USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 33
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In preparing this work the fact stands out that the hon- ors conferred by this test drill were, in many respects, of the highest importance. It demonstrates, in the highest sense, the soldierly bearing, as well as training, of the Fiftieth, and attes- ted by fact incontrovertible, the careful manner in which the officers, field and line, had performed their duty. It is deemed most fitting that the story of the drill and victory shall be pre- served, and to this end the following letter, describing the same, is given. Under date of July 5th, 1865, a member of the regi- ment, and a participant, writes :
"On the morning of the 3rd, at 9 a. m., we fell in line and marched to the race course. The division, in battle order, escorting the three competing regiments to the drill ground.
"As we came on the track we wheeled into column by
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companies, and marched past the Judge's Stand, and never was sven a prettier sight. On the stand was Brevet Major General A. Baird and Brevet Major General A. J. Williams of the regu- lar army, and Brevet Brigadier General A. Hickenlooper of the volunteers. With them stood Gens. John A. Logan our corps commander, and John M. Corse our division commander, and other officers.
"In our regiment every man held his head square to the front, and one standing at either flank could not have seen two inches difference in the allignment of any rank. All had nice caps on and white gloves, and equipments in good order and all stepped off alike. The judges were heard to remark "where are your regulars that can beat that?"
"The next move was the manual of arms, First came the 7th Iowa, of the 1st brigade, who did fine firing. The next was the 63rd Illinois, of the 2nd brigade, a fine regiment. Their execution in the manual was excellent; only one or two com- mands being executed poorly. Then came the Blind Half, of the 3rd brigade. We marched up in front of the judges, halted, came to a front and ordered arms. Then you could see the regulars look at each other. Next, shoulder arms, right shoul- der shift arms; and the audience began to clap their hands; then the loading, and hands were clapped, feet stamped, and cheers resounded from the immense crowd. This part of the drill finally ended with firing blank cartridges. All went well, but one company making a slight error in loss of time.
"Then we marched off the drill ground amid cheers, and feeling that we had gained two points, namely, in manual of arms and general appearance.
"Next came battalion movements. The 7th Iowa did well; ( their line of battle in double quick cannot be excelled.) The 63rd Illinois was hard to beat; but our regiment, I am proud to say, EXCELLED.
"Such is the opinions as expressed by all witnesses, civil and military."
A brief outline of the record of the competing regimerts will be in order here. The record of the 7th Iowa is well known
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to the members of the Fiftieth. It having belonged to the 1st brigade and the Fiftieth to the 3rd brigade from the organiza- tion, early in 1862, of the 2nd division of the left wing of the 16th A. C., until September 27th, 1864, when the division was assigned to the 15th A. C., as the 4th division, General John M. Corse commanding.
There is no need to mention the merits of the 7th Iowa, or why it was selected to represent the 1st brigade. But as the 63rd Illinois had been attached to our division but a few weeks, it will be proper to give a brief record of their service.
As will be remembered this test drill was for the cham- pionship of the division. The 63rd had seon service in Mower's brigade of the 17th A. C., at Vicksburg, and later in the 1st brigade 7th division of the same corps. The division being as- signed, October 7th, 1863, to the 15th corps, as the 3rd division, and participating in the battle of Mission Ridge ; was with Sher- man in the march to the sea and through the Carolinas, and while at Goldsborough, N. C., was complimented by the Inspec- tor General of the Army of the Tennessee for the appearance of the camp and soldierly bearing of the men, On the 25th of April the 3rd division was discontinued and the 63rd was as- signed to the 2nd brigade, 4th division, 15th A. C., the brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. William H. Clark.
Notwithstanding the seemingly good fortune which pre- vailed in the regiment over the certainty of success, there was something like a chill of dismay in the ranks when at the con- "clusion of the drill, General Rowett rode up to the Colonel and gravely ordered him to consider himself under arrest, and take his position in rear of his regiment. Surrendering his com- mand to Capt. Rickart, the Colonel rode to the rear as ordered, while the regiment marched away to the judges stand, where it was formed in closed columns by divisions. The feeling of humiliation and disgrace was deep and profound. It seemed as though the arrest of the Colonel was without cause, for he had ever been a brave, as well as an obedient officer. Why this blow, at the very end of his service, should be given him was more than the men who loved him could understand. The hot
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Mood of indignation leaped to their faces, and the signs of trouble were ominous, when all at once the Colonel was reques- id to come to the front and center of the regiment, and the "ilence was broken by Chaplain Bigger, who, addressing the Colonel, spoke as follows :
"Colonel Hanna: The officers and soldiers of the Fifti- "th Illinois Infantry Veteran Volunteers, appreciating your patriotism, prompting you to leave the comforts of home for the perils of the camp and dangers of the battlefield, your cour- age upon the many hard fought and bloody battlefields rang- ing from Fort Donelson to Bentonville; the zeal and energy with which you have so successfully exerted yourself in devel- oping the military capabilities of your command; your con- stant devotion to all the interests pertaining to our mutual welfare, social and physical, your pure and unsullied private character ; desire to confirm their profession of personal esteem by some suitable token as a seal of their attachment and de- votion. I have the honor, sir, in their name, to present to you this magnificent sword as a memorial of the past, hoping that as a nation, we may never be compelled to draw the sword either to preserve our integrity, defend our honor or avenge our wrongs. This belt when it may encircle your body, may you remember you are begirt and sustained by the confidence and affection of the officers and men of your regiment, who have shared your trials and enjoy your honors.
. "This beautiful cartridge box and belt, we, in presenting, would share with you in receiving a grateful remembrance of our relation to the gallant 15th Army Corps, whose history is written without defeat.
"Colonel, we are proud of your patriotism, proud of your courage, proud of your private and social virtues and excellen- cies. May your future be as bright as your past, and long may you live to enjoy what you have won as a reward of your toil and your blood."
The Colonel briefly replied as follows :
"Officers and soldiers of the Fiftieth; It is impossible for me to find language strong enough to express my thankful- ' (26)
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ness and gratification. I return to you my sincere thanks for the beautiful present made to me at this time, and the flatter- ing terms with which it was conveyed. I have always aimed to discharge my duty to my government and toward all men., more especially those under my immediate control.
"This valuable sword is to me a pleasing evidence that I have not totally failed, What makes it still more pleasant is to receive it from the rank and file of a regiment whose history is as glorious as that of any other organization in the service.
"Gentlemen, my highest pride is that I hold an honora- ble position in the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry.
"You know that I can't make a speech.
"In conclusion, allow me to say again, gentlemen, I thank you; trusting that nothing may ever occur to cloud the good feeling we mutually bear one to another."
And then the regiment marched away to its quarters the happiest band of men that ever marched and fought for the right.
As to the banner and sword, Col. Hanna has them in keeping at his home in Golden, Illinois.
Not satisfied with the honors already acquired the Fifti- eth, like Alexander, sighs for more worlds to conquer, and the following challenge was flung to the winds, with no takers :
SHERMAN'S ARMY, ATTENTION.
In order to encourage an honorable spirit of rivalry among the different regiments in Sherman's army, Lieut. Col. Wm. Hanna, commanding Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, proposes to compete with any regiment in Sherman's army in the man- ual of arms, to take place at Louisville, Ky., on the 31st of July, 1865. Any regiment in said army which may accept this proposition, will address communication to Lieutenant Charles H. Floyd, through the post-office, or to him at his regimental headquarters near the race course.
The judges did not make their decision public, but it was announced that the Banner would be awarded to the victorions regiment next Thursday at an expected review, This was some-
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what of a disappointment to all the troops interested, as well as the visitors assembled. Public opinion, however, was pro- nounced in our favor.
July 4th, 1865. Independence day-very hot. At 9 a. m. we are ordered into line and march over to division head- quarters to listen to an address from General Sherman ; remain- ing until 1 p. m. then return to camp, he failing to arrive. At 4 p. m. we are again marched over to listen to him. His remarks were gratefully received as he bid us farewell, and every word uttered by him in the most feeling manner, found a welcoming reception in our hearts. As he retired the thousands who list- ened to him broke out "God bless you Uncle Billy," and to this he turned and bowed. The day is hot. The sun shines on us more fiercely than upon any other day of our service that we have recorded and we suffered from the heat. One of the boys writing home under date of July 4th, 1865, says :
"This has been the hottest day we have had this season ; so hot that I have blisters on my ears, burnt by the sun. Some of the boys have blisters burnt on their faces and hands. On the whole we have had a pretty hard 4th of July, but that does not matter, perhaps we will make it up some other time."
July 5th. Clear and very hot. To-day an orderly rides up to regimental headquarters and delivers a note to the effect that the Banner has been awarded to the Fiftieth, and that company B, who are on detached service at division head- quarters, as guards, are bringing it over to the regiment, and in a few moments they arrived, bearing the precious prize, and without form or ceremony delivered it to Colonel Hanna.
Friday, July 7th. Clear. Received orders to prepare for muster-out.
Saturday, July Sth. Pleasant and hot. Chaplain Big- ger is stricken down by the heat of sun, but in a short time is himself again.
Sunday, 9th. Clear. At work on our muster-out rolls. The 7th Illinois depart for Springfield, Ills., and as they go the Fiftieth gives them the right hand of comradeship at the part- ing. The 7th goes home with a record unexcelled. From first
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to last its noble men and gallant officers have struck stalwart blows for the right.
Tuesday, 11th. Raining; the 7th Iowa leave to-day; as they start away for good they are greeted with three rousing cheers. Our rolls are completed. Major Burnham is relieved as provost marshal and rejoins the regiment.
On the 12th we start for home, and crossing the river take the cars for Springfield, reaching Camp Butler on the 14th. Here we found our old friends, the Bloody 16th Illinois. As the train stopped at the gates of Camp Butler, and while the boys were assisting to unload the officer's horses and such regi- mental baggage as was still with us, some of the Fiftieth slip- ped away to roconnoiter, and discovered that the barracks were already occupied with "grey backs." Without hesitation the regiment was formed and marched through the outer gates and down to the banks of the river near Jimtown, where we bivouac. It was disgraceful to think for a moment that the "proud sons of Adams county" would affiliate with such beings. The Fifti- eth could stand rain and snow, mud and slush, the dangers of picket, skirmish and battle, run cheerfully the risk of yellow fever, chills, shaking ague and mumps, go without rations and never complain, but willingly consort with grey-backs? never!
At noon on the 19th, Governor Oglesby, accompanied by his staff had called to see us and made a short speech to the boys, which was warmly received.
Here we remained until July 20th, when we broke camp for the last time, marched to the city and received our pay and final discharge bearing date July 18th, 1865.
As we fell in to leave camp on the morning of the 20th, everything being in readiness; all the government property in possession of the regiment was sent to Springfield to be turned into store, and the regiment fell in for the last time, to receive their pay and final discharge, the brief speech of Col. Hanna, when dismemberment of the regiment was about to commence, was, for him, a forcible and brilliant outburst of soul-stirring eloquence, a farewell address so fraught with genuine feeling. and prompted allusions to the scenes of the past four years,
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that every feeling of animosity, (if any existed), was swept away in an instant, and he became to one and all, as truly ad- mired, esteemed and loved, as when he cheered and assisted on the tedions march in the Carolinas, or led his shattered rem- hant of a regiment from the blood moistened battlefield of Al- latoona. Would that we could here present it, but this is im- possible as it was entirely an impromptu extempore effort. It was received by the regiment with deafening cheers. Its im- port and substance are engraved on the hearts of those whom it was his highest delight and honor to command. During the period when it was demonstrated to the world that a republic is the strongest as well as the best government on earth.
On Friday the Adams County boys mostly of companies A, B, C, D and E, under command of Col. Hanna, with members of other companies who lived west, started for Quincy, and at Camp Point were handsomely entertained ; reaching Quincy on the evening of the same day. The Quincy Herald, while on our way to the south spoke well of us, see page 56. The Quincy Whig and Republican, as we departed in 1861, had a good word to say on page 25, and also on our return as veterans, on pages 253-4. And now the regiment having fulfilled its lofty mission, with its ranks scattering into the ways of peace, the same paper, always the friend of the soldiers in the field, in its issue of July 22nd, 1865, has this to say :
ARRIVAL OF THE FIFTIETH.
"Five companies of the Fiftieth Ill. regiment, in com- mand of Col. Hanna. arrived about S o'clock last evening. They were met at the depot by a number of friends and citizens, to do honor to the brave heroes and extend to them first the hand of cordial greeting and hearty welcome home. The cold, driz- zling rain kept many away who would otherwise have been among the foremost to greet the boys, with loving words and kindly smiles. They repaired at once to the old Hospital No. 2, where fair hands had spread a sumptuous feast of good cheer' and speakers were waiting with words of welcome for the retur- ning brave.
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Patriotic songs were sung, excellent music was discoursed by the band, and every appropriate expression of joy freely in- dulged in.
The reception speech was made by Counsel Greeley, Esq .. who fairly outdid himself. His remarks were eloquent and well timed.
After the viands prepared, in abundance, by generous, loyal hearted ladies, had been duly discussed, short and per- tinent speeches were made by Chaplain Bigger, Col. Hanna, Col. Bane, Gen. Prentiss, Col. Gaines, Rev. Mr. King and Col. Swarthout.
The hospital building was crowded with soldiers and citizens, who remained until a late hour, exchanging friendly greetings, renewing old acquaintances, and strengthening the bonds which bind us together in the great brotherhood of Amer- ican freemen. It was a scene of lively interest, and will long be remembered by all who were present.
The old Adams County regiment has made its marks in the war against traitors, and secured a record that will shine upon the brightest page of American history, while time en- dures. Its services are among the most valuable rendered by any regiment during the rebellion.
The magnificent Prize Banner, alluded to yesterday, was displayed conspicuously in the hall during the evening, with a streamer bearing the inscription :
"Prize Drill Banner, awarded to the 50th Ill. V. V., July 3rd, 1865." On the upper part of the banner was blazoned in gold letters "EXCELSIOR," and in the center "Forty Rounds." It is a splendid prize worthily bestowed upon a regiment which had proved itself equal to every emergency.
"About eleven o'clock the crowd dispersed; the battle bruised soldiers returning to their peaceful homes as citizens. to resume once more the quiet pursuits of civil life. May they never more have occasion to draw the sword in behalf of our re-established and purified government."
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At a later date, a commission was issued as follows :
( Recorded Vol. 5, page 160, Adjutant Generals Office, }
1
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant General.
"The President of the United States of America : To all who shall see these presents, greeting :
Know Ye, That I do hereby confer on William Hanna, of the U. S. Volunteers in the service of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the rank of Brigadier General BY BREVET, in said service, to rank as such from the Thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, for gallant and merritorious service in the battle of Allatoona. Ga.
And I do strictly charge and require all officers and sol- diers under his command, to obey and respect him accordingly ; and he is to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as he shall receive from me, or the future Presi- dent of the United States of America, and other officers set over him, according to law, and the rules and discipline of war.
This commission to continue in force during the pleas- ure of the President of the United States for the time being.
Given under my hand at the City of Washington, this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, and in the ninety-third year of the Independence of the United States.
(By the President,) ANDREW JOHNSON .. J. M. SCHOFIELD,
See'y of War.
CHAPTER XXII.
OUR FLAGS.
"We hail with pride the flag we love, The emblem of true liberty, Unsullied now it floats above A happy land forever free."
"Old Glory! Flag preserved through war, Thou hast not lost a single star."
T "HE FLAG is the emblem of the power and dignity of a country, and its gov- ernment.
Whoever assails it, whoever insults it, assails and insults every citizen, of whatever degree, of that country whose ensign it proclaims itself to be.
There is a glory around and about our flag past all description from tongue or pen. As it floats in the sky it seems so Heaven blessed and beautiful, that eyes grow full of tears, not of sorrow but of joy, not of doubt but of hope.
But if in days of peace, waving in graceful fold on fold, on land from flag-staff high, or on the sea from top-mast gal- lant, it shines resplendant as a star, how far more is it in power uplifting, when borne by mighty men, it moves, majestic, a thing of life, amid the battle's shock and roar and flame. Then
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it is that men, following with heroic step, die for it. Then it is that, blood washed and purified, its shadow falling upon the living. the glazing eyes of the dying, and the upturned faces of painted dead, its every fold is hallowed and it becomes to all who love the land, "Old Glory."
When the Fiftieth left Quincy for Hannibal and further on for the seat of war it was possessed of no regimental flag or colors.
However, part of company C, some sixteen in number, including Lieut. Theodore W. Letton, who had been members of the Quincy Cadets, upon entering the regiment, brought their flag with them to be used by the regiment until colors should be provided. Under this flag the command moved to St. Joseph, Missouri. While there company K, which had join- ed the regiment at Chillicothe under command of Capt. Timo- thy D. McGillicuddy, who, during the summer of 1861, had served in an organization known as the Marion County Battal- ion, with headquarters at Hannibal, Missouri, that had been formed and put into active training, having been mustered into service at St. Louis by the gallant Lyon for the period of three months, serving under a flag made and presented by the ladies of Hannibal to this company, then known as company B.
At the close of the three months service and disbandment of this company, the flag was returned to battalion headquar- ters, to be held in safe keeping for further use. In September, 1861, Capt. McGillicuddy, who was recruiting a company for the three years service, under authority from General Fremont, was tendered a place for his company-quite a number of whom had served in the old organization-in the Fiftieth, which be- ing accepted, his organization was made a part of the regiment, company K, and joined the regiment at Chillicothe, Mo.
On the 26th of December, the regiment being then at St. Joseph, a delegation representing the loyal citizens of Hannibal, consisting of Robert Tufts, Josiah Young, Joseph E. Streeter and Spencer C. Tibby, arrived in camp and on behalf of the old company (B), as well as the loyal people of Hannibal, present- ed the old flag to company K.
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A report of the proceedings incident to the presentation is herewith given, and at this day, now so remote from the stir- ring scene, the blood leaps from heart to pulse with a warmer glow under the influence of the deeply eloquent and loyal words then and there uttered.
FLAG PRESENTATION.
FROM THE ST. JOSEPH, MO., JOURNAL. .
The ceremony of the presentation of a flag to Capt. Mc- Gillicuddy of the Fiftieth Illinois, by his old comrades of the home guards of Hannibal, the address of Capt. Tufts, and the reply of the gallant Captain given below, are highly entertain- ing. It was a well merited tribute to a brave officer and to his equally courageous company.
Captain McGillicuddy:
The pleasing duty has devolved upon us in behalf of your old friends and companions in arms of company B, Marion bat- talion, United States reserved corps, of once more committing to your custody this flag-the glorious emblem of our nation's sovereignty. It is endeared to us by many hallowed recollec- tions. It was the work of fair hands, and the gift of patriotic hearts of our friends, the loyal ladies of Hannibal, and truer friends and nobler hearts are to be found nowhere. It was. through the summer service, the companion of our arduous and as yet unrequitted toil; witnessing its starry folds proudly floating in the breeze encouraged our hearts by day, and the thoughts of the fair donors cheered us in the lonely hours of the night. For them we toiled-for them we were ready to bare our bosoms to the rebel's steel, and if our labors were to meet with no other reward, we had the proud satisfaction of knowing that they were appreciated by those whose homes and hearths our arms saved from violation and pillage. Our bat- talion has been disbanded, our fellow soldiers are widely scat- tered, most of them have followed the noble example of him who a few days since, laid down his life as a sacrifice upon his country's altar, and who, but as yesterday we followed to a sol-
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dior's grave-and have left homes and friends to forfeit their lives in their country's service; but wherever they are, they must one and all be pleased to know that their honored flag is in the hands of one whom they love and trust. Receive it, sir, from our hands, cherish it with care; let it ever be borne in the thickest of the fight, where iron rain and leaden hail fall thick- . et and fastest-let it float in proud defiance, and "when the noise of battle is over, and the bugle calls no more to arms" -- when through the exertions of our brave citizen soldiers the au- thority of the best government ever formed, is re-established over the whole of the fairest heritage on which the light of the sun ever shone -- may it be your happy privilege to appear once more before those loved. friends who first placed it in your hands and say : here is the flag which you committed to my keeping, it has been torn and tattered by the winds of heaven-it has been rent and pierced by the foeman's lead and rebel steel -- but it has floated in triumph over many a well-fought field, and in our hands it has never been disgraced.
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