USA > Illinois > History of the 57th regiment, Illinois voluteer infantry, from muster in, Dec. 26, 1861, to muster out, July 7, 1865 > Part 7
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
fate of war. Thus we behold the city laid in ashes where treason first lifted its head, and where rebellion was first born.
Feb. 18 and 19. The 57th Illinois with the brigade was engaged in destroying the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, for several miles, burning the ties and twisting the rails.
Feb. 20. The march was resumed to Camden, where we rejoined the division: heavy rains have again made the roads almost impassable.
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Feb. 26. The command forded Lynch Creek, S. C .; heavy rains had swollen the creek, which run over its banks. The command was ordered forward and into and through it we went. Our teams again becoming stalled, were abandoned till next day, when they were success- fully hauled out by means of long ropes and the march continued north.
March 4. The brigade reached Cheraw, S. C., where the regiment with the brigade was detailed as Provost Guard. A pontoon bridge was placed over the Pedee River, the army passing over it. On the march north, while the wagon train was passing over the bridge, a mag- azine which had been built on the banks of the river, ex- ploded breaking every pane of glass in the town and demolishing several buildings near it, causing a great commotion for a few moments.
Mar. 7. The brigade resumed its march north in charge of the pontoon train. Crossing the Pedee River, we marched to Fayetteville, N. C.
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
Mar. 12. Rejoining our division, we remained here until the 14th. when we again moved to the Cape Fear River, one mile below town, where we remained until noon. waiting for the 17th Army Corps to pass, after which General Corse leads the 4th Division across and marching two miles, we went into camp.
Mar. 15. We resume the march and our advance en- counters Hampton's Cavalry ; we have a slight skirmish with them. Moving slow all day, we go into camp one mile from South River.
Mar. 16. Continuing the march, we find the South River bottoms overflowed ; crossing the South River we march slow until 3 o'clock p. m .. and go into camp. Every- thing looks dismal in these swamps. Mud and water everywhere.
Mar. 17. The 4th Division is still on the move. To- day we take the main Goldsboro road, it is in terrible con- dition and the troops had to corduroy the road almost the entire way, going into camp at Clinton Cross Roads. Con- tinuing the march, we cross Falling Creek and by forced marches we reached Bentonville. N. C .. where we find both armies menacing each other. Moving into line with the 15th Army Corps, we immediately commenced throwing up breast works.
Mar. 21. Skirmishing continues all day. and it seems as though Sherman was making one of his strategie moves. Our artillery has been having a duel with the enemy and the firing is kept up long after dark. The 7th Illinois is on the skirmish line and as usual having lots of fun with their sixteen shooters.
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
Mar. 22. The enemy evacuated Bentonville last night and the army is again on the move toward Goldsboro, N. C., which place we reached on the evening of March 23d. As we moved into Goldsboro, we were reviewed by Generals Sherman and Logan and their staffs, and marching to the outskirts of the town. we go into camp.
Mar. 26. Dr. Geo. W. Crossley resigns, his term of three years having expired. Second Lieutenant John T. Larkin, of Company B, resigns.
The following promotions were received : Sergeant- Major John E. Youngburg to Adjutant: Sergeant Albert G. Thompson to First Lieutenant of Company E: Second Lieutenant Charles W. Rosenthal to Captain Company G: Sergeant David Arnold to First Lieutenant Company G; Second Lieutenant Alex. B. Hanna to First Lieutenant of Company H.
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CHAPTER IX.
Surrender of Lee-News to Sherman's Army-How Received- Death of Col. F. J. Hurlbut-Arrival at Raleigh, N. C .- A Twenty Mile March-Confronting the Confederate Army under Johnston-Startling News-Death of President Lincoln-John- ston surrenders to " Uncle Billy "-Arrival of Gen. Grant-He reviews the troops-Marching North-Arrival at Petersburg- " On to Richmond "-In camp on the banks of the Potomac- Arrival at the Capitol-In the Grand Review-God's country once more-On the move again-Louisville, Ky.,-Promotions- Gen. Sherman talks to the 4th Division- Promotions-Mustered Out-Arrival at Chicago-Farewell. Memoriams.
April 7, 1865. While on division review, the glorious news was received of the surrender of General Lee and his army to General Grant. and General Sherman's army seems wild. The woods ring for Grant and the Union. Victory has come at last and the brown faced warriors who have tramped across a continent, make the air vocal with their happy cheer. Richmond, the rebel stronghold has fallen ! The morning of peace cometh and we already see its welcome light peering from behind the curtains of war's long dark night.
Captain Charles W. Rosenthal. of Company G, resigns and goes north.
April S. Lieut .- Col. F. J. Hurlbut, who up to this time had been in command of the brigade. left the com-
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
mand on a leave of absence, going north, never to return. The sad news was received at Alexandria, Va., of his hav- ing been drowned accidently in the Chicago River. April 27th, 1865.
The Colonel was indeed the soldiers friend and none new him but to love him. The humblest soldier in the regiment would receive from him a kind word or smile. and he made it his duty to look after the comforts of his men first before his own.
"We only kmow that thou hast gone. And that the same returnless tide. Which bore thee from us, still glides on. And we, who mourn thee, with it glide."
April 10. The 57th Illinois, under command of Major F. A. Battey. leave Goldsboro, with Sherman's army. marching toward Raleigh. N. C.
April 12. We pass through Lowell. arriving at Raleigh about noon. We pass through the town and go into camp for the night.
April 15. This morning we moved early. in the direc- tion of Morrisville. During the morning we hear heavy cannonading. said to be in front of the 14th Corps. We marched hard all day -- the roads very muddy. Night coming on we go into camp at Morrisville, on the North Carolina Railroad, having traveled twenty miles since morning and are now confronting the Confederate army. under the rebel General Joseph E. Johnston.
April 17. The startling news of the assassination of President Lincoln was received, casting a deep gloom over
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
the army. Later in the day a reported interview between Generals Sherman and Johnston in regard to the terms of surrender of the Confederate army was current. Gen- eral U. S. Grant having in the mean time arrived. the terms of surrender were satisfactorily accomplished.
April 21. To-day we left camp early, marching back to Raleigh. Going into camp on Crab Creek. Colonel Richard Rowett, who was wounded at Allatoona, returned and took command of the brigade. While lying in this camp. the troops were reviewed by General Grant, he pass- ing along the color line of each command.
April 29. The 57th Illinois with the 15th Army Corps ¿ leaves Raleigh. N. C .. marching north toward Petersburg. reaching that place May 7th, remaining here until May 9th, when? the line of march is again taken up for Rich- mond. Va .. going into camp near Fort Darling on the James River.
May 10. We moved toward Richmond but for some. cause unknown. we do not enter the city. but go into camp three miles from the bridge that spans the JJames River.
May 14. General Sherman's victorious army passes through Richmond and on toward Fredericksburg. at which place we arrived on the 16th and go into camp on the banks of the Potomac River. Having passed Spottsyl- vania Court House and several other well known battle fields. we continue the march to Alexandria and from there to Washington. D. C. May 24th we entered the City of Washington. passing up Pennsylvania Ave., and by the White House in the Grand Review. This was a proud day for SSherman's army as they passed by the stand where
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
stood the Nation's great men. President Johnson, Generals Grant, Sherman. Meade, Sheridan and others too numer- ous to mention. The review over, the regiment march- ed to Georgetown. where it went into camp. feeling that we had again arrived in God's country.
June 3. The 57th again break camp and marched to the Baltimore & Ohio depot. Embarking on a train we go to Parkersburg. Va. Upon arriving at Parkersburg, we embark on a government steamer going down the Ohio River to Louisville, Ky., which place we arrive June Sth. The regiment disembarking. we marched five miles out of town and go into camp.
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The following promotions and commissions were re- ceived : First Lieutenant Albert G. Thompson to Captain of Company E: First Lieutenant David Arnold to Captain of Company G: Sergeant David Vaulkman to First Lieuten- ant of Company G; First Lieutenant Edward Gallagher to Captain of Company K; Sergeant Wm. C. Allen to First Lieutenant of Company K.
July 4. The division was drawn up in close column before General John M. Corse's Headquarters and General William T. Sherman made a stirring and patriotic speech. Thanking the men for their true patriotism and soldierly deportment and admonishing them when they went home. which would be in a few days, to be as good citizens as they had been soldiers. To say that " Unele Billy" re- reived a grand ovation would be putting it very mild: after which the regiment marched back to camp. feeling they would like to dance a jig to the music of the Devils Dream.
The following promotions and commissions were re- ceived : Major F. A. Battey to Lieut .- Col; Captain Charles
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HISTORY OF FIFTY-SEVENTH ILLINOIS.
Rattery to Major: Sergeant John E. DeLea to First Lieu- tenant Company E: First Lieutenant Edward D. Haggard to Captain Company I: Sergeant Martin Hoagland to First Lieutenant Company I.
July 5. Orders were received to make out the muster out rolls, and on July 7th. 1865. the 57th Illinois was mus- tered out of the service of the United States and ordered to Chicago for final pay and disbandment.
July S. The regiment marched to the ferry and crossed the Ohio River to Jeffersonville, where it embarked on the Michigan Central Road for Chicago: arriving there July 12th and marched to Camp Douglass, on the south side of Chicago, under commaud of Lieut .- Colonel F. A. Battey, when we received our final pay July 14th, 1865. and disbanded. After being in active service three years and five months or three years and ten months from the time of enlistment. The strength of the regiment. when mustered out. was about four hundred.
And now, kind reader, our task is done. Through three years and ten months of war and carnage, we have gone step by step. to tell you the story of the 57th Illinois. In those turbulent years, when the flag of our country was in danger of going down. and as we look over the roster of the regiment. we see the names of many brave men who gave up their lives that the country might be saved. In uncoffined graves, among strangers they are now sleeping, with no marked stone to tell the wandering pilgrim of their resting place .. Farwell brave men. farwell noble comrades, and may the blessing of peace. which you gave up your lives to secure, reign forever.
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In Hlemariam,
CAPT. DAVID B. KENYON,
Was born in Yonkers, N. Y., August 27th, 1836. He came west in 1856 and engaged in business in Chicago. In the early days of the fire department. he used to run with the machine. At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted as a private. in the three months service in Company A, 12th Illinois Infantry, being mustered in May 2d, 1861 and was mustered out August 2d. 1861. He re-enlisted September 24th. 1861, in Company E, 57th Illinois Infantry and was made First Sergeant. April 6th. 1862, he was promoted to First Lieutenant and in May 1863 to Captain. He was finally mustered out in November, 1864. He was in all the engagements and battles that his regiment participat- ed in up to that time, receiving his first baptism of fire on Shiloh's bloody field. In the fall of 1868 he joined the city paid fire department. In November 1872. upon the organization of the colored fire company, he was appointed its Captain, which position he filled up to a short time be- fore the accident of October 3d. 1554. when he was appoint- ed acting fire marshal. While responding to an alarm of fire on the above date. his buggy collided with one of the engines, throwing him out and seriously injuring him. He fought stubbornly for life, but death conquered October
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IN MEMORIAM.
25th, at 1:40 p. m. At the time of his death, he was com- mander of George A. Custer Post. No. 40, of this city. He was beloved and respected by all who knew him.
HEADQUARTERS 54th ILLINOIS VETERAN ASSOCIATION, Chicago, October ? th, 1884.
MR. PRESIDENT :
Your committee, who was appointed to draft resolutions of respect to our departed comrade. Capt. D. B. Kenyon, beg leave to submit the following :
WHEREAS. this society has learned with deep regret of the death of comrade David B. Kenyon. late Captain of Company E
Resolved, that in his death. this society loses a true. noble and valued friend, whom we all learned to love and respect through our associations with him in camp and field. and later in our relation with him in civil life. and whose services during the dark days of our country's trial, deserves an honorable recognition. And while we bow in humble submission to the will of him who ruleth over all. our heartfelt sympathies are extended to the family and friends of our deceased comrade, assuring them that though he has passed from earth. his memory will always be cherished by the surviving members of the sith Ilirois
Resolved, that these resolutions be spread on the minutes of this society and a copy of the same be transmitted to his family and the daily papers.
Respectfully. WI'M. N. SWAN. HARLAN PAGE.
- Committee. Wy. W. CLUETT. )
Approved: F. A. BATTEY. Prest.
WM. W. CLUETT, Neey.
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IN MEMORIAM.
DR. GEO. W. CROSSLEY,
Died at his home. in Princeton, Illinois. August 31st, 1877. He was born in Clermont County, Ohio. February 14th. 1835. He came to Bureau County, Illinois, in 1854. Dur- ing the exciting events of the late war, he believed it was his duty to offer his services to his Country. Having made up his mind to this effect, and a vacancy occurring in the 57th regiment. Illinois Volunteer Infantry, he went for- ward and joined it as Assistant Surgeon, just before the battle of Shiloh. and continued with the regiment until the close of the war. He performed the duties of Surgeon until mustered out. with marked ability and gained the confidence and respect of the entire command.
As a citizen, his character was equally well established. It is safe to say. that in the whole range of his acquain- tances no man ever doubted his honesty, and it can be truthfully said. that he has left us. without leaving a per- sonal enemy behind him. On all important questions. whether connected with his profession or of a political or social character. he thought for himself and acted npon his own judgment. but he had a profound respect for the opinions of others, and while he might not be able to agree with them. he always treated them with due respect. He thus established himself in the community as a man whose integrity was above suspicion and whose opinions were entitled to respert.
.. Gone before us. O our brother. To the spirit land ! Vainly look we for another. In thy place to stand."
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IN MEMORIAM.
DR. MILTON A. ISAACS,
Died at Corinth. Miss .. in July 1862. He was the son of Mr. Isaacs, of Ohio Township, Bureau County, Illinois, and was about twenty-four years old. At the time of his death. he was acting as Assistant Surgeon of the regiment. Surgeon Zearing being absent part of the time, and the doctor's anxiety and incessant labor for the welfare of the men doubtless contributed, if they did not cause his untime- ly death. It was his intention to become the Assistant Surgeon of the regiment. he having passed a satisfactory examination before the Medical Examining Board. He had been at Corinth about two months, at the time of his death. The officers and men paid him the most marked respect at his burial, with all the honors of war.
At a meeting of the officers of the regiment, in the field, July 30th, 1862, the following preamble and resolu- tions were unanimously adopted :
WHEREAS, It hath pleased Almighty God to remove from our midst by sudden death. Dr. Milton A. Isaacs, who was temporarily associated with us as Assistant Surgeon of our regiment. and by his faithful and energetic labors in behalf of the men in our commands, had won theirs and our affection, and while we bow with humble sub- mission to the decrees of Divine Providence.
Resolved, That by the decease of Dr. Milton A. Isaacs, the pro- fession which he had chosen lost an active. efficient, and promising practioneer-society an intelligent and accomplished gentleman-our country a devoted and sincere patriot. and our regiment a disinterest- ed and faithful friend.
Resolved. That we deeply sympathize with those to whom he was bound by the ties of consanguinity and nature. in their heavy afflic- tion-while we have the pleasing assurance that their loss is his gain.
G. A. BussE, Capt. Co. G. F. A. BATTEY, Capt. Co. F. Committee. J. T. LARKIN. Lieut. Co. B. ) MAJ. E. FORSE, Prest. LIEUT. H. PAGE. See y.
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IN MEMORIAM.
CAPT. GEO. N. BARR,
Died October 24th. 1SS4, at Princeton. Illinois. He joined the regiment in 1861, as a private. enlisting in Company B. He soon attracted attention as a drill master and acted in that capacity for some time-it being conceded by men high in rank that he was a natural sollier and in fact was the best posted soldier in tactics in Camp Bureau. A vacancy occurring in the company, George was unanimous- ly elected to the position of First Lieutenant. and he filled that position with ability. When the time came for re-enlistment. he walked promptly forward and enlisted for three years more or during the war. Before the close of the war he was commissioned as Captain of Company B. and remained with the company until final muster out. July 7th. 1865. having served three years and eleven months.
One more widow and orphan. One more comrade asleep. One more soldier gone. For whom all comrades weep.
WHEREAS. in view of the loss we have sustained by the death of our comrade. Capt. Geo. N. Barr. of Company B. Sith Illinois In- fantry, and of the still heavier loss sustained by those who were near- est and dearest to him. Therefore be it
Resolved. That it is but a just tribute to the memory of the de- parted. to say that in regretting his removal from our midst we have lost one who had served his country in its hour of peril as a true sol- dier of the Union: showing to us that we too must sooner or later answer the call of our Supreme Commander.
Resolved. That we sincerely condole with the family of our com- . rade. which it has so pleased our Great Commander to affiet and who orders all things for the best.
T. P. STREETER. J. W. PETTEE. JOHN NORBERG. L. A. WELLS.
Committee.
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ADDENDA.
While lying at Rome. George L. Searle. of Company F. was commissioned Captain in a colored regiment and Henry M. Ferrell, of the same company was commissioned as his First Lieutenant. They are brave soldiers and will make excellent officers, and go with the best wishes of their old comrades.
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APPENDIX.
49th Congress-Ist Session. House of Representatives. Report No. 2862.
SILAS D. BALDWIN.
June 16, 1SS6 .- Committed to the Com. of the Whole House, and ordered printed.
Mr. Negley, from the Committee on Military Affairs submitted the following Report: (To accompany H. Res. 19.)
The Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred House Resolution 19, submit the following report :
Silas D. Baldwin, colonel commanding the Fifty-seventh Regiment Illinois Voluntary Infantry, was court-martialed, and, in pursuance of the findings and sentence of the court, dismissed from the service of the United States on the 26th day of March, 1863. On the 31st day of May, 1863, the President of the United States removed the disability imposed by the sentence of said court-martial, and made the following order, to-wit:
" It is not competent in law for me to restore a volunteer officer who has been dismissed by sentence of a court-martial, but the disability re-ting upo i Colonel Baldwin is hereby removed, so that the governor of Illinois may, in his discretion, reappoint bim to the same, or any other vacant colonelcy of Illinois volunteers.
In accordance with the suggestion contained in the order of the President, the governor of Illinois, on the 11th day of June, 1863, reappointed and commis- sioned the said Silas D. Baldwin as colonel of the Fifty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. It further appears, from the official record in the Adjutant- General's Office, that Colonel Baldwin reported in person to Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, commanding the 16th Army Corps, headquarters at Memphis, Tenn., on the 30th day of June, 1863, for assignment to duty with his regiment.
It appears from the tenor of a communication addressed to the Adjutant- General, United States Army, by Major-General Hurlbut, under date of June 28, 1863, that he had declined to recognize the order of the President of the United States or the commission issued by the governor of the State of Illinois, and had forbidden the mustering in or the assignment of Colonel Baldwin to duty with his regiment. It also follows in the record that Colonel Baldwin was unceasing in his efforts to have the stain removed from his reputation, and his rights as an off- cer recognized by the military authorities. In pursuance of which a re-examina- tion of the testimony in connection with the papers filed in the case was made by W. Winthrop, Acting Judge- Advocate-General, United States Army, was report- ed upon February S, ISS1, wherein the following opinion is expressed:
That the prosecution of Colonel Baldwin was in a degree actuated by personal hostile feel- ings ; that his misbehavior before the enemy was founded upon testimony too inexact to be wholly sausfactory ; * * that when the Judge-Advocate-General reported upon the merits of this case. February 23, 1957, he was not aware that President Lincoln had removed the disability of this officer, and that the we int of this knowledge led to an unfavorable report.
It is clearly apparent that the action of Major General Hurlbut in depriving Colonel Baldwin of the benefit of the order of President Lincoln, and of the as- signment to duty as colonel of the Fifty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer
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Infantry, by virtue of his new commission, was an unwarranted and arbitrary exercise of military authority, and the reasons he assigned for so doing were not only untenable, plausable, or sound in principle.
The measure of this injustice was, if anything, exceeded in the Bureau of Military Justice by the want of official knowledge of the order of President Lincoln restoring to Colonel Baldwin his rights of citizenship.
While your committee do not believe that it is permissive to review the pro- ceedings of the court martial in this case, or go behind the order of the President, nevertheless a persual of the official documents, testimonials, and other papers of record, several of which emanated from members of the court, and the most of them from the officers and men belonging to the Fifty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, shows most conclusively that up to the time Colonel Bald- win was placed under arrest on the charges which led to his dismissal, he was a zealous and highly efficient officer, conspicuous in danger and prompt in the execution of his duty, and that the charges and specifications were the outcome of personal disagreements, and were inspired by a spirit of petty resentment on the part of the officers who made them.
It also appears that competent witnesses, who, from their rank and high standing in the Army, and who were intimately acquainted with the facts, were not called to testify for the defense. Again, the court was nearly divided in opinion, there being but a majority of one in favor of conviction.
A thorough and impartial investigation, into the merits of this case, as they appear of record, leaves no foundation for doubt as to the injustice done this offi- cer and the impossibility of restoring to him, by legislative enactment, the place of honor he was entitled to by reason of his patriotic and gallant services. There- fore, in consonance with the facts, and in view of the manifest intent of the Pres- ident and the governor of the State of Illinois, your committee recommend that the joint resolution do pass, with the following ammendments:
(1) Strike out the preamble.
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