USA > Illinois > History of the 57th regiment, Illinois voluteer infantry, from muster in, Dec. 26, 1861, to muster out, July 7, 1865 > Part 6
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
band holds the fort. On they come again with that fiend- ish yell through the ravine they charge. The 39th Iowa is now fighting hand to hand, now the 7th Illinois is having a desperate struggle, and now the 57th Illinois is called upon to do their duty and nobly they respond to the call. Major Forse is cheering the men. Captains Conkey and Vansteinburg assisted by Lieutenants Barnum and Barr are now in the work helping the men to load and fire. General Corse is now wounded, he has been fighting man- fully. Colonel Rowett assumes command, and the 50th Illinois, Colonel Hanna commanding, is seen cutting their way to our fort. Crossing the railroad near the depot he strikes the enemy attempting to burn the warehouse where the two million rations are stored, and in a gallant charge the Old Blind Half drives them back and rushes into our fort. Again the rebels charge upon the fort with that rebel vell of defiance, and again they are driven off by that noble band of 1,500. The hill trembles. the fort is wrapped in flames and smoke, and amid all this carnage the flag was never suffered to go down. During the last three hours General Win. T. Sherman had been an interested spectator . from the heights of Kenesaw Mountain. And soon a dis- patch is read in the fort : " Hold Allatoona and I will assist you. Signed, W. T. Sherman." and a loud cheer went up from that little Spartan band. The ammunition for the artillery in our fort is running low and a call is made for volunteers to cross the bridge to the west fort and bring ammunition across, and immediately twenty men are ready for the work. Three men are sent, one is Murphy, of Com- pany A, 57th Illinois, the other two belonged to other commands and I have not the pleasure of their names to record. The rebel legion now formed for another charge, the artillery which has been silent for some time is manned
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
and double-shotted with grape and canister, and the little band in the fort set up a yell of defiance. On the rebels come, sweeping like a terrible whirl wind up the hill to the fort. when in their very face the death messengers are hurled which is repeated several times. The 7th Illinois with their sixteen shooters are pouring a deadly fire ; the 50th and 57th Illinois. 39th lowa with the gallant 93rd Illinois are dealing out death and destruction. Colonel Rowett is now wounded and Major Forse assumes com- mand, and the fight goes bravely on. Captain Rattery is working manfully with the artillery. The awful work of death is drawing to a close. the rebels are flying from Allatoona, and the great battle is now over. The glorious stars and stripes float triumphantly over the forts of Allatoona. But when we look around at what a cost. General Corse wounded. Colonel Rowett commanding the brigade wounded, and the two companies of the 57th loses three killed and eighteen wounded.
In this action the Union loss was about 700 men killed. wounded and missing: over one-third of the entire com- mand. General Corse reports that he buried 231 of the enemy's dead. and captured 411 prisoners, one of whom was Brigadier General Young, who estimated the Confederate loss at 2,000.
In no instance during the war was the value of the Signal Corps more fully illustrated than in this affair of Allatoona. When General Sherman signaled General Corse thirty miles across the country to take all his avail- able forces and proceed to Allatoona Pass and hold it until he was reinforced. the telegraph lines had been cut, and in no other way could General Sherman have saved the gar- rison and the two million rations for his army.
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HEADQUARTERS, MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the field, Kenesaw Mt., Oct. 7th, 1864. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,
No. 86.
The General Commanding avails him- self of the opportunity in the handsome defense made of " Allatoona .to illustrate the most important principal in War, that fortified posts should be defended to the last regardless of the relative numbers of the party attacking and attacked.
Allatoona was garrisoned by three (3) Regiments commanded by Colonel Tourtellotte, and reinforced by a detachment from a division at Rome under command of Brigadier General J. M. Corse on the morning of the 5th and a few hours afterwards was attacked by French's Division of Stewart's Corps : two (2) other Divisions being near at hand, and in support. General French demanded a surrender, in a letter to " avoid an useless effusion of blood." and gave but five minutes for answer. General Corse's answer was emphatic and strong, that he and his command were ready for the " useless effusion of blood " as soon as it was agreeable to General French.
This answer was followed by an attack which was prolonged for five (5) hours, resulting in the complete repulse of the enemy, who left his dead on the ground amounting to more than two hundred (200) and four hundred (400) prisoners, well and wounded. " The effusion of blood " was not " useless " as the position at Allatoona was and is very important to our present and future operations.
The thanks of this army are due, and are hereby accorded to General Corse. Colonel Tourtellotte, officers and men for their de- termined and gallant defense of Allatoona, and it is made an example to illustrate the importance of prepairing in time and meeting the danger when present. boldly. manfully and well.
This army though unseen to the garrison was co-operating by moving toward the road by which the enemy could alone escape. but unfortunately were delayed by the rain and mind, but this fact hasten- ed the retreat of the enemy.
Commanders and Garrisons of the Posts along our railroad are hereby instructed that they must hold their posts to the last minute. sure that the time gained is valuable and necessary to their Comrades at the Front.
: By order of MAJOR GENERAL W. T. SHERMAN. L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de-Camp.
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HEADQUARTERS DEP'T. AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.
Near Kenesaw Mt., Oct. 9th, 1864.
GENERAL FIELD ORDERS,
No. 18.
Whilst uniting in the high commenda- tion awarded by the General-in-Chief, the Army of the Tennessee would tender through me its most hearty appreciation ard thanks to Brigadier General J. M. Corse for his promptitude, energy and emi- nent success in the defense of Allatoona Pass, against a force so largely superior to his own; and our warmest congratulations are extended to him ; to Colonel Tourtellotte, and the rest of our comrades in arms who fought at Allatoona, for the glorious manner in which they vetoed " the useless effusion of blood."
0. O. HOWARD, Major General.
The balance of the 57th Illinois under the command of Lieut .- Colonel Hurlbut arrived about 7 o'clock in the -evening, they having been detained by a railroad accident between Kingston and Rome. Lieut .- Colonel Hurlbus immediately assumed command of the 3d Brigade, he being the ranking officer, and Major Forse the command of the regiment. A large house on the east side of the railroad was converted into a hospital and the wounded cared for.
After burying the dead and placing the wounded on the cars,-sending them to Rome .- the 3d Brigade, on October 7th. marched to Cartersville and from there to Kingston, where Company Fand a detachment of Company H. under the command of Captain Battey are left in charge of two hundred prisoners, captured at Allatoona, with orders to proceed to Chattanooga, Tenn. The balance of the regiment with the brigade proceed to Rome, arriving there on October 9th and going to our old camp.
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
Quartermaster Nathan Linton, of Arlington, Ill., re- signed Oct. 5th and went north. Quartermaster Sergeant John Hartford was appointed assistant quartermaster.
Oct. 13. This morning we learn that there is a rebel force in the vicinity of Rome, and we are soon in line with the 3d Brigade and march out six miles on the Cave Spring . road, when our advance meets the enemy and our skirmish line opens the fight. The enemy has artillery, and a run- ning fight is kept up with them which is supposed to be a brigade from Hood's army on a reconnoitre. The fight is kept up all day. In the evening we returned to Rome. The regiment's loss was seven killed and wounded.
Oct. 16. Our gallant Major Eric Forse and Captain Vansteinburg, of Company B. resign and go north. We do not like to lose these excellent officers, who were always in the front when duty called but, they go with the best wishes of their comrades. The command of the regi- ment was turned over to Captain F. A. Battey.
We will now follow the fortunes of Captain Battey with the two hundred prisoners. Proceeding to Chatta- nooga. he turned them over to the proper authorities, and on his return tendered the services of his command to Colonel Johnson, the commander at Dalton. to assist in its defense against an attack from the rebel General Cheat- ham's Division of Hood's army. The whole garrison with Captain Battey's command was taken prisoner. They were paroled the next day and returned to Chattanooga. and after a few days returned to Rome, Ga., by order of General Sherman.
Charles E. Passenger. First Sergeant of Company E. and acting Lieutenant. while cleaning his revolver acci-
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
dently shot himself in the right leg and he was taken to the hospital.
Oct. 29. Captain David B. Kenyon, of Company E, re- signs on account of ill health and we are again called upon to lose one of our most noble officers, and at whose com- mand, Company E. was always proud to march. First Lieutenant Edward Martin, of Company E, also resigns and goes north and thus we lose another officer.
Oct. 30. John Garvin, Hospital Steward, died and Joseph W. Stetson was appointed Hospital Steward November 1st.
Nov. 6. Second Lieutenant Andrew Anderson, of Company F, resigned. and thus we are again called upon to lose another good officer.
We now find the army commanded by General Sher- man, in the vicinity of Rome and Kingston. Hood is far to the north and one of General Sherman's trusted Lieu- tenants has been delegated to look after him and we have no doubt as to General Thomas and his ability to do so.
Nov. 9. We receive marching orders. The sick have all been sent away from Rome and it looks as if we were going to evacuate the town. Nov. 10. Rome is now burn- ing and the beautiful town that has been our home for some months will soon be in ashes. Such is the fate of cruel war. We left Rome to-day and after marching six miles. go into camp for the night.
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CHAPTER VIII.
The Army on the Move - Kenesaw Mountain - Our Last Mail- Promotions-Death of Charles E. Passenger-Four Different Routes-The Enemy on all Sides-Toward the Sea-In the Middle of Georgia - Destroying Railroads - A Skirmish- Twelve Miles from Savannah, Ga .- On the Little Ogeechee- Enemy Disputing Our Advance-Slocum's Guns on the Left- Fort McAllister Falls-Communication Opened- First Mail Since Leaving Rome-At Savannah - On the Banks of the Savannah River-Promotions -Company C, and Officers Mus- tered Out-A New Company Formed-A Generous People -- Marching Orders-To Sister Ferry -- In the Swamps-Meet the Enemy-Edisto River-At Columbia, S. C .- Cruel Fate of War-Camden-A Terrible Explosion -Crossing the Pedee River-Hampton's Cavalry-Slight Skirmish - Bentonville - The Enemy on the Run-Uncle "Billy Sherman" too much for Them - At Goldsboro, N. C. - Reviewed by Sherman and Logan-Resignations-Promotions.
Nov. 11. The army seems to be all on the move to- day. We moved early, passing General Sherman's Head- quarters at Kingston. Ga., and continuing the march, we pass through the towns of Cass. Rogers and Carterville. and go into camp on the battle ground of Allatoona Pass. We cannot help but cast a silent tear. for those noble ones who gave up their lives that the Union might be saved. Continuing the march, we pass through Ackworth and Big Shanty past Kenesaw Mountain. That place is associated in history with deeds of valor, where the battle flags of General Logan never went down, and on through Marietta
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٠ سداده
GUS. ABELE, Q. M. SERGT.
E. K. COBB, NERGT. MAJOR
W. W. CLUETT, DRUM MAJOR.
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J. C. CLUETT, CO. A.
. J. CHICHESTER, CO. K.
G. F. WALKER, FIFE MAJOR.
LIEUT. LOUIS VOLKMAN,
LIEUT. THOMAS LAVERY.
GLOBE LITHOGRAPHING AND PRINTING CO . CHICKEN
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
which is now slumbering in ruins, and crossing the Chat- tahoochee River. we go into camp on the evening of Nov. 14th, nine miles from Atlanta, Ga.
. Nov. 15. This morning we continue the march towards Atlanta. reaching that place about noon and marching through the town and a few miles beyond go into camp for the night. Here we receive our last mail, all communications being cut off with the north and the railroad destroyed.
The following promotions occurred and commissions received : First Lieutenant Frederick Busse to Captain of Company G. Second Lieutenant Edward Haggard to First Lieutenant of Company I. Sergeant Olof Anderson to Second Lieutenant of Company D. The news of the death of Charles E. Passenger, acting Second Lieutenant of Con- pany E, was also received, and thus by accident we lose a noble companion, one of whom we felt proud.
Nov. 16. This morning the army moves by four dif- ferent roads, the 15th and 17th Army Corps comprising the right wing. under command of Major General Howard. The 14th and 20th Corps comprising the left wing, under command of Major General Slocum. All eyes are turned towards General Sherman as he sits on his restless steed, directing the movements of this grand army, which, if successful will add new chapters to the arts of war. Will he plant his banner upon the ocean strand ? His counte- nance says "I will, with these sixty thousand warriors." To-night we camp on the banks of Cotton River, the men feeling good.
Nov: 17. This morning we started off early, our brig-
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ade in the advance and passing through MeDonald went into camp four miles from Jackson. We are living high- sweet potatoes and fresh meat are plentiful.
Nov. 18. We remained in camp until 5 o'clock p. m .. when we marched eight miles and camped for the night. The 17th Corps is now in the lead.
Nov. 19. We moved early this morning. We are now far in the southern land with the enemy on every side. we reach the Ocmulgee River where we go into camp. There are two pontoon bridges across the river here and the Infantry and Cavalry and teams are crossing as fast as possible.
Nov. 20. Before daylight we crossed the Ocmulgee River, and acting as rear guard. we marched very slow: the roads are terribly eut up and it is now raining, which will make them no better. We went into camp at Monticello.
Nov. 21. We moved early. The roads are in a terri- ble condition. and the mule teams are sticking in the mud in consequence. The regiment is now on half rations but foraging is good. We went into camp after dark. It is cold. wet and disagreeable.
Nov. 22. The weather is cold and the roads muddy. and progress is slow in consequence. We went into camp near Clinton.
Nov. 23. The troops succeeded in getting our long eared friends out of the mud and moved along all day, go- ing into camp five miles from Gordon.
Nov. 24. We moved along slow to-day, passed through Gordon about noon. The work of destruction is now go-
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
ing on. destroying the railroad -- fire and smoke can be seen in every direction.
Nov. 25. We moved early, passing through Irwins- ville about noon. This was once a beautiful town but now lies in ashes. We marched all the afternoon and went into camp in the evening tired and hungry.
Nov. 26. To-day we moved early, passing through the Oconee Swamps and crossed the pontoon bridge across the Oconee River. We marched about ten miles and went into camp. The boys are tired but they are forming jay- hawking parties and some poor reb will suffer to-night.
Nov. 27. This morning we moved three miles to the Macon & Savannah Railroad and taking up the destruction, where the 17th Corps left off, destroyed six miles of track and went into camp for the night.
Nov. 28. We started early, marching all day ; we are now in the heart of the Georgia pineries. Forage is scarce. Nov. 29. We still continue to march and go into camp after dark.
Nov. 30. We still march. The country is wrapped in flame and smoke. The march is kept up day after day with nothing to relieve the monotony of it until Decem- ber 10th. 1864. when our advance is disputed by the enemy, at the Little Ogeechee River, abont twelve miles from Savannah. Ga. The bridge crossing the river has been burned and a fort built to dispute our further pro- gress. There is also an extensive rice swamp in the front of us. Our artillery is in position firing on the fort which is kept up until dark.
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
Dec. 11. Still in camp in front of the Little Ogeechee River, the enemy has been firing from their fort this after- noon with very little damage to our forces. We cannot get to them on account of the water in the rice swamp.
Dec. 12. Still in camp and it seems that the army has come to a stand still. To-night we hear Slocums' guns echoing a death knell to arch treason.
Dec. 13. General Slocum's guns have been heard all day to our right, and soon we are told that Fort McAllister has fallen, and that General Hazen's Division took it at the point of the bayonet. capturing the garrison with all their military stores. We are still in camp from day to day.
Dec. 17. The regiment received its first mail since
severing our communications with the north, at Atlanta,
1 and we are glad to hear from our dear ones at home.
Dec. 1S. To-day we received rations from the fleet. For the past week we have been living on corn and rice, -- the rice being obtained from the shocks in the swamps and hulled out by the soldiers .- everything for fifty miles around has been foraged. The army is still investing Savannah. We are still in camp on the Little Ogeechee River.
Dec. 21. The rebels having evacuated Savannah, a pontoon bridge is placed across the Little Ogeechee River. and the 57th with the brigade, marched into Savannah. On our way we passed pieces of artillery and wagons of every description, abandoned by the enemy in their flight. and also some of the strongest fortifications I have ever
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
seen in the south. Marching through the town. we went into camp on the banks of the Savannah River, about one mile from the town. Our work in this campaign is done, and thus we see treason and rebellion dying. The tramp of armies, the destruction of railroads and the burning of cities has ruined Georgia : such destruction and desolation never before followed in the wake of armies. Sherman has made a record as the boldest and most fearless leader of the nineteenth century. From now on we remain camped on the banks of the Savannah River.
The following promotions and commissions have been received : Captain F. A. Battey to Major; Com. Sergt. John Hartford to Quartermaster; First Lieutenant Geo. N. Barr to Captain of Company B: Sergeant Geo. B. Shurtz to First Lieutenant of Company B: Sergeant Chas. E. Passen- ger to Captain of Company E: Second Lieutenant William Gale to Captain of Company H: Sergeant Alex B. Hanna to Second Lieutenant of Company H.
Dec. 26. Company C. Captain Wm. S. Swan, com- manding, not having veteranized and their term of three years having expired. they were mustered out of the ser- vice. with the following officers of the regiment : Nelson Flansburg. Adjutant. Second Lieutenant William Way- man, Company E. Captain Harlan Page. Company K. and First Lieutenant William Starling. Company K. We re- gret to see these officers and men leave the regiment. for we remember in dark days they stood by us ; that when the flag trembled and brave men were dying. they were never found wanting ; they have now finished their term of service. some bear upon their persons honorable scars. Farwell gallant officers and noble men. They went north by steamer by way of New York.
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
Dec. 30. Sergt .- Major John E. Youngburg was ap- pointed acting Adjutant. Edward K. Cobb, of Company B. was appointed Sorgt .- Major. Joseph S. Beaty was ap- pointed Commissary Sergeant and Gus Abele promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant and acting Lieutenant in the new Company C.
Jan. 4. First Lieutenant John H. Weirick, of Com- pany H. resigned.
Jan 7. 1865. The regiment received one hundred and thirty-seven reernits and drafted men. sent to them by the Governor of Illinois. Out of these a new Company C. was formed with First Lieutenant Eli Barnum. of Com- pany A, acting Captain and Gus Abele. Commissary Ser- geant of the regiment, acting First Lieutenant. They per- formed all the duties of a company of the regiment, until 1
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reaching Goldsboro. N. C. when it was disbanded by order of the Secretary of War. The men were distributed among the other nine companies. Lieutenant Barnum reporting to his company, and Gus Abele resuming the position of Commissary Sergeant of the regiment.
Savannah, Ha .. is an old ancient city. There are many things and places well worth seeing. One is the monument reared by a generous people to that noble Pole. Count Pulaski, who fought. bled and died in America's first revolution. besides many gorgeous buildings."
Jan. 25. We received marching orders with three days ration- and to be ready to move to-morrow.
Jan. 26. We LE camp about 10 o'clock a. m. after burning our quarters and destroying everything around
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camp, and taking the main road to Savannah, came to a halt on the edge of the town, where we remained all day. marching back to our old camp ground in the evening.
Jan. 27. We again leave camp with the balance of the brigade and the division. marching up the Savannah River to Sisters Ferry. where we go into camp. Here we find General Slocum's Corps struggling with the swamps. We remain here until Feb. 5th, when we again take up the line of march. but only for a short distance. March- ing is terrible and we go into camp about three miles from the river. We are now in South Carolina. I doubt if ever an army encountered so many difficulties as did Gen- eral Slocum's and General Corse's Divisions. For three miles they had to build a solid road through the Savannah swamps.
Feb. 6. We moved early this morning. Our division is upon a lone road. We only succeeded in making eight miles and went into camp.
Feb. 7. We are on the march. Crossing Black Water swamps we went into camp at Hickory Hill. having made the distance of twelve miles.
Feb. S. We crossed Whipple swamp about noon and went into camp. Feb. 9. Still in the swamps of South Carolina. To-day we crossed the Salketchic swamps and went into camp.
Feb. 10. We moved early this morning. The roads are in a horrible condition. We soon come to Beauford's bridge in the great Salketchie swamps and find it flooded and the water one mile wide with the bridge in the mid-
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
dle. Things indeed looked frightful but General Corse gave the command forward and the 4th Division never faltered, but through it they waded, the water winter cold, ranging from waist to neck deep. all passed through safely. After gaining a footing on the other side, we had scarcely time to put on our clothing. when we formed in a line of battle to drive the enemy from our front. Remaining here until our train was all across, we moved forward and joined onr Corps at Midway, on the South Carolina Rail- road.
Feb. 14. We are on the march towards Orangeburg : we crossed the south forks of the Edisto River at Halmond bridge and moved to Poplar Springs to the support of the 17th Corps.
Feb. 15. From Poplar Springs we crossed the north Edisto River at Skillings' bridge and found the enemy in strong position on the Congaree River, in front of Colum- bia. S. C. After a slight skirmish and some artillery fire we went into camp.
Feb. 16. This morning there is some skirmishing and our artillery is in position shelling the town : everything is in commotion. The 4th Division moves to the left and in the afternoon crosses a pontoon bridge over Broad River. three miles above Columbia. The town has been evacuated. and the 4th Division marched through it and went into camp two miles south of the town. It is now night. a stiff breeze is blowing and Columbia is burning. The beautiful architecture is crumbling : her georgeous buildings are falling in ashes : the heavens seem all ablaze and still the work of destruction goes on : such is the cruel
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T. P. STREETER, CO. 8.
M. M. KENFIELD, CO. B.
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E. A. WOOD, CO. B.
A. SWANSON,
HIRAM LEWIS,
OLOF MATHEWS, -ERLT. 00. 0.
GEO. H. WHEELER. CO. A.
A. B. WRIGHT, . (. J.
GLOBE LITHOGRAPHING AND PRINTING CO., CHICAGO
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