Franklin County, Illinois, war history, 1832-1919; containing a brief review of the world war--complete history of Franklin County's activities--photographs and service records of Franklin County's soldiers, sailors and marines--industrial and biographical review of business and professional firms who have made this history possible, Part 9

Author: Baird, S. Sylvester; Frier, Harry L
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Benton, West Frankfort [etc.] Pub. by H. W. Trovillion for the Franklin County War History Society
Number of Pages: 414


USA > Illinois > Franklin County > Franklin County, Illinois, war history, 1832-1919; containing a brief review of the world war--complete history of Franklin County's activities--photographs and service records of Franklin County's soldiers, sailors and marines--industrial and biographical review of business and professional firms who have made this history possible > Part 9


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44


Dew, Mounteville


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61 Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Elstun, Walter S.


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Evans, Jno ..


Franklin Co ... May 28, '61


. May 28, '61


... Disch., May 8, 1862.


Ewing, Alfred


Franklin Co .... May 28, '61 .


May 28, '61. .


Garrat, Moses


Franklin Co ... . May 28, '61.


. May 28, '61.


Died, Aug. 18, 1863.


Gray, Jas. W.


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61


. May 28, '61


Hand, Chas.


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61


. May 28, '61


Harris, Geo. W


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61


. May 28, '61


Hays, Hy., Sr


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61.


.May 28, '61 ... . Disch., July 16, 1862.


Hogan, Jas. M .


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61


. May 28, '61 . May 28, '61


Jordon, Elias


Franklin Co .. . .


May 28, '61.


May 28, '61


Lampley, Edward.


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61 May 28, '61. .


Layman, Thomas J.


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61 May 28, '61.


Layman, Seburn


Franklin Co .. . May 28, '61


May 28, '61.


Martin, Geo.


Franklin Co .. .. May 28, '61 . May 28, '61


Martin, Jas. L.


Franklin Co .. . May 28, '61


. May 28, '61 ..


Mckinney, Samuel S.


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61


May 28,


Miller, John R .. .


Franklin Co. . . May 28, '61


. May 28, '61 . .


Miller, Isaacs


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61 ..


. May 28, '61.


Miller, Wm. M


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61. . .May 28, '61 ...


Mizell, Elzee M.


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '61 .. . . May 28, '61.


., Dec. 16, 1865. Vet.


Clark, Edw. R.


Franklin Co ... May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Durhan, Simon L


Horrall, Jason L


Franklin Co .. . May 28, '61


Disch., Sept. 9, 1862. Died, Helena, Ark.,Aug. 30, '63.


Disch., Mch. 20, 1862.


75


1919


Disch., Jan. 29, 1863. Promoted, 2nd Lieut.


Denning, John D Sergeants


FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY. [


Name and Rank


Residence


Date of rank or enlistment


Date of Muster


Remarks


Moore, Jas. E.


Franklin Co ..


May 28, '6]


May 28, '61


Newman, Marion


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61 .


Disch., May 8, 1862.


Neval, Jos


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '6]


May 28, '61


Norman, Matthew G


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61. .


Killed at Ft. Donelson


Parker, Jos. H.


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '6]


Disch., May 8, 1862.


Parker, Granville


Franklin Co ..


May 28, '61


May 28, '61 .


Plumlee, Wilson


Franklin Co ..


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Pogue, Geo. M


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '6]


.May 28, '61


Purcell, Barton M.


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Ray, Thos D


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Reed, Wm. H.


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


. May 28, '61


Disch., Sept. 16, 1862.


Richards, John


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Ryan, Pvt. Michael


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Short, John S.


Franklin Co ..


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Smith, John M


Franklin Co.


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Smothers, Wm. J.


Franklin Co ..


May 28, '61


. May 28, '61


Stuart, Carroll


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 20, '61


Stagner, Wm. J ..


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61 . .. . M. O. June 7, 1862.


Sparrow, Elijah V.


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Sullen, Benjamin.


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Swisher, Harmon


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Taylor, John.


Franklin Co ..


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Upchurch, Benj ..


Franklin Co .. .


.May 28, '61


May 28, '61 .


Upchurch, Samuel


Franklin Co ..


May 28, '61


May 28, '61


Vaughn, John M.


Franklin Co ...


. May 28, '61


May 28, '61 ..


Viorett, Kager T ..


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61. ... M. O., June 7, 1864.


Wheatley, Jas. M


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61. .


White, Eli A. C ..


Franklin Co .. .


.May 28, '61


. May 28, '61.


Williams, Thomas L


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61.


Williams, Othaniel


Franklin Co .. .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61 . .


Millis, Miles. .


Franklin Co .. . .


May 28, '61


May 28, '61 . . ..


Wood, Gibson A


Franklin Co .. .


. May 28, '61


. May 28, '61


Wood, John W.


Franklin Co .. . . May 28, '6


May 28,


NOTE-Where ro remarks are given, veterans were transferred to other companies of the Regiment It is generally conceded that practically all the original enlistments in this company were from. Franklin County, but it is possible some were from neighboring counties .- S. S. B.


Review of Company "I", 31st Infantry


THIS Company's record, as being one of the first companies to make up the famous 31st, command- ed by our Gen. John A. Logan,is interesting as being a word picture from the remembrances of Capt. Carroll Moore, of Benton-it's his own story of his company's war record.


"I enlisted as a private, August 8, 1861, and was mustered into the service of the United States by Captain Pitcher, U. S. A., at Cairo, Sept. 18, 186], in Company "I", 31st Illinois Infantry Volunteers. This Company was made up from Franklin county, in and near Benton, and from Tasswell county, in and near Pekin. I was appointed first duty sergeant, on or about October 1, 1861, and com- missioned second lieutenant at Fort Donelson, Tenn., February, 1862; promoted to captain of the Company at Vicksburg, Miss., in June, 1863, after being in command of Company for some time.


"Our Company, after muster-in, began drilling at once in the Camp of Instruction in the brigade of General McClerand, which consisted of company and officer's drill of arms and swords. With less than two days' rations and forty rounds of ammu- nition, were ordered to proceed down the Mississippi River, and took part in the battle of Belmont, Mo., on November 7, 1861, cutting our way into the con- federate camps, capturing all their cannon, tents and camp equipment. This was our first battle. We returned to Cairo the same day.


"After a few weeks at Cairo, we made a short march into Kentucky, being ordered back, and then by boat to Fort Henry, via Paducah. The Regiment was within one or two miles of the Fort when it surrendered on February 7th, to the gun-boats. All artillery was captured including thirty-seven siege guns. Then on to Fort Donelson on the Cumberland river, and there, amid winter snows, on


76


FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.


the 15th of the same month the Regiment lost 250 men killed and wounded, performing in this engagement the difficult feat of the change of front to rear on the tenth Company, in the heat of the battle, among tangled brush and on uneven ground. Gen. Buckner of the confederates surrendered to Gen. Grant on the 15th. This battle and the cold weather, rains and snow played havoc with our Regiment, there being many sick besides the killed and wounded. I was taken sick and sent to a hospital but rejoined the Regiment about the last of March, at Fort Donelson, where the regiment was still on guard duty.


"We were next transported by steamer to Shiloh, Tenn., and thence moved toward Corinth, Miss., only to find it evacuated by the enemy.


"The next march was to Jackson, Tenn., and Brownsville, and then back to Jackson, doing guard duty, mostly guarding the railroads.


"In August, I was directed to report to Colonel Morrison with five sergeants, and was assigned to Benton and other points for recruiting service for the Regiment.


"I rejoined the Regiment at Lake Providence, La., with 120 to 150 recruits, where the Regiment had come by boat from Memphis. On April 30th, having crossed the Mississippi below Grand Gulf, without waiting for rations, hurried to support of comrades then engaged in battle at Thompson's Hill, near Port Gibson. Under the eyes of Grant and Logan, moved upon the right wing of the enemy at charge step, routing them completely and helping to secure a victory. Gov. Yates witnessed this charge.


"Moving onward, in almost ceaseless march and under gun fire every day, reached Jackson, Miss., on the 14th day of May, and participated in two or three hard engagements before the confederates retreated and the Mayor surrendered the city. Visiting the city one night, all mills were found to be grinding corn and making confederate clothing, they were therefore reduced to ashes by order of Gen. Sherman. Then at midnight, on the 15th, through drenching rain, marched toward Vicksburg to meet the enemy anew. About 10 o'clock on the morning of the 16th, the men spread their cartridges to dry in the sun in an old field about five miles from Champion Hills, from which point soon after was heard the sound of battle. Ammunition and muskets were quickly seized, our Regiment leading the advance at double-quick, effected a formation and rested a moment lying on faces while the shells whistled and shrieked and exploded above. At command of 'attention' the line stood erect with bayonets fixed, Brigade-Commander Gen. John E. Smith, gave the word, McPherson said with a smile, 'give them Jesse!' and Logan shouted, 'remember the blood of your mammies! give 'em hell!' and then the brigade sprang forward, broke and routed the two column formation over which waved the rebel flag, captured the opposing battery, turned its guns upon the retreating foe, and took as many prisoners as there were men in the charging brigade. The confederate army was cut in two, Gen. Pem- berton returned to Vicksburg and Gen. Johnson back to Jackson, with their respective rebel armies. With the main army we followed the retreating Con-


federates to their entrenched lines at Vicksburg, and took part in the bloody assaults of the 19th and 22d. Our Regimental colors were planted upon the ramparts by our gallant Lieut. Col. Reece, who met death by a grenade. The flag received 153 bullets and the staff was shot asunder in four places."


(During the siege the Regiment took a prominent part in the operations against Fort Hill. (Adjutant General's report says: When the Fort was blown up, on the 25th of June, by the explosion of a mine beneath it, there came a time that tested the stuff the men were made of. Here in the night, in that crater-remembered as the 'Slaughter Pen' the soldiers fighting by reliefs, and within an arm's length of the enemy-some had muskets snatched from their hands-under a shower of grenades and of shells lighted by port-fires, while the voices of Pearson, Goddard, Mooneyham and others, rising above the terrific din of combat, cheered on their men-were deeds of valor performed which would adorn the heroic page .- ED.)


"The siege lasted forty days when the city sur- rendered with 31,000 men and all their small arms and cannon. On the morning of July 4, 1863, the place of honor assigned to our Brigade, the 31st with Company "I" marched promptly across the rents and chasms of Fort Hill into Vicksburg.


"After a few days rest the Regiment was ordered into Louisiana to clean up some camp of Con- federates. I was left in command of the Camp in Vicksburg with some who were sick and unfit for duty. When the Regiment returned we proceeded to Jackson, Miss., and then to Meridian, where the Confederates were manufacturing clothing for their Army. After reducing Meridian to ashes we marched back to Vicksburg and went into Camp on the Black River for the balance of the winter. Here on the 5th of January, 1864, three-fourths of the men again enlisted in the service. About the first of April, "I" Company was granted a 30 day furlough. We left our arms at Carbondale and all went to our respective homes. After our fur- lough was up we met at Carbondale and went back by way of Cairo up the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. We returned and marched through Tennessee and Alabama for Atlanta, Ga., and were in the battle before Atlanta on July 27. On Sept. 18th, three year enlistment period having expired, was dis- charged at East Point, Ga. On account of the shortage of officers, I was asked to remain and did. Then commenced Sherman's famous march to the sea, engaging in skirmishes every day until we reached Savannah, Ga. This took much effort and we were glad when the City surrendered. This battle closed my record from 1861-1865, no part of this have I ever regretted and leave this as the grandest effort of my life."


(At the time of discharge, the Regiment num- ' bered 25 officers and 677 enlisted men. When first organized the Regiment numbered 1,130, receiving recruits to the number of 700. The casualties, including men discharged before final muster out, amounted to 1,128. The Regiment had four Colonels, five Lieut .- Colonels and six Majors. Of the twenty-five officers discharged at the time of final muster-out, all save the Chaplain had risen from the ranks .- S. S. B.)


77


× 1832


1919


FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL WAR HISTORY.


COMPANY "1," 31ST INFANTRY


Name and Rank


Residence


Date of rank or enlistment


Date of Muster


Remarks


Captain


Moore, Carrol.


Benton


Aug. 15, '63


M. O. Jan. 4, 1865.


First Lieutenant


Mooneyham, Jno.


Benton


Aug. 10, '61


Sept. 18, '61


Resigned, Mch. 13, 1862.


Privates


Anthony, Benj. H.


Benton


Aug. 15, '61


Sept. 18, '61.


.Disch., Aug. 10, 1862; Disab.


Dollins, John R.


Benton.


Sept. 10, '61


.Sept. 18, '61 . ..


Disch.


Drew, Benj. M


Benton .


Sept. 10, '61


Sept. 18, '61 . . . Disch., May 21, 1862; Disab.


Frasier, Jas.


Benton.


Sept. 10, '61 .


Sept. 18, '61. .


Re-enlisted as veteran.


Gargus, Jos


Benton.


Sept. 10, '61 .


.Sept. 18, '61.


Killed at Champion Hills, May 16, 1863.


Guthrie, John


Benton


Sept. 10, '61


Sept. 18, '61.


Re-enlisted as veteran.


Harris, Wm. J


Benton


Sept. 10, '61. . . Sept. 18, '61


Killed near Trenton, Tenn.


Holman, Enoch


Benton .


Sept. 10, '61. . . Sept. 18, '61


Jiles, Wm.


Benton


Sept. 10, '61. . Sept. 18, '61 . .


Disch., July 23, 1862.


Moore, Riley


Benton .


Sept. 10, '61 .


Sept. 18, '61


Roberts, Asa.


Benton


Sept. 10, '


.. . Sept. 18, '61.


Disch., July 23, 1862; Disab.


Roberts, Wm.


Benton.


.Sept. 10, '61


Sept. 18, '61 Sept. 18, '61


Ridley, Jonathan


Benton


Sept. 10, '61.


.Sept. 18, '61


. . . Died, Feb. 22, 1863.


Story, Jas ..


Ewing.


Sept. 10, '61 .


Sept. 18,


Disch., May 10, 1862.


Whittington, F. M


Benton.


.Sept. 10, '61.


Sept. 18, '61 ..


Re-enlisted as veteran.


Whittington, Wm. J.


Benton.


.Sept. 10, '61


Sept. 18, '61 . .


Disch., Term Expired.


Whittington, Thos


Benton


Sept. 10, '61 .


Sept. 18, '61.


Killed, near Atlanta, Ga.


Melour, Elisha Veterans


Benton


Sept. 10, '61


Sept. 18, '61


M. O., Sept. 28, 1864.


Brown, Andrew J


Franklin Co .... Jan. 5, '64


Jan. 5, '64


M. O., July 19, '65, as Corporal.


Frazier, Jas. M


Benton .


Jan. 5, '64


Jan. 5, '64


M. O., July 17, '65.


Guthrie, John


Benton.


Jan. 5, '64


.Jan. 5, '64


M. O., July 19, '1865.


Gargus, Benj


Benton


Jan. 5, '64


Jan. 5, '64.


M. O., July 19, 1865.


Keisler, Jacob


Benton.


Jan. 5, '64


Jan. 5, '64.


M. O., Died May 16, 1864.


Morris, Simeon


Franklin Co ..


Jan. 5, '64.


Jan. 5, '64.


Killed before Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864.


Robinson, Jackson


Benton


Jan. 5, '64


Jan. 5, '64


Missing in action near Wateree P. S. C.


Simpson, Isaac.


Franklin Co .... Jan. 5, '64.


Jan. 5, '64


M. O., July 19, '65, as Sgt.


Whittington, Thos


Franklin Co .. . . Jan. 5, '64.


Jan. 5, '64


Killed before Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864. Died, Aug. 29, 1862. Disch., July 14, '62.


Baxter, Jas.


Benton


Dec. 7, '61


Brown, Andrew J.


Benton.


Dec. 28, '61 .... Dec. 28, '61


Re-enlisted as veteran.


Bettis, Mariom


Benton


Apr. 20, '64. . .


Apr. 20, '64 . .


Died, Oct. 19, 1864; Wounds.


Childers, Ashberry


Benton


Nov. 23, '61


Drew, Daniel C.


Benton.


Aug. 15, '61. ..


Sept. 18, '61 . ..


Re-enlisted as veteran.


Ellidge, Jos.


Benton


Sept. 10, '62. . . Sept. 10, '62.


Died, Feb. 27, 1863.


Gargus, Mathias


Benton


Apr. 1, '64.


Apr. 1, '64


Died, July 23, 1864; Wounds.


Giles, Wm.


Benton


Disch., July 14, 1862.


Hopper, Berry R


Ewing


Nov. 23, '61


Re-enlisted as veteran.


Ishmael, Wm.


Benton


Aug. 15, '61 ..


Sept. 18, '61 .


Killed Vicksburg, May 27, 1863


Keisler, Jacob


Benton


Nov. 24, '61


Re-enlisted as veteran.


Moore, Thomas.


Benton


Aug. 15, '61


Dec. 28, '61


Reed, William


Benton


Nov. 24, '61.


Rea, Felix G


Benton


Sept. 6, '62


Sept. 6, '62.


Simpson, William


Benton


Townes, Tobert R.


Benton


Aug. 15, '62.


Sept. 15, '62.


Promcted Ist Lieut.


Walden, Eli


Benton.


Dec. 28, '61 . .


Dec. 28, '61


Died, May 30, 1862.


McFarland, Thos


Logan


Oct. 14, '64.


Oct. 14, '64


Sub. M. O., July 19, 1865.


Bennett, Jos.


Benton


Dec. 7, '61


Re-enlisted as veteran.


Robinson, Jackson


Benton


.Sept. 10, '61.


Re-enlisted as veteran. Disch., Sept. 29, 1862. Killed Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 8, 1862 Died, Mch. 14, 1863.


INSCRIPTION CN FLAG OF THE 31ST-Belmont, Fort Henry, Donelson, Siege of Corinth, Tuscambia River, Thomson Hill, Ingraham Heights, Jackson, Champion Hills, Raymond, Black River Bridge, Siege of Vicksburg, and 22d May, Fort Hill, Monroe, La., Meridian, Big Shanty, Bush Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Siege of Atlanta, Atlanta, July 21, 22 and 28; Lovejoy Station, Jonesboro, Savannah, Pocotaligo, Salkahachie, Charleston, Orangeburg, Columbia, Cheraw, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Goldsboro, Raleigh.


78


Reminiscences of an Old Veteran and Review of Co. "F", 40th Inf.


W TE are able to give here a vivid story of conditions in Franklin county in these unsettled times, from the mouth of an old respected veteran, Thomas Sullivan, who volunteered in the second company organ- ized in the county.


The experiences and mental condition of this veteran are analogous to those of the majority who enlisted to preserve the solidity of the Nation in those critical times.


Mr. Sullivan in recalling the conditions of his family, and the before-war spirit, and later the record of his company during his services, says:


"We came North from Tennessee and settled in Illinois in the country about Parrish, adjoining the farm of Alexander McCreery. We cleared the ground and built our pole cabin. We had nearly frozen. Uncle Sam Swofford settled on the tract of land just below our place. About this time many New Englanders, encouraged by the spirit of those succeeding in this part of the county, began to move West, and as the county advanced, many New England families came to Southern Illinois. The majority were from below the Mason-Dixon line.


"Those who moved here from the South, were practically all of the class that were too poor to own slaves, and were therefore kept in the second or "poor white" class, and when they worked it was in competition with the slave labor. Naturally, they were somewhat deficient, and lacked ambition. The farm implements in use in the South were crude and inferior. Owners of plantations did not know how to manage and depended on some one else to direct and do the work. Those who were ambitious were stirred to get away from such environments, and to a part of the country where conditions were more equal.


"I was never in a boarding school or college in my life. Devoid of advantages, my thoughts and limited education made me deficient in many things. We did not know different, therefore, we were infatuated with the idea that the black man was created for a slave; but we did know that those of us who were too poor to own slaves, objected to being placed on the level with slaves.


"The first negroes in Franklin county were at Alexander McCreery's place-some he had brought here and liberated. Therefore, the McCreery's were Abolitionists. They came from Virginia. That colony of negroes is still here, only it has moved a little farther south.


"Being prejudiced, our feelings were with the South at the beginning of the 'rebellion' period, 1858-1860. The South had always controlled the Nation, except the few times the Whigs and Republicans were in power, and even then were


able to foster un-American principles. (When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Inde- pendence, he owned fifty-two slaves). Before Lincoln was elected, six states had seceded from the Union, and established their own Government, with the capital at Montgomery, Ala. The question which confronted Lincoln, was that of 'coercion'-shall we permit them to go in peace, and divide the nation? -not the question of slavery.


"I remember that we were threshing grass seed when the decision came. I shouldered my gun and went forward-about 200 were recruited and espoused the spirit of loyalty to the Nation.


"The resolution adopted at Marion, Illinois, was rescinded and sentiment grew rapidly, and we were ready for enlistment. We were organized into a company at a church northwest of Akin, at what was known as Knob's Prairie, and eventually had ninety-six members. Tilman Shirley was elected Captain, William T. Ingram, Ist Lieut., and Joseph Ing, 2nd Lieut. We were sworn into the service at Springfield, by Captain Pitcher, of the United States army, and then encamped at Camp Butler at Clear Lakes, near Springfield, and mustered into service Aug. 10, 1861, and sent to Jefferson Barracks, where preliminary training was received. We were a month without uniforms or other accoutrements, as the Government had been systematically robbed, military stores being sent to Southern forts, and silver and gold bullion to the New Orleans mint, for sometime previous, where they were confiscated. We were sent to Paducah, Ky. Sept. 8th, we were then stationed at Smithland, Ky., with three other companies on detached duty for about a month and then moved back to Paducah, and left there after the surrender of Fort Donelson, March 6,1862. We had received orders to strike tents-everybody knew what that meant. We went up the Tennessee river in two small boats, the "New Golden State" and "Sally List", to serve one week without support. We moved to East Port, Miss., and then back down the river to Pittsburg Landing, debarked and encamped. The rebels were encamped on the high bluff and when located were attacked by the 32nd Illinois, who finally reached them and forced them to retire. We then moved up Snake Creek out to Owl Creek, three miles from the river, where the battle of Shiloh was fought. The rebels arrived there on April 4th, and there was a small skirmish on the picket lines. The next day all was quiet, but we slept with our arms and accoutrements, and had scarcely had breakfast the next morning before the rebels began firing on the picket lines held by Co. E, 40th Illinois. Wallace W. Echmond of that company was the first man killed in this battle. They charged through our picket lines in a "V" shape and the battle rapidly extended to both wings. The casualties were very heavy on both sides. Our company had fifty-seven men in line-twenty-six were wounded or killed. I was among the number


79


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FRANKLIN COUNTY. ILL. WAR HISTORY.


wounded. The battle ended at 4 o'clock on the second day-the wounded had no help until this time. The wounded were sent to hospitals at Paducah and St. Louis, and as soon as they were able were furloughed and sent home. About seven came home when I did.


"I rejoined my company at Corinth, Miss. In the meantime they had participated in the siege of Corinth, Miss., the rebels' stronghold until it was evacuated. We were then ordered to Memphis Tenn., arriving in Memphis July 21, 1862, and encamped until Nov. 26, but engaged in digging breast works protecting Memphis. Here we fell in love with the negroes; they would go out and dig for us, relieving us of much of the fatiguing labor.


"After leaving Memphis, we moved down the river to the rear of Vicksburg to College Hill. Returned to Holly Springs and then to Davis Mills in Northern Miss., where we went into winter quarters. On April 17, 1863, we started on a scout through Northern Mississippi, and then started again for Vicksburg, stopping at Schneider's Bluff in the rear of Vicksburg, and then to Black river, confronting Johnston's army until the fall of Vicksburg. It was here, we on one side of the river and the rebels on the other, that we had the pleasure of telling them of the surrender of Vicks- burg, and the rebels in turn had the pleasure of telling us that we were d -- n liars. We were ordered with Sherman's command in pursuit of Johnston's army toward Jackson, Miss. We could not ford the river and had to build a bridge in the face of the enemy's fire. On the 16th day of July we arrived on the North side of Jackson, after skirmishing all the way, at a small creek. The rebels had established breastworks on a slope defending the city. We camped in the woods on the North side, and after skirmishes for several days, on July 16th we were ordered to support the 97th Indiana, on a charge up the breastworks. We returned to our rifle pits and renewed the charge the next day, and the rebels retreated, leaving the city in our possession. For bravery and gallant conduct during this battle our officers and men were complimented in public orders.


"After this battle we were engaged in destroying bridges and railroads around Jackson, thence re-


turning to Black River in the rear of Vicksburg. It was during these operations, I was taken sick and sent in advance to Vicksburg, where I was dumped out on the banks of the river and lay there for four days in the hot sun of the day, and dew of the night, until my regiment came up, and was then removed to a hospital at Memphis. I was discharged from the hospital on the 30th day of November, 1863, and then started to rejoin my regiment and fell in with them at Boyd's Plantation. The Captain asked me if I had been transferred. I had never received the transfer, so could receive no clothes or rations. I had my descriptive roll, so I was kept on Boyd's Plantation, and from there I went to Scottsboro and later I went to Col. Dickerman, of 103rd Ill., who was afterwards killed in the Atlanta campaign, and he furnished me with transportation, and I then went back to Nashville and St. Louis alone. After arriving in St. Louis, I was put in a company known as Company K, 24th Vet. Res. Corps, and was there until the 9th day of August, 1864, and was then sent to Washington, D. C., on guard and fatigue duty, While on fatigue duty we unloaded more than 35,000 dead and wounded soldiers in Grant's Virginia Campaign in the summer of 1864.




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