USA > Illinois > History of the 57th regiment, Illinois voluteer infantry, from muster in, Dec. 26, 1861, to muster out, July 7, 1865 > Part 5
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It will not be considered out of place to speak here of our martial band. for though small it was made of good material. George F. Walker. Fife Major, was a good soldier. and ever at his post, ably assisted by John J. Owens, of Co. C; A. J. Stringer and Joseph Boardman. of Co. F, and John Cook, of Co. K. Wm. W. Cluett. Drum- Major, was assisted by his brother John C., of Co. A ; Harley H. Hogeboom, of Co. K : John W. Pettee, of Co. H. and Charlie Erickson, of Co. D; and last, but not least. old "Jemnie" Haley, of Co. I. and George Stoner. of Co. B. who " blew " the big drum. Though there were others that
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belonged to the band at different times, the above were the old stand-bys. They were always with the regiment, and marched with it triumphantly through the grand review at Washington. D. C .. in 1865. receiving great applause from the citizens, besides being complimented by their Colonel, F. A. Battey.
General Sherman's Army has been passing through Corinth for the past week. and moving in the direction of Iuka. Miss. There is a rumor that our command will soon follow.
Nov. 3. We received marching orders to-day-three days' rations in haversacks, and to be ready to move. in the morning.
Nov. 4. The entire command is on the move toward Iuka. passing over the old battle ground between General Rosecrans and the rebel Generals Price and Van Dorn. marching through Inka to Eastport.
Nov. 11. Crossing the Tennessee River, we continue the march, and arrive at Pulaski. Tenn .. and go into camp with the army. Pulaski is a beautiful town on the rail- road running from Nashville to Chattanooga. Tenn.
Nov. 12. We remain in camp, and it looks as if our division has come to a stand-still.
Nov. 13. The 3d Brigade, consisting of the 50th and 57th Illinois and 39th Iowa. moved twelve miles. arriving at Lynnville. Tenn,, in the evening somewhat fatigued. having walked on a hard pike road all the way, and went into camp on the south side of the town, where we acted as out post to Sherman's Army.
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The following commissions have been received : First Lieutenant William F. Conkey, to be Captain A Company : Second Lieutenant Eli Barnum. to be First Lieutenant A Company.
Company A. Captain William F. Conkey commanding. was detached from the regiment, and went into camp on a hill southwest of the town to guard an Iowa battery that was camped at that place.
Company C. Captain Wm. S. Swan commanding, was also detached from the regiment, and sent three miles to the north of Lyunville, to Fry's Mills, where they went into camp. This mill was run under the supervision of Captain Swan, and made flour and corn meal for the army.
Captain Linas Vansteinburg. of Company B. was de- tailed as Provost-Marshal of Lynnville.
Dec. 21. To-day we received from the Government a proposition to veteranize, and it is now being discussed by the 57th, which has caught the veteran fever. The rolls are opened and the names go down until the whole regi- ment becomes veteranized. We have just heard from Fry's Mills -- Company C has not caught the fever. only one man (John J. Owens) becoming veteranized. The rolls are all made out. and we are waiting for the mustering officer. The weather is very cold, and snow is fying in the air.
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CHAPTER VI.
Arrival of the Mustering Officer-Three Years More, or During the War-Starting for the North-Arrival and Reception at Chicago -Thirty Days' Furlough-Off for Dixie Again-At Athens, Ala. -Drilling Recruits-Marching Orders -Arrival at Chattanooga - A Campaign Before Us- Lieut .- Colonel F. J. Hurlbut in Command-At Resaca-Lively Skirmishing-General John A. Logan Takes a Look at the Situation-A Double Line of Fires Built-Back to Snake Creek Gap-Dalton Captured-Sugar Valley-Resaca Again - Calhoun's Ferry-Hard Fight-Pon- toon Bridge-Battle at Night-Co. H on the Skirmish Line- Enemy Stubborn-Rome Cross-Roads-Compelled to Fall Back -General Sweeney's Retreat- Gus Abele Always on Hand- Enemy Retreats at Night-Arrival at Rome, Ga .- On Garrison Duty-Captain Robbins, Provost Marshal-Captain Kenyon, Brigade Inspector-Captain Busse and Lieutenant Frank Cutler Resign-Communication Cut.
Jan. 1, 1864. This day was ushered in cold and bleak. The year 1563 has died, but its history of blood will live in the minds of the American people for all time. The clouds of war have long hung o'er a stricken people, bring- ing sadness and tears to many a fond mother. Many a loving wife and dear sister will have deep cause to remem- ber the year just passed.
We are waiting for the mustering officer. Will he never come ? The desire to see our wives and mothers and dear ones at home is uppermost in our minds.
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Jan. 17. To-day the mustering officer arrived, and with the exception of Company C, we were mustered into the service for three years more, or during the war, and from this time on will be known as the 57th Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry.
Jan. 18. We left Lynnville, Tenn., this morning, and marched to Columbia, where we embarked on a train next day for Nashville, going from there to Louisville, Ky .. where we crossed the Ohio River on a ferry-boat. After crossing the river at this point, we boarded a train for Chicago. Ill.
Jan. 27. We arrived in Chicago to-day, and marched to Bryant's Hall. on Clark Street. between Randolph and Washington Streets. where we were given a grand recep- tion by the citizens. In the evening a very fine supper was spread before us. after which the regiment marched to the old West Market Hall, on Randolph Street, between Union and Desplaines Streets, where the following day the men received a thirty days' furlough and dispersed to their homes.
After mingling for a short time with the good people of Illinois and sister states, enjoying their hospitality and receiving from them many words of cheer, we re-assembled at Camp Fry, on the north side of Chicago, about March 1. having recruited two hundred and fifty men.
March 9. The regiment, under command of Lieut .- Colonel F. J. Hurlbut. left Camp Fry, and marched to the I'nion Depot at the east end of Lake Street, where it em- barked on a train on the Michigan Central Railroad for Dixie. Arriving at Louisville, Ky. we received transpor-
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tation to Nashville. Tenn .. and from there by cars to Athens, Ala.
March 15. We arrived at Athens to-day, and after disembarking we marched to the suburbs of the town and went into camp. Company C. with the balance of the veterans of the regiment, joined us with our camp and garrison equipage. They seemed glad to see us and to hear from home. The routine of camp life is again taken up, and squads of recruits are drilling and learning the duties of a soldier.
April 30. We received marching orders-three days rations in our haversacks, and to be ready to move at a moment's notice.
May 1. The regiment moved this morning to Hunts- ville. Ala., and from there to Larkinsville. Tenn .. where it embarked on a train for Chattanooga. Tenn.
May 5. Arriving at Chattanooga to-day. the regiment disembarked at the foot of Lookout Mountain. As we look around here we are reminded that blood has flown, and brave men have died. Uncoffined graves dot the valley and the mountain side. and here these hallowed mounds will appear as land-marks to guide those who have for long, weary years sighed for freedom. The regiment marched about five miles to Rossville, where it went into camp on Chickamauga Creek, near Lee & Gordon's Mills. There seems to be a campaign before us that will try the metal of the 57th.
May 7. The regiment. commanded by Lieut .- Colonel F. J. Hurlbut, the brigade by Colonel M. M. Bane, and the
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Division by General T. W. Sweeney, moved with the Army of the Tennessee south through Snake Creek Gap. on the campaign toward Atlanta, Ga.
May 10. We heard the boom of cannon all day to our left, telling us that some of our brave boys are having warm work. In the afternoon skirmishing is heard in our front, and we march briskly forward. The boom of artillery is heard. and we form in line of battle. Moving forward on Resaca. we drive the rebels into the town, the 2d Division taking position on the hills overlooking it and the Oostenaula River. Our skirmish line is on the river edge keeping up an incessant fire, and our artillery on the surrounding hills are pouring in a terrible fire on the forts and into the town. General John A. Logan with his staff rides up the hill, and with his field-glass takes observations of the town. The 57th is lying down on the hill. and the shells from the fort pass over our heads doing us no harm. The artillery kept up the duel until dark, when everything grew quiet except an occasional shot from the skirmish line. The regiment is ordered to build a double line of fires, making it appear as though there is a large army camped around Resaca. About 9 o'clock in the evening, without a bugle sounding or a drum beating, the regiment with the division marched back to Snake Creek Gap, a distance of ten miles, and went into camp early in the morning. remaining all day and night.
May 12. Last night we had a heavy rain-storm. but to-day it is bright and pleasant. Captains Busse and Rob- bins join us with a number of recruits, having been left at Chicago on recruiting service when the regiment returned from veteran furlough, and we are glad to see them in line
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again. Dalton has been captured. and the army is on the move.
May 13. Early this morning we are on the move across Sugar Valley. forming the left wing of the 16th Army Corps moving on Resaca, Ga. Company G. Captain Busse commanding. was ordered to move forward on the skirmish line, and soon met the enemy in a strong position on the hill. After a desultory fire, the company charged up the hill. driving the enemy back at the point of the bayonet. at which the regiment showed its approval by cheering the company in its noble work. The enemy still showing a stubborn resistance, the 3d Brigade closed in on the skirmish line, causing them to retreat toward Resaca, the brigade following closely. As evening and darkness came on, the division was close in on the outskirts of the town, where we camped for the night, lying under arms. expecting an attack.
May 14. This morning the brigade was ordered to Calhoun's Ferry for the purpose of placing a pontoon bridge across the Oostenaula River. Marching to the right we soon met the enemy, and after a heavy fire from our lines. the enemy being found in too strong a position. the direction was changed to Lay's Ferry. where after a hard fight, lasting two hours or more, the banks of the river were gained by our forces, and the pontoon train coming up. they immediately began laying the bridge. The brigade went into camp for the night at this point, lying under arms.
May 15. The pontoon bridge being completed. the regiment crossed over, and marching a short distance went into camp. Company C. Captain Wm. S. Swan command-
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ing, was detailed at Brigade Headquarters for duty ; Com- pany G. Captain Busse commanding, was detailed for picket duty. To-night at 12 o'clock, General Hooker is having a severe battle with the enemy. Our lines in front are also engaged, and Captain Busse's Company is driven in on the reserve. After receiving reinforcements, the line is again established, and held until morning. The gallant General Hooker, with his division, has repulsed the enemy and driven them back in confusion with terrible loss.
May 16. The brigade was ordered forward, with the 57th in the lead. Captain Josiah Robbins, with Company H, was ordered forward on the skirmish line, and soon met the enemy in large numbers. After a heavy fire had been kept up for some time, it was found the enemy was in a strong position, and inclined to be stubborn. Our artillery was shelling them from a commanding position, and the 2d Division was drawn up in line of battle. Co. G, com- manded by Captain Busse ; Co. I, commanded by First Lieutenant Frank Cutler : and Co. E, commanded by First Lieutenant Edward Martin, were ordered forward to strengthen the skirmish line. Under command of Captain Busse, they moved forward in grand style-ready to do or die-and pressed into the heavy timber in our front. The sun is now sinking toward the western horizon, and soon the crack of rifles in our front tell us the 57th boys have again met the enemy. The brigade moves forward in line of battle to the edge of the timber. the skirmish line hav- ing driven the enemy further into the woods. Co. E being deployed on the skirmish line. comes to a creek. The 2d platoon. under command of Second Lieutenant William Wayman, is ordered across. They no sooner cross and
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move forward than they run into a regiment of rebel infantry that was concealed in the underbrush, that opens fire and charges forward. Patrick H. Sullivan is taken prisoner, and the platoon is driven back across the creek. The firing now becomes general all along the line. Lieu- tenant Charles W. Rosenthal. of Co. G, is cheering his men on in gallant style. Lieutenants Cutler and Haggard, . of Co. I, are also doing noble work, and Lieutenants Mar- tin and Wayman. of Co. E, are making a stubborn resist- ance on the left, while our artillery pours a terrible fire into the rebels. A company of the 39th Iowa starts for- ward on the double quick to strengthen the line. The battle is now raging all along the line, and the valiant Busse seeing that it was impossible to hold the enemy in check longer. gave the command to "rally by companies and fall back." The 1st and 3d Brigades now moved for- ward and soon became involved in a general engagement, having encountered General Cheatham's Corps of the enemy at Rome Cross-roads. The fighting became very severe, and the two brigades, after a fierce contest, were compelled to fall back about two miles, where we found the balance of the 4th Division and the 15th Army Corps. under General John A. Logan, drawn up in line of battle. Darkness setting in. the fighting ceased. and the regiment went into camp. the men somewhat exhausted. It after- wards appeared that General Sweeney, who commanded the division, was ordered not to bring on a general engage- ment, but to merely feel of the enemy, and dearly have we paid for the disobedience of orders. for which General Sweeney was aftewards relieved from command. Gus Abele. our Commissary-Sergeant, is now seen approaching with the teams, and commences to issue provisions. After that the 57th. tired and weary, lay down to rest.
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May 17. The enemy having retired under the cover of night, the army is in motion. Early this morning a detachment was sent out to bury the dead and bring in wounded. At 10 o'clock a. m .. we move forward guarding the wagon train to Adairsville and from there to Kingston. Ga., marching all night, and arriving there on the morn- ing of May IS, the men tired and foot sore. After resting a few hours we again take up the line of march to Rome, Ga., a distance of twelve miles ; arriving there in the even- ing and going into camp on the outskirts of the town, the men somewhat weary, the regiment having been on the move, marching and fighting. since the campaign began, with very short intervals of rest.
May 19. Col. M. M. Bane having received orders to garrison Rome. Ga., with his Brigade, consisting of the 7th. 50th and 57th Illinois and the 39th Iowa. marched into town and took possession. The 57th Illinois marched to the north-east of the town and went into camp on a high hill overlooking the Etawah River. Rome is a beautiful town in the north-west part of Georgia, situated at the forks of the Etawah and Oostenaula River. The regiment was ordered to build quarters and in a short time we were in a comfortable position and the routine of camp life was taken up. Theodore P. Streeter, of Co. B .. and James Leith, of Co. H. were detailed at Division Headquarters and ordered to take charge of the printing office. Two offices were merged into one and printing of all kinds was executed with neatness and dispatch. The boys published a paper called "Our Flag at Rome," and it was quite a newsy sheet. A flour mill was taken possession of and Extor Ross. of Co. E. was detailed to superintend its work- ings, making flour and corn meal for the army. Captain
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Josiah Robbins, of Co. H, was detailed as Provost Marshal. Captain David B. Kenyon, of Co. E, whose health has been poorly of late, has been detailed as Brigade Inspector, on Colonel Bane's staff.
Besides doing garrison duty we carried out several successful foraging expeditions, supplying the troops at the garrison with the necessary commissary stores from the enemy's country.
June 23. Captain G. A. Busse, of Co. G, has resigned and is going north to his home. Thus the Union looses a noble defender and the regiment a brave officer. "May he live long and die happy," is the prayer of his comrades in the field.
July 12. First Lieutenant Frank W. Cutter, of Co. I, resigns and thus they go " one by one."
The rebel General Wheeler, who had successfully avoided our advancing army which by this time was near Atlanta, Ga., made a raid into middle Tennessee, cutting off General Sherman's communications for a short time.
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CHAPTER VII.
Lieut-Col. F. J. Hurlbut with the 57th and 39th Iowa leave Rome for Chattanooga Junction-The Rebel Gen. Wheeler on a Raid -A Detail of 100 Men to Work on Fortifications-Capt. W. S. Swan's Order to bring in Colored Men and Sutlers to do the work,-Still after the Rebel Gen. Wheeler,-An exciting Chase -He Won't Stand-Return to Rome, Ga .- Transferred to the 15th Army Corps-Gen. John M. Corse in Command at Rome- Captain Robbins resigns-Startling Events-Sherman to Corse- Ordered to Allatoona Pass-Rebel Gen. French's Demand - Gen. Corse's Reply- Rebel Batteries Open with Grape and Canister -Charge After Charge by the Rebels-Gen. Corse Wounded - < Col. Rowett in Command-Sherman Signals " Hold the Fort," -Volunteers to go for Ammunition-Rebs Massing for a Final Charge-Col. Rowett Wounded-Major Forse Assumes Com- mand-Company A and B's Loss-Sherman and Howard's Con- gratulatory Orders-Railroad Accident-Back to Rome-Rebels in the Vicinity of Rome - Ordered Out-A Brush with the Enemy-Quartermaster Linton Resigns-Capt. Battey Tendered His Assistance to Col. Johnson, at Dalton-Capt. Kenyon Re- signs-Marching Orders-Evacuation of Rome.
July 1864. The 57th Illinois and the 39th Iowa under the command of Lieut .- Colonel F. J. Hurlbut left Rome, Ga., and proceed by rail to Chattanooga, Junction, where we met General Steadman with his command. The combined forces then started by rail under the command of General Steadman up the Knoxville and Chattanooga Railroad to a place called Sodam, on the Tennessee River. Upon arriv- ing there we found that the rebel General Wheeler had
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preceded us and destroyed the railroad and burned the bridge, crossing the Tennessee River. The command im- mediately started on its return to Chattanooga, arriving there during the night. The next morning this same com- mand proceeded by rail on the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad to Bridgeport. Ala., arriving there in the after- noon we were ordered inside the fort, as it was reported that Wheeler's command was advancing on the town. A detail of one hundred men was made from the regiment to build and strengthen the fortifications, under command of Captain Wm. S. Swan. The captain, who was very much opposed to a soldier doing menial or laborious work, sent out several detachments from his detail, under non-com- missioned officers, with orders to bring in all colored men and sutlers found in and about the town. These he put to work and soon had enough to relieve the detail from the regiment, except a sufficient guard to keep them to work. It is needless to say that Captain Swan was voted a "good fellow" by the regiment. The enemy not making their appearance. the next morning Lieutenant Eli Barnum, of Company A. with a detail of twenty-five men from the regiment was sent with a drove of five hundred fat cattle across the country to Chattanooga, Tenn. The balance of the command proceeded by rail to Murfreesboro. Tenn. Upon arriving there, we again found that Wheeler had preceded us and destroyed the track, burned the depot and doing other damage in the town. . Disembarking. the command started in pursuit of the rebel raider. marching to Suverne, Tenn., finding no trace of the enemy here. after resting we marched back to Murfreesboro. Ten., arriving there about daylight. After drawing three days rations and resting a few hours, the command at Il o'clock a. m .. started on the double quick to a small town four miles
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north where our cavalry had struck the enemy, but upon our arrival found the enemy had retreated. The command immediately returned to Murfreesboro, where it embarked on a tram and proceeded by way of Stevenson and Decatur, Ala., to Pulaski, Tenn., where we found the rebel Wheeler had again crossed the railroad ahead of us. The command immediately started back by rail to a point twenty-five miles, where it disembarked and marching a few miles in the country encountered the rebel General Wheeler's com- mand, and a lively skirmish took place. Our forces suc- ceeded in driving them to and across the Tennessee River at Muscle Shoals near Florence, Ala., and burnt the bridge. The command returned to the train and proceeded by rail to Chattanooga, Tenn .. where Lieutenant Barnum and his detail rejoined the regiment ; and also Drum Major Chett with two sacks of mail from Rome, Ga., the first mail re- -ceived by the regiment since leaving Rome. The 57th Illinois and 39th Iowa returned to Rome, Ga., and to their old camp, after a tiresome raid of "infantry after well mounted cavalry for three weeks."
Aug. 6. First Lientenant JJacob S. Sills, of Company C, resigns and thus we lose another brave officer.
Aug. 15. Colonel M. M. Bane, the commander of the 3d Brigade having resigned on account of, poor health, Colonel Richard Rowett, of the 7th Illinois assumed com- mand.
In the re-organization of the army at the conclusion of the seige of Atlanta, Georgia, the 16th Army Corps was consolidated with the 15th under the latter designation. The Second Division of the 16th Corps was merged into the Fourth Division of the 15th Corps, under the command
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of Gen. John A. Logan. The 57th then being in the 3rd Brigade, 4th Division 15th Army Corps. September 29th Brigadier-General John M. Corse reached Rome, Ga., with- the balance of the division and assumed command of the Post.
Captain Josiah Robbins of Princeton, III., Company H, resigns, and thus we lose another fine officer.
On October 3rd it was known to General Sherman that Hood who commanded the Confederate forces, was on the north side of the Chattahoochee River moving northward. Never before in American history had there been such a succession of startling events. The bridge spanning the Oostenaula River at Resaca had been washed away: For- rest had severed communications between Chattanooga and Nashville, and a large body of rebel cavalry held Big Shanty and threatened Marrietta, such was the situation when the sun rose on the morning of October 3d. It was apparent to General Sherman that General Hood would throw a considerable force against the garrison of Allatoona . Pass, where were stored over two million rations. Sher- man knew if these were taken his men would suffer. A commander with less resources would have contemplated the situation with horror, but not so with the hero of Kenesaw and Atlanta. Signaling from the summit of Kenesaw, thirty miles across the country, to General Corse at Rome. he directed him to take all his available force and proceed to Allatoona Pass, and hold it against all oppo- sition until he was reinforced. In compliance with these orders, the 57th Illinois with the balance of the brigade was ordered to Allatoona by rail. Upon reaching the depot it was found that only two companys, A and B could
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find transportation and they left under command of Major Eric Forse. The brigade. with the 12th Illinois, number- ing 1,500 men in all. arrived at Allatoona after dark, and found that a division under the rebel General French had made their appearance before that town. General Corse immediately assumed command, and formed his battle lines for the morrow and the men lay down to obtain some sleep if they could, but it is the night before a battle that a soldier cannot sleep. The sun is now rising above the eastern hills. A demand for General Corse to surrender is now made by General French. He says : " I have Allatoona surrounded by a superior force, and to stay the useless effusion of blood I demand your surrender." General Corse replies " I am ready for the useless effusion of blood. If you want me. come and take me." Firing commenced on the skirmish line, and the rebel batteries open with grape and cannister and slowly our forces are pushed back to the fort. The guns at the fort are doing good work, but our forces are too small to hold a line of battle outside the fort. The 7th Illinois and 37th lowa are now standing shoulder to shoulder in the outer works. Major Forse with his two companies are doing good work, the battle now rages. The 7th Illinois with their sixteen shooters are doing noble work. A retreat is now ordered and the 39th lowa with the 7th and 12 Illinois and two companies of the 57th Illinois fall back into the fort west of the rail- road, and the 50th Illinois, Colonel Hanna commanding. with the 93d Illinois, Colonel Tourtellotte commanding fall back to the fort on the east side of the railroad. General Corse takes his position in the fort with Colonel Rowett's Brigade, where seems to be the main drift of battle. Charge after charge the enemy is making, only to be driven back in confusion. It is now past noon and still the little
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