USA > Illinois > The story of the Fifty-fifth regiment Illinois volunteer infantry in the civil war, 1861-1865 > Part 2
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At the time the fragments began to arrive which afterward became the Fifty-fifth Illinois, one regiment was fairly organ- wed, though its ranks were by no means full. The War De- partment became clamorous for the fulfillment of Stuart's sanguine promises, and his every energy was devoted to the completion of the first regiment of the brigade. Finally, to bring about that result, the opportunity was given for recruits from the proposed second regiment to be transferred to its ranks. Some, anxious to reach the actual scene of conflict, availed themselves of the opportunity, much to the disgust of various putative officers, who saw in the disappearance of their men the prospect of commissions grow more distant. Its complement obtained, the first regiment took its departure and made a glorious record as the Forty-second Illinois In- fantry. It was very fortunate in its field officers. Its first commander, Captain Webb of the regular army, was an
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FIFTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
officer of great promise and fine personal appearance, but died early and before an opportunity was given him to distinguish himself. Its next commander, Colonel Roberts, a perfect soldier, died at the head of one of Sheridan's brigades in the pine thickets of Stone River. Such commanders as Swain and Walworth subsequently graced the roster of its field and staff.
Stuart for a short time acted as lieutenant-colonel of this regiment, having gone through the form of an election to that position, but ultimately concluded to assume the chief command of the second regiment, then taking form. What measure of success attended the flight of his ambition will hereafter more fully appear. At the time the Forty-second left for the field, there remained in old Camp Douglas numer- ous quasi companies, all striving to recruit to the necessary standard of full organizations, and all in an awkward way practicing the rudimentary forms of drill under officers gen- erally as awkward as the boys they commanded. If all were equally uncouth, they were equally in earnest, and the pro- cess by which they passed from shambling, rustic recruits to calm, brave and self-reliant soldiers did not differ greatly from the experience of the average American volunteer.
The camp was upon a succession of sandy knolls sparsely covered with scrubby black-oak timber. The barracks were a series of detached, rough buildings, which served well enough the purpose of shelter at that season of the year. Nearly every man was a robust countryman blessed with good health and abundant animal spirits. No fence or wall surrounded the grounds, but the exuberant recruit was kept within rea- sonable bounds by a line of guards stretched entirely around the camp. No arms or uniforms had yet been issued, rough cudgels cut from the adjoining thicket being the weapons relied upon to represent authority and repel danger. The responsibility resting upon the vigorous but uncouth recruit, when he was called upon to walk the guard line, dressed in homespun and griping a hickory club, was fearful to behold; and appearances did not always do full justice to the ardent but undisciplined patriot attempting it. Rations were good and plentiful, but suffered occasionally at the hands of inex-
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LIEUTENANT-COLONEL AND COLONEL.
perienced cooks, whose efforts were not always economical or palatable.
The ranks of Companies A, F, and D, were nearer full than any others of the regiment, having been vigorously re- cruited by the Pressons and Haneys, eloquent and patriotic ministers of the Methodist denomination, who belonged as well to the church militant, and were earnest believers in the "sword of the Lord of Gideon."
As the second regiment was filling its ranks there appeared upon the scene one Oscar Malmborg, around whose name hung a vague mystery of noble lineage and military glory -- the former never to be verified and the latter scarcely con- firmed. From that time the country round about resounded with such orders as: "Column py file," "Charge pea-nuts," with an occasional exasperated inquiry like: "What for you fice mit your pack?" -- all uttered in ferocious tones and for- vign accent. He sprang from a race which gave to the world Gustavus Adolphus and Charles XII, and for a time was sup- posed to embody in his own proper person the combined military genius of those two great characters. He certainly possessed more than all their infirmities of temper. He had for some time previous been employed in the emigrant de- partment of the Illinois Central Railroad Company. It was soon apparent that he had some tactical knowledge, then a rare acquirement, and considerable, though often misdirected, energy. His manners were not popular, and his temper was tyrannical and unreasonable, all of which was far better un- derstood during his subsequent intimate connection with the regiment. Among his early methods of imparting military knowledge was a habit of approaching sentinels unawares at all times of day and night for the purpose of testing their vigilance. During one of these nocturnal visitations he silently approached a stalwart recruit of Company B, who was armed with a stout club and serenely walking to and fro upon his beat. In the darkness of the oak thicket the chal- lenge and a tremendous blow came instantaneously, and the stars looked down upon a collapsed and badly injured pros- pective colonel. A very black eye for several weeks gave token of the strength of the club and the arm behind it, and
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FIFTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
if any doubts remained as to the watchfulness and vigor of that sentinel, they were never expressed within the hearing of mortal man. All this of course gave intense enjoyment to the "high privates," to whom nothing has such exquisite humor as getting the advantage of an officer while on guard duty.
In the first volume of Dr. Eddy's " Patriotism of Illinois" is a statement as follows, relating to Colonel Stuart :
Circumstances of an unfortunate character had occurred at Chicago which for a time cast a cloud over his career, and acting under prejudices very natural the press, the bar and even the public, with few exceptions, interposed every obstacle and barrier to his success in raising the Doug- las Brigade.
This is an allusion, charitably veiled, to the part played by David Stuart in the celebrated Birch divorce case, the most notorious affair of its kind in the annals of Western jurisprudence. It is also a proper and delicate statement of the influence of that scandal upon the formation of the organization under consideration. A reference to it is here necessary because it did have such influence, and for the further reason that it greatly affected the career of its first colonel, and played an important part both in his entering the service and in his finally quitting it altogether. To a man of Stuart's temperament and ambition the social results were terrible. Without desire or purpose to enter upon a statement of fact or a discussion of the merits of this cele- brated case, it is proper to state that it was accountable for many things which occurred; notably the absence of newspaper praise and the lack of high-toned patronage usually accorded to regiments organized in Chicago. The author above quoted fully and fairly estimates the matter, and adds to the extract already given as follows :
David Stuart, by his own energies, with his own purse and talents, persistence and power, raised and put into the field the Douglas Brigade, consisting of two regiments of one thousand men each, and finer regi- ments never joined the armies of the Union.
This is not too much to say of the efforts of Stuart while perfecting these organizations, nor is it over-praise of the Forty-second and Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
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CAMP DOUGLAS.
While old Camp Douglas was resounding with sonorous military commands and echoing with the boisterous shouts of lusty volunteers, a new camp, just north and in the immedi- ate vicinity, was being constructed, which was to be of a more permanent character. This was the Camp Douglas of history, and it became one of the most important of the war, celebrated alike as the rendezvous of Federal troops, the camp of Confederate prisoners, and the scat of Democratic conspiracy. The barracks when completed were more in ac- cordance with military usages than the temporary sheds of the old camp, being arranged in long rows surrounding a spacious parade and drill ground, all of suitable dimensions and equal to the needs of a camp of instruction. The entire grounds were enclosed by a high board fence with due arrangements for sentinels, and thereafter "running the guard" became a matter of greater difficulty. At what precise date the re- moval from the old to the new camp took place, is not now ascertainable, nor is it important. The new quarters and regulations, while they interfered somewhat with the picnic aspect of affairs, were much more commodious and practical in a military sense. The long lines of barracks were divided into sections, each large enough to contain an entire com- pany, with separate rooms for its officers adjoining. Neither paint nor superfluous style was used about their construction, but for the purposes of warmth, convenience and shelter, these buildings were the best ever occupied by the Fifty- fifth.
"Recruiting for the regiment was pushed vigorously. The most efficient agents in such work were the Methodist minis- ters before spoken of, who, when their own organizations were filled, went to other localities in behalf of the remain- ing companies; and their aggressive, eloquent appeals always brought forth fruits. This was especially true of the Rev. Win. A. Presson, captain of Company A, to whom the regi- ment was greatly indebted for filling its ranks. In face of the lack of public sympathy and actual opposition, it is doubtful if Stuart would have succeeded in filling the Fifty- fifth without the aid of these able and earnest clergymen. Among other adventures, J. T. McAuley, E. C. Lawrence and
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FIFTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
H. A. Smith, ambitious young men who ultimately became officers, went to Wisconsin in search of recruits. Just as their success was assured, the authorities of that state swooped down upon them and took their men away, and they them- selves were barely allowed to depart, recruitless and disgusted. These were the first men captured from the Fifty-fifth, unless it may be here and there one by the Chicago police.
This was the romantic and formative period of the war. While patriotism was gloriously universal, little practical knowledge existed regarding the magnitude of the conflict or its bloody necessities. The average infantry volunteer had a vague notion that "sharpshooters," to be used for the pur- pose of crawling up behind trees and killing the rebel generals were principally needed. Nearly every man who enlisted at this juncture intended to connect himself with that branch of the service; and to use in that connection some fantastic combination of telescopic sights and breech-loading rifles. Every company, as soon as it had a single platoon recruited, was presented with a flag, generally by the ladies at home, and upon it was emblazoned some gorgeous legend about "sharpshooters," "guards," "rifles," and the like. The army musket was never thought of or talked about, except in a contemptuous way that indicated pity for those who were compelled to depend upon that clumsy, ancient weapon. This sentiment was encouraged by the glib promises of pro- spective officers, who, in their anxiety to hasten enlistments, spoke eloquently of improved rifles and sabre bayonets as adapted to the extermination of rebels at long range. The reverend gentlemen before named carried with them to the rural districts and displayed upon the rostrum splendid speci- mens of the Colt revolving rifle, having an attachment in form of a ferocious sabre bayonet, which last became better known afterwards by the scornful appellation of "cheese- knife." Thus many who enlisted in the regiment expected to be armed with this ingenious and complicated instrument of death. In this respect all regiments had to some extent the same experience, though others may have lacked the ordained orators and specimen rifles used to fill the ranks of the future Fifty-fifth.
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COLT'S REVOLVING RIFLE.
During this portion of the regimental career the utmost industry was used to master the intricacies of "Hardee," and to learn all that was possible in a camp of instruction without arms. At least seven hours each day were devoted to drill- ing, aside from regulation parades. "Left, left, left," was heard at all hours of the day and in all directions, bellowed with every degree of fierceness embryo warriors could infuse into their tones. Lieutenant-colonel Malmborg was untiring in his efforts at drill and discipline, and although his zeal was often impracticable, there is no reason for denying to him the credit of industrious effort; and at this stage, when continu- ance of position and power were not certain, the unreasoning tyranny which afterwards characterized him was not so mani- fest. The guard duty and mounting was attended to with a minute and wearisome detail never approached afterwards in actual field service.
From time to time statements appeared in the Chicago papers which serve to note the progress of affairs in Camp Douglas. Tedious search through many hundreds of such journals occasionally reveals an item which, like wine, may have grown more valuable with age. On November 15th the following appeared in the Chicago Tribune, a paper then, as always, true to the Union :
The Second Regiment of the Douglas Brigade, now mustered as the Fifty-fifth and stationed at Camp Douglas, was yesterday paid off for the time it has been in service up to November Ist, the gross amount required being about twenty-five thousand dollars. This is the first Illinois regi- nient that has been paid off prior to going into the field.
On the 31st day of October, 1861, the regiment had been technically organized-that is to say, mustered into the United States service-and thereafter assumed the title of the Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry-a name now glori- ous in the annals of patriotism. The gallant regiments which went before, and the many which followed after, have no rea- son to feel ashamed of association with it.
At the time of the muster there was an aggregate of 969 names upon the rolls. This number was slightly increased by individual accessions before taking the field. Among these may be mentioned Dr. Charles Winne, who joined as assist-
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FIFTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
ant-surgeon on Nov. 25th, and continued to perform his duties acceptably until transferred for promotion. Dr. E. O. F. Roler, who had been for some time acting as assistant-surgeon and who was at first connected with the Forty-second, was at the organization made surgeon, and subsequently earned in that position the love and esteem of all who came in contact with him.
On Nov. 25th, an incident somewhat unique in its charac- ter occurred. It was the drumming-out of camp of one Ben Pounds of Company I, who had almost reached the infinite in utter worthlessness. A description of the ceremony is worth attempting, because it happened but once in the his- tory of the regiment. The particular method by which the humiliating sentence was enforced in that instance, was this : While the men were formed for dress parade, the culprit was escorted back and forth in front of the line, followed by the band playing the "Rogue's March." Upon the return, the procession was halted in front of the colors, and Sergeant- major McAuley cut from the clothes of the victim every in- signia of a soldier, including the buttons upon the cap. The escort then wended its way, keeping time to the same dolor- ous strains, to the gate of the camp, whence the prisoner was incontinently "fired out" into the world, and the places which once knew him, knew him no more. By the body of the regiment the punishment was considered dreadful, but in view of the contemptuous gestures made by Pounds as he was dis- appearing down the road from camp, a reasonable doubt exists whether in his case it brought forth fruit meet for repentance.
No history of this body of men would be complete did it not preserve some facts regarding the different elements which entered into its composition and gave it character. As before stated, some companies were largely recruited by Methodist ministers, and naturally such companies were strongly imbued with that pioneer faith. They fully trusted in Providence, but always kept their powder dry, and sang psalms, and prayed and fought with a consistency and per- sistency worthy of Cromwell's Roundheads. While in no sense a regiment of foreigners, many Germans were scattered
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CHARACTER OF RECRUITS.
through the ranks and, as they always do, made superb sol- diers, and often valuable officers. Here and there along the line a space was amply filled by an Irishman, who honorably maintained the pugnacity of his race. There were a few Swedes, mainly in Company C, admirable representatives of that blond and warlike race. Other nationalities were occa- sionally represented, but were so blended in the mass as not to present distinct characteristics.
Colonel Stuart took little part in actually drilling the regi- ment, and it may be justly remarked in passing that herein was his first mistake, inasmuch as he failed to keep abreast or ahead of the rank and file in the acquirement of a knowl- edge of tactics; and when on occasion he sought publicly to exercise the functions of his high office, his lack of technical training generated a species of contempt always fatal to the respect due a field officer. No like body of men ever learned quicker to distinguish a proper from an improper command, or to appreciate justly the capacity of its officers, than this same Fifty-fifth Illinois. Another characteristic of Col- onel Stuart early began to manifest itself-one which is ap- parent throughout his whole military career. This was his unbounded faith in the military skill and inspiration of the lieutenant-colonel and distrust of his own ability in that direction. As to the former, most of the regiment and its officers, for good reasons, differed with him; and as to the latter, a little self-reliance, coupled with moderate industry, would soon have brought all to his feet in respectful admira- tion for his unquestioned ability. He justly took great pride in the splendid organization forming under his command --- the more so as it opened anew the portals of fame to what seemed to be a defeated ambition, and gave promise of tri- umph over the enemies who had been at his throat. All this was commendable, inasmuch as the strides of his new-born aspirations led toward the front to meet the enemies of his country. A little more industry and sincerity, added to a reasonable conception of the rights and worth of the officers and men under him, would have placed upon his brow an un- fading wreath.
When the clamors of the War Department made speedy
.
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FIFTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
organizations necessary, it became certain that no more time would be allowed to recruit the multitude of nominal com- panies. Consolidation of the various fragments into ten complete companies appeared to be, and probably was, the only feasible expedient if the men were to be saved for an- other regiment of the Douglas Brigade. To that end numer- ous combinations and transfers took place. Thus Company I was made up from two sections of recruits, one from La Salle and one from Grundy county, both having originally been intended to be independent organizations. Both had brought to camp abundant aspirants for commissions. This consolidation having resulted in a surplus of men, a number were transferred to Company D, and with them Lieutenant Shaw. As a proper adjustment of honors in Company I, the captaincy was awarded to La Salle and the two lieutenants to Grundy county. Similar procedure, of which the above will serve as an illustration, was followed in many instances, but as the men were mainly of excellent disposition and look- ing anxiously for a chance to go to the front, such shaking-up was followed by no unhappy results. New chums and new associations soon replaced the old, and the men settled into the new order of things with scarce a ripple of discontent.
A full company had of course positions for but three line officers, and up to the period referred to each fragment had as many so acting. Their ambition had generally been con- firmed by the men through the forms of an election. It fol- lowed, therefore, that the number of commissioned officers ' must be reduced to the actual needs of the ten full compan- ies. In some instances the men, under the experience of a short term of camp life, had real or supposed reason for being dissatisfied with their officers elect. Both the colonel and the lieutenant-colonel, who themselves had been elected to their respective positions, had conceived prejudices, justly or unjustly, against some, and besides had favorites who must be provided for. All this caused a fearful withering of lau- rels, and many who expected to have their aspirations con- firmed by commissions were left without a titled place in the race for glory. Some went home dissatisfied; others died like heroes, fighting in the ranks. Here and there one who
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DISAPPOINTED ASPIRANTS.
had been acting as captain became a lieutenant under the new order of things. Doubtless in some instances such changes worked for the good of the service; in other cases great injustice was done.
At this time began an arbitrary system of transfer and promotion regardless of the rules of the service or the rights of individuals, which was persistently pursued by the colonel during his entire career, as best suited his personal views and ends. This was unutterably unjust and subversive of subordi- nation, for it deprived the non-commissioned officers and privates alike of the just right to promotion within their own companies, and according to rank and worth. Such course being often actuated by prejudice or favoritism, brought upon the perpetrator of the injustice its righteous penalty of oppo- sition and unpopularity, and in the end contributed to defeat terribly humiliating. Stuart in this regard, as in others, "Sowed the wind and reaped the whirlwind." The roster affords no light as to the numbers or names of the disap- pointed. The following letter to the governor of Illinois, and taken from the files of his office, is introduced as the cotemporaneous protest of an intelligent citizen against one of the many similar transactions :
POLO, OGLE CO., ILL., Nov. 27, 1861.
HON. RICHARD YATES, Governor of Illinois.
SIR: Permit me to call your attention to a few facts and grievances connected with the raising and manner of treatment of Co. H, 55th Reg- iment, under the command of Col. David Stuart of Chicago.
The company was recruited by the efforts of Capt. Presson of Com- pany A of said regiment, with the assistance of the persons who were elected for the commissioned officers of the company. These men were repeatedly told that they were to choose their own officers.
After recruiting as they thought 85 men, they had their election of officers which resulted very satisfactorily to the men. The same evening they, or a part of the company, went to Chicago and went into Camp Douglas. After arriving there and regularly enrolling the men, they dis- covered that they had counted some five or six names twice over -- that is, they had some of the names down twice. No exception was however made to this, nor were the officers elected ordered out at any time after to get more recruits for the company.
During the time they were in camp making good proficiency in drill, the officers were requested to procure their uniforms, swords, etc.
ـمشى
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FIFTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
But last week the captain and first and second lieutenants were in- formed by Col. Stuart that he was about to send for commissions for the officers, but that he could not ask for commissions for any of them for the offices to which they had been elected, and this after he had allowed my son, the second-lieutenant, only the day before to go to the expense of purchasing his sword, belt, sash, etc., without the least intimation but that he would need it. He and the others were told they could resign or not, just as they chose. Not wishing. to make difficulty, they all did so.
My son can get certificates from the drill-master and other officers in camp that he was learning his duty very rapidly, that he gave good sat- isfaction to the men, and that they regretted very much that he and the captain should be thus summarily removed from the offices which they had been elected to fill, and strangers of whom they knew nothing thrust upon them. The men were very much dissatisfied and discouraged by such conduct on the part of the colonel.
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