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 21
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On the 20th our lines were again advanced three fourths of a mile, and a line of heavy works thrown up. Early on the morning of the 30th, it was discovered that the enemy had evacuated Corinth during the previous day and night, thus enabling our army to take peaceable possession of the town.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
On the 2nd of June we broke camp and marched through Corinth, and went into camp six miles West from the town. On the 9th the regiment was again paid by Major Phelps, for March and April. On the 10th marched fifteen miles to Hatchie river and constructed a bridge across the same on the 11th, which had been destroyed by the rebels to retard our pursuit. Our march was leisurely continued until Sunday, June 15th, when we passed through Grand Junction, Tenn., and went into camp at Cold Springs, three miles southwest from Grand Junction. Here the regiment did its first drilling since the battle of Shiloh, its music consisting of one share and one bass drum. On the 24th we moved our camp four miles to a point two miles West of La Grange. The place of our encampment here is known by the regiment as "Collar Bone Hill."
June 30th, left camp at 2 P. M., and marched twelve miles to old "Lamar Church" in the direction of Holly Springs, Miss. July 1st, marched to Cold Water creek. It was reported that the rebels had a camp at this place, but we found no enemy and went into camp. On the 3rd we had a big scare, which brought us into line in a remarkably short space of time. It was reported that the enemy were advancing upon us in large force, but after making a more cool and accurate reconnoissance it proved a false alarm, being one of our own regiments coming in from a scout.
On the 5th of July, we commenced our return march, having ac- complished all that was expected. We returned by the same route we came and arrived at La Grange on the 6th. The heat was intense on our return march, and water poor and scarce, causing much suffering. A number of men in the command were sun-struck.
On the 17th of July we struck tents and commenced our march to Memphis, Tenn., going to Moscow the first day, to Lafayette the second, to Germantown the third, to Whites' Station the fourth, and on the fifth day, July 21st, to camp two miles South of Memphis, on the east bank of the Mississippi River.
The distance from La Grange to Memphis is fifty miles, and the march was made in the hottest weather and over the most dusty roads. The regi- ment had been unable to procure new clothes for a long time and its ap- pcarance, when entering the city of Memphis, called forth anything but com- plimentary remarks as to its dress. Several officers had to substitute their last pair of drawers for pants. Jew clothing dealers went into ecstacies of delight as they saw the ragged column pass in anticipation of large sales and larger profits.
The regiment was engaged in camp and picket duty until August 27th, when it went with the Brigade on a scout on the "Pigeon Roost" road running southeast from Memphis to Nonconah Creek, six miles from Memphis, and encamped. On the 20th went two miles further, the cavalry going in advance, capturing some twenty-five prisoners. Returned to camp in the 31st, having accomplished but little.
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
On the 6th of September, the whole Division started in the direction of Brownsville, Tenn., to which place it was supposed we were ordered. We had orders to be ready to march at 2, A. M., consequently the men were aroused at one o'clock, tents struck and wagons loaded, but the order to march did not come until four o'clock P. M. We marched through the city and encamped for the night near Wolf river, five miles from Memphis. On the 7th, marched sixteen miles through Raleigh and Union Station on the M. & C. R. R. Rested on the 8th. September 9th, marched to Big Muddy river,-a very appropriate name-where the bridge had been de- stroyed by the rebels. After constructing a crossing so as to enable us to resume our march, a messenger arrived with orders for us to proceed to Bolivar, Tenn., instead of Brownsville. Hence on the 11th we moved by the way of Hampton Station and Danville, and on the 12th through White- ville to Pleasant Creek, three miles northeast of Bolivar. On the 14th we changed camp, passing through Bolivar to the Hatchie river, two miles north of town. We were obliged to change our camp every few days from one side of the town to the other until the 24th of September. On the 27th of September all the troops of this place were reviewed by Generals Mc- Pherson, Veatch and Lauman. They made a very fine appearance.
While here, Colonel John A. Davis returned to the regiment and was very warmly greeted. He had been absent since the battle of Shiloh, suf- fering from a severe wound, which still troubled him.
On the 4th of October, orders were received to proceed towards Co- rinth to make a division in favor of our force there, which had been at- tacked by Price and Van Dorn. When near Matamora, on Hatchie river, a large force of rebels were encountered and vigorously attacked by our forces, soon driving them across the river, capturing several pieces of ar- tillery and a large number of prisoners. The part taken by the 46th Illinois in this engagement is fully given in the following report :
LIEUT. COL. JOHN J. JONES' REPORT.
Headquarters 46th Ills. Vol. Inft'y. Bolivar, Tenn., Oct. 9th, 1862.
CAPTAIN F. W. Fox,
A. A. Gen'l 2nd Brig. 4th Division.
Captain .- At eight o'clock on the morning of the 5th inst .. under orders from Brig. Gen. Veatch, the 46th Regiment took a position on the right of the 2nd Brigade, in the advance to support Bolton's Battery, two miles West of the Big Hatchie. After firing shots the Battery took a position half a mile in advance, where they opened a galling fire upon the rebels, which lasted about three-fourths of an hour, when the word "forward" was
HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
siven. The men all moved at the word and soon received the melancholy intelligence that our loved and gallant Col. Davis was again severely wounded by a canister shot. When I took command and announced this, the regiment seemed determined to avenge their loss, and soon an oppor- tunity offered, for at this moment the rebels opened their first volly at short range, which was received with great coolness by the men until they heard the command to fire which they did and charged, driving the rebels over and from their batteries to the opposite bank of the river. Here the enemy made a stand, and confidently expected to repulse our force, but the word was still "forward," and on we marched at double quick, forming in line over the river. Here Sergeant John E. Hershey, color bearer, fell, wounded. Corporal Thomas E. Joiner, of Company "G," true to duty, bore both colors across the field and handed one to Priv. James Hobdey, of Company "I," who did it honor through the day. At this time Captain F. W. Fox, of General Veatch's Staff, took the front and called the 46th to follow him, when the regiment charged with cheer after cheer, until the field was theirs. In the last line formed, about four o'clock, P. M., the brave and generous Lt. Moses R. Thompson fell mortally wounded. I can- not close this report without special mention of Assistant Surgeon Benj. H. Bradshaw, who, unassisted, took the wounded from amid the ranks, doing even more than his duty ; also the officers of the line, who were all at their posts, fearless of rebel power, and if honor has been won it is due to them and their brave men alone. Herewith is a report of the killed and wounded of my command.
Very Respectfully, Your Ob't Serv't, JOHN J. JONES, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding.
Brig. Gen. Veatch in his report of the battle of the Hatchie, speaks in the highest terms of his brigade. He says :
"The field and staff officers of every regiment appeared to do all that could be done to render victory complete. The line officers, so far as their conduct came within my notice, did their whole duty, and the men moved with steadiness and resolute courage not easily surpassed. The loss in Billed and wounded embraces many valuable officers. Col. John A. Davis, of the 40th Illinois Infantry. fell severely wounded early in the action while gallantly leading his regiment in a charge. He has since died of his wounds. He was generous, noble and brave, and will be regretted by all who knew him."
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GENERAL VEATCH'S CONGRATULATORY ORDER.
Headquarters 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Bolivar, Tenn., Oct. 9th, 1862.
GENERAL ORDERS,
No. 62.
The General desires to congratulate the troops of his command on the brilliant victory of the battle of the Hatchie. On no field, since the war began, has better fighting been done. The force of the enemy, greatly superior innum- bers, were posted in the very strongest positions, and commanded by those veteran Generals Van Dorn and Price. You met them, you fought them, you drove them, you defeated and routed them, capturing a battery and hundreds of prisoners. You compelled them to seek shelter on the east side of the Hatchie. Here the 1st Brigade came to your support and with Hurlbut's fighting fourth Division united, you drove them again from their last stronghold and forced them to a hasty retreat. While we rejoice in victory we regret the loss of many brave men. Let us honor the memory of our fallen comrades, and transmit to their friends the story of their noble deeds. The wounded who survive will carry their battle scars which will speak more eloquently for their bravery and daring than words can do.
A battery of four field pieces captured by this brigade has been en- trusted to your care by the Major General commanding the division. These pieces, manufactured in rebel workshops, will be made to do service for the Union in the hands of Bolton and Burnap.
Officers and men of the 2nd Brigade! You have the confidence of your Generals, and the respect and esteem of all loyal citizens. Let your future good conduct maintain the high reputation you have gained. Remember that you belong to "Hurlbut's Fighting Fourth Division;" that what he commands you will obey ; what he orders you will execute; where he leads you will follow with full confidence of honor and victory.
By Order of Brig. Gen. James C. Veatch : F. W. Fox, A. A. Gen'1.
Headquarters, Fourth Div. D. of W. Tenn., Bolivar, Tenn., October 8th, 1862.
GENERAL ORDERS,
No. 112.
Officers and soldiers of the Fourth Division :- Comrades in battle! partakers of the weary march and the long watches, by your discipline and courage the victory has been won ; and the title of the "Fighting Fourth," earned at Shiloh, has been burnished with additional splendor on the Hatchie.
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We were ordered on a forlorn hope to the aid of our belcaguered brothers in arms at Corinth. The march was arduous-the undertaking desperate. My orders were to reach Rosecrans at all hazards and relieve him, or perish.
By the blessing of the God of our fathers and our country, the forces which assailed that indomitable garrison at Corinth were scattered and broken by their invincible courage before our turn came. But there was yet work for the "Old Fourth."
The heavy mass of the enemy were retreating by the State Line road, when, after crossing the Muddy, we met them. Each arm of this division gallantly co-operating with the other, Cavalry, Infantry and Artillery-over a rough and dangerous country; over hill and through ravines; forest, thicket and a desperate enemy made no breach in the serried advance of this command. Aided by your brave comrades of the 69th Ohio and 12th Mich., from Gen. Ross' command, field after field was swept; position aiter position seized and occupied, until the crowning struggle of the day came on for the occupation of the high grounds east of the Hatchie. The bridge across that stream was carried at a charging step, the work of the artillery was done; that of the infantry commenced in deadly earnest.
Major General Ord, a stranger to you, but to whom the division by its well won reputation was no stranger, and who had hitherto led the ad- vance, was struck at the bridge and disabled; the command then devolved upon your old commander.
By misapprehension of the nature of the country across the Hatchie, a large portion of the division had been massed in impracticable ground on the right of the road and exposed to a terrific fire of cannister at short range That you bore it without the possibility of active return, speaks well for your discipline.
Knowing the ground, I immediately determined to throw out the main force to the left, crown the hill-side and flank the enemy. And it is among the proudest moments of my life when I remember how promptly the several regiments disengaged themselves from their temporary confusion and extended to the left, and with what a will they bent themselves to con- quer the hill. In twenty minutes all was over, the crest was gained and held, the artillery rapidly in place, and the field of Matamora was won. The broken fragments of the Confederate army recoiled before your solid advance; their main line of retreat was cut off and their troops forced over the broken ground east of the Hatchie.
Our duty was accomplished. Our wounded, the bloody witnesses to the desperation of the fight, were to be cared for; already the victorious column of Rosecrans was thundering on their rear. It was my duty to bring in the forces that remained to me.
You have returned to camp. No colors lost, not a man nor a gun missing. It is a triumph, and you, and I for you, have a right to be proud.
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With you in this achievement were associated the 08th Ohio and 12th Mich. regiments ;- they were worthy to be with you, and their conduct re- ceives the praise of their commanding officer.
And now the necessities of the service remove me from the immediate command of the 4th Division. A promotion won by your courage and dis- cipline removes me to a larger command.
I wish you to understand from these, my parting orders, that I know full well, that no regiment in my old division desired to be under my com- mand when we met at Donelson : the reason why -- I know well-but care not to tell now. Your respect I conquered at Shiloh, your regard I hope to have acquired since.
Give to the officers, who may succeed me, the same prompt obedience, the same steady devotion to duty, and you will make me, wherever I am, proud of the high reputation of the 4th Division.
Remember every man and officer, that I here again publicly acknowl- edge, that whatever I may have of military reputation, has been won by you, and that I wear it only as coming from you-and that any misconduct or want of discipline on your part will grieve your old commander. Re- member that I place my honor, as well as your own, in your hands and that if I find a difficult place that must be held, I shall call for the 4th. I have no fears how you will answer.
Our dead, our glorious dead! The joy of victory is dimmied when we think of them-But they have died as they would wish-died in defence of the Union and the laws-died bravely on the red field of battle with their unconquered banner over them. Their comrades will avenge them.
And when at last our victorious flag shall float over the national domain reconquered and united, and the weary soldier shall forget his toil in the endearments of home, around your firesides and among your children and your neighbors, you shall recite as part of your glorious history how you swept the rebel hosts, with every advantage of position across the Hatchie and crowned the opposing hill with a wall of fire and of steel that repelled the chosen troops of Van Dorn and Price.
Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry, of the fourth Division-and your well deserving companies of the 68th Ohio, and 12th Mich., you have done your duty, each in his place, and each at the right time. You have satisfied your General, and the country in due time shall know what is due to each of you. I bid you, for a while, farewell .- Officers and men, continue to de- serve your lofty reputation and then, as heretofore, you will receive the ap- probation of your General and strengthen his hand in the performance of his duties.
S. A. HURLBUT, Major General.
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HURLBUT ON THE HATCHIE.
Composed soon after the Battle by a Member of the 46th. The bright and gladsome sunshine O'er Matamora's hills, Has ushered in the morning, And happy flows the rills Through meadows, banks and daisies And bright and lovely vales ; And silent flows the Hatchie 'Mid peaceful hills and dales.
Hark! Hark! the storm is coming --- It's the cannon's deafening roar, Like the burst of Heaven's artillery On Hatchie's peaceful shore; 'Tis brave Bolton and his cavalry Pushing forth amid the fray ; This bright and sunny morning Brings a sad and bloody day.
Like the torrent from the mountain Rush the patriot host along, "Death to traitors is our watchword," From their seried ranks among ; Comes the sound, "God and our country," From the bravest of the brave; 'Tis Veatch: "Remember Shiloh, boys, Once more our flag to save !" "The gallant Hurlbut to the van, Where death supreme does reign ; Brave Lauman to the rescue !"- The call was not in vain ; "Our brave old State remember boys !" They dashed upon the foe. The day is won; The traitors run; O'er yonder hill they go.
Farewell to those brave comrades Who fell upon that day. Poor Davis, Dodd and Thompson In death now silent lay ; Upon the field of glory, By Hatchie's peaceful shore, They'll cheer their comrades onward To victory, no more.
Our brave companions slumber In the dark and silent grave, On Matamora's hill top, And where the cypress wave; Here drop the silent tear of grief For our brave and glorious dead, Who fell upon that bloody field, Where the gallant Hurlbut lead.
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
189
After the battle the regiment returned to its camp at Bolivar, Tenn. Col. John A. Davis and Lieutenant Moses R. Thompson died of their wounds on the 10th of October, and their remains were sent home for burial. Both were men of the highest worth and standing at home. Both entered the service with the purest motives, and both received their death wounds while bravely and nobly fighting at their posts. Their memories will ever be kindly cherished.
On the 3rd of November, the regiment with the brigade, marched to La Grange, Tenn., via Grand Junction, and went into the old camp at La Grange, where we remained till the 28th of November, nothing noteworthy occurring excepting a few Grand reviews. We then took up our line of march to Holly Springs, Miss., where we arrived on the night of the 20th. November 30th marched south toward the Tallehatchie river, and went into camp near Waterford, twelve miles south of Holly Springs. The enemy abandoned his works on the Tallehatchie and retreated toward Oxford. We remained in camp, in an old cornfield, which became extremely muddy dur- ing the heavy rains, until the 9th of December, when we changed our camp to a fine wood two miles south, where it was almost universally supposed we should remain for the winter ; hence, on the 10th, our grounds were put in splendid condition, tents pitched in line, chimneys built and our camp christened "Camp Hall," when suddenly all our plans were frustrated by an order to be ready to march at seven A. M., the next day. December 11th, marched twenty miles to Hurricane creek, six miles from Oxford, and the next day eleven miles beyond Oxford to the vicinity of Youcona Station on the Mississippi Central R. R., where we remained until December 22d, when we marched five miles to Taylor's Station on the same road.
Van Dorn having captured Holly Springs and cut off our communi- cation, our forces marched North again on the 23d, through Oxford to Hurricane Creek, a distance of. seventeen miles and arriving at noon. On the 24th the 46th Illinois and 33d Wisconsin Infantry, in command of Colonel Moore, left Hurricane Creek in charge of the corps train, arriving safe on the north side of the Tallehatchie late on the same night. We re- mained in camp until the 20th of December, making Christinas as merry as the means at our command would permit, when we moved our camp four miles nearer Holly Springs, between Waterford and Wyatt Stations on the Mississippi Central Railroad.
Here the new year of 1863 was duly inaugurated with a feast, the best the country could afford, which was our whole dependence, as Uncle Sam's commissary had ceased to honor requisitions. The feast consisted of corn in all the varieties of style known to experienced camp cooks, except corn in the juice. However, the New Year's Day was not the least happy one.
On the 6th of January we marched to Holly Springs, where we re- mained to the 10th, when the 15th and 46th Illinois Infantry were ordered
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to escort the ammunition train to La Grange, Tenn., at which place we ar- rived late on the night of the 11th of January. Our progress was very slow and tedious on account of muddy roads and emaciated condition of the mules attached to the train.
On the 13th of January we marched to Moscow, Tenn., nine miles west of La Grange. Remained at Moscow doing guard duty until February 5th, when we went to La Fayette, Tenn., eight miles West. The garrison at Moscow up to this time consisted of the 1st Brigade, 4th Division, and the 46th and 76th Illinois Infantry of the 2d Brigade, and two batteries. . After rejoining the brigade at La Fayette and performing similar duties as at Moscow until the 9th of March, we marched via Collierville and German- town to Memphis, Tenn., arriving at the latter place on the 12th. We went into camp on the northeast side of the city, near the fair ground, which made quite an extensive as well as beautiful drill ground.
On the 21st of April the 46th, 14th Illinois Infantry, and 5th Ohio Battery were sent out to re-enforce Colonel Bryant of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, who had gone in the direction of Hernando, Miss., with a brigade and met the enemy in force near Cold Water. He then moved his whole force again three miles south of Hernando and encamped for the night, as the cavalry had reported the enemy gone. Colonel Bryant had captured and sent to Memphis about seventy prisoners and a large lot of mules and horses. April 23rd, commenced our return march to Memphis, where we arrived on the 24th, thoroughly drenched by a heavy rain. We met with no loss and the troops made the march in good time and in fine order. We remained in camp at Memphis until the 13th of May, when we embarked on the Steamer "Clara Poe," and left the same evening for Vicksburg, Miss. Passed Helena on the morning of the 14th and Napoleon at six o'clock P. M., same day. Private Gottlieb Vohmer, Co. "C." fell overboard during the night and drowned. As we passed Gaines' Landing, Arkansas, the Steamer "Fort Wayne," with the 76th Illinois Infantry on board, was fired into by guerillas from the Arkansas shore. Three men were wounded and the boat disabled by running foul of some drift wood, breaking the wheel and rudder. We reached Young's Point, La., at 8 P. M., May 15th. Dis- embarked on the 16th and went into camp near the landing. At eleven o'clock A. M., on the 18th, we marched across the point to Bower's Land- ing, below Vicksburg, leaving all our tents and baggage at Sherman's Landing. On the next day a portion of the brigade embarked and went to Grand Gulf, but the 46th and the two batteries belonging to the brigade were obliged to await the return of the transport that had taken the other troops. Before their return, however, orders were received by us to return at once to Sherman's Landing, as General Grant had opened communication via the Yazoo river to the troops in the rear of Vicksburg. Arrived at Sherman's Landing on the night of the 19th, and at noon on the 20th em-
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barked on the Steamer "Luminary," and proceeded up the Yazoo river to Chickasaw Bayou. Disembarked and moved three miles in a southeasterly direction across the swamps of the bluff.
On the 21st of May the balance of the brigade joined us and proceeded to the right of Gen. Grant's line about the city. We were at once ordered to Snyder's Bluffs on the Yazoo river, ten miles from Vicksburg. Went into camp at the Bluffs on the same evening, much disappointed that we were not permitted to enter the line of attack. The object of sending us to this place was to watch a large Rebel force, said to be advancing to form a junction with the Vicksburg garrison.
On the 24th of May we marched in the direction of Vicksburg on the Benton road. The road was extremely dry and dusty and the weather very warm, making it a very hard march. On the 25th we marched to the extreme left of our lines near the Mississippi river, below Vicksburg, and relieved Gen. McArthur's Division. The regiment was detailed for picket duty, and during the night one wing was surrounded and one hundred and thirteen officers and men captured by the enemy. The particulars of the capture are set forth in the following reports, viz. :
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