USA > Illinois > Yates phalanx : the history of the Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Veteran Infantry in the war of the rebellion, 1861-1865 > Part 28
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for some hours, and made good their retreat under cover of darkness, without serious loss. It did guard duty, with quarters on board a train of freight cars, along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, from New Creek to Cherry Run, Virginia, up to March 13, 1862, when it joined Shield's Division at Martinsburg, Virginia, and participated in the victory over Jackson's army at Winchester, March 23, 1862. After this it shared in the campaign through the Shenandoah Valley, marching to Fredericksburg and back, then embarking at Alexandria, Virginia to join McClellan's army, and taking part in the last of the seven days' battle at Malvern Hill, Virginia. It took part in July 1862, in the grand retreat to Yorktown, and after a few days rest proceeded to Suffolk, Virginia, where winter quarters were established and where it participated in three different engagements on the Blackwater river, and in a reconnaissance to the Dismal Swamp.
In the early part of January 1863, it left Suffolk for New Bern, North Carolina, to take part in the Foster expedition for the reduction of Charleston, South Carolina, arriving and disembarking on Folly Island, April 4, 1863, after having spent some little time for drill and discipline on St. Helena Island. From July until October, 1863, it was actively engaged in the operations to effect the reduction of the batteries and fortifications in and around Charleston Harbor, being almost constantly exposed to the fire of the enemy and the no less active and merciless assaults of sand-flies, mosquitoes and fleas; but the loss from all causes was surprisingly small, being only two seriously wounded.
January 1, 1864, the company, while at Hilton Head, re-enlisted as veterans and received thirty days furlough home for recruiting. In February 1864, it was ordered to Washington, D.C .; remained for several weeks encamped at Arlington Heights, Virginia, then proceeded to Gloucester Point to join Butler's expedition up the James river, landing at Bermuda Hundred, and actively participating in the battle of Drewry's Bluff on May 15 and 16, in which the company lost four killed and thirteen wounded.
May 20, 1864, it was engaged in the battle of Ware Bottom Church, and then in the trenches at Bermuda Hundred; then followed the engagements of June 16, 17, and 18 at the same place, and where Captain O. F. Rudd was mortally wounded; then it crossed to the north side of the James river and took part in the charge upon the enemy's works at Deep Run, where Private Hardenburg captured the colors of the Eighth Alabama Regiment. August 8, 1864, it entered the trenches in front of Petersburg, where it remained constantly on duty and exposed to the fire of the enemy until September 28, when it again crossed to the north side of the James, and on October 8 assisted in repulsing an attack of the enemy on Chaffin's Farm, Virginia; and October 13 it was engaged in the charge on the rebel works at Darbytown Cross-Roads, where it was repulsed. Again, October 27, it had an engagement with the enemy at the same place. It went into winter quarters on the north side of the James, and during the winter received 13 recruits. March 27, 1865, it again crossed the river, moving to the extreme left of the army at Hatcher's Run, where, on April 2, it assisted in making a successful charge on Fort Gregg, near Petersburg, the key to the works around Richmond. It then engaged in the pursuit of General Lee's army to Appomattox Court House April 3 to 9, 1865. After remaining a few days to assist in guarding and collecting for transportation the captured property, it marched to Richmond where it remained until July 9, 1865. It was then ordered to City Point, Virginia, and from there to Norfolk, where, on December 6, 1865, it was honorably mustered out of
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YATES PHALANX
the United States service and ordered to Springfield, for final payment and discharge, arriving there via Chicago, December 9, 1865.
Company G was called the "Preacher's Company," not alone from the fact of its having a clergyman for its commander, but because its rank and file had pretensions to more morality than the majority of their comrades; and, in fact, it well maintained its superiority in this respect for some considerable time after joining the Regiment. But, as is well known, evil communications and peculiar situations and surroundings are corrupting; so they soon lost prestige in this respect and became, in the esteem of their associates, "hail fellows, well met," at every turn, and could join in as noisy and abusive demonstrations as any when the commissary failed with rations or they were suspicious in quality; and in the long, discouraging marches, when foot sore, travel-stained and disheartened, they could generally find expression for a few modest "cuss" words to help maintain their courage. It possessed endurance, courage and eminent fighting qualities, as fully evinced on many occasions, and noticeably so at Great Cacapon, when they held a full brigade of the enemy, and at the last, when Lieutenant Rudd, in order to permit the larger part of his command to retire, placed himself at the head of twenty of his men and in a narrow pass successfully held the enemy at bay.
It can be fairly said of Company G that it did its full measure of duty, suffered its due share of hardships, and bore its proportion of loss. The reputations of the Regiment was never imperiled by its conduct in the camp, or on the march, or in battle; but on the contrary, the record of the "Yates Phalanx" has been made brighter by reason of its harmonious action in camp, its heroic and soldierly bearing in battle, and its prompt and intelligent response to every call to duty.
Summary of Casualties
Killed in battle
11
Died of wounds
6
Died in prison
2
Died of disease
19
Lost limbs
2
Wounded
50
Discharged for disability
34
Transferred
10
Deserted
10
Taken prisoner
6
Mustered out at expiration of service
25
Re-enlisted as veterans
41
Number originally enlisted
101
Recruits
68
Returned at muster-out of Regiment
52
261
Appendix V - Company Histories
History of Company H
Written by William H. Morley
"April 13, 1862, E. H. Wilson and myself went from Farmer City to LeRoy, Illinois, and were enlisted by Harvey Parks, who was there on recruiting service for Company I, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers. On the 15th, with one other recruit, we walked to Bloomington and there took the cars for Springfield, Illinois, and were assigned to the recruiting barracks at Camp Butler. April 17, Harvey Parks went back to the Regiment, and Charles J. Wilder took charge of the recruits. There were eight of us who were recruited for the Thirty-Ninth, being a larger number than for any other one regiment there present, and we organized a temporary company, calling it Company H, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers, selected C. J. Wilder as our Captain. Being a 'lost company,' we were kept at Camp Butler to guard the rebel prisoners, and there seemed to be no prospect of getting to our Regiment until about June 20, 1862, when Chauncey Williams of Company I came home on recruiting service and arrived at Camp Butler with a few men whom he had recruited at LeRoy. He was a favorite with the boys from the start, and he stated that if he was elected their Captain he would take us to our Regiment at once. During the time we had been at Camp Butler, all recruits who arrived in camp, and who had not been assigned to any particular regiment, and who had no choice as to where they went so long as they got to the front, were assigned to our barracks until we had a company numbering some seventy men from all parts of the State.
"On June 30, 1862, we held an election for officers which resulted in the choice of-
Chauncey Williams, Captain; Charles J. Wilder, First Lieutenant; George Searling, Second Lieutenant;
and we were mustered into the United States service as Company H, Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers, dating July 11, 1862. July 16 we started to join the Regiment via Indianapolis and Washington, arriving at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, July 24, and were assigned our place in the Regiment. From that time to the close of the war our history is that in common with the Regiment, which we were never detached from, but were a part thereof at all times.
"This company participated in all the battles that the Regiment was engaged in excepting that at Drewry's Bluff, Virginia, May 16, 1864, when it was detailed as the guard to an ammunition train. It was proficient in drill, excellent in discipline, and did noble service during the continuance of the war, losing many officers and men killed in battle, wounded, and taken prisoners.
Summary of Casualties
Killed in battle
5
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YATES PHALANX
Died of wounds
5
Died in prison
1
Died of disease
5
Lost limbs
3
Drowned
1
Wounded
29
Discharged for disability
11
Transferred
7
Deserted
13
Taken prisoner
8
Mustered out at expiration of service
32
Re-enlisted as veterans
13
Number originally enlisted
77
Recruits
55
Returned at muster-out of Regiment
51
History of Company I
This company was principally recruited at LeRoy, by Hiram M. Phillips, who had seen some service in the Mexican War as a soldier, and found but little difficulty in gathering men to his standard for the "three years' service." It was organized on September 6, and mustered into the service October 11, 1861, at Camp Mather, Chicago.
Company I took part in the skirmish with Jackson's forces at Bath, some of the time being on the skirmish line or outpost duty; but the chief duty given to it on January 4 was supporting Lieutenant Muhlenberg's Artillery in its position on Warm Spring Ridge. It was a magnificent body of men-the majority of them were large in form, robust in muscle, young and spirited, and at the time of muster into the United States service was nearly full to the maximum limit. It took part in all the battles, skirmishes and movements of the Regiment, doing its full duty in the most acceptable manner. The First and Second Lieutenants were both killed in action, one (Lemon) on August 16, 1864 at Deep Run, Virginia, and the other (Fellows) on September 6 in a skirmish with the enemy near Ware Bottom Church.
Forty-one of the original members accepted veteran honors in January, 1864, determined to see the finish of the war or perish in the attempt. The roster will show how many of these were permitted to return home at the muster out of the Regiment. It is perhaps unnecessary to say that it always maintained a high order of discipline under the old veteran, Captain Phillips, who was wounded and taken to Libby Prison on May 16, 1864.
Summary of Casualties
Killed in battle
9
263
Appendix V - Company Histories
Died of wounds
7
Died in prison
3
Died of disease
5
Lost limbs
3
Drowned
2
Wounded
48
Discharged for disability
44
Transferred
7
Deserted
3
Taken prisoner
16
Mustered out at expiration of service
23
Re-enlisted as veterans
41
Number originally enlisted
85
Recruits
54
Returned at muster-out of Regiment
41
History of Company K
Prepared by Sergeant David H. Slagle
"In July 1861, Frank B. Marshall, a recruiting officer for the 'Yates Phalanx' (Thirty- Ninth Illinois), went to Marseilles, La Salle county, Illinois, where, he had been informed, a company was organizing for the three years' service. He had a conference with Joseph Woodruff, Andrew W. Wheeler and others, and suggested to them that if they could raise a company of men for the Thirty-Ninth in Marseilles and vicinity they could elect their own officers. Active recruiting was at once begun under very promising circumstances. On August 6 the first squad of recruits was forwarded to Chicago and quartered in the Old Republican Wigwam. Others were continually added, and when the Regiment went into Camp Mather the minimum number for a company organization was present for an election of officers, and the following were elected:
Joseph Woodruff, Captain. Frank B. Marshall, First Lieutenant. Donald A. Nicholson, Second Lieutenant.
"Cyrus F. Knapp made some efforts for a commission, preferring the Captaincy, but could not control a sufficient number of recruits, and failed; but subsequently identified himself with Company D. Marshall was soon appointed Regimental Adjutant, leaving the place of First Lieutenant vacant. Oscar S. Belcher, then a Sergeant in Company B, claiming that he could procure the number of men yet wanted to complete the Company, was then elected to fill the
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YATES PHALANX
vacancy; but his recruits did not materialize. He kept the position, however. Soon after this the Company received nineteen men that had enlisted in (the original) Company H, which had been organized at Bloomington by Captain C. S. Dirckes, who for some reason became dissatisfied and so neglected his Company that Colonel Light dissolved it and gave the members of it their choice between Companies F and K. Nineteen men came to Company K. These men had been enlisted by E. C. Myers, and he should have been elected First Lieutenant instead of Belcher. Myers and Terrell had been elected Lieutenants in Company H, but had not been commissioned; they had, however, gone to the expense of getting their uniforms, but like good patriots and soldiers they gracefully accepted the situation. Myers being appointed Second Sergeant and Terrell First Corporal. It was apparent, however, that Terrell was never fully reconciled; he lost his interest, became soured, and after being promoted to Sergeant was reduced to the ranks. For some time there was a little division in the company, the Bloomington men were clannish; but soon the line of formality was broken and the company became a unit, and a strong one. When Company K re-enlisted at Hilton Head, South Carolina in 1864, several of the members who on first enlistment were credited to La Salle county, on second enlistment were credited to Cook county, and received the $100 bounty offered by the county for men who re-enlisted in the field, while those who remained faithful to La Salle county received nothing-which was a source of much dissatisfaction.
"Captain Woodruff was the leading spirit in recruiting this company of men, from the very start, and was always the choice for leader. He proved worthy of the confidence reposed in him up to the date of his death, and his loss was deeply felt and sincerely mourned.
"The Company was made up of good material, and distinguished itself on many occasions, contributing thereby to the good name the Regiment had won in all the military departments in which it was called upon to serve."
Summary of Casualties
Killed in battle
7
Died of wounds
6
Died in prison
2
Died of disease
10
Lost limbs
2
Wounded
54
Discharged for disability
29
Transferred
2
Deserted
3
Taken prisoner
10
Mustered out at expiration of service
14
Re-enlisted as veterans .
37
Number originally enlisted
80
265
Appendix V - Company Histories
Recruits
56
Returned at muster-out of Regiment
63
TOTAL THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
Killed in battle
83
Died of wounds
61
Died in prison
25
Died of disease
90
Lost limbs
34
Drowned
4
Wounded
411
Discharged for disability
293
Transferred
52
Deserted
97
Taken prisoner
118
Mustered out at expiration of service
191
Re-enlisted as veterans
350
Number originally enlisted
844
Recruits
608
Returned at muster-out of Regiment
525
Enlisted men promoted to commissions
34
Medals of Honor awarded
2
Promoted to General Officer
2
266
YATES PHALANX
267
APPENDIX VI
THE REGIMENTAL BAND
From its inception as a Regiment, the Thirty-Ninth Illinois had a band to perform during their various functions. The Regiment's original band was formed prior to leaving Chicago for the Camp of Instruction at St. Louis, Missouri. The Thirty-Ninth Illinois was to have plenty of music to relieve the monotony of camp life. The band also helped to relieve the tedium of the march. Moreover, during a battle it was the duty of the members to act as stretcher-bearers, and carry the wounded soldiers from the field.
By order of the War Department, the musicians of this original band were mustered out of service on June 4, 1862. This order dispensed with all regimental bands that had been enlisted.
A second band was organized by Philip M. Lace who re-enlisted and was placed on the non-commissioned staff as the Band Leader and Principal Musician. He was to be paid the same amount as a Second Lieutenant. However, this difference in pay was made up by tax on the Sutler. The members of the new band were enlisted soldiers detailed from the various companies.
This band returned with the Regiment to the front after veteran furlough in March 1864. Their instruments were bought with $600 subscribed by the officers of the Regiment while at Arlington Heights, Virginia, April 1864. The band, under the drill and teaching of Lace, was considered the best in the Twenty-Fourth Corps, and had the reputation of being the best band in the Army of the James.
For details of each musician of the new band, refer to the Roster, Appendix VII.
Original Band of the Thirty-Ninth Illinois Volunteers
Leader of Band
Lace, Philip M. - Enlisted September 22, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
First Class Musicians
Bowman, N. B. - Enlisted October 2, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Hull, B. B. - Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
268
YATES PHALANX
Harrah, William C. - Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Hanning, William - Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Summers, Frank R. - Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Williams, Henry F. - Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Williams, Samuel R. - Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Second Class Musicians
Hannah, Calvin - Enlisted September 20, 1861; taken prisoner at Strasburg, Virginia, May, 1862. Was paroled, and discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Lane, Edwin H. - Enlisted October 2, 1861; taken prisoner at Strasburg, Virginia, May, 1862. Was paroled, and discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Pitcher, T. W. - Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Thaer, Andrew - Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Mears, D. C. - Enlisted October 8, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Towns, J. C. - Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Third Class Musicians
Johnson, James M. - Enlisted September 20, 1862; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Ladd, A. A. - Enlisted September 20, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1861.
269
Appendix VI - The Regimental Band
Fisher, B. W. - Enlisted October 8, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862. Schermerhorn, Alford - Enlisted August 17, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
Smith, C. E. - Enlisted October 5, 1861; discharged by order of the War Department June 4, 1862.
THE BAND OF 1864 AND 1865
Phillip M. Lace, Leader18
Eb Cornet, 1st.
Enoch C. Hedge
Eb Cornet, 2nd.
James A. Wilson
Bb Cornet, 1st.
Edward D. Conley
Bb Cornet, 2nd.
Henry T. Jones
Eb Alto, Solo 1 st.
Charles A. McGregor
Eb Alto 2nd.
Edward A. Sackett
Eb Alto 3rd.
Samuel F. Hull
Bb Baritone Solo.
Samuel Greenbaum
Bb Tenor, 1 st.
Frank L. Butterfield
Bb Tenor, 2nd.
William H. Brown
Bb Tenor, 3rd.
William C. Lace
Eb Tuba, 1st.
Theo W. Pitcher1
Eb Tuba, 2nd.
John Lewis
Cymbals.
James M. Johnson1
Cymbals.
Timothy Cannon
Small Drum.
William Hughes
Bass Drum.
M. H. Fuller
Bass Drum.
18Member of the Original Band
270
YATES PHALANX
0
1861-65
Civil war
*
1
271
APPENDIX VII
ROSTER
OF
OFFICERS AND MEN
OF THE
THIRTY-NINTH ILLINOIS
VETERAN VOLUNTEERS
INFANTRY
1861 - 1865
[Spelling per Adjutant General's Report]
272
YATES PHALANX
-A-
Abbott, William J. - Sergeant - Company F - Enlisted from Sandoval, Illinois, August 12, 1861. Discharged for disability, August 27, 1861.
Abrams, Frank - Private - Company A - Enlisted January 4, 1864. Captured May 20, 1864 at Ware Bottom Church, Virginia. Paroled and exchanged (date unknown). Mustered out with the regiment, December 6, 1865.
Adams, John Q. - Private - Company B - Enlisted March 1, 1865. Deserted September 2, 1865.
Adams, Samuel - Private - Company A - Enlisted August 5, 1861. Discharged for disability on June 1, 1862. (cause unknown) In 1889 he was living in Minooka, Illinois.
Adams, Thomas J. - Private - Company K - Enlisted from Marengo, McHenry County, Illinois, August 27, 1861. Promoted Corporal December 1, 1863. Discharged September 19, 1864 upon completion of military service. Native of Maine. In 1889 he was living at Ocala, Florida.
Agney, Washington - Private - Company G - Enlisted from Freeport, Illinois, February 29, 1864. Killed October 13, 1864 at Darbytown Cross-Roads, Virginia.
Ahishlager, Carl G. - Private - Company G - Enlisted from New Lenox, Illinois, September 7, 1861. Mustered out September 10, 1864 upon completion of military service.
Ahrens, Claus - Private - Company A - Enlisted August 5, 1861. Veteran. Wounded during the battle of Ware Bottom Church, Virginia, May 20, 1864. Mustered out with the regiment, December 6, 1865.
Aikins, Albert - Private - Company K - Enlisted April 11, 1865. Was a substitute. Mustered out with the regiment, December 6, 1865.
Akehurst, Henry C. - Private - Company C - Enlisted from Pontiac, Illinois, August 12, 1861. Discharged October 11, 1863 for disability. (cause unknown)
Akehurst, James S. - Private - Company C - Enlisted from Pontiac, Illinois, August 12, 1861. Wounded May 20, 1864 near Ware Bottom Church, Virginia. Arm amputated. Died in the hospital May 28, 1864.
Aldridge, Lawson - Private - Company H - Enlisted February 22, 1865. Mustered out with the regiment, December 6, 1865.
273
Appendix VII - Roster Of Officers And Men
Allaban, Wilson S. - See Allahan, William S.
Allahan, William S. - Private - Company H - Enlisted from Palos, Illinois, February 1, 1862. Discharged March 3, 1863 for disability. [Allaban, Wilson S.]
Allen, Abner P .- Private - Company K - Enlisted from Bloomington, Illinois, September 2, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Corporal December 1, 1863. Member of the color-guard and carried the State flag at the surrender ceremony of General Lee, April 9, 1865. Allen accompanied General John Gibbon to Washington, DC with seventy-six stands of Rebel colors, and was presented with a Medal of Honor by Secretary of War Stanton for meritorious conduct in front of Petersburg. Mustered out with the regiment, December 6, 1865.
Allen, Andrew C. - Private - Company C - Enlisted from Esmond, Illinois, August 12, 1861. Taken prisoner May 16, 1864 at Drewry's Bluff, Virginia. Sent to prison in Florence, South Carolina where he died September 25, 1864.
Allen, James - Private - Company H - Enlisted April 11, 1865. Mustered out with the regiment, December 6, 1865.
Allen, James K. - Private - Company K - Enlisted from Bloomington, Illinois, September 2, 1861. Veteran. Promoted Corporal December 1, 1864; Sergeant January 1, 1865. Mustered out with the regiment, December 6, 1865.
Allen, John W. - Private - Company H - Enlisted from Chicago, Illinois, April 10, 1862. Deserted October 30, 1862.
Alles, Frank - Private - Company D - Enlisted from Winnetka, Illinois, February 20, 1864. Mustered out with the regiment, December 6, 1865.
Allison, John H. - Private - Company G - Enlisted from New Genesee, Illinois, August 28, 1861. Killed by a falling tree while cutting timber at Suffolk, Virginia, September 28, 1862.
Alsup, James M. - Sergeant - Company B - Enlisted August 12, 1861. Taken prisoner at Blackwater, Virginia, October 24, 1862; paroled and exchanged. Deserted in January 1863.
Alsup, John F. - Sergeant - Company B - Enlisted from LeRoy, Illinois, August 12, 1861. Promoted Sergeant May 26, 1862. To First Sergeant January 1, 1863. Wounded May 22, 1864 in a skirmish near Ware Bottom Church, Virginia. Wounded August 16, 1864 at battle of Deep Run, Virginia. Promoted Captain April 11, 1865, but could not muster. Discharged September 23, 1865 for disability from wounds.
274
YATES PHALANX
Alsup, Robert D. - Private - Company B - Enlisted from LeRoy, Illinois, February 26, 1864. Mustered out with the regiment, December 6, 1865.
Ames, Jacob - Private - Unassigned Draftee - Drafted from Calhoun County, Illinois, April 8, 1865. Mustered out May 25, 1865.
Anderson, Alexander - Private - Company E - Enlisted February 23, 1865. Killed April 2, 1865 at Fort Gregg, Virginia.
Anderson, F. M. - Private - Company C - Enlisted from Indian Grove, Illinois, August 12, 1861. Discharged for disability in June, 1862.
Anderson, Henry - Corporal - Company B - Enlisted at Bloomington, Illinois, August 12, 1861. Mustered out September 10, 1864 upon completion of military service. In 1889 he was living in Xenia, Ohio.
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