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 35
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It is well known that the city of Memphis was most bitterly secesh. And like all places of importance it had a large propor- tion of Irish citizens, who, as would naturally be expected, had adopted the views and sympathized with the feelings of the com- munity where they had cast their lot.
The regiment was in camp on the evening of the 7th, about two miles outside the city, expecting to embark next day on the steamer G. W. Graham, bound for Vicksburg, then considered the great slaughter pen for union soldiers.
Scouts brought word to the 90th that the Irish in Memphis
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were more bitter against union soldiers than the natives themselves, and that it would not be safe to march through the city without being thoroughly prepared for defence. That portion of the city where the Irish citizens mostly resided, was known by the name of Pinch, and their line of contemplated march down Poplar street to the levee, was directly through Pinch. Some counseled a change of route, avoiding this locality, as it was understood that the Irish- men were determined to attack the regiment. But better counsels prevailed. It was not for the 90th who had met and scattered the hosts of Van Dorn, to turn aside for brick-bats and shillalahs in the hands of their own countrymen.
The regiment at three o'clock p. m .- every preparation being made-took up its march through the city. Poplar street was thronged with men, women and children. The whole city had turned out to see the reception which was to be given to the Irish Legion by their rebel countrymen, anticipating a lively time.
Never did the Legion make a better appearance. Its ranks full,-the guns and swords glistened in the sunlight-and the army blue was fresh brushed and clean. The officers of the line were in new and bright uniform, and the field officers were well mounted. All the officers wore green plumes in their hats. The stars and stripes, and the green flag as well, floated gaily in the breeze. The regiment marched with the regularity of veterans. Their alignment on the march was as straight as an arrow. It was an imposing sight-a sight calculated to awaken admiration, touch the Irish love of martial display, and at the same time to suggest that such an array it would be wise to let alone.
In such a trim the 90th reached the thronged street, and took its course down the center. A few hisses and groans were heard, and many defiant scowls were seen. The band was ordered to strike up that grand old Irish air, "Saint Patrick's Day," and to continue with " Garry Owen," both of which were rendered with great spirit. The effect was magical. The Irish heart was reached by these appeals to the eye and ear, and in an instant the whole scene was changed. The contemplated assault became a perfect ovation. Cheer after cheer went up from those who had come to hiss-brick-bats were dropped and hats were swung ; the feeling for the dear old green flag, and the stars and stripes returned, and wave
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after wave of acclamation followed the regiment down the street. Men, women and children closed in behind the boys, and followed them to the levee, where the regiment formed a square and stacked arms; and now followed even a heartier welcome. The crowd greeted the officers and men most warmly, men and women vying with each other in their hospitality. Suddenly, as if by magic, baskets of nice lunch, hampers of wine, and cases of liquors, appeared upon the scene, and were pressed upon officers and men with the utmost cordiality. Nor did the good feeling abate until the regiment was safely aboard the steamer, and it loosened from her moorings. In- deed so overcome were some of the men and some of the officers, with the hilarity of the scene and the hospitality shown them, that they did not get aboard until the next day.
On the morning of the 11th the Graham laid up for orders at the mouth of the Yazoo, and entered the river at 6 a. m. During the day, she landed the 90th at Snyder's Bluff, Miss., in the rear of Vicksburg, when it was placed on fatigue duty, throwing up embankments, digging trenches, etc.
The division was now in command of Wm. Sooy Smith, and had been detached from the 16th army corps and assigned to duty with the 9th army corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. Parke. It was now in the heighth of summer, in one of the hottest parts of the south, for it was too far inland to feel the effect of the gulf breezes. The heat was so oppressive in the middle of the day, that even the negroes could not endure it. No water could be ob- tained except from cisterns, and very little of that. Many of the ponds were poisoned, and filled with the carcasses of dead animals, and the sickly season of the country was fast coming on. It is not to be wondered at that many a brave and strong man suc- cumbed to disease and died ; while many others were compelled to return home with health utterly broken. It was here that the beloved chaplain contracted the disease which ended in his death a few weeks after returning home.
The regiment remained doing fatigue duty until the 22d of June, when it was ordered to march at noon with three days' ra- tions. It remained up all night, and just before daylight of the 23d moved for the Big Black, expecting to meet and engage the enemy, then reported advancing on the rear of Grant's army.
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No enemy, however, was encountered, and the regiment after three days' marching returned to its former position.
After the surrender of Vicksburg, on the same day, at 3 p. m., it was ordered to march, and went to Bear Creek, eight miles and bivouacked. On the 6th it resumed its march reaching the Big Black at 7 p. m., when the enemy was encountered. An attempt was made to cross the river the same night, but it was found too deep, and it had to be abandoned. Coggswell's battery, in command of the senior 1st Lieut. H. G. Eddy, of Lockport, was ordered into position and commenced firing at 1 o'clock the same night. In the morning the fighting commenced in a skir- mish, the enemy occupying one bank and the Union forces the the other. A detail of two hundred men from the 90th, in com- mand of Captain O'Marah, was ordered to build a floating bridge · across the river under the protection of our artillery, but on the finding of a large scow boat, it was abandoned. The 90th crossed the Black on the scow, and at 10 o'clock at night, and bivouacked on the other bank. It had rained most of the day, and the men were wet, hungry and tired out, and laid on the ground all night in this condition. The regiment had moved "light." The · men had no knapsacks, neither officers or privates had a change of clothing. They had also to depend on foraging for their sup- plies, and suffered much from want of food and water.
It was on this march that the 90th were ordered to burn the mansion of Joe Davis, then serving as inspector general on his brother's staff. Gen. Joe had left only an hour or two before our forces reached his plantation. The house was burned with everything in it undisturbed.
The enemy having fallen back from the Big Black, the march was continued, with the expectation that at any time the enemy might give battle. The 9th day of July was one of excessive and most oppressive heat. Yet the men were pressed on very rapidly after the retreating rebels, in order to force them into a fight. But there is a limit to the endurance of human muscle, even when backed up by strong will, and the men fell out in rapid suc- cession, overcome by the heat and fatigue, and after lying on the ground and getting a little rested, started on again. At 2 o'clock, the regiment was allowed a rest of two hours, in a little grove
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of timber. The boys nearly stripped themselves naked in order to get some relief from the overpowering heat. The enemy was reported just in advance. Two companies, C and D, were order- ed forward as skirmishers, with orders to move rapidly, engage the enemy and bring on a battle. After moving forward about one mile, the force was halted, Co. C was deployed, and Co. D held as a reserve. They had moved only a short distance when the enemy opened on them from an ambush. The fire was re- turned, and a rapid advance made, the enemy falling back into a large cotton field. Then followed one of the sharpest little en- gagements between the skirmishers on either side ever witnessed. The Will county boys were the victors, and were highly compli- mented by brigade and division commanders.
This skirmish fight opened the battle of Jackson which lasted three days, and which terminated in a Union victory, and the flight of Johnson and his army. Companies C and D were obliged to go on picket duty the same night without rations or water. This engagement took place on Lee's plantation within four miles of the city of Jackson.
It is an interesting coincidence, that Lieut. Eddy, of Lock- port, fired the first shot at the Big Black, and that Captain O'Marah, with Co. C, of Lockport, opened and brought on the fight on the 9th of July, at Lee's plantation.
I shall quote now verbatim from a narrative, supplied by an officer of the regiment :
"On the 10th of July we had driven the rebel army into Jack- son, and closed our lines about them. Here they turned at bay, behind their intrenchments, and offered fight. Jackson was strongly fortified ; the intrenchments which were of strong earth- work, with rifle-pits in front, extended in the shape of a half cir- cle around the city, beginning at Pearl river on one side, and end- ing at Pearl river on the other side. The fortifications were well appointed with various kinds of ordnance, suitable for a long and determined defence of the city. The day was extremely warm, and the boys of the 90th suffered dreadfully from the terrible heat and scarcity of water. The regiment slept on their arms during
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the night, ready for action at a moment's notice. On the 11th the union forces pressed close in, and shelled the town from every di- rection. Here commenced one of the grandest artillery duels during the war. Our forces had at Jackson nearly all the artil- lery used at Vicksburg, and the rebels had nearly the same num- ber in position there.
"The 90th was advanced to the front within a few hundred yards of the rebel works. The reader can readily understand that to be under this cross-fire, when both sides were engaged firing as- rapidly as possible, was one of the most terrific and grand sights in modern warfare. It is impossible for one who has never wit- nessed such a sight to conceive its magnificence and sublimity, and still more impossible for the pen to describe it. One must have been where the 90th was to have any adequate conceptions of the awful solemnity of the occasion.
"Our forces continued to press the seige day and night, using their artillery freely, when on the morning of the 17th of July, the place was found evacuated.
" On the 14th the 90th was ordered to fall to the rear, and there they remained doing fatigue duty night and day, nntil Gen. Joe Johnson evacuated Jackson and escaped across Pearl river. The 90th was very fortunate in not losing many men in the siege at Jackson, and the Will county portion of the regiment was more fortunate still, they not losing any."
For its gallantry in these engagements, the 90th received the following acknowledgement from the general in command of the division :
COL. O'MEARA, OF 90TH REGIMENT:
DEAR SIR :- I desire to commend you and the gallant regiment you command, for your patience and good conduct, and heroism exhibited in the advance upon Jackson. Men that will march in their bare feet and fight as bravely as the officers and men of the 90th have done, cannot be too highly praised. Accept my warmest thanks, and tender them to your command.
Yours truly, W. S. SMITH;
Brig. Gen., Commander of Ist Division.
"Our forces captured a great many prisoners, artillery, and
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ordnance stores at this place. On the 22d of July the 90th marched from Jackson via Clinton, for the Big Black, and went into camp near Messingers Ford on the 27th of July. Here they remained doing a little camp and garrison duty until Sept. 27th. While in camp at the Black, some of the officers and men of the 90th received leaves of absence for 20 days, to go home and return. The camp on the Black was a very unhealthy one, and the boys were not sorry when orders came to march for Chattanooga, Tenn., to the relief of the army of the Cumberland.
"On the 27th of September, 1863, the 90th broke camp on the Big Black, and marched to Vicksburg, and embarked on the steamer Norman, with the fleet for Memphis, Tenn. The boat left Vicksburg with the regiment on board, on the 29th of September, and reached Memphis on' the 8th of October. The only duty of any importance performed during the passage to Memphis by the regiment, was to help wood for the boat, and one or two foraging details the 90th were ordered to supply. Of course, while the details were absent foraging, the steamer lay up to the shore until their return.
The steamer landed at Memphis at 10 o'clock, on the night of the 8th of October, and the 90th remained on board all night. The next day they went into camp outside the city about two miles, at the same place where they camped before going down the river. They were visited by a great many people from Mem- phis, mostly Irish, and treated hospitably and kindly as before. On Sunday the 11th, the regiment took up its line of march, moving in front of the (its) 4th division, 15th army corps for Chattanooga. A few miles outside of Memphis, on the Memphis & Charleston railroad, Gen. Sherman passed the 90th, having with him a battalion of the 13th regulars. The railroad train moved rapidly toward Collierville. In a short time a telegram was received, ordering the regiment forward as rapidly as possi- ble. Chalmers had attacked Collierville, and there was not suffi- cient force there to defend the place. Col. Anthony was in com- mand with only six companies, 66th Indiana. Company "C" was thrown out to the left, and Company "B" to the right as skirmishers, with orders to go forward as fast as possible, moving
49
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parallel with the railroad. Must move faster than double quick, if the boys could hold out.
" It was after 12 o'clock, when they were ordered forward, and Collierville was twenty-two miles distant, and fighting had already commenced there. They reached Collierville a little be- fore 5 o'clock, just in time to take part in the last of the engage- ment, and were very highly complimented by Gen. Sherman in person, for the rapidity with which they came to his assistance, stating at the same time 'that had it not been for their assistance, and the near approach of the brigade, Gen. Chalmers would have captured the post, as he had sufficient force to do it, besides hav- ing artillery, of which we had none. It will be remembered that Co's. "C" and "B" were deployed on either side of the railroad, with their intervals well opened, and had to continue in this way to the end ; therefore they had to pass through woods, thickets, over fences, through fields and swamps. And singular to relate, only one man gave out in Co. "C" and one or two in Co. " B," which showed the powers of endurance they possessed when de- termined to perform a duty. There was considerable loss on both sides in this engagement. Many of the rebs were found dead on the field, that the boys of the 90th knew the summer before ; hav- ing the oath of allegiance in their pockets. General Sherman had a very narrow escape from being captured. His favorite mare " Dolly," and some of his clothes were gobbled. His staff also lost some personal property.
" A little incident happened here after the fight, that perhaps is worth relating. A big rebel badly wounded in the knee, was brought to the post, Dr. Strong of the 90th was in the act of am- putating the limb, and had the rebel on a large block, when Gen. Sherman came along. Dr. Strong remarked that the man had re- ceived a bad lick. 'Yes' remarked the general, 'when you are through with him he will want no parole.' This man had at- tended a grist mill a short distance from Collierville, and held out to the boys of the 90th, when they were there the year before, that he had taken the oath of allegiance. The oath was found in his pocket.
" The 90th resumed its march from Collierville, at 2 p. m. the next day, and reached Mt. Pleasant, went from Mt. Pleasant to
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Burnsville, where they were paid. From Burnsville to Iuka. During this time the weather was rainy and disagreeable. From Iuka they marched to Eastport, Miss., and crossed the Tennessee on gunboat No. 32. Continued moving until they reached Flor- ence, Ala., where they halted and mustered for pay. From thence they moved, passing over Shoal creek on the covered bridge, and via Rogersville, crossed Elk River at this point. The next day crossed, (waded) Sugar creek twice. The men were very tired, and many sick. Had hardly anything to eat for a few days past, but hard-tack and water. Shoes and clothes are wearing out, and much dissatisfaction prevailed.
" It will be well to state here that the 90th was moving light, from the time they left the Big Black, and neither officers or pri- vates were allowed a change of clothing, and all had to depend upon the country for subsistence, more or less, until after the fight at Mission Ridge, the march to Knoxville, and the retrograde march across the country to Scotsborough, Ala., where they halted and went into camp December 26th, 1863. Thus for three months it will be seen, the gallant boys of the 90th were without a change of clothing, and were dependent on the country more or less for food, and often had to endure for days without any.
" Nov. 4th the regiment reached Gordsville. Moved from there the next day, crossed Shoal creek again, passed Bethel, raining heavily, roads muddy and marching bad, the men cold and hungry, obliged to sleep out without tents or covering. Reached Richland creek and halted for the night. Heavy dew and night very cold. Moved the next morning, crossing Indian creek, Brad- shaw and Swan creeks. Roads very bad and broken. Resumed the march the next day, passing through a hilly and mountainous country, roads rocky and bad. Reached Fayetteville, Tennessee, crossing the Elk river on the stone bridge, continued on to Win- chester and Dechard, crossing the Cumberland mountains and moving towards Bridgeport.
" The road near Bridgeport, Ala., was strewn with dead horses and mules. Crossed the Tennessee river on the pontoon bridge at Bridgeport and marched toward Trenton, Ga., passing Nigger Jack Cave, where the saltpetre works are located, also Castle Rock, in Did Co., Ga., and on to near Trenton, halting for the
.
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purpose of building false campfires on the mountain-top near Trenton, in order to deceive the enemy in regard to strength and movements.
" Moved from the top of Raccoon mountain, passing Trenton in Lookout Valley and on, via the Wanhatche, crossing the Tennes- see on the steamer Dunbar on the morning of the 24th, in the face of the enemy, and immediately forming in line of battle on the left. The 90th assisted in taking one of the mountains that day, and helped to haul two pieces of artillery to the top. They held pos- session of the mountain and slept on their arms all night. The next morning at daylight, they moved down by the left flank, and were ordered to the support of the first Missouri battery. The rebel fire became so hot and destructive the regiment was with- drawn from the support of the battery, and at once formed in line of battle on the left of the brigade, and immediately went into ac- tion. The 90th continued in action for eight hours and forty-five minutes, under the most terrible fire that was possible for the enemy to pour upon them. The fire was so deadly that it is won- derful how a man escaped.
"Early in the morning of the 25th, when the fire of the enemy became so hot, and after the 1st Missouri battery was ordered out of position, the 90th was immediately ordered into line of battle, oc- cupying the extreme left of the brigade, near the Tunnel. This tunnel ran through the mountain, and was used as a kind of magazine, and was well fortified with ordnance of all kinds. A double line of skirmishers was thrown out in front, and became engaged at once. Lieut. John C. Harrington, Co. "C," com- manded the skirmish line. The mountains lapped each other and all formed a kind of half circle. The railroad ran through the tunnel above mentioned, and its embankment formed a protection or breastwork for the enemy, where they had double lines of skir- mishers posted. The mountain from base to crown was swarming with the enemy. They had rifle intrenchments at the base, and midway up the sides. Every tree, log and crag, and everything that would afford the least protection to them, was used by the enemy's sharpshooters. On the top of the mountain they had their heavy works, bristling with cannon and guns of every de- scription. The valley beneath afforded no shelter for the Union
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forces, but left them within easy range of the enemy's guns, both large and small, and from every direction.
" Thus it will be seen when the 90th was ordered to advance, it was to meet almost certain death. It will also be remembered, they were ordered to take the railroad, drive away the enemy who was fighting under cover of their own guns on the mountain nearly over them, and hold the position until ordered to ad- vance again. There was a purpose in this order. It was to get possession of the railroad and its embankment, and if possible drive the enemy out of the tunnel, and by that means force them to strengthen their lines at this point, by massing their forces there, consequently this would weaken their line at other points, and give our forces a better opportunity of attack. It would also draw the fire of the enemy and develop their strength at a given point. In executing the first order to advance, the 90th moved by the front and had to pass through a large corral that had been used as a cat- tle pen. This, they were obliged to do in order to keep their regiment in the brigade. It was about two acres in extent. A square piece, fenced with rails, and staked and ridered on top. The 90th was advancing on the double quick, and could not stop to let down fences ; therefore, passed through as best they could. The 90th took the position and held it. It was at this corral, that the brave Col. O'Meara and many others were shot. The ene- my's fire was so severe that our skirmishers did not advance far be- fore they were ordered back to the regiment. This, many of them, were unable to do. About forty of them became isolated and took shelter behind a farm house near the base of the mountain. The rebels shelled the house, set it on fire, and knocked it to pieces. This of course exposed our poor boys. It was here the rebel Gen. Cleyburne took about forty of them prisoners. This was done in sight of the regiment, while it was in line of battle fighting to hold the position it had already gained. The regiment could render them no assistance without breaking from the line, thereby disobey- ing orders, losing the position already gained, and with it, per- haps, the fortunes of the day at this point. Therefore they were obliged to submit to the capture of their gallant comrades without being able to go to their rescue. The most of the poor fellows taken died at Andersonville afterwards. The 90th acted most
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bravely throughout the whole of this most sanguinary engagement. The officers moved forward in front of their respective commands, and of course the boys followed in gallant style wherever their officers led. It would be unjust to individualize, but to say the Will county boys performed their share of duty in the regiment during this memorable engagement, is indeed but paying them a tame compliment. The 90th was engaged eight hours and forty- five minutes, under the most terrible fire that could be showered on them from every kind of arm-from a squirrel rifle to the heaviest ordnance.
" It is indeed a wonder how any escaped the terrible carnage of that dreadful day. In this engagement the 90th suffered most of all the regiments in the fight, losing nearly fifty per cent. in killed and wounded. In the evening the regiment fell back to a little point of woods.
" A duty had now to be performed by those able to move, the most sad in a soldier's life. It was to look after the dead and res- cue the wounded who were unable to leave the field. The enemy was still in possession of most of his stronghold, and had his pick- ets out and well posted.
" Capt. O'Marah, who commanded the regiment after the fall of the colonel, ordered a detail to look after the wounded, and accom- panied them himself. The colonel was found mortally wounded where he had fallen, near the cattle pen, and was conveyed to the hospital four and a half miles distant, reaching there just before daylight. He had to be carried in a blanket or on a stretcher the whole of the way."
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