USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 15
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Before its magnificent utterances all other acts pale into insignificance, for by its utterance was set the seal of success upon the arms of the nation, on land and sea. The world bow- ed in reverence to that lofty spirit from whose great heart it had sprung into being, and ever since, and always will pay obei- sance to ABRAHAM LINCOLN, Emancipator and Martyr.
The first days of the new year were devoid of action or interest; the broken connections had been restored, and on the 5th a train rolled in from Jackson, Tennessee, with a large mail. On the following day another train arrived from Memphis, with a partial supply of food, so the troops wore still compelled to
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forage. General Grant had, some days before, issued an order that in all cases at least 60 days provisions should be left with each family, and it was carried out as nearly as possible.
A member of the Fiftieth thus writes from his diary :
"January 7th. Received a large mail. Preaching by Rev. Archer. Still on half rations.
"January 9th. To-day at noon the long roll sounded. Quickly the boys got into line, eager for something to do, but it was a false alarm. The monotony was however relieved by the return of the 27th, 39th and 63rd Ohio regiments, bringing with them a large squad of prisoners.
"January 11th. We were pleased with a visit from our old Adjutant. T. Jeff Brown, who met with a hearty welcome. Full rations were issued which makes this a day long to be re- membered.
"January 13th. 93rd Indiana, 47th Illinois and Sth Wis- consin, (the Eagle regiment,) marched into Corinth to-day Five miles out had a smart skirmish with the enemy and lost fifteen of their men as prisoners. Strong detachments of garri- son troops are sent out daily on foraging expeditions.
"January 26th. We are again on half rations and draw- ing our supplies from our old route via Tennessee river. Troops paid off to-day.
"January 27th. Part of the regiment, not on provost duty, starts for Hamburg landing at daylight as guard to the train. The trip occupied two days. Lieut. Colonel Swarthout and wife arrived in camp from Illinois. The Colonel is sick and is compelled to take quarters at the hospital.
"The prayer meetings are still in progress, being held in town. The one nearest our camp is held in a small house, and is crowded every night by members of the 7th, 12th and Fifti- eth Illinois, and there is an unusual interest manifested.
"January 29th. This evening the officers of the Illinois regiments met in Music Hall, Corinth, to express their views upon the affairs in Illinois, and the war, and to show our friends at home that we are in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the war, and will stand by our President and Dick Yates in
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their efforts to prosecute the war to a successful termination, that the Union may be preserved.
"On motion of Colonel Chetlain, of the 12th Illinois Inf., commanding the post, Colonel M. M. Bane, 50th Illinois Inf., commanding 3rd brigade, Lieut, Colonel Wilcox, 52nd Illinois Inf., Colonel Burk, 66th Illinois Inf., sharp shooters, Colonel A. J. Babcock, 7th Illinois Inf., Colonel Augustus Mercer, 9th Illinois Inf., commanding 2nd brigade, and Lieut Colonel Mor- rill, 64th Illinois Inf., were appointed a committee to draft resolutions and submitted the following :
WHEREAS, Our government is now engaged in a struggle for the perpetuation of every right dear to us as American citi- zens, and requires the efforts of all good, true and loyal men in its behalf; and
WHEREAS, We behold with deep regret, the bitter parti- san spirit that is becoming dangerously vindictive and mali- cious in our State, the tendency of which is to frustrate the plans of the federal and state authorities in their efforts to sup- press this infamous rebellion; therefore
Resolved, That having pledged ourselves with our most cherished interests in the service of our common country, in this hour of national peril, we ask our friends at home to lay aside all petty jealousies and party animosities, and as one man stand by us in upholding the President in his war measures, in maintaining the authority and the dignity of the government, and in unfurling again the glorious emblem of our nationality over every city and town of rebeldom.
Resolved, That we tender to Governor Yates and Adjutant General Fuller, our warmest thanks for their untiring zeal in organizing, arming and equipping the army Illinois has sent to the field, and for their timely attention to the wants of our sick and wounded soldiers, and we assure them of our steady and warm support in their efforts to maintain for Illinois the proud position of pre-eminent loyalty which she now occupies.
Resolved, That we have watched the traitorous conduct of those members of the Illinois legislature who misrepresent their constituents-who have been proposing a cessation of the war, avowedly to arrange terms of peace, but really to give time for the exhausted rebels to recover strength, and to renew their plottings to divest Governor Yates of the right and authority invested in him by our state constitution and laws; and to them we calmly and firmly say, beware of the terrible retribu-
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tion that is falling upon your coadjutors at the south, and that as your crime is ten-fold blacker it will smite you with ten-fold more horrors, should you persist in your damnable work of treason.
Resolved, That in tending our thanks to Governor Yates, and assuring him of our hearty support in his efforts to crush this inhuman rebellion, we are deeply and feelingly in earnest. We have left to the protection of the laws he is to enforce, all that is dear to man,-our wives, our children, our parents, our homes, --- and should the loathsome treason of the madmen who are trying to wrest from him a portion of his just authority render it necessary in his opinion for us to return and crush out treason there, we will promptly obey a proper order so to do, for we despise a sneaking, whining traitor in the rear much more than an open rebel in front.
Resolved, That we hold in contempt, and will execrate any man who, in this struggle for national life, offers factious opposition to either the federal or state government in their efforts or measures for the vigorous prosecution of the war for the suppression of this Godless rebellion.
Resolved, That we are opposed to all propositions for ces- sation of hostilitiee, or a compromise other than those proposi- tions which the government has constantly offered; "Return to Loyalty,"-to the laws and common level with the other states of the Union, under the constitution as our Fathers made it.
LIEUT. COL. PHILLIPS, 9th Illinois, T. W. LETTos, Adjutant 50th Illinois, Secretary. President.
These resolutions were read to all the Illinois regiments in the command, at dress parade on the next day and were adopted with great enthusiasm by all except. ten men of the 52nd Illinois.
"February 5th. The President's Emancipation Procla- mation has reached camp and been duly read at dress parade. We are in receipt of letters from so-called friends at the north. asking us how we like "fighting for niggers." The reply almost invariably is the same; "It is all right; we would rather fight for niggers than copperheads." That while at first it was not the intention to free the slave or medale with the institution of slavery, and as a rule the army was not in favor of such action,
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yet, if in order to destroy the enemy and save the country. slavery must go, the soldiers are ready to go to the uttermost to the end that the Union may be preserved and the war brought to a successful close.
""February 20th. The camp is also made pleasant by the arrival of ladies. The wives of Chaplain Bigger, Q. M. Kral and Captain Burnham arrive to-day.
"February 22nd. National salute by Captain Madison's seige gun battery, in honor of Washington's birthday.
"February 25th. For several weeks the work on the bar- racks has been in progress. It was found that our tents were becoming weather beaten and worn. On October 18th orders had been read to reduce the camp equippage to two tents per company. This order, it seems, was very slowly obeyed owing, I suppose to the interference of the enemy subsequent, so that our old Sibleys, although badly worn and very leaky, were still in use. During the building of these barracks it required all classes of mechanics. Companys A, D and H having men that were proficient in making or riving out clapboards, these men were employed at that work; others in chopping down the tim- ber, and others in other parts of the work. Thus was the dif- ferent parts of the work exchanged between the companies, while others who were not thus employed, stood the regular guard and fatigue duty for those thus employed. The nails were ordered from the north and divided as needed. The pros- pects of having more convenient quarters having been discussed it was thought best to have them divided in five mess rooms each, and the cooking for the company done by one man. Therefore for convenience while in camp, tho barracks were arranged as follows :
Each barrack to be 116 feet long, sixteen feet wide, and ten feet high, facing west, divided, beginning on the north, into six rooms sixteen feet square, leaving one room for cook and dining room 16x20 on the south end. These rooms were provi- ded with a good brick fire-place, opposite the door, and suffi- cient number of bunks built up on the sides; two windows were also in each room. The cook-room contained a huge brick fur-
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nace and a long table; the regular guard and other duty of the cook was usually done by the next regular man on the detail list, in addition he was paid a certain stipend from each man so that while he worked hard he was generously recompensed.
The company commanders retained their tents, the reg- ulation wall tent with fly attached, was situated at the south end of the cook room, on the left of the barracks. The field officers, also in wall tents of larger size, were located at the pro- per distance to the south, leaving a beautiful parade ground and color line, upon which the regiment formed, between them and the barracks, toward which they faced; their position be- ing from the north as follows: Quartermaster, Chaplain, Colo- nel, Adjutant, Major, Surgeon and Regimental Band.
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The barracks as will be understood were made of timber taken from the tree; some of the rooms were fitted up with well shaved boards and puncheon floors, like our old western homes, while others were covered nicely with illustrated papers, prin- cipally Harper's Weekly and Frank Leslie's. Carpets were not allowed, but the ground or floor was nicely swopt.
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"March 12th. John Mclaughlin and Jason Hibbard from Illinois, arrived on a visit to the regimept. They will take back with them the remains of Corporal L. M. Hibbard, who died January 14th, 1863, in the hospital, and Jerry Summers. who was killed in the battle of October 4th, 1862.
"March 15th. Under the direction of Captain Hanna and Chaplain Bigger, a small house has been completed near the regiment, for five orphan children. Details from the regi- ment were made and the men assisted with good will in this most worthy and christian act.
"It is understood that Captain Hazelwood's wife is on her way to camp, from her home in Illinois, and with her the wife of Noah Rennicker of company D. Rennicker is the old- est man in company D, and the boys call him "Old Dad." They are somewhat at a loss how to accommodate Mrs. Rennicker in a suitable manner, so they exercise their great American pre- rogative and hold a meeting, in which it is resolved to build a neat log cottage in rear of the quarters, and that the members of the company should take turns in doing guard duty for com- rade Rennicker during Mrs. Rennicker's stay among them. No sooner said than done, and within forty-eight hours a little pal- ace is up and ready for the coming of the welcome guest.
"March 22nd. Oliver Shinn of company D, arrived from home, where he had been on sick leave, and with him were the ladies. "Old Dad" was at the depot, and the company formed an escort and march to camp, where the happy couple were duly . installed in their new home. The presence of a number of la- dies in camp adds a charm beyond expression to the surround- ings.
The last days in March, after several weeks of work found the barracks of eight companies completed, companies A and K being yet unfinished.
"April 3rd. To-day Surgeon Kendall, who had been home on a leave of absence, arrived in camp. On his return he was a prisoner for four days and was compelled to march forty miles on foot. He relates that as the train upon which he was returning came to Moscow, Tenn., the track was torn up and as
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the train stopped it was fired into by sixteen armed rebels. The train guard numbered seventeen, composed of Tennessee troops, fired a few shots and then surrendered. The cap- tured citizens were paroled, and the soldiers held captive and marched off to a camp of 400 rebels, where they were robbed of everything save the clothes upon their backs. The Surgeon had in his valise a new uniform, which had cost him one hundred dollars. The enemy set out on their march at night, and next day halted ; resuming their march the next night, they suddenly struck a squad of Union cavalry asleep by the roadside, and fir- ing into this squad killed and wounded several. In the confu- sion incident to a night attack, the cavalry fell back, but soon reformed and charged, driving the rebels back and recapturing some of the prisoners.
The rebel who was guarding Surgeon Kendall cocked a revolver and kept repeating, "run you devil, run, or I will shoot you ;" he, with the rest of the prisoners, were thus rushed back into the brush. As the prisoners were an incumbrance, the question was hastily considered what to do with them, and the conclusion was reached to let them go, whereupon Surgeon Kendall was released and arrived in camp two days later; with him was Private Wm. W. Pond, who had shared his experience. "April 6th. Anniversary of Shiloh, and in honor of the day a handsome flag staff was erected, from the top of which floated the flag. Orders were issued by General Dodge that ap- propriate exercises would be held to-morrow, the 7th.
"April 7th. The order of the day as issued by General Dodge is as follows:
First. Flag raising with battery salute and cheers.
Second. Music by the band.
Third. Oration by Col. M. M. Bane.
Fourth. Grand Review.
After the salute and music General Dodge, in a clear voice spoke as follows :
"Fellow Officers and Soldiers of the Second Division :- We have assembled here to celebrate an eventful day; the day on which Shiloh's great battle closed. Brave men, you remember (12)
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it well, and I am glad in my heart that you were there and per- formed so well your part. But I cannot talk to you, my heart is too full, and for your further entertainment I will introduce, (though he needs no introduction), Colonel M. M. Banc, the popular commander of the third brigade, whose empty sleeve will tell you, in more eloquent words than I can utter, that he has a right to speak of that glorious victory."
Then came the speech, which was grandly delivered, and as grandly received. Then came the review in the following order :
Tenth Mo. cavalry, Stewart's Battallion, a Squadron of First Mo. cavalry.
First brigade, General Sweeney commanding, 52nd Illi- nois, 2nd Iowa and 66th Indiana vols.
Second brigade, Colonel Mercer commanding, 9th, 12th, 122nd Illinois, and 81st Ohio vols.
Third brigade, Colonel M. M. Bane commanding, 7th Ill- inois, 39th Iowa, 50th and 57th Illinois vols.
Ohio brigade, consisting of the 27th, 39th and 63rd Ohio volunteers.
Artillery, 1st Missouri, 2nd Michigan, and one company each from the 12th and 57th Illinois with seige gun.
The festivities and duties of the day closed with a supper at the Tishimingo Hotel ; the dining room being decorated with flags of the command and evergreens, and the tables were graced by the presence of a number of lovely women, the wives of offi- cers of the division. In the evening word was circulated through the camp of the Fiftieth that the resignation of Lieut. Colonel Swarthout had been accepted, and every man in the command felt that the service had lost a brave man and a com- potent officer.
"April 8th. After dress parade Col. Swarthout addressed the regiment in a short and tender speech of farewell, and in testimonial of their high regard for him, the officers presented him an album filled with their photographs, and then good by's were said. Of Col. Swarthout it can well be said that never nobler or braver man drew sword in defense of country.
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"April 9th. Pay-day and as four month's pay is due each private soldier. has received $52.00.
"April 12th. Captain George E. Spencer, A. A. G., re- turned with flag of truce from Tuscumbia.
"April 14th. Regiment mustered in order to ascertain how many recruits are necessary to replenish its depleted ranks. Marching orders received to be ready with five days' rations in haversacks and forty rounds of ammunition.
"April 15th. At S o'clock a. m. division moved out from camp. General Dodge commanding the expedition. The third brigade rear guard, with Colonel Bane in command. The regi- ment, minus companies A and K, who are on detached duty at Red Tank, is under command of Major Gaines. The camp is left in charge of the convalescents. At Farmington, four miles from Corinth, halted for dinner, then marched through Glen- dale to Burnsville, eighteen miles. At the latter place,the rebel General Roddy had held his camp for several weeks.
"April 16th. Marched 10 miles, reached Iuka at noon and halted for dinner, then resumed our march and camped at 4 o'clock p. m. within three miles of the stream.
"April 17th. The third brigade in advance, the Fiftieth being the advance guard. Meet with no opposition until Bea creek is reached, when the enemy is discovered upon the oppo- site side. Company B is at once deployed as skirmishers and engage the enemy ; the creek, which is about forty yards wide, and deep, separating the two forces. In a short time a battery is put in position upon a knoll in our rear, and after firing a few shells the enemy take to their heels and our front is cleared. The 10th Missouri cavalry with the 9th Illinois infantry moun- ted on mules, are ordered to cross over the stream, which move- ment is successfully accomplished. The Fiftieth Illinois hav- ing launched flats or barges into the creek, at once follow the cavalry, and upon reaching the other side and forming, are at once ordered on the double quick to report to Colonel Cornyn of the 10th Missouri. one-and-a-half miles to the front. While this movement is going on the 7th and 57th Illinois are ordered to strip and cross farther down the stream ; the pioneers hastily
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constructing a raft from timber taken from an old house near by, cross over, and soon the whole brigade is over, the artillery crossing later on.
The Fiftieth, moving rapidly to the front, failed to over- take Colonel Cornyn and his cavalry command, and therefore halted for orders. When almost immediately heavy cannona- ding was heard to the front, the regiment marched rapidly to its sound until Cherokee station, a distance of six miles, was reached. Here one company of the 7th Illinois was deployed as skirmishers, and pressing rapidly to the front was attacked, as was the Fiftieth also, by a heavy force of cavalry that had placed itself in the rear of Colonel Cornyn. As the brigade rapidly formed in line of battle, a rebel, with his leg off from one of Colonel Cornyn's mountain howitzers, was picked up and put to the side of the road and made as comfortable as possi- ble. As formed the line of battle the 57th Illinois occupied the left, the Fiftieth the centre commanding the road, and the 7th Illinois on the right.
A strong line of skirmishers were thrown out and the line advanced for half a mile, when the enemy came in view. Forrest and his cavalry could be easily seen, his line of battle reaching across the valley, and about one-half mile to our front, and his officers riding up and down his front. The 9th Illinois mounted infantry were in a field to our right and supporting one piece of artillery. During the morning's engagement the regiment had lost one company by capture together with two guns and twenty-five artillerists, but had in a brilliant effort recaptured one gun. As our line of battle advanced down the valley the sight was splendid to behold, and never to be forgot- ten. The line on both sides were engaged but not heavily. One rebel was captured who having become separated from his com- mand, found himself surrounded, without any way of escape, A movement of the enemy now indicated a charge, but instead Forrest moved his command by "fours right, squadron to the rear," and soon disappeared behind the hills. Our lines advanced, and when a half mile had been covered, a staff officer dashed back with orders to advance rapidly, so away we go on
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the double quick, to the front, and soon discovered that Captain Cameron of the 12th Illinois, acting Major and commanding a battallion of the first Alabama cavalry, has been killed, and his command with one gun captured.
The whole brigade advances in battle lines for a mile and a half, when the enemy is again encountered. The Fiftieth oc- cupies a strong position behind a railroad embankment and here await either the enemy or orders. All at once a battery opens on us, but we feel perfectly safe, and while it does no in- jury it exposes itself, as being in a position subject to capture, and the Major calls for volunteers for a forlorn hope. Only thirty men are required but many more than that number vol- unteer, but just as the word was about to be given to go for the gun orders came to be ready to move, which stopped the assault contemplated by the Major. The position of the line at this moment is as follows: The 7th Illinois is in position on the edge of the timber across the valley, The 9th Illinois mounted infantry, supporting the piece of artillery before mentioned and the rest of the cavalry are in the field to the right holding the enemy in check, while we are lying along the railroad track on Newsom's farm, facing the 7th Illinois, with instructions to hold our fire until ordered otherwise. It is the intention to decoy the enemy and surround him. But Forrest is too wide awake to be caught in such a trap, and his lines begin to fall back; such is the opinion of all, but all at once our cavalry and artillery commence a movement to the rear. This was too much for the rebel General, believing our forces were in retreat, he whirls about and charges. As he pas- ses our front the Fiftieth sends a volley into his right flank, emptying thirty saddles or more. The orders to hold our fire had been disobeyed in that the firing was premature, but it was brought on by James Mewmaw of company D, who in his fear of losing a shot and through his zeal for the cause, set his gun and those of the whole line going. As the volley struck them, they took a left wheel and charged across the valley into the 7th Illinois, but they received so cold a welcome from that gal- lant regiment that they got away as quickly as possible, follow-
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ing their artillery, which in the beginning of the charge had ta- ken up its line of march to the rear.
The day was rapidly drawing to a close, and the little army went into camp, a strong inducement for this location being a smoke-house full of meat, cribs of corn and plenty of fodder. In the course of the evening two officers from the marine fleet at Eastport. Miss .. on the Tennessee river, arrived in camp and were the guests of General Dodge.
"April 18th. This morning about 9 o'clock camp was broken and the command marched back to Bear creek, camping about two miles from it. The third brigade has with it four- teen prisoners. and one of them says that he had heard of quick cavalry and flying artillery, but had never seen flying infantry until he saw us coming at a double quick, on a seven mile stretch.
In the evening Colonel Rowett of the 7th Illinois with five men from each company went out on a foraging expedition and soon returned with a lot of sheep as prisoners. The Fiftieth did not go to so much trouble, nor did they pursue so military a way to replenish their larder, but they had mutton and plenty of other substantials, taken from a rebellious and stiff necked people.
At dark General Sweeney reached camp with his brig- ade. It is talk among the men that we are in retreat and have got back to Bear creek to prevent the enemy from cut- ting us off. Be this as it may, this is true that we are or- dered to sleep on our arms to-night. and so stretch our- selves upon the ground, but in rows indicating our lines of battle; not the most comfortable form of rest. but very comfortable when compared to what follows. About mid- night a heavy thunder storm with falling sheets on sheets of rain strikes us. The scene presented is awful and beyond des- cription. Our camp is on a hill, and within a field The whole heavens are a blaze of light and tilled with crashing thunder. In the lightning's vivid flash the boys can be seen sitting, as it were, on their heels, with ponchos, or rubber blankets, over their heads and shoulders, At regimental headquarters officers
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