USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 13
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The report of the first day's battle, made by Col. Bald- win, commanding third brigade, shows the desperate nature of the fighting participated in by his command. He says: * * * * "At 11:30 o'clock two of my six-pounders became disabled. The enemy came on with an overwhelming force, turning my right. I was compelled to retire to a position about three-quarters of a mile, and there formed in battle line with
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two fresh regiments, the Fiftieth Illinois, and 17th Wisconsin. It was just 12 o'clock. I called the officers together and told them my instructions were to hold my position. We remained there but a short time. We received a fire on our flank and were compelled to change front parallel with and near the Memphis and Charleston railroad. I gave them orders to de- pend upon the bayonet. Finding myself nearly surrounded the only alternative was to charge, in order to gain time to retire. The regiments that took part in the charge were the 7th Illinois, Colonel Babcock ; 57th Illinois, Lieut. Calonel Hurlbut ; Fiftieth Illinois, Lieut. Colonel Swarthout, and 17th Wiscousin. Colonel Doran. It was done in splendid style, driving the enemy half a mile. I then ordered the brigade to retire across the rail- road."
On the morning of the 4th, Colonel John V. DuBois, 1st Missouri light artillery, assumed command under orders from General Rosecrans. in place of Colonel Baldwin, disabled. His command consisted of the 7th, 50th and 57th Illinois, and that morning numbered only 57 officers and 700 men. As the battle progressed he reports; "My front was attacked by four regi- ments formed with regimental front in column of attack. Gen. Caball commanded, and his brigade consisted of the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st Arkansas. Against this force I had only two small regiments of less than 500 men, together, and one battery. The redoubt on my right was at the same time gallantly assail- ed. The 57th Illinois volunteers had a flank fire on this col- umn and no enemy in their front. Everything was going on well when some regiment to my right, ( supposed to be the Union brigade), broke in confusion. The 57th Illinois volunteers joined them as they ran to the rear. The 7th and Fiftieth Illi- nois gallantly maintained their old reputation.
Rank after rank were cut down, when the enemy, who had gained a position in our rear, both on our right and left, opened fire from the hill behind us. I tried to get the men in column, but could not make myself heard. All my aides and orderlies except one, were wounded or had lost their horses. These two regiments then fell back in disorder. Colonel Bab-
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cock and Lient. Colonel Rowett rallied the 7th not thirty yards in rear of the old position and drove back the enemy in front. When again this fire from the rear was opened on us, to add to the confusion, Lieut. Chapman, commanding company B 2d Illinois artillery opened on us with his seige gun, killing and wounding several men and officers. For the second break I do not blame the men. All through the town we fought. By this time the regiments were in small squads commanded by Ser- geants or Lieutenants. Colonel Babcock and Lieut. Colonel Swarthout remained with their colors. When the reaction came the men were easily brought back. They captured many pris- oners, and are fairly entitled to the colors picked up in front of their line.
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"The Fiftieth Illinois captured 2 commissioned officers, 149 enlisted men and 1 color.
"I regret that being personally unacquainted with the of- ficers and men of the third brigade, I am unable to give you the nanies of those worthy of particular mention. *
* Colonel Babcock and Lieut. Col. Rowett, of the 7th, and Lieut. Colonel Swarthout, of the Fiftieth, and Major Forsee, of the 57th, are gallant soldiers, and did all in their power to restrain the men, and after the break, rapidly brought back their best men, under fire. I wish particularly to call your attention to the gallantry and soldiership of Captain Hanna, of the Fiftieth my aide-de-camp. Also the following non-com- missioned officers: Sergeant Isaac D. Newell, and Corporal Joseph Bordwell, color-bearers of the 7th Illinois, and Sergeant Sinclair Watts, and Corporal David Laughlin, color-bearers of the Fiftieth Illinois."
The following clear and soldierly report is by Lieut. Col- onel Swarthout, commanding the regiment:
HEADQUARTERS 50TH ILLINOIS REGIMENT, Near CORINTH, MISS., October 13th, 1862.
SIR :- I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the battle of Oct. 3 and 4:
Friday morning, October 3, we were ordered into line and
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about 6 o'clock started in the direction of Corinth. The men were provided with three days' rations in haversacks, and, ex- pecting'a long march, also carried their knapsaks with them. The strength of the regiment on leaving camp was 20 commis- sioned officers and 265 men. This does not include 20 men who were on grand guard and not relieved in time to start with us. Part of these afterwards fell in with us, but it is not known how many. After passing through Corinth we were marched some two miles to the west of town. Here we were separated from the brigade and ordered to report to General Davies; who immediately ordered me to take one section of artillery and move forward to the rebel intrenchments. Before reaching the intrenchments I was ordered to return, and was placed at the cross-roads, with two sections of artillery as a reserve. After we had been in this position for some time sharp fighting was heard some distance to the front of us, the rebels having at- tacked General McArthur in force. I was immediately ordered forward to his support, but did not reach the scene of action be- fore his forces had been compelled to fall back. I had hardly got my regiment into line when I was ordered to change posi- tion by the left flank. After . numerous marches and counter- marches (having changed front several times) I was at last permitted to engage the enemy. My regiment was at this time on the left of the brigade, with orders, in case the right was compelled to fall back, to hold the enemy in check and cover their retreat. My men advanced to the work in splendid style and engaged the enemy with a determination that showed their hearts were in it. I kept up a hot fire upon them, pouring in volley after volley with deadly effect until ordered by General McArthur to fall back. During the engagement my officers and men conducted themselves in a most creditable manner. Not one did I see shrink from his duty, and all were reluctant to leave the field when ordered to fall back.
My mon suffered greatly during the day from heat and want of water. Quite a number had to be taken from the field, some suffering from sunstroke and others from utter exhaus- tion.
I reached Corinth about dark and bivouacked a mile south of town, but about 9 o'clock was ordered to move to the north of town. After changing position several times the men were permitted to lay down, but had been asleep but a few min- utes when they were aroused by the enemy's cannon.
Some time after daylight we were ordered to take posi- tion in rear of some log intrenchments, where we remained un-
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til about 10 o'clock, when the enemy were seen approaching. As soon as they were within range I opened a heavy fire upon them. Most of the time I had a good cross-fire and did great execution.
After the engagement had lasted some time Colonel Du- Bois ordered me to fall back. For some distance my men re- mained in good order, delivering volley after volley at the ad- vancing rebels, but on reaching the cross-street became entan- gled with some other regiments and were thrown into confusion. The officers did everything possible to rally their men. but the enemy were so close upon us and delivering such a deadly fire among us that we were compelled to fall back again and again : but at last they relaxed their fire for a few moments, during which time I succeeded in rallying my men and again pushed forward upon the enemy. They soon gave way before our well- directed fire, and we followed them up. driving them over the intrenchments from which they had so recently driven us and into the woods beyond. I kept up a constant fire upon them until they became utterly routed.
I regret to announce the death of Jonas D. Corwin. sec- ond lieutenant of company I. who was killed while gallantly ral- lying his men. By his death we lost a good officer and a brave soldier. Capt. Horace L. Burnham, one of our bravest and best officers, was severely wounded in the right breast while driving the rebels over the intrenchments.
After the rout of the rebels I immediately moved forward with my command and succeeded in capturing 2 commissioned officers, 140 enlisted men, and 1 stand of colors.
The number of officers and men taken into action on the morning of October 3rd, was: Officers, 20; enlisted men, 265. The number on the evening of October 3rd was : Officers, 17: en- listed men, 217. The number taken into action October 4th. was: Officers, 15; enlisted men, 219. The number of killed and wounded in all was: Captain. 1; second lieutenants, 2; sergeants, 2; corporals, 2, and privates, 20. Missing, 1 corporal and 2 privates. The number that started on October 5th, was : Officers, 14, and enlisted men, 219.
Sunday morning. October 5th, started in pursuit of the rebels. Proceded as far as Ruckersville, but saw nothing of the enemy. We returned to camp on Sunday, October 12. Nothing of importance transpired during the march.
WILLIAM SWARTHOUT. Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Col. JOHN V. Du Bois,
Commanding Brigade.
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CHAPTER XI.
The Pursuit --- The Battlefield -- Scenes and Incidents -- The March to the Hatchie -Rout of the Rebels Complete-Crossing of the Hatchie-Foraging- Activity of the Command-The Return-Letters from Home.
T HE battle of the 4th ended at noon, the enemy being in full retreat, Two days of hard fighting seemed a suffi- cient reason for not at once pressing the victory for all it was worth. If the troops which had been but lightly engaged, and there were several thousand of them, had at once been sent in pursuit, there is little doubt that a rich reward would have resulted. But a contrary course was adopted, and thus a breath- ing spell was given to the broken and' disheartened rebels, who having come with every assurance of success were now seeking that safety which could only accrue from flight and distance. It is not the province of this story however, to criticise the lack of energy displayed. At the time it seemed enough that a vic- tory had been won of a magnitude which would entitle it to a high place in history. The early morning sun of Sunday, Oct. 5th, found the Fiftieth, with the rest of the division in line of march after the retreating enemy. . The Fiftieth was detailed as rear guard to the second division. As the regiment passed out of town and up the hill on the Chewalla road, the sight presented gave full evidence of the terrible conflict of the day before. Cannon balls and fragments of shells strewed the ground, and everywhere lay broken muskets and accoutrements. The brush and weeds were trampled where the contending lines
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had met, and there was a general scene of desolation and des- truction stretching out upon every side. In many places the ground was swept as if with a broom. from the storm of mis- siles. Detachments were moving over the field where death had held high carnival, engaged in the saddest duty which can come to the soldier, that of collecting the dead and preparing them for burial. Friend and foe lay side by side, after war's wild fever, severely quiet. Many wounded who had with suffering intense, spent the weary, dreary hours of the night, hoping. praying for relief, now found ready hands, guided by loving hearts, to administer to their wants, and tenderly bear them to a hospital. As the regiment approached Robinett the dead lay thicker. Where the 2d Texas so gallantly advanced to their wild but fruitless assault, and where they were with determined bravery, as gallantly driven back. the ground was thickly strewn with torn and mangled men. Beyond Robinett the reg- iment halted for a time and there saw many dressed in blue. dead, lying where they fell, while others gave evidence of an awful struggle before the vital spark had been snuffed out. The sight was terrible to look upon, and as the evidence of the agony of death became apparent, strong men shuddered, and sickened by the view, turned tremblingly away, not ashamed of the scalding tears which smote their cheeks. And yet these lines of brave inen, dead for their country, told a story to be thereafter woven into poetry and song, to shine on history's page forever and forever. A story of how bravely men had stood against treason's wicked blow, and yielding life, had by the sacrifice of all they had, helped to save the land, their na- tive land, from destruction. Their blood enriched the soil upon which they died, and out of their death, out of their great trial and sacrifice, the nation they died to save was destined, under God, to rise to heights imperial and commanding. The great- est, purest and best government ever vouchsafed by God to man.
"Oh if there is upon this terrestrial sphere A boon, an offering which Heaven holds dear,
'Tis the last libation liberty draws
From a heart that bleeds and dies in its cause."
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As the regiment advanced forward a short distance it found the ground more thickly covered with dead men dressed in grey. That slaughter had raged untrammelled was every where apparent. The bodies lay in windrows, showing how the Union volley after volley, had swept with decimating force through the rebel ranks. The area upon which the battle was fought was comparatively small, and when it is considered in that light, and then the further fact is noted, that upon this small plat of ground nearly 1800 were killed and more than 7500 were wounded, the horror which held high sway there strikes the mind with startling force. And if anything were necessary to prove the gallant and meritorious service of the brave second division, the evidence could easily have been gath- ered and garnered that Sunday morning in October. But if there still be doubt has it not already been shown that this di- vision, numbering less than 2500 men for duty, was opposed by what should have been an overwhelming force of 25,000 troops. which. if not skillfully. were truly most bravely led and direct- ed; and that the third brigade, less than a thousand strong, withstood the assault of this mighty force until resistance had become absolutely impossible of further continuance, and only then it had retired inch by inch disputing the way, the thous- ands of dead and wounded sublimely attesting the valor of and devotion to duty of the heroic band, of how they fought and died. evidence incontestible, irrefutable, complete.
This history, however, has more to do with the Fiftieth and its wanderings, marching and battling, what it did, saw and accomplished. As it moved over the ground over which war's wild blast had but so short a time before so rudely blown. the thought came with oppressive sadness, that on other parts of the field there lay dead and dying, or grieviously wounded, messmates, comrades, companions of many a march, bivouac and camp. the dead unburied, stark and cold ; the wounded suf- fering an agony of thirst and pain, a woe unspeakable and ap- palling. Near the White House a detachment of two hundred of the enemy, under the protection of a flag of truce, were met, on their way to assist in burying their dead. they were under a
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heavy guard, but were shortly afterward turned back, General Rosecrans refusing to receive their assistance, as will appear by the following dispatch to General Grant :
HEADQUARTERS, CORINTH, October 5th, 1862.
Dispatch from Hamilton 11 a. m. Flag of truce from Van Dorn requesting permission to bury the dead. Dated Che- walla, Answered, "ample provision has been made. *
W. S. ROSECRANS, Major General.
And this further dispatch :
HEADQUARTERS, CORINTH, Oct. 5th, 1862. "Dispatch received. I sent my compliments to Major General Van Dorn, commanding confederate forces, and told him ample provision had been made for burial of the dead. W. S. ROSECRANS,
MAJOR GENERAL GRANT. Major General."
The task of burying the rebel dead was loathsome beyond expression. Different from the Union dead, their faces had rapidly turned black, which gave strength to the statement heretofore mentioned, that they were given heavy rations of gunpowder and whiskey.
The movement of the advance was oppressively slow ; the roads were filled with artillery, wagon trains and ambulances. A spirit of impatience ruled the men; they were anxious to strike the hot trail of the enemy and reach them before they could cross the river. Advancing eight miles the march for the day ended, camp being established near Chewalla. The day had not been barren of results; a large number of prisoners had been captured, mostly stragglers and deserters, poorly clad and half starved, they were a sight truly pitiful. Corinth pre- sented an enticing and most inviting prize; within her bounda- ries were immense supplies of clothing and food, all ready for the taking .. But the treasure so temptingly exposed flitted from them as does a Will.o'-the-Wisp before the advancing steps of the bewildered traveler.
Instead of feasting they were driven away wounded, and
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sore nigh unto death; their hopes blasted; their cup of sorrow full to overflowing.
That night they had their fill from hands and hearts of men so short a time before their mortal enemies.
A participant in the operations of the next few days thus notes the passing incidents of the march and camp :
."October 6th, at 3 o'clock, the reveille is sounded; the tired soldiers are up and hastily prepare and dispatch the mor- ning meal of coffee, hard tack and bacon. Before day we are on the move and the boys are happy. We begin to see the road strewn with abandoned wagons, clothing and articles of every description. thrown away by the enemy, who, stripped for the race, are making for the swamps and low-lands of Mississippi. General Hurlbut is crowding them so hard they cannot cross Hatchie river in a direct course, but are compelled to change their route and cross several miles above. We have had a day of hard marching and waiting and battle formation, but in the afternoon we are halted for refreshment, and then march to the Tuscumbia river and go into camp for the night. By the help of our foragers we have added to our bill of fare of coffee, hard tack and salt pork, sweet potatoes.
"October 7th, after a good night's rest, we are up early. The weather is pleasant and the roads excellent. Company C is sent back to Chewalla and the rest of the regiment resumes its march. The country is very hilly. The enemy have aban- doned a great amount of camp equippage. At noon we reach the Hatchie. The rebels have burned the bridge and a mill. Some 150 prisoners captured this morning are sent to the rear. There is considerable skirmishing at the front. We cross on a temporary bridge made of lumber and logs and move three miles further and camp. A number of the prisoners captured this morning had some of our knapsacks. There was a rush for them and as fast as a knapsack was identified the happy owner plunged into its depths in search of his best girl's picture.
"October Sth. At2 o'clock a. m. that awful disturber, the reveille, gets in its work, and after a hasty meal off we go; pass through Jonesboro. a village of one store, a cotton gin and two
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or three houses; without halting we reach Ruckersville, eight miles distant, where, dusty and travel worn, we are halted and given time to prepare and eat our breakfast.
"While some of the boys are rumaging around a dwelling house, a fire broke out. "How did it happen?" The division commander must have thought some of the soldiers were guilty for he ordered the whole division to stand at parade rest while the suspected boys were marched under guard, twice up and down the line. But their comrades were true as steel, for they did not give them away. As a matter of fact we did not like to be so careful in protecting the property of our enemies, and therefore to even up matters, we had fresh pork and sweet po- tatoes for supper, taken from a secesh who, his neighbors said, was in the two days fight at Corinth, and had gone south with the army as they passed two days before.
"Without cause'and against the principles of justice and right, our brave commander, Col. Swarthout, was put under ar- rest. He had, it is true, a part of the pork and potatoes, but was entirely ignorant as to where the tasteful and succulent food came from. Nevertheless, innocent as he was, he was made the scape-goat and Major Glenn assumed command.
"October 9th. Weather delightful. Service filled with pleasure. We remain in camp feasting on hog and sweet pota- toes.
"October 10th. The advance of our division came in on its return to Corinth. At 10 o'clock it began to rain and as we moved back it grew very muddy. A cold drizzling rain falling. We went into camp at Jonesboro. Here Corporal Culp of com- pany D, found six bales of cotton and an old musket hidden in the brush. The next day resumed our march toward Pocahon- tas. Roads fearfully muddy. Passed over the field of battle at Hatchie river, fought on the 6th. In this battle the 28th Illi- nois suffered severely and many rebels were drowned in attemp- ting to cross. Sixty bodies were reported as recovered and buried. Our march continued on to the Tuscumbia river. Six miles beyond the division went into camp. Eleven miles from Corinth.
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"The night was cold and we suffered from exposure. Many of the men were worn out, and when the morning came, were scarcely able to resume the early march, but as we came near to our old camping place, and the sun broke his way through the clouds, warm and welcome, the spirits of the foot sore and weary troops grew lighter, and with ringing step they marched into camp south of Corinth, where was found a supply of whiskey that had been ordered, and before breaking ranks a ration was issued to all who desired it. Here was indeed in store for them a welcome none can so well appreciate as a sol- dier in the field. Letters awaited them, many directed to loved ones who had fallen in the fearful combats of the 3rd and 4th. These could only be answered by surviving comrades, upon whom would fall the sad, sad duty of writing to the bereaved ones at home, telling them how bravely their beloved had fought and fell. While others prepared the glad tidings of escape from the dangers of those two fearful days. What heavy hearts there were back in the old home, waiting with prayerful, tearful anxiety for news from the front; days and nights in agony in- tense; waiting and watching for news; hearts submerged in sorrow, hoping against hope, to be illumined with joy 'or dark- ened with a despair unspeakable.
"When we marched out of our camp on the morning of the 3rd, we had no idea of the terrible ordeal through which we would be called to pass. Our tents were left standing, and our camp was guarded by the men who were unable to march. When the enemy broke into Corinth on the 4th, our camp fell into their hands, the guards being captured and paroled. The capturing force consisted of a squadron of cavalry led by five brothers, who were near residents to Corinth. Among a num- ber of the dead were found citizens who, professing loyalty, had been fed by our troops. first having taken an oath of allegiance to the United States. These documents were, in several instan- ces, found on their bodies, showing their possessors to have been traitors in a double sense.
The morning of the 13th was spent in cleaning up and getting ready to live again in something like comfort. It was
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general wash day. New knapsacks and underclothes were issued to the regiment in lieu of those lost on the 3rd, and when the night of the 13th set the sky with sentinel stars, the Fiftieth laid down to a restful sleep, conscious of having performed its whole duty.
After dinner on the 14th orders were issued to strike tents, which being obeyed, the command was marched to a camp south of College Hill, where we bivouacked for the night, pitch- ing our tents the following day.
About the 17th a few turbulent fellows of company D, undoubtedly actuated by a spirit of jealousy, circulated a petition calling upon Lieu- tenant Rodgers to resign. The next day the Lieutenant marched the company to the headquarters of Lieut. Col. Swarthout, commanding the regiment, and there having brought them to a halt and front, tendered his resigna- tion. The Lieut. Colonel, Capt. Hanna and others, in- cluding a number of compa- ny D), protested against his action, but Lieut. Rodgers, LIEUT. J. C. RODGERS. who was a high spirited man, was implacably determined, and there being no other way out of the trouble, his resignation was accepted and his company and regiment lost the services of a brave and gallant officer and christian gentleman.
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