USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 37
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pany F, while in camp south of Corinth, the boys. full of fun, always considered it a great joke if roll-call would pass and some one would be caught napping, thus being obliged to serve on extra duty. This soldier failed to turn out, and the boys. when dismissed, rushed to his quarters to pull him out. What was their astonishment to find him cold in death.
Lieut. Joo Morgan and John W. Alexander of Co. F, were fast friends and chums. The first is very small in size and measured only 5 ft. 43 inches, while the latter stood 6 ft. 2. As a recollection of the circumstance Joe writes as follows :
"CHARLIE-After the battle and surrender of Donelson you remember the slap-jacks we made with the flour we captur- ed, and the pork and molasses that we eat on those slap-jacks. Well, the exposure that we endured during the seige, and the rich grub we eat, and the river water we drank was too rich for our blood, and a great many of us got sick. However, I kept up while Alexander had to go to the hospital. I think he was sent to Mound City, and did not rejoin the regiment until after the battle of Shiloh. In talking it over he remarked that he was glad he was not there, "for," said he, "if I had been here, 1 would have been killed." I tried to laugh him out of the ho- tion but he said he knew that had he been at the battle of Shi- loh he would have been killed, and further he said, ho "knew he would be killed in the next battle he got into." I did not believe in any such presentiment, and told him so; from this he seemed to think that I would believe he was afraid to go into battle, for he said, "I don't propose to shirk duty, but I know I will be killed in the first battle I get into." He was detailed as color bearer and the result is recorded, HE FELL while gallantly waving the flag before the foe."
At Allatoona, Lemuel G. Poe of company B, while in the fort before the charge, came to Lieut. Dunlap and with the remark, "I will be killed to-day; here is fifty dollars. I want you to take and send it to my mother." The Lieutenant tried to persuade him that it was but a notion, and that he was as likely to be killed as he was. But he insisted on him taking it. which he did, Poe went into the fight with this weighing ou
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
his mind, but no better or braver soldier than he ever carried forty rounds. He was killed as the regiment reached the fort on the west side.
Of this comrade the following is told: Private Thomas D.aplain of company F. was fortunate to be left at Rome that day on guard. While sitting with others, conversing, he said to them, "I am sure Lem. Pce will be killed to-day." Joked about it he replied, "'tis no joking matter, the first news we Iwar of the boys we will hear of his death-mark my words," and so it proved to be.
Corporal Samuel Pike of company I, while riding on the ears to Allatoona, requested his chum, Corporal Andy M. Thomp- son, to take charge of his effects and send them to his mother. The request being gently refused by his comrado who, thinking it a whim caused by excitement and his nervousness, but being requested again, with tears, consented. He was the only son of a widow, his brother having been killed a few days previous, wrving in a cavalry regiment. On the 5th, just as the regiment reached the fort on the west side, he fell with a bullet through his head, but a few feet from Lemuel Poe.
These items are written here as an illustration of what was constantly occuring among all the troops. After the bat- the of Shiloh it was seldom that a request from any of the boys to do such a favor was ever disregarded or made sport of.
. The sick in hospital and camp, always missed the gentle care of female attendants, and the boys who were fortunato whough to be attended by them in their illness have always bon filled with gratitude.
To Mrs. Colonel Bane, who was devoted to the care of the sick, not only in the hospital but the camp, will ever be tendered our fondest regards. Too much praise cannot be be- stowed upon her and her friends for their gentle ministrations.
One very remarkable experience in hospital work, was the difference of behavior and bearing the phin, suffering and discomforts of our Union men and the rebels. Our men were patient, brave and grateful, full of fortitude. The rebs were cross, whining, complaining and ungrateful for services rend-
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ered. The rebel Surgeons were indifferent to their men's con- dition, and would not do anything for them unless compelled to, while prisoners, saying it was our business to attend their wounded. In the hospital service of the Fiftieth there never was made any difference in attending the needs of any soldier wounded or sick, whether he wore the blue or grey. Help was extended to both as far as our ability permitted. Some few of the rebs appreciated the labor and kindness, but many cursed the hands that blessed them.
We regret that we cannot follow the fortunes of all the members of the hospital force, but of these we write: W. W. Pond was promoted to Hospital Steward and served with the regiment until mustered out. July 13th, 1865.
Thomas H. Leslie of company G, was appointed Hospital Steward, U. S. A., on the 13th day of February, 1864, by Major General H. W. Halleck, and served in the field with the 16th A. C., as witness the following :
MEDICAL DIRECTOR'S OFFICE. ) HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT & ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Kennesau Mt., Ca., July 1, 1864. ) Hospital Steward T. H. Leslie, U. S. A., is directed to proceed to the hospital of the 16th A. C., at Allatoona. Ga., with stores for the sick and wounded of that corps, at that place.
By order Maj. Gen'l McPHERSON.
D. L. HUNTINGTON,
Ass't Surg. U. S. A., Ass't Med. Dir.
Surgeon James A. Williams was mustered into the regi- ment in the fall of 1864, joined the regiment at Savannah, Ga. His service with us, of but a few months, demonstrated ability and skill, and his ministrations were kindly and gratefully re- ceived, and fondly cherished by all who knew him.
Our chapter on this subject will not be complete without a few words of commendation to our old nurse, George C. Bar- tells, who from the very first, while at St. Joseph, was detailed
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
as a nurse in the hospital. This, to many of the boys, was con- sidered a soft snap. He was continually on duty at the regi- mental hospital, and at no time relieved for more than three or four days; in fact, and beyond question, to him many of the boys may attribute their recovery from the dangerous sickness from which they suffered. We remember his positive attention while, as head nurse at the hospital south of Corinth, when it became evident that a number of the boys, prefering to lay in camp to doing duty on camp and picket guard in the hot sun, would report to the Doctors as sick and get excused from duty ; having received their medicine to be taken in their quarters, would throw it away and the path from the hospital to regi- mental quarters was strewn with medicine. George soon stop- ped that, and it was with great disgust, when the patients being handed a pint cup nearly half full of castor oil, was com- manded to "take it down, at once sir! RIGHT NOW! That's the orders!" "Tis needless to say the cure was effectual and the health of the troops improved at once.
At Lynnville the hospital was in a church; the seats were turned two together, making very comfortable cots, occu- pied by two lying feet to feet. Here members of several regi- ments were treated, and the force was insufficient to attend them-to lift and care for these helpless men was a heavy task, and during this work George gave out one day completely. He was picked up and carried to a cot and there for several days he lay in an almost helpless state. This was while the regi- ment was enjoying its veteran furlough. On the march he was one of the hospital force until we reached Resacca, when they were left behind to attend the wounded. Arriving at Kingston after the regiment had gone to Rome, and no communication being established, the whole force, including the Chaplain, were ordered to the front by General Dodge, as attendants at the di- vision field hospital. Here he finished his term of. service, ex- cepting a few weeks at Rome, where he was mustered out Sept. -th, 1864, with his health impaired, as simply Private George C. Bartells.
George C. Bartells was born July 1st, 1841, in the village
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of Rheden, Kingdom of Hannover, Germany. His father re- moved with his family to the U. S. A. in 1853, settling in Vir- ginia, in the part now known as West Virginia, but slavery was there, and as a freedom seeking and loving person could not reconcile himself to a slaveholding community. The family removed to Illinois in 1855, where the mother died a few weeks after arrival. The family being broken up, George C. was taken into the family of C. H. Case of Warsaw, Hancock county, III., where he attended the high school for three years and had just entered the preparatory department of Quincy College when the war broke out and he, with most of the students, enlisted in the army. He belonged to the Quincy Cadets which, under Lieut. Letton, formed a contingent to company C.
ENTRANCE TO SHILOH CEMETERY.
CHAPTER XXIV
FIFTIETH REGIMENT ILLS, VOL. INFT Y RE-UNION ASSOCIATION.
Organization of the Association-History Talk-Slow Work-Getting Down to Business - Enjoyable Times.
IT is deemed fitting that a brief account should be given of the above organization which shall comprehend its lifo from commencement to the present time. A letter written by Comrade Lewis F. Collins of company F, now a resident of Macomb, Ills., contained the following item, is taken from the Macomb Journal of October 7th, 1886.
1886.
"On Wednesday, September 29th, at the Military Tract Reunion, held at Bushnell, Illinois, a number of the boys of the old Blind Half Hundred came together and effected an organi- zation of the Fiftieth Illinois. The meeting was called to order by Col. M. M. Bane of Quincy, Ill. L. R. Collins of company F, of Macomb, was chosen president and Dr. Wm. S. Strode of G, of Bernadotte, secretary. It was decided to call the organi- zation "The Veteran Association of the 50th Illinois Infantry."
Captain S. W. King, Co. G, now of La Harpe, Ills .; C. Covert, Co. E, of Bushnell, and Dr. W. S. Strode, were selected as a committee of correspondence, and were instructed to com- municate with as many of the old boys as possible. The secre- tary was instructed to publish a call inviting all members of the regiment to attend the Re-union and Soldier's Home Dedica-
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tion at Quincy, Illinois, on October 19th, 20th and 21st, 1857. for the purpose of effecting a permanent organization. The meeting to convene at 1:30 p. m. of the 20th.
In pursuance of this action a meeting was held as set forth in a minute of the proceedings as follows :
1887.
"On the 20th of October, being the second day of the Re- union and dedication of the Soldier's Home at Quincy, about seventy-five members of the regiment being present, what is re- corded as the First annual re-union took place, and the follow- ing officers were elected for the ensuing year :
"Col. M. M. Bane, President. "Lieut. Col. Wm. Hanna, Vice President. "Capt. S. W. King, company G, Secretary. "Adjourned to meet at the call of the officers." 1888.
At the Second annual re-union, held at Quincy, October 9th, 10th, and 11th, after a season of great enjoyment and profit the old officers were re-elected with the exception of secretary. Capt. S. W. King, who was then sick in his last illness. Lieut. C. F. Hubert was chosen to that office.
At this re-union it was decided to publish a history of the regiment, and the name of the organization was changed to its present title, "50th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry Re-union Association."
On the 11th of October the association, in company with members of the 3rd Missouri cavalry, 7th Illinois cavalry and 27th Illinois infantry, marched out to the Soldier's and Sailor's Home and held a camp-fire, with the regular army dish of beans, sow-belly and hard-tack.
1889.
The Third re-union was also held in Quincy, September 18th and 19th, at the same time as the Military Tract Associa- tion of Illinois. At this meeting plans were proposed by which the work of publishing the history could proceed. The officers elected this year were:
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Lieut. Col. W'm. Hanna, President.
Capt. W. K. Haselwood, Vice President.
Priv. Geo. C. Bartells, Treasurer.
Adj't C. F. Hubert, Sec'y.
Numerous letters of regret were received from absent members. and among them was the following tribute from Col. . Bane to the officers and men of the Fiftieth :
WASHINGTON, D. C., Sept. 18th, 1889. My Dear Comrades of the 50th Ills. Inft'y;
I have hoped during all the past year that I should have the great pleasure of being with you at this re-union. As the text best thing I will. talk to you through this letter. It has occurred to me, and I presume to you as well, that in the great organizations of our national military force, regiments come nearer being a military family in all that pertains to the fam- ily than any other sub-division. The time, manner and local- ity in which our regiment was raised, largely contributed to make the survivors of the "Old Blind Half" feel more and more like a family of brothers. The ideas and spirit that recruited our regiment sprang out of the firing on Sumpter, the 14th day of April, 1861. The patriotic people of the nation, especially the great North. as one man, sprang to arms in defense of the insulted flag and imperiled union.
Most of you will remember the mighty political influ- wners that were added to the rising resistless wave of patriot- i-m. by the grand and manly stand taken by Stephen A. Doug- las, which at once brought to the help of our country his most powerful political supporters, such as our mighty commander Grant, and the greatest of our volunteer soldiers, John A. Logan.
The fact is that more than half the regiment was made up in our own county; it was contemplated for a time to call it The Adams County Regiment. It is not likely that so large a number of soldiers from any other one county in the State, save. perhaps. Cook, attached themselves to any one regiment a- was the case with the Fiftieth Illinois. It is also true that
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the bulk of the regiment was recruited from the farms and small villages. It is highly gratifying to all of us living to-day to know that it was the loftiest motives of patriotism that fill- ed our ranks; no sordid motives of gain or bounty from the nation, or of gain or extra pay from the State, county or city ; but purely from that love of country and home, which makes a liberty loving people unconquerable.
As I look upon our re-unions as the gathering together of the loving survivors of the old regimental family, I shall write to you in a homelike spirit and not for the public eye or the critic that knows nothing of the sacred, sad and trying experi- ences that have so closely knit our hearts together; so now let us look into one another's faces and talk frankly. I think I can say to you all, that we had as good a regiment in all res- pects as ever went into the service. Our regiment went through the war and was honorably mustered out at its close, and came back to civil life with an honorable military record, marching home in triumph under an awarded banner, which proclaimed the regiment the first of all the regiments of the great Army of the Tennessee in both drill and discipline. Such a marked evi- dence of discipline and drill is not only the best evidence of its value and military worth in time of war, but also the best evi- dence of its sterling moral tone, and that at the close of the war the regiment would step back into elevated and progressive citizenship.
During all its varied military history no serious disaster of any kind ever fell to its lot. Its commanders never suffered it to be lured into ambush or led into disaster and capture. It has never been charged with robbery, debauchery or other crime. nor has it ever been in any way dishonorably disciplined by any of its commanders during the war.
We had the good fortune to be a part of the Army of the Tennessee, whose first commander was General Grant, the na- tion's greatest commander. Our regiment was in the field early, only a few small battles had been fought before we were at the front ready for service. After these we were in the front line till the close of the war; from Forts Henry and Donelson, Shi
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
Joh. Seige of Corinth, Iuka, Corinth and Hatchee, on and in all the marches, seiges and battles under the immortal Sherman, down to the sea ; witnessing the last enemy surrender, and fin- ally was a part of the triumphal march and great review at the nation's capital. With what pride, joy and exultation every man who was mustered out at Louisville, returned to his home and his loved ones, who had been waiting and praying for your return at the close of a bloody war for a redeemed country.
I have, as yet spoken only of the general character of the regiment; the ideas, influences and circumstances under which it grow and became such a military organization as it did finally, of which we may all be proud. I have said not a word of the work or influence of any company or person, private or officer.
The sacred brotherly and charitable feelings of our com- radship will protect the ashes of our dead, as well as the char- arters of our living ones, from unjust and harsh criticism, no matter what their failings or shortcomings. Let us, however, Www. hold, frank and most generous in talking of the good, brave and honorable work and influence of those, either dead or liv- ing, whose every effort was to build up and discipline the regi- mont. We will therefore examine the roster of men and ofii- vers; let us speak especially of some of the good but modest
The original Field and Staff will compare favorably with most regiments that went from our State.
Col. W'm. Swarthout will always be remembered for his uniform kindness of heart towards every soldier, and for his unusual industry and efficiency in all and every duty pertain- ing to his rank and position until his disability took him out of the service. Now in his declining years and his broken health let us, in Loyalty, remember him with the warmest fra- ternity.
Col. Gaines. All who knew him well, knew him to be one of the most conscientious, brave and true officers in the w/rvice : naturally a high minded man, with a very strong reli- vions character. he was never known to use a profane word.
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Col. Hanna was his best friend and warm admirer, and he told me that even when Gaines was mad, that the worst word he ever heard him use was, "Now boys, by Jo Betsy, I won't stand it." Even when under fire he would say, "by Jo Betsy boys, give it to 'em -- pour it into 'em !"
I have heard that Col. Hanna tells of a dream he had a few nights after Shiloh, in which he makes Gaines figure. He dreamed he and others of the regiment died and, of course went to Heaven. Apostle Peter opened the trap door from time to time, as one after another knocked for admittance, when finally Gaines put his bald head up Peter put his foot on it and said, "Go back and come up here right end foremost," but Col. Han- na stepped forward and explained to Peter and at once Gaines was admitted and Peter apologized. There is one thing about Hanna's dream that we all know will come true, when Colonel Gaines does die, Peter will let him into Heaven as quickly as he will any man from the Fiftieth Illinois. All that know him will never forget that in all and every emergency in his entire service, he was brave, cool and vigilant. We well remember the compliment paid him, and you all of the Fiftieth Illinois. on the bloody field of Shiloh, by General Grant, for planting yourselves in line of battle at a charge bayonets, to check and turn back the appalling rout of some of our troops. Nor have we forgotten his gallantry when, in command of a squad that charged upon and captured twice their number with their com- · mander, Major Fontaine, in Tennessee, near Pulaski, where nothing but real dash, with lots of good sense, saved his life and his brave little command. His memory will be ever dear and sweet in our hearts.
Col. Wm. Hanna is doubtless with you to-day, and I know no greeting is warmer than his. I have many things I would like to say of Col. Hanna, but I know him to be so mod- est that I fear I might in his judgment overstep what I might regard as prudent bounds. To his care and industry, military skill and indomitable perseverence, more than any other man. is due the good discipline, character, military standing and skill of our regiment. It was but a fitting compliment that
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FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
our noble State recognized Col. Hanna's worth, and upon his return home commissioned him to train and instruct our sons in the art of war. And that, also, was placed in his care and keeping that precious silk banner, that symbol of regimental honor, won by him and you, in a contest with hundreds and thousands of disciplined and battle scarred soldiers of the Army of the Tennessee. He still lives and is among us enjoy- ing his well earned honors, an illustration of that beautiful scripture, that "the ways of the righteous man are ways of pleasantness and his paths are paths of peace"-long may he live and blessed will be his memory.
Of our Surgeons, all taken together, we may well say no regiment was ever better equipped. Of the Surgeon in Chief, Dr. Kendall, so ardently devoted was he to the old "Blind Half Hundred," with which he enlisted for the war, that when offer- ed high promotion of the staff of Gen'l Grant, he refused the honor because it would take him away from his first love, the Fiftieth Illinois. He served his time out and returned to his home and his profession, in which he is truly profound. As the friend of the old, broken and disabled soldier, no army Surgeon surpasses him ; so that when he gets to Heaven he will rank like Corporal Tanner; Kendall, for rating most highly the crippled and disabled soldier's disabilities, and Tanner for ra- ting most highly the poor soldier's pensions. His skill, learn- ing and experience was the sure protection of all our wounded, sick or disabled. No disaster, mischief or other serious trouble ever came to our hospital, or to any of its inmates, while he was at its head. No mistakes were made either with his knife or his drugs. The great cause for which the regiment was fighting was near to his heart. Every wounded and bleeding soldier from the field, brought to his hospital, was a fresh reminder of the great principles of Liberty.and Justice, for which the sol- dier fell.
Such was the material of our Surgeon in Chief, and you all know that our First Assistant Surgeon, my brother, was like him in devotion to duty. In helping the sick and wounded at, Chicamauga he caught his death and now sleeps in a soldier's
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grave. So it was in all our departments, especially in our quartermaster and commissary department. Wm. Keal, our quartermaster, I knew before the war, during the war, and have known him ever since the war. A more kind hearted, gener- ous and honest man does not exist. (It is true he once thought he was in trouble and it greatly worried him because he was honest and wanted every thing right; but his accounts were adjusted and not one breath of suspicion rested any where against his official integrity.)
Quartermaster Henry King was really quite a wonder in that line. He was truly a master spirit in that great depart- ment. He grew in skill, in ability, in rank, and still more in honor, from the time he entered till the close of the war, and has been growing all the time since the war, and is now editor of one of the greatest papers in our country. We may well be proud of Captain Henry King.
I wish I had time to speak of other dear ones who have helped in making up the character of our regiment, some of whom are among the first business men of our country.
Let us not forget Charles F. Hubert and his spotless record. He was brave as the bravest when and wherever tried, and never found wanting; through rain, hail and storm. in camp, on the march or on the battle-field; the old "blind half" always got her mail when "Charley" was our post master,
Private Cheney of company A, became a scientific phy- sician and figured in foreign medical journals.
Private George C. Bartells, company C, is well known in Adams county as one of our most reliable citizens, and a prac- tical druggist. During his long service he was noted for his kindness and skill in the care of our hospital patients, and among his neighbors no man stands higher for sterling char- acter.
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