USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 41
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Notwithstanding the military training the tactics were new and all had to be learned over again. At the organization of the regiment the election of officers resulted in the election of J. W. Smith, Captain ; Henry E. Horn, 1st Lieutenant; Wil- liam H. Harbison, 2nd Lieutenant, and non-commissioned offi- cers as in the roster.
A few days after going into camp William B. Brown sud- denly sickened and passed away; the first to be laid upon our country's altar. Although not having been sworn in as a sol- dier, he is entitled to a hero's honor.
As a company it stood high in military conduct and
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served with distinction, participating in all the moves and bat- tles in which the regiment was engaged. Wason detached duty at Snake Creek Gap, as division headquarters guard two days, and at Savannab, Ga,, where it remained until we moved to Sister's Ferry, when it was relieved by company B of the 57th Illinois, at the earnest request of Col. Hanna, as he desired their services during the campaign through the Carolinas. At Louis- ville, Ky., it was again detailed by Captain Evarts and served at division headquarters as guard, and had the honor of bearing to the regiment, from division headquarters, the Prize Banner won at the great competitive drill July Brd, 65.
Of the service of this company it is impossible to enu- morate it in detail ; suffice it to say that the most of it, as with the others, is recorded in the preceding pages. The first to re- sign was Capt. John W. Smith, by reason of poor health, and then the usual changes followed. Ho was succeeded by Henry E. Horn, and he by John Dunlap, who was 28 years of age and married when he enlisted as a private, 20th of August '62; To- enlisting as a veteran in '61. At the close of the war had passed through the various grades of Corporal and Ser- geant and was mustered out as Captain. Has been in the railway mail service for the past 13 years, and resides at West Line, Mo.
James W. Anderson. a blacksmith by trade, married and 29 years of age; enlisted as a private in company B August 20, and was mustered into the service as 1st Ser- grant Sept. 12th, 1861. June 2ND LIEUT. J. W. ANDERSON. Ist, 1802, he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and served with his company until at Corinth, Miss , in August. After the celebrated prize drill of August 8th. 1-6%, (sor page 211. ) he
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was detailed on staff duty at brigade headquarters with Col. M. M. Bane commanding the brigade, and continued as such until the departure of Col. Bane for home, when he was detailed as A. D. C. to General Vandever, and with him went to the front. It was his privilege and duty to bear the famous dispatches for Allatoona, from Gen. Vandever to the signal officer and the re- plies back, recorded on page 304, and may be seen represented on page 305 intently and anxiously observing through his field glass, from the top of Kennesaw Mountain, the desperate fight then in progress at Allatoona.
In the fall he went with Gen. Vandever to Louisville. thence proceeding, by way of New York, to Savannah, Ga., in charge of the headquarters equipments, where he arrived about the 25th of January, '65, and was mustered out on the 27th.
Lieut. Anderson was a good soldier, prompt and efficient, and took great pride in performing the duties assigned him. His picture, as he appears to-day, may be seen in the group of History committee.
W. H. B. Hinson enlisted at Camp Wood on the 20th of August, 1861; served as Corporal until April '62. when he was promoted to Duty Sergeant. After the battle of Corinth was promoted to Ordinance Sergeant by Spe- cial Order No. 53, Nov. 19, and relieved March 23, 1863, and promoted to 1st Sergeant company B. June 10, 1805, received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant and was discharg- ed at Springfield, Ill., July 13. '65. Participated in ,all the 2ND LIEUT. W. H. B. HINSON. engagements in which the regiment took part during the war, including the march to the sea and the grand review at Washington.
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Geo. W. Burke, private, by occupation a farmer, enlisted at Quincy, August 12th, '62, and joined his company in the field at Corinth soon af- ter. But after a year's hard service, on account of failing health, he was detailed as a clerk with Capt. H. L. Burn- ham, Provost Marshal, and ' afterwards as clerk at head- quarters 4th division, 15th A. C., which position on account of sobriety and punctuality, he retained until the end of his term. He was on Sher- man's march to the sea, and from Savannah to Washing- ton, D. C., at which place he GEORGE W. BURKE. was mustered out, May 26th, 1565. Returning to his home at Elm Grove, Ill., he at once began farming. This being a little too heavy for his physical make up he turned his attention to fruit growing, in which he has been successful, and now has one of the largest orchards in the State. He has always held positions of honor and trust, and is at present Postmaster and running a thriving country store at Pine Grove, Ill.
R. M. EWING.
Robert M. Ewing was one of the boys who enlisted Aug. 20, 1861, and re-en- listed : served to the final wind up and was discharged with his company. He was promoted to a Corporal in April '62; was a faithful soldier, always ready for duty, and on many occasions served on duty as Sergeant, in charge of details for some special service. Corporal Ewing was wounded by the explosion of an- munition at Fort Henry, with Abe Cas- sell and Isaac Frey, see account on page
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61-also slightly wounded at Buzzard's Roost, and again at Allatoona ; he was born in Schuyler county, Ill., July 10, 1835; has resided in Kansas for the past 16 years, on a good farm near Arlington. Is a member of Post 242; has raised a family of six boys, attends all re-unions that are held within reach, and votes as he shot.
Peter Huddleston, now of Monument, Kansas, a farmer, aged 17 when he enlisted at Clayton in company B, as a private. Served with the regiment continuously and enlisted as a veter- an. Was wounded at Lay's Ferry May 15, '64, in both knees, and mustered out with the company July 13, '65. Peter is one of the comrades who, having done his duty well in defense of the old flag, has great pride in the credit of company B, and furnished the copy of the order of drill at Corinth, Aug. S, '63, for this book that it may be placed to the credit of the boys.
William H. Harbison when enlisted was a resident of Clayton, married, aged 28, and by profession a school teacher. Enlisted as a Sergeant and Sept. 12, '61, was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant to date from August 20, '61. Was slightly wounded at Fort Donelson, in the side, by a canister shot. Served with his company nine months and in June 1862, was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. July 1862 was ordered to Quincy, Illinois, on recruiting service and returned to the regiment at Corinth in January 1863; was detailed as Acting Adjutant, and having served four months was detailed as Acting R. Q. M. and as such served the remainder of his term, being mustered out at Rome, Ga., Sept. 15, '64, on account of expiration of term of service. He was succeeded by John D. Ruddell, who enlisted as a private and promoted step by step until when he was discarged, July 1865, he wore the straps of a 1st Lieutenant.
David Laughlin was 23 years of age, unmarried, a farmer and resided near Clayton. Enlisted at the organization of the company and was wounded in the left hand at Shiloh. In June 1862, he was promoted to Corporal, and a short time previous to the battle of Corinth was verbally detailed as Color Guard, and is specially mentioned in the report of Col. J. V. DuBois, commanding the brigade, for bravery. ( See page 156.) He .
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was continued as guard and Color Bearer until June 1864, at Rome, when he was detailed in the first regular detail. Was in all the marches, battles and skirmishes except Allatoona, and bore the flag through every creek and swamp to the sea, through the Carolinas and the Grand Review, back to Louis- ville, Ky., and was there promoted to Sergeant and mustered out with the company. Of Sergeant Riley Dave says: "Riley of company E, was always right there with Banner or Flag. What is the differance? We both stood up to be shot at. He was a brave man, and I liked him."
Preston Lathrop was 19 years of age, unmarried; a far- mer. also residing near Clayton. Enlisting as a private in July 1561, was mustered into the service with the company to date from August 20. Was promoted to Corporal in '62, and wounded in the shoulder at Shiloh. Promoted to Sergeant and was with Lieut. Col. Gaines at the capture of Major Fontaine, Dec. 15, 1-63, and has in his possession one of the Major's pistols as a trophy of the event. He re-enlisted and was detailed to go to Illinois with Col. Gaines, on recruiting service, preceeding the regiment on their veteran furlough, and was detailed on de- tached duty with Thompson's Scouts for two months for Gen. Vandever, returning to the company for duty a few days before the battle of Allatoona, where he was wounded in the head. Soon after he was detailed as Color Sergeant ( see his picture in flag chapter). " At Savannah was taken sick, rejoining the com- panyat Goldsborough, and was mustered out with the company . Now resides at Lebenon, Mo., with wife and six children, five boys and one girl. to
J. A. Scoggan, now of Cowgill, Mo., was a recruit, enlist- "d Feb. 11, 1864, and his experience is worth relating. Not having his description I cannot give his exact age, but he was nothing but a boy, of a jovial nature, and enlisted expecting to have some fun. On the 22nd of June he, with Corporal Rob- bins and Pri. Nookes and Sweed were captured, as related on page 280, were taken to Cave Spring the first night. There were joined by 30 other prisoners who had been captured the . day before, were then marched to Blue mountain, distant about
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75 miles, put on the cars and taken to Cahaba Ala., on the Ca- haba river: stayed there until some time in November, when the prison became so crowded that 500 of them were sent out to Mastodon, Miss., and placed in a stockade two months. While here Gen. A. J. Smith got too close and they were ship- ped back to Cahaba. Remained there until in March 1.5. when they were all brought to Vicksburg. Miss., for exchange. The four of company B wore together all the time until they got to our lines at Vicksburg, when they were all taken sick. Robbins and Nookes were sent to the hospital at Vieksburz. While Seoggan was exchanged on a special order of 25, the rest were sent through two weeks later. Robbins died in the hos pital at St. Louis.
Lewis Slater exhibited bravery unparalleled. Wounded in the ankle on the first day at Shiloh, he lay on the ground while the enemy passed over and beyond him, far to the rear. As they passed he would fire until they were beyond his reach. as opportunity offered. He lay on the fieldl all night, and as the enemy fled the next day, pursued by Buell, he began to fire as they passed. He had when the battle began forty round- of ammunition and fired all but three. This soldier lived near La Prairie, Adams county, Illinois.
Sergeant Edmund O. Yoldell was one of the old guard~ left it to onlist in company D 10th Infty. April 1861: having served his first enlistment was one of the first to enlist at the organization of this company, and was mustored in as Ith Cor- poral. He was a good soldier-handicapped from promotion by stammering, but very efficient in anything he was ordered! to do. Re-enlisted and promoted Sergeant, he was, on the los of May, near Calhoun, directed by Gen. Corso in person to move forward with the skirmish line in his charge, left oblique, and join on General Vrache's line. He did not find Gen. Veache'- line, but did find Pat. Clayborn's men-the johnnie --- coming on a double quick. At Rome, Ga., he was detailed to take charge of the burial force, and under his care the cemetery ( .... page 289) was prepared. Comrade Yeldell was discharged as Sergeant and has rendered valuble assistance in this work.
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In connection with company B it will be well to record the following short reminiscence of the Irish brigade of com- pany E, and their so-called supernumary, George Ketzley of company B :
While the regiment was doing police and patrol duty in Corinth, the following incident occurred. The Irish brigade was composed of three Irish boys of company E and one of their chums, George Ketzley of company B, a German. They were about the same size; small in stature, but very vigilant in dis- charging every known duty ; consequently they made good pat- rols. The writer being officer of the guard reported with them to the Provost Marshal, Capt. Van Sellers of the 12th Illinois. Before relieving the old guard an order was read which prohib- ited officers or soldiers from using or riding in buggies or vehi- cles of any kind, other than government, and authorized all guards to arrest any and all persons so offending. The Irish brigade, with their supernumary, was on the first relief and ordered out; while they were near each other, seeing in the dis- tance a carriage approaching, they formed a line across the street and at the proper time halted the turnout, which proved to be General Sweeney, our division commander-who had issued the order-and his driver. The General was very wrathy and told the boys, as he had issued the order, of course it did not apply to him. The boys told him they would carry out their instructions at all hazzards, and commanded forward, march, which command was obeyed, the brigade occu- pying the following positions, one of the brigade holding the bit of the off horse, the 2nd on the right side of the carriage op- posite the door, the 3rd on the left in the same position, and the 4th in rear. During the march to the provost office the General, in very rough language, abused the boys, threatened them with arrest and punishment unless they released him, but finding that he could not bluff nor seare them, changed his tactics and begged them to release him as it would injure his standing as their division commander. The General's kind words availed him nothing. Onward they moved, heeding not his threats or entreaties; arriving at the Provost Marshal's
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office the carriage was halted and its occupants reported. The General asked for an explanation. The Provost Marshal refer- red him to his own order prohibiting officers and soldiers from riding in carriages, &c. He then ordered the boys to release the General and let him go. The General did not tarry; he immediately returned to his headquarters and modified his order so as to give him the privilege of using a carriage when it suited his convenience.
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COMPANY C
WA AS composed of three distinct elements from which vol- unteer soldiers were drawn. The Payson Guards, the Quincy Cadets and persons of various vocations, and equally patriotic with those two organizations, but unattached to any company and knowing little of military matters.
The Payson Guards were organized during the spring and early summer of 1861, by W. M. Gooding assisted by H. L. Burnham. It was common to hold citizens meetings and the people of Payson, as of other places, encouraged the gatherings and as.the "war feelings" developed the company was organized and drilled. W. M. Gooding having had the advantage of some military training while a member of the "Quincy Blues," was chosen Captain.
The Guards soon developed into quite a large company, and became well trained in the school of the soldier and com- pany, as far as this could be accomplished without arms.
The company always showed much pride in maneuvering and upon one occasion, July 4th, 1861, was placed upon their mettle by the presence of Capt. T. W. Gaines' command, from Stone's Prairie, which afterwards became company D of the Fif- tieth. Capt. Gaines being an old soldier, having seen service in Mexico, kept the Guards doing their best the entire time.
The Guards did good service for the country by attend- ing, as an organization, many meetings and enthusing the peo- ple with patriotism by their presence.
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About this time a report was sent to the company that the rebels, under Price, were approaching Hannibal, Mo. The company being requested to re-inforce the 16th Illinois Inft'y then on duty at that place. Capt. Gooding and his co-worker, Lieut. Burnham, with about forty others, responded to the call, but the enemy failed to appear; there were no gaping wounds and the boys all took a "square" meal at home next morning.
Upon notice that the services of the company would be accepted a union between it and the second element referred to in the beginning of this article, the Quincy Cadets, was formed.
The Cadets were composed mostly of mere lads yet in their teens, sons of good families of Quincy. They had been instructed, directly and indirectly, by Captain, afterwards Gen., B. M. Prentiss. Their Captain, Theodore W. Letton, and a number of the men were models in the drills peculiar to the in- dependent military organizations of the time, and all were justly proud of the reputation of the company.
Capt. Letton having joined the Guards with about twenty of his men so increased the number that tents were obtained and the company went into camp at Payson, with W. M. Good- ing as Captain, Theodore W. Letton 1st Lieutenant and Horace L .. Burnham as 2nd Lieutenant. The company remaining at Payson a few days recruited, among others, M. M. Bane, H. W. Kendall, Garner H. Bane, Wm. Keal, T. Jeff. Brown, Samuel E. Hewes, Jno. W. Fisher, Geo. Walker, George Morris and Chas. C. Sprague. This strong force of the field and staff, commis- sioned and non-commissioned, gave to company C the appella- tion of "Bane's Rifle Guards," and was sometimes called the "Payson regiment."
Following is a copy of the notice of acceptence, by the State, of the company's service :
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF ILLINOIS, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, . Springfield, August 10th, 1861.
Cupt. Wm. M. Gooding and T. W. Letton,
Quincy. Gentlemen :- Your company is accepted and you will .
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proceed immediately to Camp Butler, Sangamon county. Your attention is particularly directed to the enclosed orders, which must be strictly complied with. Telegraph from Quincy when and by what train you will move and when arrive at camp.
Yours truly,
(Signed)
JOHN P. LOOMIS, Ass't Adj't General.
As related by one of the company :
The order quoted above was received August 12th, but through the influence. of friends who were interested in the or- ganization of a regiment to be composed of Adams county men, the order was rescinded, we moved to Quincy and became com- pany C, (color company) of the Fiftieth.
While at Quincy we continued to fill up the ranks of the company, thus introducing the third element, men from all parts. These men proved as trustworthy as any others, and assumed places of responsibility equally as well.
Having been in camp a few days the boys desired to march out to Payson for a little recreation, expecting to return the next day. On the route, near Webster school, Quincy, Mike Ward and Wm. Miller were met, duly enrolled and given passes to camp. They proved to be good soldiers and a credit to the company. The company then proceeded on the march to Pay- son, where it arrived in due time, happy and pleased, and were . grected by friends who assured them that rest and food were at their command.
The reader has heard probably, of. the man who did not hang, when all was in readiness, because of a horseman with the pardon. In this case we were about to break ranks when, lo! just in the "nick of time," a horseman with "foaming steed" dashed upon the scene. We did not expect any pardons, but a little rest. The horseman was none other than the Adjutant with orders for our immediate return to camp, circumstances having occurred that made our presence necessary.
An immediate return would have done but we were not ready to go. The good people hustled us off to their homes
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where we were fed and housed in a manner that was a sweet re- lief after our few days of unaccustomed camp life.
In due time Charley Fee's drum aroused us to the seri- ousness of life and the uncertainties of war. Assembling on the public square we found so many conveyances that none were compelled to march back to camp, and many returned un- crowded by soldiers or others. At the time we did not know that this spontaneous expression of hospitality and good will was the last touch of sympathy or lips of loved ones before en- tering upon the stern realities of cruel and relentless war. The time had come "When brothers must fight, and sisters must stay at home."
At Fort Donelson company C was still color company, but by April 1st, such changes had taken place among company officers that from 3rd C became 2nd company with place on the left wing of regiment in line of battle.
About July 10, 1862, Capt. Gooding resigned and Lieut. Letton, preferring to be Adjutant, refused promotion. This re- sulted in the promotion of Lieut. H. L. Burnham to Captain, Ist Sergeant Geo. R. Naylor 1st Lieutenant and Serg't Samuel P. Starrett to 2nd Lieutenant. 1
During the battle of Corinth, Lieut. Naylor, who was in command of company G, received a sua-stroke at the beginning of the fight and that company was attached to C for the day.
. On the second day of the battle Capt. Burnham was dan- gerously wounded through the right breast and the command devolved upon Lieut. Starrett.
With the exception of a few days the company served continuously with the regiment.
It is not possible to mention, individually, all the mem- bers of this company, but will note the names and items of in- terest connected with some of them, that are too extensive for the column of remarks in the roster. as far as we remember.
Musician Chas. W. Fee and Private Byron Winfield were transferred to the regimental band November 1, 1861, and were mustered out with it in April 1962, We should not forget little
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Ed. Riley nor Fred. Sherwood, the latter now living at Ferris, Illinois.
W. W. Burnham was severely wounded at Shiloh, re-en- listed and was promoted into the 111th U. S. C. T. Then we have Geo. C. Bartells who, as one of the History Committee, may be seen as he looks at this time in the Committee Groupe, is a P. C. of Post 512, Department of Ills., and Guy Birdsall, which constituted all of the original B's except those disposed of by death, discharge or promotion.
Now comes the Carter boys, both of whom were veterans and served to the end. Corrigan and Cleveland disabled, and Carrico dead. Henry Cooper will be remembered as "General Sherman."
DeLapp, sarcastic "Russ.," now a prominent Attorney in the west, is one of the self-made men of the country.
Reuben Gunn, now of Edgerton, Mo., was one of the jolly fellows, and was the leader in the little affray that occurred on the return from Washington, in which the boys upon the cars, armed with switches, compelled those within, who were armed with stones, to suo for terms.
Well do we remember Horatio Hughes, who died soon after the war, and also Jas. C. Kelly, who as a vet. was severely wounded at Allatoona.
Slater D. Lewis was one of the first volunteers of the company. At Rome, Ga., he was a Corporal and one of the color guard. At Allatoona, a Sergeant, he was severely woun- ded in the arm. Tho company officers both being down Serg't Lewis, with his arm in a sling, took charge of the line of skir- mishers near the hospital and erected a barricade of cottonbales to protect the guard from the sharpshooters of the enemy. He was mustered out as a Sergeant with the regiment at the close of the war.
Mortimer L. Milledge, who now lives at Berdan, III .. 16 years and six months old at enlistment. Lived in Sangamon county. Recruited by Capt. Gooding. The last duty perform- ed by him was on Saturday evening at Shiloh, guarding one of the boys who was being punished by standing on a barrat.
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Sunday morning he was wounded in the arm and hip and left on the field to die. A compassionate reb. endeavored to carry him to the rear. but a shell from the gunboats exploding near, dis- oretion became the "better part of valor." Mort. was abandon- el and lay all night in the rain. He succeeded in reaching the river next morning and was taken to the Mound City Hospital. Discharged at St. Louis, Mo., November 10th, 1862. Is a mem- ber of Post 442. Department of Ill., G. A. R.
Dr. Jas. F. Nichols, now of Southwest City, Mo., was the first man to respond to Capt. Gooding's request for volunteers for actual service. While at Clarksville, Tenn., was stricken down with typhoid pneumonia and pleurisy. Was sent to Lou- isville Ky. Returned to the regiment at Corinth, May 6, 1862. Was discharged for disability June 17, 1862. Married and has two daughters and three sons, whom he is teaching to live in the fear of God, love of the Union and the "glorious old flag."
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