USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 34
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ROBERT TUFTS, JOSIAH YOUNG, JOSEPH E. STREETER, SPENCER C. TIBBY.
CAPT. MCGILLICUDDY'S REPLY.
Ladies, Gentlemen and Soldiers;
. I feel proud of being the chosen instrument of company K, Fiftieth regiment of Illinois State Volunteers, in accepting in their behalf, this beautiful flag -- a flag that has commanded the respect of all nations abroad, and of all true Americans at home. I love this flag for several reasons: First, for it was the flag adopted by our revolutionary fathers, and handed down to us as a memento of the struggle that gained our Indepen- dence. Second, It is the same flag that I had the honor of ac- cepting in behalf of a company that sprung into existence as it were, by magic, at the first call of our country for volunteers to defend our national existence. I love it for the hallowed recol- Iretions of the past-it having been committed to our keeping
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by old friends and comrades in arms, the "Marion Battalion." of Hannibal.
Soldiers, there is a significance in the construction of this flag-it being the only flag that is indicative of progression. In the adoption of the flag by the colonies, thirteen stars and stripes were to represent these colonies or the original states, and as one state after another was admitted into our glorious union, an additional star was placed upon our banner, until now we have the proud satis- faction of witnessing thirty- four stars upon the blue field of our national emblem.
The history of our republic is contained within and typi- fied by the red, white and blue of our country's flag, the red is emblematical of the blood of the fathers of the revolution, shed in the glori- ous cause of liberty and inde- pendence. The white simply typifies the purity of the prin- ciples for which they fought. and the blue the freedom at- tained, it being perpetual as the azure arch that spanned their native hills, and formed a canopy over their lovely plains.
Fellow soldiers, this flag is to-day committed to your Capt. Mc Gillicuddy and the old flag. keeping. It is a most sacred trust. We are to defend it from the ruthless hands of the enemy ; we are expected to bring it forth after the present conflict shall have subsided, with not one stain upon its starry folds reflecting disgrace or dishonor upon the recipients of this most beautiful gift. Fellow soldiers.
الكمية -مصر
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
may its stars gleam proudly upon the advance of each consti- rutional right over the mythical dogmas promulgated by its megnies. May true hearts at every fireside of our loved land gret with joy each battle over which it waves in victory, and may we all live to see its starry folds again floating triumph- antly over every hill-top in our once happy country.
The flag thus graciously and lovingly presented, and, as a trust, so nobly received, was by the Captain placed in the hands of St. Clair Watts of his company, as flag bearer, and the sequel will prove that he faithfully fulfilled his high ap- pointment.
On the 21st of January, 1862, the regiment left St. Jo- weph for a more active scene of operations. On its way, and while at Quincy, Illinois, it returned the flag of the Cadets, which it had been using temporarily. This left the regiment as an organization without any colors.
At the request of Colonel Bane, through Adjutant T. Jeff Brown, Captain MeGillicuddy willingly consented that the flag of company K should be used as the flag of the regiment, conditioned, however, that their bearer, St. Clair Watts, be so- leted as color bearer, all of which was readily agreed to, and this it was that the flag formerly of company B, Marion Bat- talion, U. S. Reserve Corps, now the property of company K, barame the colors of the Fiftieth.
Such is the statement as furnished by Capt. McGillicud- dy. But in furtherance of this interesting matter, the Color Bearer, St. Clair Watts, has this to say in answer to the ques- tion, "As to how he became color bearer?"
"The regiment at St. Joseph, had used the flag of the Quincy Cadets, which was borne by a member of company C.
At the time of our return to Quincy the Cadets requested their flag, which being complied with left the regiment without colors. Colonel Bane, through his Adjutant, requested the use of the flag recently presented to company K, at St. Joseph, which was granted upon condition that Captain McGillicuddy
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should be permitted to select a color bearer, and I was honored by my Captain with that selection.
"With no desire to dilate upon my own bravery, I yet deem it due to the truth of history to say that on the 15th of February, 1862, this flag, thus committed to my keeping, was the first one to be planted upon the works at Fort Donelson in manner as follows :
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"The 2nd Iowa, or part of it, reached the works first, but seeing a halt in their flag I ran ahead of my regiment a little ways because I thought by doing so 1 could get my flag on first and so I did. Fifty or more of our boys cried out to me to jump down, and this I did. I after- wards learned that the color bearer of the 2nd Iowa was wounded, thereby ST. CLAIR WATTS, CO. K. causing his flag to halt.
"I think the officers and men will bear me out in this, as at Clarksville there was a discussion among the officers, as to who was entitled to carry the flag, caused by it not being borne by a member of the color company, which coming to the knowl- edge of Mrs. Col. Bane, who had heard how the flag had been bravely borne at Donelson, told the Colonel that she thought "tho right man was in the right place," which seemed to accord with his idea, as I remained color bearer."
In support of this statement T. W. Letton, then 1st Lieu- tenant of company C, later Adjutant of the regiment, writes :
"In the charge Saturday afternoon company C, (then color company), crossed the abatis and placed the colors on the enemy's entrenchihents. It, with parts of two other companies. having succeeded in passing the entronehments; the remain- ing seven companies continuing to the left where we afterwards joined them.
"A rebel battery had a flanking fire on us as we made the charge and quite a number of our men were wounded with grape
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«hot; some of whom we at first supposed were killed, soon re- rovered.
"I had the honor to lead the detached companies in this charge and to be the first one over the abatis, and up to the en- trenchments, and was given considerable praise for the act by the Colonel, and other officers, after the battle.
"I am quite positive that our flag was the first to reach the entrenchments in our vicinity, but of course there is no telling what may have occurred farther to the right.
"As to who constituted the color guard at this time I do not remember. Company C was the color company however, and one of the first to reach the entrenchments. Col. Hanna will doubtless remember the circumstance, also Major Burnham and many others may recall it."
Colonels Gaines and Hanna and Major Burnham, to whom the above account has been submitted, corroborate it, and many others will remember it.
It will be recalled (on page 67) that during this charge the regiment became severed -- the loft following Adjutant Brown, leaving the right to follow under Lieut. Letton, his company being on the left; after the fight he, with the rest, wwre highly complimented by the Colonel and other officers, for the brilliant action they accomplished.
At Shiloh this flag was badly riddled with missiles, and during the advance on Corinth, much of the way through under- brush, it became so torn and damaged that it was returned to Capt. McGillicuddy, being replaced by a new set of Stars and Stripes, and a blue State flag, being the regiment's first set of colors. This was a short time before the battle of Corinth ard Watts was continued as color bearer, Corporal John W. Alexan- der of company F, being detailed as bearer of the State flag by order of Lient. Col. Swarthout, at that time commanding the regiment. The first fire under which these flags were placed was in the battle of Corinth, October 3rd and 4th, 1862, and it was there in the first days fight that the regiment lost one of its best and bravest men, John W. Alexander, who fell mortally
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wounded, lingering in life until the 22nd, when death set the signet of glory on his face and he slept for his country. No braver, gentler, nobler man ever lived than this modest and un- assuming soldier. Into the jaws of death he bore unflinchingly the ensign of his State, proud Illinois, and there met with his reward, the right to live forever in the hearts of a grateful people.
Concerning his fall in the battle, Sergeant Watts says: "I did not see Alexander fall, as at that time I was observing the enemy, who were pushing to our right and rear, seeing which I sent one of my guards to Col. Swarthout with the information. His attention thus called he immediately withdrew the regi- ment to the rear, but not until three lines of the enemy had passed our right flank, while others were passing to the rear on our left."
The regiment moving back slowly, had proceeded but a short distance when Alexander fell. but the banner had scarcely touched the ground when it was caught up by Corporal David Laughlin of company B, one of the color guards, and waved de- fiantly at the oncoming foe, as it in company with the Stars and Stripes slowly followed the regiment to the rear.
Continuing he writes :
"But on the next day the attack of the enemy was more desperate than before, and as our regiment had been pressed back into and through Corinth, and had charged and regained our old line, Captain Burnham of company C, came to me and said -Sergeant, hold the colors here, and I will stand by you as long as I live- Hardly had he spoken before he was struck in the shoulder by a minie ball and was compelled to leave the field." In these two days of fearful fighting our flags were dreadfully riven by shot and pieces of shell. They were carried through the Purdy march in December, 1862, and the Town Creek expe- dition of April, 1868, and by this time the banner had become so torn and tattered that it could not with safety be carried un- wrapped.
So passed away the spring and early summer of 1863. The regiment engaged in marching and guarding railroads, or
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
covering the lines to the rear. Whatever time was at command was spent in perfecting the regiment in drill. and with good ef- feet, for the regiment rapidly took first place in the division in company as well as regimental evolutions. It was, therefore, with delight and pride when, on the 17th of July, Capt. Cramer of company A, returned from Quincy bringing with him a pair of beautiful white silk guidons lettered in gold "'50th Ills, Vols." a present from Mrs. Col. Swarthout and her sister. The Cap- tain presented them to the regiment in a brief but touchingly "loquent speech which was responded to by Major Hanna, in words that burned into the souls of the men who heard. This addition to our colors made the old battle scarred flags look so shabby that the necessity was apparent for a new supply. Whereupon Major Hanna sent in a requisition for a new stand of colors, which was, in part, promptly honored, and on the 8th of August, 1863, a new banner was received and flung to the breeze for the first time in the famous brigade or test drill, mentioned on page 214.
There is not a member of the regiment then present but who will recall at the mere mention of the scene in camp on the morning when the flag, fresh, new and so beautiful and bright, was unrolled, and the old, battered and war tangled banner which had waved over the regiment in the battle's storm or skirmish line, or on weary. weary march was unrolled for the last time, so that all might look upon it again. It was like taking the last, long parting look at the face of a dear, dead loved one; and as the men inured to hardship, bronzed by the heated march or fiereer fire of battle, gathered around, many plucked a small bit from the tattered folds to be tenderly kept in the memory of comrades who had so willingly offered up their lives as a libation upon the altar of their country.
With new colors and guidons fluttering in the breeze ad- ded to the general, fine appearance of the regiment, the Fiftieth excited the admiration of the officers and men of the division.
The first baptism of fire to which these flags were expos- ed, was at Iuka, Mississippi, November 6th, 1863, as we moved into Tennessee. From thence on through the career of the regi- (27)
نصوصـ
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ment as mounted infantry, on the veteran furlough home, and back again through the campaign of 1864, from Lynnville, Ten- nessee, to Rome, Georgia, these colors led the regiment until they became so worn and tattered that further use could not i»: made of them.
It was while the regiment was at Rome that the follow- ing incident occurred in connection with our flags. The inhal- itants of the place, and more especially the women, were ex- ceedingly disloyal, and took every occasion offered to express their sentiments. Their conduct was annoying in the extreme. To teach a lesson as well as compel an outward respect for the flags, Major Hanna, on the 30th of May, caused them to be sus- pended over the sidewalk in front of headquarters, where all might have the privilege of passing under them. Many werd the bitter and scornful looks cast upon them as they swung in the breeze. Now and then a sight refreshing to loyal hearts was witnessed. An old gentleman as he walked beneath them. doffed his hat and bowed with courtly grace. An old lady who lived near by was observed sitting near her window, weeping tears of joy, she said, as she realized that "The Old Flag" had come to stay.
Through the columns of the Western Veteran, published at Kansas City. Missouri, July 18th, 1893, an inquiry was made as to who was on duty at headquarters that day, as guard which brought a reply from J. A. Hoops of company G, now a resi- dent of Ipava, Illinois. In response to a request to furnish his recollections of an incident which happened while he was on duty there Comrade Hoops furnishes the following :
"The headquarters of the Fiftieth Ill. Veteran Volunteer Infantry on the 80th day of May, 1864, was in a building loca- ted on the south side of Maine street, Rome, Ga., just at the foot of an incline as we went east. Immediately over the side- walk were suspended our regimental flags, while on the opposite side of the street were displayed in like manner, the colors of one of the other regiments of our brigade.
"About 2 o'clock p. m., on the above date the undersigned was posted as a sentry in front of our regimental headquarters.
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
and a part of the instructions was that all citizens passing to and fro on the walk, should go directly under the flag. At the hour above mentioned, two ladies came down the walk, one was quite matronly, probably thirty-five or forty years of age, while the other was a dazzling charmer scarcely out of her teens, and endowed with a superabundance of vivacity, vim and vindic- tiveness far above the requirements of the occasion, and was the spokeswoman of the pair; when near the flag they came to a HALT. LOOKED, first at it, then at the sen- try, and with evil eye and restless nerves give utterance to the following questions : ".What have you'ns all got that dirty rag hung over our sidewalks for?'
"Reply-Wo place our flag there so that the fair ladies of the south may have the honor of passing under their national emblem.
J. A. HOOPS, CO. G.
"Young lady -- with gnashing teeth, clenched fist and a countenance that bid defiance to all Yankeedom-'We'uns all want you'ns all to understand that we'uns belong to the confed- prate states of America, and we'uns won't go under your Yankee flag.'
"Reply -- You will go under your country's flag or stand here beneath its folds while we remain in your city.
"Young lady --. We'uns all will show you'ns all that Lin- coln's dogs can't come down here and tyranize over we'uns.'
"Whereupon she left the sidewalk and attempted to pass around the flag, at the same time hurling the following epithets at the flag and its supporters: 'You Lincoln hirelings, you Yankee dogs, we won't be thus insulted; you can't make us go under that detestable thing. We'uns would get down on our knees and crawl through the mud of our streets, before we'uns would do it.'
"By the time they had passed over the gutter, intending to go around the flag, the sentry presented them the point of his bayonet and commanded them to go back on the walk and
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pass under the flag, or consider themselves under arrest; (at this time the Colonel's orderly, Charley Hubert, came out from headquarters and assisted in trying to get them to pass under the flag and go on their way in peace), but they would not. and the young lady declared she had spit in the face of Col. Streight when a prisoner in their city, ( Col. Streight was captured by the rebels near Rome, Georgia, early in the spring of 1868). and would treat likewise any and all yanks that came in her way, whereupon she endeavored to execute her threat, but feel- ing the sharp point of a bayonet in her flesh, withheld her spittle, but continued her wrathful utterance until placed under arrest and taken into headquarters, where they listened to just such a lecture as only Major Hanna could administer. Having been properly admonished were again ordered to pass under the flag; they reluctantly obeyed, and were released from arrest. They again began their abuse of the flag, the Union soldiers. the government, and all connected with it, resulting in again being placed under arrest and ordered to walk the beat with the sen- try then on duty for the remaining part of the two hours, pass- ing under the flag every time they went up and down the beat Having repented of their folly they were released from arrest. and thanking the sentinel in good humor, went their way, wiser for their experience and with more respect for the Boys in Blue.
"Respectfully submitted, J. A. HOOPES,
Late of Co. G, 50th IN. V. V. Inf."
Of these two women, they both partook later of the bounty of Uncle Sam. The younger one cooking for a mess of company B, while the elder, a Mrs. Kitch, whose husband was in the rebel army, depended upon brigade headquarters for her food, and said she would never insult the old flag again, because we had been so generous with them.
On the 19th of June, 1861, the regiment received a new set of colors, and now a new difficulty presented itself. Here- toforo it had been the rule to detail, as color guard, corporals from the companies. these were excused from regular duty while
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thus detailed. thus causing their comrades of the same rank to have a larger proportion of company duty to perform. During Pr campaign the corporals thus detailed were considered as Isving a soft snap: besides this it had become a position of Fagor to be detailed as a COLOR GUARD, Mal had become a matter of individual . well as regimental pride, to have the honor of protecting our cherished flags. Brides numerous changes had been stade by death and disease, as well as att the line of promotion. Watts had Pewnie Orderly Sergeant. and others had been advanced, the vacancies be- roming filled by others. The duty of the guards is also to relieve the bearers. and at times fill their places when in- Serg': : che P. Randolph. Co. A. disposed. So on the 15th of July, 1864. the following orders were promulgated :
Palavra
HEADQUARTERS 50TH ILLS. INFT. VOLS .. Rome, Ga., July 15th, 1864. General Orders, 1. No. 3. 1. The following named enlisted men are hereby Atailed as Color Guards, and will report accordingly :
Corporal John P. Randolph, Company A. 50th Jis. Inf. Vols. David Laughlin. . B. .. ..
Slater Lewis,
. . C. .:
John N. Bradshaw. D. 66
:: .. Milo H. Riley. E.
.. .. .. John J. Babbitt. G.
.. . .. Henry Line, I. ..
II. The following named enlisted men are hereby detailed as Color Bearers, and will report accordingly :
Sergeant George N. Lane, Company E, 50th Ills. Inf. Vols. .. . .. James F. Lawson. G. - MERVIN CONVERSE. Maj. WM. HANNA. By order of Flod. and Acting Mijutant.
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The selection of this guard was the result of careful study upon the part of Major Hanna. and no higher compliment could have possibly been paid by commanding of- ficer to men than that bestowed by the Major in his choice of the few where all were so worthy. It redounds to his judgment as well as to the glory of the guard by him selected, that each man of them bore himself as worthy and well qualified for the trust. It was in- deed a high trust, a place of deep res- Corp. Teba N. Bradshaw, Ce. D. ponsibility, for where the colors go. there goes the regiment. The instances are rare indeed where a regiment turned its back to its flags. Hence the importance of a wise selection.
It will be observed that this detail contains the names of Corporal David Laughlin of company B, and Milo H. Riley of company E, who had served with distinction as color guards since early in 1862, and John N. Bradshaw of company D, who had been detailed as such previous to the Tuscumbia march. in April, 1863, and served continuously since as banner bearer.
(There may be others included in this service whose names have escaped the writer.)
The time having now arrived in which our nou-veterans were to leave us, caused vacancies in the ranks of the officers and non-commissioned officers in the companies which were filled by new appointments, and Corp'l John P. Randolph of company A, having been promoted to ser- geant, the following order was issued :
HEADQUARTERS 50TH ILLS. INF. VOLS ..
Rome, Ga., Sept. 28th, 1864.
Special Order, ) No. 45. $
Elijah Keadal', Co, A.
The following named enlisted men of company A, 50th
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Illinois Infantry Regt., are hereby detailed as Color Guards and will report for duty immediately :
Elijah Kendall, Cc. A, 50th Ills. Infantry Vet. Vols. By order of
Lieut. Col. WM. HANMA.
L. W. BLYSTONE,
Lieut. and Acting Adjutant.
The changes had been so many that the first days of Oc- tober was at hand before proper details had been made to fill up the various vacancies, and we find that when the assembly was sounded on the evening of October 4th, 1864, and we were to go to the relief of the garrison at Allatoona, that the two color sergeants were sick, Slater Lewis of company C, had been promoted ser- geant and was with his company, and Corporal Smith Nicholson was detailed in his stead. To him was given the honor of bearing one of the flags, and Corporal Riley the other. Borg't O. D, Lewis, Co. C.
It was not until in the battle of Allatoona that our new flags were called upon to pass through their first fiery ordeal. In this, one of the most terrific engagements of the war, both in point of desperate assault and a defense so resolute as to command the plandits of the world, the flag staff was struck three times by pieces of shell. the spear head falling at the feet of Captain Francis J. Dunn of company I. who deeming it of a character too sacred to be left upon southern soil, picked it up and has ever since held it in his own possession.
This was at the moment the regiment started on its charge down the hill to the relief of Col. Rowett, who was then in command of the brigade in the fort on the west side of the cut. After the fight was over, an examination showed the col- ors, in addition to the shattered staff, were riddled with holes.
It is proper before closing this chapter, to note the many
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changes in the history of the color guards of the regiment and the orders relative to the color bearers and guards, which are recorded in their proper order as far as possible.
It was found that in addition to the changes already ro- ferred to that in the loss of many of our brave comrades in the battle of Allatoona, was some of our non-commissioned officers. and as a result quite a number of the comrades now hold war- rants for promotion on which is endorsed in red ink :
"This soldier is promoted for bravery at the battle of Allatoona, fought October 5th, 1864.
WM. HANNA. Lieut. Col. Commanding."
At this date we cannot call them all by name, but quite a number of changes were then made, Corporal Bradshaw of company D, was promoted Sergeant and serving with his com- pany, and on the 10th of October, 1864, the following special orders were issued :
HEADQUARTERS 50TH ILLS. INF. Rome. Ga., October 10th, 1864. Special Orders, 1 No. 48.
The following enlisted men of company G, 50th Illi- nois Regiment Vet. Vols., are hereby relioved from duty as color bearer and will report to their commanding officers for duty immediately.
Sergeant James F. Lawson, Company G, 50th Ills. Inf.
By order of
Lient. Col. WM. HANNA,
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