USA > Illinois > History of the 57th regiment, Illinois voluteer infantry, from muster in, Dec. 26, 1861, to muster out, July 7, 1865 > Part 1
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HISTORY ~
-- OF THE-
57TH REGIMENT
:
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
FROM MUSTER IN, DEC. 26, 1861, TO MUSTER OUT, JULY 7, 1865
-- BY --
WILLIAM W. CLUETT.
T. P. STREETER, PRINTER, Lessee Republican Job Department, Princeton, ISS6.
.
1753575
Camp Robinett of the 57th Regiment. Illinois Vol Infantry. at Corinth, Miss., 1863
349 61
Cluett, William W.
History of the 57th regiment, Illinois volunteer infantry, from muster in. Dec. 26, 1861, to muster out, July 7, 1865, by William W. Cluett. Princeton [Ill.] T. P. Streeter, printer, 1SS6.
146 p. front., ports. 22cm.
1. Illinois infantry. 57th regt., 1861-1865. 2. U. S .- Hist .- Civil war-Regimental histories-Ill. inf .- 57th.
Library of Congress
E505.5.57th
17-14348 .
F 8349.161
To the surviving members of the 57th Illinois Volunteer Infantry and in memory of our brave comrades who fell in defense of the "old flag."
No truer, braver souls than yours Ere heard the muskets rattle, Or met unblanched the rebel foe Upon the field of battle .- Bryant
J
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INTRODUCTION.
To write a perfect history of the late terrible war in the United States would seem, from the attempts already made, to be an impossi- bility. One writer gives an account of the great achievements of the army in Virginia, another writes of General Banks on the Red River, and still another pays a glowing tribute to that dashing cavalry officer, P. H. Sheridan ; in all of these, no one of a lower rank than general is thought worthy of mention. Histories of wars are seldom written by a man who participated in the scenes which he attempts to describe ; but are made up from statements of those who wish to gain notoriety, aided by the imaginations of the writer. In the following pages, the reader will find recorded the trials and hard- ships, as also the pleasures and duties, of the poor private, sergeant, lieutenant and captain, together with the part the regiment bore in the great struggle for the Union. A complete list of the casualties in the regiment could not be given, owing to the incompleteness of the Adjutant-General's report, and consequently we have mentioned none, but give his report, with the roster of the regiment.
To Col. S. D. Baldwin, Lieut .- Col. F. A. Battey, Captain G. A. Busse, Captain Wm. S. Swan, Adjutant N. Flansburg, and high privates Geo. H. Wheeler and A. B. Wright, we are much indebted for encouragement and valuable information ; and last, but not least, to comrade Theodore P. Streeter, of Princeton, Ill., we make our sincere and grateful acknowledgment.
We now throw ourselves upon the generosity of our comrades and the reading public-disclaiming any pretensions to literary merit -hoping that we will be dealt with according to the teachings of the Golden Rule.
Respectfully, WM. W. CLUETT.
·
4
SILAS D. BALDWIN, COLONEL.
HISTORY OF THE 57TH ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER I.
Organization of Regiment -- List of Field, Staff and Line Officers- Ordered to the Front-Up the River to Fort Henry-Its Evacu- ation by the Enemy-Return to Paducah, K'y-Ordered to Fort Donelson-First March in the Field-Arrival at the Fort -- Get- ting into position -- Snow Storm-Supporting the Chicago Bat- teries-The Surrender.
The organization of the 57th Regiment Illinois Volun- teer Infantry was commenced in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 24, 1861, at Camp Douglas, by Col. S. D. Baldwin. At the same time, the 56th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry was perfecting its organization in Camp Bureau. at Prince- ton. Ill., under the command of Colonel Winslow. Gov- ernor Yates, of Illinois, ordered the 56th Regiment to report to Camp Douglas. Chicago. Troops being needed at the front, and neither of the above organizations being perfect. having only five companies each, Governor Yates ordered a consolidation of the two, and they were mustered into the United States service Dec. 26. 1861, as the 57th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and num- bered 1025 men.
The following were the field and staff officers : Colonel. Silas D. Baldwin : Lieut .- Col., Frederick J.
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
HurBut : Major, Norman B. Page : Adjutant, Norman E. Hahn ; Quartermaster. Edward Hamilton : Surgeon. James R. Zearing : First Asst. Surgeon, Henry S. Blood : Chap- lain, N. G. Collins : Sergt .- Major. Frank Cutler : Quarter- master-Sergt., Wm. T. Gray; Commissary-Sergt., August Abele ; Hospital-Stewart. B. W. Canfield : Drum-Major, Eli W. Gamble ; Fife-Major. George F. Walker.
COMPANY A .- Captain, John Phillips ; First Lieut., John N. Shilling : Second Lieut .. Win. F. Conkey.
COMPANY B .- Captain. A. H. Manzer ; First Lient., Nathan Linton : Second Lieut., John T. Larkin.
COMPANY C .- Captain. Wm. S. Swan ; First Lieut., Robert B. Morse ; Second Lieut., Moses S. Lord.
COMPANY D .-- Captain, Eric Forse ; First Lieut., Eric John- son : Second Lient .. Erie Bergland.
COMPANY E .- Captain. Robt. D. Adams ; First Lieut .. Brad- ley D. Salter ; Second Lient .. Albert L. Otis.
COMPANY F .- Captain. Frederick A. Battey ; First Lieut., Joseph W. Harris: Second Lieut., Joseph T. Cook-
COMPANY G .- Captain. Gustav A. Busse : First Lient., Fred- erick Busse ; Second Lient., Charles. W. Rosenthal.
COMPANY H .- Captain, Josiah Robbins, Jr. : First Lieut., Nelson Flansburg : Second Lieut .. George Welsh.
COMPANY I .- Captain. Benjamin H. Chadburn : First Lieut .. Theo. M. Doggett ; Second Lieut., Wi. S. Hendricks.
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
COMPANY K .-- Captain, Aug. C. Berry ; First Lieut., Harlan Page : Second Lient., Win. Brewer.
Feb. 5. 1862. Colonel Baldwin received orders from General Halleck to proceed to Cairo, Ill., with his regiment and report to General Grant. After the usual bustle and excitement the regiment left Camp Douglas Feb. Sth, and marched to the Illinois Central Depot. where we took a train for Cairo: Ill., arriving there on the evening of the 9th. We disembarked and marched to the levee and camped in the mud until the next morning, when the regiment boarded the steamer Minnehaha and proceeded up the Tennessee River to Fort Henry. On arriving at Fort Henry, the rebel forces having evacuated the fort and crossed the country to Fort Donelson, Colonel Baldwin was ordered by General Grant to take his regiment without disembarking and proceed down the river to Paducah. Ky .. and take with him all the transports loaded with troops that he found on his way. and from there proceed up the Cumberland River to Fort Donelson.
Feb. 12. We left Paducah, Ky., going up the Cumber- land River with a fleet of transports loaded with troops, under the protection of gunboats.
Feb. 14. Arriving about four miles from the Fort. the regiment disembarked at daybreak. when it made its first march in the field. marching from the extreme left to the extreme right of our lines, taking position in the 3d Brigade, Colonel Thayer, of the Ist Nebraska. command- ing. The brigade consisted of the 5Sth and 76th Ohio, 1st Nebraska, and 57th Ilinois, and was assigned to Gen. Lew Wallace's 2d Division. The engagement having com-
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
menced early in the morning. we were greeted by shot and shell from the enemy's fort, while marching around that place to our position in the brigade. During the balance of the day the regiment was held in reserve. supporting the advance lines of our forces, and keeping an eye open for the cannon balls that came our way. which sometimes made it very unpleasant. As night and darkness set in, the firing ceased on both sides. The weather was very cold and disagreeable, and during the night snow fell to the depth of several inches. The men suffered severely from the cold, a majority of the regiment having lost their baggage while resisting an attack from the enemy as we were getting into position : and being close to the enemy's works, we were not allowed to build fires, fearing that they might throw in an occasional " objection," thus depriving us of what little comfort we might have had in our destitute condition.
Feb. 15. The engagement was resumed at daybreak, the 57th Illinois supporting Taylor and Smith's Chicago batteries, which were in an advanced position. and while in action had been threatened with capture. Heavy infantry firing could be heard on our right and left, and these two batteries in our front kept pounding away at the enemy and punished them severely. The weather was raw and disagreeable. a cold wind blowing in our faces. and to add to our misfortunes. our provisions had entirely run ont, some of the men having had nothing to cat since leaving the steamer the morning before. Fighting ceased as darkness set in. and a cold. cheerless night was before us with nothing to eat, no shelter and no fire. and to add to our misery snow began falling. Colonel Baldwin hay- ing sent several couriers to the landing to hurry the pro-
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
visions forward, and they not having arrived, started alone to the landing at 11 o'clock at night, after giving proper instructions to Lieut .- Colonel Hurlbut. whom he left in command, and returned the next morning with provisions before the regiment had moved its position.
Feb. 16. The brigade was formed in close column by divisions for the purpose of storming the fort at daylight. There is no firing this morning. Why this quiet ? The enemy may be preparing for a determined resistance. But. no : there is a truce. Grant is now holding com- munication with the rebel general. Buckner. Buckner gives the terms upon which he will surrender. General Grant says: " No ; I demand an unconditional surrender. I propose to more immediately upon your works." He waits for an answer. All are in suspense. All eyes are turned toward the fort. Fifty thousand warriors are drawn up in line of battle waiting for the word of command. The sun is far on its journey of the day, and yet is all quiet. But, hark ! what mean those shouts that come rolling down the line ? Fort Donelson is "ours." The rebei flag has been lowered, and on the flag pole in the main fort we see the white flag flying. An unconditional surrender has been made of the whole rebel forces and munitions of war. With drums beating and colors flying we march into Fort Donelson and into the town of Dover. which is situated immediately under the main fort. In the afternoon of the same day the regiment was ordered to the outskirts of the town, where it camped for the night. Provisions in the meantime having come up from the boats, the boys were happy once more. After dark a cold rain set in, and not yet having tents. Colonel Baldwin ordered the regi- ment to take possession of a house near our camp, and
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
which was large enough to accommodate the whole regi- ment. and we were "at home " that night, so far as shelter was concerned at least.
The rebel forces at Fort Donelson were commanded by Generals Pillow, Floyd and Buckner. During the night of the 15th. Generals Floyd and Pillow escaped by crossing the river in some transports. taking with them Floyd's Brigade. General Buckner, who was too noble a soldier to desert his misguided companions in arms, refused to leave. and remained in command of the fort. He turned over to General Grant and his forces, at the time of the surrender of Fort Donelson, 13,500 men as prisoners of war. includ- ing sick and wounded : also 3.000 horses and mules. 48 field pieces. 17 heavy guns. with 20,000 muskets, and a quantity of military stores.
During the siege the rebel loss was said to have been 237 killed and 1.007. The union loss was estimated at 246 killed, 1,745 wounded and 150 prisoners. The gunboats on the river are deserving of great praise for the part they took in the engagement. They were under command of Commodore Foote. and consisted of the Flagship St. Louis, with the Louisville. Pittsburg. Carondelet. Conestoga and Tyler, and a braver set of " tars " never walked the deck of a man-of-war.
CHAPTER II.
Ordered to Fort Henry-Surrounded by Water-Death of Henry S. Blood, First Assistant Surgeon-Bureau County Relief Com- mittee-Arrival at Paris Landing-Companies A and B March Several Miles into the Country-Fired into at Clifton, Tenn. - Leading Citizens Arrested -- Arrival at Crump's Landing-March all Night in a Heavy Rain Storm-Review by General Wallace -Up the River to Pittsburg Landing-First Pay -- Under Arms nearly all Night-The Battle of Shiloh-Under a Heavy Fire- Loss of Page, Adams and Doggett-The Last Battle Line, with 100 Guns-The Boys Stand Shoulder to Shoulder-Battle for the Day is Over-Arrival of Buell's Army -- Heavy Rain-Gun- boats Send Compliments to the Rebs All Night Long-Colonel Baldwin in Command of the Brigade -- Captain Bussee Com- mands the Regiment -- The Enemy in Retreat -- Our Loss-Bury- ing the Dead-Details.
Feb. 17. The regiment was ordered to proceed by land to Fort Henry, a distance of twelve miles. Owing to the late snow and heavy rains, the roads were in terrible con- dition, and but slow progress was made. After marching about six miles, the regiment went into camp ; the quar- termaster issuing tents to each company, and for the first time the 57th Illinois was quartered under canvas. The next day was spent in getting things in shape, and on the morning of the 19th we broke ramp and marched to Fort Henry. Arriving there in the afternoon we made camp on a knoll east of the fort on the Tennessee River. It being
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
a cold, wet day the tents were soon pitched, and each man tried to make himself as comfortable as possible.
At 12 o'clock on the night of the 19th Wm. W. Cluett. the drummer of Company E. sounded the long roll. In a moment all was excitement. The night was pitch dark, and no one knew what was coming ; but Colonel Baldwin soon passed down the line and told us that the knoll on which we were camped was surrounded by water, owing to the rapid rise of the Tennessee River. He then ordered the> captains of each company to get their men across to the fort. The only means of getting there was by fording. and each man had to take off his clothes, do them up in a bundle and carry them across, holding them above his head. The water being then four or five feet deep. and very cold, had quite a "cooling " effect upon our " spirits." After getting across. a new camp was formed in the rear of the fort, and large fires were built to dry and warm by. Our tents having been left in the old camp, we were again without shelter.
During a three weeks' stay at this place the regiment was greatly reduced by sickness. the command being obliged to use the Tennessee River water both for drink- ing and cooking purposes. Change of diet. together with the hardships of a soldier's life, soon found many of our brave boys in the hospital. Dr. Henry S. Blood. First Assistant Surgeon of the regiment, died in the hospital at this place, and his body was sent north to his people.
For the following incident we are indebted to S. G. Paddock, now County Clerk of Bureau County. Princeton, Illinois : "As a member of the County Relief Committee I went up the Tennessee River to visit the Bureau County
3
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
soldiers the week after the capture of Fort Donelson. The 57th had come back to the neighborhood of Fort Henry and were camped on a sandy bottom, and the river was rising. ` The boys were in good spirits, but quite destitute of even the comforts of camp life. They had moved fre- quently during the two or three weeks previous, and the commissary did not quite keep up with them. All their bread and meat was condemned the night before my arrival by the regimental Board of Survey, so that break- fast had been rather a mockery made up of what could be "selected as best out of the soured bacon and moldy hard tack. I was invited to go with the quartermaster and several others to headquarters to see about a fresh supply. The party was Major Page, Captains Robbins and Manzer. Lieutenants Linton and Page, and perhaps one or two others. For my comfort, as much as anything. I was pro- vided with a MeClellan jacket or blouse. having already at Cairo procured a pair of heavy cavalry boots and a soft felt hat. Thus equipped I had a semi-military aspect that afterward proved useful. Headquarters. General Lew Wallace Post Commander, were on a steamboat lying in the river. To get there from camp we were ferried across a bayou several rods wide and of unknown depth, but too deep for fording. Then we were landed on a sand spit of perhaps 30 rods width, which crossed we were at the river. A number of skiffs were carrying passengers out of the steamers. All this seemed private enterprise. No system nor control prevailed. Once on the steamboat, after some delays. our requisition was checked, countersigned or something, and we were in a position to receive the goods. It was by this time so nearly noon that we were liable to be delayed by the roustabouts knocking off for dinner. 1 timely arrangement with the boss of the gang kept them
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTHI ILLINOIS.
at work. however, and about half-past twelve P. M. the boxes, barrels and sacks were turned over to us on the deck of the steamboat in the middle of the Tennessee River. Now. how to get all that stuff to the sand spit, then across the bayou was the question, and a serious one too. Hard as it was, we had to solve it unaided. There was no government mode of distribution beyond the deck of that steamboat. I suggested that if we could get a yawl we could land the goods on the spit, and then we could get the boat over some how. perhaps could find a ditch near Fort Henry that connected with the bayou. Captain Rob- bins and I chartered one of the skiffs to go for a yawl. It was a forlorn hope. but the Captain proved equal to the occasion. We had our skiffman paddle us along among the numerous boats lying there until we struck what looked like a good chance. Hailing the boat. we received reply .Captain gone ashore.' That was just what was needed for our scheme. Robbins then said to the man . We want this yawl.' which was swinging astern. . You can't have it.' came back promptly and decidedly. Then, Robbins. in that orotund manner of his. said . Is that the answer I am to take back to General Wallace?' It was probably a new experience for the man, and he caved. say- ing in a very mild way . You will be sure to bring the yawl back. The answer was not distinct. the intention less so. With the yawl. we soon put our provisions on the sand spit. and then while a party wore getting them over to the bayou we started to explore the ditches about Fort Henry. The river had risen so that we easily rowed away back of the fort. but there was a wide shallow between us yet and the bayon. I waded round, sounding with a tent pole that Robbins cramped from a passing soldier, until I found where the deepest water was, and we soon had our yawl
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
afloat in the bayou. There were several loads of the stuff to take over, and the afternoon was now well nigh spent. but all worked with a will. About as the second load was leaving a colonel came to the shore and ordered the men to come back. I told them to go on. He repeated his order to come back. and I turned to him and told him not to interfere. He said to me . Perhaps you don't know who I am.' I said I didn't. 'I am Colonel Davis, of the 46th Illinois.' . Well, Colonel,' said I, . that's all right. but allow me to say that I rank you. and you mustn't interfere here." +Page, Robbins and the rest were almost ready to split. but held themselves. Colonel Davis took a new tone. said it was important that he should cross. &c. I told him that it was important and absolute that that boat should not be interfered with nor delayed in any way, but that if he would take the place of a hand and help work her across next trip he might go, and so he did. When we had the last load over we had left nothing on the sand spit. and had no curiosity to go back so we lent the yawl to some other parties with solemn injunctions by Robbins that they should return it to steamboat B Perhaps they did. One thing is certain. that without the yawl the 57th would have had a poor supper that night."
March S. The regiment received orders to proceed up the Tennessee River. After sending all the sick that were in the hospital down the river by boat to Paducah. Ky .. the regiment embarked on the steamer Argyle and pro- ceeded up the Tennessee River. Arriving at Paris Land- ing, Tenn .. March 9. the regiment did not disembark. but the colonel placed out posts on the roads for the protection of the boats, while the men got off and built fires for the purpose of cooking. There was a large tobacco warehouse
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
at this point. and the boys who used the "weed" laid in a plentiful supply free of cost-that is, on a "long credit." Presently all is confusion. Four men of Company G, who were on outpost duty. have been captured. Two com- panies. A and B. under command of Lieut .- Col. F. J. Hurl- but, march several miles into the country, but finding no trace of either them or the enemy return and we pro- ceed up the river.
March 11. While passing Clifton. Tenn., the steamer was fired into by the enemy, killing one and wounding two members of the regiment. Colonel Baldwin ordered the steamer to immediately pull up at the landing, and going into the town arrested several of the leading citizens and conveyed them as prisoners of war to the boat. carrying them with us up the river. It was found upon investiga- tion that the firing was done by a squad of rebel cavalry. who left as soon as they saw the steamer headed for the shore.
March 13. We arrived at Crump's Landing. and imme- diately disembarked and were ordered to proceed to Adams- ville. Tenn .. 10 miles distant. The roads were heavy. and after a tedious march we arrived there about nightfall, but were ordered to return immediately without stopping to rest. We started on our return. marching all night in a very heavy rain storm. Arriving at the landing soon after daylight. we found that the transports had all dropped down the river. fearing the enemy would be upon them in the night. Many of the men fell sick from the hardships of the march. and several of them who dropped by the wayside exhausted were taken prisoners. The regiment while in camp at this point were reviewed by General
-
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
Wallace, who complimented both officers and men on their fine appearance.
March 16, resolutions were passed by the regiment thanking Dr. J. A. Hahn, of Chicago, Ill .. for the efficient and valuable services rendered to the regiment while so much in need of medical assistance-the Doctor having volunteered his services, although not officially connected with the army.
March 26. The regiment was ordered to proceed up the Tennessee River to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., it having been previously assigned to Col. T. W. Sweeney's 3d Brigade. 2d Division, Gen. C. F. Smith commanding. We arrived there the same day, and went into camp on the right of the Corinth road, on a plateau between the Ten- nessee River and Briar Creek.
April 1. Second Lieut. Albert L. Otis, of Co. E, resigned and returned home.
April 4. While in this camp, the regiment received its first pay from the United States Government. On the same evening. heavy firing being heard in our front. a general alarm was sounded and the regiment was held under arms until near midnight, when the men were dis- missed and returned to quarters-the enemy having only made a feint.
April 5. Nothing of note has occurred to relieve the monotony of camp life. There is now a large army con- centrated here. Far away on the hills and in the ravines the tents of the soldiers are seen. Up to this time we . have had considerable rain. and the roads and by-ways into
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
our camp are out up terribly. although the 57th's camp is dry. The men are cleaning their guns and accoutrements for the usual Sunday morning inspection, never for a moment thinking of what to-morrow may bring forth. Vague rumors are afloat this evening to the effect that Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston is moving toward the Ten- nessee River with his entire command. Not much credit is attached to it, however ; but we may anticipate days of desperate strife. days of fire and carnage in Tennessee, for no doubt there has been or is being made, a concentration of the rebel armies under Johnston and Beauregard, with headquarters at Corinth. Miss .. twenty-five miles from Pittsburg Landing. They hope. no doubt, to have revenge on General Grant's army for the blow given them in the stormy days of battle around Fort Donelson. Let them come, our powder is dry. To-day the division had a grand review, which made a very imposing scene.
April 6. Between 6 and 7 o'clock, and while the men were getting ready for their Sunday morning inspection, an unusual noise was heard. which at first sounded as though there was a boat at the landing blowing off steam. but in a few moments no one could doubt that it was the boom of cannon. "Billy " Cluett sounds the long roll. twenty rounds of extra ammunition are taken, and in the space of ten minutes the 57th Illinois, commanded by Col. S. D. Baldwin. is marching at a quick step for the field of action. The sullen roar of artillery breaks upon our ears. telling us that the storm-king of battle will ride upon the banks of the Tennessee to-day. The Army of the Tennessee springs to arms to meet the advancing columns of Albert Sidney Johnston, and the 57th Ilinois, with colors flying, is ready for the conflict. On reaching the Corinth road.
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