USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 14
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Within less than a month he enlisted as a private in the 12th Illinois cavalry, and remained to the end of the war in that regiment, rising to a second lieutenantcy, refusing all after proffers of promotion, being mustered out May 29, 1866.
This day, Oct. 18th, Major Glenn left for home, his resig- nation having been accepted to take effect October 9th. At
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dress parade orders were read to reduce camp equippage to two tents to a company, to have five days rations on hand, with 40 rounds of ammunition.
Under orders the 22nd and 81st Ohio volunteers joined the brigade, thus materially strengthening it. The brigade is now under command of Col. A. J. Babcock of the 7th Illinois.
The dissatisfaction over the infamous assault made by General Rosecrans on the second division, grew with each day, more intense, and especially so when his so called congratula- tory order was issued. Instead of acknowledging his error, and thereby retrieving, as far as possible, the great wrong he had in a moment of passion committed, he glossed the matter with specious words. He withdrew the wasp but left the sting. Pa- pers in the north, and the Cincinnati Commercial especially, gave current, with a gross misrepresentation of facts, the calum- ny uttered by Rosecrans. As has been before remarked in this work, the wrathful words uttered by the General commanding, were wholly unjust and unjustifiable. And he only added to the injury when speaking of the second division he said, "I de- sire especially to offer my thanks to General Davies and his di- vision, whose magnificent fighting on the 3rd more than atoned for all that was lacking on the 4th." What was "lacking on the 4th," is not made known, and is in every respect, a gross and wicked inuendo. It leads the mind to the only alternative of cowardice, failure, reproach.
Is it any wonder that brave men thus maligned, should not only enter their indignant protest, but that they should feel deeply aggrieved? One of the Fiftieth writing October 23rd, 1862, thus bespeaks the common feeling :
"The second and sixth divisions did all, or nearly so, of the fighting on Friday, and the hardest on Saturday, yet I have heard that General Rosecrans declared on the field, after the victory had been won, that the second division was a disgrace to his army. Now if the five thousand men, making up these two divisions, fighting against twenty thousand, and holding them, not in check, but driving them from the field, is a dis- grace to the army ; if fighting two days while men are falling
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not only from the terrific assault in front, but from want of water, with nearly 15,000 in supporting distance resting on their arms; if all this be a matter fit for such a charge, then the second division did disgrace itself, and is unworthy of sol- dierly fellowship. But I do not think it has won, nor is enti- tled to wear any such reproach."
Commenting upon the same circumstance, another sol- dier graphically presents the case. Referring to the charge that the men of the division failed on Saturday, this soldier, who was fully advised as to the battle and all its details, writes after the so called congratulatory order was issued, as follows :
"They did fail. no one ever dared to, or attempted to ex- plain or deny. They did fail to do what they should have done, namely-there was captured by the whole army of Rosecrans 2268 prisoners, and the second division, (Davies') captured 1460 of that number, mostly on the 4th, they should have captured the whole. Then again the whole army captured fourteen stands of colors; Davies' division captured ten of these on the 4th, they should have taken all. They fought Van Dorn and Price's ar- my on the Brd alone and whipped them; this was right. On the 4th they fought with others and whipped the enemy; they should have done it alone, and would have done so but for the giving away of troops on their right flank, (names I will not mention ). Now the second division well knows they should have done all these things alone, and they must throw them- selves upon the clemency of a forgiving country. The throb- bing patriot's heart will have some sympathy and the facts will "atone" for the short-comings of the second division, when they are told that they went into action on the 3rd with 2925 officers and men, the balance of the division being detailed in and about Corinth, and that they lost 75 officers; total loss 1001. For- give these "lacking" and erring boys of the north-west, for next time they will try and do better. Papers which published Gen. Rosecrans address will confer a favor upon the 7th, 9th, 12th, 50th, 52nd, 57th and 58th Illinois regiments, the 2nd, 7th, 12th and 14th Iowa, 14th Mo., and 1st Mo. artillery, and the 22nd and 81st Ohio of Davies' division, by publishing this."
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Here the story of current transactions as they occurred . each day is resumed :
"October 19th. Captain Gaines and privates Stauffer and Thomas, two wounded soldiers of company D, returned to their command.
"October 22nd. Twenty-one recruits join the regiment and at dress parade orders are read relative to opportunity for trans- fer from the regiment to the artillery or cavalry service.
"October 23rd. Negroes, of whom there is a swarm in camp. are put to work tearing down some out-works in front. It does us good to know that at last the government has resolved upon utilizing the "contraband" and thus relieving the soldier from some of the labor he has hitherto been called upon to perform.
"October 25th. Was very cold, drizzly and at times sleet falling. Last night snow fell for three hours, and pickets and guards suffered while on duty.
"October 27th. We learn to-day that General Rosecrans is ordered to Kentucky, which is good news to the second division. Captain Hanna returned from Paducah to-day, where he had been to look up clothing left by the regiment on its way to Fts. Henry and Donelson. His mission was fruitless, as no clothing could be found.
"October 28th. Reports are rife that Price is on his way to try us again. If he does he will find our welcome hotter than it was before, for Corinth is in a far better shape for de- fense than when" he paid his visit before. It is reported that Price sent in a flag of truce this afternoon requesting General Rosecrans to remove all non-combatants to a place of safety. Several transfers to the artillery have already been made.
November 1st. General G. M. Dodge assumes command of the division, instead of General Sweeney, and Colonel Baldwin of the third brigade.
"November 2nd. Sunday morning inspection has come and gone, the regiment receiving due praise for its orderly and cleanly appearance. Just as the noon hour arrived orders are received to move at 1 p. m .. and at that hour the regiment moves out of camp, and from thence we go until halted on our (11)
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battle ground of October 4th, where we pitch our tents, and at once go to work on the fortifications, then building nearly on the line with that held by the brigade October 4th. There is general expectation that we will soon be attacked by Price, and in con- templation of that important fact, dirt is flying, and the line of defense rapidly assumes proper proportions.
"In our camp are the graves of several of the 2nd and 7th Iowa, but lightly covered with earth. The remains of these dead heroes will be removed and placed in better location, and their mounds marked so as to be hereafter the more readily dis- covered by friends."
From the 2nd to the 7th of November the work on the for - tifications were pressed to completion. Each day heavy details worked as seldom men do, and with such effect that when the shadows of the evening of the 7th darkened earth and sky, the town of Corinth was a very Gibraltar in strength. All fear of an attack had been given to the winds, and it would have in- deed been welcome news had it been heralded along the lines that Price was moving to the assault. The work of construc- tion was systematically apportioned, and thus moved onward with regular step.
A large squad was each morning detailed for fatigue duty a part to cut and haul timbers to camp, others to clear up the grounds, others to draw water for the use of the camp. And so the cleaning up and removal of rubbish, and the establishment of sanitary measures occupied the time and close attention of the officers of both the brigade and regiment. A year's experi- ence in the field of active opperations has been fruitful of re- sults, for among other things, it has taught the men of the Fif- tieth how necessary to health and comfort are cleanly ways and habits.
Those October and early November days of 1862, are fill- ed with pleasant memories. There was plenty to eat, the weather was, as a rule, all that could be desired. The air soft and hazy, the breeze balmy, making up in all a perfect picture of that most delightful portion of the year, Indian Summer; and added to this was another cause for grateful feeling, and
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that was, the health of the army was most excellent. Ah those were days ever to be of blessed memory. No matter if the ser- vice was heavy, and at times oppressively so, there yet was time to visit from camp to camp, to gather in great companies and sing until the sky was filled with the melody of the sweet songs of home, or thrilled with the shouting cries of loyalty for coun- try and love for flag. Those were days when the mails were heavy with loving and tender missives from home or from camp, and every one who was in service-at Corinth-at that time will recall to mind as of yesterday, how strong heart toned a shout went up as the train, bearing letters from home, rolled. slowly in; and then when opened and delivered to the cager, pressing, anxious throng, how joyous the look of the fortunate one, and how deep the depressing air and action of the one for- gotten ; but in all probability he would be the favored one at the arrival of the next mail, and then farewell to all past reflec- tion against the beloved ones at home for seeming neglect.
And now rumors of a change in the regiment's line of duty became current through the camp; one of the many being that the Fiftieth was to relieve the 57th Illinois as provost guard in Corinth. This last, in time, proved true, for on the 8th of November, in pursuance of orders, General Dodge as- stoned command of Corinth and the second division.
The Fiftieth relieving tho 57th Illinois, became the pro- vost guard, the duty being highly responsible, but at the same time very pleasant to perform. During the period following the battles of the 3rd and 4th, the numbers of contrabands flocking into camp daily increased, until the question what to do with the helpless but confiding people, became a serious one, difficult of solution. Food and shelter were absolute require- ments, and especially the latter; for of the former there was an abundance. Details were, therefore, sent out for lumber, and especially to the Davenport mills, where a large quantity of lumber was said to be stored. Out of the material thus obtain- ed, comfortable quarters were established for the black people. who with a faith as sublime as it was trusting, had laid hold of
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the horns on the altar of freedom, and would not let go without the blessing.
The transfer of the regiment to its new duty and location was attended without further incident, and it having become understood that our stay here would possibly be for some length of time, the new camp was carefully laid out, with a special view to neatness, as well as health. In going into camp the rule was for companies to locate according to rank of the commanding officers, and so remain until camp is broken by another move, notwithstanding changes by death or resignation may have in- tervened.
The time passed pleasantly away. On the evening of the 14th Colonel Bane addressed the regiment upon the events of the past few months, and on the same evening Lieut. Colonel Swarthout informed his comrades that he would shortly leave for his home at Quincy, for the purpose, if possible, of regain- ing his health. This announcement was received by the regi- ment with a degree of sadness, which, while it touched the heart of the Colonel, at the same time was a warm tribute to his name and character as a soldier and commander. That he was indeed in ill health, was past conjecture .. It was certain and apparent, and the whole regiment felt, as it looked upon him, so weak and worn in his conntry's service, that he would never return. As one of the boys expressed it: "It is feared that we will have to lose him on account of ill health." He left for home upon the next day, and from that time his active connection with the regiment ceased.
Changes in the regiment came rapidly to the front. Captain Gaines of company D, acting Major, on the 20th re- ceived his commission as Major, as did also W. S. Wait, 1st Sergeant company H, as Captain. Lieut. Hazelwood and his 2d Lieutenant of company D, having resigned, the company was left in command of Sergeant Rickart, in every way well quali- fied for the trust thus suddenly thrust upon him.
Of one thing the Fiftieth will always be proud. It had, not only a fighting but a praying preacher for Chaplain. His actions at Corinth during the battle have already been noted
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and more will follow. Quick to raise the arm of flesh in de- fence of country, when the battle's fever was past, he laid aside the implements of war, and with the same devotion to duty, the same loyalty of spirit he raised on high the Cross of Christ. bidding the sin stricken to look thereon and live. So he ful- filled his duty in a double sense, thus differing widely from many of his rank and calling, who were visible around hospi- tals, where there was safety and plenty, and invisible on the field, where there was danger and scarcity of everything save Minie's and cannister. Now that camp was once more estab- lished upon something like a permanent basis, Chaplain Bigger resumed the regular routine of divine service, on Sundays, prayer meetings on . a week-day night, and visits to the sick, accompanied by the administration of consolation to the dying or of hope to the disconsolate and distressed in body and mind.
On the 23rd he preached a powerful discourse to the whole regiment, reviewing the story of the last month.
After dress parade the regiment was addressed by Colonel Bane in such an eloquent yet modest manner that the hearts of all were touched as with fire. Here the narrative of events, as they daily occurred, is resumed :
"November 25th. Reported that the rebel Gen. Bragg is crossing the Tennessee river with 30,000 men of all arms, but later reports coming in, the rumor is exploded into thin air. But while Bragg is not to be feared, the incessant and unremit- ting activity of large bands of guerrillas is felt, and grievously so. The outposts are in constant danger from attack and cap- ture, and the utmost vigilance is required in order that their attacks may be met and handled.
"News of the capture of Henderson station with a com- pany of sixty men, acting as guard, is brought in and is a mat- ter of much comment, the general opinion being that the Union force was careless, and therefore an easy prey to the vigilant and active enemy.
"November 28th, Companies A, D, K and I are ordered as an escort to a wagon train bound for Lagrange, Tennessee, but only reached Pocahontas, twenty-two miles from Corinth'
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where, owing to the rapid approach of Forrest, the train and guard are ordered back, arriving on the 30th.
"December 1st to 12th. Changeable weather. The regi- ment is doing provost and grand guard duty, also the usual fa- tigue duty incident to camp life. The forenoon is given to company and squad, and the afternoon to regimental and brig- ade drill.
"On the 13th Captain H. L. Burnham returned to the regiment, having been north, wounded. He is not, by any means, restored to health, but is anxious to be with his com- mand.
"On the following day commissions were received for Lieut. J. W. Rickart and Charles H. Floyd of company D. No- thing of interest transpired save plenty of work and drill.
"December 17th. Order No. 10, December, 1862, issued by the War Department, read at dress parade, by which the western armies are formed into five corps. The 13th under Major General John A. McClernand, the 14th under Major General George H. Thomas, the 15th under Major General Wm. T. Sherman, the 16th under Major General Hurlbut, and the 17th under Major General McPherson.
"December 18th. At 7 o'clock p. m., without warning. the regiment receives marching orders, to be ready within an hour, with three days' rations in haversacks. All is confusion. bustle and excitement, and at 10 o'clock, after being in ranks over an hour. we are on the road to Purdy, Tennessee, 30 miles from Corinth. All the available force at Corinth is on the move, under command of General G. M. Dodge. We are to learn now what kind of a commander we have in the person of General Dodge. "We marched all night and until 3 o'clock on the morning of the 19th.
"In the early morning, those not too tired, breakfasted and at 8:30 the command moved forward. At 10 o'clock Purdy was reached, and a halt for dinner, after which the march was resumed for Lexington, Tennessee, 65 miles from Corinth. At the end of a 15 mile tramp we go into camp, having made 45 miles in 24 hours of marching. We begin to think that this is
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a sure enough forced march, and that we have a leader full of go and grit. One of the boys, Bill Northrup, was always wide- awake for anything like fun. Never too tired for a joke, always on the lookout for the funny and amusing side of things. Ob- serving the General riding toward us as we lay along the road- side resting, Bill called out, "Boys, look at the General coming, watch him riding all over his horse." The General rode a very fine and rapid walking horse. It was his custom when in a thoughtful mood riding, to swing his arms and move his legs forward and back, as if walking very fast. All this, however, in time with the motion of his horse. His peculiar manner of riding a horse at a walk was never passed unnoticed, if there were any around to observe, and always gave one the impression that his horse did not go fast enough and he was pushing him on. He wore at this time a black slouch hat, and had on an immense pair of cavalry boots that reached, his pants being tucked inside, far above his knees.
As he approached Bill said, "Boys we'll see what kind of stuff he is made of," and as he drew near, Bill called out in a deep voice, "come out of them boots, I know you're there." Every one was quiet and at that moment, intense in interest as to the outcome of Bill's test. The General hastily caught up his reins and straightened up, looked around, when observing Bill and his comrades, ho, with a pleasant smile and a bow, passed on to the front. "He'll do," came from Bill, and in- stantly the air was filled with resounding cheers. Crudo and simple as was Bill's test, yet it performed its mission, for in the smile and bow to Bill and his companions, the General disclos" ed the possession of those warm hearted sentiments towards his command which, with the coming trials and experiences, en- deared him to the men, and made him indeed their cherished commander.
The story of his rise in official position is pleasant read- ing. When General Grant was moving in one of his early ex- cursions against the enemy, he ordered a young Colonel, who had been rebuilding roads and bridges in the front so rapidly that the main army could hardly keep up with him, to report
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to him at the rear. This order was subject to several interpret- ings. It might be of honor, and it might be of disgrace, but all the same the young officer reported, when General Grant said to him: "Colonel Dodge I am going to make you a Brigadier General and put you in command of the advance, and I don't want you to "holler" unless you are hurt."
Of course Colonel, now General Dodge, was greatly re- lieved, and though he has been hurt severely several times. he never "hollered."
"December 20th. There is some risk attending this march, for the country is full of guerrillas under Roddy, and regulars under Forrest, and the boys out foraging. are frequent- ly fired upon from an unseen foe. At noon we reach a small village called Jack Creek, and capture a rebel flag, take our dinner, and then forward, quick step, for 7 miles, and go into camp for the night.
"On the 21st we reach Lexington at noon, but find no enemy. Resume our march and reach a small place named Finch, where we camp. We are now on half rations, but with what we find in the country we fare well and do not complain. "The General has furnished further evidence to an al- ready well established fact; that while he has a command that can move quickly, yet it is an impossible matter to overtake cavalry with infantry. Hearing of our approach, the enemy have skedaddled from Jackson, as well as from our own front. The men are foot-sore and weary. so commencing his return movement, he sets out for Henderson station, on the B. and (). R. R., distant 25 miles, and north of Corinth 45 miles, arriving after a march of 14 miles, at Forked Deer creek. We halt for din- ner, and while there a citizen, with more spirit than discretion, made his appearance and gave three cheers for Jeff. Davis. He was taken in out of the wet, and everything he was possessed of confiscated. In the evening we camped four miles from Hen- derson.
"December 23rd. We start early, cross Beach river on a pontoon made of the broken bridge. This is our first pontoon. We have of course, heard of them. but this one we helped to
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make. The General seems to know how to get through or over obstacles. Over the river safely. we swing out for Henderson, where we find the train being boarded by the first brigade, Gen. Sweeney, so we will have to wait until it returns. This point is well fortified, but Forrest, in one of his dashing raids, cap- tured it a month ago.
"Our train returns about 2 p. m., and at 6 p. m., we are in Corinth.
"Our coming is greeted by cheering and other demon- strations of joy on the part of those who were left behind, and who have felt anxious, not only at our absence, but also from the fact that our railroad connections at. the rear have been cut and we are therefore. isolated from the world. The troops had been expecting a bountiful supply of good things from home for the Christmas times, but Forrest with his troopers, has al- most undisputed control of our rear, especially between Corinth and Memphis. Tenn., and Columbus, Ky. The situation is far from satisfactory; the command is on half rations, and the prospects for improvement not over assuring, for as fast as a break on the line is restored the rebels strike another point. and the trouble is on again."
Referring to these conditions the gallant Captain Me- Gillicuddy writes at the time.
The regiment is now under command of Major Gaines. "Captain Hanna is on General Dodge's staff, and there is gen- oral good health prevailing; the one complaint is that rations are short, and this is the more aggravating because, but for the rebels Roddy and Forrest, there would be an abundance, for the country abounds in plenty, especially of geese, chickens and sweet potatoes."
If. however, the geese were all as aged and rebellious as the one Major Gaines captured, the fewer of them in camp the better, for as the story went, it took both him and his cook an hour to skin it and then it was "foraged" by one of company (i, and it is attested by reliable witnesses that after cooking it two days, the boys gave it away to company B for a foot ball.
When Christmas came there was no evidence in sight
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that Santa Claus had paid the camp a visit during the silent watches of the night. So it is related that to relieve the dull- ness the boys visited the sutlers, and as a result, the brandy peaches suffered, as did some of the captors the next day. At night a jubilee was held, and as good a time as possible was had. Yet falling far short of what had been anticipated. On the 27th however, the regiment went out as guard for a foraging train, and brought back a supply of potatoes, chickens, etc.
Every possible opportunity was taken advantage of to secure supplies from the country round about, and so when on the night of the 31st, the officers gave a ball at the Tishimingo Hotel, the ladies being escorted from the country, the guards sent after them took everything in sight that was eatable.
January 1st, 1863. The proclamation of President Lin- coln. breaking the shackles and liberating the slaves, was this day promulgated, and 4,000,000 souls are freed before God, and the world .. There were over 2000 black men and women in Corinth on that day, and they held a jubilee, during which a flag was presented to them, speeches were made and songs sung until the glad acclaim of freedom pierced the sky. Many a prayer was devoutly offered up from hearts long oppressed with slavery's blighting and damning touch and power. By that proclamation the declaration of independence became an accomplished fact, wherein it declared the equality of all men before the law, and their unqualified right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
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