USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > History of DeKalb County, Illinois > Part 12
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The 1st of October, the First brigade returned from garrison duty at Atlanta and took up position on the 4th, near the railroad bridge on the south side of the river. Just now the main army was on the lookout for General Hood's forces, who seemed disposed to punish General Sherman by making a formidable raid on the railroad in his rear. Cannonading was heard on the 2d, in the direction of Sandtown, south of
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the railroad bridge, and there was considerable activity manifest among the troops. The two long wagon and railroad bridges were partially undermined and carried away by high water, when pontoons were immediately thrown across the river, over which General Howard's command crossed on the 4th, passing the camp of the 105th on their way for the raiders. Five companies, comprising the left wing of the 105th, were stationed in a strong earth fort opposite the camp on the 6th, and heavy details made for work on the fortifications. Two guns were placed in this fort and two in a fort near the camp. After a few days of hard toil, during which the boys completed the work on the forts and surrounded them with heavy abatis, the men announced themselves ready for the "Johnnie Hoods." But beyond the occasional dashes of marauding parties at different points on the road near this section, nothing transpired to disturb the quiet of the brigade.
During the passsage of General Howard's troops, General Sherman and a portion of his staff, who were accompanying them, dined at regimental headquarters by invitation of Lieutenant-Colonel Dutton. The General was then, to the casual observer, an ordinary-appearing man, of medium height, slender, unstately and wiry. He seemed absorbed and nervous. Stepping up to the tent door, without ceremony, he remarked inquiringly, " Is this the place ?" and in he strode, taking a seat at the table. In military campaigning he was entirely unassuming in his manners, but eminently practical, and seemingly oblivious to everything save the work of the time. As an operator in the field this plain man is one of consummate skill. Atlanta is a fitting commentary on his genius.
Lieutenant-Colonel Dutton received leave of absence on the 28th of September, and started for his home at Sycamore on the 9th of October, Major Brown succeeding to the command of the regiment. Several officers receiving leave of absence were detained at camp until the railroad bridge was repaired, admitting the passage of upward-bound trains from Atlanta.
Captain C. G. Culver, Company C, and First Lieutenant
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Melvin Smith, Company F, with a detachment of men, on the 3d, acting under imperative orders, destroyed a bridge over a creek at an important point several miles down the river, remaining there on the lookout for guerrillas two days. Scout- ing and foraging parties were sent out frequently from the brigade. An Orderly on duty at brigade head-quarters was killed by a guerrilla while bearing a dispatch to Atlanta, on the 11th.
The danger to this position contingent on the movements of Hood's forces being passed, the left wing of the regiment was moved back from the fort to the main camp, on the 17th. On the 19th, a train of cars was partially burned by guerrillas, on the road between Marietta and Chattahoochee river.
The regiment received eight months pay on the 19th.
A train on its way to Atlanta was molested by guerrillas on the 20th, producing quite a panic among a number of unarmed men, some striking for the woods and running several miles back to the camp. This was a little rebel victory.
The regiment received an elegant new stand of colors on the 21st.
Major Brown was sent into the country on the 24th in charge of a foraging party of some five hundred and fifty men and a long train of wagons. After three days absence he returned with men and train intact, having loaded his wagons. with corn and provisions. On the second day out the party was attacked several times by guerrillas, and the Maj. narrowly escaped being shot. Among the articles secured by foragers in large quantities were, corn, pumpkins and sweet potatoes, which, taken with "hard tack " and coffee, was deemed a healthful combination for the disters of the First brigade-the mules generally eating the corn !
On the 29th, the regiment received orders to send back all surplus baggage, preparatory to entering upon another active campaign. Several absentees arrived reporting for duty.
Brigadier-General Ward arrived from the North, where he had been on leave of absence, and re-assumed command of the
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Third division on the 31st. Soon after his return, November 9th, Colonel Dustin was placed in command of the Second brigade of the Third division, formerly commanded by Colonel John Coburn, of the 33d Indiana. This command Colonel Dustin retained until the close of the war. Colonel Dutton then took permanent command of the regiment. Since the battle of Atlanta, on the 20th of July, the Lieutenant Colonel rose still higher in the estimation of the men, and was deemed an officer fit to succeed the Colonel as regimental commander.
Adjutant D. D. Chandler, of the 105th, was mentioned by Colonel Dustin, and also by General Ward, in connection with a position on their respective staffs. No officer was more assiduous in his duties, and none filled their offices with more credit than this officer.
General Thomas' head-quarter train passed the camp of the 105th on the 31st, en route to Chattanooga. As General Hood's command had now struck out for Nashville, General Thomas moved to that point to receive him.
On the 5th of November the regiment received marching orders and was prepared to move on short notice, but the orders were countermanded. Considerable speculation as to where General Sherman would go next, was indulged in by the troops, but all in vain. Such information was "contra- band of war." But every soldier knew the army was soon to enter upon a long and rapid march. Accustomed to march together and to "strike together," its future movements were destined to be executed expeditiously and successfully. Sherman's men had finally attained to that degree of bold- ness and endurance, in their education and experience as soldiers, as to be regarded by the rebels and the world quite invincible.
The last train of cars passed up the road northward on the 15th, when the troops of the Fifteenth Corps tore up the track from Marietta to Chattahoochee river, the men of the 105th assisting in the work on the 15th. The railroad bridge was destroyed in the evening. On the 14th the regiment
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finally broke up camp and started at six o'clock for Atlanta, destroying the remainder of the track on the way. Regiment camped one mile beyond the city, ready to enter upon the grand march commenced by Sherman's expedition on the fol- lowing day.
General Sherman's forces embraced the 14th, 17th and 20th Army Corps, making over 50,000 men, besides 9,000 picked cavalry under Kilpatrick. They were supplied with thirty days rations for man and beast. With a scout system and courier line complete, this combination swept across the State of Georgia with the force of a mighty whirlwind, destroying railroads, bridges, mills, cribs, gin houses, cotton screws, gins, &c., carrying off stock, provisions and negroes. The station houses along the railroads were burnt, and hundreds of unoccu- pied buildings of all kinds destroyed, together with large quantities of lumber, fences, cotton and every kind of prop- erty calculated for the comfort of rebels and the use of rebel armies. The country was rich, and provisions abounded. The troops subsisted on fresh pork, sweet potatoes, flour and meal, with all the concomitant luxuries ; among which may be mentioned turkeys, chickens, ducks, molasses, sugar, etc.
The expedition being set in motion on the morning of the 15th of November, the Twentieth Corps moved out with its long wagon train on the Decatur pike in the direction of that place. The first brigade fell into the column at noon. Being in the rear of the Corps and behind the train, the marching was during the day and night slow and tedious. About thirty-four hours of such marching brought the command to its first encampment, at a point on the Atlanta and Augusta R. R., called Lithonia, having crossed a branch of Ocmulgee river, near Decatur, and passed Stone Mountain. The rail- road was destroyed as the column advanced.
Atlanta was left partially in flames. During the night of the 15th the consuming elements cast a glare of red to the heavens, grandly constrasting with the surrounding gloom. Thus, the horrors of the torch was added to the powers of the sword, and Atlanta brought to a fiery judgment.
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The march was resumed at early dawn on the 17th, the first brigade in advance of the column. Marching rapidly the brigade made some twenty miles, foraging off the country as it passed. Foragers brought to camp sweet potatoes in abundance, shotes, chickens and honey. Fine country; wat- ered by numerous streams.
Moved fifteen miles on the 18th, arriving at the fair village of Social Circle, on the railroad, at noon. Passed through Rutledge Station before evening. Camped beyond at seven o'clock. The progress of the troops not yet impeded. Fair weather.
On the 19th, moved seven miles, the first brigade being in the rear. Passed through the large and beautiful town of Madison, on the R. R., the county seat of Morgan county. Camped several miles beyond on the Milledgeville pike. Great activity among the foragers and " bummers." At Madison the soldiers were received with joy by the blacks. The whites looked on in silence. The regiment entered the town with flag unfurled. The word among the negroes, old and young, as the column was passing through the streets, was, " Is you gwine ?" One answer, as overheard by a number of the 105th, was, " Gwine ? I'se already gone !" Indeed many followed the army from this point, men, women, children and babies. The women carried their bundles on their heads, their children on their baeks and in their arms-as, for in- stance, a wench following the 105th with a huge bundle of clothes and traps on her head, arms full of babies and one child on her back ! She wanted to see good old "Mass Linkum." They advised her to return to her old haunts, but the spirit of resolution said " nay." Evidently, her life was set upon a cast, and she would stand the hazard of the die. What became of the poor soul is not known.
On the 20th, marched at five o'clock, morning. Weather cloudy and damp-considerable rain last night. Distance marched about twelve miles. Camped within two miles of Eatonton, a pleasant looking town of about 1,800 inhabitants. Fine country.
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The weather very wet and disagreeable on the 21st. Troops marched under heavy and steady rain part of the day, literally wading single file, through mud. Passed through Eatonton, from which place a railroad called the Eatonton branch runs down through Milledgeville, connecting at Number Seventeen with the Georgia Central Railroad, passed through a small place called Fairfield, on the railroad. Camped at dusk. Marched rapidly on Milledgeville. Entered the place in good order at 4 P. M., with colors flying and bands playing. The colored population received the troops with great satisfaction as usual. Camped in the city limits.
Remained in camp at this point on the 23d. In the evening the regiment was detailed to assist in destroying rebel property. Several thousand stands of arms, and a large amount of ammunition, was committed to the flames. Also, twenty casks of salt thrown into the river.
Resumed the march at dawn on the 24th, crossing the Oconee river north-east of town. On the road all day and night, the teams being delayed by bad roads. Camped at three o'clock A. M.
On the 25th, moved only five miles, starting at noon, the brigade in the rear. The rebels burned a number of bridges over swampy ground and streams, the column being delayed until the road was repaired. Heard cannonading in the di- rection of the other columns. Column passing through swampy country; enemy seeking to retard the progress of the troops.
Passed over regular Georgia swamps on the 26th ; march- ing rapidly after noon, arrived at Sanderville, a small, dull place, at about 4 P. M. 105th eamped close to the town ; Wheeler's cavalry hovering about in front. Skirmishing for two days-several killed. Sandersville is near the Georgia Central Railroad, in Hancock county. The business portion of the town was sacked, of course; the troops of the column in turn helping themselves to whatever they wanted from the stores. In some of the towns goods had been removed in order to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Yan-
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kees. In Madison the stores were found empty and deserted.
Left Sandersville at 8 o'clock, on the 27th, marching rapid- ly to the railroad, which the column crossed, moving some distance on the wrong road. General Slocum righted the column, after parading up and down the road several times in a swearing mood. Arrived at Davisboro, on the railroad, at sundown, regiment camping in a peanut patch. Here the boys met troops of one of the other corps. Everybody seemed to be in ecstacies. The foragers, sent out daily from the regi- ment, were gathering in the very fat of the land. The "bum- mers," who roamed unrestrained over the country, were filling their pockets with treasures, and dressing themselves up in broadcloth clothes. In short, the boys felt "bully." They acted on the hypothesis that " all is fair in love and war."
Citizens in the country were in the habit of secreting goods, and burying valuables, to keep them from the raiders, but the "Yankees" espied them out. Most everything was overturned in smoke-houses and kitchens, during the search for edibles ; the foragers for the yards and kitchens, and the "bummers" for the parlors, bed-rooms and bureau-drawers. Let the reader imagine a house full of forage and pleasure-seekers, actively manipulating the effects of the premises, and some idea of a raid in war times may be gained. This is the una- voidable, natural consequence of war. "Those who take up the sword must perish by the sword."
On the 28th, left Davisboro at 11 o'clock, making a rapid march toward Louisville, a point twelve miles north-east of Davisboro. Arrived within seven miles of the town and camped early in the afternoon.' The early halt at this point was occasioned by the burning of bridges over swamps and across a branch of the Ogeechee river, near Louisville.
During the day Captain C. G. Culver, Company C, in charge of a foraging party from the regiment, carried the war to ex-Governor Herchel Van Johnson's residence, divesting his cupboard of many goodly meats. The "bummers" took his damask curtains.
22
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The road having been repaired, the column moved forward on the 29th, the first brigade starting at one o'clock, after- noon. The 105th and a part of the 102d Illinois were thrown forward a mile on the double-quick to protect the pontoon train, reported to have been attacked by guerrillas. On arriving near the wagons they were found safe, the enemy having been easily dispersed. Crossed river branch, passed through Louisville, and camped at dusk three miles beyond the town.
Remained in camp on the 30th, the bad state of the roads in the swamps evidently being the cause of the delay. For- agers were sent out from the regiment, coming in close prox- imity with guerrillas ; but enough forage was gathered before the party returned to camp.
On the 1st December, resumed the march at ten A. M., moving in single file by the train, the swampy country not admitting the passage of troops and the train together in many places. The work of getting the trains over the roads was accomplished with difficulties. Arrived in camp at nine P. M .; distance about seven miles.
The guerrillas attacked the mounted mon of the first bri- gate, and after a brisk skirmish fight, the latter fell back to the column, losing several men.
November 2d, a clear sky and balıny atmosphere-charac- teristic of fall weather of old Georgia ! £ The command marches off, full of inspiration of good weather, starting at eleven A. M., and turning into camp at eleven P. M., tired and hungry. Distance 14 miles.
On the 3d, proceeding a few miles through swamps, the column emerged into a beautiful pine forest, near the line of the Savannah and Augusta Railroad. Here the first brigade left the column, and, after a rapid march of four miles north- ward, struck the railroad at a point forty-five miles from Au- gusta and thirteen miles from Millen Junction. After des- troying several miles of railroad track, and a large quantity of lumber, moved down the track, and re-joined the column.
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Arrived in camp about one A. M., after a tedious night march through muddy swamps, woods, rain and pitch-darkness.
On the 4th, marched ten miles, passing through several swamps and pine forests. Country well supplied with good water. Cannonading heard in the direction of Millen June- tion.
The whole country over which the army passed, seemed to be disfigured by fire-houses, fences, woods and grass burning in all directions. Immediately along the line of the marching column the fences were consumed by the fiery element, and during the long night marches, on cither side, the roads were arrayed with lights. Frequently the tired trampers were deceived by the fires ; calculating that they were drawing near where the advance had already gone into camp. But usually a long series of lights intervened ere the object of de- sire was reached.
On the 5th, moved about eight miles, passing the first divi- sion encamped. Turned in at three P. M, here to await the arrival of General Geary's command. The advance skirmished with the enemy, pressing him right along. Passed more swamps. Twelve miles to nearest point of Savannah river.
Moved forward to within nine miles northwest of Spring- field, on the 6th, and camped at sundown. The road obstructed by feiled trees, but quickly removed or evaded.
Captain Culver, in charge of a small party, captured a smart looking rebel second-lieutenant.
On the 7th, pushed rapidly on, the first brigade in advance of the corps. Moved five miles, when the head of the column paused on the borders of a huge swamp, the road here being blockaded by trees. Before the pioneers cleared and repaired the road, the brigade passed over. Stripped of all encum- brances the command moved briskly forward, four miles, and occupied Springfield without opposition. Here turned in and awaited the arrival of the column.
Springfield is the county seat of Effingham county, proba-
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bly twenty-five miles from Savannah ; a small, dingy-looking place among the swamps. The citizens-mainly women-had buried many valuables in the yards, but the soldiers exhumed them. Fine dishes, silver spoons, articles of clothing, and other things too numerous to mention, were carried off by the boys. One man dressed himself up as a lady-his toilet rather rudely "performed."
A member of the 105th entered a doctor's office in quest of some improved liquors, of which he was passionately fond .. Hc unwittingly seized upon a bottle marked "Vinum Anti- monia," (wine of antimony, an emetic), taking it for a supe- rior quality of wine. In the ardor of self-congratulation at his success, he immediately partook of the precious fluid. But alas, for the infelicitous effects of vinum antimony-as a beverage-upon the human organism, ere many moments " Jonah" was heaved out on dry land.
Remained in camp throughout the day on the 8th. Dur- ing this pause the foragers and " bummers" had an interest- ing time looking over the country and overhauling "other folks' things." Several miles away, a dwelling, well stocked with household effects, among which was a piano-forte and a large collection of books, became the scene of spoliation. The foragers from the 105th found it deserted by its occu- pants, and full of men ransacking the rooms, drawers, and scattering the books and pictures about the floors, and even in the yard. This is what war brings alike to the innocent and the guilty.
At sundown the regiment and brigade fell into the rear of the column, and, amid the glare of burning buildings, moved slowly out of town. After a wearisome, jogging march all night and after broad day-light, paused fifteen minutes for breakfast. Cannonading heard in the night in the direction of the river.
On the 9th the column was on the road, moving along all day and until late in the night ; no sleep for forty hours. The advance of the corps captured two small earthworks, located
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several miles north of the railroad. Works defended by four hundred men, with three pieces of artillery.
The first brigade in advance on the 10th, the 105th at the head of the brigade. Marched up to within four and a half miles of Savannah, meeting the enemy's pickets before the defences around the city. The brigade was immediately deployed in the line on the right of the main pike and near the Savannah and Charleston Railroad, the 105th holding a position on the right of the line in the brigade. There was some fighting on the right by the troops of the seventeenth corps.
The march was concluded on the 26th day out from Atlanta. The siege of Savannah commenced, lasting ten days.
On the 11th and 12th the regiment shifted its position twice during the establishment of the lines.
The Second Division, Fifteenth Corps, charged and cap- tured Fort McAllister, with all its men and armament, on the 13th, thus opening a base at the mouth of the Ogeechee river, in Ossabaw Sound. Official notice of the capture, and con- sequent opening of communication with the national fleet, was received along the lines on the 15th.
On the 16th and 17th the regiment threw up a heavy line of works, and on the night of the 20th a line was thrown up on the skirmish line. On the night of the 18th Captain J. S. Forsythe, Company H, in charge of ten men, was sent out on a reconnoissance to ascertain the position of the enemy in front of the brigade. He proceeded to within twenty yards of the enemy's lines, encountering a deep swamp. He ob- served their fires and heard them talk; after drawing their fire, he returned with his party, having accomplished all that was desired.
No casualties occurred in the 105th while laying before the city. The enemy kept their guns at work, and occasionally a shell would burst over the camp, the missiles scattering among the boys ; but no one was hurt.
During the march several men were missing. Captain Geo.
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A. Bender, Company I, was wounded in the back and ankle severely, while working on the railroad between Chattahoo- chee river and Atlanta, on the 15th of November.
While before the city the army subsisted on rice and stale fresh beef- a rather slim diet. The former was taken from mills in large quantities and hulled by the soldiers.
As the army was about to make a general assault upon the defenses, the enemy evacuated the city, and in the words of the editor of the daily (Savannah) Republican, it was surren- dered to "a magnanimous foe." The army entered the city on the 21st inst.
A large amount of cotton, hundreds of guns, and other property, fell into the hands of the national authorities with the fall of Savannah.
The troops, in ecstacies over the victorious culmination of the campaign, left their entrenchments carly Wednesday even- ing, the 21st, and marched forward to behold their capture- Savannah !
The first brigade was assigned to a pleasant camping ground in the western suburbs of the city, on the 21st, and there the 105th rested until the beginning of the campaign of the Carolinas.
The spirit of speculation was rife during the first days of the occupation by the national troops. Soldiers from all reg- iments were to be seen on the sidewalks, and even in the middle of the streets, trafficking in tobacco and other articles which had been easily obtained in the confusion incident to the transfer of the city to national authority. Greenbacks rose suddenly in Savannah, Fair damsels sat at their windows, with sweet corn bread and biscuits, for greenbacks, and little rebel boys paraded the streets with cigars, for greenbacks. The greenback fever was communicated to the various camps, and the soldiers-especially the "bummers"-fell to playing "chuckaluck" for greenbacks. ' In a few days a general order had to be issued restraining the excessive indulgence in " chuckaluck," etc.
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Confederate currency went down immediately, and the citizens of Savannah sold their share of it at a great discount, for greenbacks, to those who desired to purchase for relics or novelty. Some parted with it reluctantly, evidently still be- ing fondly joined to their idols.
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