USA > Illinois > Military history and reminiscences of the Thirteenth regiment of Illinois volunteer infantry in the civil war in the United States,1861-65, pt 2 > Part 9
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He had passed through the storm of shot and shell in the fierce contests of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, on the 24th and 25th of November, and was now hopeful that he should see the end-to see the rebellion crushed, and to see his country again united and happy, but the God of bat- tles had ordered it otherwise.
On the morning of the 27th, the Thirteenth Illinois Infan- try held the extreme right before Ringgold, and was ordered by General Osterhaus to advance rapidly over an open field, which was covered with shells, canister and bullets, like hail, to a few houses in front, from which they might drive off the artillery men of the enemy. This they accomplished in mag- nificent style, and gained the position, which they held, in spite of the murderous fire from the gorge in front and the hillside on the right.
General Osterhaus in his report of this battle, says : .
" The Thirteenth Illinois remained, undauntedly keeping up a vehement fire. These struggles, during which so many deeds of bravery were exhibited, lasted from 9 a. m. to I p. 111., our infantry fighting against the combined forces of the enemy."
The artillery coming up, the rebels were soon driven from the gorge, and the victory won. But the glad shouts of tri-
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umph which rent the air, fell unheeded upon the ear of the gallant Major Bushnell. He had given his life this day as a sacrifice for his country's honor, and a more patriotic or pure heart was never laid upon her altar. While assisting some of his men to place a railroad-tie in front for their protection, a musket ball came crashing through, and, striking him in the left temple, passed into the brain and killed him instantly.
Lieutenant Joseph Patterson, of Company B, Thirteenth Illinois, in a letter to his father, whose residence is near that of the late Major Bushnell, says: "We mourn exceedingly the death of our gallant Major, and sympathize deeply with his bereaved family. * ** X- I feel deeply for Mrs. Bushnell and her little, fatherless children. It will tend to alleviate her distress to know that her husband fell, fighting in defense of his bleeding country. The Major was a cour- teous gentleman, a true patriot, and, as an officer, unexcelled in the regiment."
-From "HEROES AND MARTYRS OF ILLINOIS."
CHAPLAIN JOSEPH C. MILLER.
Chaplain Joseph C. Miller, a Baptist clergyman of Amboy, Lee county, Illinois, joined the regiment and was mustered in as Chaplain at its organization, May 9, 1861. He died in May some nine or ten years ago and we can not get sufficient data to give a detailed account of his services, civil and mili- tary. He was a man of fine presence and fair ability, and loyal to his country. After the regiment was organized it re- mained in Camp Dement, at Dixon, Illinois, some four weeks as a camp of instruction. One of the exercises in daily rou- tine in this early military life was that of attending religious service, and each morning at 9 o'clock the troops were massed, company front, at headquarters, and addressed by Chaplain Miller, the exercises closing by reading of the Scripture, prayer and singing the first, second, or third pieces "on the
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card." A few pieces, such as "America," "The Star Spangled Banner," etc., had been printed and distributed among the men, and as there were many good singers in the regiment, the music was a striking feature of the services, which still linger in the memories of the remnant of the old Thirteenth as among the pleasant scenes of their army life.
Chaplain Miller accompanied the regiment to Caseyville, Illinois, June 16th, 1861, where it remained drilling and per- fecting itself in the use of arms-company and battalion drill and discipline-until July 5th, 1861, when it crossed the Mis- sissippi river, marched through St. Louis to Rolla, Missouri, where it remained until about February, 1862. The time at Rolla was spent in building fortifications and earthworks for the protection of the supplies at that depot, and in scouting and scouring the country in search of rebels and guerrillas that infested that region. The Chaplain remained on duty with the regiment until it left in February, 1862, via Spring- field, Missouri, to join the army of General Curtis at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, but instead of going with the regiment he visited his old home at Amboy on leave of absence. He never reported to the regiment for duty after that date. Dur- ing the latter part of the year 1861, and early part of 1862, many officers of the Union army had visited their homes and over-stayed the term granted in their leave of absence, and consequently were "absent without leave." Early in 1862 a general order was issued by the War Department ordering all such delinquents back, with commands to appear before a commission August Ist, 1862, and show cause why they should not be mustered out for violation of orders, and for the proper discipline of the army. Chaplain Miller was not able to show good and sufficient reason for his failure to return to his duties with the regiment, and so was discharged from the service September 14th, 1863.
H. T. NOBLE.
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AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHAPLAIN ARNOLD T.
NEEDHAM.
I was born in the Island of Guernsey, a British possession near the coast of France, August 14th, 1838.
My father was an English merchant, keeping a shoe store, and largely interested in shipping.
When I was between thirteen and fourteen years of age, my father emigrated to America, settling in Chicago, Illinois, in May I852.
Nearly ten years had passed, and a crisis was approaching. I had cast my first vote, and it had been for Abraham Lincoln, and with that vote I was ready, if need be, to give my life.
Quick as news came to Chicago that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, I went to the first recruiting station and en- listed. My father had died about a year previous, and my mother reminded me that I was her oldest boy ; she asked me if I was convinced that I ought to go, and had I prayed over the matter ; when I answered in the affirmative, she continued, "Then go my boy, but be sure you are not wounded in the back." These words of my mother I remembered when our forces were repulsed on the battle-field of Chickasaw Bayou, and when an opportunity was offered to retreat, I still contin- ued firing, until too late to retire, and hence was surrounded and captured.
Our regiment had the honor of being mustered in as the first regiment from the State, for three years. Also the addi- tional honor of being the first to cross the Mississippi river.
As soon as my company (Company D), was organized, I was made a corporal, and passed through the different gradations, until I became Third Sergeant. Having been called upon oc- casionally to officiate for our first chaplain, the Reverened Mr. Miller, a Baptist minister, I was early recognized as at least a candidate for the ministry. Some of the privates in my company seemed to imagine that the profession of religion, and especially candidacy for the ministry, would render an in-
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dividual very submissive ; and therefore one day when on the march, some of them entered into a conspiracy to test my spirit. That morning when the company was formed prepara- tory to marching, the captain ordered, "Sergeants to the front ;" when in the front we were lectured as file-closers, to allow no man to break ranks during the march, assuring us that every sergeant would be held responsible for his portion of the platoon. After we had been marching a few miles, I noticed some of the men in my section of the platoon whis- pering, when, suddenly, one of these men stepped out of the ranks in front of me. At first I simply called the offender by name, and reminded him of what the captain had said. His response was, "Who cares?" I called to him the second time to get into the ranks, but he responded, "I won't go back, and you can't make me." Judging from his weight and that of his fellow conspirators, it was very evident that I would be greatly worsted in a hand-to-hand contest. I knew I was no match for him, but he had insulted my office, as well as myself ; he was a rebel against rightful authority, as truly as the men we were fighting ; and I would as lief die as sub- mit to have my authority despised, and my sense of justice outraged. I flew at him like a panther, and slung him back into the ranks ; as he staggered among the men, two or three tripped and fell, and now three or four mouths were belching at me their anathemas. They threatened to thrash me when they got into camp at night. I turned to them, now thor- oughly roused, and said, "I shall be in camp to-night to stack arms with the company, and you can do to me just what you see fit ; but you shall not trample on my rights, nor despise a sergeant's authority while I wear these chevrons. I'll die in defense of my rights, and for the respect due to the office before I will submit." I meant it in every fiber of my being, and these men seemed so to understand it, for, though I stood beside them that night when we had stacked arms and had broken ranks, they were silent, and never lifted a hand against me. From that time forth no man in my company
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was disposed to trample upon my rights, and taunt me with being a preacher.
Many other petty persecutions to which I had been sub- jected, now ceased ; and I think I had the respect of all my company, and they certainly had my best wishes.
After my imprisonment in Vicksburg and Jackson, Mis- sissippi, while still a paroled prisoner and visiting friends in Chicago, I received a petition-signed by all the officers of the regiment, except one, asking me to take measures for ordina- tion, and to accept the chaplaincy. I consulted Dr. T. M. Eddy, editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate, who was a personal friend, and had known me from my boyhood. He procured me ordination in the Congregational church, because our church had not yet given its bishops powers of dispensa- tion to ordain young men for special work, without the stipu- lated time, and conference action. Returning to my regiment with my commission as chaplain, I was not permitted to mess with the men as I had done, but required to board with the officers.
For nearly three months I served as chaplain before I could be mustered in, and then, at the risk of being captured, I made my way back from the front to Iuka, Mississippi, where I found a mustering officer.
By the officers and men of the Thirteenth, I must say, I was ever treated with the greatest respect, and shall always hold them in high esteem.
On the eve of the battle of Tuscumbia, Colonel Gorgas and his Adjutant were speaking of the great need of some one to take charge of the litter-corps ; I proffered my services and was at once accepted, and from that time forward I superin- tended the removing of the wounded from the field.
I have the satisfaction of knowing that from henceforth more of the Thirteenth men were brought in for the surgeon's care during action than of any other regiment. Some of my litter-men were shot down while carrying off the wounded, and as they fell, I took their place.
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I did my praying while carrying the wounded, and my exhortations were mixed with the giving of medicine. I look back upon those busy and exciting scenes, and thank God I was able to serve a cause I loved so much, under cir- cumstances that showed how useful such services might be to dying men.
I recall one circumstance that occurred just after the bat- tle of Ringgold Gap, that affected me very deeply. I was anxious to know how many of the men of my old company were left after the battle. I found the camp about the time of reveille. The men had fallen in for roll-call. I looked a moment at the feeble remnant, and my heart was full. As I drew near, one of my former messmates rushed from the ranks and seizing my hand in both of his, looked up into my face and said, " Chaplain, oh, I am so glad you were not hit." Another threw his arms around me and said, "Chaplain, you picked up the boys as fast as they were hit ; God bless you." At the call from the Orderly Sergeant, the men returned to the ranks, and roll-call was resumed. Frequently the response would be "wounded" or "killed." At last, just as the order was given, "break ranks," a soldier came up the street band- aged about the head and arm. His companion seeing him, rushed up to him and throwing his arms about him, fell upon his neck, and amid his sobs said, "Joe, I thought you were dead." It is astonishing how a soldier's feelings are wrought up after battle. He weeps like a woman and sobs like a child, with every incident that appeals to his feelings.
After leaving the service, I entered the Rock River con- ference, of the Methodist Episcopal church, and preached at the following places in Illinois : Sand Lake, Geneva, St. Paul's Chicago, Benton, Wheaton, Dunton, Sandwich, Mt. Morris and Morrison. From Morrison I came to California, and finished out the conference year at the First M. E. Church, Oakland.
I have filled the following appointments in California, Grace church, San Francisco, Stockton, Almeda, and now, am at Sixth Street church, Sacramento.
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٦٢ شارع احداث
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I have been asked since in California, to allow my name to be put on the Republican ticket, for city superintendent of public schools, but have refused on the ground, that as a min- ister, I must be free to speak on all questions, irrespective of party limitations. Though I have been radically a Republi- can, I have loved my country more than party, truth and righteousness more dearly than earthly ties, and my God supremely.
To the surviving members of the Thirteenth, I send a chaplain's loving benediction, and trust that, when the last section of veterans "break ranks" on earth, it may be to meet in a grand reunion in heaven.
A. T. NEEDHAM.
[NOTE .- As this goes to press, Chaplain Needham is a Presiding Elder in California .- HISTORIAN. ]
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QUARTERMASTER HENDERSON.
William Coleman Henderson was born at Pequea, Salis- bury Township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, June 22d, 1827.
His father was Thomas G. Henderson, whose ancestors came from England at an early date and were among the first settlers of Pequea Valley. He was educated at Litz, Lan- caster county, and at West Chester and also with the Rev. Dr. Trinlow. In 1844 he entered the office of Grant and Barton in New York city, and remained with them four years.
Returning to his home, he engaged in farming which he carried on until the fall of 1859. May Ist, 1851. he was appointed as one of the staff of Gov. William F. Johnston of Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1859 he sold his farm in Lan- caster county, and in the spring following, moved to Illinois, where he purchased a farm near Sterling, Whiteside county, and again engaged in farming. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, and, at the organization of the regiment, was appointed by Colonel Wyman, and was commissioned as first lieutenant, May 1, 1861.
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He remained on duty with his regiment with the excep- tion of details of special duty until July 2Stli, 1863, at which time he sent in his resignation, which was accepted on account of disability occasioned by disease which was con- tracted while in the service.
In 1865, owing to continued ill health, he sold his farm in Illinois and returned to his old home, where he lias since re- sided with the exception of a few years which were spent in Colorado.
He has been one of the auditors of accounts in Salisbury Township for the past twelve years.
Quartermaster Henderson has been twice married, his first wife having died in 1867. He has two sons living, both in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
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He is, perliaps, better remembered by the boys of the reg- iment by the name of "Jake Sightsinger," than by his real name. He gave himself this cognomen and it has stuck to him ever since. In 1862, when the regiment was on the march to Pea Ridge and about crossing the State line between Missouri and Arkansas, he told the colonel that he had always hoped the duties of the service would never call him into Arkansas, for he was prejudiced against that State. He said that when living in Pennsylvania in his younger days, whenever a person committed a mean act or crime, he inva- riably escaped to Arkansas, and the meanest man he ever knew in his neighborhood was named "Jake Sightsinger." And so when he was forced to stay in that State, Arkansas, he wanted to be called and known as Jake Sightsinger. And the men of the regiment were too gallant not to comply with his request. He said that when he left the State he intended to resume his true name, but this was not to be with the members of the Thirteenth.
When on the march with the regiment from Pea Ridge through the desolate and impoverished country inhabited mostly by a poor class of white people, without many evi- dences of civilization, living mostly in huts and cabins, the country infested with guerrilla bands and bush-whackers, the
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COL. HENRY T. NOBLE. Company A.
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means of supylying our army with food and clothing cut off, the mail intercepted, and without letters from home, this march, lasting for more than three months was a dreary one.
The troops seemed to feel the necessity of instituting every means within their power of doing all they could to entertain and make the burden as light as possible.
In addition to the regular foraging to supply the army, they held concerts, court trials, theatrical entertainments, negro minstrelsy, horse races and cock fights, in short, any- thing for a pastime whenever a leisure hour occurred.
Quartermaster Henderson recruited a menagerie which he exhibited from time to time in a dilapidated tent. It is true, his collection was not very extensive, but it was the best the country afforded. He had striped legged little mules, goats, dogs, cats, snakes, squirrels, tarantulas, centipedes, one rac- coon, which he described as a " most amoozin' little cuss !" and last, but not least, at Batesville, he added Burr's whis- tling darky boy that would have been the envy of a Barnum.
Often the regiment would be startled by the stentorian voice of Quartermaster Henderson exhorting and entreating the soldiers to come and visit his great and glorious enter- tainments. And in this way added his mite toward keeping the minds and thoughts of the soldiers from the hardships through which they were to pass.
H. T. NOBLE.
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HENRY T. NOBLE.
Born at Otis, Massachusetts, May 3, 1829. Moved to Dixon, Illinois, spring of 1851, engaging in the land business and real estate. Entered service as private, Company A, Thirteenth Illinois Infantry April 17, 1861 ; elected First Lieutenant of Company April 21, 1861 ; commissioned Cap- tain May 24, 1861 ; Regiment organized at Dixon, Illinois, and mustered into United States Service for three years May
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24, 1861, by Capt. John Pope, U. S. Army, being the first regiment mustered into service from Illinois; ordered to Caseyville, Illinois, June 16 ; moved to Rolla Missouri, July 6. the first regiment to cross the Mississippi river, and moved into hostile Missouri, attached to Fremont's army ; went to Department of the Ohio July to October, 1861 ; district of Rolla, Department of Missouri, January, 1862 ; unassigned Army of Southwest Missouri, Department of Missouri to March, 1862; Fifteenth Brigade Second Division Army of Southwest Missouri, Department of Missouri, to July, 1862, district of East Arkansas, Department of Missouri to Decem- ber, 1862.
NOW THE SERVICE.
Duty at Rolla, guarding terminus of Southwestern Pacific Railroad and chasing guerrilla bands until October, IS61 ; moved to Springfield, Missouri, to join Freemont's army October 10 to 18; action at Wet Glaize, Missouri, October 13, and Lynn Creek October 15 ; returned to Rolla November 10, on duty there until March 6, 1862 ; advance on action of Salem December 3, 1861 ; ordered to join Curtis March 6, 1862 ; marched to Helena, Arkansas, April S to July 14, and on duty there until December ; detached from regiment and assigned to duty as Acting Assistant Quartermaster, staff General W. A. Gorman, commanding district East Arkansas Department of the Tennessee December, 1862 to February, 1863 and on staff of Gen. L. F. Ross commanding Thirteenth Division of Thirteenth Corps Army of Tennessee, February 8, 1863 ; oper- ating against Fort Pemberton, Greenwood March 11 to April 5 ; received honorable mention from General Ross in his report of the expedition ; rejoined regiment at Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, April IS, 1863, and detached as Acting Aide-de- camp to Gen. P. J. Osterhaus, commanding Ninth Division Thirteenth Corps Army of the Tennessee until July ; Vicksburg campaign April 25 to July 4, 1863 ; movement to Bruinsburg, and turning Grand Gulf April 25 to 30 ; battle Fort Gibson,
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Mississippi, May 1 to 14, Mile Creek May 12, arrived at Ray- mond evening of May 12 ; battle of Champion Hills May 16, Big Black river May 16 ; siege of Vicksburg May 18 to July 4 ; assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22 ; surrender of Vicks- burg May 24; appointed and commissioned by President, Captain and Acting Quartermaster of United States Volun- teers July 8, 1863 ; duty at Helena, St. Charles and Duval's Bluff, Arkansas district East Arkansas, staffs Gen. B. M. Prentice July and August, 1863; M. Montgomery, August and September, 1863 ; Gen. N. B. Buford, September 1863 to January 1864; Franz Salamon, Commanding Third Division Seventh Corps Department of Arkansas to May 1864 and First Division Seventh Corps to August 1864 in charge of all river transportation at Helena, Arkansas June I, to Novem- ber 1864; duty at mouth of White river February, 1865 ; assigned duty at Little Rock as Acting Chief Quartermaster Department of Arkansas March, 1865 ; brevetted Major United States Volunteers March 13, 1865, brevetted Colonel United States Volunteers March 13, 1865, for efficient and merito- rious service during the war, Colonel by assignment and Chief Quartermaster Department of Arkansas, staffs of J. J. Rey- nolds and Gen. E. O. C. Ord at Little Rock, Arkansas, June 16, 1865 to October 5, 1866 ; mustered out October 5, 1866, and honorably discharged from service. Commended by Quarter- master General Meigs in official communication dated Au- gust 9, 1864, as follows : " You have not only performed the duty of Quartermaster to my entire satisfaction, and have the confidence and esteem of all who know you, because of your integrity and efficiency, and this is the best evidence of your patriotism and your devoted loyalty," commended in inspection report of Colonel J. V. Crittenden, December 19, 1864, for the excellent order in which all books, papers, cash and other accounts of his department are kept ; also for the high standing which all who know him as a man of intelli- gence and integrity and capable of filling with credit any or all positions in the Quartermaster's Department commended, by E. O. C. Ord in orders relieving him for muster out
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October 1866 for long, meritorious and faithful service for nearly five and a half years. After returning home he was employed in the Plow Manufacturing business at Dixon, Illinois, retiring from active business, January, 1890, and enjoying the fortune that he had labored so hard to accumu- late devoting his time to the interests of the city and much of the prosperity now enjoyed by the city is due to his personal efforts and liberality. He was striken with pneumonia April 13th, 1891, and died April 15th, aged sixty-three years.
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CHARLES A. THOMPSON.
First Assistant Surgeon, Chas. A. Thompson, was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, in 1824, where he spent his early boyhood days. At the age of ten years, with his parents, he removed to the State of Michigan, where he resided until after he graduated in the medical profession.
He attended the common schools, of which Michigan liad an excellent system, until he was grown to manhood, when he entered the White Pigeon Branch of the Michigan Univer- sity and studied medicine.
He afterward attended the Indiana Medical College, gradu- ating in 1849, and has practiced his profession ever since, and is now located at Jefferson City, Mo.
He went into the army in June, 1861, as acting surgeon of Twenty-fifthi Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served in that capacity until September, 1861, and from September to Decein- ber of same year, he served in the general hospital.
He was appointed First assistant surgeon of the Thirteenthi Illlinois Volunteer Infantry, December 18, 1862, his residence at that time being Urbana, Ill. Here he served until mus- tered out June 18, 1864.
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