USA > Illinois > Yates phalanx : the history of the Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Veteran Infantry in the war of the rebellion, 1861-1865 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
During the battle of Drewry's Bluff, the Army of the James lost 4,500 men, including 1,478 who were listed as missing. The Thirty-Ninth suffered 127 casualties killed, wounded, captured or missing. (Hugh Snee was listed as missing).
On May 20 the Thirty-Ninth and the balance of the Brigade attacked Beauregard's troops at Ware Bottom Church, Virginia. The loss sustained by the Regiment amounted to seventy killed and wounded with the overall loss to the Brigade of 300. On June 2 the Regiment sustained a similar loss in men in an engagement on the same ground. During the middle of June the command fought General Longstreet's Corps and the Regiment lost thirty-five men. In those two weeks the Thirty- Ninth Illinois had lost over 50% of its troops and presented a sorry image on June 22 when President Lincoln, accompanied by General Butler, rode along their entrenchments. From June 16 until October 13 the Regiment fought again at Ware Bottom Church, and then Deep Run, Chaffin's Farm, and Darbytown Cross-Roads, losing another 177 soldiers that were either killed or wounded. At the end of the day on October 13, 1864, only three officers were left in the Regiment. By this date, the regiment had suffered 489 killed, wounded, captured or missing of the 550 that formed in line of battle at Drewry's Bluff just five months earlier.
During the winter, additional recruits arrived and by Spring a new regiment had been formed. In that period the Regiment took part in the military movements which finally wrestled the strongholds of Petersburg and Richmond from the Rebels.
On April 2, 1865, the Regiment led the charge on Fort Gregg, the key to the fortifications around Petersburg and Richmond. This fort was surrounded by five other forts, redoubts and a ditch six feet
xviii
Preface
deep and 12 feet wide. It was the Thirty-Ninth's assignment to make this charge and take the fort. Only by digging with swords and bayonets could footholds be secured on the slippery slope to the parapet. Here a desperate hand-to-hand struggle ensued and lasted until the fort was captured. The Thirty-Ninth was the first regiment to gain the waterway and plant its flag.
After the capture of Fort Gregg, the Regiment took the advance of the Army of the James in the pursuit of Lee. After a series of forced marches (by a wide detour) the Regiment succeeded in heading off the Army of Northern Virginia, and had the proud satisfaction of seeing the final surrender at Appomattox Court House.
The Regiment was then ordered to take control of the captured enemy equipment and weapons and see to it's return to the North. The next few months were spent on provost duty in Richmond; during this time they had to quell several riots between the cavalry and newly freed slaves over food.
On December 6, 1865, while at Norfolk, Virginia, the Regiment was mustered out and its remarkable career ended.
Shortly after the end of the war, the Thirty-Ninth sent a report to the Adjutant-General of the State of Illinois which gave the Regiment the dubious honor of ranking third in killed or wounded in the list of 156 Regiments of Infantry which took to the field from Illinois during the Civil War. The Regiment had traveled a total of 6,463 miles: 5,038 miles by rail and water and 1,425 miles by marching over hills, through valleys, across rivers and streams, and at some times over extremely difficult terrain.
By the end of the war two of their officers, Orrin Mann and Thomas Osborn had been promoted to General.
In September, 1861, the youngest enlistee was Private Charles W. Beam, 15, and the oldest was Private Alexander Gaurley, who was 67.
Corporal John Kipp, famous for his naming of the "Swamp Angel," did not survive the war. On October 13, 1864, when the Regiment was repulsed and fell back after storming the fortifications at Darbytown Cross-roads, Kipp brought back the Regimental flag. One of Kipp's arms was shattered, but with the other he carried the flag and his musket. When an officer offered to help Kipp, “. . . he told the officer if he was so anxious to assist that he might carry his gun, but the flag never." Kipp died of his wounds November 5, 1864 and is buried in the U. S. National Cemetery at Hampton, Virginia, near Fort Monroe.
Private Henry M. Day of Company A was awarded a Medal of Honor for his efforts in planting the colors of the Regiment at Fort Gregg on April 2, 1865.
Private Abner P. Allen of Company K was a member of the color-guard and carried the State Flag at the formal surrender of General Lee. He accompanied General John Gibbon to Washington, DC, with seventy-six stands of Rebel colors where the young trooper was presented a Medal of Honor by Secretary of War Stanton for meritorious conduct in front of Petersburg.
George Hayworth of Company E was one of the last men captured and then paroled by the Army of Northern Virginia. Both experiences occurred on the final day of the Civil War for the men of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois, April 9, 1865.
xix
YATES PHALANX
Private Hugh Snee returned from sick leave after his ordeal at Andersonville and was one of the men mustered out with the Regiment. His tale of imprisonment and escape is one of great deprivation, pain and terrible suffering. Yet, filled too, with strength, determination and courage. [See Appendix I]
Hugh Snee, his friend Moses Sheffler, and the balance of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois were ordinary men. They were farmers, shopkeepers, bankers, clerks, doctors and lawyers who simply believed in perpetuating the Union. Many were not affected by, or knew little about, slavery, the South, or states rights, but when their country called, they answered.
Most of their deeds of glory are well documented in the history books. Yet, not every soldier fought in a battle, not all died of heroic wounds. Many fought the terrible ravages of disease and did not die a romanticized gallant hero's death. However, they were all heroes for having suffered the systematic savagery of the American Civil War.
Grateful acknowledgment is made to my good friend Phil Reilley who helped me begin. Also to my daughter and son-in-law Kathleen and Jeffry Burden who were so kind to help research the National Archives. Special thanks to Pat, my wife and partner, for without her tireless efforts I would never have been able to complete this endeavor.
Frederick C. Decker Ventura, California
XX
THE REGIMENTAL FLAGS
There were three Regimental flags and they were individually presented when the Regiment massed for its final muster at Springfield, Illinois in December 1865. The flags were all literally in ribbons, and bore incontrovertible evidence of the fiery ordeal through which they had passed.
Number One was a "prize flag," awarded to the Regiment by the State Agricultural Society as an award for superior drill and discipline, and was called "The Agricultural Flag." The bronze eagle, ball and socket attached to the flag staff were presented by Major-General John Gibbons, who commanded the Twenty-Fourth Army Corps, for gallant conduct in the assault on Fort Gregg, near Petersburg, Virginia, April 2, 1865.
Number Two had been presented to the Regiment by Governor Yates, and contained a life-size picture of His Excellency.
Number Three, a blue silk battle flag, in its tattered, riddled and ragged condition, bores unmistakable traces of original beauty, and was a gift of a young lady named Miss Helen Arion, and had been tenderly and sacredly regarded for her sake.
The photographs of these flags were kindly provided by Mr. Charles W. Munie, C.W.4, IL ARNG (Ret), Historian and Curator of the Illinois Department of Military Affairs Museum, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.
Special acknowledgement is given to Mr. Tom Roe, Ventura College Art Department Chair. Special recognition is given to his student, Mr. Evan Donn, who computer scanned and painstakingly restored the flags in the photographs to show what they may have looked like when they were originally issued. I have included both versions-one to show the condition as they existed at the end of the war and the restored version.
In the restored version, no attempt was made to remove the battle award which was sewn on the flag's red stripes.
xxi
YATES PHALANX
FLAG NUMBER ONE PRIZE FLAG AWARDED BY THE STATE AGRICULTURE SOCIETY As it looked in December 1865
-
٠٠٠٨ ٥جم
PRES
.....
OHow longsty
xxii
The Regimental Flags
FLAG NUMBER ONE PRIZE FLAG AWARDED BY THE STATE AGRICULTURE SOCIETY As it may have looked in April 1861
PRESENTED º 392 REGIMENT
BY ILL. ST. AGL. SOCIETY,
SongsV
xxiii
YATES PHALANX
FLAG NUMBER TWO REGIMENTAL BATTLE FLAG PRESENTED BY GOVERNOR YATES As it looked in December 1865
xxiv
The Regimental Flags
FLAG NUMBER TWO REGIMENTAL BATTLE FLAG PRESENTED BY GOVERNOR YATES As it may have looked in January 1863
CHESTER
Morris Island
WER
BOTTOM
Er RUN, AugNE
PETERSBURG
XXV
YATES PHALANX
FLAG NUMBER THREE SILK BATTLE FLAG PRESENTED BY MISS ARION As it looked in December 1865
xxvi
The Regimental Flags
FLAG NUMBER THREE SILK BATTLE FLAG PRESENTED BY MISS ARION As it may have looked in October 1861
T
1
xxvii
YATES PHALANX
xxviii
1
INTRODUCTORY
Comrades:
It was with feeling of great diffidence and misgiving that I approached the task of writing the history of THE THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT OF ILLINOIS VETERAN VOLUNTEERS during its four years and two months of active service in the field; and now that the task (not its history) is completed, I feel more than ever my disqualification for undertaking it. I was a medical officer, and therefore not always acquainted with the real object of your movements, and seldom present as a participant when they were carried into execution. (I have reference to your movements on the battlefield, not the marches or the many other matters incidental to the life of the soldier.) In my feeble and imperfect way, however, I managed to keep track of you, and with the kind assistance of Major Homer A. Plimpton have given a fair recital of your deeds, both offensive and defensive, when confronted by the enemy. This history will be read by many of the men who personally helped to make it, and doubtless they will see errors and discrepancies, and will note the absence of many details and incidents connected with the movements and operations of the regiment. This must necessarily have been the case under the most favorable circum- stances; but it must be borne in mind that the writer has had but little cooperation in the compila- tion of the facts presented, although the most earnest solicitation has been frequently made to all concerned, in order to make this history as complete and satisfactory as possible.
The "Roster" of officers and men was transcribed from the books of the Regimental Adjutant at Norfolk, Virginia in 1865, by Lieutenant John L. Ripple, and they were found to be very incomplete, and full of errors. This has been rectified in so far as possible, and has required a great deal of research and much time. It is yet imperfect in many respects.1
I have tried to be generous and just to all; and I do not think that I have given to any one man or to any one company more than his share of the glory they participated in. Where all did their duty so well, it is impossible to individualize.
This history was commenced in 1871, and completed in 1872; but for reasons not necessary to mention it was laid aside and practically abandoned. At the solicitation of many of the members of the regiment it was again taken in hand in 1887, and in most part has been rewritten, and much interesting matter added.
The discouragements encountered in the efforts to get the history published have been immense. That you now possess it is wholly due to the unwearied efforts of the writer, and the generous subscriptions of a few members of our Veteran Association.
Acknowledgment is due for the generous gift of money by Comrade N. B. Kendall, generous subscriptions from Comrades Mann, Sweetser, Baker, Savage, McGregor, and others.
The Adjutant-General of the State of Illinois published a much more detailed report in 1901. This report. the Regimental History, and the National Archives Pension Files were used by the Editor for the Roster.
xxix
YATES PHALANX
This book, Comrades, will recall and refresh many half-buried recollections of the days when you were soldiering. It will revive memories of much suffering, hardship, and perhaps may cause some old wound to ache and grumble. It will remind you of old comrades who fell at your side, and who now lie far away from their homes in hurried graves you made for them. Your children, I hope, will appreciate this record of your achievements at a time when the very foundations of this Government were being undermined and threatened with destruction, and Human Liberty was poised in the balance; and may it teach them a greater love for their country.
To all, or any, who may care to read it, I hope that it may teach them the great Brotherhood of Man.
I am deeply conscious of its imperfections, but it is the best I could do under the circum- stances. Treat it with all the indulgence you can, and with the charity and consideration that is meted out to one who has faithfully tried to do his duty.
Charles M. Clark, M.D. Chicago, Illinois July 1, 1889
XXX
1
"This history of the Thirty-Ninth has been written, not for you alone for your satisfaction, but for the gratification of your children and your children's children, who will hand it down to still remoter genera- tions with the pride and boast of an ancestry who fought and died and were crippled in order to sustain and perpetuate the Union of the States of North America."
Charles M. Clark, M.D. Chicago, Illinois 1889
xxxi
1
YATES PHALANX
xxxii
REVEILLE
The day-star shines upon the hill, The valleys in the shadows sleep; In wood and thicket, dark and still, My comrades lie in slumber deep. Far in the east a phantom gray Steals slowly up the night's black pall, And, herald of the coming day,
I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up in the morning; I cant' get 'em up,
I cant' get 'em up, I can't get 'em up at all!
A thought of motion at the sound - As though the forest caught its breath,
And belted sleepers on the ground
More restless, like life in death, And slumbering echoes, here and there,
Awaken as the challenge floats,
And louder on the morning air
Ring out the cheery bugle notes -
I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up in the morning; I cant' get 'em up,
I cant' get 'em up, I can't get 'em up at all!
And as the shrilling strains prolong, Flames into rose and gold the day, And springing up, with shout and song, Each soldier welcome march or fray, Through wooded vale, o'er wind-swept hill, Where camp-fires gleam and shadows fall, Louder and clearer, cheerily still, Rings out the merry bugle call ----
I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up in the morning; I cant' get 'em up, I cant' get 'em up, I can't get 'em up at all!
Robert J. Burdett.
xxxiii
Reveille
1
CHAPTER ONE
"Into United States Service"
THE THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT had its birth during that period of great excitement and the intense feeling of indignation that followed upon the opening act of the rebellious States, the firing upon Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, Friday, April 12, 1861.
A party of gentlemen, some of whom were afterwards prominently identified with this regiment, had assembled in the law offices of Moore & Osborn in the old Tremont building on Dearborn Street, Chicago, to give expression to the feelings engendered by this outrage and insult to the flag of our common country, when we thought a company of infantry be raised at once and tendered to the Governor of the State.
Action was immediately taken, and the names of Thomas O. Osborn, Frank B. Marshall, Dr. Samuel C. Blake, Joseph A. Cutler, George Coatsworth, Dr. Charles M. Clark and a few others enrolled as members. Soon the idea occurred it might be as easy to organize and raise a regiment as a company, and measures were taken to that end. Money was obtained and men selected to go to various portions of the State to enlist men and secure companies that had already been formed and were awaiting acceptance in some organized regiment.
Meanwhile, Orrin L. Mann, William H. Ranstead, William Dircks and others became associated with us, and active recruiting commenced in the city and suburbs. In less than six week's time we had some 1,300 men ready and impatient for muster into the United States service. Unfortunately for us the State had filled its quota under the first call for troops, and it was found that we could not be accepted as a regimental organization at that time, but were requested to await the next call, which, it was expected, would soon be made; but the men were impatient to get to the front and into active service, and learning that the State of Missouri was behind in raising its proportion of men, the Regiment was tendered to the Governor of that State, but with a like result.
Somewhat discouraged, and there being no certainty as to when it would be accepted, the Regiment became, in part disorganized, some companies withdrawing for acceptance into other regiments that had not their full complement of men but had been accepted, and many men joining other companies that were about ready to take the field.
The Regiment had decided upon bearing the name of Governor of the State, Richard Yates, and became known as the "Yates Phalanx." Governor Yates manifested an earnest desire to have this Regiment brought into U. S. Service and sent Orrin Mann, then recruiting a company, to Washington with strong complimentary letters to the President and the Secretary of War, urging the acceptance of this body of men, but it was not until the President had been authorized by Congress to make a call for 500,000 additional troops that hope revived and measures were taken to recruit our losses.
2
YATES PHALANX
In the latter part of July 1861, after the disaster to our army at the first battle of Bull Run, Virginia, notice was received from Washington that the Regiment had been accepted and to prepare at once for muster into the services of the United States. More active measures were immediately put forward to increase our membership, and soon there were some 300 men quartered in the old Republican Wigwam on Market Street. Company A, Captain Munn, was the first full company to report, and they were quickly followed by Company C, Company D, and Company G. In succeeding chapters more explicit mention of the company organizations will be given.
In the latter part of July, Austin Light, who had seen considerable service in the United States Army, came to us well recommended as an organizer and as being well-posted in military affairs, army requirements and regulations, and to him was given the duty of perfecting the organizations of the Regiment, and it was conceded that he should have been made the colonel, although no election for field officers had as yet taken place.
On or about August 10, the necessary tents and camp equipment having been furnished, encampment was made on Indiana avenue near 26th street, and named "Camp Mather" in honor of the Adjutant General of the State, and were soon inducted into some semblance of military life and duty.
Daily drill was inaugurated, by company in the mornings and battalion in the afternoons. Awkward squads could be seen maneuvering at most all times. The Regimental Band, organized by Phillip M. Lace at Pontiac, Illinois, had joined us, and their music served to enliven the somewhat dull' monotony of the camp, and especially did it serve as an attraction for visitors at the time of dress parade.
The camp was pleasantly situated, with plenty of open prairie ground about us; and in our near vicinity, to the south and east of us, was what was called the Douglas Brigade, then in state of formation.
On pleasant days there was no lack of visitors of both sexes, but especially were we overrun with peddlers and traders of every conceivable sort; agents from various arms manufactories soliciting orders for revolvers and ammunition; dealers in horses, who wished to supply the field and staff, drummers from tailoring establishments, etc.
In the early part of September, the State Commissioners of Agriculture, while in session at Chicago, voted a flag to be presented to the best drilled company of soldiers in camp at Chicago, and the regimental officers decided to enter competition for it; and Adjutant Frank B. Marshall, formerly a member of the Ellsworth Zouaves, was selected to organize and command a company made up of men of his choosing from any soldiers in the regiment. This he at once went on to do, and within ten days' time, by patient and persistent work with his men he brought them to that perfection in the manual of arms and in field evolutions, which on the day appointed for the contest and the adjudication they won an easy victory and were awarded the flag.
In the closing days of September, the precise date is forgotten, there was an order issued for the election of field officers. It had been very well understood for a long time who was the choice for the positions of colonel and lieutenant-colonel, and, in fact, these officers had already received their commissions; but it was evident that there were in the field for the position, Orrin L. Mann and William H. Ranstead, both of whom had been active in organizing and recruiting for the Regiment.
3
"Into United States Service"
There were two factions; pretty evenly divided in support of the two men; that in favor of William Ranstead was the most noisy and belligerent and consisted of what was termed the "bummer" element of the Regiment; the party in favor of Orrin Mann was more peaceful and orderly, but fully as determined. On the day of the election, the officers gathered in one of the larger tents and prepared for the ballot, selecting Doctor Clark as judge of elections. Slips of paper bearing the name of each candidate were prepared and the voting proceeded, each slip being dropped into a hat on the table before the judge. When the votes were counted, it was found to be a tie, but the judge of elections had not yet voted, and who should be the Major wholly depended on his decision; and amid a most profound quiet and anxious, questioning glances, he declared for Captain Mann. As soon as the result became known among the men it was evident that trouble was brewing. Ranstead, who was present on the grounds, was soon surrounded by his admirers and supporters and was lifted upon their shoulders, and as they paraded him around, it was declared that he should be major or they would leave the Regiment. Some disgraceful scenes and a few acts of violence followed in the course of the day, but by nightfall matters became quieted down. Captain Mann was not present, being absent sick, and it perhaps was best so, for there were many threats of violence made against him, principally due to whiskey. Ranstead declared that he should contest the matter to the extent of his ability, and did exert all the influence that he could bring to bear upon the Governor; but it proved to no avail. Captain Mann received the commission of Major.
On October 8 the order that we had anxiously and patiently looked for came to hand. We were to immediately prepare to muster into the United States Service for three years, and to hold ourselves in readiness to move at a moment's notice.
Absentees were notified and gathered in, and everything made in readiness for the change awaiting us. A grateful surprise, however, was in store, before leaving Chicago, which was the presentation of a beautiful silk flag, by Miss Helen Arion, daughter of C. P. Arion, who had taken a lively interest in our affairs from the first. The presentation was made at the close of dress parade, on the evening of October 10, by Fernando Jones, of Chicago, and the flag was received by Lieutenant-Colonel Osborn, who in a few well-chosen words thanked the fair donor in behalf of the Regiment, and finally ended by naming her the "Daughter of the Regiment."
October 11, 1861, at seven o'clock in the morning, the officers and men were formed for inspection and for "muster in" by Captain Webb, U. S. A.
There were 806 officers and men were in line, all being present except Company H, which was in process of recruiting. Some little time was occupied by the inspection, and at the last, when the order was given to raise the right hand and be sworn, the sight was solemn and inspiring as this body of stalwart and eager men took the oath to defend and ever uphold the government of the United States of America.
The orders received directed us to report to General S. R. Curtis, commanding the Camp of Instruction at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, transportation being furnished via the Chicago, Alton, and St. Louis Railroad. At eleven a.m., we bade a last adieu to Camp Mather, and commenced the march to the depot, stepping out to the spirited strains from the band of "The Girl I Left Behind Me." We were at last "off to the wars," and thus commenced the first of a series of long and often disastrous marches unattended by such pleasurable emotions as at this time filled our hearts.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.