USA > Illinois > Reunion of the 86th Regiment Illinois Infantry, 1889 > Part 13
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Thus I was made an original secessionist: had the honor of presiding over the first meeting of minute men ever held in Memphis. Tenn .. in :I think, February. 1561. In April of the same year I resigned as alderman of the fourth ward of Memphis and enlisted as a private soldier in the Mem- phis Southern Guards. the first company that left Memphis (April 22. 18;1.) for the confederate service. At Belmont, Mo .. November 1, 1861, we had rather a warm and spirited meeting with you under General Grant. On Friday night. April 4, 1862. we camped near your lines at Shiloh. I was then commanding a battalion (seven companies) of infantry in the Ist Ken- tucky Brigade. General John C. Breckenridge's Division of General Albert Sidney Johnson's army. We moved a little nearer your lines on Saturday. . in hearing of your music. and on Sunday, April the 6th, very soon after the rising of the sun in all its beauty and splendor -for it was a most beautiful morning - we were ordered into the battle, which had already begun. The
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tide of battle ebbed and flowed, victory alternating from one side to the other until the afternoon. when General Preston surrendered his brigade to us. Our beloved and great commander. General Albert Sidney Johnson. fell mortally wounded while personally leading a regiment in a charge, and died in a few minutes. Very nearly all of your cannon had been silenced and your infantry driven to the river bank. We expected, with only one more charge to capture your entire army. but to our great mortification, we at this important crisis received an order to halt. and in a short time, to retreat. General Buel reinforcing General Grant late Sunday afternoon and night. on Monday General Grant made a vigorous advance movement with superior numbers. and we continued our retreat to Corinth. At Thompson Station. Sand Mountain. Tulahoma. Chickamauga, Sommerville. Royster's Farm. Harrisburg (or Tapelo). Athens. Sulphur Trestle. Pulaski. Columbia. Spring Hill, Franklin. Nashville. West Point. Selma, and hundreds of other engagements. I met you and always received a warm and spirited reception. Am therefore not surprised at your cordial welcome today.
Of course you know the confederates fought under every disadvantage. The sympathy of the world was against slavery-and therefore unfriendly to the confederacy. We were shut out from the world: and when our supplies of men and munitions of war were exhausted we could not replace them. After July. 1863. when a confederate soldier fell we had no one to take his place. but the survivors had to perform increased duties and bear additional burdens, until at last human nature could bear and endure no more. The world will never know and appreciate the endurance, hardships and diffi- eulties patiently borne and suffered by the confederate.soldier. With not sufficient clothing to proteet him from the chilly blasts of winter. nor food to satisfy the cravings of hunger. he for many months met superior num- bers of well fed. comfortably clad, splendidly armed and equipped troops upon hard fought battle fields, and often was rewarded with victory.
For several months before the close of hostilities my principal diet was hard tack and raw bacon. He was so thoroughly and completely imbued with patriotism and determination that under a combination of the most adverse circumstances the confederate soldier never refused to obey his superior officers and meet the invader upon every field. until the immortal Lee, with his faithful remnant of seven thousand, surrendered at Ap- pomattox.
Veterans. it is well. after the lapse of years. when the prejudices and animosities engendered by our war shall have passed away -- I trust forever -- for you and I. who participated upon opposite sides in that bloody conflict. to meet in friendly council. retrospect the past. understand and appreciate the reasons and motives which actuated each other, that in the future we may be better prepared to harmonize any difference of opinion which may arise between citizens, whether of the same or different states, by the Christian method of justice and arbitration. rather than by the sword. Let
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us travel among and become better acquainted with each other. Cupid already has his tiny little wings busy upon missions of love between north- ern and southern belles and beaux; weddings are of frequent occurrence between citizens of the different sections, and it is to be hoped that ere long we will be one people in sincerity and truth.
Dear old soldiers, our heads are rapidly blossoming for the tomb. We will not answer to many more roll calls nor respond to the bugle's blast to duty .. As we have earnestly endeavored to make faithful soldiers in the armies of men. may we be ever ready and make truly faithful soldiers in the army of Jesus; and when done with this life. may each one of us, with our dear loved ones, without the loss of a single one, meet around the great white throne of God in heaven, and with joined hands and hearts united and harmonious voices, sing songs of praise to his great name forever and ever.
Extracts from Letters.
917 Hennepin Ave .. Minneapolis, Minn., Aug. 26. 1893. Grand old Seth Regiment Ilinois Volunteer Infuntry-
MY DEAR FATHERS: This is the first year I have missed our reunion since you honored me by adopting me as your daughter.
I regret very deeply that I can not be with you: but I am here for a few weeks of rest. and we do not think it is best for me to leave now.
I hope you will have a delightful renewal of old ties and memories, and although I am absent. I hope you will not forget your daughter, whose heart is with you in this reunion.
I expect to be with you next year, and hope I may be always worthy of your love and confidence.
With love and best wishes to you all. I remain as ever,
Your daughter of the regiment, ANNIE JANVIER JONES.
211 South Hoyne Ave .. Chicago, Ill., Aug. 26. 1893.
DEAR COMRADES: You have my hearty good wishes for an enjoyable and well attended reunion. I am very sorry that I cannot attend.
Yours truly. WM. E. WRIGLEY.
COMRADE MCKOWN: Please find enclosed one dollar for yearly dues. W. E. W.
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Colona Station. Henry Co .. Ill .. Aug. 24, 1893.
DEAR COMRADES: A sadness comes over me at the thought of my being unable to meet with you.
How often I recall the days when. amid the smoke of battle and the roar of cannon, the death dealing carnage of musket, on many a battle field. those fetters were forged that bind together the soldiers of the late war. A fetter stronger than death itself: more lasting than life, and reaching till the great reunion above. where I hope and pray we may all meet again. prepared to answer, " Here am I."
I should like very much to be able to meet you, but such is not the case. Enclosed please find one dollar with which to pay fees.
May you have a good and enjoyable reunion this seventh time on earth, and all so live that the old s6th may finally unite abore.
Your comrade. JACOB WESTERFIELD.
Sheldon, Ill .. Aug. 28. 1893.
C. W. MCKOWN AND COMRADES: I regret to say that the situation is such that it will be impossible for me to be with you this year. I always look forward with pleasure to our reunions, and I anticipated a particularly pleasant time this year. and I feel keenly the disappointment.
I suppose the comrades from a distance will take in the World's Fair. Don't neglect to visit the Illinois state building, where you will find an old acquaintance. Enclosed in a glass case are the regimental Hags of Illinois -among them the 8th. As I stood before that Hag I thought of where I had seen it before. I thought of Perryville, where we received our first baptism of fire: of Stone River. Chickamauga. Mission Ridge. Lookout Mountain. Dallas, Resaca. Kenesaw, Atlanta, Savannah. Bentonville and other points of interest.
Hoping that you will have a good attendance -which always insures a good time -- and that though not with you in person I still retain a place in your memories, I remain. Yours fraternally. J. W. ROBINSON.
Enclosed find 81.00.
Kansas City, Mo .. Aug. 22 1893.
Comrades of the old 80th Regiment Illinois Infantry, one and all:
Your notice of the next reunion of our old and long to be remembered regiment and comrades was received in due time, for which favor you have my hearty thanks.
I would be glad to be there and take part. but I am not able to be, at present. one of your number: but I will in my heart's best wishes for a pleasant and joyous time.
I have been sick over two years, but think I am a little better now. I am not able to work yet. feeling quite weak, and weigh thirty-five to forty
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pounds less than I commonly did; but I am in hopes of feeling better from now on.
I hope you all will remember your comrade,
GEORGE E. JOHNSON. 4507 South N St., Tacoma. Wash.
DEAR COMRADES: Your programme put me back more than thirty years, and brought afresh to my memory many scenes of those bygone days that had entirely vanished from my mind. and filled my soul both with joy . and grief. With joy to know that some. at least, of my old comrades on whom Mr. Lincoln's mantle had fallen were still alive and that same old fire that burned in their hearts in 1862 is still ablaze in their souls. May God bless them and every veteran that took his life in his hands, as it were, and went forth to crush out that devilish spirit of tyrany and disunion.
O. my dear old friends and comrades. keep that fire burning in your souls.
I am now in spirit as I was in 1862-5. I am perfectly baptised in the spirit of our dear old martyr. Abraham Lincoln. May God bless his honorel dust.
I am sorry that it is impossible for me to attend your reunion this year as my health is very poor. I am now sixty years old and my head and beard as white as snow. I realize that I shall soon be numbered with the dead: but I hope that I shall die having my soul filled with the spirit of God and loyalty to my country.
Give my love to the boys, and if any of them wish to know anything of the state of Washington tell them to write to me and I will give them such information as I can.
Please send me the proceedings of the present reunion, and say to the boys that I left the soth early in the service and that I served my time out in the & Vr. C., and was not discharged until July 5. 1865.
. Yours truly. DAVID L. KEAN.
Chattanooga. Tenn., Aug. 23, 1892. S. L. Zinser. Commander. Peoria. Ill .-
DEAR COMRADE: I regret very much that circumstances over which I have no control prevent me from attending the seventh reunion of the grand old 86th regiment Illinois volunteer infantry.
The twenty-eight years that have intervened since we were mustered out of the service have been crowded with events that mark a page in history, the most marvelous of any period in the annals of our race. Yet these years have brought sunshine and shadow. joy and grief, prosperity and adversity. ..
We are reminded in looking over the roster of the 86th that our boys have not escaped the contingencies of time, for some have crossed the
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narrow stream and others are lingering on the shore. But we will not dwell on the sad changes that time has made: but I desire to say in this fraternal greeting that I trust this seventh reunion will exceed all the past in harmony. good will and fidelity. I sincerely hope that the joy and happi- ness of your reunion may be commensurate with the patriotic devotion you displayed on the field of duty.
In conclusion I must express my hearty and fraternal interest in the wel- fare and happiness of the survivors of our old regiment.
Very sincerely yours in F. C. and L., I. L. GLEAVES.
West Hallock. Peoria Co .. Ill .. Aug. 26. 1893.
DEAR COMRADES OF THE 6TH: I had hoped to be with you at our annual reunion on Monday next, and to touch elbows with you and once more look in your faces and grasp your hands, but circumstances seem to combine to prevent: but I shall be with you in thought and spirit. and I hope you will have a splendid good time. as I feel you will.
My general health has been poor for the past two years. Am troubled much with rheumatism. I have to use a cane much of the time.
I do not like the way the old soldiers are being treated by the pension department. I think it a shame and disgrace to the administration, but I am still proud of what we did for the country and the flag, I love them both as well as ever.
Hoping you will have a glorious good reunion and all live to enjoy many more, I remain,
Truly your comrade.
ANSEL CROUCH. Co. C, 86th Ill.
Chicago, Ill., Aug. 23. 1893.
DEAR COMRADES: When you meet in annual reunion on Aug. 27th and 2sth. I will be with you only in spirit.
I am very sorry that I cannot be there to look into your dear old faces and take you by the brotherly hand. From year to year I have looked forward to our meetings with great pleasure. and am always sad when the time comes to sing our parting song, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again."
I have many things of late to remind me of the long ago, when we were boys together. For three months I have been passing over the country that we soldiered in. once every four days. Many of the old hills look familiar. For instance, Kennesaw. As I passed it this morning I took a look. It has changed but little.
A little further west and about two miles from the railroad is Pin . Mountain. Perhaps many of you will remember the morning that the con- federate General Polk was killed on Pine Mountain. The little clearing where our battery was located. about half a mile west of Pine Mountain, is
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very visible from the railroad. I recognized it as soon as it was pointed out to me.
The next thing of note is Altoona Pass and the lone grave where rest the remains of an unknown confederate soldier who died fighting for the cause he thought right. This is the place from which the gospel hymn. " Hold The Fort For I Am Coming, " takes its name.
The old conductor that I run with has been on the W. & A. R. R. for forty years. He hauled confederate soldiers bere all through the war, and was an eye witness to a great many fights. He tells me that the storming of Altoona was the most desperate fight he ever saw.
No doubt some of you know the real message that was waved back to General Sherman in answer to the message. "Hold the fort: I am coming." I will tell it for the benefit of those who never heard it. You will remem- ber that General Course was badly wounded and unconscious for a time. the commander being some colonel who was about to surrender when General Course came to. He ordered the colonel under arrest and sent to the signal man the following message: "I am wounded in the leg: my lower jaw is gone, but I can whip all hell yet."
We pass now to Buzzard Roost Gap. You all remember when we made our reconnoisanee out there in the winter -- I think in February, 64, when Company K and some other company of the 86th were in the gap all day under a heavy tire. I can very distinctly locate the little hill we charged in the afternoon. where Isaac Smith was killed. when James Miller and several other of our boys were wounded, whose names I have forgotten.
I never pass the place without standing on the rear platform and look- ing until it disappears from view.
The next place is Chattanooga, which has grown into a large city. so little like the place of thirty years ago that one would scarcely recognize it. Grand old Lookout. that stands towering above everything, has become a great summer resort. with two large hotels besides numerous cottages. All together have a capacity of over four thousand people. It was my fortune to spend a day and night on Lookout, and I do not know when I have enjoyed anything so well. Every time that I am there it seems grander. and in my opinion has before it a glorious futurc.
Comrades, this is a great country: everything is very prosperous: there are splendid crops and an abundance of fruits of all kinds.
But for fear I weary your patience with so long a letter I must close. There are so many things to write about that when I commence I hardly know when to stop.
God bless you all. How I wish I could be with you: but I hope while you are enjoying yourselves and having a good handshake all around I will not be forgotten. I think now that I can hear some of the boys say, "How I wish Sim was here!"'
When I call you boys I think of you as you were thirty years ago. Though many of you are getting white with the frosts of many winters. to
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me you will ever remain the dear boys of old. For those of our number who have been called home in the past year there is but one fitting eulogy: "Brave men who gave up family, friends and home comforts to preserve inviolate the life of a grand and glorious country." Their acts were grander than can be expressed by the pen of the most gifted writer or pro- claimed by the tongue of the most eloquent orator.
God bless them. They have answered for the last time the roll call. They have been called in line by the grand Commander for the last in- spection.
Comrades, our turn is coming. One by one we are going. The old s6th will soon all be there and in line for the last grand review. Then the grand Inspector will pass down the line. the uniforin of each soldiec will be closely inspected. the ramrod will be placed in the old muskets as of yore.
Comrades, we must be ready. so that when all is over we will hear the command of the great Captain: "Well done, 86th: your inspection is per- feet. By the right flank forward up the golden stairs and through the gates ajar. "
God be with you till we meet again, is my prayer.
Your comrade. S. W. RILEA. Co. K.
P. S. Enclosed find one dollar for yearly dues.
Huntsville. Ohio.
DEAR COMRADES: I will soon be 60 years old: pretty well used up. and don't feel like taking the trip alone: but I send my best wishes to one and all, and especially the comrades of Company K. Would like to see all the boys from Princeville. Would like to see John Sabin's red face when he sings. "Marching Through Georgia."
Enclosed find $1.00 to help defray expenses. I remain, Your comrade. J. W. SMITH.
Quincy. Ill .. Aug. 14. 1893.
DEAR COMRADES: Nothing would give me more pleasure than to meet you all of the old 86th at Peoria. Aug. 28th and 29th. You may or may not know that I am almost totally disabled, having been paralyzed: and can only get about in a wheel chair.
Hoping you who are more fortunate may live to enjoy many more reunions. I remain.
Yours in F. C. and L. JOHN ADAMS.
Wilsey, Kans., Aug. 22, 1893.
C. W. Mc Korn-
DEAR COMRADE: The programme for the reunion of the 86th regi-
+.V
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ment Illinois volunteer infantry was duly received and appreciated with thanks.
It would afford me great pleasure to meet with my old regiment and be permitted to enjoy with you all the annual reunion. A pleasure that could not be equaled by any of the meetings that I could attend. For. to see "the boys " is to bring to mind a thousand recollections and reminiscences of our army life that lends an enthusiasm and thrill of joy which no other associa- tion can do. But the weight of years together with the effects of my " load of lead," rheumatism. etc., the result of our army life, makes it impossible for me to be present and share the joys and triumphs of the meeting this year. But I want to send from sunny Kansas my word of cheer to the grand old 86th Ill.
No words at my command can express the emotions of a comrade's heart as he thinks what this thirty-first anniversary is to commemorate. A reunion of fellowship, of patriotism, of devotion to each other and the flag for which we fought and for which so many of our brave comrades fell. How we long to be there and feel the rekindling of the fire of youth and the return of zeal and patriotism which we used to feel and which bound us together so firmly in army life and sustains us in our declining years.
I am drawing a small pension, but I can't tell how soon that "green eyed " officer from Georgia will number me among the 170 whom he is daily dropping of their only means of support. It is a happy circumstance that we did not meet this "watch dog of the treasury" while we were "marching through Georgia."
I want to say also that Sam Sisson. of Company A, lives here at Wil- sey. too. He was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain and draws a small pension. which supplements his own earnings and makes a living. He joins me in sending words of cheer.
All that we ask of the boys of the old 86th Illinois is to remember us as kindly as we do the gallant host of brave and loyal men who with us marched beneath our country's Hag from "Atlanta to the sea."
Yours in F. C. and L .. WM. H. VINING, Co. C.
Fairport, Mo., Aug. 16, 1593.
To the boys of the Seth Illinois regiment-
DEAR COMRADES: I have been thinking of meeting with you this summer at the reunion on the 25th and 29th of August, but circumstances have placed me in such a condition that it is impossible for me to be with you this time: but I hope to be able to meet with the old boys some time before I am called to the last reunion beyond this vale of tears. But if I am not with you in person my heart will be with you and I hope you will have a good time.
Yours in F. C. and L., JOHN M. TERRY, CO. E.
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Phillipsburg, Kan .. Aug. 22, 1893. 1. W. Me Kowa and commodes of the 86th Illinois infantry-
DEAR COMRADES: One more year of our earthly career has gone and there are those of cur comrades of the 86th who perhaps were with you last year, but have now crossed the plain of time: and many more will follow during this year. Be ye prepared to meet thy God.
I should like very much to be able to be with you, but such is not the case. I have just returned from Leavenworth, Kan., on sick furlough and I am not able to write or travel.
Thirty-one years ago the 7th of this month it was since I enlisted at Eureka for the 86th. and as I look out over the past it seems but a short time since we were boys together in camp at Peoria.
Now boys I wish you all a good time and may F. C. and L. continue to abide in each and all.
Yours in F. C. and L .. L. D. GRAHAM. Co. A.
Wymore, Neb .. Aug. 18. 1893.
DEAR COMRADES: I haven't words to express myself in regard to meet- ing with you. but it seems to be impossible. as I live so far away. I would like so well to be with you and talk over old times. and how the chickens and turkeys-yes, and sweet potatoes-used to come flocking into our camp. and "chicken" was the countersign.
Well. I must tell you a little incident that occurred with myself at a place called Bretwood. I got pretty hungry. as a soldier will. so I went out on the hunt of something to eat. I soon had plenty of company. and we found a cow. We downed her and in dividing I got two quarters. If you remember, a beef had five quarters. The next thing was to get my meat to camp and not let the Colonel-that was Col. McGee-catch me. But before I got the meat put away the drum major came to me and says. "Alf. the colonel is sick, and he sent me to you to see if you would let bim have a piece of liver." You bet the colonel got the liver all right.
Well. boys. I have been here about seventeen years and like the country very well. I see an 86 boy every now and then. I saw General Dillworth at Superior week before last. He commanded the forces on one side of the sham battle and I commanded the artillery under him, and it seemed kind of natural to be under the old war horse.
Well. boys, our ranks are getting thinner every year. It looks like it won't be long until there will be none left to answer to roll call.
I have been on the sick list for two weeks, but I won't give it up. I will be all right in a few days.
With best wishes for the reunion and all the comrades.
Respectfully yours in F. C. and L .. ALFRED MCKINNEY,
Late sergeant Company D. 86th regiment Illinois volunteers, at present first lieutenant Battery A. light artillery Neb. N. Guards.
AB-YTHDIA
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Indianola, Iowa, Aug. 15. 1893.
ยท COMRADE: I am ever so thankful to receive your reports and notices. Oh! I would like ever so well to meet with you every year, but my health and financial circumstances will not permit. I hope some day to come and bring my better half with me. If we do or don't come. I want you all to meet us in the place Christ has, gone to prepare for us. He said while on earth he would come for us.
Yours truly,
WM. M. RICHARDSON. Co. D, 86th Ill.
Spring Hill. Kan .. Aug. 10. 1893.
DEAR COMRADES: The program of the thirty-first anniversary of the 86th Illinois volunteer infantry is at hand. It makes me feel sad at thought of not being able to be with you on that occasion.
When I recall to mind the carnage of the many battles and hard marches we participated in it makes me feel proud that I was one among the many that fought for the preservation of this great and glorious government as handed down to us by our forefathers, who fought against the crowned heads of England. and hope it may be perpetuated through all generations, even to the end of time: and hope that the people of this great republic will do honor to the brave men who sacrificed their lives that they might reap the reward of an undivided country which knows no north. no south, no east, no west, but one common country for the benefit of all who live in her domains.
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