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 36
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On the evening of April 15, 1861, the following dispatch was received : Washington, April 15th, 1861.
His Excellency Richard Yates.
Call made on you by tonight's mail for six regiments of militia for immediate service.
SIMON CAMERON, Sec'y of War.
The President on the same day issued his proclamation and after stating that the laws of the United States "were opposed," and the exe- cution thereof "obstructed," called forth the militia of the several loyal States to the aggregate number of 75,000. Illinois' quota under said call was 225 officers and 4458 men, a total of 4683. A few unserviceable arms and accoutrements were scattered through the state. There were no available efficient militia companies in the State and it was doubted whether there were thirty companies with any regular organization.
It is true there were in our principal cities and towns several inde- pendent militia companies, composed principally of active and enterprising young men, whose occasional meetings for drill were held more for exer- cise and amusement than from any sence of duty to the State. Many of these companies formed the nucleus of splendid companies which came promptly forward and rendered excellent service to their State and Coun- try. Fortunate, indeed, was it for the State and Nation that so true and loyal a man as Richard Yates was governor. He responded with such zeal and promptness to this and all other calls which followed, that he merited and won the honored title "War Governor," bestowed upon him by a grateful people. In response to this call a prompt answer was received from every part of the State. In ten days over ten thousand had tendered their services and in addition to a part of the force sent to Cairo, more than the full quota was in camp at Springfield.
There were volunteers enough and a surplus on that eventful 19th day of April 1861, but the want of arms had become painful and alarming. It was on that day that Union soldiers from a sister State hastened to the defense of the national Capital. Here, in that din in the streets of Baltimore and on that day and following days, Gov. Yates' messenger, returning from the Capital and learning the canceled orders from the President, to the com- manding officers at St. Louis for arms, was obliged to deny the principles of his manhood and aver disloyal sentiments, in order to escape the vengeance of an infuriated mob at that city. The State governments of Missouri, Ken- tucky and Tennessee were controlled by disloyal men, who insultingly re-
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fused to comply with the order of the President to furnish troops for the defense of the Union. On the contrary, they used all their power and in- fluence to incite rebellion, to furnish men, munitions and supplies for the enemy and, when driven from the State, entered the ranks of the con- federate army.
Even in this great State of Illinois the elements of treason appeared and by systematic organization gave aid and comfort to the enemy. In fact treason was rampant in all of the southern States, in the large cities and even at the Capitol of the Nation the lawful authority of the govern- ment was defied.
To make the situation still more serious and discouraging, the Union armies under the first call, crudely organized, undisciplined, indifferently armed and commanded by officers with no military prestige or experience by which troops are inspired, suffered defeat in every important battle.
On the 21st of July, 1861, the memorable battle of Bull Run was fought and lost, and on the next day Congress authorized the President to call into service 500,000 troops. On the 23rd the following correspondence took place : "Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, Sir-Being advised that you are receiving tenders of additional troops, I desire to tender you for Illinois, thirteen additional regiments of Infantry. Most of theni now ready to rendezvous. Three additional regiments of cavalry and one ad- ditional battalion of artillery. Illinois demands the right to do her full share in the work of preserving our glorious Union from assault of high handed rebellion, and I insist that you respond favorably to the tender I have made." (signed) Richard Yates.
Reply of War Department, July 25th, 1861. "Governor-I have tele- graphed today accepting your patriotic offer, etc., advising you, that if you so desire, you can provide for and equip them, if you can do so with advan- tage, as respects economy and dispatch. I appreciate the patriotic spirit of your people as evidenced in your noble offer and doubt not that they will prove equal to any demand that may be made in behalf of the pre- servation of our glorious Union. (signed) Simon Cameron, Sec'y. of War."
Under the authority and in response to this call, at this, the darkest hour of our national existence, company F was organized and became a part of the 46th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The 13 regiments tendered were the 20th, 27th, 28th. 29th. 30th. 31st, 32d, 38th, 43d, 46th, 48th, 49th and 50th infantry and the 3d, 6th, and 7th cavalry. All of which made imperish- able history for themselves and the state they represented. From this time to the close of term of service companies lost their individuality and
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their history was that of the regiment to which they were assigned. Com- rades: You will call to mind the home leaving, your new experiences at the camp of instruction, the rivalry to obtain recruits to fill your ranks, the drill, the muster in and the long expected order to go to the front, with its uncertain fate. The hardships, privations and suffering endured on the march, the bivouac and the camp, will again come before your men- tal vision ; and the battles emblazoned in your banners will kindle anew the latent spark of patriotic fire in your hearts. Belmont, Ft. Henry, Shiloh, Donelson, Inka, Hatchie, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson. Mobile, Chica- maugua, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Nashville, Atlanta, Atlanta to the Sea, Goldsboro, Appomattox -Victory and the Grand Review in Wash- ington. The list is bewildering and volumes of history can only enumer- ate them. The strange colors that were so defiantly displayed over our Southern forts at the outset of the war of the Rebellion were lowered and forever furled, and the grand emblem of liberty, the glorious Stars and Stripes unfurled to the breeze, never again to be poluted by traitor hands. A re- bellious people were conquered. Their armies paroled and disbanded. Slavery abolished. The captured forts and property reclaimed. The laws enforced without further "opposition or obstruction." An object lesson was given to the world which will never be forgotten. All saw with wonder and amazement the transformation of what they decisively termned, -mob-of uncouth, undisciplined, indifferently armed recruits and con- scripts, commanded by officers equally unsophisticated. into an army of veterans, the most efficient and powerful, the world has ever seen. No serf nor slave was in its ranks to fight for some Prince or Potentate, but all were sovereign citizens of their country, endowed with the right to make its laws and direct their enforcement through representatives of their own choice. My comrades, You came forth out of the gloom which hung like a pall over our land, at the call of our Commander-in-Chief. President Lincoln. You did your whole duty and for four long and eventful years stood shoulder to shoulder in the ranks, messed at the same table, "drank out of the same canteen," answered the daily roll calls."present or account- ed for." This close and constant association under the numberless vicis- situdes of army life, made you familiar with every phase of human char- acter. You knew each other's virtues and vices, and developed individ- ual capabilities and traits of which you were ignorant until severe trial brought them out. On the basis of this knowledge thus obtained our friendships were formed and now, after the lapse of 34 years, since we sep- arated at Springfield, we meet again in re-union ; to offer affectionate tri- bute to the memory of our deceased comrades, to extend to each other the kindly greetings of comradeship, and above and beyond all else to impress upon the minds of those who are taking our places as we drop from the ranks, sentiments of loyalty to God, Country and Flag.
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REUNION OF 1906.
CITY DOES HONOR TO THE BRAVE OLD BOYS OF THE FORTY-SIXTH.
(From "Freeport Evening Standard," Oct. 6, 1906.)
Early this morning the boys of the Forty-sixth again took possess- ion of the city of Freeport and entered upon their second and last day of jollification for this reunion, at least. The parade, and a mighty one it was, formed a little after nine o'clock and marched through the streets. At the head was a real army drum corps, consisting of the following mem- bers, all Rockfordites: P. H. Talbot, drum major ; Fred Batchelor, drum- mer ; Victor Wheeler, base drummer ; A. S. Clifford, fifer, and Asher Mil- ler, fifer.
Immediately after the drum corps came the surviving members of the Forty-sixth present, over a hundred strong, and the members of John A. Davis, post, G. A. R., who had been invited to join the parade, brought up the rear. A royal reception was given the boys in blue as they marched through the Freeport streets this morning, and cheers, hurrahs and ap- plause rent the air. Plainly did the citizens show their honor and love for the men who saved our great nation from the black curse of slavery.
The march was down Stephenson street from the G. A. R. hall to Adams and across on Adams to Galena, up which street the boys went to Walnut, where they again returned to Stephenson. The veterans imme- diately went up to the Y. M. C. A. auditorium, where the exercises of the morning took place. Captain William J. Reitzell, the newly elected presi- dent of the association, presided, and the following programı was carried out :
Music by the drum corps.
Prayer-Deputy Chaplain S. R. Van Horne.
Address of welcome -- Mayor C. J. Dittmar.
Response --- Col. S. P. Shadel.
Annual address-General Smith D. Atkins.
Address-Col. F. W. Byers.
Address-Captain F. H. Marsh.
Mayor C. J. Dittmar extended a hearty and sincere welcome to the members of the Forty-sixth. "Stephenson county is proud of you. The glory of your deeds will ever grow greater and Freeport will ever be proud- er to welcome you. Gentlemen, I bid you welcome to our city."
Col. S. P. Shadel responded with an excellent address. He told of the organization of the Forty-sixth and its final mustering out four years later. He said that through the care of a Divine Providence many had the
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privilege of again marching together today. After forty years of peace and citizenship, we are again privileged to meet. It gives me great pleasure to see so many. I desire at this time to welcome you here as cordially as did the mayor.
The Forty-sixth marched 10,000 miles during the campaign and did a great deal of fighting. Only one-fourth of those who enlisted were pre- sent at the mustering out., Our regiment was made up in a majority of young men from Stephenson county. We have a great deal to be thankful for. Let us be cheerful and happy and sing the old war songs we love so well louder than ever. The boys in blue gave three cheers for the red, white and blue, after which Mr. Shadel closed.
Comrade General Smith D. Atkins followed with the biennial address. He spoke of the Forty-sixth as the greatest regiment and stated that the reunions would continue just as long as there are two boys left. He said that politics count for nothing in these reunions. He spoke of Col. John A. Davis and eloquently eulogized him. He told of the enlistment of the man for whom the Freeport post is named and how his enlistment brought about the mustering in of six whole companies from this county. General Atkins told of his relations with Davis during the actual fighting and of the valor which the Forty-sixth displayed. The speaker continued by telling of his own war record and of that of the man whom he eulogized-John A. Davis. In a reminiscent way he told of the time he was ordered by Gover- nor Yates to procure eight companies from the northern Illinois counties, and instead of which he procured forty-four. "Comrades, you little know what a noble and gallant man you had for your colonel in Col. Davis. When he was wounded at the Hatchie, and subsequently died, you lost, and the State lost, and the Nation lost one of its greatest commanders." Continuing Gen. Atkins eulogized Putnam, a man who had been a candidate for the office of Colonel against him, and subsequently was one of the greatest sol- diers of the war.
Comrade Van Horne, called upon, made a short but pleasing speech. which he concluded with the statement that he would rather be a member of the Grand Army than anything else he knew of. In the course of the talk he voiced some very beautiful sentiments, and told some jolly stories.
Col. Byers, of Monroe, recited an especially fine parody on our State song, Illinois, which he followed with a talk full of patriotism and eulogy for the Forty-sixth.
THE REUNION BANQUET.
Today at noon occurred the eleventh annual reunion banquet of the Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry. It was the final event in the two days' great gathering, and one which will long be remembered by the two hundred who attended. The speeches were able and enjoyed, and the menu, which was
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elaborated to say the least, was thoroughly enjoyed by the veterans who have had to make so many meals on hardtack and water. It was served by ladies of the White Shrine of Jerusalem.
The scene in the banquetting hall while the three hundred veterans and veterans' wives dined on the sumptious banquet prepared, was one of re- markable picturesqueness. Nothing but the fire of youth and laughter of the boys filled the air, together with which the music of Gibler's orchestra was heard in national and popular airs.
Invocation before the banquet was made by Department Chaplain Van Horne. When the boys and their ladies had well finished their meal Master of Ceremonies William W. Krape called the assembly gathering to order and "America" was sung.
ENJOYABLE CAMPFIRE FRIDAY NIGHT.
True to all expectations the campfire enjoyed by the members of the old Forty-sixth Friday evening was one of the most enjoyable affairs in years. The attendance was very large, in fact, G. A. R. hall. which is generally well able to seat all comers, was literally filled. The smoke from the cigars the veterans were enjoying filled the air, but they were good ones, and the odor was delightful. To the veterans the pictures of long weary nights around the campfire telling stories were vividly recalled. and stood out in sharp contrast to equally weary nights of long stealthy marching.
Stories were told last evening-stories which brought tears of sym- pathy just as often as they brought roars of laughter and approval from the spectators and listeners. After a time spent in social intercourse and jollification, Capt. Philip Arno, of Dubuque, called the meeting to order, and the boys made speeches, told anecdotes and sang. Tom B. Jones was first called on. In a few well chosen words he set forth the object of the History and roster of the Forty-sixth Regiment which had been started by General Dornblaser and was to be finished by Mr. Jones. The book will contain a good history of each company, well illustrated with over seventy- five photos. John A. Davis post. of Freeport, and John Musser post of Orangeville, will also be written up. Mr. Jones was followed by Comrade Captain Frederick Marsh, who cheered the gathering with a good, well de- livered talk. Dr. F. W. Byers, of Monroe, next called upon. sang a well received song on the subject so dear to the hearts of all present-Illinois.
Colonel S. P. Schadle, of Monroe, next delivered an address of good cheer and was followed by Frank Wilson, who gave several interesting re- miniscenses and told of some of the hardships suffered during the civil war. Peter Wuertz, or "Old Shady," as his comrades called him, sang for the crowd as he used to during the war, and was greeted with rounds of ap- plause. Dan Galpin. of Lanark, next addressed the boys and was fol- lowed by Dr. Byers, who sang "Col. Snob." Comrade W. W. Krape, of Freeport, next called upon, delighted his hearers with a splendid little rem-
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iniscent talk, even telling how he had gone to Dr. Byers' school in bygone days. B. T. St. John, Comrade Roush and Comrade Shade, of Orange- ville, finished the evening's pleasure with excellent talks.
When the jolly campfire was "outened" it was late, so late, in fact, that the boys had to hurry to get home before they went to sleep. The campfire was a success if as such it can be measured by the words of approval in everyone's mouth.
THOSE IN ATTENDANCE.
The register of the survivors, which is, of course, not complete, as not even all who attended the reunion took the trouble to register their names, is as follows :
F. C. Held, Co. C, Freeport ; A. D. Tyler, Co. B, Woodford, Wis .; J. R. Waddell, Co. A, Freeport; W. J. Reitzell, Co. B, Freeport : W. M. Haney, Co. E, Maquoketa, Ia .; J. W. Mallory, Co. B, Freeport; Jacob Prince, Co. C, Freeport ; S. P. Shadel, Co. A, Monroe, Wis; T. J. Hays, Co. K, Maquoketa, Iowa; A. P. Webb, Co. B, Freeport ; E. D. Barker, Co. G, Sciota Mills ; A. B. Yoder, Co. B, St. Louis; F. R. Koym, Co. C, Free- port ; L. Milton, Co. D, Allentown, Pa .; M. Moyer, Co. H, Red Cliff, Ia .; L. W. Mogle, Co. B, Kent; Charles F. Wright, Warren; Paul Petrick, Co. G, Freeport; M. A. Rice, Co. A, Douglas, Kan .; William Henke, Co. C, Eleroy; Henry Keller, Co. D, Freeport; William Staber, Co. C, Free- port ; Henry Bemis. Co. E, Oregon ; T. C. Laird, Co. G, Lincoln, Neb. ; H. S. Keck, Co. K, Freeport; C. Daughenbaugh, Co. A, Orangeville; G. S. Rousch, Co. B, Lena, Ill .; John Wolff, Co. C, Blue Island; W. W. Krape, Co. A, Freeport; N. Kastler, Co. C. Amboy; L. Seiferman, Co. C, Free- port ; James Mathingley, Co. D. Waterloo, Iowa: Eli Ellis, Co. A, Free- port ; L. Currier. Co. 1. Oregon ; A. A. Stamm, Co. G, Lena ; Aaron Mc- Cawley, Co. B, Orangeville; James McGurk, Lena; A. Staecker, Co. C, Rockford; R. Treuhalm, Co. E, Rockford ; D. Allison, Co. G, Kensett, Ia .; Fred Keller, Co. C, Freeport; J. T. Clingman, Co. A. Cedarville; J. G. Flory, Co. D, Savanna ; D. W. Fisbens, Co. G, Ruthben, Ia .; B. F. Rutter, Co. G, Cedarville; Levi Richards, Co. K. Dakota; W. J. Daughenbaugh, Co. K, Jennings, La .; Luther Angle, Co. G, Dakota; B. T. St. John, Co. E, Sterling; Charles Musser, Co. A, Pearl City; Warren Colgin, Co. I, Dixon ; L. F. Vocht, Co. B, Freeport; John Schackler, Co. A, Washing- ton, Kans .; L. Moses. Co. E, Cedarville; F. T. Wilson, Co. G, Gilbert Station, Iowa; D. Galpin, Co. A, Lanark: Philip Arno, Co. C, Dubuque ; Frank Wohlford, Co. B. Clements, Minn .; Henry King, Co. D, Winslow; W. D. Reed, Co. D, Waterloo, Iowa : H. Hoyman. Co. A, Freeport ; Robt. McLeese, Co. G, Freeport ; Z. T. F. Runner, Co. K, Freeport; Henry Gar- man, Co. G, Cedarville; Thos. B. Jones, Co. B. Gilbert Station, Iowa; William Clingman, Co. A, Cedarville; Fred Brady, Co. D, Freeport; W. A. Garman, Co. G, Beloit, Wis .; John Treuholm, Co. E, Rochelle, Ill .; N.
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HISTORY OF FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
F. Coolidge, Co. K, Rockford; E. Roach, Co. C, Rockford; Phillip Knecht, Co. B, Freeport; Robert Long, Co. C, Cedarville; J. W. Holmes, Co. I, Amboy; Peter Wuertz, Co. K, Davis; F. H. Marsh, Co. E, Rockford; M. D. Mitchell, Co. B, Davis; Jacob Becker, Co. C, Durand; Wm. C. Mc- Elhaney, Co. B, Dakota; Peter Syler, Co. E, Lena; Jacob Cleasnor, Co. B, Freeport ; H. C. Best, Co. A, Freeport; William Reeter, Co. G, Dakota ; I. Miller, Co. A, Freeport; F. W. Evans, Co. A, Monroe, Wis .; Philip Wentz, Co. 'G, Freeport; A. C. Schadle, Co. A, Warren; W. Kaly, Co. D, Mt. Carroll; William Spitler, Co. D, Freeport; J. A. Taft, Co. A, Orange- ville; John Dilcher, Co. H, Freeport; William A. Jackson, Co. I, Durand; E. A. Snyder, Co. H, Cedar Falls, Iowa; S. E. Carter, Co. A, Lanark; Jacob Werner, Co. C, Freeport.
LETTERS FROM SURVIVORS.
The following letters have been received by Secretary Fred. C. Held from members who found it impossible to be present at the reunion. They were read in the business meeting yesterday and as they are of great interest to the general public, The Standard prints them herewith :
Waukegon, Sept. 17 .-- Yours of the 5th containing invitation of officers of the 46th Regiment reunion association to be present and speak at the reunion of said regiment on October 6th, was duly received.
When the invitation was received I was sure I could be with you, but other matters have transpired which will make it impossible for me to be with you, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to meet the sur- viving members of that grand old regiment. A regiment with which the old 15th was brigaded so long during bloody conflict. I knew most of the officers and men of the 46th during the war and no truer, greater hearted, braver men ever lived. How clearly I call to mind such men as Benj. Dornblaser, Jones, Woodbury, Young, Bradshaw, Arnold, Arno, Miller, Pike, Stewart and many others. I can truly say that the 46th was almost as good as the 15th and that is saying a great deal. In stealing and fight- ing the 46th was equal to the 15th but in piety the 46th was way behind. Well, most all of the old veterans have groped to the other side, where we shall all meet them soon. I believe I am the last surviving of the 38 of- ficers of the 15th who left Freeport in May, 1861.
Please give my love to all the boys.
Hail and Farewell, in F. C. & L. GEO. C. ROGERS.
Jesup, Ia., Aug. 2 .- Dear Sir : Your card at hand, and note what you say in regard to the reunion to be held at Freeport, Ill., on October 5th. Will say that I am the son of Thomas J. Shane, and therefore take the liberty to inform you of his death on August 26th, 1891.
Yours respectfully, N. V. SHANE.
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ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Sterling, July 28 .- Dear Comrade : The card announcing another reunion of the old 46th came today. I was very glad to get it, and know that a few, at least, of the boys, that once touched elbows, can look each other in the face and clasp cordial hands. If I am in the state, I expect to be there. I am trying to sell and if I do shall move to the Pacific coast.
Possibly that might happen before the anniversary of Hatchie. In- closed find draft for my dues, that I may be represented that far anyhow. If I can't be there in person, others can, and that date I shall surely be with you in thought and spirit. With the very best of wishes for all the comrades, I am, as ever, Yours in F. C. & L.,
B. T. ST. JOHN.
Vevay, Ind., July 30 .- Dear Comrade: Your cards -- I got two of them -are just received. I enclose a dollar for dues. 1 don't know whether I can be there or not, but I hope I don't need try to say how I would enjoy it. We have a country reunion association here that meets for a two day's reunion, August 16 and 17. I have been attending those reunions for years, but, of course, never meet any one of my old regiment or even of the old brigade. I attended the encampment of the department of Indiana at La Fayette, Indiana, in May and met there a member of the 76th Illi- nois (one of our brigade) and felt like I met a long lost brother. If I can I will surely be on hand October 5th. Every 46th Illinois man should re- member with pride and I would like to see the old flag once more un- furled on that day. But 77 years have left their mark on me and while my health is reasonably good I don't get about with ease to myself. Rheuma- tism and other infirmities of age have me in their clutches. I just endure the ills. I can't get rid of them, but if I don't get there my heart will be with the old boys of the 46th Illinois. God bless them all.
Yours in F. C. & L., JOHN SHAW, Co. F, 46th Ill.
The following is from Darius Winters, who is now located at Al- mira, Wash .:
"I notice in the Freeport papers of recent date that there is to be a re- - union of the old Forty-sixth Illinois Regiment to be held in Freeport on October 5 and 6. I also notice that in all probability this will be the last reunion the regiment will ever hold. I would like very much, indeed, to meet with the dear old comrades once more, but it will be impossible for me to do so this time, so I thought I would write a few lines to you and just say a word to the boys, my dear old comrades of the old Forty-sixth Illinois Regiment.
"Time nor distance has not changed the love in my heart that I have always had for the members of the old vet regiment. In fact I think that,
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as time goes on and distance increases, the love in my heart grows warmer and stronger. I would gladly grasp each of you by the hand and say, 'How are you, old comrade?' and enjoy a good visit with you all, but I forget not the dear comrades who have answered to the last roll call, and have gone to their reward in a better world. God bless their memory.
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