USA > Missouri > Recollections of the 26th Missouri Infantry, in the war for the union > Part 15
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On October 5th we started in after the rebels, and when we got a little way from Corinth we found a great many of our soldiers dead. They were killed on the 3d, in the first day's fight, and stripped of their clothing by the rebels, were rapidly decomposing. The burial par- ties dug holes deep enough to cover the bodies, and then with shovels rolled them into rude graves, which were quickly closed with the surrounding earth.
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I had sent in my resignation for what seemed to me good and sufficient reasons, and on arriving at Corinth, found it had been accepted on October 12th, 1862. Thus I was in a three days' fight, and not a member of the regi- ment.
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REUNION PROCEEDINGS.
Second Annual Reunion at Union, Mo., Sept. 2-3, 1890.
The Second Annual Reunion of the 26th Missouri was held at Union, Franklin county, Mo., on September 3d and 4th, 1890. and was attended by about 1000 people. 300 of whom were old soldiers.
Mr. J. C. Kiskaddon delivered the address of welcome, and the reply was made by Judge T. M. Rice, of Boonville, Mo. On the closing day of the reunion a barbecue was given to the veterans and their friends by the citizens. The following was
COLONEL B. D. DEAN'S ADDRESS.
Ladies, Gentlemen, and Comrades of the Grand Old Army of the Union :-
This is one of the most pleasant events of my life. More than twenty-five years ago we bade each other good-bye as a regimental organization, and for many years it has been my great desire to meet you, my old comrades, in a social gathering like this. More than a year ago, at the suggestion of some of my comrades, it was my privilege, as well as duty, in connection with Comrade Rice, to sign a call for a meeting to be held at Washington, Mo .. for the purpose of organizing a society of the survivors of the 26th Missouri Infantry. As you are aware it was my misfortune to be sick and unable to attend your meeting.
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At your permanent organization you did me the honor to appoint me your President for the present year. You also passed very consoling resolutions for myself and family in our affliction, for which we are very grateful. You also selected this beautiful little town of Union for our present meeting, and to me no other place seems so fitted for the occasion as this.
Nearly thirty years ago when the alarm of civil war was sounded all over our fair land and Beauregard was thunder- ing down the flag of our country at Fort Sumter, and our state government was in the hands of secessionists, and the hand of neighbor was against neighbor, we scarcely knew whom to trust, and was distressed about the condition of our country, the safety of our families, our lives and property- this little town was my home, and I almost a stranger. Here I spent some of the saddest days of my life. Perhaps most of you know, my comrades all know, that sometimes sorrow and affliction so attaches us to persons, places and things, that we will always have a kind regard for them. So I am attached to the citizens of Union and Franklin county. The soldiers who have borne the burden of battle, sickness and distress together, are united in heart as a band of brothers, and our friendship extends to those who suffered with us on the other side of the dead line. We say to those who wore "the gray," although we hate with a deadly hatred your rebel- lion against the government, we have a warm regard for you, and here is our hand of fellowship. We suffered together (for what both sides thought was right), like the ten lepers that Christ healed, nine of which were Jews and one a Samaritan. The Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with each other-they hated each other, but they had suffered
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the same affliction together, which so united them in heart that they cried with one voice: "Lord have mercy on us!" So we who wore "the blue" and they who wore "the gray" unite in crying: "Lord have mercy on us, and save our be- loved country from war within and wars without."
Comrades, there are but very few of us here to-day- most of the 26th are on the other side. Some we left .. Down South." Our brave General Boomer, and Brown, Welker, Stoddard, Bliss, Rowen, with hundreds of others, and since the war the all-sweeping scythe of time has cut us down at a fearful rate. Comrades, when we think of the many precious lives that were laid down in our country's cause, and the dark and dreary days of the civil war through which we passed, and the doubts and fears of what would be the fate of our country, our hearts are sad. But when we con- sider the final result, we see that the political atmosphere of this country is purer, clearer, and brighter than it ever was before. We behold the rainbow of peace spanning our country from north to south, and from east to west, typify- ing that internal strife shall be no more. Our ship of state is sailing on a clear, calm and cloudless ocean, with our Constitution as framed by Washington and his compatriots unimpaired-with the addition of causing the bright sun of freedom to shine on an additional four millions of people, and with the same old flag without one star plucked from its escutcheon, and with a united people on board, "the blue and the gray" standing side by side, proclaiming to all nations: "Beware! If you insult .the blue,' you insult 'the gray'-if you insult .the gray,' you insult 'the blue.'"
Our country has been tried by fire and came forth the brighter star-next to the star that guided the shepherds to
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the birthplace of our Lord, which will guide the oppressed of all the world to a haven of rest and security. No matter . whether he be a king or potentate fleeing from his tottering throne crumbling beneath him, or whether he or she be a subject fleeing from the oppression of a monarchial govern- ment-if they once gain a foothold on American soil their . person is secure and their rights are respected.
But notwithstanding our present security and prosperity as a nation, we know not what changes a few years may bring about. Hence, it is our duty to remember and teach our sons and our daughters, that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."
A VISIT TO THE OLD BATTLEFIELDS.
A year ago this month, it was the privilege of a few of our old brigade, including only four of the 26th Missouri- Comrades Crowe, Evans, Fritchey and myself, to revisit the South, and I assure you, comrades, it was much easier fight- ing the battles over again, and how we four did wish every survivor of the 26th could have been with us. All of you know how we were received on our first visit down there at the point of the bayonet. amidst the shriek of shot and shell; but last year we were received with open arms. " The blue and the gray" united in a barbecue on the battlefield of Chicka- mauga. The tables covered acres of ground and it was the largest gathering I ever saw. I do not recollect the estimate of the number of people present. Everyone who wore one of those badges representing " the blue and the gray," was admitted to dinner and provided with tobacco and a * pipe of peace" made from wood grown on the battlefield of Chicka- mauga.
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After dinner I had the pleasure of a little chat with General Rosecrans, and as we took each other by the hand, he said: " God bless the 26th Missouri!" While down there we visited the battle grounds of Corinth, Iuka, and Chattanooga. We located the place where our regiment -participated in the battles, and picked up some relics where the 11th Ohio Battery stood. We also located our position on Missionary Ridge, and visited the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, which contains seventy-five acres. The grounds rise to a central eminence 100 feet above the avenue which winds around the cemetery. From a flag- staff 150 feet high on the top of this mound floats the ensign of the Union. In this magnificent enclosure sleep 13,000 Union soldiers. We also visited the National Cemetery at Corinth, which is a finely laid-out and well-cared for place.
Comrades: Since we were in the South as a regiment, a great change has taken place. Then we met our country- men in deadly combat, now we have laid down our arms and we meet as friends and brothers. Now, instead of seeing a country laid waste by war, we behold " The New South" teeming with industry and thrift on every hand. Agriculture, mining, and manufactures produce immense wealth and invites emigration from every part of our country, and from every land. And comrades, in look- ing into your faces, I see that a great change has taken place in us since the " sixties." Then we tramped, tramped with a bouyant and elastic step, now with feeble, tottering and uncertain ones. and our heads are white with the frosts of many winters. But with all this my comrades, when I look into your eyes. I see ! I feel! I know! that the fire of patriotism burns as brightly in your bosoms as it did when
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you took your lives in your hands and went down to the . front willing to lay those lives down that your country might live.
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Comrades: Often when meditating over our army life. I think I would like to know how all of our old comrades are getting along. and what they are doing, and would like to know if it is well with them. But some of us, we are sorry to know, have a hard time to keep the wolf from the door. To all such our sympathy goes out. Others have prospered and been honored with positions of trust and profit. To all such we say, "may your shadow never grow less." We-who are down here do not envy you your well- earned honors, and as members of the same grand old regi- ment, we are hanging to your coat-tails, and as we do so, we feel some of the electric honors slipping to our fingers.
THE BATTLE-SCARRED REGIMENTAL FLAG.
Before closing these few remarks, I must mention a little circumstance. (or a big one would be a more proper name for it), the recollection of which is very gratifying to every member of the 26th Missouri. When we had success- fully carried our flag on seven battlefields, and at Iuka it was pierced with sixteen balls, and at Champion Hills where it was stripped of its last star, and at Vicksburg it waved a starless banner in the face of the enemy from the 19th of May until the 22d of June-then the citizens of Union, and perhaps some in Washington, presented us with a beautiful silk flag. which we as members of the regiment are proud to say, we never disgraced. We had hoped to obtain that flag, and have it here on this occasion. We wrote to the Adju- tant-General of the State about it, and he replied that he
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" would like to grant our request, but it was contrary to law, and if such a precedent was established it would be but a few years until there would not be a flag left in the State Department."
Comrades: One more thought and I am done. I read somewhere, a long time since, that while a General was re- viewing the troops of another, he said: "General, you have a very fine army." " Yes," was the reply, " and every one of them is a brick!" Fortifications in those days were built of brick. So in that saying he meant that every soldier was a fortification. So I say to you, as the old Commander of the 26th Missouri, every one of you was a brick-a fortifica- tion that was hard to capture.
Fourth Annual Reunion, October 3d, 1892.
The Fourth Annual Reunion of the 26th Missouri In- fantry was held at Pacific, Mo., at the headquarters of Fred. Hecker Post, No. 290, G. A. R., on October 3d, 1892.
The meeting was called to order by the President, Col. B. D. Dean. Secretary J. T. Crowe being absent, Wilson M. Jones was elected Secretary pro tem. The President an- nounced that the regular business of the Association would not be taken up at the present as the Honorable Mayor of the city, Charles Close, was present for the purpose of deliver- ing an address of welcome. Mr. Close began by saying, that before he commenced his speech, he wished to correct the President, Col. Dean. He was not the mayor of the city, but had been selected to extend a welcome to the members of the organization of the 26th Missouri.
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Mr. Close further said:
Gentlemen of the 26th Missouri Volunteer Infantry :-
In the name of the citizens of Pacific and the G. A. R. . Post, I extend to you a hearty welcome to our city. We will spare no pains in making your stay with us a pleasant one. When you were in the field fighting the bat- tles of your country, we were proud of your patriotism and your bravery. To-day we honor and love you as citizens. and we say to you, capture our city and hold it as long as you wish.
President Dean responded as follows :
Mr. Charles Close, Ladies and Gentlemen :-
Allow me to explain why I was mistaken in calling Mr. Close, Mayor. I was informed a few minutes before, that perhaps, the Honorable Mayor of Pacific would deliver an address of welcome. Seeing Mr. Close present, and re- garding him as the best looking man in your city, I took him for the mayor, knowing that the good people of a city usually select the best looking man for mayor. I know how. it is myself. I was once selected mayor of the city of Union for my beauty.
Mr. Close, speaking for the organization of the 26th Missouri. allow me to say that we highly appreciate the cordial welcome we have received at your hands, and we assure you that this reunion will be one that will be long re- membered. As we marched through your streets to-day, escorted by the G. A. R. Post whose guests we are, with stars and stripes waving, we were carried back to 1861, when we were with you as real soldiers, and we recognize friendly faces in your city to-day, that were our friends then.
The members of the 26th Missouri have a warm feeling
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for the people of Franklin county. This is the fourth reun- ion of our regiment and we have held three of them in your county. We have not forgotten that when the last star was shot from our regimental flag. the good ladies of your county presented us with a new one. We do not forget that when we were in the south battling for the life of our country, that many of us had our homes and families in your county, and that they were always treated kindly, although many of your citizens were on the wrong side of the issue.
Comrades of the 26th Missouri: Again we meet in " Fra- ternity, Charity and Loyalty." Who can have a truer frater- nal feeling than we who have lived together for nearly four years as one family, all having one common aim, the per- petuation of the Government, as handed down to us by Washington and his compatriots. We who have suffered hunger, thirst and affliction together-comrades, these things have woven a web of affection around us that no one can fully appreciate but ourselves. Who can lay claim to more charity than we, when rations were scarce on the march and our canteens were nearly empty. Any of us would eat and drink less and divide with a comrade, and to-day we have lost none of our charity. Who can lay claim to more loy- alty than we who took our lives in our hands and went down to the front, and while we are thus closely united together we harbor no ill feeling to our brave countrymen who fought on the other side. We know some believed in the right of states to secede, so we now declare that we have buried the past. Let us all be friends, but comrades there are some people in this country whom we have no respect for. We call them " copperheads."
Comrades: I am glad that I was a member of the 26th
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Missouri, and I am sure that every one of you is proud of its record. As for myself, I have been accustomed to think we had a pretty fair regiment, as good as the majority of regiments. But recently I have come to the conclusion that the 26th Missouri was far above the average. If we did not accomplish as much as some other regiments it was because the opportunity did not present itself. Most of you are aware that recently I have been writing my . Recollections of the 26th Missouri." and on looking back on what we ac- complished, and examining the "History of the Rebellion," I find that we were a much better regiment than I had been accustomed to think. I only have time to refer to a few points. Our first real battle was Iuka. That battle is famil- iar to you all. We lost in killed and wounded over two- thirds of our number that were engaged, and while every regiment on our left gave way with a fearful rout, we held our ground until night, when we were relieved by the gal- lant IIth Missouri. We had been furiously charged several times and finally they got possession of one of our guns, but our terrific fire was too much for them and they were com- pelled to abandon it. No regiment bore as conspicuous a part in that battle as did the 26th Missouri. The next day after the battle, General Rosecrans rode by us, raised his hat and said: "26th Missouri, I honor you!" Later on he said that " the 26th and IIth Missouri saved the day."
General Hamilton in his orders said, that "a few brigades whipped and put to flight Price's whole army, out- numbering us ten to one." At Champion Hills where our brave Major Brown and Captain Welker, with many others fell, we were hurried into battle in double-quick, changed our position under the galling fire of the enemy, out-maneu-
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vered them. repelled the charge of three different regiments. and finally drove them from the field, capturing a number of prisoners, and our job being finished, we marched to the rear in line of battle with every man and officer who had not been killed or wounded, in his place. There was not a single straggler, and some of you will recollect that when we reached brigade headquarters, our gallant Brigade Com- mander, Col. Boomer, declared that " the 26th Missouri was the best regiment in the service."
At Missionary Ridge, the 26th was the first to cross the Tennessee in pontoons at midnight of November 23d, 1863. The 26th Missouri and 93d Illinois went to the top of Mis- sionary Ridge, silenced a battery and held our position for three or four hours without any support. When the 93d Illinois was driven back, and their brave Col. Putnam killed-the 26th Missouri charged the enemy and drove them back over the hill, and finally, when we were almost surrounded by the enemy, we would not surrender, but cut our way through.
At Vicksburg we made three different charges. We were selected for the very responsible duty of escorting 1600 head of cattle from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Gen. Stedman detailed us for that very important task, because he believed that if any one regiment could take them through, the 26th Missouri could.
Comrades: It affords me great pleasure to refer back to our association in the army. During the whole time that I had the honor of being your Colonel, I do not recollect of any strife or ill feeling either among officers or men. If ever a regiment could be called a band of brothers, it was the 26th Missouri. May we all meet again. May God bless you all.
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We will now proceed to the election of officers for the next year.
Col. B. D. Dean was re-elected President of the Asso- ciation, and Capt. W. M. Robinson, of Grand Rapids, Mich., Vice President, and Capt. John T. Crowe, Secretary and Treasurer.
" The 26th Missouri Infantry" was the subject of an. eloquent and patriotic address by William Burchard, of Chamois, Mo. It was decided to hold the next Reunion at Chamois. After the transaction of other routine matters, the Association formally adjourned, but the social features were kept up till a late hour.
The following comrades were present at the Reunion : Col. B. D. Dean, Lamar, Mo .; Col. John McFall, St. Louis, Mo. ; Capt. R. B. Denny, Hempker, Mo .; Capt. W. H. Mengel, California, Mo .; Capt. B. E. Anderson, Stanton, Mo .; Lieut. C. P. Carman, St. Louis; Sergeant John T. Stevens, Donaldson, Ills; Sergeant D. W. Simons. Chil- howee, Mo .; Sergeant W. M. Jones, Dry Branch, Mo .; John H. Allen. Luyston, Mo .; W. T. Compton, Donaldson, Ills .; T. B. Evans, Stanton, Mo .; C. McCallister, Dry Branch, Mo .; C. H. Rohrbach, California, Mo .; R. P. White. Fredericksburg, Mo .; James E. Bishop, Lone Dell, Mo .: W. H. Root, Greenville, Mo .; A. J. Robertson, Elmont, Mo .; Samuel Campbell, New Haven, Mo .; Joel Jones, Seybert, Mo .; Fritz Detmer, New Haven, Mo .: J. B. Dodd, Chamois, Mo .; William Burchard, Chamois, Mo .; Aug. Wilmesherr, Jeffriesburg, Mo .; John Casey, Bay. Mo .: R. H. Mueller. Chamois, Mo .; - Banks. Linn. Mo .: Henry Alt. Oakfield, Mo .; J. M. Richardson,
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St. Clair, Mo .; J. N. Prickett, Sorento, Ills .; Sam Cart- wright, Luebbering, Mo .; R. L. Price, St. Louis, Mo .; Henry Beste, Japan. Mo .; John Cole, Catawissa. Mo .: J. H. C. Jones, St. Louis, Mo .; W. H. Moss, Sedalia, Mo .; Fritz Weirich, Champion City, Mo .; J. B. F. Pursley, Mo- selle, Mo.
ROSTER OF OFFICERS. [ Report of Adjutant General of Missouri. ]
Col. George B. Boomer, commissioned January 17th, 1862. Appointed Brigadier-General for gallantry at Champion Hills, May, 1863. Killed in as- sault on Vicksburg, May 22d, 1863.
Col. Benjamin D. Dean, commissioned June 13th, 1863. Mustered out at expiration of term, January 9th, 1865. Residence, Lamar, Mo.
Lt. Col. John H. Holman, commissioned January 17th, 1862. Resigned January 26th, 1863.
Lt. Col. John McFall, commissioned June 22d, 1863. Mustered out at expiration of term, December 27th, 1864. Address. 307 Locust street, St. Louis, Mo.
Lt. Col. Theron M. Rice, commissioned June 13th, 1865. Mustered out as Captain Co. H, August 13th, 1865. Residence, Boonville, Mo.
Major L. E. Koninzeski, commissioned January 10th, 1862. Resigned October 21st, 1862.
Major Charles F. Brown, commissioned January 16th. 1863; Quarter- master, February 8th, 1862: promoted Major, November 22d, 1862. Killed in battle at Vicksburg, May 16th, 1863.
Major Robert C. Crowell, commissioned August roth, 1863. Mustered out at expiration of service, January 9th. 1865. Residence, 1431 Locust street, Kansas City, Mo.
Major Theron M. Rice, commissioned June 6th, 1865. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
Major John Rees, commissioned June 12th, 1865. Mustered out as Captain Co. I, August 13th, 1865.
Adjutant A. Van Buren, commissioned January 17th, 1862. Resigned April 26th, 1862.
Adjutant George W. Brown, commissioned June 20th. 1862. Appointed Captain Ioth U. S. Vols., A D., November 9th, 1863.
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Adj't Theron M. Rice, commissioned February 13th, 1864. Promoted Capt. H, March 14th, 1865.
Adjutant Valentine McVay, commissioned June 12th, 1865. Not mus- tered.
Quartermaster James T. Berry. commissioned February 6th, 1863. Mus- tered out at expiration of term, January 12th, 1865.
Quartermaster James H. McKane, commissioned June Ist, 1865. Not mustered.
Surgeon Jonathan S. Prout, commissioned Jan'y 13th, 1862. Mustered out at expiration of term, January roth, 1865.
Assistant Surgeon John L. Bryan, commissioned January 17th, 1862. Resigned July 31st, 1863.
Assistant Surgeon Charles F. Barnett, commissioned February 2d, 1863. Mustered out at expiration of term, January 9th, 1865.
Chaplain Joseph Warren, commissioned May 26th, 1862. Resigned October 26th, 1864.
COMPANY A.
Capt. David Cain, commissioned January 17th, 1862. Resigned June 2Ist, 1862.
Capt. William M. Robinson, commissioned July 5th, 1862. Mustered out at expiration of term, November 15th, 1864. Residence, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Ist Lieut. George W. Allison, commissioned January 17th, 1862. Mus- tered out March 31st, 1862.
Ist Lieut. Charles P. Carman, commissioned July 15th, 1862. Resigned October 12th, 1862.
Ist Lieut. Amos W. Fritchey, commissioned January 16th, 1863. Dis- charged by Special Order 229, War Department, May 15th, 1865.
2d Lieut. Charles P. Carman, commissioned January 17th, 1862. Pro- moted to Ist Lieut., April Ist, 1862.
2d Lieut. James Whitton, commissioned July 15th, 1862. Mustered out at expiration of term, November 15th, 1864.
COMPANY B.
Capt. John Welker, commissioned January 17th, 1862. Killed in battle at Vicksburg, May 16th, 1863.
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Capt E. H. Stoddard, commissioned June 22d, 1863. Killed in battle, November 25th, 1863.
Capt. John W. Perry. commissioned April 18th. 1864. Mustered out at expiration of term, November 17th, 1864.
Ist Lieut. William M. Robinson, commissioned January 17th, 1862. Promoted Captain Co. A.
Ist Lieut. E. H. Stoddard, commissioned July 5th. 1862. Promoted Captain Co. B. May 20th, 1863.
Ist Lieut. John W. Perry, commissioned August 22d, 1863. Promoted Captain Co. B, April 18th, 1864.
Ist Lieut. Thomas Gaylard, commissioned October 22d, 1864. Not mustered.
2d Lieut. E. H. Stoddard, commissioned January 17th, 1862. Promoted to Ist Lieut. Co. B.
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