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 20
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Brigade of this Division appeared in the field of action, they were in time to support broken flanks and to hold the line. Keep these facts in your memory, to hand down to your children when we conquer a peace, and let it be the chief pride of every man in the command-as it is of your General -that he was at Pittsburg with the Fighting Fourth Division.
By Order of
BRIG. GEN. S. A. HURLBUT.
SMITH D. ATKINS,
A. A. A. Gen'l, 4th Division.
The following lengthy report is given in part in order that readers of the history may know more fully the different positions assigned the 2nd Brigade under Gen. J. C. Veatch, to which the 46th was attached. As will be noticed this brigade was sent to different parts of the field and for a time separated from the division and again the brigade separated to lend assistance to those heavily pressed by the enemy, on other parts of the battlefield.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GEN. S. A. HURLBUT, COMMANDING 4TH DIVISION.
Headquarters, Division Army of West Tenn., April 12, 1862.
CAPT. J. A. RAWLINS, A. A. General.
SIR :- I have the honor to report in brief the part taken by my Di- vision in the battle of the 6th and 7th of April.
On Sunday morning, April 6th, about half past seven o'clock, I re- ceived a message from Brigadier General Sherman that he was attacked in force and heavily upon his left wing. I immediately ordered Col. J. C. Veatch, commanding 2nd Brigade, to proceed to the left of Gen. Sherman. The Brigade, consisting of the 25th Ind., 14th, 15th and 46th Ill., was on march in ten minutes; arrived in Gen. Sherman's line rapidly and went into action. I must refer to Col. Veatch's report for the particulars of that day. Receiving, in a few moments, a pressing request for aid from Briga- dier General Prentiss, I took command in person of 1st and 3rd Brigade, respectivedy, commanded by Col. N. G. Williams, of the 3rd Iowa, and Brigadier General J. G. Lauman. The 1st Brigade consisted of the 3rd Iowa 28th, 32nd and 41st Illinois; the 3rd Brigade of the 31st and 44th Indiana, 17th and 25th Kentucky. In addition I took with me the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 5th Cavalry, Mann's light Battery, four pieces, Ross'
,
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
Battery, 2nd Mich., and Myer's Battery, 13th Ohio. As we drew near the rear and left of Gen. Prentiss' line, his regiments, in broken masses, drifted through my advance; that gallant officer making every effort to rally them.
I formed my line of battle, the 1st Brigade thrown to the point on the southerly side of a large open field, the 3rd Brigade continuing the line with an obtuse around the other side of the field and extending some distance into the brush and timber. Mann's Battery was placed in the angle of the lines, Ross' Battery some distance to the left, and the 13th Ohio Battery on the right and somewhat advanced in the corner of the timber, so as to concentrate the fire upon the open ground in front, and waited for the attack. The attack commenced on the 3rd Brigade through the thick timber and was met and repulsed by a steady and continuous fire, which rolled the enemy back in confusion, after some half hour's struggle, leaving many dead and wounded. The glimmer of bayonets on the left and front of the 1st Brigade showed a large force gathering and an attack was soon made on the 41st Ill. and 28th Ill., on the left of the Brigade, and the 32nd Ill. and 3rd Iowa on the right. At the same time a strong force of very heavy and gallant troops formed in column, doubled on the center and advanced over the open field in front. They were al- lowed to approach within four hundred yards, when fire was opened from Mann's and Ross' batteries and from the two right regiments of the 1st Brigade and the 17th and 23rd Ky., which were thrown forward slight- ly, so as to flank the column. Under this withering fire, they vainly at- tempted to deploy, but soon broke and fell back under cover, leaving not less than one hundred and fifty dead and wounded, as evidence how our troops maintained their position.
The attack on the left was also repulsed, but as the ground was covered with brush, the loss could not be ascertained. Gen. Prentiss having suc- ceeded in rallying a considerable portion of his command, I permitted him to pass to the point of the right of my 3rd Brigade, where they redeemed their honor by maintaining that line for some time, while ammunition was supplied to my regiments. A series of attacks upon the right and left of my line were readily repelled, until I was compelled to order Ross' Battery to the rear, on account of its loss in men and horses. During all this time Mann's Battery maintained its fire steadily, effectively, with great rapidity, under the excellent handling of 1st Lieutenant E. Brotzman. For five hours these brigades maintained their position under repeated heavy at- tacks and endeavored with their ranks to hold the space between Stewart and McClernand, and did check every attempt to penetrate the line; when about 3 o'clock, Col. Stewart on my left sent me word that he was driven in and that I would be flanked on the left in a few moments. It was necessary for me to decide at once to abandon either the right or left. I
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
considered that Prentiss could, with the left of Gen. McClernand's troops, probably hold the right and sent him notice to reach out toward the right and drop back steadily, parallel with my first brigade, while I rapidly moved Gen. Lauman from the right to the left and called up two 20 pound pieces of Maj. Cavender's Battalion to check the advance of the en- emy upon the' Ist Brigade. The pieces were taken into action by Dr. Cornyn, the Surgeon of the battalion, and Lieut. Edwards, and effectually checked the enemy for half an hour, giving me time to draw off my crippled artillery and form a new front with the 3rd Brigade. In a few minutes two Texas regiments crossed the ridge, separating my line from Stewart's former one, while other troops also advanced. Willard's battery was thrown into position under command of Lieut. Wood and opened with great effect upon the Lone Star flags, until their line of fire was obstructed by the charge of the 3rd Brigade, which, after delivering its fire with great steadiness, charged full up the hill and drove the enemy three or four hundred yards. Perceiving that a heavy force was closing on the left, between iny lines and the river, while heavy firing continued on the right and front, I ordered the lines to fall back. The retreat was made quietly and steadily and in good order. I had hoped to make a stand on the line of my camp, but masses of the enemy were pressing rapidly on each flank, while their light artillery was closing rapidly in the rear.
On reaching the 24 pound siege guns in battery near the river, I again succeeded in forming a line of battle in rear of guns, and by direction of Maj. Gen. Grant assumed command of all troops that came up. Broken regiments and disordered battalions came gradually into line upon my di- vision. Maj. Cavender posted six of his 20 pound pieces on my right and I sent my aid to establish the light artillery, all that could be formed on my left.
Many officers and many men unknown to me, and whom I never de- sire to know, fled in confusion through the line. Many gallant soldiers and brave officers rallied steadily on the new line. I passed to the right and found myself in communication with Gen. Sherman and received his in- structions. In a short time the enemy appeared on the crest of the ridge, led by the 18th Louisiana, but were cut to pieces by the steady and mur- derous fire of the artillery. Dr. Cornyn again took charge of one of the heavy twenty-fours and the line of fire of that gun was the one upon which the other pieces concentrated. Gen. Sherman's artillery also was rapidly engaged, and after an artillery contest of some duration, the enemy fell back. Capt. Gwin, U. S. N., had called upon me by one of his officers to mark the place the gun boats might take to open their fire. I advised him to take position on the left of my camp ground and open fire as soon as our fire was within that line. He did so and from my own observation and the statement of prisoners, the fire was most effectual in stopping the ad-
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
vance of the enemy on Sunday afternoon and night. About dark the firing ceased, I advanced my division one hundred yards to the front, threw out pickets, and officers and men bivouacked in a heavy storm of rain.
The remnant of my division was reunited, Col. Veatch, with the 2nd Brigade, having joined me about half past 4 P. M. It appears from his re- port, which I desire may be taken as part of mine, that, soon after arriving on the field of battle in the morning, the line of troops in front broke and fled through the lines of the 15th and 46th Illinois without firing a shot and left the 15th exposed to a terrible fire, which they gallantly returned. Lieut. Col. Ellis and Maj. Goddard were killed here early in the action and the regiment fell back. The same misfortune from the yielding of the front line threw the 46th Ill. into confusion and although the fire was returned by the 46th with great spirit, the opposing force drove back the unsupported regiment.
The 25th Ind., and 14th Ill. changed front and held their ground on the new alignment, until ordered to form on the left of Gen. McClernand's command. The 15th and 46th Ill. were separated from the brigade, but fell into line with Gen. McClernand's right. The battle was sustained in this position, the left resting near my headquarters, until the left wing was driven in. The 2nd Brigade fell back toward the river and was soon fol- lowed by the 1st and 3d, and reunited at the heavy guns. This closes the history of Sunday's battle, so far as the Division was concerned.
April 7, 1862, on Monday morning, about 8 o'clock, my Division was formed in line close to the river bank and I obtained a few crackers for my men. About 9 A. M., I was ordered by Gen. Grant to move up to the support of Gen. McClernand, then engaged near his own camp. With the Ist Brigade and Mann's Battery, I moved forward under direction of Capt. Rowley, Aid-de-Camp, and formed line on the left of. Gen. McClernand, with whom the brigade and battery remained during the entire day, taking 'their full share in the varied fortunes of that division in the gallant charge and the desperate resistance, which checkered the field. I am under great obligation to Gen. McClernand for the honorable mention he has personally given to my troops and have no doubt that his official report shows the same, and as they fought under his immediate eyes, and he was in chief command, I leave this to him. The 2nd and 3rd Brigade went into action elsewhere and I am compelled to refer to the report of their immediate commanders. only saying that the 2nd Brigade, composed of 25th Indiana, 14th, 15th and 46th Ill., led the charge ordered by Gen. Grant, until recalled by Maj. Gen. Buell, and that the 3rd Brigade was deeply and fiercely en- gaged on the right of Gen. McClernand, successfully stopping a movement to flank his right and holding the ground until the firing ceased. About one o'clock of that day (Monday), Gen. McCook having closed up with Gen. McClernand and the enemy demonstrating in great force on the left, I went, by request of Gen. MeClernand. to the rear of his line to bring up
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
fresh troops and was engaged in pressing them forward, until the steady advance of Gen. Buell on the extreme left; the firmness of the center and the closing in from the right of Gen. Sherman and Wallace, determined the success of the day, when I called in my exhausted brigades and led them to their camp.
For the officers of my division, I am at a loss for proper words to ex- press my appreciation of their courage and steadiness. Where all did their duty so well, I fear to do injustice by specially mentioning any. The fear- ful list of killed and wounded officers in my division shows the amount of exposure, which they met; while the returns of loss among the privates, who fell unnamed, but heroic, without the hope of special mention, shows distinctly that the rank and file were animated by as true devotion and as firm a courage as their officers. Col. Williams, 3rd Iowa, commanding 1st Brigade, was disabled early in action of Sunday by a cannon shot, which killed his horse and paralyzed a limb. So great were the casualties among officers of the 3rd Iowa on Sunday, that on Monday the regiment went into action in command of a 1st Lieutenant. To Col. J. C. Veatch, who commanded 2nd Brigade, my thanks are due for the skill with which he handled his brigade on detached duty, and I refer to his report for the con- duct and special notice of his officers. To Gen. Lauman, commanding 3rd Brigade, took command early the day before the battle. I saw him hold the right of my line on Sunday with his small body of gallant men, only 1717 strong, for three hours and then, when changed over to the left, repel the attack of twice his force for a full hour of terrible fighting, closing by the most gallant and successful charge, which gave him time to draw off his force in order and comparative safety.
My own thanks have been personally tendered to 1st Lieut. E. Brotz- , man, commanding Mann's Battery, and to his command. This battery fought through both days under my personal inspection. It was always ready, effective in execution, changing position promptly, when required, and officers, men and horses steady in action.
My thanks are due to my personal Staff. Capt. S. D. Atkins, A. A. A. Gen., rose from a sick bed and was with me until I ordered him to the rear. He was absent about three hours and returned and remained through the battle.
The loss of the division was heavy : Killed, 308; wounded, 1487; miss- ing, 190. Total, 1985. Loss of Myer's and Ross' batteries: Horses, 124; guns and cassions, 4.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. A. HURLBUT, Brig. Gen., Commander 4th Division.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
GENERAL ORDER No. 34.
Headquarters, District of West Tenn., Pittsburg, Tenn., April 10, 1862.
The General commanding congratulates the troops who gallantly inain- tained their position, repulsed and routed a numerically superior force of the enemy, composed of the flower of the southern army, commanded by the aulest Generals, and fought by them with all the desperation of despair. In number engaged no such contest ever took place on this continent. In importance of results but few such have taken place in the history of the world. While congratulating the brave and gallant soldiers it becomes the duty of the General commanding to make special notice of the brave wounded and killed on the field, while they leave friends and relatives to mourn their loss; they have won a Nation's gratitude and undying laurels not to be forgotten by future generations who will enjoy the blessings of the best government the sun ever shone upon, preserved by their valor.
By command of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, Com'g., John A. Rollins, A. A. Gen. Official Francis W. Fox, A. A. A. Gen.
COL. DAVIS TO HIS MEN.
On board of steamer John J. Roe, Pittsburg Landing, April 12, 1862. Officers and soldiers of the 46th Regiment, Ill. Vol.
While lying upon a bed of pain and anguish, where, alas, so many of our brave comrades now are, I cannot permit myself to leave you without dictating words that shall, though feebly, tell you how grateful are my feelings for your heroic conduct on the field on the 6th and 7th of April. You were called from your quarters to take your places in line of battle amid the roar of the enemy's cannon and musketry. You gave three cheers for the Union of your fathers, in defense of which you pledged your lives, and it was with no faltering steps you marched to where you were halted in the face of the advancing enemy.
The battle raged fiercely, other regiments in front of you gave way and passed through your lines, but you remained firm. On came the enemy in overwhelming numbers until they met your well directed, steady and con- tinued fire, which could only come from brave and well drilled soldiers.
Your supports on your right had given way, and all the heroes of your right companies, who had not fallen, were busy taking those who had fallen from the field. Twice had your colors fallen from the hands of brave men, and officers and privates were falling so fast that it seemed you were to be decimated; but to your everlasting honor be it said, you stood f.+1; and fell back only when the order to do so passed along your line. You rallied again and forming with the first force were found ready to
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
make another stand, which proved to be the 1st Brigade of Gen. Sher- man's Division. You advanced with them until within two hundred yards of the advancing enemy and there, for the first time during the day, was the enemy brought to a halt. And not without severe loss did you main- tain your position until our forces were outflanked on the right by the enemy and compelled then to give way; left you without any support either on the right or left. Two such battles are sufficient to make veterans of life long soldiers. You fought them during all the forenoon of the 6th, supplying yourselves with ammunition and reenforcements. In the afternoon you formed in front of and to left of your camp. You composed the solid part of the last line which the Union forces could form on the remaining ground leit you at Pittsburg Landing. When I passed along your line and told you that there was no ground to fall back to, and from that point the enemy must be driven or we perish in the attempt, you replied that you would move from that position as you had moved from others, which you had occupied only in obedience to my orders. And while in that position, the regiments both on your right and left faltered and fell back in con- fusion, you remained firm and never wavered. Through that long and rainy night you laid upon your arms without a murmer. When morning came and the order passed along the line to move upon the enemy, none received it with heartier cheer than did you.
When the enemy appeared on our front and our lines were formed in po- sition to march upon him, by the request of your commander, we were as- signed the post of honor on the extreme right. Soon the fire of our forces halted the deploying columns of the enemy as they were marching to rein- force that part of their army so fiercely assailed by our left. I can only bear testimony to your bravery during a part of this, the third great fight in which you were engaged during those two days. I can, however, say, that no colors were in advance of yours, they being within thirty yards of the enemy's column. Already the foeman's lines had been broken and he was firing from behind stumps, logs and trees, and when at last I was carried from your midst, my ears were saluted and my heart was cheered by your shouts of victory, as they were borne along by the breeze.
Our glorious dead shall, as they deserve, receive the homage and gratitude of the lovers of liberty and good government throughout the world. Our wounded will receive the sympathy and care of a grateful people and you have the proud consciousness of knowing that you assisted in winning the hardest fought battle that ever freedom gained over the minions of despotism. For a time I must leave you. I do it assured that the colors which waved over your heads and mine at Donelson and Pitts- burg, no enemy can ever take from you and no act of yours will ever tarnish.
During the two days' fighting at Shiloh, the regiment lost one hundred and ninety-six men killed, wounded and missing.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
CAMP TABLET A-47.
Markers are in place indicating the several positions, located by the Shiloh Park Commission, assisted by Comrades, under the Supervision of Major Reed.
U. S.
CAMP OF 46th ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
VEATCH'S (2nd) BRIGADE, HURLBUT'S (4th) DIVISION.
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. -
Located 114 miles S. W. of landing.
First position near Gen. McClernand's Headquarters about 212 miles southwest of landing and 114 miles from camp of 46th. .
U. S.
46th ILLINOIS INFANTRY, VEATCH'S (2nd) BRIG., HURLBUT'S DIV., ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. -0 First position in line of battle 144 miles S. W., near McClernand's headquarters. The position of Brigade was from left to right. -0- 25 Ind .- 14 Ill. Battery. 46 I11 .- 15 III.
This Brigade was sent to reinforce McClernand and formed in line abou: 9 a. m. and was soon engaged-and at 10:30 a. m. was compelled to fall back to Jones field, where it and 15th supported Barrett's battery.
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
No. 152. LOCATION, SOUTHWEST CORNER OF JONES' FIELD.
U. S. -0-
46th ILLINOIS INFANTRY, VEATCH'S (2nd) BRIG., HURLBUT'S (4th) DIV., ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.
This regiment, re-formed here at 11:30 a. m., April 6, 1862, and advanced, fighting, 200 yards. At 1 p. m. it retired to camp for ammunition.
Tablets of this shape are used to indicate positions of Sunday, April 6. The color blue is used to indicate positions of the army of the Tennessee.
No. 153. LOCATION, ON HAMBURG AND SAVANNAH ROAD, NEAR McARTHUR'S HEADQUARTERS.
U. S. -- 0- 46th ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
VEATCH'S (2nd) BRIG., HURLBUT'S (4th) DIV., ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.
This regiment occupied this position in McClernand's seventh line at 4:30 p. m., April 6, 1862, and bivouacked here Sunday night. Uniting with balance of Brig. and Division.
Tablets of this shape are used to indicate positions of Sunday, April 6. The color blue is used to indicate positions of the army of the Tennessee.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
NUMBER 154. LOCATION, NORTHEAST CORNER OF CAVALRY FIELD.
U. S. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.
46th ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
VEATCH'S (2nd) BRIGADE, HURLBUT'S (4th) DIVISION.
This regiment, attached temporarily to Marsh's command, was in position here at 9 a. m., April 7, 1862.
Oval tablet, color blue, indicates Army of the Tennessee on Monday.
NUMBER 155. LOCATION AT CAMP OF 13th IOWA IN JONES FIELD.
U. S. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.
-0- 46th ILLINOIS INFANTRY, VEATCH'S (2nd) BRIGADE, HURLBUT'S (4th) DIVISION. ------ This regiment, attached temporarily to Marsh's com- mand, was engaged here at 10 a. m., April 7, 1862. It advanced, fighting, to Woolf field, and as- sisted in the general action of the day-see Marsh report Vol. 10 W. R. page 133.
Oval tablets are used to indicate positions on Monday. Blue borders indicate the Army of the Tennessee.
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Prior to the battle, Col. Davis obtained sufficient transportation for the regiment, it having been in the field nearly two months without the means of transporting rations or baggage except what was carried by the men.
On the 24th of April, the regiment with the Brigade, commenced its march upon Corinth, Miss. The first day it marched but four miles and went into camp, from which it did not again move until the 30th of April. On the 29th of April, Major Hazelton, Paymaster U. S. A., paid the regi- ment up to February 28th, being the first pay that it had received since its organization. On the 30th of April the old Fourth Division made its famous march through Monterey, Tenn. Although the distance made was but five miles, it was a very hard day's march, through such a rain storm and over such roads as will never be forgotten. The teams with the bag- gage and supplies could not get through until the following day. The regi- ment went into camp at Pea Ridge, where it remained until the 4th of May, when it again advanced a few miles. Skirmishing with the enemy now commenced, they disputing our way almost constantly. On the 8th of May we advanced two miles toward Corinth, driving the enemy and capturing some prisoners and property. On the 9th the rebel pickets were pressed back nearly three miles, and on the 10th our camp was taken to the front. Our lines were thus advanced from day to day with more or less skirmishing until the 14th of May, when the work of throwing up heavy lines of earthworks was commenced in good earnest and the siege of Co- rinth actually began.
On the 21st of May another advance was made, and another line of works thrown up. On the 27th the 46th Illinois Infantry was sent around to the rear of Corinth with a large force of cavalry, on the reconnoissance. Near Purdy Church the enemy was encountered by the advance guard of cavalry.
The 40th was at once ordered to the front, one company ("A") was deployed as skirmishers and the remainder formed into line as fast as they could come up. The enemy soon appeared upon a full charge, but after re- ceiving a volly from the skirmishers, turned and fled in great confusion, with a loss to them of eight killed and wounded and no loss to us. The ob- ject of the expedition having been accomplished, we returned to camp very much fatigued by our long and rapid march. The particular object of sending one small regiment of infantry on a scout with over three thousand cavalry, and when the enemy was encountered, hurrying the infantry for- ward on the run to the front, could never be fully comprehended by the combined wisdom of the regiment.
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