USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 31
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Tuesday, April 11th. Ready at 7 a. m. Col. Hanna and staff breakfasted at regimental headquarters, and glad the Col- onel was to eat at his old table with the Fiftieth, their supplies being in the rear, and team not arriving until 10 a. m. At noon the division moved, 2nd brigade in advance, 3rd in center. Marched over very rough roads, ten miles, and camped two miles from Boonville, N. C., which was captured yesterday. We camped at 8 p. m .; trains not up yet, and the 57th still with the 1st division train.
Wednesday, 12th. Clear. Train came up at 3:30 a. m.,
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at which time the reveille was sounded, and at 5 a. m. we start- ed for Lowell Factory. A detachment of the regiment was sta- tioned at every place along the road that needed repairing, ex- cept company B, which was on picket, and company E. W .. crossed Little river at 8 o'clock a. m., on a pontoon and stop- ped in the village of Lowell, waiting for the 2nd division to move out. during which time the companies that had been left in rear rejoined us. During this halt some of the boys discov- ered a lot of whiskey and bacon, and also, on inspecting the store-house belonging to the factory, a large quantity of fine sausage was found packed in barrels of lard and hidden under cotton. The headquarters cook taking a gunny sack from under his saddle, filled it with the greasy articles and placed it on the pack mule. The day being warm a streak of grease was left on every- thing that touched him, and many an officers coat and pants bore evidence of a too close contact as they had passed. Suddenly at 9 a. m., a staff officer dashed along our lines, swinging his cap and shouting, "Lee has sur- rendered ! Lee has surrender- ed to General Grant !! " The LEE HAS SURRENDERED." news so long looked for was received with the wildest ex- hibitions of joy. Men rushed into each others arms shouting until they were hoarse. On every face there glowed, in shining letters, as if imprinted there, "Home, Home." Now it was evi- dent that the long and bloody struggle was nearing its end, and that the Union of States (for years so shattered and broken) was an accomplished fact. Treason crushed; loyalty trium- phant. "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory."; . 1 few of the boys, however, got a little too hilarious, and one, in
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a spell of rejoicing, supposing the war was over, and that we had no farther use for our old mill, which had proven such a friend. mounted the cart and exclaiming, "we've no use for you now, old fellow," lifted the upper stone and threw it out, break- ing it in pieces. Thus ending our old mill.
At 12 noon, we fell in and marched steadily until dark, having marched thirteen miles; the companies detailed having built over six hundred rods of corduroy. The trains came up early, and at 9 o'clock we went into bivouac for the night as the rear guard of the army.
Thursday, 13th. Cloudy, with some rain. Started at 5:30 a. m .; marched over a mile and rested. The Fiftieth is rear guard to-day. At 9 a. m. we received the news of Grant's success confirmed. We find the roads very good and march fest, with the 4th division in advance. Having marched twenty miles we camped at 5 p. m., in an orchard five miles from Ral- eigh, N. C., which we learn was captured at 9 o'clock this morn- ing, by the 14th corps.
Friday, 14th. Clear. Received orders to move early, and at 7 a. m. we started for Raleigh. Before entering the city the companies are equalized; that is, some members of large companies are transferred to smaller ones, to make them appear alike in size. Passing through the city in column by compa- ny, were reviewed by General Sherman in front of the State House, then the regiment marched out on the west side of the city one and a half miles, and camped at 10 o'clock. Our march for the day was five and one half miles. The conduct of the troops in the city was good, and the citizens seemed pleased to have us occupy the place. In order that the recent victories of Gen. U. S. Grant should be properly celebrated, the men were provided wth one ration of whiskey, consequently some become very boisterous.
Saturday, April 15th. Rainy. Received orders at 6 a. m. to march at once, and at 6:30 we start, our division in front of the corps and the Fiftieth in advance of all. The roads are very muddy and the creeks full and rising. The boys are obli- ged to wade up to their waists. The country is rough, hilly and
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stony. During the day reports are received that Johnson had surrendered his forces to Killpatrick. At night it was reported that it was Gen. F. P. Blair to whom he had surrendered, both reports, however, are doubted. At 9 a. m. it rained in torrents for thirty minutes, the water ran down the road in streams, we went into camp at 5:30, wet, tired and hungry, having marched sixteen miles and made 125 yards of corduroy. On account of bad roads part of the provision train did not get up at night.
Sunday, April 16th, a beautiful day, clear and pleasant. We are in camp at Morrisville Station. This is an important epoch in the history of the war. So far, for several months, it has seemed as if this warfare consisted in experimenting, to learn which army, the union or rebel, could stand the most hardship with the least fighting possible, and to-day it looks as though the other fellow was getting ready to yell enough. All of which is very pleasant news to "Uncle Billy's" boys, who are satisfied to quit whenever their opponents cry "enough." Indicative that they have enough, we learn that an armistice has been declared, to last until the evening of the 18th. Negotiations are in progress between Generals Sherman and Johnson.
An extra foraging party is detailed as brigade foragers. Lieut. C. H. Floyd of company D, detailed as Acting Adjutant. W. S. Wood's resignation returned accepted, and he leaves us for Illinois. He is sick and nigh unto death with consumption, . poor fellow.
Monday, April 17th. Clear and pleasant. Gen. Sher- man and staff left on the train for Durham station, to confer with Johnson regarding the surrender of his forces. As the General was entering the car, the operator opproached him and said he was just receiving, in cipher from Morehead city, a most important dispatch, which it might be well for him to see. Sherman detained the train until the message was translated and written out. It was from the Secretary of War, and con- veyed the intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln. The operator was enjoined silence, but in some way it got cir- culated, and great was tho sadness manifested throughout the
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camp. Our good Chaplain Bigger having heard the news, stood in the midst of the boys who crowded around, with tears run- ning down his face, expressed the hope that the news might be false. There is great expectation of the surrender to-morrow. The army is in fine spirits and health good.
Tuesday, 18th. Clear. Still in camp. The foraging party detailed on the 16th are relieved, the camp straightened out, and put in order, expecting, of course, to remain at least ten days. Paroled soldiers from Lee's army are passing down the railroad in squads. They report Johnson's army ready to surrender, As they pass through the lines of our troops they find the camp kettles merrily singing "I'm full, I'm full, I'm full of coffee," and near by a box of hard-tack and the friendly side of sow-belly ; "help yourselves," is the word, and as hungry, and ragged, and weary, they sit by the fire and refresh them- wolves, they are heard to say "what foolish people we all's have been." "This is a rich man's wah and a poor man's fight."
Wednesday, April 19th, Clear and very warm ; the camp in good order. A rumor is out that the President was not killed. but it was received without credit.
Thursday, April 20th. Clear. Received orders to change our location and, expecting to remain here several weeks, de- tails are sent over to clean a place for camp, when nearly com- plated orders were received to be ready to move to-morrow at 9 a. m., back to Raleigh.
Friday, 21st. Clear. Started at 9 and marched slow for three miles, then very fast, reaching our old camp at 4 p. m. having marched thirteen miles. It was so very warm that a number of the boys gave out. At 4o'clock a heavy rain of two hours made it very disagreeable.
Saturday, 22nd. Clear. Col. Rowett of the 7th, who was severely wounded at Allatoona, returned to us at Morris- ville station. He is again in command of the 3rd brigade and Col. Hanna, of the Fiftieth. We are glad to see them both back in their old positions, as we feel near to them. The 66th Illi- nois is ordered to take our camp, we moving over to the left of the brigade, whore we clean up another camp ground.
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Monday, April 24th. Clear. Guard mounting at 7:30 a. m. Learned to-day that Johnson had not surrendered, but that arrangements were being made for that purpose. The 20th and 17th corps are reviewed by Generals Grant, Sherman and Meade; Generals Grant and Meade arriving this a. m. Another detachment of recruits came up from Pocotaligo, where they had been for some weeks, Isaac J. Ogle and some others who were home on account of wounds, being with them. How gladly these old comrades are welcomed, and how we sympathized with them for being absent so long.
Tuesday, 25th. Pleasant. The 17th A. C. move out to- ward the front and we expected to move to-morrow, but to-night we learn that Sherman and Grant have been in communication with Johnson, who is reported to have acceded to their terms. If so the troops will return to-morrow.
Wednesday, April 25th. The 17th A. C. are coming back. Johnson HAS SURRENDERED. The arms and public prop- erty to be delivered at Greensborough, N. C. These arrange- ments having been settled, Gen. Grant leaves for the headquar- ters of the army at the north.
Thursday, 27th. Pleasant. Communication with the north restored, and we learn to-day that Mobile is taken. Our artillery at Raleigh are turning over to the ordinance depart- ment all their ammunition, and we now understand that the war is ended. Dress parade as usual. We expect to start for home in the morning, via. Richmond, Va. The instructions for the march are received, and are very strict; no straggling to be allowed; our trains are to be loaded with commissary stores, and if nothing prevents we expect to be in Richmond by the 15th of May.
Friday, April 28th. Still in camp. We have assigned us another team, making two for the regiment. At dress par- ade the order of march is read, and we expect to go to-morrow. All are ready and anxious; how we will step it off for home.
Saturday, April 29th. The teams start at 6 a. m. The regiment at 9:30, taking the road north cheering as we leave camp. We march slowly and stop for dinner at 11, one and a
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Fall miles from the city and two miles from camp. At 1 p. m. Ap restime the march, and at dark cross the Neuse river on a woon bridge, eight miles from Raleigh, and go into camp one Lali mile from the river, having marched ten miles. Received orders to muster for pay to-morrow at 10 a. m. Rainy to-night.
Sunday. April 30th. Clear and pleasant. Mustered for pay at 10 and attend preaching at 4 p. m., by Chaplain Bigger. Harived orders to move at 7 a. m. to-morrow and were made j appy by a large mail.
Monday, May Ist. Started at 7:30 a. m., with good roads. Marching slowly we pass through the village of Rolesville; saw 4 proat many young, ladies and young men, possibly ex-robel «Fliers, also a Union flag hung out on a house. It is already imginning to look like civilization. Marching steady all day, we go into camp at Louisburg, at 5 p. m. Roads good, country fully with plenty of good water. Marched twenty miles.
Thursday, May 2nd. Clear and cool. We start at 4:30 a. m .. pass through Louisburg, it is a beautiful place; part of the city was burned four years ago, but has since been nearly r .- built : many fine residences are here. A large number of the citizens are mulattos. who crowd to the gates of the house yards a- we go by. We stopped for dinner, ten minutes, at a shady "the twenty miles from Louisburg, and then move on seven milos, going into camp at 3 p. m., and having marched twenty- www miles. crossed Sandy and Schocker creeks, Big and Little rivers, and are ready for supper and the peaceful rest of the night. Orders to move at 5 a. m. to-morrow.
Wednesday, Brd. Clear and cool. Reveille sounded at 8:30 and we started at 5 a. m., passed Pigeon creek and reached the city of Warrenton. N. C. Saw a great number of ex-rebel wAdiers, paroled from Lee's army. This is a fine city and has good schools, a female seminary and a host of nice looking Trung ladies, and a number of negroes -- black and white. The pretty girls, tidy dwellings and school buildings make us think of home. We march very swiftly; the orders being that the 15th and 17th corps shall march on different roads, but cross- for -treams on the same pontoons: the corps that first reaches
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the crossing to have right of way. Our regiment is leading to- day ; if we get to the river first the 17th corps will have to wait. In advance of the regiment is our sergeant major with one or two of the boys, mounted ; coming to a point about one half mile from the Roanoke river, at Robinson's Ferry, where the two roads intersect, he saw down that road from the left about a fourth of a mile, the advance of the 17th corps, in distance from the intersection about the same as the advance of the 15th corps. Keeping his men from the sight of the advance of the 17th, he spurred his horse back and informed the Colonel, who at once ordered, "Forward, double quick, march." The already tired soldiers, surpri- sed, quickly obeyed, and the day was won by the distance of half the length of the brig- ade. The 17th, meanwhile. had discovered what was up. and made an attempt to beat us, but without avail. Our march to-day is twenty miles. The pontoons were at once brought forward and laid.
Thursday, May 4th. Ordered to move at 5 a. m., which was countermanded, and at 10 we started, over the pontoon. As we passed the 17th, camped by the roadside, we doffed our hats, bidding them good bye, they having to wait two days. At 11 a. m. a short distance from the river, we crossed the line into "Old Virginia." The first ladies we saw here had never seen the Union flag, and the Colonel, to oblige them, ordered our flags unfurled to the breeze. The day was very hot and many of the boys gave out. At 5:30 we went into camp, having marched eighteen miles.
Friday, May 5th. Cloudy and rainy. Started at 5a. m. on the Bellfield road. Marched steady and camped at Wyatt's bridge, on the Mattapony river, at 5 p. m., making twenty-seven miles. A ration of whiskey is issued to the troops.
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Saturday, May 6th. Clear. Left camp at 7 a. m. and at " reached the stage road, about twenty-five miles from Peters- burg. The country here has been stripped of all forage by the enemy, and is very destitute; the soil is poor, and in the aban- doned fields may be found large quantities of wild onions; our cattle eat them and the beef is rendered unfit for food, Having marched seventeen miles, we camp on Stony creek at 4 p. m. sixteen miles from Petersburg.
Sunday, May 7th. Starting out at 5: 30 a. m., we reached Petersburg, Va., at 12 m. We rambled over the works and de- fenses and wondered greatly at, what we thought, the insignifi- cance of the fortifications as compared with the defences at Sa- vannah, and especially from Chattanooga, to and around At- lanta, Ga .. and especially along Nick-a-Jack creek. The ruins of fort Hell were of particular interest to us. Major Burnham returned to the regiment to-day from a leave of absence home ; he was promoted and mustered as Major at Goldsborough. The 17th corps starts out to-morrow for Alexandria, Va., and the 15th will follow the next day. Our march to-day is eighteen miles.
Monday, May 8th. We lay in camp to-day, washing our clothing und visiting the city, while the 17th corps moves out ; they having the right of way over the pontoon.
Tuesday, 9th. Cloudy. We started at Sa. m., passed through the city, crossing the Appomattox at 9 o'clock; march- ing- eleven miles on the Richmond pike, in the rain, we go into camp at 8 p. m. in some old artillery barracks.
Wednesday, 10th. Starting at 7 a. m. The cry is heard, "On to Richmond," repeated time and again. We pass through three lines of earthworks and camp at 12 o'clock m., within two and a half miles of the city, having marched seven miles. Here we found the 17th corps camped near the river, at the edge of Manchester, a city on the opposite side of the river from Richmond. Many soldiers of the 17th corps, desirous of seeing Richmond, started for that city, but were confronted by the provost guard, dressed in fine uniforms, white gloves and paper collars, (at the edge of the city of Manchester),
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who would not permit them to pass. Always mindful of the duty required of guards, the boys sat down by the roadside to ponder over the situation; their numbers were constantly in- creased by members of the Fiftieth and other regiments, and the desire to visit Richmond was strong. The guard, seeing the increasing number, sent for reinforcements, and in a few mo- ments a detachment of one sergeant and a dozen or so of guards, marched to the post and formed across the road. This caused the boys from the western army to smile, such a smile as could be heard quite a distance. The officer of the day, mounted, rode up and demanded that the men disperse and return to their commands, at the same time directing the guards to stand at a ready and, if necessary, to fire. Of course the order was with- out sense, and thus threatened, some rough and ready hit the officer with a brick, knocking him off his horse, and the boys went through-the guards being swept away like chaff ; the town was soon full of soldiers, and in a few moments, word having been sent to the troops, hundreds could be seen hastening to join in the fun. As the boys rushed onto the bridge over the James river, they were confronted by a piece of artillery on the opposite side, and were finally prevailed on to return to camp, which they did, with the parting injunction to the guards, "Go to your feather beds, you tra-la-las, and don't sleep in your white gloves and paper collars."
Thursday, 11th, was clear. As the 14th and 20th corps moved out for the North, a division of the 24th turned out to receive them as they passed. Many were the odd expressions from the boys as they marched by the handsome line of troops. At night it rained very hard and turned cold. We had expect- ed to reach Richmond on the 15th, supposing the march would be made by easy stages, but the 10th found us here.
Friday, 12th. Clear and cold. We got up wet this mor- ning, and early in the day the 17th corps started out. As they passed through the city of Richmond there was no such review or reception as was given to the troops on yesterday. To-mor- row we go.
Saturday, 18th. Up at 3:30 a. m. Clear and warm ; a
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Wwautiful day. We started at 6:30 for Manchester and found the pontoon bridge over the James washed away, detaining us two hours. The boys, while waiting, in a spirit of fun, looted a huckster store, securing a supply of ginger bread, and we then passed over the pontoon at 9 a. m., marching by Castle Thunder and Libby Prison; then up into the city, by the capitol and Gen. Lee's residence, then out on the Brooktown pike towards Hanover Court House, twenty miles, over very bad roads, and stop to rest on the banks of the Chickahominy river. The pro- vision train not coming up until late.
Sunday, 14th. Clear. We start at 6 a. m., marching in an easterly direction five miles and camp near Hanover House. This Court House is said to be 130 years of age, the brick was brought from England. Here Patrick Henry made his famous speech, closing with "Give me liberty or give me death." The 14th, 17th and 20th corps are here, detained in crossing the Pa- munky river, which is very high, and while we wait the sur- rounding country is scurried over by thousands, curious to note the places where the desperate battles of 1862 were fought.
Monday, 15th. Clear and pleasant. The 4th division are in the rear to-day, and the Fiftieth in rear of all. Westart at 9 a. m. and march four miles, rest for dinner, starting again at 2 p. m., and after a five mile march past Concord Church and Cleveland Hotel, camp at abont 6 p. m.
Tuesday, 16th. We marched twenty miles to-day, pass- ing through Bowling Green, and twelve miles from Port Royal, near the place where J. Wilkes Booth was killed, going into camp at 6 p. m., on Mill creek, near the Mattapony river.
Wednesday, 17th. Clear and hot. Started at 5 a. m. Marched steady and very fast. We reached Fredericksburg at 12 o'clock m. Here two artillery horses dropped dead and many of the men gave out. Rested near the city until 2 p. m., and then crossed the Rappahannock river, above town, on a pontoon bridge; marching five miles farther we camp on the banks of Potomac Run. Col. Hanna is stricken down, over- come by the heat and fatigue of the march, and falling by the roadside is conveyed in an ambulance. We have covered twen-
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ty-three miles, but many of the boys have fallen by the waysido from the heat.
Thursday, 18th. Starting at 5:30 we march slowly for three hours, then very rapidly; crossing Acquia creek, we pas- through the town of Dumfries, the second oldest town in the state. In the midst of a terrific rain storm we cross the Oqua- can creek, which was rising very fast, so that by the time the color company had reached the stream its waters were waist deep. So rapid was the rise that the rear company did not cross, and with many of the boys, who from heat had dropped out, camped on the south side. The march to-day was twenty-two miles. -
Friday, 19th. We start at 6:80; road very muddy. The hills have a covering of Laurel bushes, which, when in bloom, presont a beautiful appearance; many of the boys dig up the roots out of which to make mementos of the march. Passing numerous creeks and runs, we go into camp four miles from Alexandria at 9 o'clock, p. m., in a pouring rain.
Saturday, 20th. Raining. Starting at 9 a. m. and mor- ing slowly we pass through Alexandria and go into camp at 3 p. m. We have come from Richmond, 140 miles since the 13th. and our regiment shows the result of a very hard march. Some officer is responsible for this needless haste and subsequent ill health resulting therefrom, We see quite a number of Potomac Army officers here. They are splendid looking creatures, and move about with head up as if there was no use for other fel- lows to be around. "Gee-whiz" don't they feel big.
Sunday, 21st. Raining. Remain in camp; received a good mail. Boys got passes and visited the town; saw the Marshall House, where Ellsworth fell, and other points of in- terest. It is amusing to observe these Potomac fellows. They think "Sherman's Wolves," as they call us, are worse than the "old fellow himself." The Manchester escapade had preceded us. As made up "the wolves" do not present a very soldierly sight; barefooted as many are, with most of the army nearly nearly so, ragged pants, tied around the legs, or pinned together with sticks; hair sticking through their hats; all looking lean
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and hungry ; some with barely enough clothes to cover them, it Is hardly a matter of wonder that these neatly dressed, fat, well kept soldiers of the Potomac looked at their western comrades with something akin to disgust, and say "those are some of Sherman's men." We have no guard duty to do, and the camp rounds with mirth; although hungry, no complaint is heard.
Monday, 22nd. Clear and warm. Drew some clothing to-day, and learned that preparations are being made for a grand review. The Potomac army are to be reviewed on the 23rd, and on the following day "Sherman's Bummers" will march into the city and do up the lordly, soft-bread and butter and paper collared "Potomacers." To-day our sergeant major receives his appointment as such. He has been acting since August last; Sergeant Major Deviny having been absent on de- tached duty, recruiting for the 1st Alabama. The papers con- corning his discharge having been detained somewhere while on. the march through Georgia last fall.
Tuesday, 23rd. Clear. Pulled up stakes at 7 a. m., and moved out at 9 o'clock for Washington, via the Long Bridge. At 1 p. m. we go into bivouac near the bridge, having marched five miles. We drew quite a lot of clothing to-day, and the time is spent in getting into good shape for to-morrow. The boys do not feel very well pleased with the prospect of passing in review in the greatest of all reviews the world has ever seen, , ciad in old and worn out uniforms, and having drawn only a part of the clothing necessary, it is found that the contrast between the poorly and better dressed is still more marked. Here we find to-day the Potomac army well clothed and in ap- pearance, entitled to be looked upon as the pride of the nation, passing in review. A splendid sight indeed. Now look at us, there is not enough clothing for us all, and so it is issued out as needed most. Here is a fellow with new hat and new shoes, pants worn off nearly to the knees, with his coat in nearly as bad condition, possibly sleeveless. Here's a "bummer" sport- ing a new pair of pants, too large, rolled up at the bottom. while his "bunky" has a new coat. 'Tis with somewhat of dis- just that we don our new garments, knowing that we would (25)
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