USA > Illinois > Will County > Fifteen years ago; or, The patriotism of Will County, designed to preserve the names and memory of Will County soldiers, both officers and privates - both living and dead: to tell something of what they did, and of what they suffered, in the great struggle to preserve our nationality > Part 33
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"On the 18th we started back, going by rail to Nashville, just escaping a catastrophe near Louden. Here we went into camp a few miles south of the city, on the Harding Pike, and passed the time in drills, reviews, etc.
" On the 9th of May, the 4th corps was reviewed by General Thomas, and on the day following he issued a complimentary order to them.
" The time passed slowly. Every one was anxious to know what was to be done with our regiment, whether we should now be sent home, or held to serve out the balance of our three years. The boys passed the time in playing ball, foot races, and other games.
" The review of the 4th corps, notwithstandingi ts reduced num- bers, was a splendid sight. 12,000 brave men were marshaled in their best trim, now for display, and not for deadly strife, and for the last time! " Old Pap" (as the boys with more love than reverence, were wont to call Gen. Thomas) never looked better, and seemed full as happy as any of us, as he rode his old war- horse down the lines, proud of his boys in blue, that had executed his orders on so many hardly contested fields. It added interest to the occasion, that the review was held on our last battle field, the field of his glory, and ours, where the finishing stroke had been given to the rebel cause in the west. The city was out in holiday attire to witness the scene.
" On the 13th day of June, we broke camp, and folded tents for the last time, and started for home. Arrived at Chicago, Thurs- day, June 15th. Had a formal reception by the citizens of Chi- cago, and were addressed by Gen. Sherman on the 16th.
" On the 1st day 'of July, we received our last rations of hard
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tack and greenbacks from Uncle Sam, and were mustered out, and the 100th Illinois, no longer existed as an organized regiment. But of course we had a reception in Joliet. Four cars sufficed to bring back to Joliet the regiment which on going forth, three years before had required a train of twenty cars ! On July 2d, Joliet gave the Will county regiment its welcome home-those who had survived its campaigns and conflicts ; as has been else- where described."
ADDENDA.
We have given in the preceding pages, a fuller history of the 100th regiment than of any other organization. The reasons for this will be obvious, and will justify us in so doing. It was THE WILL COUNTY REGIMENT, unlike all others, raised entirely from this county, and in it all parts of the county were represented. For this reason all of our citizens were especially interested in its fortunes. The author was also brought into more intimate rela- tions with this regiment than with any other one, and has been able to collect more records and reminiscences of it than any other. Full as the history already is, there are yet a few statements we wish to place on record, for which we have not found any appro- priate place in the preceding narrative.
We claim for the 100th regiment as proud a record as was made by any in the service. It was full of good men, competent for any duty, or any emergency. The details from its ranks were. numerous, Many were selected as staff officers. Captain El- wood's abilities were soon appreciated, and he was almost at the outset selected for brigade inspector general. Captain Gardner, of Co. I, served as provost marshal and inspector. Captain Munger as brigade commissary. Adjutant Rouse also served as brigade inspector, and Lieut. Howard, of Co. B, as Provost Mar- shal, Lieut. J. C. Williams, of Co. G, as aid to Col.'s Fyle and Buell on brigade staff, and rode his gray mustang to good purpose. Lieut. Ingraham, of Co. F, served on staff of Gen. Negley. Many non-commissioned officers and privates were de- tailed as commissary clerks, &c., &c. Dennis Sibley was kept at work where his methodical business habits and talents were most useful. C. B. Garnsey was lawyer and scribe for the regiment, and as commissary sergeant, dealt out the hard tack and bacon
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with an impartial hand. Milton F. Hand pulled the teeth of the regiment, and was a most useful assistant in all surgical operations, and at some operations that were not surgical. The surgical skill of Dr. A. W. Heise, quickly took him from the regiment to Division Hospital, and he was placed at Chattanooga in charge of the amputating department. Dr. Harwood resigning after Stone River, on account of impaired health, the regiment was thence- forth in charge of Dr. Woodruff, who was always with the regi- ment in the front, and had several narrow escapes, and after the resignation of Dr. Heise was made full surgeon. After the battle of Chickamauga the regiment had become so reduced in numbers that there were more officers than the exigencies of the service re- quired, and many consequently resigned and came home between that period and the opening of the Atlanta Campaign. Among them were Captains Elwood, Bartlett, McDonald, and Goddard, who had all proved able and brave officers, serving the regiment and the country well. But I must stop this, for if I should go on with all the special mention that could be made, I should pro- tract this history beyond reasonable length. Suffice it to say, that if an artisan or engineer of any kind, a clerk, orderly, or staff officer was needed in brigade or division, he was most frequently selected from the 100th, which fact helped very much to reduce its numbers.
And yet, I must mention one more connected with the regi- ment-its most worthy chaplain. He was a man of strong physique, though considerably advanced in years. His whole heart was in the union cause. He was no dilettante chaplain. He cared both for the souls and the bodies of the men in his charge, and was in- defatigable in his efforts in their behalf, often carrying a sick sol- dier's gun, and helping about the labors of the camp, and the bivouac and the hospital. His health compelled him to resign while the regiment was in the Sequatchie Valley, after about one year's service. The good chaplain's loyalty to the cause of the union was proverbial. Although a Kentuckian by birth and edu- cation, he was no neutral. I have given elsewhere one or two anec- dotes of him, and will give one more. While on the march through Kentucky, he chanced to be on one occasion at dinner with some of the " chivalrous neutrals," where some one spoke contemptu-
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ously of the character of the loyal Kentuckians. The worthy chaplain felt the insult, not so much for himself as for the class he represented, and deliberately rising from his chair, he- addressed the person using the offensive language, " Sir, you must take that back, or I'll thrash you." The man looked up at the towering form and flashing eye of the chaplain, and-took it back ! This, with one or two anecdotes we have told of him else- where, may perhaps suggest the thought, that the chaplain had mistaken his calling, and ought to have held the position of a bel- ligerent. He would unquestionably have made a good fighter, but those who know him, do not need to be told that he was, (and still is) an able preacher, and a kind and faithful pastor, although he believed in fighting the enemies of the Union, and all the boys in the 100th will vouch for his fidelity and kindness as an army chaplain.
In conclusion, let it be said, (without any disparagement to others) that the men and officers who clung to the regiment through its entire service, were all of them true and tried, physi- cally inured to hardship, and unsurpassed in their morale. If they performed no brilliant deed of daring or heroism, they did what is still better, they clung to the fortunes of the regiment, and of the country in its darkest days, and greatest dangers, hazard- ing life and limb through three long and weary years; seeing their comrades one after another falling victims to disease and exposure, and the accidents of war. Let us not forget the debt we owe them.
REGIMENTAL HISTORIES.
CHAPTER IX.
HISTORY OF THE NINETIETH REGIMENT; OR, IRISH LEGION.
Organization-Efforts of Dr. Dunne and others-Personal Notices of Officers-Tribute to Chaplain-The Lockport Guards-Tribute to Lockport Citizens-Personal mention-Joliet Company or Casey Guards-In camp at Chicago-The Irishman something like his Flea-An incident in which Cap- tain O'Marah shows his pluck-Getting off for the Front-Cairo-La Grange -Cold Water-Incidents-Captain O'Marah Shows his Pluck Again-A visit from Van Dorn-How Colonel O'Meara received him-A Sharp Fight- VanDorn retires-A Batch of Incidents-Back to LaGrange-Officers hunt- ing Quarters-A Friendly Call-How the Caller Proved Himself an Irish- man-A Case of Sickness -Not Fatal-Daughter of the Regiment-Regi- ment goes to Lafayette-Ordered to Memphis-How the 90th was Assaulted- On Board for Vicksburg-Goes up the Yazoo-New Brigade Sickness-Be- fore the Surrender-After-On to Jackson-Lieut. Eddy at Big Black-On to Jackson-Co. C and D open the Fight-Continued-A big Artillery Duel- Joe Johnson skedaddles-The 90th Thanked-Goes into Camp until Septem- ber 27th-Ordered to Chattanooga-via Vicksburg and Memphis-Meets its old friends at Memphis-A loud call from Sherman-Rapid March-Just in Time-Thanks of Sherman-A Grim Joke of Sherman-March Resumed- On, on, on to Chattanooga-Hard Time-Wet, Cold, Naked, Dirty, Hungry, Saucy-Over the Mountains-Across the River-Goes into Battle-Casual- ties-Incidents-Goes to Knoxville-Returns-A strange Scene-Badge of the 15th Corps-Winter Quarters-Atlanta Campaign-Casualties-Through with Sherman-Will County Losses in 90th-Some Personal Mention-Con- clusion.
HE NINETIEH REGIMENT ; OR, IRISH LEGION, was recruited and organized in the summer of 1862, under the President's call for 300,000 which followed the failure of Mcclellan to take Richmond. It was mustered into service in October of that year. Its rank and file were mostly Irishmen or Irish-Ameri- cans.
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The country was largely indebted for its organization to the efforts of the late Very Rev. D. Dunne, D. D., at the time Catho- lic Vicar General of the Diocese of Chicago ; who besides his pa- triotic purpose to serve the country of his adoption-which he deeply and enthusiastically loved-was no doubt greatly in- fluenced by a desire to disprove the charge, sometimes made, that the Irish Catholic element was disloyal. And most nobly as we shall see, did this regiment give the lie to all such intimations. He was greatly assisted in his efforts by Smith McCleavey, of Chi- cago, who became the lieutenant colonel of the regiment, and by Patrick O'Marah, of Lockport, who became. captain of Co. C. These, with others, were indefatigable in their efforts to overcome the obstacles to its completion. These obstacles were neither few nor small, but need not now be recounted.
Four companies of the 90th were organized in Cook county ; one each in Winnebago, Jo Daviess, Boone and LaSalle, and two in Will county.
Governor Yates offered Dr. Dunne a commission as colonel of the regiment; but this honor was of course declined, as incon- sistent with his holy office. Besides, it was the understanding and determination of those who were most active in organizing the Irish Legion, that a practical and experienced military man, who should at the same time be of Irish birth or descent, and of the Catholic faith, should be selected as its commander. Fortunately, through correspondence with Gen. Corcoran and others, a man was found that filled the bill. Dr. Dunne retained his interest in the regiment, and all its members, to the day of his death, never ceasing to look after and pray for them.
The original colonel of the 90th, was Timothy O'Meara, a na- tive of the county of Tipperary, Ireland. He had led a some- what adventurous life. He came to this country at an early age, and when quite young, entered the regular U. S. service. He subsequently entered the Mexican service as a major of cavalry. At the beginning of the war he entered the Union service as a captain in the 1st Tammany regiment, and was in the ill-starred Balls Bluff expedition under the lamented Baker, at which time his regiment was cut to pieces, and himself wounded and made prisoner. When released, he was offered the command of the 2d
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Tammany regiment, but he preferred to accept that of the Irish Legion, which had also been tendered him.
Col. O'Meara was enthusiastically attached to his chosen pro- fession,-a most accomplished officer,-a man of splendid physique, tall and strait as an Indian, and one of the best horsemen and handsomest officers in the Union army. Add to this the fact that he was brave, patriotic and courteous, and it will seem no wonder that the men of the 90th-officers and privates-loved him, believed in and trusted him implicitly ; nor, that they deeply mourned when he fell at Mission Ridge, mortally wounded upon the field.
The lieutenant colonel of the regiment was Smith McCleavey, of Chicago, one of the most popular and whole-souled gentlemen, who, at a great pecuniary sacrifice had been very active in organ- izing the regiment, and now accepted the second place on its ros- ter. He served with great acceptance and ability, until compelled by serious illness to resign. He was also an Irishman by birth, although a protestant in religious belief.
Owen Stewart, of Chicago, was the original major of the regi- ment, subsequently promoted colonel. He was severely wounded at Mission Ridge, just as the regiment was forming in line of bat- tle. He was struck by a minnie ball which passed through his body, just above his hips. Strange to relate he recovered, and after a long absence rejoined the regiment and served ably through the war.
Redmond Sheridan, of Chicago, was the quartermaster of the regiment, an efficient officer and genial gentleman. He served the regiment during its entire existence, except for a brief period, when taken prisoner, as we will relate by and by.
E. S. Davis, adjutant, was a good officer and a good fellow gen- erally, and served with honor and ability to the end of the war. Although a Yankee, bred and born, he was considered as good an Irishman as any in the regiment.
The 90th was very happy in its medical staff. Dr. Strong, of Rockford, was regarded as a surgeon of superior skill and ability, one of the best in the 15th A. C., and kind and courteous as well as skillful. John B. Davidson, 1st assistant, did not remain long with the regiment.
Dr. Darwin Hinkley, assistant surgeon, (afterwards promoted)
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served the regiment during the war, and was a great favorite with the boys. The "Ould Doctor " and his "Queen Anne" are still remembered with affection. He was a father to the boys, and not a mere functionary.
T'he regiment was especially happy in its chaplain, the Rev. Thomas Kelly, of Chicago. Although in giving these notices of officers who were not Will county men, I am traveling a little out of the scope of this work, I will quote without abridgment the following tribute to the memory of this faithful chaplain, from a Will county officer :
" Rev. Thomas F. Kelly was the Chaplain of the 90th. Among those chaplains who have rendered efficient service to their coun- try, the name of this zealous and patriotic priest will long live in the memory and affections of all who knew him. That he entered the service of the Republic from very decided impressions of Christian duty, and from a full conviction that he was specially called into this field of service, we think he has given abundant proof. The fidelity with which he discharged the various func- tions of an army chaplain, make it evident that he was the right man in the right place. That such a priest should be both popu- lar and useful, is no matter of surprise. This upright and well- informed chaplain was highly esteemed by the officers and men of the 90th. His presence was hailed everywhere with warm expres- sions of delight. In the hospital he may be seen watching the sick, administering to their wants, and writing messages of love for the loved and absent ones at home. Then watch him as he visits from tent to tent, producing by his presence a suppression of impiety, and not unfrequently eliciting the willing tear that tells of a heart subdued by Christian hope. Behold him bending over the prostrate form of the dying soldier on the field of battle after the smoke has cleared away, and soothing his last moments with the consolations of religion, and preparing his soul for eternity. Such were some of the many duties often performed, that en- deared Father Tom Kelly to the boys of the 90th. Father Kelly was born in Ireland, and was a splendid looking man. He was of large size and handsome figure. His fine open countenance always wore the glow of health, until stricken with the disease
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that caused his death so soon, and in the vigor of manhood. Father Kelly rendered great service in raising the 90th, and took a deep interest in the welfare of the regiment during his lifetime. He always felt proud of his fighting boys, and never tired of giv- ing them good advice, as well as moral and religious instructions, that they might be fitted for life hereafter, and prepared to brave danger without fear, when the trial came that would cause the Christian soldier to do battle to save the life of our glorious Repub- lic. He never left the legion until stricken with disease contracted in the line of his duty near Yazoo river, Miss. And then only, when obliged. After many days journey he reached Chicago, his former home, where he lingered a few weeks and died. He left a pleasant charge at Bridgeport, Cook county, to enter the service ยท of his adopted country ; conscientious, full of Christian chivalry, he has fallen ! We are sure he died well. He died in commu- nion with his God. He died to save his country."
In the 90th regiment, Will county had eight commissioned officers, and substantially two companies of enlisted men. The sergeant major of the regiment and the hospital steward were also from Will county.
Company C, " Lockport Guards," was originally commanded by Capt. P. O'Marah, of Lockport, at which place the company was enlisted through the active efforts of Capt. O'Marah, Sergt. Major Lonergan, Lieut. Casey, Sergt. Dunne, and others. Their efforts were heartily seconded by the citizens of Lockport. Capt. O'Marah, in reference to the efforts to raise company C, writes :
"The history of those times cannot be written truthfully with- out mentioning the manly and patriotic efforts and valuable ser- vices rendered by such citizens as Hon. Geo. Gaylord, Hon. John B. Preston, John H. Arnold, John Gregory, Hon. Hiram Norton, Frank Gregory, Wm. Gooding, Patrick Fitzpatrick, Joel Man- ning, Rev. Michael Harley, L. S. Parker, Simon Lonergan, and many others, who were very active in assisting to organize troops to save the nation's life. Will county may well feel proud of such citizens ; and surely, the boys who went soldiering in the " Irish Legion " from Old Will county, will remember them with pride and warm affection."
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Capt. O'Marah commanded company C, until compelled to re- sign from loss of health in June, 1864, when James Dunne, who entered as sergeant, and had been promoted to 1st lieutenant, took command and was made captain in September. He was one of the first men to sign the muster roll. Years before he had been known as the champion shot of the Desplaines valley, a skill which now rendered the country good service. He participated in nearly all the battles in which the 90th was engaged, and was a most effi- cient officer-a strict disciplinarian, but civil and courteous. The boys gave him the soubriquet of " Old Shakehead," but they heeded those same " shakes," and while there is a survivor of the company left, he will not be forgotten.
James E. Casey, also of Lockport, (and still one of its sub- stantial citizens), entered the company as sergeant, and was pro- moted 1st sergeant and then 1st lieutenant, and was a most reliable and efficient officer, prompt to do his own duty, and determined that others should do theirs.
The sergeant major of the regiment was Thomas E. Lonergan, then of Lockport, who served with ability and distinction until obliged to resign on account of wounds received at Mission Ridge, Nov. 25th, 1863. He was one of the youngest sergeant majors in the 15th army corps, and one of the best.
Captain O'Marah speaks thus of some of the non-commissioned officers of Co. C, from Will county :
"Serg't. John Ryan was a Lockport boy, made a good soldier, was wounded at Mission Ridge.
"Corporal Harry Porter was the steady man of the company, the best guide in the regiment, and a first rate good fellow gener- ally.
" Michael McDonnell was the wild boy of the company, the best forager in the regiment-never went hungry if he could find anything to eat. He was never known to leave behind him any- thing he could carry if it was good to eat, except on one occasion, and then there was a fight-it was a bee-hive. The bees were of the rebel kind, and were too many for Mike, and his face and hands showed signs the next day of a fearful struggle for the mas- tery. He was the most generous and best hearted boy in the company, as well as a brave soldier.
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NINETIETH REGIMENT.
" Corp. Patrick H. Sloan was wagoner, bugler, and man of all business for the company. At Mission Ridge his bugle was shot to pieces while he was using it. He was a clever man and good soldier.
"Owen Curran, entered the quartermaster's department as clerk, and performed his duty faithfully and well, and was mus- tered out as corporal."
Co. C was composed of a greater portion of young men than any other in the regiment, many of its members were detailed to act as non-commissioned officers and clerks. It was the first one of the Will county companies in camp, and was the second one of the regiment to be mustered in. It was therefore entitled to rank as Co. B, but preferred to be the color company, and most gallantly did the boys bear the regimental colors through the war.
Much money was spent by the active organizers of Co. C, in the way of expenses and extra bounties for men, and . by other citizens of Lockport, and while in this company, (and also in Co. D,) there were some gathered from other localities outside the county, yet the labor and expense of their enlistment was borne by Will county.
Company D was raised in Joliet, by Dan O'Connor, its first and only captain, assisted by others. John M. Kelly, a son of our old and well remembered citizen, Timothy Kelly, was 1st lieut., and Peter O. Bryne, 2d lieut. This company was known during the period of its incubation, as the "Casey Guards," so named from its godfather, Hon. Samuel K. Casey, and who, as' we have elsewhere said, was a most generous godfather, having contributed a thousand dollars by way of bounties in its enlist- ment.
Near the close of the war, Captain O'Connor was promoted major of the regiment. While at camp in Chicago, he was dubbed the " Posy Captain," from his habit of wearing a nosegay in his buttonhole.
As PART FOURTH of this work will give the name, rank and military history of every member of the regiment from Will
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HISTORY OF THE, ETC.
county, we must refer the reader to that for further personal de- tails.
While at Joliet, Co. D was presented with a large and very costly silk flag by the ladies of Joliet, Mrs. E. C. Fellows, mak- ing the presentation speech. It was an exceedingly beautiful gift, and an appropriate one also, notwithstanding the fact that several of the Irishmen in this company were Dutchmen. These fought as well " under the green " as if " to the manor born." These two companies for the 90th, it is worth noticing, were raised in old Will, during the same summer in which she sent out an entire regiment, the 100th.
The first event of any importance which happened, was just before the regiment left Chicago. As may be imagined, a thou- sand Irishmen could not be got together without having some restive ones ; and to bring so many men, who had heretofore regu- lated their movements by their own sweet will alone, into proper regard for the discipline of the camp, was not an easy task. Under this restlessness many deserted. In a word, the Irishman was very much like the Irishman's flea. An officer had to be sent to the city every day to hunt up the missing ones. The captains with suitable details had to take their turn at this duty.
To add to the difficulty of recovering such men, an order from the war department had been promulged, allowing the enlistment of ten men from each volunteer regiment, for the regular service. In this condition of affairs, it came Capt. O'Marah's turn to go on this duty. After considerable search he found three men belong- ing to Co. D, who had enlisted the day before in the regular ser- vice. A good deal of money had been spent on these men, and they could not be given up without an effort, at least, to get them. The captain demanded of the recruiting officer the release of these men, which was insolently refused. Captain O'Marah told him that he should take them by force. The officer defied him to do so, and ordered five of his assistants to arm and defend the men. Captain O'Marah ordered Lieut. Harrington, Sergeant Dunne, Richard Delaney, and two others of his detail to take the deserters, while he attended personally to the officer in charge. The re- sult was, that the deserters were taken, put on the street cars, and returned to the camp.
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