USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 32
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HISTORY OF THE
present a more uniform appearance in our old, ragged, greasy and worn out clothing, than in the half and half style which now characterizes our make-up. This description is of the Fiftieth, and of course represents Sherman's army. However the boys put on the best feeling they could and got ready their equipments as best they could. The few of the boys that were favored by witnessing the parade of the Potomac fellows re- turned to camp saying "well, they are no great shakes any way in matching."
Wednesday, May 24th. At daylight, with the regiment counted into eight companies, we fall in, and with arms at will and route step, we pass over the Long Bridge into the city of Washington. As we pass along the streets in our non-chalant way, to the place of rendezvous or formation, we are not wor- ried at the look of amusement that is expressed in the counte- nances of our eastern friends. They evidently thinking to have great sport from us to-day from our ragged and dirty look and careless, swinging gait, some one along the way, probably desi- ring to hear from some friend who has soldiered in a western regiment, and which is possibly in line to-day, calls out "What regiment is that?" and receives this answer, in a very doleful voice, "The same old regiment, only we've got new clothes." Which reply, as humorous as it is doleful, brings out cheers from the observers. Marching out past the capitol, the head of column turns to the right one-fourth mile, then left one mile. then left one mile, then left three-fourths of a mile, then left one-half mile and halt, closing up in mass, and stack arms at about 8 o'clock a. m. At 9 o'clock sharp the signal gun is fired, and the head of the column is put in motion as follows :
General Sherman and staff, followed by General O. O. Howard. Then General John A. Logan at the head of the 15th A. C., now consisting of the 1st, 2nd and 4th divisions; then the 17th A. C., followed by the 20th and 14th corps. As we turn into Pennsylvania avenue, what a splendid sight greets our eyes -passing the capitol at 9:30, down the street in our front are the 1st and 2nd divisions, with their company lines reaching across the street, all moving with that solid, uniform tread born
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
only out of long practice. Glancing along the sides of the street, the countless thousands show an amazed look in their faces to see -neh marching from such a dirty, unkempt body of men. And now we realize, as we never did before, the benefit of the hard drilling over which we have grumbled so much in the past four voars. We realized also, and it so seemed to us all, that the honor of Sherman's army was at stake --- that the reputation of our dear "Uncle Billy," as a commander, rested upon each one of our shoulders, -- and that we would honor the trust, only by that unity of motion as would rob the thousands from all thought of our ragged and uncouth appearance. Merging every thing in the one grand verdict, which in the end, sprung from wvery heart and lip, that the so-called "Sherman's Bummers" were the finest soldiers of the grandest army of modern times. On every side we could hear the enthusiastic cry, "What regi- mont is that?" "Oh! oh ! ! see what marching!" From house tops and windows along the way, crowded with people, fiuttered many flags and handkerchiefs, while a wealth of roses and flowers in bunches and wreaths, were thrown to us as we passed ; many of them falling into the streets, so that, in fact, our path- way was strewn with these fragrant messengers of a people's joy.
On many of the government buildings were hung out pa- ¡riotic emblems, evidence of a joyous welcome, and as we pass- od the Treasury Building. high upon its side we saw painted in large letters, "The only debt the NATION can never pay is that of gratitude to its defenders."
At ten a. m. the Fiftieth drew near the review stand, on which was President Johnson ; a little to his rear and left stood "U'nelo Billy," having taken his stand to review us for the last time. As we neared the stand the boys of the Fiftieth could almost hear him say "here comes the Allatoona boys. There's the Blind Half Hundred." As we passed the stand no prouder set of men ever lived than those who marched by under the shadow of the Fiftieth flag, and having passed the White House we wheeled to the right, and thence marched out to camp near the soldier's home, three miles away, we felt that our last great work was done, and well done. . We wont into camp after 2 p.
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m., having halted but twice since 9 a. m., and then but for a few moments. This march was very hard, causing many of th ... boys to have blistered feet.
On the 25th the baggage train was brought over from .. Arlington. With the wagons came a squad of the boys who were so nearly destitute of clothing that they were compelled to ride in the wagons hidden from public observation.
May 26th. Rainy. Have a guard around the brigade to-day. Men allowed out only on passes to visit the city.
May 27th. Major Burnham returned to the regiment from leave of absence, and agents of the Christian Commission also visited our camp. They must have been greatly impressed with our dilapidated appearance as we passed in review, and de- livered to us one barrel of onions, one barrel of pickles, two barrels of potatoes, five barrels of dried apples, six cases of two dozen each of canned fruit, and combs enough for each one in the regiment. This being the first time the commission have had the opportunity to minister to our needs (except at King :- ton, on the return from Allatoona), it was greatly appreciated. May 28th. In camp. Company officers drew wall tents. and received orders for daily drill, with dress parade at 6:30.
On the 29th our division train is turned over to Q. M .. and we learn that we are to be sent to Louisville, Ky. Dress parade attended by many people.
Tuesday, 30th. The ambulances are turned in to-day. and the 2nd division starts on trains for Louisville, Ky. Gen. Sherman's farewell is issued and read to the troops.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 30th, 1865.
Special Field Order No. 76.
The General commanding announces to the armies of the Tonnessee and Georgia that the time has come for us to part : our work is done and armed enemies no longer defy us.
Some of you will be retained in service until further orders; and now that we are about to separate, to mingle with the civil world, it becomes a pleasing duty to recall to mind the situation of national affairs.
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
When but little more than a year ago we were gathered about the twining cliff's of Lookout mountain, and all the fu- ture was wrapped in doubt and uncertainty, three armies had come together from distant fields, with separate histories, yet bound by one common cause, the union of our country, and the perpetuation of the Government of our inheritance.
There is no need to recall to your memories Tunnell Hill, with its rocky face mountain and Buzzard Roost Gap, with the ugly forts of Dalton behind. We were in earnest, and paused not for danger and difficulty, but dashed through Snake Creek Gap, and fell on Res- acca, then on to the Etowah to. Dallas, Kenesaw, and the heats of summer found us on the banks of the Chat- tahooche, far from home, and dependent on a single road for supplies.
SATA
Again we were not held back by any obstacles, and crossed over and fought four heavy battles for the possession of the citadel of Atlanta. That was the crisis of our history. A doubt still clouded our future, but we solved the problem and destroyed Atlanta, struck boldly across the State of Georgia, secured all the main arteries of life to our enemy, and Christmas found us at Savannah.
Waiting there only long enough to fill our wagons, we again began our march, which for peril, labor and results will compare with any ever made by an organized army ; the floods of the Savannah, the swamps of the Combahee and Edisto, the high hills and rocks of the Santee, the flat quagmires of the Predee and Cape Fear rivers were all passed in mid-winter, with
HISTORY OF THE
its floods and ruins, in the face of an accumulating enemy. and after the battle of Averysborough and Bentonsille we once mor .. came out of the wilderness to meet our friends at Goldsboro.
Even then we paused only long enough to get new cloth- ing to re-load our wagons and again pushed on to Raleigh, and beyond. until we get our enemy sueing for pouce instead of war, and offering to submit to the injured laws of his and our coun- try. As long as that enemy was defiant, nor mountains, nor rivers, nor swamps, nor hunger, nor cold checked us, but when he who had fought us hard and persistently offered submission, your General thought it wrong to pursue hint further, and ne- gotiations followed which resulted as you all know in his sur- render.
How far the operations of the army have contributed to the overthrow of the confederacy, to the peace which now dawns on us, must be judged by others, not by us; but that you have done all that men could do has been admitted by those in au- thority, and we have a right to join in the universal joy that fills the land because the war is over, and our Government stands vindicated before the world by the joint action of the volunteer armies of the United States.
To such as remain in the military service your General would only remind you that successes in the past are due to hard work and discipline, and that the same work and disei- pline are equally important in the future. To such as go home . I would only say that our favored country is so grand, so ex- tensive, so diversified in climate, soil, and productions, that every man can surely find a home and occupation suited to his tastes, and none should yield to the natural impotence sure to result from our past life of excitement and adventure.
You will be invited to seek new adventure abroad; but do not yield to the temptation, for it will lead only to death and disappointment.
Your General now bids you all farewell with the full ho- lief that as in war you have been good soldiers, so in peace you will make good citizens, and if unfortunately a now war should arise in our country, Sherman's army will be the first to buckle
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
on the old armor and come forth to defend and maintain the Government of our inheritance and choice. By order of
W. T. SHERMAN,
1 .. M. DAYTON, Major General.
Assistant Adjutant General.
June 1st. We are ordered to have four days rations pre- pared, which is soon countermanded.
June 2nd. Clear and very warm. Ordered to draw seven days rations and prepare them for use. Dress parade at 6:30 p. m., and orders to move at 8:30 a. m. to-morrow, kept us busy getting ready. Gen. Grant's farewell was issued and read to the regiment at a later day.
WASHINGTON, D. C., June 2nd, 1865.
General Order, No. 108.
Soldiers of the Armies of the United States:
By your patriotic devotion to your country in the hour of danger and alarm, your magnificent fighting, bravery and endurance, you have maintained the supremacy of the Union and the Constitution, overthrown all armed opposition to the enforcement of the laws, and of the proclamations forever abol- ishing Slavery-the cause and pretext of the rebellion-and opened the way to the rightful authorities, to restore order and inaugurate peace on a permanent and enduring basis on every foot of American soil. Your marches, seiges and battles, in distance, duration, resolution and brilliancy of results, dim the lustre of the world's past military achievements, and will be the patriot's precedent in defense of liberty and right in all time to come. In obedience to your country's call, you left your homes and families and volunteered in its defense. Vic- tory has crowned your valor and secured the purpose of your patriotic hearts; and with the gratitude of your countrymen and the highest honors a great and free nation can accord, you will soon be permitted to return to your homes and families, conscious of having discharged the highest duty of American
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HISTORY OF THE
citizens. To achieve these glorious triumphs and secure to yourselves, your fellow countrymen and posterity the blessings of free institutions, tens of thousands of your gallant comrades have fallen and sealed the priceless legacy with their lives. The graves of these a grateful nation bedows with tears, honor their memories, and will ever cherish and support their stricken families.
U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant General.
Saturday, 3rd. Tents and baggage loaded by 6 a. m. and sent to Baltimore depot ; at 9:30 a. m. we fall in and march to the depot near the Capitol. Part of the 2nd brigade with the 7th Illinois and company E and F of the Fiftieth made up the first train and started out; before they had fairly got under headway and in front of the Capitol, the locomotive ran off the track from a mis-placed switch, crushing several cars, killing two men and wounding four more; at 9 o'clock p. m., we got started and woke up at daylight, on the 4th, found we had only made forty-odd miles, and had passed over the ground where the great raid was made into Pennsylvania. At Sandy Ilook a wagon load of bread was thrown into the cars for the boys in the same manner as food is thrown to hogs. At Cum- berland we received hot coffee, bread and meat, then proceed- ing on our way, stopped soveral times through the night for . trains to pass. We passed over the Aleghenies during the night, reaching Cheat river at daylight, where we stopped three hours. The boys formed in two lines and with the leather buckets that hung around the side of the tender filled the nearly empty boiler. Fifteen trains for Washington passed us while here. At Grafton, which we reached at 11 a. m., we found long tables built along the railroad track. Many fires were burning, in which were large stones, by the side of the fires are barrels of coffee into which these hot stones are plunged, and we have hot coffee and bread and meat in abundance. Here we stopped un- til 11 p. m., when we proceeded, awaking just as we enter Park.
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
ersburg on the morning of the 6th, to find boats waiting to take us down the river.
The brigade at once began to embark and at 9 a. m. found us on board, the right wing boarded the steamer Blue Wing No. 3, while the left was on Caliope No. 3. Six miles down the river we, with several other boats, grounded on a sand bar. By dint of poling or sparring, (lifting the front end of the boat by placing one end of the huge spars carried by the boat for the purpose on the bottom of the river, one on either side of the boat, and hoisting the boat by block and tackle affixed to the upper end and shifting the load, propelling her at the same time), the boats were carried over some of the shallow places only to become more securely grounded on others. While in this condition the Darling came down and passed safely over the bar, as did also the steamer Cottage No. 2. The Darling then pulled off three boats and went on. This being too much for the boys to be left in this way, they proposed to get out and walk; so stripping off their clothes many of them jumped out and wading to the shore, started down the river for Louisville, sans clothing, sans every- thing. It was amusing to watch them as they tramped along the river bank, sometimes singly, and sometimes in squads. Upon approaching a dwelling they would take to the water like ducks, or creep along under shelter of the river bank. The steamer being thus lightened, proceeded safely over the shoal water and stopping below, took the men aboard. Forty-five miles below the troops were transferred to other and larger boats; the right of the regiment boarding the Darling and the left the Westmoreland. Fifteen or twenty miles farther down the boats tied up for the night; the Darling at the village of Ohio, and the Westmoreland at Galipolis.
Wednesday, 7th. Clear. At daylight the boats cast loose and with all in good spirits, started down, coaling at 10 a. m. While the Darling was coaling the Westmoreland passed her, and then began a boat-race-the Darling slowly gaining upon her, but owing to the low stage of water it was not found advisable to attempt to pass, until about 3 o'clock
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p. m. when the Darling made the attempt on the right hand side of the river. As the boat forged ahead and was be- ginning to swing into the center of the stream, the boys crowded to the side nearest the opposition steamer to bid their comrades good bye; the sudden rush and shifting of the load to that side, careened the boat so that the right or star-board wheel was raised entirely ont of water, and the left or port wheel was so deeply submerged that it propelled the boat around to the right and onto a sandbar, where she . stuck while the Westmoreland went speeding by. As the boat began to careen the bar-keeper grabbed up his books and dashed to the upper rail ready to spring into the river, while the ofli- cers of the boat at-once directed the men to move over and equalize the load-in other words. to trim ship-there being great danger from the over-heated boilers. Quickly releasing the boat the men were quartered in sections and the race pro- ceeded. "Pass her or bust," was the word, and from the dense smoke it could be seen that every effort was to be made to suc- ceed. The race was soon ended, for one and a half miles far- ther the Westmoreland was passed and the Darling in the lead. Reaching Cincinnati at 9 p. m. we remained until 11, and then proceeded on our way. Here several of the boys had friends, and were left behind.
Having run slowly the rest of the night we reached Louis- ville at noon on the 8th of June, and landed, the West- moreland arriving a few mo- ments later. Marched out east of the city and went into camp near the Woodland race course. camping on a hill called Ridge- way; with our little dog tents we fixed up in good shape our TALKING IT OVER. last regular camp and settled down to enjoy life as best we could and talk it over ; water was very scarce, weather pleasant and roads dusty. How different is
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
camp life now to what it was a few weeks ago. Now we cannot forage ; we cannot burn rails, nor cut timber, but must be con- tent with having our rations of wood issued to us as other con- missary stores: straw also, if we need it. Our rations are plenty, but are the same as of old, except we have added to it soft bread; our duty light, consisting of camp, brigade and division guard.
The 9th we spent in cleaning up camp, and Lieut. MeNeal of company H, wounded at Allatoona, came back to us; he was warmly welcomed.
June 10th. The 4th division was invited to attend a race at the track. Legal Tender and Asteroid, of national fame, were two of the famous horses that made the races, through the mud and in the rain. It may have been a pleasant thing for some of the command to be invited to thie race, but to us who were compelled to stand in the rain, and plod back to camp in the mud, it was not so very pleasing.
Sunday, 11th. A large detail for division guard. Major Burnham is detailed as provost marshal of the 4th division, 15th A. C. The days pass by in comparative idleness until the 16th, when the officers finding the time hangs heavy on their hands, discuss the relative merits of their respective brigades, and fin- ally decide to settle the question by a test drill for the chan- pionship of the division : the victors to receive a beautiful prize banner, to be purchased by contributions from the officers of the division. Now it has been said that "satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do." and as at this time also, the chuck-a-luck players are having plenty of leisure time, they were interested in their sports. Over the hills to the rear was quite a number of short, deep hollows, outside the limits of our camp. In one of these hollows named by the boys "chuck-a- Inck hollow," they would gather and engage in their favorite pastime of chuck-a-luck, honest john and poker. And to dis- continue the practice it was the duty of our camp police or patrol to arrest any one found gambling. To insure secrecy and safety, a sentinel would be posted in some suitable spot on either side of the location, whose duty it was, upon the ap-
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HISTORY OF THE
proach of an officer or some suspicious person, to give a wart- · ing whistle or some preconcerted signal by which means the boys, when discovered, would be found looking over papers, or writing, or engaged in some such occupation ; as the patrolsand officers on this scouting duty were members of the Blind Half Hundred, it looks as though they were a "little blind" at this particular time : any way very few, if any, arrests were made.
Saturday, 17th. Clear and pleasant. Ordered to clean up camp and prepare for inspection to-morrow.
Sunday, June 18th. Clear. Sunday morning inspection. Quite a number of visitors from the city and surrounding camps to, witness the same old routine. The inspection passed off creditably and sixty-two men were excused from duty for hav- ing their arms and accoutrements in good condition, as appears by the following order :
HEADQUARTERS 5OTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Ridgeway, Ky., June 18th. 1865.
Special Order No. 32.
The following enlisted men of the 50th Ills. Infty Vols., are hereby excused from all duty except dress parade and roll call, for the period of six (6) days, for their soldierly bearing and the fine condition of their arms and ac- coutrements on inspection this a m.
Henry C. Cecil, Private Company A
Daniel Smart, Private Company E E
Ezekiah Kendall,
A John Denny
Alexander Odair,
A Calvin Covert
E
. John Minton, ..
Huston Kanaday
6.
E
John Crank,
A Ebenezer Lewis
E
Robert Snowden,
..
A Benjamin Burns
E
Jamnes Hodges.
A William Thomas
E
Charles F. Birdsall
C Charles Baggs ٠٠٠
E
Geo. A: Bucklin.
C Junius Morrison
E
William Sackett, . .
C
Charles Trogdon
66
E
James Kelly,
66
C Joseph Lasley
..
E
Enoch Smith,
. .
C John Morgan
F
Anod Lewis,
C
Joseph Hushman Marshal Laun
F
Southel Collins,
C
Joseph Lynn
F
Seth Thomas,
..
D Joseph Foryer
66
G
Chas. Metts,
D Jasper Knock
G
William Tout, ..
A Ebenezer Foreman
,
F
John Lytle,
A
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
Joseph Parker, Private, Company D
John Hoops
Private, Company G
Joseph T. Lease,
.6
D
Terry McGee
G
James Jackson,
..
D
James S. Layson
G
William Goodnight ..
E
B. J. Gregory
G
Robert Conaday
E
-- Coffman
H
John Boyer
E
James Morday
16
H
Nathan Crystal
E
John A. Mahaffy
I
Elijah Adney
E
Edwin Beetly
I
Joseph Warner
66
E Mathew S. Claybaugh
I
Harvey Ward
16
E Charles Huston
K
David Carr
..
E
Richard Hammond
K
Robert Covert
E
Frank Taylor
K
Frank Bryant
E John Gibbens
K
By order of
WILLIAM HANNA,
Lieut. Col. Commanding 50th Ills. Infantry.
C. F. HUBERT,
Sergeant Major and Acting Adjutant.
Preaching in the afternoon, and rain closes the day.
Monday, 19th. Clear and pleasant. After guard mount- ing came battalion drill on the parade ground.
Tuesday, 20th. Guard mounting at brigade headquar- ters. Furloughs received for twenty of the boys, and on the 21st some of the furloughed boys start for home. Orders are received that furloughs will be granted to twelve per cent. of present strength of the regiment.
Thursday, 22nd. The preparations for a Prize Drill to take place on July 3rd, at Woodland Course, having been com- pleted, notice of the same is conveyed to the troops and the general expectation is that the Fiftieth will be selected as one of the competitors.
Saturday, 24th. Cleaning up camp for inspection ; eight months pay is being received to-day.
Sunday, 25th. The Paymaster finished up paying this morning, after which was inspection and drill. Received com- missions for officers of companies F, I and H, and muster rolls for our recruits.
On the 26th we had battalion drill in skirmish move- ment which was not very good.
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HISTORY OF THE
Tuesday, 27th. Nothing of interest except drilling for the 3rd. The ground not being very favorable for practicing battalion movements, we are marched out to a field in the woods where we put in the time, even by moonlight. All passes to the city are refused until after the 3rd. Col. Hanna's blood is up and so is his regiment. Rainy, but no matter, on June 28th nothing save drill and preparing for the 3rd. The men are in earnest, and will win.
June 29th. Drawing clothing for the drill and buying white gloves. We learn to-day that the prize is a beautiful silk banner costing $300.
June 30th. Our last regular drill, also our best one. That Banner is Ours!
Saturday, July 1st. The officers and men of the Fiftieth are getting up a purse for a sword for Col. Hanna; to be pre- sented him at the prize drill. Commission as Adjutant receiv- for Sergeant Major C. F. Hubert, for which he is warmly con- gratulated.
Sunday, July 2nd. Clear. The Sabbath not much ob- served as the regiment is getting ready for the drill to-morrow. The Colonel could not sleep well without putting us through our facings, and so had a little, JUST a little, drill, after dress parade this p. m.
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