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 2
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COL. DAVIS, OFFICERS AND MEN, SOLDIERS, VOLUNTEERS ALL-TO YOU GREETING :
There is a little Province up there at the North, whose Ruler is Samuel down-with-the-Rebellion, Jr., a son Simon pure of our old Uncle Samuel, whose country seat is away down East. In that Province the hills and the valleys, the streams and the prairies, you know. Every farm, pleasant spot, or face, almost, are your acquaintances. The aged there are your parents -- the women your wives and sisters-the little ones your children. To you and us that are left behind, a thousand clinging memories inake it one of the pleasantest spots on earth. And it is these memories and as- sociations that started the minds of your kindred and friends on a pil- grimage, and finding you in the 46th Regiment at Camp Butler, they have sent me on an errand to you.
You remember once a handful of people were "settled in the best of the land of Egypt."-Centuries later a few weary Pilgrims landed at Ply- mouth Rock. The one increased from a handful to millions-the other flourished likewise. The one resisted oppression and passed the Red Sea triumphantly-the other passed the Red Sea of the Revolution victoriously. -The one received their law, the Ten Commandments, on tables of stone, direct from the Great Inspirer-the other the Constitution of the United States on parchment, by inspiration. The one murmured that they have been brought out of a land of plenty and meat, to die in the wilderness. were given meat and died ---- the other ambitious, and Justing for power and gold, were permitted to use the flesh and blood of their fellows, to curse and well nigh consume then. The one worshipped the Golden Calf of Aaron, and three thousand fell-the other the golden calf of Mexico, and as many sacrifices. The one sent twelve spies to the land of Canaan, and but two encouraged the people to go up and possess it. Discouraged by the other ten the people murmured, and afterward when they would have gone they were attacked and smitten by their enemies-the other has sent out spies by the score year after year, who have devised ways and means, legislated for and against, but not enough Calebs and Joshuas could be found to lead this people out of the wilderness and subdue the enemy.
In the one history Korah and his companions rebelled against Moses and the law of God-in the other, David and his minions against the cliosen Ruler-OUR Moss-and the best Government the world ever saw. Israel indulged in idolatrous and unrighteous practices, and 24,000 of them were destroyed. We have permitted fraud, injustice and rottenness in high places, and have bought and sold the souls and bodies of fellow men, and the lives of thousands may now be the penalty.
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This parallel history will be nearly complete when the battlements and fortifications of Charleston, Richmond, Memphis and New Orleans shall be the Pisgah top from which to behold the valleys and plains of a free and purified America, purified from treason, rebellion and oppression. And it is to the end that YE shall fear no tall sons of Anark that may be over in that land, and I bring you a God speed in the name of Stephenson County, and present to you this floating banner, under whose shadow you have been born, cradled in infancy, educated in youth, developed in manliood, and your fathers gathered to a peaceful rest.
Our country, torn and bleeding. has called to you, her sons, for aid, and because you have heard and answered, and are here enduring toil and sacrifice, that we may have home and country, peace and prosperity again dawn-we bring you this encouragement.
Into your hands we give it, and may a stripe never, never fade, nor a star dim in the sunlight of Heaven. It represents the anchor of our hope. It is the legacy to bequeath unspotted to our children and our children's children-May the color bearer plant it in the very centre and heart of the rebellion-a signal of Peace and Triumph, and the rebel hand wither that dares to pollute its purity by the touch of a finger. May it be the brazen serpent in the midst where all who have been bitten by the serpent se- cession may look and live.
The winds of a righteous Heaven will flutter its pennon as broadly and bravely over a burnt or sunken Charleston, as it would in this encampment to day. The American Eagle which here represents us, will have his eyric, and the young Eagles will perch upon our cliffs and hill tops when these traitors and this rebellion have done their utmost and sunk to an infamous grave. Our country "E Pluribus Unum" still.
This Flag is ample enough-embraces heart enough-soul enough- truth enough-enlightenment enough to float over the world. If England dares to interfere in this our crisis-WE must conquer, though it arouse the world-and the perfection of the triumph of Right will be the dawn of the millenium, and as the dying knell of 1861 and cheering salute of 1862 is sounded on cannon, and musket, and sword. you are to help to sound the next on timbrel and harp with the united voice of our nation redeemed.
May no untimely cry of "Forward to Richmond" trail this emblem in the dust; but ripe and ready for a struggle, may it inspire you with that vigor and strength that knows no defeat-and if a brother's hand must be imbued in a brother's blood, may the truth and justice here emblazoned have a glorious victory. If Truth is Eternal, and will survive the lapse of ages and the roll of time, then strike, and "On to Victory" be your guide.
Such it is, take it, and with it go the hearts. the tears, the prayers, and the blessings of unnumbered loyal men and women, the sanction and admiration of unborn millions.
COL. JOHN A. DAVIS' RESPONSE.
MRS. M. M. SHEETS AND LADIES OF THE COMMITTEE FROM STEPHENSON COUNTY.
In behalf of the members of the 46th Regiment, we accept the Stand of Colors presented to us from thie loyal people of our homes. The colors placed in their hands this day should never be dishonored. And when the
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Angel of Peace again hovers over the land and grim war, among the things that were, these banners pierced, it may be, by many a ball and stained with some of our best blood, but not dishonored, shall come back to you of Stephenson and remain among the archives to be handed down to our children. And now, boys of the 46th. these are yours-the first Stand of Colors ever presented to an Illinois Regiment .- And when the historian of this rebellion comes to write what regiment from our State was the bravest and best, whether he shall write it of the 46th, or of some other, is for you to decide. Whether he shall write our record with a glow of pride, or with a cheek mantled with shame, is for you to say. And now let us off with our hats and give the Union and three times three for our friends in Stephenson County and their representatives here today.
Whereupon the whole Regiment uncovered heads and after renewing their allegiance, gave: "U-N-I-O-N, three times three," with right good will. A song-"Columbia the Gem of the Ocean," was then sung by a Glee Club froin the Yates Sharp Shooters, 64th Ill., assisted by Drum Major George Black and Sergeant O. B. Fowler.
Captains Ankeny, Musser, Young, McCracken, Wakefield, Adj. Dorn- blaser, Surg. DePuy, Capt. Arno, Lt. Hood, Stevens, Barr, Arnold, -- all pledged the 46th Regiment to do themselves and their friends credit if called into active service.
In conclusion the Glee Club sang another song :- "Happy Land of Canaan."
1st. If you listen to my song, I'll not detain you long. And will give you no cause for complaining, You may join me in a shout When I've told you all about The doings in the Happy Land of Canaan.
Chorus :-- Hip! Hip! Flip! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah ! Our colors are well worth sustaining, From them we'll never fly; But we'll conquer or we'll die In defense of our Happy Land of Canaan.
2nd. There's the German Company. Who are fighting for the free, When in battle every nerve they are straining, When it comes to run away They will tell you "Nix versteh." They are an honor to our Happy Land of Canaan.
3rd. Now my song is nearly done, But I'll tell you every one, You've a cause that is well worth maintaining, Just tell the rebels licked, You're the up and ready Forty Sixth, From Illinois in the Happy Land of Canaan.
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
BUILDING BARRACKS.
Some time in the latter part of November the troops at Camp Butler were engaged, under direction of the war department, assisted by the State and Post Commander, in building Barracks near the railroad, close to Jim Town, some few miles east of Springfield. The men of the 46th were given employment as carpenters and every man that could drive a nail re- ported for duty. This force, in connection with other fragments of regi- ments, superintended by foremen, soon had enough large and commodious dwellings erected to shelter all the army then in camp, excepting the field officers, who occupied tents, which were heated by stoves.
The troops moved in some time in December, one company occupying a Barrack. Bunks for sleeping were made three tiers deep on each side, with quarters at one end for the company officers. Stoves were placed in these barracks for heating the same. Tables in center served for meals, with board benches to sit on. Thus housed in one building gave oppor- tunity for many a jolly time and many were the jokes and banters engaged in by the men. Here, for a time, the men were in good, comfortable quarters and appreciated the change from the cold tents to warm and com- fortable dwellings.
EXPEDITION TO SPRINGFIELD.
Col. Davis, always ready and resourceful to give lessons in army duty, whereby the men could get experience in marching, gave the Regiment an outing by marching to the Capital City and back. Knapsacks, haversacks and canteens, guns and accoutrements, all in army array, with necessary rations, which made quite a heavy load for the inexperienced soldier. Many halts were made by the way to rest the men and have them in good shape to parade the streets of the city. Here Gov. Richard Yates gave the Regiment a talk, complimenting them on their soldierly appearance and warm words of praise for having enlisted for the maintenance of the Union. There were no casualties from the effect of this outing, only tired feelings, from being too heavily loaded. The return to Camp was accom- plished without any noted incident, the young men teasing each other for some omission, such as falling in ranks after resting and forgetting to take their guns along.
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COMPANY COOKS.
The company cook ranked very high in the army and while not always the cleanest about his culinary duties, the average young soldier was al- ways ready to give him a warm greeting for some delicacy provided for
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the table. The inexperience of the cooks was some cause for complaint, while most of them tried hard to acquire a better knowledge in the way to prepare the army rations and have them palatable to the Soldiers. The experience of the cooks in time made them the most respected individuals, while they, in turn, were glad to receive the praise of their mess mates in their efforts to become proficient.
At first each company ate all at one table, supervised under direction of a Duty-Sergeant, but later divided into fewer messes, with a Duty- Sergeant at the head of each mess to adjust the affairs and to see that everything was kept in order. As in drill, the cooks had acquired the habit of holding their fingers on the seams of their trousers; not only their fingers, but often the whole hand, and to avoid soiling the trousers, aprons were used to protect the seams. Good cooks were very necessary on ac- count of having the food properly cooked, this insuring the general health of the men. At first the change was so great and the regular allowance sometimes was not enough to satisfy the craving appetite of the young man, Maj. Starring remarked : "The boys must have plenty of exercise in drill in order to digest the strong food."
COLONEL DAVIS' SURPRISE.
Col. Davis met with a surprise at Camp Butler ; he was really taken, not by the rebels -- but by surprise. Comrade DeArmit of Freeport, mounted on a fine charge, rode into Camp, announced to the Colonel that the horse was a gift from the Colonel's friends in Freeport and Stephenson County. Col. Davis responded feelingly, saying: "I take this horse only as the property of the 46th Regiment. As long as I live this horse shall never fall into the hands of the rebels." Then the boys gave three cheers for our friends at home and three for the Colonel-and the U-N-I-O-N cheer of the 46th Regiment.
The ladies who left Camp Butler and accompanied the Regiment as far as Decatur were Mrs. Col. Davis, Mrs. Major Dornblaser, Mrs. Dr. DePuy, Mrs. Capt. Musser, Mrs. Capt. Hughs, Mrs. Bradshaw and a num- ber of others.
THE SHAM BATTLE BETWEEN THE 46TH and 49TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
This noted event was planned by the officers of the respective regi- ments. Great preparations were made for the contest, for such it was to
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be, to see which commander in an engagement kept the advantage in mili- tary maneuvers. Soon after dinner one fine autumn day found the members of the 46th marching toward the Sangamon River. Every soldier, extract- ing the ball from the cartridge, making his whole box of ammunition all blanks. The 49th also were in same condition, with only blanks. After marching and maneuvering the 40th, the commanding officers, Col. John A. Davis, Lieut .- Col. Wmn. O. Jones and Major F. A. Starring, halted the regiment. Skirmishers were sent out, Companies A and B, who soon lo- cated the enemy, for this the 49th were represented to be. After reporting to the Colonel the position of their battle line, orders were given to change the front and by quick movements get on the flank of the enemy. The 49th quickly changed in order to meet the foe and waited for any change in battle array.
Now the 49th changed position to flank the 46th, but this, too, was met by a movement by this regiment. Meanwhile the skirmishers on both sides became hotly engaged. which brought on a general engagement along the whole line. The medical department, assisted by the musicians, were on hand and persuaded some of the men to be carried away on stretchers.
Soon the bugle sounded for the charge and here, on the beautiful banks of the Sangamon River, two apparently hostile forces were hotly engaged. The noise of battle was all that could be expected, for the old Harper Ferry Muskets, on both sides, were quite loud in their sounding qualities. Men yelled and cheered and, as they neared the enemy, some fell over ap- parently dead, while others took up the role of wounded.
The 49th made a dash on the left and captured some of the commis- sioned officers, before their men realized what was going on, while the 46th succeeded in capturing prisoners and taking them to the rear. But the result of all this was to give the men and officers the experience of chang- ing positions to take advantage of the enemy.
Near sundown found the two regiments marching to camp, led by fife and drum. all in the best of humor and feeling that they had received some lessons in the movements of troops in war. But, alas, if the Shams only were necessary for putting down the rebellion, how different the results would have been to all of us.
The members of both regiments were tired and found every one ready for supper, which the company cooks had prepared for the men. Maj. F. A. Starring was called the Grayhound, because he could keep up the regi- mental drill indefinitely and not get tired. The 49th was commanded by Col. Wm. R. Morrison, of Waterloo, Lieut. Col. Phineas and Maj. Wm. Moore, who served with distinction at Donelson and Shiloh.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
BIOGRAPHY OF GENERALS AND FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
- ULYSSES S. GRANT.
Ulysses S. Grant was born in Clermont County, Ohio, April 27, 1822. In 1839, at the age of 17, he was admitted to the Military Academy at West Point, passing a thorough examination, and was admitted into the fourth class, his studies consisting of mathematics, English grammar, including etymological and rhetorical exercises, composition, declamation, geography of the United States, the French language, and the use of small arms. In 1840, he was advanced to the third class, ranking as Corporal in the Cadet Battalion. In 1841 he passed into the second class, and in 1842 entered the first and final class, ranking as a commissioned officer. He graduated on June 30, 1843, standing No. 21 in a class of 39.
The trouble with Mexico continuing, his regiment was ordered to join the army of occupation, concentrating under General Taylor on the border of Mexico, where he received the grade of 2nd Lieutenant, Sept. 30, 1845, and was assigned to the 7th U. S. Infantry.
Upon personal solicitation he was permitted to remain with the 4th. On the 8th of May, 1846, he participated in the battle of Palo Alto, and on the 9th in that of Resaca de la Palma, and in the operations of Gen. Taylor along the Rio Grande. Sept. 23rd he participated in the operations against Monterey. The 4th was transferred to the command of Gen. Scott and took part in the siege of Vera Cruz. He was appointed Quartermaster of his. regiment, a position he held until the occupation of the city of Mexico. At the battle of Molino del Rey, Sept. 8, 1857, his bravery was so con- spicuous that he was made a 1st Lieutenant on the field. His gallant bearing at Chapultepec is especially noted in the report of his superiors and for it he received the brevet of Captain in the Regular Army. In 1850 or 1851 his regiment was ordered to Oregon, with headquarters at Dallas. Here he received his full promotion to Captain of Infantry, dating August 1853. He soon after resigned and entered civil life July 31, 1854. Having married Miss Dent of St. Louis he settled near the city and devoted him- self to farming.
In 1859, his father, brother and he himself opened a leather store in the city of Galena, Illinois. In April 1861 he tendered his services to Gov. Yates, stating that he had been the recipient of a military education at West Point, he thought it his duty to offer his services in defense of the Union and that he would esteem it a privilege to be assigned to any po- sition where he could be useful. He was assigned a desk in the executive
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office to assist the Adjutant General of the State. He was assigned the camps of organizations at Camp Yates, Springfield; Camp Grant, Mattoon, Camp Douglas and other Camps in Illinois, where the first troops were organized. He was commissioned Colonel of the 21st Ill. Regiment, stationed at Mattoon, to take rank from the 15th day of June, 1861. His history after this is set forth in all the leading works and official reports of the army, and is among the most brilliant achievements of any General in the world. The account carries the reader from Cairo, Ill., to the surrender at Appo- mattox, Va., of the laying down the arms of that vast army of General Robert E. Lee, and the final close of the war.
He was a leader of men and well he chose his subordinates, Sherman, Sheridan, McPherson, and many others, who acted in harmony and gave him loyal support. Representative E. B. Washburn, of Illinois, in the House of Representatives presented the measure creating the rank of Lieut. General of the army. President Lincoln knew whom to appoint without any prompting.
He served two times as President of the United States with great ability and was loved and honored by all the people of these United States and received the homage and attention at the courts of all the lead- ing monarchs during his trip around the world.
Gen. Grant died July 23, 1885, at Mt. McGregor, N. Y., from the effects of a cancer, at the age of 63 years.
GENERAL JOHN McARTHUR.
General John McArthur was born in the parish of Erskine, Renfrew- shire, Scotland, Nov. 16, 1826, was sent to school at an early age and was an apt scholar. He attracted the notice of the parish minister, who desired to educate him for the ministry. The boy had a mechanical turn of mind and was fond of work in his father's shop. In his own words at that time he prepared to be "Jack the Smith," rather than the Rev. John McArthur. At the age of 23 he emigrated to the prairies of Illinois, where he was em- ployed as foreman in Cobb's boiler foundry in Chicago. In 1852 he formed a copartnership with his brother-in-law, Carl Mason. a blacksmith and boiler maker. where he laid the foundation of his future brilliant career.
Prior to the outbreak of the war he took a deep interest in our citizen soldiery, and was elected 1st Lieut. of the Chicago Highland Guards and soon after Captain.
When the war broke out he at once enlisted in the service and served with distinction at Fort Donelson, Shiloh. Vicksburg and many other campaigns. Commanded the division from Vicksburg in May, 1864, in which the 46th participated and where Gen. Dornblaser commanded a brigade. The service of General McArthur throughout the war was marked for its able and brilliant Generalship.
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MAJOR GENERAL STEPHEN A. HURLBUT.
General Hurlbut was from the outset an officer of ability and terrible earnestness. He struck hard and telling blows against the foes of his government, but none against his friends. He won distinction on the field. His division was first to land and hold Pittsburg Landing and in the desperate conflict the "Fighting Fourth" was as a wall of steel. None of its regiments lost their organization or failed to rally to the colors. It is not claiming too much to say, that to him is due the brilliant success of the fight of Hatchie. Subsequently, while in command of the 16th Army Corps with headquarters at Memphis, there were 79,000 men on its rolls.
He was a man of great executive ability and was placed in command at Memphis and afterwards at New Orleans, where he proved to be the man for the several places. It may be that his fiery earnestness was partly due to his intimate knowledge of the people of the South, for he was born in Charleston, S. C., Nov. 29, 1815. The son of a Unitarian clergyman, he received a good education and then studied law in the office of James L. Pettigrew in Charleston, and in the nest of nullification and treason he practiced law several years.
During the Florida war he entered with the six months' volunteers as Sergeant in a company of militia and came out Lieutenant on the staff. He had the good sense to see that, for a man of active temperament and strong convictions, there was ampler scope and better opportunity in the great fields of the Northwest. In 1845 he removed to Illinois and settled at Belvidere, Boone County, and engaged in his profession, occasionally mingling in politics, being a prominent member of the State Constitution Convention in 1847. President Lincoln knew him well and selected him as one of the first Generals chosen from civilians.
He entered the service in the formation of the 15th Ill. Infantry and was commissioned a Brigadier General May 17, 1861, by the President, and was assigned command of the 4th Division under Gen. Grant.
While other troops fought the bloody battle of Corinth Maj. Gen. Hurlbut marched from Bolivar and with Maj. General Ord fell upon the enemy's rear at the Hatchie. For meritorious service at Shiloh, he was commissioned Maj. General. General Hurlbut was the first commander- in-chief of the G. A. R. Was appointed minister resident to the United States of Columbia by President Grant. In 1881 Gen. Hurlbut was ap- pointed United States Minister to Peru and died at Lima in the Spring of the following year. Abraham Lincoln once said that, "Stephen A. Hurlbut was the ablest orator on the stump that Illinois had ever produced."
GEN. ULYSSES S. GRANT
GEN. JOHN McARTHUR who commanded the Expedition to Yazoo City in May, 1864.
GEN. S. A. HURLBUT Commander of 4th Division.
GEN. J. C. VEATCH Commander of 2nd Brigade at Shiloh.
PLATE II
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
GENERAL JAMES C. VEATCH.
General James C. Veatch was born in Harrison county, Indiana, De- cember 19, 1819, and was therefore 76 years and 2 days old at the time of his death, Dec. 21, 1895. Until the death of his father, who variously had removed to Meade county, Ky., Spencer county, and New Albany, where he died in 1844, he had resided with him. By this time Gen. Veatch had received a meagre education from the public schools, and returning to Rockport in 1835, he farmed two years when he again resumed his edu- cational pursuits in the Rockport schools. In 1838 he taught his first school in Luce township, and in 1839 was appointed principal of the Rockport seminary. He was elected auditor three years, in which capacity, with much ability, he served three consecutive terms.
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