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 30
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Sketch of history is embodied in the general work. He gave incidents. of note as follows :-
Thus closes the record of the 46th Regiment Vet. Vol. Infantry. Its. organization has been kept up nearly four and a half years and its line of march and travel has extended over ten thousand miles. Over nearly two. thousand men have been members of its organization. The graves of our fallen dead are found all along our line of march. The number of its mem- bers who died in the service are about three hundred twenty-nine and quite a large number known to have died since of which I am unable to report.
A few incidents are worthy of note. While investing Vicksburg, Gen. John A. Logan had caused to be erected a tower or look out to observe the movements of the enemy, guarded by his soldiers; it was a fortress of strength. That noble chieftain, patient statesman and friend is gone, but around his memory are clustered the loving heart-affections of the millions of the loyal and true, holding in grateful remembrance the heroic deeds of the illustrious dead. Our history, like the soul of John Brown, is march- ing on. The results achieved by the victories which we helped to gain stand not still, but is demonstrated by the prosperity and development of our resources, by the construction of new railroads and the opening up of new flelds of agriculture, the vast development of our mining industry, and the advancement of the finer arts. Peace has perched upon our banners and is flowing on, resistless, like the mighty river. Charles F. Bowers, of Company B. who carried the flag at Shiloh, after Stam and Blackman were wounded, died from his wounds; his leg was broken, and while lying on the battlefield the contending armies fought over the ground, when he was again wounded in the body, the ball lodging near the heart. We tenderly cared for him in the regimental hospital. I visited him and had a talk with him, his countenance lit up with animation and he said, "Tom, I car- ried the flag." Yes, the dear old flag was baptised by the blood of many of our noble boys of the 46th, and we love to see it float to the breeze and reach the highest pinacle in the fame of our country's greatness ; but while we love the dear old flag and our country so well let us not forget God, but let the banner of the cross be our excelsior; and the flag of our country placed in our affections, just below that of the cross.
While at Macon, Miss .. a detail of twenty men of Company B, under the command of your humble speaker, was sent to the plantation of Gen. B. Harrison, who was at one time private secretary to Jeff Davis, to seize property. About two hundred slaves were there, and his little daughter, eight years old, the only white person at home. An old darky bent nearly double and bowing himself nearly to the ground acted as spokesman. Said he : "Boss, be you de Lincum sojers?" "Yes, daddie," I said, "we are the genuine article." "Well Boss, is we free now?" "Yes sir, you are all free." "Bless de Lawd ; you are the nex' ting to de Lawd Jesus Christ." "Oh no; not so good as that." "Yes you is; 'clar to goodness you is every bit of it." Liberty, that inventive genius of the human soul, it finds a lodgement in the mind of the most humbled of earth. This was a grand conception of true liberty, that mysterious power which is stronger than the
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tempest ; which moves like the electric spark; more powerful than the steam engine which crosses the continent with its burden of commerce; that power which comes to the intelligence of man from God directing the victories to our armies which made it possible for us to see this nation of ours the pride of her people and the honored of the earth.
More music followed Mr. Jones' remarks, after which the veterans formed in line and marched back to the city. Tonight the grand banquet will be held at Germania Hall.
DRUM TAPS.
Dr. Bradshaw received a hearty welcome from the old boys. He did not reach the city until this morning. He is looking well and likes his home at Shell City, Mo.
Gen. Dornblaser is beginning to look old, but his heart is as young as of yore. The boys were all glad to clasp his hands once more.
Thomas B. Jones' history of the regiment was highly spoken of. We publish it today in full. Mr. Jones is a prominent farmer in Buckeye township and is a gentleman of ability.
Supervisor James Musser seemed to enjoy the company of his old comrades.
Dan Galpin came over from Lanark to take in the reunion. Dan is a thorough soldier and well liked by all the boys.
A lovelier day for the reunion could not have been chosen.
The reunion of the survivors of the 46th regiment held yesterday was a grand success in every respect. Not an incident occurred to mar the festivities of the day, and everything passed off very pleasantly. Over 200 survivors of the regiment were in attendance. A great deal of the success of the reunion is due to the untiring work of the various com- mittees. Capt. Arno, President of the Association, and the energetic sec- retary, Fred C. Held, did good work, as did also Capt. Barnes, Capt. Young, Capt. Krape, Wm. Swanzey and others. Taking everything into consideration, it was one of the most successful regimental reunions ever held in the state. A large number of letters and telegrams were received from absent comrades who could not possibly be here. One telegram was as follows :
WATSEKA, ILL., Oct. 5, 1887.
To the 46th Illinois Infantry :- Two hundred survivors of the 76th Illinois Infantry in reunion assembled, send fraternal greetings to the boys of the gallant 46th, our sister regiment. God bless every member of your little band.
S. C. MARSHALL, Secretary.
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The above shows how the boys of the 46th were beloved by their comrades in arms. The 46th was a fighting regiment and won the admira- tion of all.
The exercises at the park: yesterday were very interesting, and an un- usually large crowd was present. The only thing that the boys had to re- gret was the fact that the noted speakers they had counted on to deliver the principal addresses could not come, and about the only one that was put on the programme that did not disappoint the committee was Lieut. Thomas B. Jones, of Buckeye. His history of the regiment was a masterly effort, and was listened to with marked attention by all. President Arno had so much to attend to that at the last moment he asked Dr. Bradshaw to deliver the response to the welcoming address, which he did. Gen. Dornblaser was called upon to deliver the principal address, but the gen- tleman was totally unprepared for a speech, but to satisfy the boys he made a few impromptu remarks as follows :
COMRADES OF THE 46TH, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :- The introduction of the President of your Association is misleading. I am no public speak- er; the 46th never had any talkers. It always spoke by acts rather than words. If it could have been possible for the person who was named on your programme to be present you would have heard a speech worthy of the man and of the occasion. The history of the regiment is a part of the history of Stephenson County. More men from this county enlisted in its ranks and marched under its banner than any other regiment in the state. When I came to this county forty years ago it was new and sparsely populated. Farms were opened and fenced about the groves and along the timber belts. The prairie plains all about us were unoccu- pied and open for herds of cattle to roain about at will. Many predictions were made that these plains would never be settled upon. But the same was said of the western plains of Kansas that are now being densely populated with a prosperous people. When the 46th was organized, such large audiences as this is, could not be brought together on short notice. Meetings were called and appeals made all over the country for recruits to fill up this and the many other regiments that were organized. Zealous and determined men took the task in hand and finally success crowned their efforts. Not one of our number had a military education nor knew anything of military tactics, but the same motive that induced them to enlist. soon fitted them for the duty of practical soldiers. There are certain incidents and occurrences in our lives that are pleasant to remem- ber and of which we are proud. One of which is that I was a citizen of Stephenson Co., and another-which I shall ever treasure-is that I had the honor to command so grand a regiment as the 40th Ill., and took part in its movements from the beginning to end. Comrades, again I greet you, and thank you for the cordial greeting.
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Dr. Sheffield, of Apple River also made a short speech which was well received and highly spoken of by the soldiers. After Lieut. Jones had finished his remarks, our popular Congressman, Hon. Robert R. Hitt, the soldier's true friend, was loudly called for. He did not want to speak, but being persistently called for, said :
"MY SHIVERING FRIENDS. I have not the heart to hold you here in the cold, besides after Lieut. Jones' masterly effort there is nothing left for me to say. Everybody who looked at the splendid spectacle on Stephenson Street this afternoon, could not help but admire the 46th regiment, for after their years of hardship and peril on battle-field, and after all the doctors could do in twenty-five years since-200 brave, stalwart, healthy looking men have survived to meet together on this glorious day. Their step seemed as fresh and elastic as when they first marched to the music of the fife and drum twenty-five years ago. This county was largely repre- sented in that noble regiment. Stephenson County gave largely to the war, but she was more generous to the gallant 46th, as 1200 of her bravest and best men were in her ranks, and they made a record that old Steph- enson has every cause to be proud of. Our old soldiers are entitled to the respect, admiration and love of all. They are the nation's breastwork. Our large cities are defenseless. In times of anarchy and riot there is no telling at what time we may have to call upon these battle-scarred veterans. It is not an idle sentiment to lose the old soldiers, and their deeds of valor should never be forgotten."
Three cheers were given for Gen. Dornblaser, Dr. Bradshaw and the 40th regiment and the exercises at the park were concluded.
THE BANQUET
By 8 o'clock Germania Hall was filled with old soldiers and their ladies. Covers were laid to accommodate 200 guests. This part of the entertainment was in charge of that prince of caterers, Jolin Doesrich, and John fully maintained his reputation in this particular line. The spread was very fine and consisted of everything the market afforded. After the guests were all seated, the Germania Band, under the leadership of Will Kasten, rendered a selection in their usual masterly style, and the boys were loudly applauded. Capt. W. W. Krape officiated as toastmaster. The Captain was in his usual happy frame of mind, and carried out his part of the programme to the satisfaction of all. He asked all the guests to rise, and then called on Comrade Spafford to invoke the Divine blessing, after which the guests were helped to the good things. It was not long before the elegant repast vanished, but the heroes of many a hard fought battle still survived. Toast master Krape announced that the first thing 1 on the programme would be singing by the quartette composed of Messrs.
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Thomas, Seeley, Black and Rabe. They rendered "Marching through Georgia," and the old veterans joined in the chorus with their old time vigor and enthusiasm.
Capt. Krape arose to make a few preliminary remarks. He said he was pleased to see so many of his old comrades present this evening. They were all fine fellows before the war, during the war and after the war. He never yet heard of a 46th boy being in the penitentiary. (A voice in the audience-Gen. Dornblaser was in the penitentiary). This remark brought down the house. But Gen. Dornblaser was not sentenced to the penitentiary by a judge-he was there as a warden. Capt. Krape said an old soldier whom the boys all loved would respond to the toast, "Sol- diers of the War." That gentleman was
GEN. DORNBLASER.
The General arose mid the deafening applause of his enthusiastic old comrades. He said the question for him to answer was who were soldiers of the war. It was the young and tender youth yet in his teens, who left his mother's knee, with a soul full of patriotism and love for his country- he was one of the soldiers of the war. The young men who left their comfortable schools and colleges for the rough and perilous life on a battle field; who shouldered their muskets in the dark days of the nation's peril; who gave up their young and promising lives on the bloody battle fields, or wasted away in rebel prisons-they were soldiers of the war. The husbands who left their wives and families to struggle as best they could, while they went gallantly to the front to fight the nation's battles- left their home and dear ones behind-probably to never look in their loving faces again-they were soldiers of the war. The men who planned battles and marches who had charge of the army and led it on to victory- they were soldiers of the war. The patriotic and brave private soldiers who fought all through the war and escaped with their lives, suffered all the privations of camp, hospital and prison hell, and came home, at the end of all, to resume their positions as private citizens and have since risen to positions of honor and trust in private life-they were the most honored soldiers of the war. The young ladies who parted with their lovers, urging them on to do their duty, little knowing whether they would ever see them again, yet praying and hoping for their safety-they, too, were soldiers of the war. Another class of soldiers should not be forgotten-they were the mothers and wives of the soldiers who went to the front. How they suffered and saved to provide for the little ones while the heads of the family were fighting their country's battles, and their noble work in the hospital should never be forgotten while there is an old veteran on earth to sound their praise. The many boxes of good
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things that the boys received while in camp, came from the loving wives and mothers at .home; and then the letters of love and endearment. Many a man went into the war timid and trembling and would have turned coward had it not been for the patriotic words from the wife or mother. These, my comrades, were the greatest heroes of the war. (Tre- mendous applause.)
The quartette then sang "Marching on," and the old soldiers joined in the chorus.
DR. B. F. BRADSHAW
was called upon to respond to the toast "Surgeons During and Since the War." The building shook with applause as Dr. Bradshaw arose to respond to the toast. It showed very clearly that the boys had a warm spot in their hearts for their old surgeon. The doctor said that the sur- geons were the most popular men in the army -- everybody from the gener- als to the privates came to the surgeons-for quinine. He said the sur- geons from Stephenson county who went to the war were all good men. Dr. McKimm was a fine gentleman. He had a rough nature but beneath all that roughness he had a warm, tender heart and was a man of great ability. He said Dr. McKimm had lots to contend with. There was a great deal of sickness and not the proper remedies at hand to combat it with. There was nothing to feed the sick soldiers but fat pork and crackers, that the boys used to say were manufactured before Christ. The water was also very poor and with no means at hand to combat the fever that had broken out among the boys, the mortality was very great and the doctors did not know what to do. Surgeon DePuy was also a kind heart- ed man and a good doctor. He would get up at any time of night to alleviate the suffering of a wounded soldier, and by his careful attention he saved many a brave boy's life which would have otherwise gone out in an army hospital. He was a very outspoken man and sometimes rough in his ways, but every soldier had just cause to revere his memory, for his life was shortened many years by exposure and diseases, contracted on the battle field. He was a noble patriotic man and deserved the praise of all good soldiers. Assistant Surgeon DeWitt was a mere boy, but had good medical knowledge, and did valuable work on the field and in the hospital. He contracted a disease while in the service, which shortened his lease of life. The doctor said they blarneyed more during the war than they have done since, as it was necessary in order to keep the boys up and marching. He thought the surgeons of the late war were far ahead of any military country in the world.
The quartette then sang, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," the veterans joining in the chorus.
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CORPORAL H. L. WAGNER
of Davenport, Iowa, but formerly a Freeport boy, was called upon to respond to the sentiment. "Wives and Sweethearts of the War." Herman said he was not a speaker, and had not prepared himself for the occasion. Besides he did not know much about the wives and sweethearts of the war; although he surrendered to a lady shortly after the war was over, before an attack was made upon him. (Tremendous applause.) But he did know that the wives and sweethearts of other boys did noble work for the soldiers, both at home and in the hospitals. He thought that the bravery of many a young boy in battle was inspired by his sweetheart at home. Our wives and sweethearts must be honored and respected; they are the ones who shaped the good of our country. They shape our destinies and were still working for the boys who wore the blue just as faithfully and as loyally as in the dark days of the war. Every true soldier should love and respect the ladies. Herman said he did not think he could talk half as long as he did, and expected to break down before he commenced. (Applause).
The quartette then sang "Red, White and Blue," the old soldiers joining in the chorus.
COMRADE SPOFFORD
responded to the toast, "Chaplains of the War." He said that no class of men in the army were respected more than the chaplains. They were not always at the front during battle but they were always at the bedside of the sick and dying, administering to their spiritual wants, brightening up some poor dying soldier's pathway to that better land, or speaking words of encouragement to a homesick boy. He said when the boys wanted to ask their Heavenly Father to guide and protect them they always went to the Chaplain and asked through him as they were of the opinion that the Chaplain was better acquainted with the Lord. The Chaplains of the army did good service during the war, and their work should never be forgot- ten. Their work did not cease with the war-for the past twenty-five years they have been leading the boys through the perils of civil life to that Grand Master of Comrades in that life beyond.
Peter Wurtz, of Rock Run township was prevailed upon to sing "Old Shady," which he rendered in fine style much to the amusement of the assembly.
DAN GALPIN
responded to the toast "46th Boys on Detached Service." He said the boys on detached service did good work. Fourteen first-class mechanics, carpenters, stone-masons, etc., were detailed from the 46th, to make bridg-
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es, railroads, etc. They were a brave lot of men and did lots of hard work -- harder than they have done since the war. They also did good work foraging.
Mr. D. Winters, of Florence township, rendered "The Veteran Band" in fine style, after which the Germania Band played another excel- lent selection.
Herman Wagner then got on the stage and said he had two prizes- one to be awarded to the most popular member of the 46th in Stephenson county, and the other to the best speaker. He had been inquiring and had found that Capt. Wm. Stewart was the most popular soldier and he presented him with a silver sword about five inches long, and said he hoped the Captain's enemies might be such that he could fell them to the earth with one stroke of his mighty sword. Mr. Wagner then said that the best talker in Stephenson county, who was a member of the 46th, was unques- tionably Captain Krape, and he presented him with a small bell, attached to a piece of ribbon. The whole affair was very novel and created con- siderable merriment.
Dr. Carpenter, of Baileyville, was loudly called for and he made a very brilliant speech. He paid a very eloquent tribute to the bravery of Capt. WVm. Young, who was shot through the mouth by a minie ball and when requested to go to the hospital he replied: "I shall not leave the field while there is a d- rebel to fight or a man of the 46th left to stay by me." Comrade Wm. Swanzey and others were called upon and made short remarks.
Comrade Reed, of Washington, D. C., offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That the members of the 46th present at this reunion tender their heart-felt thanks to the officers of this Association, to the press of the city, and to all others who have assisted in entertaining us so sump- tuously and hospitably during our stay here.
It was a late hour before the last of the veterans left the hall and took their departure for home. There was shaking of hands, and the old veterans parted with their comrades once more. Thus ended one of the most successful reunions ever held.
In October, 1887, Gen. B. Dornblaser prepared the following historical sketch with view of presenting at reunion of that year. Lieut. T. B. Jones had been assigned this duty, who prepared the sketch and read it at the re- union, and Gen. Dornblaser withheld his history which is substituted and now printed in this history .- Editor.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN; COMRADES OF THE 46th ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
To meet again after a separation of 21 years is indeed a great pleasure. The friendly recognition and hearty greeting of comrades strengthens the ties of fraternity, and kindles anew the fires of loyalty. These army re-
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unions are becoming more and more interesting from year to year as the number of survivors decreases. Recollections af army life and its varied incidents are revived and rehearsed with patriotic zeal. Our wives, our neighbors and friends join us in repeating the story of the war, and cele- brating the valor of the Army of the Union.
Our children that have grown to manhood since the close of the war, and who are about to assume the duties and responsibilities of citizens of the government which the valor of their fathers maintained, listen with eager interest to everything relating to the war, and of the part taken by their fathers in it. They glory in our deeds, and will treasure the memory of them to our honor.
Numerous histories have been written, giving in full detail, the move- ments of great armies and corps and the general events and results of the war. But the regimental records are yet incomplete ; a mere outline, with scarcely any individuality to distinguish them from the mass of troops engaged in any great battle of movement of the war. Survivors of the 46th have come together to hold a regimental re-union. Some of us have traveled hundreds of miles and at much inconvenience, to be here. We all expect to, and no doubt will, have a splendid time while we are together, but that is not all we should want-something should be said or done here that will make our history as a regiment more complete and more endur- ing. Something that can be treasured among the archives of our regi- mental association and handed down to our descendants.
To this end and by your permission I propose to relate as fully and as ably as I can, the movements of the regiment from its organization to its muster out.
HISTORY OF THE 46TH ILL. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.
The real commencement of the civil war, was the firing on Ft. Sumter by the rebels, on April 12th. 1861. The loyal sentiment of the north, heretofore dormant, was aroused to the highest pitch by this overt act of the secessionists. The call of President Lincoln, on the 15th, for 75,000 troops was promptly responded to. So much so that to enable com- panies and regiments in excess of the first call to be mustered into the service of the United States, another call was made on May 3d, 1861, for 82,714 additional troops. The congress of the United States convened on the 4th of July, 1861, and on the 2nd day of August authorized the presi- dent to call out 500.000 troops to serve three years. Under this call the 46th regiment was organized. Col, Jolin A. Davis immediately, on hearing the call, left his "plow standing in the furrow," called on Senator John H. Addams, Col. Geo. Walker, Capt. John Musser and others, who heartily
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