USA > Illinois > Complete history of the 46th regiment, Illinois volunteer infantry, a full and authentic account of the participation of the regiment in the battles, sieges, skirmishes and expeditions in which it was engaged > Part 1
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00824 1751
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/completehistory00jone
COMPLETE HISTORY
OF THE
46th REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
A full and Authentic Account of the Participation of the Regiment in the Battles, Sieges, Skirmishes and Expeditions in which it was Engaged.
Also a Complete Roster of the Regiment, together with Biographical Sketches, Photos of the Field and Staff Officers and Officers of the Several Companies, while serving in the 16th and 17th Army Corps Department of the Tennessee --- Also while serving in the 13th and 19th Corps Army of the Gulf.
Sketch of the Organization of the Grand Army of the Republic with biography and pictures of Dr. B. F. Stephenson and Chaplain W. J. Rutledge of 14th Ill. Inft .--- founders of the Organization. Giving biography and portrait of Gen. John A. Logan, who was second Commander-in-chief of the G. A. R., who, by order, set May 30th as time for observance in decorating the graves of the fallen heroes. Giving a complete record of the Reunions of the 46th Regiment up to the present time.
Short Stories as told by the Comrades. Pathetic, Laughable, Humorous and full of interest to every survivor of the War. .
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1757801
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F 8349 .155
Jones, Thomas B ] 1841-
Complete history of the 46th regiment, Illinois volun- teer infantry, a full and authentic account of the partici- pation of the regiment in the battles, sieges, skirmishes and expeditions in which it was engaged. Also a com- plete roster of the regiment, together with biographical sketches ... Sketch of the organization of the Grand army of the republic ... Giving a complete record of the" reunions of the 46th regiment up to the present time ... · Freeport, Ill., W. H. Wagner & sons, printers, 1907 1;
CHELF CARD
379, (5) p. ports., fold. map. 233cm.
Commenced by Gen. Benjamin Dornblaser; upon his death, the work was completed by Thomas B. Jones
1. Illinois infantry. 46th regt., 1861-1856. 2. U. S -Hist .- Civil war- Regimental histories- Ill. inf .- 46th. 3. Grand army of the blaser. Benjamin. 123.15
163606 republic. I. Dorn-
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Library of Congress .
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INTRODUCTORY
I
N the year 1890 Gen. Benjamin Dornblaser commenced to gather material and biographical matter of the officers and men of the 46th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with a view of writing a history, and drafting a plan, setting forth directions for the same. He collected many photographs and had written an outline of the causes of the war, and a few historical sketches of Companies E and F, in part. On account of the delay of comrades to respond, he failed to prosecute the inquiry further and for a few years the work was partly abandoned. At his death in 1905 the work was unfinished.
In August, 1906, the present writer, Lieut. T. B. Jones, wrote Mrs. Benj. Dornblaser, widow of the General, who expressed an earnest request to take up the work and complete the same. The plans and specifications were diligently prosecuted with a success far beyond my ex- pectations. The plan for a pictorial edition, with biographies of the mem- bers, met with fair success, after a long and tedious correspondence with the comrades and with many of the sons and daughters of the deceased officers.
The greatest problem has been to finance the cost of the work. During the Winter months of 1906 and the Spring of 1907, over 1500 letters were sent out, soliciting subscriptions and to obtain data and a true biography of those living and dead. Success has crowned my efforts. 1 sincerely hope and expect that this work may be satisfactory to all com- rades. The object was not, by General Dornblaser, nor by me, to make any money from the sale of the history, but rather that a work might be left to the comrades, their children and grandchildren and to the friends of the Regiment, telling of the organization of the different companies and of the long and hard service of the men composing the same. I am in- debted to the following persons for financial help --- Gen. Smith D. Atkins, Capts. W. W. Krape, Reitzell, Stewart, Dr. W. P. Naramore, Hon. F. O. Lowden, Hon. Homer Aspinwall, Mrs. Dr. DePuy and others. To the following for literary and financial help --- Mrs. Gen. B. Dorn- blaser, Mrs. Col. J. A. Davis, (now Mrs. Winship); to Capts. Lollar, of Olney and Cooper of Seward, Neb., who have excelled in furnishing in- formation and financial aid.
It is, therefore, to the memory of this noble band of nearly 2000 men who served so faithfully, and to the dead heroes who gave their lives, that this work is dedicated.
Trusting that it will meet with favor and approval,
THOMAS B. JONES, Lieut. Company B, Historian.
PHOTOUGORTHI
انا
GEORGE WASHINGTON the Father of his Country.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN the Saviour of his Country
RICHARD YATES War Governor of Illinois.
PLATE I
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PART I. HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
W HEN the active participants of the War of the Rebellion and their contemporaries have passed away, the causes which produced it must be sought for in history. The questions which will naturally present themselves to the reader of history will be, what was the occasion which necessitated the collection and calling into service the army of the Union ; why was it that immense armies were organized in separate sections of our own country and set in battle array against each other in deadly con- flict, a conflict which could no longer be repressed or avoided? Human slavery existed and was tolerated prior to the Declaration of Independence or of the Adoption of the Constitution, but only by State enactments was it given a legal status anywhere.
The Slave States had threatened disunion for many years, only await- ing a pretext to bring the conspiracy to destroy the Union to its culmina- tion. The election of President Abraham Lincoln furnished that pretext, but the overt act of treason was not committed until February, 1861. Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor was fired upon and at noon on the 13th day of that month, for the first time since the organization of our Govern- ment, our national ensign was struck to traitors.
The event found the Government and the loyal States unprepared for war. Although secession ordinances had before been passed by Southern States, although public property had been seized in violation of law, and strange colors displayed over our southern forts, although food and rein- forcements for the beleaguered garrison had been driven back to sea in January, yet our people could not easily realize that we were, indeed, in a state of civil war.
FIRST CALL FOR TROOPS.
On the evening of April 15, 1861, the following dispatch was received: "Washington, April 15, 1861. His excellency Richard Yates. Call made on you by tonight's mail for six regiments of militia for immediate service. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War."
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
The President on the same day issued his proclamation and, after stating that the laws of the United States were opposed and the execution thereof obstructed, called forth the militia of the several loyal States to the aggregate number of 75,000. The quota of Illinois was 225 officers and 4458 men, a total of 4683. A few miserable arms and accoutrements were scattered through the State. There were no available efficient militia companies in the State' and it was doubted whether there were thirty com- panies with any regular organizations.
It is true there were in our principal cities and towns several inde- · pendent militia companies, composed principally of active and enterprising young men, whose occasional meetings for drill were held more for exer- cise and amusement than from any sense of duty to the State. Many of these companies formed the nucleus of splendid companies which came promptly forward and rendered excellent service to their State and Coun- try. Fortunate, indeed, was it for the State and Nation that so true and loyal a man as Richard Yates was governor. He responded with such "zeal and promptness to this and all other calls which followed, that he merited and won the honored title "War Governor," bestowed upon him by a grateful people. In response to this call a prompt answer was received from every part of the State. In ten days over ten thousand had tendered their services and in addition to a part of the force sent to Cairo, more than the full quota was in camp at Springfield.
There were volunteers enough and a surplus on that eventful 19th day of April 1861, but the want of arms had become painful and alarming. It was on that day that Union soldiers from a sister State hastened to the defense of the national Capital. Here, in that din in the streets of Baltimore and on that day and following days, Gov. Yates' messenger, returning from the Capital and learning the canceled orders from the President to the com- manding officers at St. Louis for arms, was obliged to deny the principles of his manhood and aver disloyal sentiments, in order to escape the vengeance of an infuriated mob at that city. The State governments of Missouri, Ken- tucky and Tennessee were controlled by disloyal men, who insultingly re- fused to comply with the order of the President to furnish troops for the defense of the Union. On the contrary, they used all their power and in- fluence to incite rebellion, to furnish men, munitions and supplies for the enemy and, when driven from the State, entered the ranks of the con- federate army.
Even in this great State of Illinois the elements of treason appeared and by systematic organization gave aid and comfort to the enemy. In fact treason was rampant in all of the Southern States, in the large cities and even at the Capital of the Nation the lawful authority of the govern- ment was defied.
To make the situation still more serious and discouraging, the Union armies under the first call, crudely organized, undisciplined, indifferently
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
armed and commanded by officers with no military prestige or experience by which troops are inspired, suffered defeat in every important battle.
On the 21st of July, 1861, the memorable battle of Bull Run was fought and lost, and on the next day congress authorized the President to call into service 500,000 troops. On the 23d Gov. Yates tendered to the Secre- tary of War from Illinois thirteen additional regiments of infantry, three additional regiments of cavalry and one additional battalion of artillery, saying Illinois demands the right to do her full share in the work of pre- serving our glorious Union from assault of highhanded rebellion. This tender was promptly accepted by the secretary of war with words of ap- preciation for the patriotic spirit evidenced by this noble offer made in behalf of the loyal people of Illinois.
Under this authority and in response to this call the work of recruiting and organizing the several companies which constituted the 46th Volunteer Infantry was begun and at a time when the stimulus of Union victories won, the promise of support of families and of liberal bounties to be paid, were all lacking. Stephenson County was actively canvassed by patriotic men, headed by Hon. John H. Addams of Cedarville, then, a Senator in the Illinois State Legislature. Leaders were selected in various parts of the county to organize companies for active service. Public meetings were called, plans discussed, recruiting stations located and officers selected to receive, enroll and drill recruits, preparatory to going to the camp of in- structions or Camp Butler, Illinois.
RECRUITING THE 46TH REGIMENT.
Stephenson County at first started to recruit three companies, viz .: Co. A, Capt. John Musser of Orangeville, Co. B. Capt. John A. Davis at Rock Grove. and Co. C. Capt. Frederick Krumme of Freeport. Later Capt. Wm. Young recruited Co. G, and Capt. John M. McCracken Co. K; headquarters of both companies at Freeport. Ill. None of the above named officers were selected because of their military knowledge or experience. They were recognized as patriotic, zealous and influential citizens, who would inspire confidence and respect. Early in Sept. 1861 these five companies were so nearly recruited that they were ordered to rendezvous at Camp Butler, Illinois, to be organized as the 46th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, to be commanded by Col. John A. Davis. Rollen V. Ankeny was made Captain of Co. B, vice John A. Davis promoted. Co. F 46th Ill. Vol. Infantry, Capt. Thomas Wakefield, was recruited in Clay and Jasper counties, in Central Illinois, under difficulties which no other company of the Regiment encountered. So many of the people of these counties were opposed to the war that it was often dangerous to aver loyality to the Union and those
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
who enlisted to serve their country in Co. F, had no assurance of protection for members of their families and friends but to leave them to an un- certain fate. It was a severe test, the application of which brought out the highest type of patriotic effort which endured to the men of Co. F to the close of the war. After the assignment of Co. F to the Regiment at Camp Butler in Oct., 1861, there was an interval of more than sixty days in which no satisfactory results could be attained toward the final organi- zation of the Regiment. Six companies were ready for muster, but where the other four companies were to be had was a mystery. Independent companies, that appeared from time to time, were cagerly picked up to complete the organization of some regiment, which lacked but one com- pany to complete and send it to the front. Troops were urgently called for field service and unnecessary delay to respond to these calls could not be tolerated. Scattered fragments had to be brought together and or- ganized into complete regiments. Col. John Dement of Dixon, Lee County, Ill., had commenced the organization of the Dement Phalanx at Dixon and had men enough in camp to form four companies. These were or- ganized into companies D, I, HI and E, and consolidated with the six com- panies then at Camp Butler. The 46th Regiment Illinois Volunteer In- fantry was then, on the 28th day of December, 1861, fully organized under the command of Col. John A. Davis of Stephenson County, Illinois, who labored assiduously, while the Regiment was in camp of instructions, to bring it up to a high state of drill and discipline with very satisfactory re- sults. The services of Major F. A. Starring as drill master up to this time were invaluable, because of his military education and experience, together with his patience and skill in handling new recruits. A knowledge of military tactics and evolutions, well systemized commissary, quartermaster and medical departments are necessary, but arms and suitable ammunition are indispensible to the efficiency of an army. Two of the companies, A and B, were armed with Enfield rifles soon after going into camp. Harper Ferry muskets, buck and ball cartridges were issued to the other com- panies, late in January 1862. Thus armed and equipped the 46th was ready to go forth to battle for the cause of the Union.
THE RENDEZVOUS.
Space will not permit a lengthy record to the experiences in camp. We were put to drill at once, and toes and heels were soon sore from the treading of the men before and kicks of those behind, as we marched by file. by flank and in line. Not having any arms at first we held our hands at our sides, directing our mental faculties to the task of keeping our little fingers on the seams of our trouser legs and the more difficult requirements
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
of keeping step. As duty was then impressed upon us, the salvation of the Union seemed to depend on our fidelity in just covering the seams and keeping step with our front rank men or file leader, eyes fifteen paces to front on the ground. The men were a motley host, mostly between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five, full of animal life, light hearted, disposed to see fun in everything, and what witty things one did not think of some one else did. There were men of all trades and professions. There were athletes, who could "do" all the feats of the circus ring. There were clowns, too, full of a waggery that kept the camp in a roar. Tailors, bar- bers, expert clerks, to keep company records, teamsters, lumbermen, skilled with the axe; in short, the regiment could find in its ranks men adapted to any service, from running or repairing a locomotive to butchering an. ox. Only a few were slaves of drink. They became frequent tenants of the guard house and soon. in one way or another, got out of the service. Their pranks and stratagems to get liquor were many and witty; amusing to men and annoying to officers. One scape-grace would make shoulder straps out of orange peel, pin them on his coat and stride out of the guard house, past the innocent sentry with the consequential air of a Maj. General, only to turn up a little later roaring drunk in camp.
Life in camp was very regular. At five o'clock the reveille sounded and all must rise at once and bound from the little A tent in which six men slept in straw and blankets. As soon as straw and chaff could be combed from the hair and the soldier properly clad, the line was formed in each company street for roll call. A half hour was then spent in "policing" camp, that is, in cleaning up the streets, airing tents, blankets, etc. At half past six the companies formed to march to breakfast, each man armed with a knife, fork and tin cup. Thus they marched to the mess table, opened files to surround the table; the command "inward face" brought the com- pany in line of battle in front of rations. "Touch hats"-"Seats," was next ordered and executed. The rattle of knives, forks, cups and tin plates and the roar of a thousand voices calling in every key for "bread," "coffec," "water," presented a scene of very active service.
At half past seven a tap of the drum called for squad drill. For an hour squads of men, nearly all the regiment, marched, filed, faced, turned, doublequicked, invariably holding on to the seam of the trouser legs, and soon became familiar with the simple movements in the schools of the soldier. At nine the guard mount, a pompous ceremony in which the Sergeant-Major and Adjutant figured as great dignitaries. At eleven Battalion drill for an hour gave all an insight into how much our company commanders did not know about war. Then dinner and some lolling about in the heat of the day; but two o'clock found the battalion again formed and executing many movements, the command and exe- cutions of which are long since forgotten. We drilled in Hardee's tactics, then thought to be the perfection of simple direct evolution. We formed
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
line, advanced and retreated, changed front forward and to the rear. We marched in close column, formed square; we charged at double-quick and retreated slowly as if yielding the field inch by inch, and we kept the little finger on the seam of our trousers, though the sweat tickled our faces and the flies tortured our noses. A grateful country never fully appreci- ates the services and sufferings of the raw recruit. Company drill of one hour was one of the most important of all, for here the commanding of- ficers were supposed to impart to their men complete instructions, accord- ing to Hardee, in all the maneuvers in military instruction. This was not always done, for the officers, most of them, were only beginners in their military education, and, after they had acquired some knowledge, the putting into practice the different evolutions was in many cases a difficult task. Diligent application to this work, with the aid of a few instructors, soon gave them the necessary knowledge and with practice the most of them became well informed. Some of them made the best commanders of the army and made their mark in after-time in all the duties of army life.
Dress parade came off at five o'clock. The grand ceremonial of the day, described by one of the wags of the regiment as a-"hard job o' standing still." At six o'clock supper and then the play spell of the day. Usually a circus was organized and the athletes of the regiment vied with each other, while the wags made the welkin ring with their drolleries. As darkness stole on the noise subsided into a hum of conversation in the tents, or the singing of plaintive songs, for the hallowing influence of eve steals over the rough soldier as well as the sentimental poet.
At nine o'clock the tattoo was beaten, the evening roll called. then camp was in slumber. Boots and shoes for pillows, straw and a blanket, worse than a white horse in coat-shedding time, made us comfortable beds, whatever our opinion may have been of them in those days of our callow experience.
SICKNESS IN CAMP.
On account of changes from home life to that of camp and the inex- perience of young men to observe the laws of health and use moderation in all their daily customs of camp life, many took sick and soon the regi- mental hospital had its inmates. The first death in camp of the companies then in rendezvous was Joseph McGinnis, Co. B, Sept. 28, 1861. Measles made its appearance at Camp Butler some time early in the fall, and for lack of proper shelter much suffering was experienced. At the company roll call orders were given for all who in their past life had had the measles to step three paces to the front. Those who had them in their younger days promptly stepped out, bold and proud of their past ex- perience. The next order was. 'Orderly, take their names and make detail
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
from those to attend the measly sick.' All these fellows had their first experience as nurses in the regimental hospital, or at some private house outside the camp. Many and varied were their experiences during the long hours of the night, which led to many acquaintances of strangers and many pleasant memories afterward.
THE CHAPEL TENT.
Chaplain David Teed returned to Freeport some time in the fall and solicited donations for a chapel tent. The good people responded liberally and soon the big tent was sent to Camp Butler for the use and comfort of the members of the regiment. The inexperience of any of the boys or the chaplain in raising or handling so big a chapel tent was regretted, but the chaplain, with the instructions received, felt competent to try the erection of the same and called for volunteers to assist., The response was not adequate for the work and the Colonel sent a detail to assist the volunteers. The big circular tent was spread out flat on the ground, the center pole put in place and, while this was all being arranged, the chaplain discovered that one of the guy ropes had become tangled under the tent and he volunteered to crawl under and straighten it out; but the wags of the regiment took advantage of this opportunity to play leap frog over the chaplain while thus engaged. They looked around at each other with a merry twinkle in their eyes and then, with motions indicating their thoughts, without speaking a word, many were the heads nodding consent and away they started with their merry making at the chaplain's discomfort and an- noyance. Many forgot to make the leap hard enough to go beyond the concealed chaplain. The consequence was that quite a number remained on top of the good man, who was ruffled somewhat by their taking advantage of this position. After extricating himself and regaining the outside, the boys all stood erect, awaiting his next order. . One wag with his hands thrust deep in his trouser pockets said, "Chaplain, did you get the rope loosened?" "Why, yes, it's all right now, but I expected you fellows were going to crush me."-Now for the raising of the center pole-then the ropes were adjusted and ready hands with a pull all together soon had the tent raised. Again the sailor element had to make an exhibition. Hand over hand they went on the stout stay ropes to the very top. Sunday came. we all marched into our fine big tent and listened to the appeals of the chaplain to be not only good soldiers, but to recognize in the gospel of Christ our ideal, and of enlisting under the banner of the cross. Many good and comfortable services were held in the tent while at Camp Butler. The tent was capable of holding 1200 to 1500 men and weighed 1580 1bs., and cost $350. As no provisions were made by Uncle Sam for the trans- portation of chapel tents, it was shipped North by Chaplain Teed.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
PRESENTATION OF REGIMENTAL COLORS.
A little before 1 o'clock the 46th Regiment formed in line on the Regimental Parade Ground, headed by the band and soon after marched to and entered the Chapel Tent, followed by several companies of other regiments in camp. The band and Company A, by Capt. Musser, then proceeded to the Chaplain's Tent, and escorted the committee of ladies with the Stand of Colors, to the Chapel, where they took seats upon the platform. The band played a national air and then Mrs. M. M. Sheetz, in behalf of the ladies of Stephenson County, holding the colors in her right hand, made the presentation in the following words :
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