Headquarters Third Brigade First Division, v
Fourth Army Corps, June 10th, 1865. j
Brigadier- General WILLIAM GEOSE.
Dear General : — The storm-clouds of war have now been
rifted by the calm sunlight of peace, and the hour has come when
we must separate. You, and others of us, who have been hon
ored with positions as your staff officers, hail with pleasure this
gladsome time, as we are enabled to return again to the duties
of civil life. Others of us must still remain for a season ; not to
breast the surges of a stormy warfare, but to aid our misguided
countrymen in restoring order out of chaos, tranquillity out of
anarchy.' This accomplished, we, too, who remain, trust a kind
Providence will permit us to enjoy the fruits of our labor and
our sacrifice.
In parting with you, General, we feel that we lose a good
friend, a true counselor, yea, the presence of an earnest, up
right, honest, and high-minded man. You came into this con-

FAREWELL ADDRESSES 209
flict of war against treason, determined to lend your helping
hand in cmr country's defence, and most bravely, ably, have you
performed your mission. God be thanked that your life has
been spared to witness the glorious consummation of your high
est hopes — the maintenance of our liberties and our nationality.
It is with pride that, in the future, when the history of our
struggles shall have been written, we can read of the battles, in
which you have borne so conspicuous a part ; and on the bright
Eoll of Honor which our noble Alma Mater shall inscribe for the
perpetuation of the memories of her heroes, yours will be far
from the least worthy, in generous devotion to duty, sacrifice of
self, or in the accomplishment of grand results.
We have endeavored to do faithfully our humble part in the
positions assigned us. We trust our services have met your
approval. Your generous confidence is all we ask, and in the
future, as in the past, we desire to have your sympathy and
friendship. Twenty battles have done somewhat to cement our
attachment ; and, whether as soldiers or citizens, their dark fore
front can never be forgotten.
General, we bid you farewell. God bless you and yours, spare
you to a good old age, deal gently with you, make you an honor
and an example to our young men at home, and finally accept
you to a life eternal, within the portals of never-ending joy.
Captain Frank Bingham, A.A.A.G.
"  Grubbs, A.P.M.
Lieutenant Henry Parrott, A.A.D.C.
Crowning all, and paramount to all, is the farewell
address of General Grose to his comrades in arms. •
Headquarters Third Brig., First Drv., Fourth A. C, )
Camp Harkeh, Tenn., June 6th, 1865. j
Soldiers of the Third Brigade : — The object for which we
have been associated together having been accomplished, we are
now about to separate, and most of us join our families and
14

210 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.,
friends at home, while some of us continue for duty. You have
acted well your part, faithfully and bravely, in the great strug
gle of your country, for the maintenance of right and justice,
over wrong and oppression. You will feel better that you have
done your part for your country than to have stood an idle spec
tator. Since we are compelled to separate, I feel thankful that
I leave you in the enjoyment of an enviable reputation, a repu
tation of which your friends can boast, and you feel proud.
Your toils, hardships, and perils will be attended with the per
petuation of the National Government, with greater power and
glory than ever before.
Treasure up for our fallen comrades a kind remembrance as
heroes of their age, in a great and good cause. Take home, and
into the future with you, the heartfelt gratitude of your humble
Commander, for his lot having been cast with such gallant sol
diers and kind-hearted gentlemen. God bless and take care of
you. Good-bye.
WILLIAM GEOSE,
Brigadier- General Volunteers.

The Seventy-fifth arrived at Chicago on the
17th day of June, and was paid off and finally dis
charged on the 1st day of July. Then came the last
farewell as soldiers, and each proceeded to his home,
where they were welcomed by their immediate rela
tions, friends and neighbors.
* Thus ends the history of the Seventy-fifth Illi
nois. I have aimed to trace its career truthfully,
and as fully as the material gathered would permit.
And among the many thousands who have rallied to
the defence of our republican institutions, none have

ITS HEROISM AND DEVOTION. 211
rendered more signal service, or aided in the achieve
ment of more enduring victories, than those patriotic
men comprising the regiment whose glorious career
is herein presented. Fearlessly they went forth to
battle for the right. Many, alas ! fell upon fields
deeply crimsoned with human gore ; many, too, suf
fering most intensely from wounds and disease, have
gone to that " bourne whence no traveler returns."
Its casualties in battle have not been so heavy as in
many regiments, yet they were in bloody battles and
desperate charges. A kind Providence seemed to
watch over them. Still, the loss is great. Sixty-four
were killed, thirty-one died of wounds, and ninety-
one of disease. Besides, two hundred and sixteen
were discharged on account of disability ; and the
total of wounded men during its term of service
numbers one hundred and eighty-four, making a
grand total of casualties of all kinds, of five hundred
and eighty-six, or 56.94 per cent.
Such heroism and such devotion is its grandest
monument of glory. In their loss, the hopes and
joys — all that is most dear to thousands of immortal
beings, were crushed ; but their deepest pangs of pain
are merged into the glorious realization of national
triumph, and the unity of the republic — a temple of
Liberty grander far than Ephesian dome ; and the
nation, whom we love, and whose great heart pul
sates with paternal interest in the weal or woe of
each patriot son, will inscribe their names in the
grand RoU of Honor, which shall be cherished as one

212 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
of the most sacred jewels in the casket of her fame.
Yes,
" Enough of merit has each honored name
To shine untarnished on the rolls of fame ;
To stand the example of each distant age,
And add new lustre to the historic page ;
Por soon their deeds illustrious shall be shown
In breathing bronze, or animated stone ;
Or where the canvas, starting into life,
Revives the glories of the crimson strife.''
And for the no less honored living — heroes amid
trumpet pealing, joyous cannon, foeman's sabre, and
leaden death-shots, rattling fast —
" Let the bugle swell the note of triumph !
Sound, trumpets! praise our bravest and our best!
Thousands of voices bid each hero welcome ;
Rest ! soldier, rest I"

THE END.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

op the

OFFICERS OF THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.

Brevet Brigadier- General and Colonel John E. Bennett
was born in the town of Bethany, Genesee County, N. Y. At
the age of thirteen he was sent to the Genesee Wesleyan Sem
inary, where he remained for three terms. When sixteen, he
taught school. His father's health failing, he managed his busi
ness until twenty-one, displaying excellent mercantile qualifica
tions for one so young. In 1854 he entered the employ of C. J.
Baldwin, a merchant of Cleveland, Ohio, as cashier and book
keeper. Towards the close of 1855, wishing to engage in busi
ness for himself, he made a tour westward. Through the influ
ence of W. H. Van Epps, Esq., of Dixon, Illinois, he settled in
the neighboring town of Morrison, as a merchant, and proprietor
of the " Bennett House." While engaged in business there, he
made several trips across the plains to the Pacific coast. He
was always somewhat of a politician, participating actively in all
local matters. He was ever a staunch Democrat of the Jeffer
son, Jackson, and Douglas school. He entertained, with the
leaders of that party, their particular sensitiveness concerning
the slavery question ; but the developments of the character of
that institution, made during the progress of the war, materially
changed the complexion of his views, and he saw, as every other
patriot did, that the national safety depended upon its destruc
tion, and he lent efficient aid towards its consummation. He
was among the first to enter warmly into the national cause, and
aided in sending troops to the war. In the summer of 1862,
when the call was made for " 600,000 more," he applied to the
Adjutant- General of the State for permission to recruit a com
pany. On the 29th of July it was granted, and on the 5th of
August he had enlisted 118 men. He was elected Captain unan-

214 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
imously, repaired with his company to Dixon, and on the organ
ization of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, was elected its Lieuten
ant-Colonel. When Colonel Byon resigned, he was promoted
Colonel, and as such served with great gallantry through the
war. Near its close he was brevetted General. He was in
every battle in which the regiment was engaged, save that of the
4th of July, 1864. Then he was back for three days in hospital,
the only time he was ever compelled to leave the command. He
was frequently in command of a brigade, which he handled with
great skill, showing perfect competency for the position of a full
Brigadier. And it is a pity that one so competent as he, should
not have graced a " star," long ago, instead of the many who dis
graced it.
General Bennett is tall, and rather commanding in person, of
strong constitution and an active mind. Quick to comprehend,
and prompt to execute; like the lamented General E. N. Kirk,
he seemed born for a soldier. He was a strict disciplinarian,
firm in his administration, yet ever kind and just. Like all truly
good officers, he was at first disliked by many of his men ; but at
last he conquered all prejudices, and became highly popular.
And what must ever be pleasing to him, he retired from the war
with the kindest regards of every soldier in his command. Dur
ing the present summer he has accepted a lieutenancy in the
Regular Army. The country has gained thereby the services of
a valuable soldier.

Lieutenant-Colonel, Brevet Colonel, and Bbevet Briga
dier-General William Mathers Kilgouh was born in Cum
berland County, Pennsylvania, and was still a youth when, in
1836, his parents removed to Whiteside County, Illinois. For
a time after his arrival, he carried the mail, on horseback, from
Eock River to Pulton, on the Mississippi, a distance of some
forty miles.
He is emphatically a self-educated man. He read law at
Sterling, Illinois, and was admitted to practice in 1855, having
license as Attorney at Law, Solicitor in Chancery, and Proctor
in Admiralty, in the State Courts, and in the District and Cir
cuit Courts for the Northern District of Illinois.
Like Colonel Bennett, he is something of a politician, but of
an opposite party — the old Whig — and he makes it his boast
that he never voted a Democratic ticket in his life. He was a
representative from his county in the mass convention held at
Bloomington, which organized the Republican party in Illinois,
and nominated Colonel Bissell for Governor. And. when, in
1861, Abraham Lincoln, duly elected President of the United
States, proceeded to Washington to take his seat, he was one of

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 215
about eight hundred, who, of their own accord, went to that city,
to see that no harm happened him, as assassination had been
threatened. Immediately after, the war bugles roused the nation
to arms, and Kilgour was among the very first to respond, vol
unteering as a private in Company B, Thirteenth Illinois Infan
try. Upon its organization he was elected Second Lieutenant,
and served with that regiment for a year in Missouri, participat
ing in the affairs of Wet Glaze, Lynn Creek, Springfield, and
Salem. While here, he served as Judge Advocate, hearing
many important causes.
In the early summer of 1862, he was taken sick with camp
fever, and resigned. But his respite from army service was
short, for he had hardly recovered from his illness, ere another
call was made for troops, and again he volunteered. He was
commissioned as Captain of Company I, and upon the organiza
tion of the regiment, was made a Major. Scarcely in the ser
vice, he encountered the ordeal of Perryville, where he was sup
posed to be mortally wounded, but a tough constitution enabled
him to withstand the blow, and in August, 1863, he rejoined the
command. His services through the war have been fully de
scribed in the preceding pages. Suffice it to say, he was in
every battle fought by the 'regiment, from the time he rejoined
it until its muster-out, save that of Culp's Farm, and, during a
greater part of the Atlanta campaign, he was in command of the
Eightieth Illinois. The record of his gallantry is that of nearly
every battle fought in the Department of the Cumberland.
Colonel Kilgour is a very tall man, a brave and kind-hearted
soldier. He is genial yet eccentric in his manners. He is lately
married, and lives upon a fine homestead in Sterling, Illinois,
with his mother and sister. He keeps open house, and all are
welcome. Of a highly sociable disposition, he enjoys most heart
ily a good story, a good joke, and a good laugh. He was ever
the friend of his soldiers, and greatly enjoyed their esteem. He
has now resumed the practice of his profession, and quietly moves
in the social circles of life.
Major and Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel James A. Watson
was born in the State of New York, on the 21st of April, 1815.
He was a farmer's boy, and worked at home until eighteen years
of age. He then learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade. He
then went to Canada, where he remained for six years, witness
ing many important scenes in the Canadian Rebellion. While
here, he contracted for and built many of the bridges across the
Welland Canal. Leaving Canada in 1838, he proceeded to Mich
igan, and worked at his trade. In 1843, he removed to Illinois,
and for three years was engaged in constructing bridges on the

216 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
Illinois and Michigan canal. Afterwards, he secured the first
contract for bridging on the old Galena road, when that was
building. This completed, he entered into a contract with the
Illinois Central Road, for eight miles of grading, running south
from Dixon, on Rock River. When the Seventy-fifth Illinois
was raised, he recruited Company A, and was commissioned Cap
tain. When Kilgour was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, he suc
ceeded him as Major. He was ever active, and ready for duty —
brave as a lion, scorning danger. At Smyrna Camp Ground —
or Culp's Farm, as it is called by some — he commanded the regi
ment, and won encomiums of praise for his skill and bravery.
He built several bridges during the campaigns of the army, men
tion of which is made in the preceding pages.
Major Watson is no scholar, but a thoroughly practical man.
He is rough and open-spoken, never mincing his words, but talks
directly and plainly. He is nothing of a tactician, but an earnest,
go-ahead fighter. If a duty was to be performed, no matter how
dangerous, he sought to accomplish it. He was liked much by
the soldiers, was always one with them, and put his own hand to
any work with which he had to do. The boys of the old Third
Brigade will never forget him.
Major George W. Phillips was born in the township of Adams,
Berkshire County, Mass., on the 5th of November, 1821.
His ancestors are of English stock, and settled in Rhode
Island. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revo
lution. His parents removed to Illinois in 1841, when George
was twenty years of age. He studied medicine with Dr. G. W.
Richards, of St. Charles, Illinois, an able and accomplished phys
ician and surgeon, and Professor of Theory and Practice in the
Medical Department of the La Porte University, Indiana, at
which institution Phillips graduated in the class of 1846-7.
He settled in practice in Wisconsin, but in 1850 went to Cali
fornia to seek a better field for a fortune. In 1854 he returned,
and settled in Dixon, Illinois, where he has since resided. In
1859 he received the prize offered by the Illinois State Medical
Society, for the best Essay, subject to be chosen by the writer.
The Essay submitted was, " On the Effect of Climate on Tuber
culous Disease."
Upon the organization of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, he was
commissioned surgeon, dating the 18th of September, 1862. At
Perryville he was appointed Brigade Surgeon, which position he
held until his resignation, for physical disability, on the 10th of
May, 1863. Major-General Jeff. C. Davis indorsed upon his
resignation papers a flattering testimonial to his worth as a med
ical officer. At Perryville and Stone River he was selected by

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 217
the Medical Director to perform the operations in one of the field
hospitals. When, in 1S64, the call was made for One Hundred Day
troops, he re-entered the service as Surgeon of the One Hundred
and Fortieth Illinois. Arriving at Memphis, he was again
appointed Brigade Surgeon, and was in the battle of Memphis
on the 21st of August, 1864, when Forrest made his famous dash
into that city. Here he lost a favorite horse, one which had
accompanied him previously. His regiment was mustered out
of service on the 29th of October, 1864, when he resumed his
practice in Dixon.
Dr. Phillips is a very able physician, and a fine surgeon. He
is a thoroughly conscientious man, and as an officer, did his duty
faithfully and impartially. His skill saved many an arm and
limb ; and many a soldier holds him in grateful remembrance.
Few surgeons acquired a more brilliant reputation for ability and
faithfulness than he.
I can not but mention, in this connection, the services ren
dered by Dr. Abbott, of Dixon, Illinois. Surgeon of the Eightieth
Illinois, who, during the summer of 1863 — his own regiment hav
ing been captured in Streight's raid into Georgia — served as Sur
geon ofthe Seventy-fifth Illinois, working zealously and well.
He, too, is distinguished for his surgical knowledge ; and at Mis
sionary Ridge performed some wonderful experiments. He is an
ornament to the profession.
John C. Corbus, of Brooklyn, Lee County, came out as First
Assistant Surgeon, appointed September 2d, 1862; resigned
from ill health, June 19, 1863. While on duty at a hospital on
the Stone River battle field, he was taken prisoner, but was re
leased after a few days.
Henry Utley, of Como, Whiteside County, came out with the
regiment as Second Assistant Surgeon, appointed September 18,
1862. Immediately after the Perryville battle, he was put in
charge of wounded who could not be removed from that vicinity,
and was kept there until he resigned, December 10, 1862, for
physical disability.
Chesselden Fisher, of Freeport, Lee County, was Assistant
Surgeon in the Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry ; was
appointed Surgeon of the Seventy-fifth, August 1, 1863. He
resigned Nov. 22, 1864.
Octave P. F. Ravenot, a native of Paris, France, and a resident
of Chicago, Cook County, was appointed First Assistant Sur-

218 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
geon, November 14, 1863, and promoted to Surgeon of the Sev
enty-Fifth Illinois, in place of Chesselden Fisher, February
23, 1865. On the 25th of February, 1864, he was sent to look
after a soldier, who was wounded the previous day, .and who was
necessarily left on the withdrawal of the troops from Buzzard's
Roost during the night of the 25th. On his return to camp near
Ringgold, he fell in with Wheeler's cavalry forces, by whom he
was taken prisoner, and was sent to different Southern prisons —
Dalton, Atlanta, Andersonville, Macon, Savannah, and Rich
mond, and returned to the regiment, September 13, 1864, at
Atlanta. Except the time passed in his captivity, he has been
with the regiment — close with it — in the different battles and
engagements. William F. Corbus, of Brooklyn, Lee County, came out as Hos
pital Steward with the regiment, and was faithfully on duty
during the entire term of service, except a brief interval from
sickness, at Nashville, in 1864.
Orlando L. French was born on the 8th of June, 1829, in
Bridgewater, Vermont. He learned the cabinet maker's trade,
and worked at it for several years in the East. In 1851 he re
moved to Dixon, Illinois. He subsequently went to Minnesota,
but returned to Illinois in 1854. He enlisted as a private in the
Seventy-fifth Illinois, and was appointed Quartermaster Ser
geant. On the 3rd of May, 1863, he was commissioned Adju
tant. He made a brave and efficient officer, and served with
credit in every battle fought by the regiment, save that of Per
ryville. John Remington is a resident of Dixon, Illinois. He was com
missioned regimental Quartermaster, and in the winter of 1862, or
spring of 1863, he was appointed Division Quartermaster, on the
Staff of Major-General Jeff. C. Davis, and afterwards was com
missioned Captain and A. Q. M. In the spring of 1864, he was
commissioned Quartermaster of Volunteers, with the rank of
Lieutenant-Colonel. In January, 1865, he resigned and returned
to his home. He was an efficient officer, active and energetic,
and much of the time was entrusted with Government property
amounting to millions of dollars.
James Reed is also from Dixon, and enlisted as a private in
Company A. He was soon after detailed as Quartermaster's
clerk ; and subsequent to Remington being commissioned as Cap
tain, he was made regimental Quartermaster. He was a pru-

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.)1 219
dent careful officer, closely attentive to his business, and contin
ued in the position to the end.
Ezekiel Giles is a shoe-maker, in Dixon, Illinois. He was
originally a Lieutenant, but on the 20th of December, 1862, was
promoted Captain, wee Watson, Major. He resigned on the 23rd
of May, 1863.
"William Parker is a printer by trade, and for many years has
had charge of printing establishments. When enlisting Com
pany A, he was connected with the Dixon " Republican and Tel
egraph." He was ever brave, and one of the free and easy offi
cers of the regiment. He was an excellent soldier, companion
able, and at all times ready for adventure.
Frederick 0. Headley is a shoe-maker by trade, and resided
in Dixon, Illinois. He entered the service as Orderly Sergeant,
but on the 20th of December, 1863, was promoted a Lieutenant.
He was on detached duty for some time ; but mustered out with
the regiment.
George W. Putnam is a farmer's son, and resides near Dixon.
He enlisted as a Corporal in Company A, but finally reached the
rank of Orderly Sergeant. He was a most faithful soldier, and
I feel it proper, and but justice, to mention him in this connec
tion. He well merited, although he never received, a commission.
True and tried, firm in principle, and highly moral, he was a fit
example for the imitation of those who, alas ! became recreant to
the principles of their manhood, and forgot them in the soldier.
Captain Charles R. Richards was born in Lennox, Madison
County, N. Y., on the 3rd day of April, 1824. When fifteen
years of age, he moved to Ohio, where he lived eleven years,
married, and was a mechanic by trade. He moved to Lyndon,
Illinois, in the fall of 1850. Enlisted in Company B, Seventy-
fifth Illinois. He was a most worthy officer.
Second Lieutenant Elisha Bull was born in Erie County, N.
Y., in 1828. Lived at Lyndon, Illinois, when the Seventy-fifth
was organized. Enlisted in 1861, in the Thirty-third Illinois.
Was discharged as a musician of that regiment under orders of
the War Department, mustering out regimental bands. Was at
home but one week, when he re-enlisted in Company B, Seventy-
fifth Illinois. After the battle of Nashville, Tenn., he was
detailed in command of brigade ambulance train. He was a
faithful officer, and liked much by the men.

220 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
First Lieutenant Earnest Altman, a German by birth, was a
merchant in Morrison. He was afterwards promoted to Captain.
He was wounded at Lancaster, Ky., Oct. 14, 1862, and resigned
Feb. 1, 1863. This wound was the cause of his resignation.
He was an upright man, and showed great heroism for the time
he was in the service.
George W. Shaw was born in Rome, N. Y., on the 12th of
December, 1835, and was by profession a civil engineer. Moved
West in 1857, and settled in Prophetstown, Whiteside County,
Illinois. Became a druggist, and afterwards County Surveyor,
which position he still held when he went into the army. He
was detached on the 17th of January, 1863, by order of Colonel P.
Sidney Post, as Topographical Engineer. Upon the reorganiza
tion of the Corps, Oct. 10, 1863, he was returned to his com
pany. He was detached a second time, Nov. 4th, 1863, as Topo-
grophical Engineer, by order of General William Grose. Re
mained in that position until Oct. 27, 1864. He was as brave as
the bravest.
Prentiss S. Bannister is the son of an honest, intelligent
farmer, and was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. Moved
West, and settled with his father's family at Union Grove,
Whiteside County, Illinois. He was promoted from a Sergeant
to a First Lieutenant, and was a fine officer:
The memoranda for the sketches of Captain Frank' Bingham,
and Lieutenant Henry Parrott, of Company C, are mislaid.
The former came out as a Sergeant, and won his promotion by
faithful service. He was appointed to the position of Acting
Assistant Adjutant-General on the Staff of General William
Grose. Upon the muster-out of the regiment, he was relieved,
and General Grose addressed him the following letter :
Headquarters Third Brig., First Drv., Fourth A C, |
Near Nashville, Tenn., June 11, 1865. j
Special Orders, No. 48.
Captain Frank Bingham, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General of this
Brigade, his term of service being about to expire, is hereby relieved.
It is proper to notice that for the Captain's long and efficient service
in this capacity, he deserves well of his country. Brave, competent, and
ever ready for duty— gallant comrade, good-bye.
WILLIAM GROSE,
To Brigadier-General Vols., Comd'ng.
Capt. Frank Bingham, )
Seventy -fifth Illinois Vols, j

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 221
The latter was for some time a Sergeant, but was promoted
Second Lieutenant on the 6th of May, 1863. During the Atlanta
campaign, he had charge of the brigade ambulance train, and dis
tinguished himself for his daring on the battle-field. At the time
of the Nashville battle, he was aid-de-camp to General Grose,
and was severely wounded. He retained this position until mus
tered out. He was fearless, even to recklessness, kind hearted,
genial, and companionable ; esteemed by all, and a great favorite
with all his regiment.
A. McMoore was born in Cumberland County, Pa., in 1819,
and was a house joiner by trade. He settled in Illinois in 1837.
Enrolled for service July 28, 1862. His residence is Sterling,
Illinois, and at the time of his enlistment he was a dry goods
merchant. He was taken prisoner at Stone River, Dec. 31st,
1862, and enjoyed the hospitality of the. military prison in
Atlanta, and afterwards, that of Libby Prison, Richmond, where
he remained until March 30th, 1863. He was exchanged May
17th, and rejoined the command June 8th, 1863. He was a
good officer, but a strict disciplinarian ; and near the end of the
war was brevetted Major.
First Lieutenant Joseph E.Cobbey was born in 1824, in Miami
County, Ohio. He did nothing to distinguish himself, and the
record specifies that he resigned for the good of the service.
Edward H. Barber was born in 1827, in Vermont. He was
engaged in farming when he entered the service. He was
wounded at Perryville, and resigned in consequence. He was a
true soldier.
Lieutenant F. A. Caughey, was born 1839, in Lancaster
County, Pa., settled in Illinois in 1859, and was butchering when
be entered the service. Was mustered, September 2d, as Sergeant,
promoted successively to First Sergeant, Second' Lieutenant, and
First Lieutenant, and was for some time A. A. Q. M., Ord
nance train, First Division, Fourth Corps.
Lieutenant Richard L. Mangum, born in Philadelphia, Pa.,
1820, stone mason by trade. Mustered in Corporal, promoted
to Sergeant, then to First Sergeant, and again to Second Lieu
tenant, May 22nd, 1863. Wounded June 4th, 1864, and resigned
January 4th, 1865.
William S. Frost is a farmer of Lee County, Illinois, and by
his experience in California, and elsewhere, was well calculated

222 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
to deal with men. A wound at Perryville disabled him tempo
rarily ; and another, before Atlanta, becoming infected with gan
grene, rendered him unfit for the field, and led to his honorable
discharge on the 23rd of January, 1865. He was highly
esteemed in the command for bravery and faithfulness in duty.
Franklin H. Eels is a harness maker, in Sublette. His first
encounter with the enemy cost him his life. A rebel bullet
pierced his forehead, while bravely doing his duty at Perryville,
having already shown strong characteristics for a good officer.
James H. Blodgett is a teacher, from Amboy, Illinois. He
was temporarily disabled by a wound at Perryville, and was
again wounded and taken prisoner at Stone River. Unable to
procure leave of absence at times, and unwilling to leave the
command at certain other times, favored in his own health and
that of his family, he was never away from his company except
by wounds and imprisonment. He had the honor of leading sev
eral skirmish charges on the enemy's lines, and was brilliantly
successful. He looked after the interests of his men with care,
and was an officer of high moral character. He rose from a Sec
ond Lieutenancy to a Captaincy.
James Hill, Sergeant in Company E, is a shoemaker from
Lee Centre. He was taken prisoner at Stone River. His im
prisonment resulted in sickness, and he was discharged. Mean
while, a commission was received for him at the regiment, as
Second Lieutenant, but he never accepted it.
James Dexter entered the service as a Sergeant, and was suc
cessively promoted to a Second and First Lieutenancy. He is a
well-to-do farmer in Sublette, and has a strongly marked charac
ter for earnestness, and was a most gallant and worthy officer.
He received a wound at Perryville, which disabled him for
months. For some months he was in command of the Pioneers.
Truer soldier never marched to the field.
James McCord was born in Nawtawnards, in the County Down,
Ireland, on the 28th of January, 1820. He came to this conti
nent in 1842, and settled in Canada West. He moved to Wis
consin in 1845, and afterwards to Illinois. He is a carpenter
and joiner by trade, and enlisted as a Sergeant of Company F,
Seventy-fifth Illinois. He was promoted to First Lieutenant,
and finally to a Captaincy ; and was in every battle and skirmish
in which the regiment was engaged.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 223
James D. Place was born in Ackworth, N. H., on the 17th of
August, 1830. He came to Illinois in 1853. He is a railroad
engineer and enlisted as a Sergeant. On the 15th of August,
1863, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant ; but the com
pany not being up to the maximum number of men required, he
was never mustered. He was a good soldier, and missed no en
gagement save Nashville, and then he was sick in hospital.
Captain Joseph Williams was a grain merchant of Franklin
Grove. He was taken sick soon after entering the service, and
resigned in December, 1862.
First Lieutenant David Sanford, afterwards promoted Cap
tain, was a teacher in Carthage, Ogle County. Was taken sick
from the exposures after the Stone River battle, and resigned in
May, 1863.
Second Lieutenant Robert L. Irwin received two wounds
from buckshot, and one from a minie ball, at Perryville — the lat
ter quite serious, and leading to his resignation in April, 1863.
Previous to this he had been commissioned as First Lieutenant,
but had not been mustered as such. After his return home, Dr.
Brainard, of Chicago, took out part of the hip bone, and his situ
ation, for two months, was very precarious. His health, after
this, became firm again, and in the latter part of 1863, he engaged
in recruiting for this regiment. In February, 1864, he reported
for duty, with thirty-seven recruits, and soon after was commis
sioned Captain of Company G. At the battle of Nashville, Dec.
16, 1864, as the regiment charged the rebel rifle pits, he was
struck down by a musket ball, but it proved a severe rather than
a dangerous wound, and caused but a short absence from duty.
The recruiting done by Captain Irwin was the only special effort
to obtain recruits for this regiment. He was a most competent
and worthy officer, beloved by all who knew him.
Sergeant William Vance, promoted to First Sergeant, then to
Second Lieutenant, and again to First Lieutenant, was in com
mand of the Company most of the time from April, 1863, to the
muster of Robert L. Irwin as Captain. He was sent to Chatta
nooga for additional transportation soon after the occupation of
Atlanta, and performed the duty so much to the satisfaction of
the Quartermaster's Department, that he was permanently de
tailed for duty with the trains on his return, and remained there
ever after.
Samuel Bejider, successively private, Corporal, and Sergeant,

224 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
was never absent from his command for a single night in the
whole term of service.
John L. Newton was born in Morgan County, Ohio. At twenty
he came to Illinois. Enlisted as a Corporal in Company H, and
was promoted, during the war, to a First Lieutenancy. He
was some time in command of the Pioneer Company, and finally
in charge of the Division Ordnance Train. He executed his
duties promptly and well.
Robert Hall was a resident of Whiteside County, Illinois, and
upon the outbreak of the war, enlisted as a private in the
Twelfth Illinois, and at Fort Donelson was badly wounded, a
ball entering the right shoulder and lodging just above the right
lung. It frequently gave him trouble afterwards. He came out
in Company I as a First Lieutenant, but upon the organization
of the regiment, was commissioned Captain, Kilgore being pro
moted to Major.
His career is so thoroughly portrayed in this book, that it
needs no comment here. And his glorious fall at Culp's Farm
on that immortal day, the 4th of July, 1864, crowns him as a
hero ever more.
He was tall and commanding in appearance, with features
depicting nature's true nobleness. He was kind of heart, genial
in manners, a friend to all who deserved well, and loved by all.
He possessed no education, save that acquired by contact with
the world ; but in that was eminently sound and practical. He
was as brave a soldier as ever drew a sword in our country's
defence, and his whole soul was in our cause. His death was
much lamented in the army, and at home. A monument worthy
tho patriotism of Whiteside County should be erected over his
grave, and her citizens will prove recreant to the memory due an
illustrious martyr in their cause, if they fail to do it.
Lee County forgets her dead, and the graves of the noble
Levanway and Stevens, who fell in the forefront of battle at
Shiloh, still lie unmarked by monumental slab or shaft, a
burning stigma upon its citizens and his friends.
Amos B. Segur was born at Rumford, Oxford Co., Maine, on
the 5th of March, 1820. He is a painter by trade, and enlisted
in Company I as Sergeant. On the 22d of March, 1863, he was
commissioned Second Lieutenant, and upon the death of Captain
Hale,«he was promoted Captain. He is an unpretending man,
fully up to his duties, and ever ready to perform them.
Ezekiel I. Kilgour was the third son of Colonel E. Kilgour,
and was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylfania. Moved

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 225
with his father to Whiteside County, Illinois, in 1836. He was
a Republican in politics, in religion an Old School Presbyterian,
and a farmer by occupation. He volunteered as a private in
Company I, and assisted materially in raising and recruiting it.
He was appointed Sergeant, and promoted to Second Lieutenant.
Distinguished himself by heroic bravery at Perryville ; afterwards
was taken sick, caused by exposure in the service, and died at
Nashville, Tenn., on Christmas evening, A. D. 1862. His re
mains were taken to his home at Sterling, Illinois. He entered
hopeful of seeing this war ended, and the Union restored ; but
died ere the great iron wheel had performed a single revolution.
Lewis E. Chubbuck was born August 2d, 1838, at Royalton,
Niagara County, N.Y. He lived with his parents until seven
teen years of age, and then engaged in teaching a district school.
He continued to teach winters, and use the wages to attend
school. At the age of twenty engaged as a clerk at Medina,
N.Y., with a dry goods merchant. Not being suited with the
business, he accepted the appointment to fill a vacancy as student
at the State Normal School, at Albany, N.Y. Entered the
Sub-Senior Class ; commenced teaching again in the fall of 1860,
and the next spring went to Illinois. Was teaching at Erie
wheu he enlisted as private in Captain W. M. Kilgour's com
pany. Was at once detailed as clerk at Post Headquarters, and
upon the organization of the Seventy-Fifth Illinois, was de
tailed as clerk at Regimental Headquarters. On August 20th,
1863, was appointed Sergeant-Major. On August 4th, 1864,
received commission as First Lieutenant, Company I, and was im
mediately detailed as Acting- Adjutant. He was never absent
from the command for a single day, unless sent on duty. He
served in that position until November 20th, 1864. While
Sergeant-Major he did the duty of Adjutant without help,
during Sherman's campaign from Pine Mountain, June 11th,
1864, to Atlanta, July 25th, 1864. He was ever diligent and
competent for any trust.
Captain D. M. Roberts was born in Luzerne County, Pennsyl
vania, and moved to Wyoming, Illinois. At the time of organ
izing Company %K, he was a farmer and Justice of the Peace.
He was wounded at Perryville through the hips, and disabled
for further field duty. Returning, he was put on detached duty,
which position he ever after held in various departments.
William H. Thompson was born in Luzerne County, Pennsyl
vania. At the time of enlistment he lived in Viola. He was a
farmer, and was wounded at Perryville. Returned to duty, and
15

226 THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.
finally died of consumption. The regiment lost in him a good
man and soldier.
Isaac L. Hunt was born in China, Wyoming County, N. Y.
Moved west to Pawpaw, Illinois, in October, 1855. Was a
farmer by occupation. He came out as Second Lieutenant, and
was promoted to First Lieutenant. He was a fine officer, one of
the best in the regiment, and was so considered by all. He did
excellent service.

ORIGINAL ORGANIZATON
AKD SUBSEQUENT CHANGES IX THB
FIELD, STAFF, AND NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF:
Also— COMPANY OFFICERS.

FIELD AXD STAFF OFFICERS.

George Kyan  Colonel 
John E. Bennett'  Lieut. Col.

DATE
OF MUSTER.
Sep. 2, 1862.

BEMASKS.

Wm. M. Kilgour  Major 
George W. Phillips.... Surgeon 
John C. Corbus  Ass't Surg...
Henry Ftley  Ass't Surg...
Jerome W. Hollenbeck. Adjutant 
John Remington  Reg. Qr. M'r.
"William H. Smith  Chaplain . .
Chesselden Fisher  Surgeon . . .
Octave P. F. Ravenot.. Ass't Surg.

Sept. Sept.
Sept.Sept.

Sept. Aug.
Nov

Dec. 20, 186-2.
Prom. Colonel, Feb. 1, 1863; Brev. Brig.
Gen., April 5, 1S65.
" Prom. Lieut. Col., Feb. 3, 1368.
IS, " Resgd. May 16, 1S63.
2, " " Jan. 19,1863.
IS, " " Dec. 10, 1S(J'2.
2, " " Dec. 19, ISttt.
" Prom. Capt. and A. Q. M., Nov. 24,
1863 ; Lt. Col. and Q. M., — 1S64.
12, " Resgd. March 5, 1864.
1, 1S63. " Nov. 22, 1864.
14, *« Prom. Surgeon, Feb. 23, 1865.

NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.

Silas D. Frost  Sergt. Major. Sep. 2, 1S62. Prom. Captain, Aug
Coi. Infantry.
Orlando L. French.... Q. M. Sergt.. "
Wm. Parkhurst  Com. Sergt.. "
Wm. F. Corbus  Hoa. Steward. "
Hezekiah Stewart  Fife Major... "

,1863, iaU. S.,

Prom. Adjt., May 3, 1863.
Discharged.

James A. Watson  Captain .
Ezekiel Giles  1st Lieut
Wilham Parker  2d Lieut.
Fredk. C. Headley.... 1st Sergt
%
Alfred K. Buckaloo. . .. Sergeant
Horace Judson  "

Wm. J. Cogswell..
Joseph A. Hill 
John Williamson .
Lewis H. Burkett .
Edwin J. Jones.. .
Isaac E. Barr 

Corporal

George W. Putnam .
Ezra Cooper 

15

COMPANY A.
Sep. 2, 1S62. Prom. Maj., Dec. 20, 1S62.
" Prom. Capt., Dec. 20, 1S62 ; Resgd. May
2-3, '63.
" Prom. 1st Lieut., Dec. 20, 1S62 ; Prom.
Capt., June 19,1863.
" Prom. 2d Lieut., Dec. 20, 1S62 ; 1st
Lieut., June 19, lmiS.
" Prom. 2d Lieut., June 19, 1S63'; died
March 17, 1*64.
" Reduced, Oct. 26, 1S62 ; cause, detailed
aa saddler.
" Dischd., March S, 1863.
" Dischd. May 28, 1S63.
" Red. at his own request, Oct. 26, 1S62.
" Prom, to Sgt , May 28, lb(J3.
" Deserted Oct. 3, 1862.
" Reduced, detailed ; prom, ito Sgt.,Oct.
28, 18IW.
" Prom, to 1st 8gt., June 19, 1863.
" Prom, to Sgt.,Mayl, 1863; died Jan.
12, I860.

226

APPENDIX.

NAB

RANK .

David H. Wagner  Corporal
Anthony Zimmer  "
Adoniram J. Collins... "
George J. Messer  "
"Warren A. Howland .. "
Fred. A. Clark  "
John "Williamson  "
John Beal, Jr  "
Charles Ilaupt  "
Isaac E. Barr  "
Calvin DeFrain  "
William C. Moseley ... "
Gideon Purbaugh  "
James Reed  Private.
Christopher Wheeler . . "
Wm. Parkhust  "
Orlando L. French  "

DATE OF
COMMISSION OR REMARKS.
APPOINTMENT.
. Sep. 2, 1862. Prom. Sgt., May 1st, 1863.
. " " Reduced at his own request, Mayl,lS63.
. May 1,1863. Prom. Sgt., June 19, 1S68 ; commd. 2d
Lt. Col. Regt., Dec. 81, 1863.
. " " Prom, to Sergt., July 1st 1864.
. " " Prom. Sgt., Jan. 15, lSlio.
! " " Died in a Rebel Prison, Jan. 8, 1861.
'.June 19, 1863.
.Julyl, 1864.
.Jan. 15, 1865.
 Prom.lstLt.andR.Q.M.,Aug.l5,1864.
 " Asst. Surg., Sth Tenn. Cav., May
 22,1864.
 Prom. Q. M. Sergt., Sept. 2, 1862.

COMPANY B.

John Whallon  Captain . .
Albert M. Gillett  1st Leut.
James Bleau  2d'Lieut..
Charles R. Richards. . . 1st Sergt.

Elisha Bull  Sergeant . .
James McDearmon  ."
Joseph E. Case  "
Chauncey B. Hubbart. "
Alonzo Caday  1st Corporal
Wm. A. Slaymaker ... "
Chas. A. Sperry  "
Samuel J. Starr  "
Asaph C. Deming  "
George R. Adams .. ... "
Alonzo A. Higley  "
Oscar K. Hubbard  "
Samuel H. Eye  Sergeant . .
MiltonD. Strunk  "
Wallace W. Daniels. . . "
David Hillyer  "
Martin Barkman  Corporal .
Wallace W. Wilkins .. "
Levi Strunk  "

Sept. 2, 1862. Resgd. Feb. 22, 1863.
" Resgd. Feb. 25, 1863.
" Killed Oct. 8, 1862.
" " Prom. 1st Lt., Apr. 29, 1863; to Capt.,
June 29, 1864.
" " Prom. 2d. Lt., June 4, 1863.
" " Dischd. Dec. 22, 1862.
" " Dischd. Jan. 28, 1863.
" Dischd. March 26, 1863.
" " Dischd. Jan. IT, 1S63.
... " " Dischd. Dec. 5, 1862.
... " " Prom. Sergt., July 1, 1864; Trans, to
V. R. 0., Feb., 13,1865.
. .. " " Trans, to Invalid Corps
... " " Died June 20, 1868.
. .. " " Prom, to Sergt., July 1st, 1864.
. .. " " Died Oct. 15, 1862.
... " " Killed Oct. 8, 1862.
. . . May 1, 1863. Prom. 1st Sergt., June 4, '63.
... Jan. 1, 1S64.
 Trans, to Engineer Corps, July 2T, 1864.
...Aug. 1, 1868.
'.'.'. Julyl, 1864.

COMPANY C.

John E. Bennett  Captain . .
Ernest Altman  1st Lieut. ,

George R. Shaw  2d Lieut. . .
Thomas G. Bryant ... . 1st Sergt..
Henry C. Ranatt  Sergeant . .
Edward Taudemp  "
Irving W. Heathen ... . ,(
Preutis J. Bannister. . . '*
Samuel Roberts  Corporal . .

Stephen W. Smith .
Robert D. Talbot..
James L. Brackar.

John Weldon 
Alfred Pollard 
WiUiam H. Judd .

. Aug. 9, 1862.Prom. Lieut. Col., Sept. 2, 1862.
.. " " Prom. Capt., Sept. 2, 1862; resigned
Feb. 1st, 1863.
. " " Prom. 1st., Lieut., Sept. 2, 1862; Capt.
March 22, 1863.
. Aug. 15, 1862.Prom. 2nd Lieut., Mch. 22, 1863 ; Died
April 12, 1863. *
Prom. 2d Lieut., May 6, 1868.
Transf. to Invalid Corps, Aug. 1, 1863.
Died Feb. 22, 1S63.
Prom. 2d Lieut., Sept. 2, 1862; to 1st
Lieut., March 22, 1S63.
Prom. Sergt., Sept. 2, 1862; discharged
April 11, 1863.
Appointed 1st Sergt., Aug., 1864.
Appointed Sergt. , May 5, 1863.
Appointed 1st Sergt., May 5, 1863; Ser
geant Major, Aug. 4, 1864.
Appointed Sergt., Sept. 1, 1863.
Appointed Sergt., May 1, 1863.
Transf. to Invalid Corps, Aug. 15, 1864.

APPENDIX.

227

Albert H. Brace  Corporal
L. Edson Bacon  "
William M. Lane  "
Lyman D. Chase  Corporal
Oscar A. Seely  "
Burton F. Bosworth... "
Charles Lehun  "
Vivaldo Talcott  "
George W . Fairbanks . . ' '
Daniel W. Smith  "
James Leahy  "
George W. Fuller  "
Samuel Snyder  "
Charles Redford  Private. .
S. D. Roberts  "
J. M. De Groodt  "
A. McMoore  Captain.
J. E. Cobbey  1st Lieut.
E.H.Barber  2d Lieut.
Abner Miller  1st Sergt.
F. A. Caughey  Sergeant
M. L. France  "
J. M. Sterns  "
E. S. Harris  "
George Newton, Sen. . . Corporal
R. L. Mangan  "
Benjamin Cohenonr ... "
Henry McCartey  ,c
Daniel Aument  '*
Enoch Long  "
J. A. Ballou  "
Daniel Ingerham  "
William Emmett  "
Barney McGrady  "
John Stauffes  "
Joseph C. Journey  *'
Seth W. Coats  "
John W. Sheatfer  "
HughL. John  "
E. H. Scott  "
George Newton, Jr  "
C. R. Steadman  "
Ezra W. Arey  "
Leonard H. Richards.. "
Thomas Diller  "
Richard Arey  "
Patrick Daley  "

DATE OF
COMMISSION OR REMARKS.
APPOINTMENT. Aug. 15, lfiC2.Dlschd. April 20, 1964.
Sep. 2, 1862. Transf. to 1st D. S. Engineers.
Feb. 22, 1S68. Reduced at his own request. Nov.
Mar. 11,1S68. Killed at Smyrna camp ground. .
Nov. 7, 1863. Promoted Sergt., Aug. i.
July 1, 1864.
Aug. 80,1864.
Dec. 16, 1864.
Jan. 1, 1865.
 Prom. Q. M. Sergeant, May 4, 1S68.
 Prom. Drum-Major, June 1, 1868.
 Prom. Com. Sergeant, Nov. 1864.

COMPANY D.
. . Sep. 2, 1862. Resigned.
.. " " Resigned.'
. . *' " Resigned.
.. " " Died Sept. 30, 1862.
.. " " Promoted 2d Lieut., Jan. 2, 1S63 ; 1st
Lieut., April 17, 1863.
. . " " Discharged.
.. " " Transf. to Invalid Corps, July 1, 1863.
.. " " Prom., Dec. 15, 1862.
.. " " Prom., 1st Sergt, June 30, 1863; dis
charged April 4, 1S65.
.. " " Prom. 1st Sgt., AprilS, 1S62; 2d Lieut.,
April 17, 1863 ; resgd. Jan. 4, 1865.
.. " " Prom. Sergt., June 29, 1S68 ; reduced
Aug. 27, 1863.
tc It
'.'. " " Discharged May 6, 1863.
.. " " Color guard at Perryville; discharged
March 7, 1863.
.. " " Reduced by Court Martial, Dec, 1863.
' ' Discharged March 10, 1868.

Oct. 1,
Oct. 9, "
Nov. 22, "
Jan., 1863.
Mar., "
April, "

Aug., "
Nov.,Mar., 1864.
Jan. 1, 1865.
Feb. 1,1865.
.Apr. 4, 1S65.

COMPANY B.

Discharged March 14, 1868.
Promoted 1st Sergt, April 4, 1865.
Reduced by Court Martial, Feb.,
Promoted Sergt., Aug. 27, 1863.
Discharged August 10, 1863.
Promoted Sergt. June 1, 1863.
Reduced Jan. 1, 1865.
Promoted Sergt., Jan. 1, 1866.
Promoted Sergt., April 4th, 1S65.

1864.

William S. Frost  Captain .
Franklin H. Eels  1st Lieut
James H. Blodgett .... 2d Lieut.
James H. Barker  1st Sergt
Henry Hill, Jr  Sergeant
James Dexter  "
Cyrus W. Sawyer  "
Harlow E. Chadwick.. "
George W. Wheat  Corporal
Oliver A. Wood  "
Harrison Hale  "
Charles Stewart  "

Sep. 2, 1862. Diseh. on acct. of wounds, Jan. 23, 1865.
,f "" Killed Oct. 8, 1862.
Prom. 1st Lieut., Dec. 81, 1862 ; Capt.,
Jan. 31 1865.
Killed Oct. 8, 1862.
Discharged March 7, 1863.
Prom, to 1st Lieut. Jan. 81, 1S65.
Dischd. Dec. 11, '62.
Trans, to Ind. Corps, Sept. 1, 1863.
Missing since Oct. 8, '62.
Dischd. Jan. 8, 1863.
Prom, to Sergt. ; dischd. May 2, 1863.
Dischd. May 5, 1863.

228

APPENDIX.

NAMES .

RANK .

Aquilla Christopher. .. Corporal
Wm. H. Sawyer  "
JohnStiltz  "
John Snorer  "
Geo. T. Fessenden  ,(
Sylvester S. Nash. ... "
Jonathan F. Colwell. .. "
Isaac Vocum  "
George M. Houk  "
David D. Myers  "
August Degner  t(
John Nass  "
Wm. P. Packard  "
Myron J. Peterson .... "
Norman Jewett ....... "

DATE OF
COMMISSION OR REMARKS.
APPOINTMENT.
. Sept. 2, 1862. Prom, to Sergt. Feb. 8, 1868; dischd.
Feb. 14, 1865. •
. " " Dischd. May 5, 1863.

. Dec'6,
. Dec. 6, 1862.
, Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,

Deserted Feb. 23, 1S63.
Prom. Sergt., Julyl, 1863.
Died Apr. 7, 1808.
Prom. Sergt., Sept.l, 1S64.
Prom. 1st Sergt., Feb. 17, 1S65.

Julyl, 1S64. Prom, to Sergt., Feb. 15, 1S65.

...April 1,1565.

COMPANY P.

Addison S. Vorrey  Captain . .
James Tourtillott  1st Lieut..
Dennis Hannifin  2d Lieut. .
Benj. J. Warren .... .. 1st Sergt.
James McCord  Sergeant.
John Dolan  "
Sheppard Reynolds ... . ((
James D. Place  t(
William Armstrong . . . Corporal .
Emanuel Van Osdell... "
Elisha T. Tourtillott .. "
Charles R. Gregory .. . "
George W. Niver  ' '
Edwin E. Faunce  "
D. B. Walker  "
William Doran  ^
Hugh Carlile  "
John C. Harmon  "
George R. Loncks  I(
Aaron O'Neil  "
Earnest Warnick  "

Sep. 2, 1862. Died Aug. 13, 1S54.
" " Resigned Apr. 21, 1863.
" " do Apr. 21, 1863.

Au. 14, 1863.

Prom. 1st, Lieut., Aug. 15, 1S63; Capt.
Apr. 1, 1S65.
Dischd. Mch. 5, '63.
Dischd. Dec. 17, 1862.
Commissioned 2d Lieut., Aug. 15, 1863.
Dischd. Jan. 29, 1863.
Transfd. to U. S. Eng.Corps,July 27,'64.
Dischd. Aug. 3.,. 1868.
Transfd. to Invalid Corps, Nov. 1, 1863.
Prom. Sergt., Aug. 22, 1S68.
Prom. Sergt., Aug. 23, 1864.
Dischd. Jan. 12, 1863.
Deserted Oct. 19, 1862.

Aug. 1,1864.
Sep. 1, "

Prom. Sergt. Aug. 23, 1864.

Joseph Williams  r Captain . .
David Sanford  1st Lieut .

Robert L. Irwin  2d Lieut. .
Manly E. Brown  1st Sergt. .
Charles Twombley .... Sergeant .
Wm. Taylor  "
Wm. Vance  "
Joseph Mumma  "
Cornelius Brinkerhoff . . Corporal.
George W. Hittle  "
Joseph Winebranner . . "
Jonathan Shrock  "
Walter Gilbert  "
Caleb Forbes  "
William Shults  "
James Dysart  "
Daniel E . Spafford  Sergeant .
Brison Leonard  "
Robert L. Irwin  Captain . .
Samuel Bender  Corporal .
Geo. W . Carr  "
Addison A. Heckart... "

COMPANY G.
. . Sep. 2, 1862. Resgd. Dec. 19, 1862.
.. " " Prom. Capt. May 2 1863; resgd. June
13, 1863.
. " " Comd. 1st Lt. April 18, 1863 ; resgd. for
disability, April 29, 1863.
.. " " Killed at Perryville.
.. " " do do
.. " " Died Mch. 12, 186S.
.. " " Prom. 1st Sergt., Apr., 1863; to2dLt.,
May 2, 1868; 1st it., Apr. 11, 1864.
. . " " Transf. to V. R. Corps, Jan. 1, 1865.
.. " " do do Aug. 1, 1863.
.. " " Died Nov. 12, 1S62, of wound.
.. " " Dischd. Mch. 16, 1863.
.. " " Prom. 1st Sergt., May 3, 1863 ; dischd.
Apr. 6, 1863.
.. '• " Died Mch. 19, 1863.
. . " " Killed at Perryville.
.. '-' " Dis. Dec. 12, 1S62, left arm amputated.
. " " Dischd. Apr. 13, 1863 ; died soon after.
.. Ap. 27, 1863. Prom, to 1st Sergt., Apr. 6, 1864. -
.. Nov. 1, "
. . My. 20, 1864. His re-enlistment was as a private.
. . Nov. 1, 1868. Prom, to Sergt., July 1, 1864.
.. Julyl, 1864.

APPENDIX.

229

COMPANY H.

NAMES.

KA?

John G. Price  Captain .
J. W, R. Stambaugh .. 1st Lieut.
Abner R. Hurless  2d Lieut.
Frank Bingham  1st Sergt.
Alfred Cantelo  Sergeant
Seth Hawkins  "
JohnQ. Strape  "
Saml. Tracy  "
John L. Newton  Corporal
Oliver Osborn  "
Benj. F. Banning  "
Fred. Mitchel  "
F.L.Wolfe  "
Joseph Maiden  "
Joseph Bover  "
E. S. Webster 
John Yeager  1st Sergt.
Walter S. Angeli  Sergeant
D. S. Angeli  Corporal
James Morehead  "
Hezekiah Stewart  Private . .

DATE OF
COMMISSION OR
APPOINTMENT.

REMARKS.

Sep. 2, 1862. Resigned Fehy. 8, 1S63.
" " Pro. Capt. Feb. 8, 1868 ; trans, to Eng.
Corps, Feb. 1, 1S65.
" " Resigned April 22, 1S63.
" " Prom. 1st Lieut., Mch. 22, 1S68; Capt.
Feb. 2.1, 186.S.
" " Dischd. Feb. 25, 1S03.
" " Dischd. April 20, 1^03.
" " Died of wounds, Oct. 15, 1S62.
" " Dischd. Aug. 5, 1S63.
" " Prom. 2d Lieut., May 16, 1S68 ; 1st Lt.,
Mch 1, 1S65.
" " Prom. Sergt. Aug. 5, 1S04.
" " Reduced Oct. 8, 1863.
" " Prom. Sergt. Aug. 29, 1863.
" " Prom. 1st Sergt. Aug. 3, 1S64.
" " Deserted, Oct. 8, 1802.
" " Transf. to Co. A, Sept. 25, 1S62.
" " Dischd. Feb. 20, 1S68.
May 16, 1868. Died of wounds, Ang. 8, 1864.
Aug. 3, 1864.
Jan. 1, 1865.

Apptd. Fife Major, July 1, '.

COMPANY I.

Wm. M. Kilgour  Captain .
Robt. Hale  Captain.
Joel A. Fife  1st Lieut.
Ezekiel J. Kilgour ... 2d Lieut.
Amos B. Segur  1st Sergt.
Saml. Orcult  Sergeant
Augustus Johnson  "
James R. Montgomery. "
Edson W. Lyman  "
Martin L. Johnston. . . . Corporal
James H. Woodbum.. "
James W. Gordon  * '
Levi Moates  *'
Charles L. Marcellus. . "
Alvey Henson  "
Sylvester Chapman  "
Jacob Rhodehamel.. .. "
Benjamin W. Doty  *'
Cornelius C. Gerhart.. "
Edmund G. Lathrops .. "
David R. Moulton  . "
John Freck  "
David Bryson  ((
Daniel Schryver  "
Lewis E. Chulluck  Private..

Au. 13, 1S62. Prom. Maj., Sept. 2, 1864.
Sep. 2, " KiUed at Rutf Station, Ga., July 4, 1864.
'• " Trans, to V. R. Corps, Nov. 8, 1863.
" "" Died, Dec. 26, 1S02.
" " Prom. 2d Lt., Mch. 22, 1863 ; Capt.
Aug. 6,1864.
" " Appointed 1st sergt., Mch. 22, 1863.
tt a
" " Killed Oct. 8, 1862.
" " Hon. Dischd., Mch. 9, 1863.
" " Appointed Sergt., Mch. 1, 1863; killed
July 22, 1864.
" " Sergt. Oct. 8, 1862.
" " Reduced at his own request, Mch. 1, '64.
" " Appointed Sergt., May 1, 1863 ; reduc
ed Mch. 1, 1S64.
" " Transf. to V. R., Corps, Sept. 10, 1S64.
" " Dischd. Mch. 4, 1863.
'* " Transferred to V. R. Corps. •
" " Appointed Sergt., March 1, 1S64 ; killed
at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864.
Mar. 1, 1863. Sergt. July 1, 1864.
Feb. 1, ISM.
Mar. 1, " Sergt. 22, 1864.
July 1, "
July 22, '•
Nov. 1,

App. Sergt. Major, Aug. 20, 1863 ; 1st
Lieut., Aug. 4, 1864.

COMPANY K.

David M. Roberts. . .
Wnl. H. Thompson...

Captain . . .
1st Lieut. ..
2d Lieut . . .
1st Sergt..
Sergeant ..

. Sep. 2, 1862.

Berkley Gr. Barrett...

If if

Jonathan N. Hyde . . .

t( ((

Died, Feb. 25, 1804.
Prom. 1st Lieut. July 1, 1864.
Dischd. Nov. 18, 1862.
Prom. 1st Sergt., Dec. IS, 1862.
Reduced, cauBe long sickness.

230

APPENDIX.

NAMES . RANK .
James C. Howlett  "Sergeant...
Wm. Nettleton  Corporal . . .
John A. Hunt.  "
James H. Thompson. .. "
Joshua C. Wills  "
Walter V. Simons  "
Stephen A. Tan-  "
Edward J. Rice  "
John A. Shondy  "
De Witt J. Abrams  "
Wm. M. Atherton  "
JohnDilts  "
Orlando B. Jones  "
Merritt Nuller  "
Eben Backus  "

DATE OF
COMMISSION OR
APPOINTMENT.

REMARKS.

Sept. 2, 1862. Reduced, cause absence.
" Prom. Sergt., Dec. 18, 1862.
" " Dischd. Feb., 18.

Prom. Serg. , Jan. 1, 1864.
Dischd. Dec. 6, 1862.
do do
Prom. Sergt. Jan. 1, 1864.
Prom. Sept. 1, 1S64.
Prom. Jan. 1, 1864.
Prom. Jan. 1, 1864 ; reduced July 19,'64.
Prom. Jan. 1, 1864.
Prom. Dec. 18, 1S64.
Prom. Dec. IS, 1864; Dischd. Feb. 8;
1865.

REGISTER OF DEATHS.

COMPANY A.
Alfred K. Buekaloo, 2d Lieut, March 14, 1 64, chronic • diarrhoea ; Ezra
Cooper, Sergt., Jan. 12, '65, diarrhoea ; Privates — William Stackpole, Dec.
20, 62, died in Insane Asylum ; David Howard, Feb. 18, '63, chronic diar
rhoea ; Stephen R. Welshons, Feb. 26, '63, typhoid fever ; Alexander
Rosenbaum, May 23, '63, apoplexy while on picket ; Charles H. Mostetter,
Nov. 18, '63, chronic diarrhoea ; John R. Richards, Dec. 11, '63, chronic
diarrhoea; William H. Stewart, Dec. 30, '63, chronic diarrhoea; John A.
Cookson, Jan. 29, '64, of wounds received June 16, '64 ; Geo. H. Mclntire,
June 28, '64, chronic diarrhoea ; John Williamson, Corporal, Jan. 3, '64,
died in rebel prison ; Alexander Dorn, Private, Sep. 28, '64, died in rebel
prison. COMPANY B.
Killed in Action — Corporal Orson K. Hubbard, Oct. 8, '62 ; Privates —
Seymour Baker, Oct. 8, '62; Benjamin Chamberlin, Oct. 8, 62; John Early,
Oct. 8, '62; Oscar M. King, Oct. 8, '62; Robert Millier, Oct. 2, '62; Lyman
P. Shaw, Oct. 2, '62; Luman Wilder, July 20, '64; 2d Lieut. James Blean,
Oct. 8, '62.

Died of Wounds and Diseases — Corporals- — Asa C. Deming, disease, June
20, '63; Alonzo A. Higley, wounds, Oct. 15, '62. Privates — Prank Abner,
wounds, Nov. *?, '62; Silas C. Bessee, wounds, Nov. *!, 62; Levi Dummer,
disease, Jan. 17, '63; Emory. M. Deming, wounds, Jan. i, '63; David B.
Dumars, wounds, Sept. 2, 1864; Alonzo Gaylord, wounds, Oct. 14, '62;
Marion A. Holden, disease, Feb. 3, '63; Pascal Hawley, disease, Aug. 20,
'63; Henry Jones, disease, Dec. 19, '62; Wesley J. Pike, wounds, Oct. 15,
'62; John Pringle, disease, Dec. 6, '62; Robert K. Thompson, wounds, Nov.
5, '62; Azariah Wick, wounds, Sep. 20, '64.
COMPANY C.
George W. Oliver, died of wounds, Nov. 1, '62; David P.Perry, rubeola,
Jan. 2, '63; Warren Young, pneumonia, Jan. 26, '63; Irving W. Hanshaw,

APPENDIX, 231 »
apoplexy, Feb. 27, '63; Eobert Mathew, typhoid, April 11, '63; Lioutenant
Thomas G. Bryant, congestion, April 12, '63; Michael Mack, diarrhoea,
Sept. 16, '63; Wm. Trangor, Jr. (unknown), Dec. 28, '62; Wm. Tompkins,
diarrhoea, Dec. 7, '64; Wheeler Pratt, diarrhoea, Dec. 21, '64.
COMPANY D.
1st Sergt. Abner Miller, disease, Oct. 1, '62; Eugene L. Bessie, typhoid,
Nov. 8, '62; Harvey Brink, typhoid, Nov. 22, '62; AmosMcCarty, typhoid,
Jan. 2, '63; Wm. H. Tracy, typhoid, Jan. 11, '63; Theodore M. Aldridge,
heart, Jan. 18, '63; Harvey Mahan, diarrhoea, Feb. 2, '63; Daniel H. Miller,
diarrhoea, March 20, '63; John H. Hauver, diarrhoea, Nov. 18, '63; Jacob
Coughenour, wounds, Dec, 22, '62; Azariah Wicks, wounds, Sept, 20, '64.
COMPANY E.
. Privates — George Kramer, Dec. 25, '62, congestion of brain; John W.
McLain, Jan. 23, '63, rubeola and erysipelas; Edward S. Smith, April 27,
'63, not specified ; Joseph J. Hodges, Dec. 19, '62. t}rphoid fever; Corporal
Jonathan F. Colwell, April 7, '63, consumption; Privates — Eugene A. Chad
wick, Feb. 3, '63, not specified; Charles E. White, Aug. 16, '63, chronic
diarrhoea; Charles McLain, March 18, '64, typhoid fever; Thaddeus A.
Spafford, Oct. 14, '63, in rebel prison, unknown; Chauncey M. Sawyer,
Feb. 6, '64, small pox. COMPANY F.
Captain Addison S. Yorrey, erysipelas, Aug. 13, '64 ; Privates— Alonzo
E. Allen, disease of the lungs, Dec, '62; James Campbell, inflammation of
bowels, Feb. 9, '63; Geo. P. Nellis, bronchitis, Sept. 19, '64; John Kelly,
scurvy and droosy, Aug. 27, '64; Samuel Shore, congestion of lungs, Feb,
10, '63 ; John H. Spencer, pneumonia, April 17, '65.
COMPANY G.
Samuel Piper, Musician, Dec. 1, '62, Nashville, Tenn.; Privates' — Wm.
W. Clark, Feb. 16, '63, Nashville, Tenn., pneumonia; Redrick Taylor, Jan.
26, '63, bronchitis; Joseph Mersale, Feb. 28, '63, Murfreesboro, pneumonia;
Sergeant William Taylor, March 12, '63, Murfreesboro, pneumonia; Private
John Stevens, March 17, '63, Murfreesboro, pneumonia; Corporal Walter
Gilbert, March 19, '63, Nashville, small pox; Privates — Alexander Long,
April 15, '63, Murfreesboro, consumption; William Harvey, June 12, '63,
Murfreesboro, brain fever; Irvin W. Thomas, Feb. 21, '64, Nashville,
small pox; John Tobyne, Springfield, 111., small pox; Wm. A. Andrews,
Feb. 24, '64, Nashville, inflammation of lungs; Rush Smith, May 16, '64,
Nashville, pneumonia; Paul G. Wetzel, July 29, '64, Yinings, Ga., flux;
Alfred H. Yothers, Sept. 29, '64, Kingston, Ga., chronic diarrhoea; Reuben
Rowley, Feb. 9, '65, Memphis, Tenn., small pox.
COMPANY H.
John 0. Strate, wounds, Oct. 15, '62; Frank Ford, wounds, Oct. 30, '62;
Mathew Maiden, Oct. 28, '62; James Arnold, disease, date unknown; James
D. Cherry, wounds, date unknown; Milton C. Hicks, disease, Feb. 21, '63;
Cyrus Walker, disease, Feb. 2, '63; David Seitz, disease, March 1, '63;
Michael O. Kane, wounds, date unknown; Patrick Mailey, disease, Feb. 4,
'63; James Mailey, disease, Aug. 10, '63; Elijah Douglas, disease, date un
known; John Yeager, wounds, Aug. 3, '64.
COMPANY I.
James R. Montgomery, Sergeant, Oct. 8, '62, killed in battle of Perryville,
Ky. ; Privates — Washington J. Williams, Francis E. Brown, John Brubaker,
Oct. 8, '62, killed in battle of Perryville, Ky. ; Franklin Marcellus, Oct. 15,

232 APPENDIX.
'62, died of wounds received in battle of Perryville, thigh amputated;
Almon Baker and Charles W. Case, Nov. 12, '62, died of wounds received
in battle of Perryville; James L. Canfield, Dec. 10, '62, disease; Paschal
Hawley, Jan. 20, '63, measles; Alonzo P. Johnston, Jan. 26, '63, disease;
John W. Wjlson, Jan. 17, '63, disease; Samuel L. Martindale, Feb. 12, '63,
John F. McClery, Feb. 20, '63, disease; Charles A. Webb, Feb. 5, '63, dis
ease (small pox); William E. Stroud, April 17, '63, disease; Jacob Rhode-
hamel, Sergeant, May 14, '64, killed in action, battle of Resaca; Ephraim
Welden, Private, June 2, '64, killed in action, Kenesaw Mt., gun shot;
Martin L. Johnston, Sergeant, July 22, '64, killed on skirmish line by
shell from our own battery; Frivates — William Hampston, Sept. 2, '64,
killed in action at battle of Lovejoy's Station, (shell); Gilbert W. Jen
nings, Dec. 16, '64, killed in action battle of Nashville (gun shot); Sylvester
Chapman, Dec. 16, '64, killed in action battle of Nashville (shell); Ezekiel
I. Kilgour, 2d Lieut., Dec. 25, '62, died of disease (consumption); Robert
Hale, Captain, July 4th, '64, killed in action at Culp's Farm, Ga. , while on
duty as brig, officer of the day ; John Early, Oct. 8, '62, killed at Perryville.
COMPANY K.
Wm. H. Thompson, 1st Lieut, consumption, Feb. 25, '64; Joseph Miller,
wounds, Nov. 2, '62; Benjamin Kipp, heart disease, Dec. 17, '62; Wm. G.
Dean, wounds, Nov.. '62; Silas Pringle, wounds, Nov. '62; Jacob D. Fuller,
disease, Nov., '62; Wm. D. Baisley, rubeola, Jan. 18, '63; Fletcher Bickery,
typhoid, Aug. 18, '63; George Dormey, wounds, June 30, '64.

RECORD OF CASUALTIES
IN" THE SEVERAL . ENGAGEMENTS DURING- THREE YEARS OF SERVICE.

Battle of Perryville, Hyij., Oct. 8, 1863.
FIELD AND STAFF.
Wounded — Major William M. Kilgour.
COMPANY A.
Wounded— Privates Jos. B. Crawford and John R. Richards.
COMPANY B.
Killed — Lieut. James Blean ; Corporal Orson K. Hubbard ;
Privates Seymour Baker, Benjamin Chamberlain, John Early, 0.
M. King, Bobert Millier, L. P. Shaw. Wounded — Captam John.
Whallen ; Sergeants J. McDearman and J. B. Case ; Corporals
Alonzo A. Higley, Frank Abner, W. A. Slaymaker, and G. B.
Adams ; Privates Silas C. Bessee, A. Gaylord, W. J. Bike, B.
K. Thompson, Benj. P. Bessee, David B. Dumars, David Hous
ton, J. C. Mears, P. O'Hara, James Scott, Thomas McDonald,
John Pendleton, Thomas Brown, John Bacon, Henry Ege, E. J.
Garrison, and Henry Jones.

APPENDIX. 233
COMPANY C.
Killed — Privates Nathan Myers, William Grunderman, and
George S. Millins. Wounded — Sergeant I. W. Hanshaw ; Pri
vates Edward Cleveland, G. W. Oliver, A. A. Cass, S. C. Early,
J. S. Gillett, Seymour Harrison, Henry Leonard, Thomas Mason,
G. W. Oliver, H. P. Pistner, Peter Root, Miles F. Wooley.
COMPANY D.
Killed — Privates Henry Bowman and F. P. Meservey.
Wounded — Lieut. E. H. Barber ; Sergeant M. L. France ; Cor
poral Enoch Long ; Privates J. Coughenour, B. Goshen, H.
Kramer, I. Stater, Wm. Wiggins, and N. W. Darrow.
COMPANY E.
Killed — Lieut. F. H. Eels ; Sergeant J. L. Barker ; Privates
J. Akin, Ole C. B  , A. M. Gage, E. McKune, J. Wolcott,
S. J. Yeast. Wounded — Captain W. S. Frost ; Lieut. James
H. Blodgett ; Sergeants James Dexter, C. W. Sawyer ; Corpo
rals 0. I. Wood. H. Hale, J. Snover ; Privates Wm. Hickland,
G. H. Barker, E. Fisher, W. Hannon, S. Johnson, D. B. Long,
B. K. Mittan, C. Maes, N. Montgomery, M. J. Beterson, and
Francis Tracy. COMPANY p.
Wounded — Sergeant S. Eeynolds ; Corporals C. R. Gregory,
D. B. Walker ; Privates J. B. Aj^res, F. D. Brown, Dennis
Finn, P. Honan, W. F. Loucks, Charles Lambert, and Samuel
Stewart. COMPANY G.
Killed — Sergeant M. E. Brown ; Corporal C. Forbes ; Pri
vates Eathburn Bly, H. Frost, Tubal Keen, A. McNeal, A
Weaver, J. W. Warner, Marion Wade. Wounded — Lieut. Bob
ert L. Irwin ; Sergeant C. Twombley ; Corporal George Hittle
Brivates Isaac Wisler, Eben Fish, 0. Atwood, George Cable
Wm. Clark, C. Chromstar, J. Davis, P. Garrison, L. Hillery, A
A. Hechert, C. Powers, J. Sturdevant, I. Thomas, J. Taylor
A. N. Timothy, and Oswald Wetzel.
COMPANY H.
Killed — -Privates M. Heizer, C. Hollicher, H. Sheridan, T. 0.
Taylor, D. B. Ustick, and George Williams. Wounded — Ser
geant J. 0. Strate ; Corporal E. Webster ; Brivates F. Ford, M.
Maiden, J. D. Cherry, J. Hauprich, J. Morehead, H. Pickle, D.
Steele, P. Hoffman, A. Johnson, D. Bruce, Benjamin Corbin, R.
Chappel, M. 0. Kane> E. Landis, B. Mailey, and John Yeager.
COMPANY I.
Killed — Sergeant James R. Montgomery ; Brivates W. F.
Williams, F. E. Brown, J. Brubaker, John Early. Wounded —

234 APPENDIX.
Sergeant E. W. Lyman ; Privates F. Marcellus, A. Baker, Chas.
W. Case, A. McKenzie, C. W. Freeman, E. D. Welden, J.
Crane, and S. L. Martindale. COMPANY K.
Killed — Privates Z. Atherton and Geo. Brittain. Wounded —
Captain D. M. Boberts ; Lieut. W. H. Thompson ; Sergeants
F. Atherton, J. N. Hyde ; Corporals J. C. Wills, S. A. Farr, J.
A. Shoudy, E. J. Bice ; Privates J. L. Baisley, G. Beemer, W.
A. Conant, W. H. Christie, F. M. Case, W. Y. Dean, F. Dor
moy, George Dormoy, C. H. Golding, E. E. Hallenbeck, George
Hallehbeck, N. Halleck, H. Henrie, J. Miller, T. Spencer, Joseph
Miller, H. Merwin, J. N. Steen, S. Pringle, B. F. Eadley, C.
Sutton, and Franklin Harkins. •.
In a slight skirmish near Lancaster, Ky., October 14, 1862,
Captain E. A. Altman, of Company C-, was severely wounded—
the only one in the regiment.

Batae of Stone River, from, Dec. 26th, 1863, to Jan. 6th, 1863.
COMPANY A.
Wounded — Brivate A. J. Collins.
COMPANY B.
Wounded — Sergeant C. B. Hubbard.
company c.
Killed — Private Washington L. Woods. Wounded — Privates
H. M. Bunn, and G. W. Fuller. COMPANY D.
Wounded — Private Aurand Aurans.
company e.
Wounded — Lieutenant James H. Blodgett.
company p.
Wounded — Corporal E. T. Tourtillott; Private Samuel Shore.
company g.
Wounded — Privates John Kizer, E. J. Larry.
company h.
Wounded — Private James Morehead.
COMPANY I.
Wounded — Captain Eobert Hale ; Privates 0. Orcutt, J. Col
lins, W. Hampton, and August Quade.
Company K; none.

' APPENDIX. 235
During this battle, 21 officers and men were captured.
During the campaign of Chickamauga the Seventy-fifth Illi
nois lost, in prisoners, 8 men.

' Reconnoissance before Dalton, February 33d to 38th, 1864.-
FIELD AND STAFF.
Wounded — Major James A. Watson.
COMPANY A.
Wounded — Privates T. S. Caffrey, and Nicholas Mossholder.
company c.
Wounded — Privates 0. A. Seely, and Daniel W. Smith.
COMPANY H.
Wounded — Sergeant M. F. Wolf.
COMPANY K.
Wounded — Corporal James H. Thompson.

Rattles around Resaca, Ga., 3Tay 9th to 16th, 1864.
COMPANY A.
Wounded — Private Thomas Wood.
COMPANY I.
Wounded — Private Norman Brooks.
COMPANY K.
Wounded — Corporal 0. B. Jones ; Brivate J. Turk.

Battles around Cassville and Dallas, May 19th to 37th, 1864.
COMPANY D.
Wounded — Brivate Elisha Drew.
COMPANY E.
Wounded — Sergeant A. S. Christopher.

Battles around Dallas, June 1st to 5th, 1864.
COMPANY P.
Killed — Private Owen Doudel. COMPANY G.
Wounded — Private George Fill.

236 APPENDIX. COMPANY I.
Wounded — Private L. E. Matthews.

Pine Mountain, June 13th to 18th, 1864. "^
COMPANY A.
Wounded — Private J. N. Cookson.
COMPANY K.
Wounded — Privates Fred. Dormoy, and A. E. Fuller.

Battles around Kenesaw Mountain, June 19th to July 1st, 1864.
COMPANY A.
Wounded — Sergeant Lewis H. Burkitt ; Corporal W. A. How-
land ; Privates J. B. Crawford, A. Zimmer, Calvin DeFrain, and
J. L. Backus. COMPANY B.
Wounded — Private John Pendleton.
COMPANY D.
Wounded — Lieutenant E. L. Mangum.
COMPANY F.
Wounded — Private John Kelley.
COMPANY G.
Wounded — Private Charles C. Bowers.
COMPANY H.
Killed — Privates D. L. Pierce, and Joseph Hauprich. Wound
ed — Sergeant John Yeager ; Privates Charles Fox, and Jacob
Funt. COMPANY I.
Wounded — Private Justis M. Eeynolds.
COMPANY K.
Wounded — Private George Dormoy.

Battle of Gulp's Farm, Rough Station, or Smyrna Camp Ground,
July 3rd and 4th, 1864.
COMPANY C.
Killed — Corporal Lyman D. Chase.
COMPANY F.
Wounded — Privates Aaron O'Neal, Daniel Burns, and Joseph
Carr.

APPENDIX. 237

COMPANY H.
Wounded — Private Dennis Fletcher.
COMPANY I.
Killed — Captam Eobert Hale. Wounded — Private Charles
W. Freeman. COMPANY K.
Wounded — Sergeant J. N. Hyde ; Corporal G. W. Newton ;
Privates A. Wick and Silas Eichardson.

diawahoochie Heights, July 9, 1864.
COMPANY G.
Wounded — Private Charles S. Brunson.

Peach Tree Creek, July Wth to 33d, 1864.
COMPANY I.
Wounded — Brivate Eichard Trye.
COMPANY K.
Wounded — Private Marcus S. Plant.

Before Atlanta, from July 33d to August 38th, 1864.
COMPANY B.
Wounded — Private Jacob Howe, Aug. 15.
COMPANY E.
Wounded — Captain Wm. S. Frost, July 23 ; Private Fred.
Schleicht, Aug. 15. COMPANY p.
Wounded — Corporal Hugh Carlile, Aug. 22.
COMPANY G.
Wounded — Private Charles C. Bowers, Aug. 19.
COMPANY H.
Wounded — Private Stephen Thompson, Aug. 12.
COMPANY K.
Wounded- — Private Ira M. Baker, July 23.

Z,ovejoy's Station, September 3d, 1864.
COMPANY A.
Wounded — Privates Joseph Gruver, and Gideon Purbaugh.

238 APPENDIX. COMPANY C.
Wounded — Private William P. Squires.
COMPANY E.
Wounded — Lieut. James" H. Blodgett ; Corporal David D.
Myers. COMPANY F.
•Killed — Private John Murphy. COMPANY G.
Wounded — Sergeant A. J. Timothy.
COMPANY K.
Killed — Private Francis Mills. Wounded — Privates John E.
Ayler, Henry Pott, and Charles Hewitt,

Columbia, Tenn., November 35, 1864.
Wounded — Corporal W. P. Packard.

Nashville, Tenn., December 15 and 16, 1864.
COMPANY 0.
Wounded — Lieut. Henry Parrott ; Privates Byron Willilon,
and H. E. Talcott. COMPANY P.
Wounded — Private Thomas Haley.
COMPANY G.
Wounded — Lieut. Eobert L. Irwin ; Private Frank Whalen.

REGISTER OF DESERTERS.

Company A — Corpl. Edwin J. Jones, Oct. 3rd, 1862 ; Joseph
Cromwell, Oct. 3rd, 1862 ; Willis Fredenburg, Oct. 3rd, 1862 ;
Proctor D. Oaks, Oct. 3rd, 1862.
Company B — Daniel S. Baker, Nov., 1862 ; Levi J. Clark,
Oct. 4th, 1862; Daniel Houston, Oct., 1862; Gaylord M. Jen
nings, June, 1863.
Company C— Albert Barber, Aug. 20th, 1862 ; Wm. Barber,

APPENDIX. 239
Aug. 20th, 1862; Leonard Pratt, Oct. 27th, 1862; Joseph W.
Bump, Jan. 1st, 1863.
Company D — Dunlant Murry, Oct. 6th, 1862; James H.
Stewart, October 6th, 1862; Benjamin Coughenour, May, 1863.
Company E— Corpl. John Snover, Feb. 23rd, 1863; Wm.
Beaton, Dixon, 111., Sept. 26th, 1S62 ; Alexander Long, in the
field, Nov. 30th, 1862 ; Elias Fisher, Louisville, Ky.,Dee. 23rd,
1862 ; John Grunert, enlisted in 17th Illinois Cavalry while ex
changed prisoner from Perryville ; Dennis Carrol, Stone Biver,
Dec. 30th, 1862.
Company F — Corpl. Wm. Doran, Oct. 19th, 1862; James
O'Garr, Sept. 27th, 1862 ; Edwin Crimmins, Sept. 27th, 1862 ;
Wm. H. Stewart, Oct. 19th, 1862; James H. Stewart, Oct.
19th, 1862 ; Cornelius McFadden, Oct. 19th, 1862 ; Patrick Hol
land, Dec. 10th, 1862; Benj. F. Cammon, Jan. 8th, 1863;
Phillip McCormick, Feb. 10th, 1864.
Company G — Daniel E. Sheaslain, in the field, Dec. 10th,
1862 ; Eugene Sullivan, in the field, Dec. 10th, 1862; Morgan
Williams, in the field, Dec. 10th, 1862; John Berneter, Oct.,
1S61, from Louisville, Ky., paroled prisoner ; Peter Sower, Oct.
27th, 1864, from hospital, Jeffersonville, Ind.
Company H — Jacob D. Echelberger, Oct. 5th, 1862; Newton
Brown, Oct. 4th, 1862; Joseph Maiden, Oct. 8th, 1862; David
A. McBride, Jan. 20th, 1863 ; George H. Benham, Jan. 15th,
1863 ; Simon Eeynear, Sept. 1st, 1863 ; Augustus O. Clark,
April 30th, 1864.
Company I — August Quade, June 1st, 1863.
Company K—J. Poindexter, Sept., 1862; Frank Harkins,
Feb. 22d, 1863; James Hall, Oct. 26th, 1862; Menzo Coffin,
Dec. 4th, 1862.

240

APPENDIX.

A TABULAR HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION AND
DURING ITS PERIOD OF SERVICE IN

OFF10SES.

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THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS.

241

CHANGES IN THE SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS VOLS.,
THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES.

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Regimental and Company Records.
ERE AT A.
On Page 44, line 19, in place of " right," say " left."
On Page 68, line 19. After the name, "Geo. G. Messer," add, "and
Privates Joseph "Watson and John Catnaugh."
On Page 12, line first, " Gibbons" should be " Gibson's."
On Page 111, line IT. After the name, " George G. Messer," add, "and
Corporal "W. A. Howland ;" and in place of "a most trusty soldier," read
"trusty soldiers."
Page 139, 2d line. "One company" should read " one wing," as one-
half of the regiment was engaged iu the movement.
Page 163, line 12. For "Johnson," read "Johnston."
The name of Colonel Kilgour is misspelled " Kilgore," throughout the
book. Page 201. The copy of the Farewell Address given me 'Contains only
the names of three staff officers. The original one was signed by all. I
regret I do not remember the names of the Act. Asst. Quartermaster, Asst.
Com. Subsistence, and the Junior Act. Aid-de-Camp.
Page 91, line 10. I am informed that Lieutenant Colonel Kilgour was in
command the entire time of the march to Chattanooga. Colonel Post's re
port states that Colonel Bennett assumed command at this time. Probably
it is incorrect.

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