USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 17
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25th. We are now ordered to have on hand two hun- dred rounds of ammunition.
27th. Lieutenant Colonel Gaines, owing to ill health, left today for home, on a twenty days' leave, and Major Hanna
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
having been relieved from duty on General Dodge's staff, by Captain Horn of company B, returns to the regiment and as- sumes command.
July 2nd. Progress and improvement is the order of the day. In furtherance of good morals as well as the betterment generally, of the soldiers, a lodge of the I. O. G. T., No. S. has been organized and put in successful operation. Preparations for the 4th are rapidly going forward, details policing camp and white-washing the barracks are actively engaged.
July 4th. Independence Day .- How our hearts are' thrilled at mention of the day and all it stands for! At sunrise a national salute of 31 guns was fired by a battery of the 2nd Michigan artillery. The Fiftieth passed the day in a most pleasant manner. Just before dress parade at 6 o'clock p. m., the band of the 7th Kansas cavalry marched to our parade ground and gave the regiment a lively serenade. Colonel Bane. commanding the brigade, was expected to make a speech but in his stead Colonel Dick Rowett, of the 7th Illinois, made a neat little speech in which he gracefully surrendered to the Fiftieth.
He related a dialogue that was said to have taken place during the Town Creek expedition : One of the 7th boys, he said, went to a house to see what he could find. Upon entering he found one of the Fiftieth there, crying as if his heart would break. He had his gun and equipments with him, also his hav- ersack full. Said the
-7th boy. What's the matter, Fiftieth? 50th boy. Oh dear! oh. boo, hoo, nothing.
7th boy. Tell me what's the matter, Fiftieth, and I'll help you through. Say what's the matter? 50th boy. There ain't nothing the matter. Boo-hoo-hoo. 7th boy. Oh, pshaw, Fiftieth ! Come, tell us what's the matter.
50th boy. Boo-hoo! That's what's the matter, pointing . to a fine piano, I can't get that piano in my haversack. Boo- hoo-hoo."
WAYS" Humankendi
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Now, my friends, said the Colonel, the 7th has always had a hard name, and have been called "Cook's Crampers." but every mother's son in the regiment is now willing to knock under to "the blind half hundred".
While the Fiftieth were having a good time, other regi- ments were not behind. The 39th Iowa held a picnic two miles from camp, on the Farmington road and had a royal feast and a good time.
While out reconnoitering, a volley from a party of guer- rillas, shot and killed Lieutenant Marshall of the 39th.
On the 5th, his remains were borne, with military honors, to the train, for shipment north. The order of march was as follows :
The brigade band playing the dead march, then the regi- mental martial band; next the guards of honor, armed, fol- lowed by the company to which the deceased lieutenant be- longed.
The ambulance with the remains, followed by commis- sioned officers with side arms only.
Then in four ranks the non-commissioned officers.
Then the private soldiers under command of corporals, without arms or equipments save cartridge box and bayonet.
Having deposited the remains on the train, the command marched back to camp, the bands playing Yankee Doodle.
Our reputation is rapidly approaching distinction, as witness to-day Colonel Alexander, the Major and Adjutant with other officers of the Ist Alabama ( colored ) infantry visited our camp and complimented the generally fine appearance of the regiment. praising the clean streets, as well as the perfect or- der of neatness displayed in the barracks. At dress parade the visitors comprised a large number of officers, and at the close of the parade several complimentary speeches were made, The Major of the 1st Alabama declaring that in the manual of arms wo oxcalled the famous New York Seventh.
July 6th. Camp is in a wild state of excitement over the glorious news of victory from Vicksburg, Gettysburg and Helena. There is plenty of cheering and congratulation.
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"Hurrah, hurrah for the union." "The stars and stripes." "Hurrah for Generals Grant, Meade and the gallant Ben. Pren- tiss." "Hurrah for the girls and loved ones at home." "Three groans for the copperheads," and such like cries and exclama- tions are heard upon every side.
On the 7th the news of victory at Vicksburg. Gettysburg and Helena is fully confirmed by dispatches received by Gen- eral Dodge and by him promulgated.
Salutes from the seige guns are fired and amidst great rejoicings the bands play, and joy reigns unconfined. The re- bellion has received its death blow.
At six o'clock after retreat, the assembly without arms, is sounded and the regiment is formed upon the color line and speeches are delivered by Colonel Bane, Chaplain Bigger, Major Hanna and Captains Cyrus of E. King of G. and McGillicuddy of K. Enthusiasm runs to a high pitch for victory is in the air, and the happy boys sink into a peaceful sleep; all thought of war is banished by the dream vision of home and loved ones. Sleep on brave defenders of the Union, and on thy lonely beat, oh trusted picket guard, may no disturbing element arise to break the chain of thy happy thought, for days will come and grow into months and the months into years, before the trum- pet blasts of war shall be swallowed up in the glad acclaim of peace.
On the 8th the 9th Illinois mounted infantry, supported by the 52nd Illinois and 2nd Towa infantry, while on a scout encounter Roddy and after a sharp skirmish drive him to Iuka. During the day the following proclamation from the President was received and promulgated :
WASHINGTON, D. C .. July 4, 1863 .- 10 a. m.
The President of the United States announces to the country that the news from the army of the Potomac, up to 10 o'clock p. m., of the 3rd, is such as to cover the army with the highest honor. to promise great success to the cause of the Union, and to claim the condolence of all for the many gallant fallen ; and that for this he especially desires that on this day.
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He whose will, not ours, should ever be done, be everywhere re- membered and reverenced with the profoundest gratitude.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
July 9th. Major Hanna is anxious that his regiment shall be perfect in skirmish and battallion drill, and to this end we are out early and late. To-day he formed the regiment in line of battle and selects Bart Murphy, an old regular army soldier, as right guide. He instructs Murphy to fix his eyes upon some object to the front and at command to march to- ward it. Saluting, Murphy replies, "Yis, sor I understands yez." Then raising himself in his stirrups the Major shouts "Forward, guide right, march." Somehow the line wobbles as it moves to the front. and so it goes forward until it is break- ing into almost inextricable confusion. The Major notes the trouble, his right guide is marching on a curve instead of straight to the front. "Halt," he commands in an angry voice, and then galloping furiously down the line to the right he as- sails right guide Murphy, thus, "Sir, did I not tell you to fix your eye on some object and march toward it?" "Yis sur, yez did," says Bart. saluting, "but yez did not say some fixed ob- ject an' so, sur, I looked at that cow, bad luck to her." at the same time pointing to an old white cow leisurely moving off to right in her search for food. There was a chuckle not loud but deep, up and down the line, and there was something of a twin- kle in the Major's eye as he ordered Murphy to his place in ranks, evidently deeming him a little too technical for service as guide right or left.
On the 10th Lieutenant Harbison of company B, who has been acting Adjutant is appointed acting Quartermaster in place of Regimental Quartermaster Keal, resigned, and Lieu- tenant M. B. Converse, company G, is detailed to serve as Ad- jutant.
Thus pass away the days. A number of the members of companies A, B, C, E and I received furloughs for 30 days. There is a prize drill in the 1st brigade, and on the 17th the camp is brightened by the return of Captain Cramer of com-
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pany A. He is the bearer from Mrs. Colonel Swarthout and sister of two white silk guidons, each with letters in gold, .50th Ills. V." imprinted upon their folds. The Captain pre- sents them in a beautiful speech to Major Hanna, who receives them in the name of the regiment in words appropriate to the occasion, all of which is supplemented by a vote of thanks from officers and men.
On the 18th orders are received for a prize drill to be participated in by the brigade, August 1st, and now the regi- ment is put to its mettle and drill hours are extended.
On the 21st the news is received that the rebels have burned a railroad bridge west of Corinth and thus our trains are delayed. A pleasant feature of the evening was the seren- ade to the Fiftieth by General Sweeney's band.
The 22nd orders are issued to prepare for the execution upon the following day, of J. Johnson of company D, 1st Ala- bama cavalry, for the crime of desertion.
An eye-witness thus describes the execution : "The mor- ning opened clear and delightfully cool. At six o'clock the regiment started on its march to brigade headquarters. Pass- ing through a portion of the city by the office of the provost marshal. we saw a pine coffin in a two horse wagon with a guard of sixteen men from the "blind half" and sixteen from the 1st Alabama cavalry. Reaching brigade headquarters we halted and after remaining a few moments the brigade, together with company D, Ist Missouri light artillery, marched out to the open field south east of town, going into position to lively mu- sie from brass and martial bands. The day was so beautiful and the sight of marching columns under flying colors, was so inspiring that one could hardly realize that we were about to witness the execution of one who had been a fellow soldier. The hour of 9 o'clock was set for the carrying into effect of the death sentence, and by & the division was in position as fol- lows :
The cavalry brigade, with the 1st Alabama cavalry on the front line. In its rear from right to left detachments of the 10th Missouri, 7th Kansas jay hawkers, 15th Illinois cay-
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alry regiments and Stewart's battery, These troops facing north formed the south side of a square.
The 1st and 3rd infantry brigades formed the west side facing east. as follows: 1st brigade on the right, and the 3rd brigade on its left consisting of the 39th Iowa, Fiftieth, 57th, and 7th Illinois.
Of the north side, facing south, were formed the 1st Missouri and 2nd Minnesota batteries, and 2nd Illinois seige guns, while to their left was the 1st Alabama colored infantry. At 9 o'clock the first low sound of music by the brigade band fell upon our ears, and soon the solemn procession was seen slowly moving over the hills, from town, in the following order :
First the band, next the firing party, followed by a wagon with the condemned seated on his coffin, which, in turn, was followed by the detail of the Fiftieth, acting as a reserve. Moving to the right of the line forming the square, the proces- sion halted and was reformed as follows :
Provost marshall, Lieutenant Colonel Barnhill, and as- sistant provost marshall, Captain H. L. Burnham, then, in the following order came the band. firing party, coffin borne by a corporal from company D, and three men, one each from com- panies C, E and G, Fiftieth Illinois. Then came the prisoner, on his last march, leaning for support upon the arm of his regimental chaplain, all followed by a detachment of the Fifti- eth, acting as a provost guard in reserve.
At the command, forward, the procession moved along the line in front of the troops, while passing the cavalry, the band playing the dead march. When the infantry was reached. the band ceased playing and as each regiment was approached the muffled roll of drum and low. sad strain of fife broke upon the ear. As the artillery was reached the brigade band once more resumed the dead march, and so continued until the colored regiment was reached when again the brass band ceased and the roll of drum and music of fife was heard.
The march along the line ended as the sad procession reached the left of the colored regiment. then it moved by file right to the center of the square, and halted. Here the
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coffin was placed upon the ground and the prisoner seated upon it. facing west. He was probably 35 years of age, tall and slimly built, with long hair, his head covered with a white, broad brimmed hat, without coat or vest, a cotton shirt-once white -- onte sleeve unbuttoned and open. drab pants, that were too short. only reaching half way below his knees, and coarse, raw- hide boots. unblacked. His whole appearance was the reverse of everything manly and he presented a truly doleful sight.
In the meantime the firing party took up its position twelve paces in front, the reserve the same distance to its real. The chaplain was now seen approaching and as he knelt in prayer. the adjutants of the different commands read the death sentence. Rising from where he had knelt, the condemned man now reseated himself upon his coffin, an officer stepped forward and pinioned his arms behind his back, and then, with bandage in hand. bade him take his last look upon earth and sky. He did this, and as he looked around, there was a wave of sympathy all up and down the lines. In a moment his eyes were bandaged and then the firing party of sixteen, in double ranks, stood to attention.
The stillness of death hung over the scene, when all at once, loud and clear, there rang out upon the air: "Front rank ready. Aim! Fire!" And all was over. Death must have been instantaneous, for he lay over his coffin. quiet and still. Hardly had the air ceased to vibrate with the sounds of the death shots until the regiments began marching past the remains, the band playing, as before, the dead march. As fast as each regiment marched by, it turned the head of its column towards camp, with steps quickened by the enlivening strain of "Life on the Ocean Wave," "Yankee Doodle." or "The Girl I Left Behind Me."
The offence for which so dreadful a reparation was re- quired, was as heinous as could possibly be committed, in war or peace. While on duty as an outpost, or cavalry vidette, J. Johnson deserted to the enemy, taking his horse and equip- ments, and sometime afterwards he was captured with arms in his hands, in a fight near Florence, Alabama. That his sen-
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tence and the execution thereof, was just, before God and man, admits of no controversy.
The excitement attending the military execution subsides into a memory, and all is quiet. The routine of camp, consist- ing of guard, picket and drill duties, alone prevails.
14
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CHAPLAIN MATTHEW M. BIGGER.
CHAPTER XIII.
The Building of the Church-The Bell -- Frequent Skirmishes-Railroad Gun- boats -- President's Proclamation - Brigade Prize Drill- Re-enlistments as Veterans-Fun in Camp- Bolly Dick . Patriotic Letter -- Preparing to Move -- Delay and Discontent -- Thirteenth Regulars-Arrival of General Sherman -- Off at Last -- "Skin your Eyes" -- Daughters of Chivalry -- Thanksgiving Day.
T HAT the moral as well as the physical comforts of the Fif- tieth was looked after. is evidenced by what follows. It came into the mind of Chaplain Bigger to build a church and no sooner had he communicated his wish to the officers of the regiment and their men, than it received the heartiest pos- sible endorsement. Major Hanna at once took the lead, and ably seconded by the regiment, within a short time there was erected and duly dedicated. a comfortable church building, of the same material as the barracks, well suited to the demands of the regiment. There, however, was one thing needful lack- ing. and the company A boys determined to supply the article required. Over on the Tishimingo Hotel at Corinth, for years had swung a huge bell, which daily in ponderous tones, had called the hungry to repasts more physical than spiritual. The boys thought that the bell would be in better form calling the Fiftieth to prayer than the hungry to grub, and so toiling and almost blinded in sweat, they bore the prize to the church, and soon it hung in place ready for a duty different than ever be- fore.
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On the 30th a test drill of the regiment took place for the purpose of selecting two companies to represent the regi- ment in the brigade prize drill. Lieut. Colonel Barnhill, dis- triet provost marshal, and Captain Faran of the regular army, were the judges. It was generally conceded that company B would be selected, it being considered. as to drill, one of the star companies of the regiment, and it was, therefore, a matter of surprise to the regiment, as well as of annoyance to company B, when the judges selected company G, and declared B, F and I tied, necessitating another contest between these last named companies.
The utmost vigilance is required along the railroad and by the pickets surrounding Corinth, occasioned by the constant menace from large bands of guerrillas continually on the alert for an opportunity for an attack. Firing on the pickets is of daily occurrence.
To protect the trains a car has been constructed called the gunboat or iron-clad, its general build being in the same manner and form as the above named vessels. While it served its purpose well. yet many a soldier was killed or wounded while aboard of this ship of land as it sailed back and forth from Memphis.
On August 2nd, Lieutenant Moody company A having received notice of the acceptance of his resignation, leaves for his home. There is nothing of particular interest transpiring save a large accession of negroes, and heavy rains with plenty of thunder and lightning.
August 6th. Thanksgiving day throughout the country wherever floats the flag. The 3rd brigade held a picnic and had a joyous time.
The following orders are self-explanatory :
HEADQUARTERS SD BRIGADE, } CORINTH, MISS., July 31st, 1863. 5
General Order, ? No. 20.
The President of the United States having, by proclama- tion, solemnly set apart Thursday, the 6th day of August, as a
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day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, for the many promising victories that have recently crowned the government forces; It is therefore ordered that for the purpose of carrying out said proclamation, the regiments of this command, armed. and provided with dinner, and one team each, for hauling water, will report on the grounds just west of brigade head- quarters on the morning of the 6th of August, at seven and one half o'clock precisely, when the Colonel commanding will march the brigade to a suitable place, where the day will be observed as becomes an enlightened, intelligent, christian sol- diery.
No intoxicating drinks of any kind will be allowed on the occasion, and it is earnestly hoped by the Colonel comman- ding that all officers and men will so deport themselves as to command the gratitude of a grateful country, and the contin- ued blessings of Almighty God.
By order of M. M. BANE, Col. Comd'g 3d Brigade.
T. W. LETTON,
Lieut. and A. A. A. G.
The exercises. consisting of religious services, singing. much speaking and plenty of good eating. The folks at home may rest assured that the soldiers at the front are full of gratitude to the Divine Power which has guided the nation this far on the way to victory and a lasting peace.
We have a new state banner drawn from the quarter- master's department. Our old one, having servel its term, has been carefully rolled up, and will, at the first opportunity, be sent home. The brigade prize drill took place today, August Sth, a report of which follows:
The question of re-enlisting, as veteran volunteers. under the provisions of General Orders No. 191, War Department, June 25th, 1863, is being fully discussed among the rank and file of the regiments now stationed at Corinth. The purpose is "to increase the armies now in the field".
The period of service for enlistment and re-enlistment. will be three years, or during the war, and all able-bodied men, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, who have heretofore been enlisted and served for not less than nine months, passing necessary medical examination, and when en-
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listed and mustered, will receive one month's pay in advance. and a bounty and premium of $402. The first payment, $40, of which $25 is bounty, $2 premium and one month's pay of $13. followed by six installments of $50 each, the last payment of $75 at the expiration of service, or if sooner discharged, the whole remains due. It is further provided that the legal heirs of volunteers, who die in the service, shall be entitled to receive the whole bounty remaining unpaid at the time of the soldier's death. A's a badge of honorable distinction, "service chevrons" will be furnished by the War Department "to be worn by the veteran volunteers".
Our brigade now consists of the following infantry regi- ments: 18th Missouri, 39th Iowa, 7th, 50th, 57th, 108th, 113th and 120th Illinois, the last three temporarily attached.
The cermonies attending the dedication of our church building, came off today, the 9th. Chaplain Bigger officiated and the services were especially interesting. A great throng crowded the edifice. General Dodge and staff, accompanied by their wives and lady friends, being present.
August 14th. Today we received official notice of the prize drill and decision thereon, as set forth in the following order :
HEADQUARTERS 3D BRIGADE, 2ND DIVISION. 16TH ARMY CORPS, CORINTH, MISS., Aug. 11th, 1863. ) ?
General Order,
No. 22 1
The following report of the committee of the Test Drill authorized by General Orders No. 15, from these headquarters, is published to the regiments of this command :
CORINTH, MISS., Aug. 10th, 1863.
COL. M. M. BANE, Com'dg 3rd Brigade.
2nd Division, 16th Army Corps. Colonel:
We the undersigned officers, who, at the request of the field officers of your brigade, acted as judges of the trial drill which took place on the 8th inst. between companies G and C, 39th Iowa inf. vol .; companies Band I, 50th IN. inf.
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
vol .. and companies B and E. 57th Ill. inf. vol., have the honor to make the following report :
The committee is unanimously of the opinion that Co. B, 50th inft. vol., commanded by 2nd Lieut. Anderson, is enti- tled to the credit of excelling the others in discipline and profi- vieney in drill, and further, that the general appearance of all the companies was excellent, and that the proficiency exhibited by each, in the drill, did great credit to the regiments repre- sented. The committee would name the following non-com- missioned officers and privates, as deserving their especial men- tion because of their soldierly bearing and appearance, viz :
Sergt. Yeldell, Co. B. 50th Ill. inft. Sergt. A. M. Thompson, Co. 1, 50th Ill. inft.
Private John Staley, Co. G, 39th Iowa inft.
Private S. M. Pike, Co. 1, 50th Ill. inft.
Private Geo. Rotham. Co. E, 57th Ill. inft.
Private Geo, Sullivan, Co. E. 57th Ill. inf.
Respectfully submitted, E. W. RICE, Col. 7th Iowa inft. vol. A. L. CHETLAIN, Col. 12th Ill. inft. vol. JOHN S. WILcox, Col. 52nd Ill. inft. vol. J. C. PARROTT. Lt. Col. 7th Iowa inft. vol. N. B. HOWARD, Maj. 2nd Iowa inft. vol.
HEADQUARTERS 3RD BRIGADE, 2ND DIVISION, 16th ARMY CORPS, CORINTH, Miss., Aug. 11th, 1863.
The proficiency in discipline and drill to which the com- panies which entered the contest had attained, made success the more difficult. but all the more meritorious and honorable. With such competitors, in such a noble contest. Co. B of the 50th Ill. inft. vol., 2nd Lieut. Anderson commanding, may just- ly feel proud of having triumphantly borne off the palm of success. A copy of this order is in possession of each member of this company, will be to those whose lives are spared in after years, a pleasant reminder of honest and efficient service ren- dered a suffering country.
By order of M. M. BANE,
T. W. LETTON, Col. Com'dg 3d Brigade.
Lieut. and A. A. A. G.
Official :
M. CONVERSE, Lieut. and A. Adjt.
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Captain Burnham, who left camp on the 12th with an es- cort of six men, under orders to conduct a body of refugees to Keokuk, Iowa, returned today, being unable to proceed beyond Cairo.
August 16th. Sunday, preaching in our church morning and evening. Elmer Ware, of company I, on duty as ambu- lance driver at the hospital, died this afternoon. He has been ill for some time.
17th. There is fun in camp tonight. The officers have been organized, for days past, into awkward squads, and under the supervision of Major Hanna, have been drilled and drilled, in the manual of arms, the facings and evolutions of the com- pany .. Today the. Major ordered them out on public drill. and the troops, taking convenient positions, from where an un- obstructed view could be had. awaited the appearance of what may justly be styled, and always hereafter known, as "the awkward squad." Its approach was greeted with rounds of ap- plause, and such an array! Tall and short, broad-shouldred and narrow, slim and fat, straight and bow-legged, feet broad tracked and pigeon-toed : such a sight was never before seen since the days of young Prince Hal.
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