USA > Missouri > Recollections of the 26th Missouri Infantry, in the war for the union > Part 5
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
All of the non-veterans with the commissioned officers of the regiment who had not been previously mustered out of the service, were mustered out January 9th, 1865, except the officers of Companies H and I and the Adjutant.
On January 10th, 1865, we took our leave of the army and embarked on the steamer for home, by the way of Hil- ton Head, South Carolina and New York, but we were forced to remain at the former place until about January 14th, on account of the inability to secure a seagoing vessel. The steamer, "Star of the South," was ultimately secured and our journey homeward was accomplished.
--
1
:
CAPT. WM. M. ROBINSON, Co. A, 26th Missouri Volunteer Infantry.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
CAPT. WILLIAM M. ROBINSON was born in Port Byron, N. Y., removed to St. Louis, Mo., in 1858, and practiced law with Governor Thos. C. Fletcher, until the breaking out of the war.
With Captain Welker he raised Company B, and was commissioned First Lieutenant. He did staff duty under Generals Hamilton and Smith. In June, 1862, he was com- missioned Captain of Company A. and served as such until
62
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
the company was mustered out. Though frequently se- lected for staff appointments, it was his desire and pleasure to be with his company, and make it, as it was, a first-class skirmish command. * General Boomer, in 1863, said of him : "He has been in the field since September 10th, IS61; was in every battle and skirmish in which either the regiment or flanking companies have been engaged; has behaved with noted coolness and ability on every occasion, and particu- larly distinguished himself at Iuka and Corinth."
Captain Robinson has lived for the past twenty years in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he is now successsfully en- gaged in the timber business.
HIS BUSINESS OPERATIONS.
The transaction in timber lands at the South during the past few years, have been remarked upon many times in the columns of the Timberman, and reference has frequently been made to the various timber land firms and agents, north and south, who have taken part in the location, purchase and sale of these lands from the start to syndicates and buyers throughout the country generally. It is our pleasure at this time to refer to the firm of Robinson & Lacey, of
Grand Rapids, Mich., who have perhaps conducted as large a trade in this business as any other firm. A few points in regard to the history of their operations, would prove inter- esting. The firm of Robinson & Lacey, was established in 1882 for the express purpose of operating in southern lands. William M. Robinson has been for many years engaged in the real estate business at Grand Rapids, and Mr. James D.
63
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
Lacey did business in the same city as a merchant and man- ufacturer.
Realizing the value of yellow pine and cypress they dis- played their wisdom by going at once into the woods of the south and without hesitating took hold of the business in earnest. The members of the firm went into the woods with a large force of Michigan woodsmen, established camps. and estimated the whole pine belt of Louisiana and Missis- sippi by forties. As a result of this thorough going policy they have handled in the neighborhood of two million acres of land. They lived in the woods months at a time superin- tending the work of their men, and after duly locating and studying the field with a thoroughness that gave complete possession of the facts in regard to the section referred to. and the probable result of investments in those timber lands, they then divided their time between the timber section, and the capitalists of the north, and from the start, conducted very large transactions with investors.
In connection with what we have said, it will be inter- esting to note that values of these yellow pine lands ranged at from 75 cents to $1 and $1.25 per acre, when Robinson & Lacey began operations, in Louisiana, nine years ago. Some of these lands have since sold as high as $12 per acre and none are for sale at the present time at less than $6 per acre, which fact demonstrates the profitableness of the in- vestments of the gentlemen named above. In addition to this it may be said that some of these lands have been sold twice by Robinson & Lacey. They have also transacted con- siderable business in cypress stumpage and are now in posi-
64
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
tion to conduct large transactions in the cypress swamps of the Carolinas. The standing of the firm of Robinson & Lacey among the lumbermen is very high and their opinions and estimates go unquestioned .- The Timberman.
THROUGH THE CAROLINAS.
BY LIEUT .- COL. T. M. RICE.
January 9th, 1865, the non-veterans of the regiment were mustered out with all the commissioned officers, except the officers of Companies H and I and the Adjutant. and the veterans were consolidated in two companies, H and I, and placed in command of the Adjutant as the ranking officer of the battalion.
During the latter part of January, 1865, with the 3d Division, 15th A. C., we crossed the Savannah river and marched to Pocotalloga, S. C., near the head of Beaufort bay. Thence with the 15th Corps we participated in the memorable march of Sherman through the Carolinas.
About the time this march commenced, a conference of Confederate officers was held near Augusta, Ga., for con- sultation in regard to proper means and measures to check Sherman's furthey advance. At this meeting were present Beauregard, Hardee, G. W. Smith and D. H. Hill, and as a result of their deliberations they decided that they could concentrate about 33.000 troops of all arms, for this purpose. They appear to have been somewhat misled as to the direc- tion of Sherman's movement. and to have attached entirely
66
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
too much importance to natural obstacles, such as swamps, rivers, etc., in his way. It has been said that the opinion of these officers was decidedly in favor of transferring these troops rapidly to Petersburg, and hurling them against Grant's left flank, but they were over-ruled by the authori- ties at Richmond, who were unwilling to abandon so large a slice of territory without a struggle. We can only conjec- ture what might have been the result of such a movement. but it is evident now that it was the only plan that offered even a chance of success; the other alternative, Lee's with- drawal from Grant to join Johnston, being impracticable. The situation on the Union side was as follows: The col- lapse of Hood's campaign against Nashville had relieved the states of Kentucky and Tennessee from danger of invasion, and left Thomas' great army available for services else- where. Accordingly, Schofield and the 23d Corps were transferred to the east to take part in the movements being made to assist Sherman, while Thomas disposed the balance of his army, (which included a very large force of cavalry, ) with a view to holding the country, and for rapid advance in the spring. A. J. Smith's command of the 16th Army Corps had been sent to assist Canby at Mobile, and a large cavalry command under General Wilson, moved down through central Alabama to attack Selma, and finish if pos- sible, Forest and his command-in both of which they were successful.
The 23d Corps arrived in the east early in February, just after the capture of Fort Fisher by General Terry, with troops from the 10th Corps (directly following Gen. Butler's "powder ship expedition") and a portion of it was ordered to assist in the capture of Wilmington, which it was
67
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
thought might possibly be needed by Gen. Sherman as a base of supplies. This was accomplished February 22d, and Hoke's Division ( Confederate) which had been defend- ing the place, immediately joined Gen. Johnston. Mean- while, other Union troops had advanced toward Kingston (on the direct road from Newberne to Goldsboro) which place they captured after a severe battle with the forces of Gen. Bragg, and ultimately reached Goldsboro, a couple of days before the arrival of Sherman's army.
The Confederate forces gathered to oppose our advance were considerably scattered, being unwilling to give up either Charleston or Augusta, both of which were threatened by Sherman's movement.
The Confederates fell back behind the South Edisto, taking position at Branchville. On February 7th we struck the railroad from Augusta to Charleston at Midway, and separated Hardee, and that place, from the rest of the Con- federate forces. So far, we had advanced over roads, nearly every foot of which had to be "corduroyed." If "The March to the Sea" was distinguished for its railroad destruc- tion, certainly the march through the Carolinas was made forever memorable by the miles of road we built !
In former campaigns, the trains had been allowed to get through as best they could; here, road making was a science. It became the custom, to detail one division of each corps to march with the trains, to make road, and act as rear-guard.
As soon as the train struck a mud-hole and stopped, the troops pushed forward until they reached the obstruction, when they came into line, and stacking arms, proceeded to fill the road with fence rails ( if they were not to be had,
68
I
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
small trees were cut down) and over this solid, but rather rough causeway, the trains passed in safety. When the road sank in the mud. or became displaced, or worn out, it was renewed by succeeding detachments, and thus the long train rolled on. with scarcely a halt. This took place near- ly every day. and I can assure you. the service was as heart- ily disliked. as it was promptly executed.
The North Edisto was crossed on the 12th and the branch railroad to Columbia struck at Orangeburg. On the 16th, a crossing was made, and pontoons laid over the Sal- uda, just above Columbia, which was soon occupied by a division of the 15th Corps. It had been previously taken by a detachment of the 13th Iowa Infantry, of Belknap's Brig- ade 17th Corps. who crossed the river in a leaky boat. carry- ing a stand of colors. and intending to forestall the 15th Corps in hoisting the flag over the State House! They were not successful in fully accomplishing their enterprise, as Wheel- er's Cavalry had not yet left town. and "escorted" them back to the river on the double quick !
We witnessed the burning of Columbia. Gen. Sher- man did what he could to alleviate the sufferings of the un- fortunate citizens, and left them a herd of cattle for subsist- ance. I am afraid, however, that I cannot properly appre- ciate the hypocritical wailings of Wade Hampton, and other Confederate writers. in view of the fact, that none of them have ever expressed the slightest disapprobation of the de- struction of Chambersburg, Pa .. by Confederate cavalry. Nor did they seem to think anything wrong had been done, when Beauregard directed the people of Georgia to lay waste the whole country! And even the plundering of our Bum- mers was eclipsed by the wanton pillaging done by Wheel-
:
69
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
er's Cavalry, as can be easily proved by protests of southern citizens and other official papers, found among the Confed- erate records, and now on file at the war department.
When our troops entered the city, the next day, they were ordered down to assist in destroying railroad and roll- ing stock, among which were long trains containing Confed- erate notes and bonds, just fresh from the printing press. and which have since furnished the excuse to several Mis- sourians to mention " when they were millionaires !"
On the 20th the whole army moved forward, passing through Winsboro and turning to the right toward the Great Pedee, at Cheraw. Kilpatrick. with some infantry support. pushed on some distance further to the north, on the road to Charlotte. N. C., to create the impression that the whole army was advancing in that direction, but he soon swung around into his proper position on the left flank of the army.
We crossed the Wateree on February 23d and pressed on toward Cheraw. We crossed numerous creeks, as a sam- ple of the enterprise of the Bummers. the bridge over one of them (either Lynch or Black creek) was fortified, and held by them for two days, pending our arrival.
The whole army crossed the Pedee at Cheraw, and points above, and pushed straight for Fayetteville on the Cape Fear River, arriving on March 23d, where Sherman's consolidated army corps, consisting of the 14th, 15th, 17th and 20th corps, moved upon Rolla to meet the Confederates under Johnson. Arrived at Rolla, N. C., about the 10th of April we learned of Gen. Lee's surrender and a few days afterward of the assasination of President Lincoln. The route was over a very swampy country. and "corduroying" our constant occupation, there was, however, but little resist-
@
:
70
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
ance, excepting from cavalry. Here, we first received notice of the appointment of Johnson to the command of the Con- federates, and thenceforward expected much more energetic and systematic opposition. On March 9th, Wade Hampton, and a part of his cavalry, made a night attack on Kilpatrick, and gained some advantage by the surprise, but were finally driven off, after suffering considerable loss. It is said that Kilpatrick led his troopers to the charge, clad only in his night garments, and riding a bobtailed mule! As Gen. Hampton, who held the high rank of Lieut. General in the Confederate service, has seemed to attach much importance to this "skirmish," would it not be well to inquire, whether Kilpatrick did not violate the laws of war, by making an at- tack on the enemy with the flag of truce flying?
On May 13th we pulled out for Goldsboro, expecting to make that point without opposition, as it was supposed John- son would not attempt to hold any position this side of Ral- eigh. Our Left Wing ( 14th and 20th Corps ) moved up the river, as if threatening that city, while the Right Wing ( 15th and 17th Corps) moved straight for Goldsboro, marching on the Wilmington road. The Left Wing met with increasing resistance at Averasboro, and points beyond, which finally culminated at Bentonville, in a considerable battle, mostly be- tween two divisions of the 14th Corps, under Carlin and Morgan, assisted by two brigades of the 20th Corps.
Gen. Johnson had placed his whole army, numbering some 25,000 men, in such a position that our Left Wing would be obliged to pass by the flank in front of it, for nearly three miles ! There is no doubt that the Battle of Benton- ville, was entirely unexpected by our Generals. and was an attempt by Johnson, who was a great student of military his-
71
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
tory, to imitate the tactics of Napoleon, and striking fiercely at each portion, endeavor to destroy the separated detach- ments before a concentration could be effected.
After the retreat of Johnson, our army marched into Goldsboro, crossing the Neuse at Cox's bridge. It was on this occasion that the Army of Bummers finally disbanded, and disappeared from history. Extraordinary efforts had been made to stop them at this point, and all unauthorized riders were summarily dismounted upon attempting to cross the pontoons. It was noticed. however, as the infantry was passing over, that there seemed to be nearly the usual num- ber of mounted men charging about on the further shore. Gen. Sherman appeared to be very impatient at the slow progress of the crossing, and frequently expressed his feel- ings in language more forcible than polite.
At this time, it is said, a Bummer mounted on a raw- boned mule rode up, and after saluting profoundly, delivered himself as follows: "General Sherman, the chief of the Bummers sends his compliments, and has the honor to in- form you that he has a d-d sight better bridge than yours, about half a mile above, which is entirely at your service," again saluting elaborately, disappeared in the crowd. I have been informed, that at the point indicated, a bridge was act- ually found composed of barges used in the transportation of resin, etc., which was planked over with boards from houses that had been torn down.
Gen. Sherman received his forces, as they entered the town, and had now under his command, an invincible army of 90,000 men. We remained here refitting, and drawing supplies of various kinds until April roth, when the march was taken up for Raleigh. and the next day at Smithfield we
.
72
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
learned much to our joy, that Lee had surrendered, and the war was practically over !
Of the unfortunate "armistice," I need say but little, but we all remember the deep feeling of indignation Halleck's orders excited in Sherman's army. It only goes to exemplify to what an extent a "panic" can influence men, ordinarily calm, and with well balanced minds. At this time, it is al- most incomprehensible to us that Secretary Stanton, the man of iron will, and usually correct judgment would have even suspected, much less charged Gen. Sherman with treason- able intent in negotiating this treaty ! But so it was! and we have also been told, that had it not been for unfounded fears of the temper of Sherman's army, even more extreme measures would have been pursued.
As all these orders were issued through Gen. Halleck, he got the full benefit of the deep indignation provoked by them, and when our army passed through Richmond, they refused to even salute him, and marched by his headquarters (where he stood on the portico. ) at a right shoulder shift ! After Johnson's final surrender, our army returned to Ral- eigh and prepared for the march to Washington. From thence to our destination was uncertain. Some said we would go to Mexico to expel the French, while others thought we were bound for Red River to compel the surrender of Kirby Smith's command.
It is true, that the campaign from Atlanta to Raleigh, had offered but few opportunities for distinction in battle, and yet, it was the most remarkable in its results, of any within my knowledge. By it the grand strategy outlined by Grant in 1864 had been brought to a successful termination.
The mighty Army of the Potomac had done well its
73
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
part, and through battle and siege, though at times seemingly making little progress, had tenaciously clung to all it had gained and had finally held Lee and his army fast in their works at Petersburg. When Sherman's army occupied Col- umbia, the death knell of the Confederacy was sounded, and the inevitable result was visible to all, though the ruling powers at Richmond could not even then admit the idea of the necessity of surrender. The courage of northern man- hood had been fully tested, and with few exceptions, our southern opponents had ceased to proclaim that "one south- ern soldier could whip four Yankees" (admitting which their cause was practically lost. ) I have always felt entirely satis- fied, that our Western Army was not in time to be "in at the death" at Appomatox; for while it is probably true, that Lee's surrender would have been much longer deferred, had Sherman's army not demoralized the transportation lines, and held the garrisons of southern cities away from his army, yet it did seem proper and appropriate, that the Army of the Potomac, which had so long and bravely wrestled with Gen. Lee, and the Army of Northern Virginia should be the one to receive its final surrender. Its losses had been fearful, principally because it had been slow to appreciate and assim- ilate the peculiar flanking methods of the Confederates, and perhaps partly owing to the large preponderance of regular officers, who had been educated in the school of European military tactics, and who had much to unlearn before they made a success of the war. In our western army we learned these lessons sooner, and we also learned the folly of assault- ing earthworks held by equal numbers. In the nature of things such assaults could seldom be successful, and were generally costly mistakes, whose sole visible outcome, were
74
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
the tears and distress of widows and orphans, whose protect- ors had been thus uselessly slaughtered. The great regi- mental losses that you read of so often, were generally the result of such efforts, or of want of co-operation. or of faulty position, exposing the troops to attacks they were helpless to return or even resist.
The war now ended, with our corps we now started on our triumphant march to Washington; passing through Petersburg, Richmond, Fredricksburg, etc. We reached the west bank of the Potomac opposite the city on the after- noon of May 24th. Crossed the Long Bridge on the morn- ing of the 25th and participated in the grand review on Penn- sylvania Avenue, where two hundred thousand soldiers marched in an apparently endless stream past the Presiden- tial mansion. We afterwards camped about four miles north of Washington. Remaining here about ten days with the Corps, we were sent by B. & O. R. R. and river to Louis- . ville, Ky. The Battalion had been assigned to the 2nd Di- vision at Washington, and with the 2nd Division, after a few days' rest at Louisville, we were sent to Little Rock, Ark., and subsequently, ordered to St. Louis, Mo., and mustered out about the Ist of September, 1865.
The moral heroism of the army was invincible, and I may say with all our hardships and privations, ours was the most cheerful and elastic military movement I ever wit- nessed. Our hardships and toil far exceeded the "March to the Sea," as it did in heroism, for while we knew we were in the heart of the enemy's country, we also felt in our souls that the end was near.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
LIEUT .- COL. T. M. RICE was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, on September 21st, 1829. He received a common school education and studied four years at the Geauga Sem- inary, Chester Cross Roads. He subsequently taught school, read law, and was admitted to the bar, in May, 1853.
Lieut-Col. Rice removed to Canfield, Mahoming County, Ohio, where he practiced law until the spring of 1858, when he removed to Missouri, locating in California, Moniteau county. In 1861, he commanded a company of Home Guards, and in October of the same year, recruited Com- pany G. 26th Missouri Volunteer Infantry and was mustered out in September 1865 as Lieutenant-Colonel.
After the war, Lieut-Col. Rice, returned to the practice of his profession; was elected Circuit Judge of the First Circuit in 1868, and as Member of Congress from the Sev- enth District of Missouri in ISSo. He has resided in Boon- ville, Mo., since 1870.
COMMENDATORY LETTERS.
TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
HEADQUARTERS 2D BRIG., 3d DIv., 15th A. C. CARTERSVILLE, Nov. 9th, 1864. His Excellency, A. Lincoln, President U. S .:
SIR :- Col. B. D. Dean, 26th Mo. Vol., has served long and faithfully, his term of service will soon expire, he is a valuable officer and is well worthy of promotion. I respect- fully commend him to your favorable consideration as an officer qualified for the office of Brigadier General of Volun- teers. I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
GREEN B. RAUM, Brig. Gen.
TO SECRETARY OF WAR STANTON.
KINGSTON, GA., Sept. Ist, 1864. Hon. E. M. Stanton, Sec'y of War, Washington, D. C .:
SIR :- We, the undersigned field officers of the 3d Div., 15th A. C .. most respectfully represent that we have been acquainted with Col. Benjamin D. Dean, 26th Reg't. Mo. Inft'y. Vols .. since the spring of 1862, and for the greater portion of this time we have been more or less inti- mately associated with him in the army in the same Bri- gade or Division. We can cheerfully testify to his worth as an officer during the various campaigns, sieges and battles in which his regiment has been engaged. We know him to be patriotic, brave and efficient, popular so for as known,
77
TWENTY-SIXTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.
and one of the best commanding officers in the Division. Therefore, believing it will be for the good of the service and a just compliment to an officer of highly deserving merit, we do sincerely recommend that he be promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General of Volunteers.
Respectfully, yours obediently, P. P. HENDERSON, Lieut. Col. Com. 10th Iowa Vol. John McFall, Lieut. Col. Com. 26th Mo. Vol, Inf .; J. E. Tourtellotte, Col. 4th Minn. Inf .; James C. Edson, Lieut. Col. 4th Minn. Vol. Inf .; Jeff K. Scott, Lieut. Col. 59th Ind. Vet. Vol. Inf .: Thos. A. McNaught. Maj. 59th Ind. Vet. Vol. Inf .; Jas. I. Saminger, Lieut. Col. Com. 63d Reg. Ill. Vet. Vol. Inf .; Joseph K. Lemen, Maj. 63d Ill. Vol. Inf .; David Skeeles, Maj. 80th Regt. Ohio. Vol. Inf .; Pren Methem, Lieut. Col. Both Ohio Vol. Inf .; Niehle Buswell, Lieut. Col. 93d Ill. Vol .; James P. Files, Capt. Com. 56th Ill .; J. M. Fisher, Maj. 93d Ill. Vol. Inf .; Chas. H. Jackson. Lieut. Col. 18th Wis. Vol .; Edward J. Wood, Lieut. Col. 48th Ind. Vol. Inf. ; Barnet Byrkit, Maj. 48th Ind. Vol. Inf .; J. B. McCown. Col. 63d Reg. Ill. Inf .; John E. Smith, Brig. Gen. Com. Div.
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.