Here we were mustered out of the service and paid off on the 30th day of
June, 1865, this we learn from our old discharge, and we also read on
that piece of imitation parchment (no objection to his being re-enlisted
is known to exist), but may the good God, who has guided us through this
struggle, who inspired our leaders, and finally gave us this victory,
grant that there may never be any more need of our services as soldiers,
unless it may be to defend the land which gave us birth, from some
foreign invader. Comrades of companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and K,
fare you well, and may God bless you. We have together trod the weary
road which, with so many other boys like ourselves, has led us back at
last to home and peace. The way at times was dark and dreary, the clouds
hung low and black. We missed ever and anon from our sides the forms of
those we loved, and with whom we had held daily converse, but they are
gone, and the stately pines of the southern part of our land sing a
refrain over their graves. Some of their resting places we are ignorant
of; they died amid the fury and the smoke of battle, but thank God their
souls still live, and he who lays down his life for his friend is only
imitating the example set by the Great Master. If I have written
anything in these recollections of our army life that is in the least
hurtful to any one's feelings, if I have in any way at all harmed you,
forgive me, for such has not been my intention, and knowing me as many
of you do, I trust you will believe what I tell you about this part of
it. And now with a heartfelt desire that when your camp-fires burn low,
as God grant they never may, and your three days rations run out long
before the time, as they used sometimes to do while we were on the march
together, come over to my fire and thrust your hands into my haversack,
and if by chance it should prove to be empty, I will order out my
detail, for I have got them now, comrades, and forage for you till your
wants are all supplied. Good-by and may God bless you.
_Non nobis! Domine non nobis! sed nomine tuo da Gloriam._
ROME.
Leaving the main army at Resaca our brigade moved off in the direction
of Rome, Ga., which lays on the south bank of the Coosa river. The work
on which we were ostensibly to be engaged, was the repairing of certain
railroad bridges. But whether this work was absolutely to be done, or
whether our march was but a "blind," we do not know, at any rate we took
up our line of march for that purpose, but had not begun work on the
bridges, before orders came to move with all possible speed. We reached
the city of Rome late one afternoon. The rebel army was found drawn up
in line of battle, but our fellows with cheer and shout charged their
lines, driving them across the river and out of the town. Here we went
into camp for a few days. Rome is a pretty town, and had been the center
of a good deal of business before the war, but now all was changed.
Provost guards were immediately detailed to preserve order, but in spite
of all this the boys, with the instinctive love of foraging that
animates a soldier while in the enemy's country, managed to obtain many
luxuries in the shape of tobacco, etc. We got possession of the theater,
a minstrel company was formed and several entertainments given, the
admission fee being twenty-five cents. The theater was crowded nightly,
and the entertainment was much better than we have witnessed at other
places with better facilities. The bank was also occupied, but nothing
of course was found excepting sheets of confederate money just printed,
apparently, but not signed. Some of the boys went to work filling them
out, putting down the names of "Timothy Fitzpoodelle," as president, and
"Johnny Cometalety" for cashier, or any name which would come into their
heads. These confederate bills were passed by many of our boys on the
citizens afterwards for such things as they wanted, the citizens taking
them for genuine, and indeed they were as good as any of the balance of
the confederate money. Some fellows got into the printing office, and,
being printers by trade when at home, issued a newspaper filled with
spread eagle editorials, and exhorting the editor and owner of the
property to come back to the union and give up the cause of secession.
These papers were intensely loyal, as might be supposed, and were in all
probability, as they were intended they should be, very disgusting to
the chivalry. Here also we were shown the hotel, a square, two-story
brick building, from the upper verandah of which the rebels exhibited
Mrs. Dr. Mary Walker to the shouting and yelling crowd in the street
below, whom they had captured a short time previously. But Atlanta was
the cry, and so one bright morning we left Rome with its pleasant
memories behind us.
A CONFEDERATE CHRISTMAS.
The following is an account of a Christmas dinner held under the rule of
the confederate government in 1861. The individual who helped to
celebrate the day, herewith gives the testimony which enables us to set
before you, what Christmas meant in those days, and what it cost:
"The dinner of 1861," he says, "did not differ materially from its
predecessors in the 'piping times of peace,' and though in 1862 the
feast was home-made, it was enjoyable. Turkeys were only eleven dollars
a piece, and salt had fallen to thirty-three cents a pound. The yule log
was attainable at fifteen dollars per cord; wines were to be had by the
very rich, and sorghum rum, or apple, peach, or black-berry brandy, cost
thirty dollars a gallon. A few toys were left in the stores in the
cities, and fire-crackers, essential to the southern festival, were five
dollars a pack. By 1863, the closest search of Santa Claus revealed no
play-things, and fire-crackers indicated great wealth, or reckless
extravagance. The few turkeys in the market were forty and fifty dollars
a piece; whisky, or sorghum rum, for egg-nog, cost seventy-five or
eighty dollars per gallon; sugar was five and ten dollars a pound, and
flour one hundred and twenty five dollars per barrel. With gold at
2,800, a plain Christmas dinner for a large family, cost two or three
hundred dollars. In 1864, when Christmas fell on Sunday, gold was at
5,000: flour was six hundred dollars per barrel; sugar, two dollars an
ounce; salt, one dollar a pound; butter, forty dollars; beef,
thirty-five to forty dollars; wood, was one hundred dollars a cord. A
Christmas dinner at a country house, near Richmond, is described thus:
The four gentleman were in uniform, the three ladies in home spun. They
had for dinner a three hundred dollar ham and the last turkey on the
plantation, valued at one hundred and seventy-five dollars, with one
hundred dollars worth of cabbage, potatoes and hominy. Corn bread was
served, made of meal at eighty dollars a bushel, and salt at one dollar
a pound. The desert was black molasses at sixty dollars a gallon, and
after a cup of tea, real tea, worth one hundred dollars a pound,
treasured up for the occasion, as a surprise, and not sassafras; there
was coffee at discretion made from sweet potatoes cut into little
squares, toasted and ground down."
BAD MEAT.
While in camp at Nashville, at one time, the meat issued to us was not
up to the standard, but was, on the contrary, far below it. One day
there was issued to us bacon, which was actually alive with maggots. All
of a sudden in the quarters of company I, there arose a terrible
hub-bub, men shouting and yelling, cries of "Hi, hi!" "Get out of here!"
"Go on, go on," etc., etc. We all ran down there, the colonel and all,
to see what in the world was the matter, when we found Capt. Vinson,
with his company, surrounding the pile of meat which had been issued to
them, and with their bayonets fixed were going through the motions of
driving the bacon out of camp. It was almost lively enough to march. The
colonel could not at first understand what was the matter, but soon saw
the point when he examined the meat. It was ordered to be destroyed and
better bacon was obtained.
At another time company I was called on to go with the quartermaster's
team to chop wood for camp use. Capt. Vinson refused to honor the detail
from his company, alledging that we did not come down there to chop
wood, and that there was no necessity for it any way, as there were
cords of wood, already chopped and corded up, standing outside of the
line. Quartermaster Ayers got a little riled at this, and off he went to
Colonel Harmon to report that the captain of company I refused to
furnish him a detail to chop wood. It was not long until an order came
requesting the captain's presence at regimental headquarters. Away went
the captain and reported to the colonel what he knew in regard to the
wood, for he had seen it with his own eyes. He returned to his command,
and directly the colonel, mounted on his horse, with the quartermaster
by his side, was seen riding off in the direction of the picket line.
They soon returned, and the consequence was that the teams went after
the wood without the detail. But quartermaster Ayers did not like the
refusal of the captain to go with him, and the consequence was company I
received a supply of wood that was very lasting, but of not much use for
cooking purposes, as it would not burn. Whether the quartermaster
intended it, or not, was not known, but the wood furnished company I, at
that issue, was mostly green buck eye and cottonwood.
PUBLIC EXECUTION AT NASHVILLE.
While we were staying at Nashville, desertions became frequent, the boys
would go off in squads. It was not the intention on the part of most of
them to remain away for good, but they longed to see home once more, and
after being absent from the command a week or two, would return. This
was contrary to all military discipline and must be stopped. Orders were
issued threatening the extreme penalty of army law, if such behavior was
continued, which was death. But still desertions were frequent; and so
one day an order was read at dress parade to the regiments of the
garrison, notifying them to be present at the execution of a soldier
belonging to the 10th Michigan, who had been tried by court martial for
desertion, found guilty, and ordered to be shot. The execution was to
take place the next day at 12 m., and all the troops in the city were to
be present. Accordingly at the appointed hour we arrived at the place
where we were drawn up into line, the flanks covered by the artillery
and cavalry. An ambulance escorted by a mounted guard, soon arrived at
the place, on the inside of which was the prisoner, and his coffin.
Disembarking, his coffin was carried before him to the spot for it to
rest. The prisoner was taken to view his grave, which had been dug at
the foot of a small bush not far off, and returning, he seated himself
on his coffin. The shooting detail marched out and took position ten
paces in front of him. The sergeant of the squad approached the prisoner
and proceeded to bandage his eyes with a handkerchief, in doing which he
was assisted by the prisoner himself. He then returned to the head of
his squad. At the word "attention, take aim," here the prisoner motioned
with his hand, pointing to his heart, "fire." The twelve rifles cracked
as one gun, the prisoner fell back across his coffin, dead. There was
not, so it seemed to us who were the unwilling spectators of the scene,
a movement of the body. Death was instantaneous, and the soul of the
soldier passed to God who gave it. It was a solemn scene, and impressed
us all deeply. But the execution was over, the regiments were marched
off to their quarters, and the affair was ended, to be talked over many
times, afterwards. We thought it horrible, but could not fail to see the
justice of it, as we all knew the penalty of desertion was death. It is
needless to add that the lesson was a salutary one, and desertions
became less frequent. Still the question arose how can the crossing of
the river be effected by any one, unless assisted by some friend outside
of our own camps. So the detective branch of the service was called
upon, and finally they unearthed the man who was causing all the
trouble. He was a doctor in the city, a rebel of the deepest dye. It
seems this fellow would make out false paroles for all who applied to
him for them, and would direct them to a certain spot on the river's
bank, where they would find a man with a boat who would ferry them
across the stream. Once over, their paroles would insure them safe
conduct, and they would proceed home at their leisure. This doctor was
arrested and confined in the penitentiary in the city, but what further
was ever done about it we never learned.
DRAWING RATIONS.
One evening after we had arrived in camp, while we were in Kentucky,
orders were given us to go for rations. Each company had its commissary
sergeant, whose duty it was to attend to this branch of the business. He
would call on boys enough for his purpose, and proceed to the brigade
commissary with their pots and pans, anything in fact that would hold
the supplies, and receive from him the amount of food coming to the
company, when on carrying it to the company quarters, each man would
receive the amount due him. On the evening to which we have reference,
we were called on by the sergeant to go with him for rations. Of course
we complied. Arriving at the brigade commissary's headquarters, we found
a crowd waiting there, who had come on the same errand as ourselves.
Standing close by was a large barrel filled with shoulders. It attracted
our eye immediately, for the shoulders and hams were kept for the
officers use, as it was not supposed, perhaps, that a private soldier
could eat such food. That barrel of shoulders had a mighty attraction
for us. We approached nearer to it, and finally were reclining against
it. In some way our arm and hand got inside of it, and our fingers,
those wicked fingers, quickly closed around the shank of a shoulder with
a vice-like grip, simultaneously it was drawn out, and then with a
conviction that we had better go to our quarters, we "lit out." We got
there with our shoulder safely, and crawling into our tent, were
proceeding to hide our treasure under a blanket, when a hand was laid
upon us, and a voice said, "Go halves, Bob." We nearly jumped through
the tent with surprise. We thought that we had done a very clever piece
of foraging, but our departure with the shoulder from the commissary's
had been noticed by our commissary sergeant, John Lockhart, and as John
had a tooth for such food, he had followed us up to get a share. We
divided and then returned for our rations. The next day, as we marched
along, we had a good dinner with what was left, and hoped that an
opportunity would soon offer to replenish our haversack in the same way.
BLUE RIDGE.
The event which we are about to relate, happened when for the first time
we were placed on picket guard, at Covington, Ky., we were stationed
three on a post, with strict orders for one at least to remain awake at
all times. The countersign that night, was "Blue Ridge," and about
nightfall we received it. One of our boys, very anxious to do his duty
properly, was on post when the "grand rounds," as it is termed, was
made; at midnight, hearing the approaching footsteps, and, perhaps,
feeling the fate of the country resting on his individual shoulders, he
halted them when they came near. "Halt," he cried, "you can't pass here
unless you say 'Blue Ridge,'" Poor Jake, that word was dinned in his
ears for many a long day after, and in fact he went by the name of "Blue
Ridge" for the balance of the time we were in the service. At daylight
we roused up, and looking off in the direction of our front, saw in the
distance a farm house; this brought to our minds visions of breakfast,
so after a short conference together, we picked up our guns and marched
off, leaving the picket post to take care of itself. We went to the farm
house and called for breakfast, which we got and paid for, and then
returned to our post. Whether our absence was ever found out or not, we
never ascertained, and in fact did not care, but it was not long before
we learned that this was not the way in which picket duty should be
performed.
RAIDS ON THE SUTLER.
It often happened that we ran out of money, for we would not be paid
off, perhaps, for six months at a time, and at such times we would get
in terrible straights for tobacco, and such things, and the sutler's
goods would be a terrible temptation to us. There they were, arranged in
good style back of his counter, caddies of tobacco, piles of canned
goods, candy, cheese, crackers and lots of good things. But we could not
get them, unless a particular friend of the sutler, without paying cash.
The temptation some times was too strong, and if the sutler proved to be
of a niggardly disposition, we would conspire to make a raid on his
institution. On a night agreed upon, the conspirators would assemble,
and going to the sutler's tent, each fellow would take his place at one
of the ropes by which the tent was staked to the ground, and at a given
signal, each rope that held the tent, would be cut, letting the tent
down upon its occupant, and as he was endeavoring, the best he knew how,
to get out, the boys would be making off with his goods, and then what a
feast we would have. Such affairs did not often happen, and if we did
succeed in cleaning him out, he would soon stock up again, and, perhaps,
not be so penurious with the boys in the future. But these sutlers made
enormous profits. We distinctly remember paying four dollars per plug
for navy tobacco, eight dollars for a shirt, worth perhaps, a dollar and
a half, and other things in proportion.
JOHN KIRSCH AND TOM MAKEMSON'S RICE TRIP.
While we were lying in front of Savannah, Ga., two members of company I,
John G. Kirsch and Tom Makemson, came to the conclusion one day, as food
was scarce in camp, to go out into the country and see what success they
could have in obtaining something to eat. They procured a mule apiece
and away they went. They had not travelled far until they came to a rice
plantation, and riding up to where they saw a squad of darkies, they
opened up negotiations with them for the purchase of some rice at ten
cents per quart. The darkies were willing to sell and our warriors were
willing to buy, provided, however, that they could not obtain it by
other means. They each had a sack apiece, and soon the darkies had
filled John's sack, and he had placed it on his mule, remarking to the
colored gentleman, who had measured the rice out to him, that he would
go the picket reserve yonder, which was in plain sight, and get the
money to pay for it, and bring it back to him. Off John started. By this
time Tom had got his sack filled, and getting it on his mule, climbed up
saying: "He wondered what in the world was the reason that fellow didn't
come with that money; he was a long time sure, and he guessed he had
better go and hurry him up, when they would both return and settle." The
darkies let him go, but he had not gone far until it dawned upon their
minds "dat dem yanks aint goin' for to pay us for dat rice at all," and
immediately they started in pursuit, big, little, old and young, and
their dogs after "dem ar yanks," shouting and yelling for them to come
back and pay for "dat ar rice." They thought they could head the boys
off, but it was no use. Tom had a mule which was inclined to be balky,
but John got behind him with a stick, and by dint of beating and
shouting managed to make him go. They were making good time, with the
darkies in full pursuit, when they came to a little branch that crossed
their line of retreat. It was but a very short distance in width, and
into it they plunged, thinking it was not deep, but in this they were
badly mistaken. John's mule went under ears and all, and he gracefully
slid off and got to shore the best way he could, wet through and his bag
of rice at the bottom of the branch or bayou. Tom managed to get out all
safe and together they made their way to camp. But not a word was said.
John was shivering with the cold, his rice gone never to be recovered,
and Tom not daring to laugh for fear of his life. The darkies gave up
the chase and left the boys to make the best of their way to camp. But
the story leaked out, and they were twitted unmercifully afterwards
about their rice expedition. John was captured shortly afterwards and
taken to Andersonville, where he remained three months, but was finally
released and arrived home safe. Tom is now in Kansas.
MRS. DR. MARY WALKER.
While we were in camp at Lee and Gordon's mills, our camp was surprised
one day by the appearance of a person, whom, if dress was to be the
index of the sex, it would have been hard to determine whether, whoever
it might be, was male or female. But it proved to be the notorious Mrs.
Dr. Mary Walker. She had appeared at Gen. Thomas' headquarters, at
Chattanooga, desiring to be placed on duty in the front, as surgeon or
assistant surgeon. She had come from the hospitals at Washington, where
she had done good service, and where her services were acceptable. But
the doctor was ambitious; she had more of Mars than Venus in her
composition, and desired a commission with the rank of surgeon, and duty
in the field. She had been sent by General Thomas to report to Col. Dan.
McCook, our brigade commander, for duty, and here she was. Her
appearance was indeed curious, and excited not only the surprise, but
the the merriment of our boys, who, although they had seen many curious
things in their army life, had never seen the like of this before. Her
dress consisted of a low crowned fur hat, with a garment something
similar to a cloak, bound with a girdle at the waist, and reaching down
a little below the knees, from beneath which a pair of black cloth
pantaloons appeared; a small foot, covered with a neatly fitting boot,
finished up the picture. When on horseback she bestrode the animal like
a man, and unless a person knew who she was would have readily passed
for one. Her face was boyish, and so far as our judgement went, was
neither good looking or very bad. She was a lady in her deportment, but
how it ever happened that a woman should desire to occupy the position
she craved, was beyond our comprehension. To be in the midst of such
scenes as were transpiring daily, camp life, camp customs, and camp
conversation, would, we should think, have been quite contrary to the
female longings. She was very punctilious in regard to military
etiquette, however, and carried it so far that the boys got disgusted
with her. She would demand from a guard the same military treatment as
if she had been a general officer. This the boys most generally accorded
to her, more out of a spirit of politeness, than anything else. But one
day she ran across a fellow who had no polite notions in his head about
such matters, who believed only in saluting those to whom he was
compelled, by military law, to yield such homage. She had gone out to
the picket line, and had started around it, perhaps on a tour of
inspection, or, perhaps, merely for a ride. Going along the line, she
came to a man on post, who, to all indications, neither saw or heard
her, but kept on diligently walking his beat. The doctor came up and
rode by. Stopping her horse after she had passed, and riding back to the
guard, she said: "Soldier, why don't you salute me?" The guard, looking
at the doctor from head to foot, replied: "Who in h—ll are _you_?" and
immediately resumed his walk. The doctor was beaten, and so badly
beaten, both by astonishment, and, perhaps, rage, that she rode back
hastily to headquarters, as mad as a woman can ever get, to report to
Col. Dan, what she considered an outrageous insult. But Col. McCook
upheld the soldier in his military behavior, as the doctor amounted to
nothing more, in a military point of view, than any other citizen,
although deprecating his action as ungentlemanly. If there was any balm
in this for her wounded feelings, she was welcome to it; at any rate, it
was all she got. Not long after this the doctor went outside of our
lines to visit a sick woman, and while there she was captured by the
rebels. We never saw her more, and were glad to get rid of her.
THE "MONKLY FOX."
When in camp, or on the march, there was always some one who could
extract a laugh for the boys out of the veriest nothing, and such a
fellow was very often a regular blessing. Such a chap was Ike C——., a
quiet, unassuming fellow, broad shouldered and big fisted, and an
excellent soldier. But he had the gift of making more fun than commonly
falls to the lot of mortals. One time there had been a detail made from
the regiment, while at Nashville, to escort to Louisville a lot of rebel
prisoners. Ezra R——. was furnished from company B, and after he
returned, had marvelous tales to tell of what sights he had seen on the
road and while in Louisville. One evening he was in a tent surrounded by
a lot of boys relating to them his adventures. Ike C——. was there with
the rest. Ezra had just finished telling of some monstrosity he had seen
in Louisville, and according to his description the like had never been
heard of before. It stood up when it sat down, and had feelers like a
cat-fish on its nose. It was a marvelous creature whatever it was. Ike
listened patiently until he had got enough and went out. Just outside
the door of the tent he encountered a fellow, and the following
conversation ensued: "Say," says Ike, "you ought to go in there and just
hear Ezra R——. tell of what he saw in Louisville. It beats anything you
ever heard tell of; he says he saw something up there that sat down when
it stood up, and every time it blowed its nose it blowed cat-fish out of
it." This was all said in such a loud voice that every one inside the
tent could hear it, as it was intended they should. Out came Ezra with
the rest at his heels. "Where's that Ike?" he cried, "he just told an
awful lie about me, he said I told the boys that when I was at
Louisville, that I saw something that sat down when it stood up, and
every time it blowed its nose it blowed cat-fish out of it; I never said
it at all—." Ezra was going on to explain, but the boys could not wait
to hear, they fairly yelled and shouted with laughter. The idea of there
being such a creature, and to see Ezra get so awful mad was fun enough
for them, and it was a long time before Ezra heard the last of his trip
to Louisville. At another time, while on the march, one day Philip L——.
was relating to a comrade, as we marched along, about a great chase that
he and his brother once had at home after a fox. Phil said it was a
terrible fox, the biggest ever seen in those parts, etc., etc. Ike C——.
happened to be Phil's file leader, and a little while after Phil had
finished his story, and we were marching quietly along, nothing much
being said by any one, Ike broke out:
"Say," addressing the fellow next to him, "did you ever hear of a monkly
fox?"
"Never did," was the reply.
"Did you hear that story Phil L——. told about his brother and him
chasing a monkly fox, that had a dash-board under his tail, what a heavy
fox it was?"
The bait was grabbed by Phil.
"I never said anything about a monkly fox with a dash-board under his
tail, Ike C——., and you know it."
"Well now," says Ike, with assumed innocence, "if that don't beat all;
didn't I hear you tell about it, how you and your brother chased a
monkly fox with a dash-board under his tail, once?"
"No, you never did"
The fun for those who were listening as they marched along, was growing
fast. Still Ike held to his version of the story, with an appearance of
the greatest candor, still Philip denied, getting madder and madder, and
at last Ike capped the climax, by saying that Phil knew he did tell it,
and when they got into camp he could prove it by Lieutenant Wilson, who
was then in command of the company. All right, they would wait until
they got to camp. Accordingly that night as quick as the orders were
given to break ranks, away went Phil after the lieutenant. Says he:
"Lieutenant, did you ever hear me tell about the time that my brother
and I chased a monkly fox with a dash-board under his tail, when we were
at home?" This was too much for the lieutenant, who broke into a hearty
laugh at the absurdity of the question, and told Phil to go back to his
quarters and not come bothering him about such matters. Phil was ready
to fight almost anything but Ike C——. Ike's fists were larger than
suited Phil's requirements, but he breathed out all kinds of vengeance
against him, and the monkly fox with a dash-board under his tail was a
standing joke for a long, long time.
ROAST GOOSE.
One morning when in camp in Kentucky, as we were walking up the color
line, on which the guns were stacked, we saw under a stack of guns in
front of company G's quarters, a dead gander. As we passed along we
reached down and grabbing the gander round the neck, kept on. We got to
our company with our prize in safety, and hunted up the captain's
darkey, and promised him a dime and a piece of the gander, if he would
cook it for us. He accepted the proposition and took charge of the bird.
In a short time we were ordered to fall into line for company
inspection. The right of the company rested on a big pile of logs that
were making a splendid fire. As the order to "right dress" was given, we
cast our eyes to the right, and lo! and behold! there stood the
captain's darkey with our gander. Elevating him by one leg, he would
hold him over the fire until the heat would compel him to change, when
he would hold him by the other, every once in a while jerking him up,
and pinching pieces of the flesh out with his fingers, and eating it to
see if it was cooked. He had not half picked it, and the gander looked
very much as if it had received a coat of tar and feathers. At times the
darkey would get tired holding, and then he would rest himself by
placing the fearfully mistreated bird on top of his wooly pate. I kept
watching him, taking a peep at him as often as I could. At last I nudged
the fellow next to me, he looked and saw, and nudged the fellow next to
him. Then the captain, seeing that something was going wrong, happened
to turn his eyes in the same direction, also. There stood the darkey, as
black an one as ever we saw, looking reflectively into the fire, with
the mutilated gander perched on his wooly head. It was too much for the
captain, even; he smiled, and then for a moment we all laughed, but the
darkey was driven away and order restored. I never knew what became of
my gander, nor did I care, after having seen him treated in such a
manner, but if our memory serves us right, some of the boys made a raid
on the darkey after inspection was over, and captured what was left of
it.
THE RESCUED NEGROES.
On our march through Georgia and South Carolina, the negroes swarmed to
our lines. Here they came in all styles and conditions, some of them
presenting a pitiful sight, while the appearance of others was comical
in the extreme. Here would be a mother, bare headed, and bare footed,
her clothing in rags and tatters, carrying a babe in her arms, while two
others were clinging to her dress, doing all they could to keep up with
her. Here would be two, a man and a woman, probably his wife, in "ole
massa's" carriage, dressed up in "ole massa's and misses'" clothes that
had been left behind when "massa and misses" fled before the approach of
our army. Hitched to this buggy or carriage would be an animal, either a
horse or a mule, such an one as would be described as an architectural
animal, with fluted sides, and a hand rail down its back. But what cared
Pomp and Dinah for the appearance of the stud as long as he would bear
them on to liberty? There they would sit, laughing and chatting
together, dressed in finer clothes than they had ever before worn, as
happy as happy could be, keeping up with us while on the march, and
going into camp when we camped at night. Many of these negroes were put
to serviceable uses as pioneers, others as cooks, etc., but employment
could not be furnished for the half of them, and they were getting to be
an incubus to the army. On our line of march we often had to cross
bayous of great depth and considerable width. When we arrived at such
places, the pontoon train would be ordered up and a bridge thrown
across, over which the army marched. Gen. J. C. Davis, our corps
commander, thought that by stopping the negroes as they came to the
banks of the bayou, and holding them there until the army had crossed,
and the pontoons had been taken up, they could be kept back.
So orders to that effect were issued. A guard under command of Major
Lee, the provost general of the corps, was stationed on the bank of a
bayou and every negro, unless an officer's servant, or in charge of a
pack mule, was halted and held there until the rear guard of the corps
had crossed, then the pontoons were taken up, and the darkies left
behind. It seemed to be a cruel order, but it was necessary, for our
rear was very generally followed at a safe distance, however, by roaming
bands of guerillas and bushwhackers, and it is to be feared that their
usage of these unfortunate creatures, whenever they fell into their
hands, was cruel in the extreme, and they themselves dreaded falling
into the hands of their old oppressors. The consequence was that the
next day the darkies again made their appearance, seemingly stronger
than before as to numbers. How they managed to cross the bayou, infested
as these bayous were with alligators, we do not know, but cross they
did, and again took up their line of march with us as before. They had
outwitted the general and were bothered no more in their endeavors to
obtain freedom from persecution and oppression.
PERSONAL MENTION.
In giving the reader some instances of special acts of heroism, the
writer has not the slightest wish or disposition, far from it, to
unjustly discriminate against the same meritorious qualities displayed
by others. On the contrary, he would be only too glad to make particular
mention of all such, even at the risk of swelling this book beyond its
intended proportions, but unfortunately for him, the writer is not
informed of all such acts, nor the peculiar circumstances under which
they were made manifest. All who did their duty, were necessarily brave
and true. Those who did grandly under extraordinary circumstances, were
possibly no better soldiers, but were in condition to more brilliantly
display these qualities; and as their connection with the regiment gave
them their opportunity, so should their deeds become the property of the
regiment, and their memory our common heritage.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
LIEUTENANT GEORGE SCROGGS.
Lieutenant George Scroggs was a young officer of more than ordinary
intelligence; quick to apprehend duty, and bold in the execution of
commands. We first remember him as our sergeant major, and how he used
to rattle the boys out of their blankets, long before daylight, during
the cold season when we occupied the suburbs of Nashville. Afterwards he
was commissioned as lieutenant of company E, then detailed on the
division staff, first as ordnance officer, and then commissary of
musters. Time, experience, and natural aptitude, served to teach him
what the duties of a staff officer should be, until, perhaps, no officer
on the staff of the division general, understood them better. All who
were engaged in it, will remember the battle of Bentonville, N. C., on
March 19th, 1865. How the third brigade was sent from its intrenchments
by General Morgan, and thrown out towards the Goldsboro road, to
intercept the rebel column then in hot pursuit of Gen. Carlin's
retreating forces. How the right wing of the brigade was struck, and
doubled back on the center and left, and finally retreated to the
batteries beyond the open field. How, too, we soon rallied and
reoccupied the lost ground, each man carrying a rail, and began the work
of intrenching. How communication with General Morgan, and the first and
second brigades was cut off, leaving Lieut. Scroggs and Captain Stinson,
of Gen. Morgan's staff, with our brigade, unable to reach their command.
In this dilemma, instead of seeking a safe retreat as they might, and
too many would have done, until communication was opened with their own
general, they at once reported to Col. Langley for duty as volunteer
aids. You will also remember the fact that constant firing, threatened
every minute, our stock of ammunition, and the equally constant firing
of the enemy, made a passage to our supplies across the open field to
our rear, exceedingly hazardous. The colonel had already ordered two or
three staff officers, and as many orderlies, beyond the hill for
ammunition, but with no good result, though reports came back to him
that it had been ordered, and the wagons were on the way. Shortly an
orderly reported that two wagons were just over the crest of the ridge,
but were afraid to go further, and had refused to do so. The colonel
immediately dispatched Lieut. Scroggs to proceed and bring these two
wagons at all hazards. The moment he received the order, he sank his
spurs into his horse, and dashed across the field towards where the
insubordinate drivers were supposed to be, through a perfect storm of
bullets and exploding shells, until he disappeared from view beyond.
Every heart at the front beat with intense anxiety. We had already been
ordered to economize our supply. Some were entirely out of cartridges
and were borrowing from others. A few rounds to the man had been
obtained from a brigade of the 20th army corps, and these were nearly
all gone. Our position became critical, but in a few moments, looking
again to the rear, we saw the brave lieutenant returning at the same
speed with which he had left us and with him were the wagons and
ammunition so much desired, and looked for by all, moving to the
threatening motion of George's sword. They were just in time, for our
firing could have continued but little longer, and they were welcome in
proportion to our danger. George had found the wagons as he expected,
and immediately ordered the teamsters to mount and follow him, but their
fear still deterred them, and they refused, and only obeyed the commands
when he drew his sword, and in language more forcible than elegant,
threatened them with vengeance more terrible than rebel bullets had
power to inflict. Towards sundown the lieutenant was severely wounded in
a further attempt to reach his commanding officer. This afflicted him
more or less during the remainder of his days. Precisely how far he was
instrumental in saving the honor of the brigade, and the lives of many
of the members by his timely execution of so important an order on that
bloody 19th of March, may never be known, but the memory of a brave act,
voluntarily performed in the face of grave danger, merits our highest
commendation, and we cheerfully place this tribute of respect upon the
recently made grave of Lieutenant George Scroggs.
SERGEANT S. C. ABBOTT.
Numbers of our readers will remember Sergeant S. C. Abbott, of company
H. Always in earnest about everything he undertook, impatient of delay,
anxious to end the job and go home about his business, which greatly
needed his attention. He was perhaps older than the average of the
regiment, a very intelligent man, and had preached to some extent before
entering the service. Some time in the fall of 1863, he applied for a
furlough, urging business considerations, but after a good deal of
delay, his application was returned—"denied." He received the
information just as the regiment was on the march to a new camp, the
route to which, took us nearly by General Thomas' headquarters at
Chattanooga. The sergeant, vexed at the delay, and mortified at the
refusal of his request, concluded to cut all red tape, and go in person
to General Thomas with his application. He accordingly broke ranks, went
alone to the house the general was occupying, passed by every sentinel,
and burst into the august presence of the great army chief. Holding his
returned application for a furlough in his hand, his whole manner
evincing the desperation of his purpose, he thrust the offending
endorsement under the very nose of the commander of the armies, and
demanded, as one having authority, to know what the language meant, and
why his application was refused. He was referred to the proper officer
for explanation, but he would accept no reference, and in an impassioned
appeal to grant the favor he asked, he struck the tender side of the
good old general's nature, who at once, with his own hand, we believe,
erased the offensive word, "denied," and wrote thereon, "granted;" and
the over rejoiced sergeant was soon homeward bound, filled with thoughts
of love for good old "Pap" Thomas. This was not our purpose, however, in
introducing Sergeant Abbott to your notice. The above may be called an
act of boldness, "cheek," "strategy," or what you will, but surely there
were few men who would have taken the risk. We remember this daring
soldier on other occasions. At the close of the battle of Missionary
Ridge, and while we were pursuing General Manny's brigade of rebels
across a small, boggy stream, just about dark, to our front and left
were standing some ammunition wagons, abandoned by the enemy. They were
necessarily in the line of our march, but as we approached them, one of
the wagons was discovered to be on fire, and nearly full of fixed
ammunition, not yet removed from the boxes. The regiment immediately
swung to the right, to avoid so dangerous an enemy. Some one had the
presence of mind to call for volunteers to help extinguish the fire
before it should communicate to the powder, and produce the explosion
that would have been inevitable, and possibly disastrous to human life.
All shrunk involuntarily from the task, but the sergeant, well toward
the right of the regiment, and in comparative security, at once ran down
to the left, and promptly answering, "I will go," suited his action to
the word, and in a moment was fighting down and conquering the fire with
no more concern, or trepidation, than if he was adjusting it for cooking
his rations. His act was justly applauded by all who witnessed it. It is
a pity so brave a man should go through life maimed as he is, but he met
the common fate of the soldier, and was severely wounded July 20th,
1864, at Peach Tree creek, and will probably carry the missile intended
for his death, in his body so long as he lives. On the morning after
that battle, the sergeant had gone a little to the front, to spy out
where some rebel sharp-shooters lay concealed, and were firing upon our
men. He succeeded in locating them, and was in the act of pointing out
their position to Colonel Langley, when he was wounded. This was the
last service he did with the regiment, as the severity of his wound
necessitated his discharge, and he left us regretted by all his comrades
who had learned his sterling qualities.
LIEUTENANT JOHN J. WHITE.
We want to give a slight tribute to the memory of a very brave young
officer of company F, Lieut. John J. White.
This young man had enlisted in his company as a private. He was young,
intelligent, a stranger to the company at its organization, but his
soldierly bearing, intelligent comprehension of duty, and its prompt
performance, soon attracted attention to him as comprising the material
suited for a leader, and he was promoted to a lieutenancy. At the
crossing of the Sand Town road in front of Atlanta, August 7, 1864, the
lieutenant was in command of company G, under temporary detail for that
purpose. The short advance made by our line at that place, was
accomplished in the face of a galling fire of musketry and artillery,
not less than half a dozen batteries of the enemy, centering their fire
upon our exposed ranks. Men were falling in every direction and the
scene was for a time simply terrific. Our position once reached, the men
were ordered to lie down. The confusion of getting into position doubled
the line in some parts and left gaps in others. Lieutenant White was
actively endeavoring to get the left to give way so as to let all of
company G into line, and in meeting with opposition he stepped a few
paces to the right to inform the colonel of the situation, and was just
in the act of saluting him with his sword, when a shell from the enemy
crashed through his right shoulder, tearing the arm from his body, from
which wound he died in a few hours. Amid the storm of battle, when brave
men expose themselves only from necessity, that coolness and mental
collection that enables an officer to remember all the refinements of
discipline, even to the salutation of his superior, is a quality to be
admired, as it evinces a talent so essential to command under the most
trying circumstances. Lieutenant White was of a modest and retiring
disposition, ordinarily, but in action was the impersonation of true
courage. He was beloved by all who shared his more intimate fellowship,
and his death cast a gloom over the regiment. May peace forever brood
over the land that holds the remains of the brave soldier.
OUR COLOR BEARERS.
Who but brave men would solicit the honor of carrying the colors, or who
of any other quality would not murmur if ordered to that post of great
responsibility and danger? Yet who ever heard a word of complaint from
James H. Simpson or James M. White? Whether in the bright sunshine or
under the storm cloud, in camp or on the weary march, on the defence, or
in the deadly assault, on through to victory or defeat, they never
swerved or faltered, but always stood true to their great trust, until
the last hostile gun was fired, and these brave boys returned their
battle and storm scarred emblems to the government they had so nobly
served. How in the desolation of the conflict, the right and left
flanks, when the burden of the fight seemed to be almost an individual
one, would cast their eyes towards the center, and learning that "our
flag was still there," caught a new inspiration and redoubled their
energies for the victory. And now as we reflect that our nation's banner
waves triumphantly over all this broad land, the emblem of peace and
law, and as our hearts swell with gratitude and just pride over this
grand consummation, let us not forget the honor due the men whose
heroism during the perils of war kept _our_ flag from the pollution of
traitor hands.
ASBURY D. FINLEY.
It would not do to forget in this connection the name of Asbury D.
Finley, private of company A. No truer heroism was ever displayed than
by this young man on the Peach Tree creek battle-field. The 85th
Illinois, commanded by Major Rider, was sent forward across a narrow
corn-field and into position, as ordered by Col. Dilworth, then
commanding the brigade. Our regiment was ordered to advance to near the
edge of the corn-field and support the 85th, and although only a short
distance apart, we could not see the 85th for the standing corn. We had
remained in this position for some time, when it became apparent that
the rebels were on the ground formerly occupied by the 85th, though we
had received no notice of the removal of the latter regiment. In this
state of doubt, and to make sure of the situation, Col. Langley called
for a volunteer to go forward, learn and report the condition of things
to the front. It was a task that even brave men would not covet, but at
once Finley rose and offered to go. Receiving his instructions he
started through the corn-field. But the result and the colonel's
appreciation of the act, and his impressions after the lapse of more
than sixteen years, we will give in his own words taken from a personal
letter to Mr. Finley of date February 14th, 1881:
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS, FEBRUARY 14, 1881.
A. D. FINLEY, ESQ., Catlin, Illinois.
_My dear sir and comrade_: * * * * I well remember and can not
forget how on the 19th day of July, 1864, at Peach Tree creek, when
I was anxious to know whether the 85th Illinois was still in our
front beyond, and I called for a volunteer to go forward, ascertain
and report, that you very promptly offered to go, and did go, until
you were captured almost in my sight. I remember that you were
detained for a long time a prisoner and that when you returned to
the regiment you were very much emaciated. That I believed then and
still believe you had suffered during your incarceration, all the
torments of Andersonville. I also remember how grateful I was for
the services you so bravely rendered to the whole regiment, and
possibly the brigade, for your capture showed me that the rebels
were occupying the very ground I had reason to suppose was covered
by the 85th Illinois, and enabled me to adjust my line for greater
security until ordered to retire by the brigade commander. I could
say very much more, if necessary, as reasons satisfactory to me, why
your case should be regarded with great favor by the government you
aided so much to defend and save.
Very truly,
J. W. LANGLEY.
The above letter was written in support of an application for a pension,
because of disability incurred while Finley was a prisoner at
Andersonville.
HARVEY S. TRYON.
Another instance of true courage and manhood was exemplified in the
military life and character of Harvey S. Tryon, for a long time a
private of company H, but when mustered out, a sergeant. We do not
remember this man as specially brilliant in feats of arms, or in the
performance of some peculiarly delicate or dangerous military duty, but
still a _hero_ in the highest sense, and his memory will be respected as
such by all christian men and women who knew him, or shall read this
estimate of his christian character. It may be said of him, as probably
of very few, if any, others, that during his entire three years service,
performing at all times every military duty required of him, amid the
levity, and too often vulgar profanity of the camp, he never omitted his
higher duty to the God of his salvation, whom he had vowed to serve. His
faith was simple, pure, and firmly grounded. His religious convictions
were never compromised or suffered to lie in abeyance, but without
ostentation, or self-righteous display, he moved in the midst of his
comrades their best friend and safe counsellor, and a daily example of a
true life. He had the respect of all who knew him, and his pious
influence was reflected upon all who came in contact with him. Since the
war he has been continuously preaching the gospel truths he so happily
illustrated in his life and character while a soldier. Heroism in this
line being so rare in army life, we cannot refrain from saying this much
of one who so fully exemplified it in our regiment.
SERGEANT WM. L. THRALLS.
Another brave boy was Sergeant William L. Thralls, of company B. We say
boy, for he was only that in years, yet he was endowed with all the
qualities of a grand manhood. In camp, and at all times, a gentleman in
his deportment; in action, brave, cool, and intelligent. He had
attracted the attention of his superior officers, and was to have been
recommended for a lieutenancy. In the first onset at the battle of
Jonesboro, he was wounded in the leg, and in endeavoring to leave the
field, was offered assistance by his comrades, but this he refused,
telling them to stick to their guns, as he would not let them leave the
field on his account. This circumstance happened under the eye of
Colonel Langley, who there and then commended him for his bravery, and
offered to send one of the musicians with him, but no he would not
accept, refusing with the inborn politeness of a natural gentleman. The
colonel pointed him where our hospital was, and the brave young sergeant
dragged himself off the field. When nearly at the hospital he received a
mortal wound through the body, of which he shortly died. We will give,
in the colonel's own language, his last sad interview with our brave
young comrade. He says:
"After night, and when I had reported my position to General Morgan,
I went to look up Thralls, for his coolness impressed me all through
the fight. On finding him I learned that after nearly reaching the
hospital, he had received another wound through the body, of which
he must shortly die. I was shocked to hear it for I greatly wanted
that boy to recover, so that I could give him the promotion I
intended for him, and he so well deserved. I bent over his dying
form, gently touching him, and spoke his name. Upon recognizing me
he roused a little and expressed much delight that I had come to see
him. He first asked me how the battle had gone, and upon being told,
he seemed greatly gratified. He begged to be assured that I was
entirely satisfied with his conduct, and upon being told that he was
the first man that I had ever seen who refused help from the field,
and that such denial evinced a discipline so unusual, and a spirit
so unselfish, as to make his conduct specially commendable, and that
as a true soldier he had done his whole duty. He seemed content, was
willing to die for his country, and be at rest, for he was suffering
most intense pain. With a sad heart I bade that boy farewell."
Yes, poor fellow, he was loved by us all, and we deeply mourned his
death. It is such men as these whose company is an honor to the living,
and over whose memory we meditate with saddened thoughts. But to that
galaxy of bright names on high, to which so many names were added during
our terrible war, we feel assured that the name of William L. Thralls,
is also there, shining with the effulgence of glory. Brave soldier, true
comrade, faithful friend, farewell. The pines of Georgia wail a mournful
requiem over your last resting place, but your better part has gone to
God who gave it; this is the assurance that the bible gives, and we
believe it. Suffice it to say, that no braver name appears on the muster
roll of company B, than Sergeant William L. Thralls, and what more
glorious epitaph than that which comes after: "Died of wounds received
at Jonesboro, Ga., September 2, 1864."
THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION.
As we have before stated, we were garrisoning the city of Nashville when
we received the Emancipation Proclamation, and during the one hundred
days that ensued between its publication and enforcement, there was
considerable stir in army circles as to the propriety and legality of
such a measure. In our own regiment the officers held a meeting for the
purpose, as it were, of ratifying the Proclamation, at which the
following resolutions, by Colonel Langley, were spread before the
meeting for its approval and adoption:
_Resolved_, That we are as ready and willing to aid the Commander in
Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, in carrying out his
proclamation to emancipate the slaves in certain territory therein
mentioned, as a necessary war measure, as we are to aid in the
execution of any order from the War Department.
_Resolved_, That he who fails to see written in unmistakable
characters, the doom of slavery as a consequence of the war, must be
totally blind to the great panorama of events which daily pass
before him, and he who would avoid confusion and anarchy, must also
see the necessity of organizing and disciplining slaves, made free
by military authority; and further, if organized and disciplined,
the great error we commit as a nation, by not employing such
persons, so made free, to the most advantageous purposes in crushing
out the present rebellion, even if it be to arm and fight them
against the rebellious hosts that oppose us.
But these resolutions seemed too radical, and many opposed them
strongly. However before three months rolled around, the very men who
were the bitterest and loudest in their denunciation of them, at the
time, were seeking for commissions in colored regiments. The resolutions
pointed out, with true prophetic utterance, the course which the
government pursued in regard to the slaves, but at the time they looked
to some as being altogether wrong. _Tempora et mores mutantur._
RESOLUTION PASSED BY SENATE AND HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE
OF LOUISIANA.
Headquarters Military Division of the Miss.
Goldsboro, N. C., April 7, 1865.
_Special Field Order._ }
_No. 49._ } EXTRACT.
The general in chief announces for the information of this army the
following resolutions received:
WHEREAS, The official announcement of the fall of Charleston, the
"cradle of secession," has been received, therefore, be it
_Resolved_ by the senate and house of representatives of the state of
Louisiana in general assembly convened, that we tender our most hearty
thanks to the gallant officers and men of the army of the illustrious
Sherman, who under God have been the instruments of the accomplishment
of so glorious an achievement. Be it further
_Resolved_, That in the late glorious victory of Gen. Sherman, we
recognize the hand of God, as directing the affairs of our country, and
as an evidence of the speedy return of peace.
[SIGNED.] SIMON BELDON,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
[SIGNED.] J. MADISON WELLS,
Lt. Gov. and Prest. of the Senate.
Approved March 3rd, 1865.
By order of Major General W. T. Sherman.
[SIGNED.] L. M. DAYTON, A. A. G.
ORDER RETURNING THE THANKS OF THE PRESIDENT
TO GEN. SHERMAN AND THE ARMY.
Headquarters 14th Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland,
Near Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 6th, 1864.
ORDERS.—The general commanding directs that the following order be
published to all the troops composing the army of the Cumberland.
Headquarters Military Division of the Miss.
In the field near Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 6th, 1864.
_Special Field Order._ }
_No. 66._ }
I. The general in chief communicates with a feeling of just pride and
satisfaction the following orders of the president of the United States,
and telegram of Lieut. Gen. U. S. Grant, on the hearing of the capture
of Atlanta.
1st. Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C., Sept. 3rd, 1864.
The national thanks are rendered by the president to Major General W. T.
Sherman and the gallant officers and soldiers of his command before
Atlanta, for the distinguished ability, courage and perseverance
displayed in the campaign in Georgia, which, under the divine favor, has
resulted in the capture of the city of Atlanta. The marches, battles,
sieges and other military operations that have signalized the campaign
must render it famous in the annals of war, and have entitled those who
have participated therein to the applause and thanks of the nation.
[SIGNED.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President U. S.
2nd. Executive Mansion, Washington City, Sept. 3rd, 1864.
ORDERED: _First._ That on Monday the 5th day of September, commencing at
the hour of twelve o'clock m., there shall be given a salute of one
hundred (100) guns at the arsenals and navy yards at Washington, and on
Tuesday the 6th day of September, the day after the receipt of this
order at each arsenal and navy yard in the United States for the recent
brilliant achievements of the fleet and land forces of the United States
in the harbor of Mobile, and in the reduction of Fort Powell, Fort
Gaines and Fort Morgan. The secretary of war and secretary of navy will
issue the necessary orders in their respective departments for the
execution of this order.
_Second._ That on Wednesday, the seventh day of September, commencing at
the hour of twelve o'clock m., there shall be a final salute of one
hundred (100) guns at the arsenal at Washington and at New York, Boston,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburg, Newport, Ky.; St. Louis, New
Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola, Hilton Head and Newbern, or on the day after
the receipt of this order, for the brilliant achievements of the army
under command of Major General Sherman in the state of Georgia and the
capture of Atlanta. The Secretary of war will issue directions for the
execution of this order.
[SIGNED.] ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President U. S.
3rd. City Point, Va., Sept. 4th, 9 p. m., 1864.
MAJOR GENERAL SHERMAN: I have just received your dispatch announcing the
capture of Atlanta. In honor of your great victory I have ordered a
salute to be fired with shotted guns from every battery bearing upon the
enemy. The salute will be fired within an hour amid great rejoicing.
[SIGNED.] U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant General.
II. All the corps, regiments and batteries composing this army may,
without further orders, inscribe "Atlanta" on their colors.
By order of Major General W. T. Sherman.
[SIGNED.] L. M. DAYTON,
Aid-de-camp.
ORDER ANNOUNCING SUSPENSION OF HOSTILITIES.
Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi,
Army of Georgia, Raleigh, N. C, April 27, 1865.
_Special Field Order._ }
_No. 65._ }
The General commanding announces a further suspension of hostilities,
and a final agreement with General Johnston which terminates the war as
to the armies under his command, and the country east of the
Chattahoochie. Copies of the terms of the convention will be furnished
Maj. Gens. Schofield, Gilmore and Wilson, who are especially charged
with the execution of its details in the Department of N. C., Department
of the South, and at Macon and Western Georgia. Captain Jasper Mayres,
Ordnance Department, U. S. A., is hereby designated to receive the arms,
etc., at Greensboro, and any commanding officer of any post may receive
the arms of any detachment, and see that they are properly stored and
accounted for. General Schofield will procure the necessary blanks and
supply the other army commanders, that uniformity may prevail, and great
care must be taken that all the terms and stipulations on our part be
fulfilled with the most scrupulous fidelity; while those imposed on our
hitherto enemies, be received in a spirit becoming a brave and generous
army. Army commanders may at once leave to the inhabitants such of the
captured mules, horses, wagons and vehicles as can be spared from
immediate use, and the commanding general of armies may issue
provisions, animals, or any public property that can be spared to
relieve present wants, and to encourage the inhabitants to resume their
peaceful pursuits, and to restore the relation of friendship among our
fellow citizens and countrymen.
Foraging will forthwith cease, and when necessity for long marches
compels the taking of forage, provisions, or any kind of public
property, compensation will be made on the spot, or when the disbursing
officers are not provided with funds, vouchers will be given in proper
form, payable at the nearest military depot.
By order of
Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman.
(Signed) L. M. Dayton,
Asst. Adjt. Gen.
ORDER FOR THE GRAND REVIEW AT RICHMOND, VA.
Headquarters 14th Army Corps, Army of Georgia,
Manchester, Va., May 8, 1865.
_Special Field }
Orders._
_No. 41._ }
Division commanders will, if possible, obtain all necessary supplies,
and move their supply trains through Richmond to-morrow, and park them
in the vicinity of Hanover Court House, to-morrow night.
On the following day, May 10th, the Army of Georgia will march through
the streets of Richmond in review before Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck,
commanding the military division of the James, the 14th army corps in
advance. The column entirely unincumbered with wagons, will be formed as
follows: 3rd division, Brevet Maj. Gen. Baird commanding. 2nd division,
Brevet Maj. Gen. Morgan. 1st division, Brigadier Gen. Walcott. The head
of the column will be at the pontoon bridge and ready to move at 7:30 a.
m. The column will cross the upper pontoon bridge, move up 17th street
to Cary street, down Cary to 21st street, up 21st to Main street, up
Main to 13th street, up 13th to Capitol street, through Capitol to Grace
st., up Grace street to Adams street, and thence to Brooks avenue.
The troops will be reviewed with knapsacks, and will carry at least one
day's rations in their haversacks. The troops, marching at right
shoulder shift, will come to a shoulder arms before passing the Statue
of Washington, near the capitol, and will continue the shoulder until
passing the reviewing officer, who will be near the same point. Upon
passing all troops under arms, or general officers, the usual compliment
of coming to a shoulder will be paid. When the width of the street will
permit, the troops will march in column of companies. Neither band nor
field musicians will turn out before the reviewing officer.
After passing through the city, the troops will encamp the same night in
the vicinity of Hanover Court House. All pack mules, wagons and
ambulances, not sent through the city before the 10th instant, will be
massed near the bridge, and will, under the supervision of the chief
quarter master of the corps, cross the lower pontoon bridge at the same
time the troops are passing on the upper bridge, move down Water street,
to 22nd street, up 22nd to Franklin street, up Franklin street to 19th
street, up 19th to Mechanicsville turnpike, from which road they will
join their commands without interfering with the march of the troops.
By order of
Brevet Maj. Gen. J. C. Davis.
(Signed) A. C. McClurg,
Lieut. Col. and Chief of Staff.
GENERAL SHERMAN'S FAREWELL ORDER TO HIS
ARMY.
Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi.
In the field, Washington, D. C, May 30th, 1865.
_Special Field Order._ }
_No. 76._ }
The general commanding announces to the armies of the Tennessee and
Georgia, that the time has come for us to part. Our work is done and
armed enemies no longer defy us. Some of you will be retained in service
until further orders. And now that we are about to separate to mingle
with the civil world, it becomes a pleasing duty to recall to mind the
situation of national affairs, when but little more than a year ago we
were gathered about the towering cliffs of Lookout mountain, and all the
future was wrapped in doubt and uncertainty. Three armies had come
together from distant fields, with separate histories, yet bound by one
common cause, the union of our country, and the perpetuation of the
government of our inheritance. There is no need to recall to your
memories Tunnel Hill, with Rocky Face mountain, and Buzzard Roost Gap,
with the ugly forts of Dalton behind. We were in earnest and paused not
for danger and difficulty, but dashed through Snake Creek Gap and fell
on Resaca, then on to the Etowah, to Dallas, Kenesaw, and the heats of
summer found us on the banks of the Chattahoochie, far from home and
dependent on a single road for supplies. Again we were not to be held
back by any obstacle, and crossed over and fought four heavy battles for
the possession of the citadel of Atlanta. That was the crisis of our
history. A doubt still clouded our future, but we solved the problem,
and destroyed Atlanta, struck boldly across the state of Georgia,
severed all the main arteries of life to our enemy, and Christmas found
us at Savannah. Waiting there only long enough to fill our wagons, we
again began a march which for peril, labor and results, will compare
with any ever made by an organized army. The floods of the Savannah, the
swamps of the Combahee and Edisto, the high hills and rocks of the
Santee, the flat quagmires of the Pedee and Cape Fear rivers were all
passed in midwinter, with its floods and rains in the face of an
accumulating enemy, and after the battles of Averysboro and Bentonville,
we once more came out of the wilderness to meet our friends at
Goldsboro. Even there we paused only long enough to get our clothing, to
reload our wagons, and again pushed on to Raleigh and beyond, until we
met our enemy suing for peace instead of war, and offering to submit to
the enjoined laws of his and our country. As long as that enemy was
defiant, nor mountains, nor rivers, nor swamps, nor hunger, nor cold had
checked us, but when he who had fought us hard and persistently offered
submission, your general thought it wrong to pursue him farther, and
negotiations followed which resulted as you all know in his surrender.
How the operations of this army have contributed to the final overthrow
of the confederacy and the peace which now dawns on us, must be judged
by others, not by us, but that you have done all that men could do, has
been admitted by those in authority, and we have a right to join in the
universal joy that fills our land because the war is over, and our
government stands vindicated before the world by the just action of the
"volunteer armies of the United States."
To such as remain in the military service, your general need only remind
you that success in the past was due to hard work and discipline, and
that the same work and discipline are equally important in the future.
To such as go home, he will only say that our favored country is so
grand, so extensive, so diversified in climate, soil and productions,
that every man may find a home and occupation suited to his taste, and
none should yield to the natural impatience sure to result from our past
life of excitement and adventure. You will be invited to seek new
adventures abroad, but do not yield to the temptation, for it will lead
only to death and disappointment. Your general now bids you all farewell
with the full belief that as in war you have been good soldiers, so in
peace you will make good citizens, and if, unfortunately, new war should
arise in our country, "Sherman's army" will be the first to buckle on
its old armor and come forth to defend and maintain the government of
our inheritance and choice.
By order of
Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman.
(Signed.) L. M. Dayton,
Asst. Adjt. Gen'l.
REGIMENTAL REPORT OF ATLANTA CAMPAIGN.
Headquarters 125th Regt. Ills. Vols.,
Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 7th, 1864.
SIR: In compliance with orders I have the honor to submit the following
report of the part taken by this command in the recent campaign, from
its commencement in May, until its arrival at Atlanta on the 4th
instant.
In order for me to make this report nearly accurate, I must depend
mainly upon the notes of Col. O. F. Harmon and Lieut. Col. James W.
Langley, respectively, commanders of the regiment from the commencement
of the campaign until the first day of the present month, when the
command fell to me.
Forming a part of the 3rd brigade, 2nd division, 14th army corps, this
regiment, commanded by Col. O. F. Harmon, numbering four hundred and
forty-nine effective men, left Lee and Gordon's mills, Ga., on the 3rd
day of May last, where it had being doing, in connection with the
brigade commanded by Col. Danl. McCook, out-post duty, and marched to
Ringgold, where it joined the division commanded by Brig. Gen. Jeff. C.
Davis. After a day or two of rest at the last named place, the forward
march was resumed and continued until we faced the enemy before Buzzard
Roost Gap, on the road to this point, skirmishing with the retreating
foe at different points, and at Buzzard Roost we were most of the time,
during several days, actively engaged with the enemy's skirmishers, but
lost no men. The regiment participated in the flank movement through
Snake Creek Gap, which move gained Buzzard Roost. This march was long
and tedious, but was borne by all cheerfully and without complaint. At
Resaca we met the enemy and were engaged actively with him. The regiment
occupied a temporary line of works immediately in front of, and but a
few hundred yards from, the works of the opposing forces. Here, as in
previous instances, every man did his duty, until the flight of the
enemy from Resaca, on the night of the 14th of May, opened the following
morning a new field of labor. An expedition to Rome, Ga., was fitted out
for our division, and on the morning of the 15th, the regiment was
detailed with one section of battery I, 2nd Ills. Arty., to command and
guard the division supply and ordnance train in rear of the marching
column of the division to that city. The regiment took no part in the
fight at Rome on the 17th; arrived with its important charge on the
following day; remained at Rome doing various duty until the 24th day of
May, when the entire division took up its line of march towards Dallas.
Joined the army of the Tennessee, to which the division was temporarily
attached, near the last named place, on the 26th day of May. The next
encounter with the enemy, was at Dallas, on the night of the 27th of
May, when we were attacked by a superior force while engaged in
relieving the 22nd Ind., who were doing picket duty. The enemy succeeded
in capturing, owing to the unavoidable condition of the lines at that
moment, fourteen enlisted men, and one commissioned officer, and
wounding three others, enlisted men. But this temporary disaster was
quickly, though but partially, compensated, by the capture of one
captain, one lieutenant and twenty-five enlisted men from the enemy. On
the following morning the pickets drove the enemy back with a loss of
twenty killed and wounded, but two men wounded on our side. Until we
reached Kenesaw Mountain on the 27th of June, nothing worthy of note
occurred, although we daily faced the foe. At Kenesaw Mountain, on the
morning of the 27th of June, the regiment, in connection with the
brigade, formed part of the attacking column that was on that day hurled
against the enemy's works. The 125th regiment was the foremost in the
brigade. The conflict was short and bloody, and it is painful to record
that a repulse to our forces along the entire line, was the result.
Never fought troops better than on that day, and attention is called to
the casualties in this command alone, which were one hundred and twenty
in the short space of twenty minutes, nearly one half of which were in
the list of killed, and also that the brigade rallied within sixty yards
of the enemy's works, threw up intrenchments under a heavy fire, and
held them until the night of July 3rd, when the enemy evacuated their
lines and retreated towards Atlanta. In the above mentioned engagement
we lost several brave officers and men, chief among whom was the colonel
of the regiment, of whom it may not be inappropriate here to remark that
a braver or more efficient officer in line of his peculiar duties, the
army of the Union does not contain. The command at this point devolved
upon Lt. Col. James W. Langley, who commanded the regiment through the
engagement at the Chattahoochie river, July 5th, and at Peach Tree
creek, on the 19th of July, in both of which it was actively engaged,
and subsequently until, in the midst of the battle of Jonesboro, Sept.
1st, when Col. Dilworth, brigade commander, was wounded and carried off
the field, the command of the brigade devolved upon him (Lt. Colonel
Langley), and that of the regiment upon myself. During the whole of the
engagement at Jonesboro, the officers and men exhibited courage worthy
of the cause for which they fought. The regiment while yet under command
of Col. Langley, reached the crest of the hill just in front of the
rebel battery engaging the enemy in the open field, contributed greatly
in aiding the 2nd brigade on our left to scale the enemies' works. Here
they fought with the desperation of men determined to win, and they did
win, though not until my regiment had lost an officer and three men
killed, thirty enlisted men wounded, some six or eight of them mortally.
At dark the regiment was formed in line with the 85th, 86th and 110th
Ills., when we built a strong line of works. The troops were marched to
Jonesboro and put in temporary camp. The regiment and brigade were
ordered to Atlanta, Sept. 4th, in charge of nearly two thousand
prisoners captured in the Jonesboro fight, and went into camp at this
place, where it now remains, and it is sincerely hoped, that if the
campaign is over, it will remain until, in the opinion of the powers
that be, it is needed in the field for active operations.
* * * * *
I respectfully submit and herewith transmit, a list of casualties in the
command since May 3rd, up to the close of this campaign. In conclusion I
would say in behalf of the officers and enlisted men of this regiment,
that they, with few exceptions, most manfully and soldierly in every
engagement in which the regiment has participated, stood up and faced
the foe, while many fell dead on the field. It would be difficult to
make special mention of names, and do ample justice to all and injustice
to none. A grateful country will reward them all for their noble
services. The survivors of Kenesaw and subsequent battles, can never
forget our patriotic dead, Colonel Harmon, Captains Fellows and Lee, and
Lt. McClane, fell at the former place where duty called them. At Peach
Tree Creek, Lieut. Jones, of company D, commanding company B, died as he
had lived, a true christian soldier. Lieut. White, who so nobly fell at
the crossing of the Sand Town road, was loved and respected by all whose
good fortune it was to have his acquaintance. Again at Jonesboro, the
daring and faithful Captain Charles fell in the discharge of his
immediate duty. So, too, Sergeant Thralls, who for more than two months,
had commanded company B, wounded in the leg during the hottest of the
engagement, received his fatal wound from a stray bullet while his wound
was being dressed. My confidence in him as a company commander, was
always firm, because I knew him to be a brave man.
Very Respectfully,
Your obdt. servant.
(Signed.) G. W. Cook.
Captain commanding regiment.
List of casualties in the 125th regiment Illinois volunteer infantry
from May 3rd to September 6th, 1864:
May 11th, Buzzard Roost, Ga., 1 enlisted man wounded.
May 15th, Resaca, Ga., 1 enlisted man wounded.
May 31st, Dallas, Ga., 1 commissioned officer missing, 5 enlisted men
wounded, 14 missing.
June 27th, Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., 4 commissioned officers killed, 1
missing; 50 enlisted men killed, 63 wounded, 6 missing.
July 5th, Chattahoochie River, Ga., 1 commissioned officer wounded.
July 19th, Peach Tree Creek, 1 commissioned officer killed, 1 enlisted
man killed, 3 wounded, 1 missing.
August 5th to 12, before Atlanta, Ga., 1 commissioned officer killed, 3
wounded; 13 enlisted men wounded.
Sept. 1st, Jonesboro, Ga., 1 commissioned officer killed, 6 enlisted men
killed, 29 wounded.
RECAPITULATION.
Commissioned officers killed 7
Commissioned officers wounded 4
Commissioned officers missing 2
Enlisted men killed 57
Enlisted men wounded 115
Enlisted men missing 21
——
Total 206
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed.) Geo. W. Cook,
Captain Commanding.
REPORT OF SAVANNAH CAMPAIGN.
Headquarters 125th Regiment Illinois Volunteers,
Near Savannah, Ga., December 29th, 1864.
SIR: In pursuance of orders, I have the honor to respectfully submit the
following report of the operations of my command from the fall of
Atlanta to the fall of Savannah:
Reached Atlanta on the 4th day of September last, at which point it
remained in a state of inactivity, resting from the fatigues incurred on
the previous campaign, until the 29th of same month when, in connection
with the brigade, it started for Florence, Alabama, by rail, via
Chattanooga, Huntsville and Athens, to check the advance of Gen.
Forrest, who was marching through that district. It did not proceed as
far as Florence, owing to its having been ordered back to Huntsville on
train guard duty, and upon returning was prevented from rejoining the
balance of the troops composing the expedition, by the rapid rise of Elk
river.
Remained at Athens until the return of the brigade from Florence,
performing while there daily picket duty. Left the former place on the
13th day of October and reached Chattanooga on the 14th. Remained at the
last named point four days, when we started for and rejoined the corps
at Galeville, Ala., on the 22nd. Remained at this place several days,
when the column was headed toward Atlanta, Ga., which we reached Nov.
15th, having made short halts at Rome, Kingston and Cartersville.
Between the last named place and Atlanta, the command was engaged in
"demoralizing" the railroad, the extent of which will be found in
subjoined recapitulation.
On the 16th of November, having obtained a thorough outfit and forming a
part of the left wing of the grand army, it started for the "new base."
Reached Savannah 21st inst., upon the previous evacuation of the city,
and went into camp about two miles from the place, where it now remains
ready at any moment to "strike tents," hoping that its next field of
operations will be South Carolina. With the exception of a slight
skirmish with the enemy in front of Louisville, Ga., nothing occurred to
disturb the equilibrium of the march between Atlanta and Savannah.
During the entire march the command subsisted upon supplies found in the
country, (which were abundant) with the exception of five days issue
from the regular supplies, thus destroying vast quantities of material
belonging to the enemy, and contributing much to the bone and muscle of
the army.
Forage was obtained to subsist all animals including those captured.
This command destroyed no cotton or gins owing to the fact that such
duty was not assigned it. Deeming negroes an encumbrance they were
prohibited from attaching themselves to the command.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant,
(Signed.) Geo. W. Cook,
Captain Commanding Regiment.
Number of miles railroad destroyed 2
Cotton none.
Gins none.
Number of horses captured 6
Number of mules captured 25
Supplies obtained and brought to Savannah none.
Enlisted men killed 1
Enlisted men wounded 1
CAMPAIGN REPORT FROM SAVANNAH TO BENTONVILLE.
Headquarters 125th Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
Goldsboro. N. C, March 28th, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the operations
of my command from the day on which it left Savannah, Georgia, until I
assumed command of the brigade on 19th day of the present month:
January 20th, 1865. My command left camp at 7 o'clock a. m. and marched
8 miles on the Louisville road, and went into camp where we remained
four days. On the 24th of January regiment was ordered on fatigue duty,
cut poles and built 350 yards corduroy road.
January 25. Left camp at 7 a. m. and marched 18 miles.
January 26. Left camp at 7 a. m. and marched over very bad roads for 8
miles. Encamped for the night one mile north of Springfield, Ga.
January 27. Left camp at 7 a. m. This and the 22nd regiment Indiana
volunteers were detailed as train guards, both under my command. Guards
and trains were delayed nearly all day at the confluence of several
small streams called the "Runs." The command reached camp at 10 p. m.,
having marched but five miles.
January 28. Left camp at 8 a. m. and marched to within one mile of
Sister's Ferry on the Savannah river, where we went into camp and
remained until February 5th at 6 p. m., when the command crossed the
river and encamped on the South Carolina side, where it remained until
February 8th, when we marched at 7 a. m. and camped at night at
Brighton, having travelled only 7 miles, but over very bad roads.
February 9. Left camp at 7 a. m. and marched rapidly all day over good
roads. Made 20 miles and went into camp at 5 p. m.
February 10. Left camp at 6:30 a. m., marched 20 miles over good roads
and went into camp.
February 11. Left camp at 6:30 a. m. This and 22nd regiment Indiana
volunteers were detailed as train guards under my command. Marched
through Barnwell and reached camp late, having made about 12 miles.
February 12. Left camp at 6:30 a. m.; passed through Williston, on the
Augusta and Charleston railroad, about noon. Marched 18 miles and
encamped at night on the Edisto river.
February 13. Crossed the Edisto at 6:30 a. m, and worked on the north
side three hours building corduroy roads. Went into camp two miles
beyond the river at 10 a. m., and marched again at 1 p. m., moved five
miles and went into camp for night.
February 14. Left camp at 6:30 a. m. and marched 20 miles, crossing
north Edisto in the route.
February 15. Left camp at 7:30 a. m., marched 20 miles and encamped at
night two miles from Lexington.
February 16. Left camp at 6 a. m.; marched to near Columbia, S. C. On
the afternoon of this day the command made a retrograde movement five
miles and encamped at night on the south side of Saluda river.
February 17. Left camp at 6 a. m., crossed the Saluda, marched 20 miles
and encamped for the night on Broad river.
February 18. The command crossed Broad river at 9 a. m. and went into
position on the north side to the left and front of the 2nd brigade At 3
p. m. I was ordered with my regiment to make a reconnoisance towards the
Winnsboro road. Went about four miles, crossed Little river, and with
one company pushed skirmishers as far as directed. I then withdrew,
recrossed Little river and returned to camp.
February 19. The command tore up and effectually destroyed 475 yards of
railroad track and ties and marched four miles.
February 20. Marched at 6 a. m. and encamped on Little river.
February 21st. Left camp at 2 p. m. This and the 52nd Ohio regiment,
were detailed as rear guard for the corps train. Reached camp at 11 p.
m., having marched 15 miles.
February 22nd. Marched 6 miles and went into camp.
February 23rd. Marched 10 miles and went into camp.
February 24th. Crossed Catawba river. Regiment worked all day assisting
wagons out of the mud and corduroying roads.
February 25th. Worked all day on roads.
February 26th. Worked five companies all day on roads.
February 27th. No move. Worked five companies one half day on roads.
February 28th. Left camp at 1 p. m. Assisted part of corps train up the
hill on north side of Catawba river, after which the command marched
five miles as train guard, and reached camp at 10 p. m.
March 1st. Left camp at 6 a. m., and marched 21 miles.
March 2nd. Left camp at 6 a. m., and marched 13 miles.
March 3rd. Left camp at 6 a. m. This regiment with the 52nd O. V. I.,
under my command, were detailed as train guards; passed over some very
bad roads, and reached camp at 10 p. m., after a march of 23 miles.
March 4th. Left camp at 6 a. m., and encamped on the Great Pedee river
at 4 p. m. The regiment worked at corduroying roads until after dark.
The command remained in camp until March 7th, at 2 p. m., when it moved
down to the pontoon bridge, which it crossed at 4 p. m., after which it
marched one and one half miles and went into camp for the night.
March 8th. Left camp at 6 a. m. Marched 25 miles and went into camp at 6
p. m.
March 9th. Left camp at 8 a. m. This regiment, and the 52nd O. V. I.,
and one section of the 19th Ind. battery, all under my command, marched
as rear guard for the corps train. Crossed Downing creek at 3 p. m., and
destroyed the bridges. The vanguard of the enemy came up before the
destruction was complete, but upon observing us, it retired. My command
did not reach camp that night We assisted wagons out of the mud until 3
o'clock of the morning of March 10th when the jaded and exhausted
animals gave out, and the guards rested by the road side until day
light, when we resumed the labor of assisting wagons over the bad roads.
We reached the division camp at 8 a. m., where we rested one hour and
then resumed the march in column. Marched 15 miles and went into camp at
4 p. m.
March 11th. Left camp at 9 a. m. Marched to within two miles of
Fayetteville, N. C, and went into camp at 2 p. m.
March 12th. Left camp at 6 p. m. Crossed the Cape Fear river at 9 p. m.,
and went into camp behind rebel fortifications on the north side.
March 13th. Moved two miles for change of camp.
March 14th. Remained in camp all day.
March 15th. Left camp at 9 a. m. Marched 12 miles as rear guard for
trains.
March 16th. Left camp at 6 a. m. Marched about 8 miles and met the enemy
strongly entrenched near Black river, ready to dispute our further
advance. My regiment went into position about 2 p. m. on the right of
the second line. At 4 p. m. I moved in reserve of the brigade and at
sundown took position on the left of the front line for the purpose of
filling a gap then existing between the 1st and 3rd brigades. I
established my line within 74 yards of the enemies' line of
fortifications, and constructed works. My loss was one man wounded
severely. The enemy retreated during the night.
March 17th. Left camp at 8 a. m. Forded Black river and Black Mingo
creek, and after a march of 10 miles, went into camp for the night.
March 18th. Left camp at 5:30. Marched 11 miles and encamped at 1 p. m.
for the afternoon and night.
March 19th. Left camp at 9 a. m., and marched about four miles down the
Goldsboro road, at which point we left the road and turned to the right.
Moved about one half mile in this direction and went into position on
the right of the second line, in which position we remained about two
hours, when we, with the brigade, were ordered out, and directed to push
across to the road to our left. In this movement the brigade was in
single line with my regiment on the left. After wandering through
numerous swamps, over brush, vines and briars, we reached a position and
formed line parallel with the road. This advance was disputed all the
way by rebel skirmishers, to meet which I ordered out as skirmishers,
two companies commanded by Capt. Halloway. Our new formation on the road
was scarcely completed, when heavy firing on the right of the brigade,
denoted that the contest was to be a severe one. Stepping into the road
and casting my eye in the direction of the firing, I observed a strong
column of the enemy, four lines deep, moving against the point where I
supposed the right of the brigade rested. My suppositions soon proved
correct, and after a brief contest, I observed that the right was giving
away before the advance of the rebel column. At this instant a line of
rebels struck my front and that of the left wing of the 22nd Ind. on my
right. This line was met by our troops without yielding an inch, and
after a severe fight of five minutes, the rebels fell back and were
easily kept at bay, by a strong line of skirmishers. But not so on my
right, for by this time the main column of the enemy had advanced to
within one hundred yards of the right of my regiment, and the left wing
of the 22nd Ind. on my right was beginning to give way. My position was
fast becoming untenable, besides I was apprehensive that the confusion
incident to a repulse on the right of the brigade, might result to the
enemy's advantage, in making many captures, and I determined at once to
defeat, as far as possible, this object, and at the same time better my
own situation, to do which I immediately executed a change of front to
the rear, on left company, and then presented a front direct to that of
the enemy. This movement was not executed by the entire regiment at
once, nor after the approved system of battalion drill, but by detaching
two companies at a time from the right and placing them on the new
alignment. In this way I kept most of my line continually firing upon
the advancing column. This change, which gave me the advantage of a
direct fire, induced the enemy to move by its left flank and deploy his
four depth column to a double line formation, which movement again
threatened my right. On noticing this I again changed front to the rear
as before. Finding myself nearly surrounded and with no prospect of
support, I directed my regiment to retire firing, which was bravely done
as it had maintained every position in which it had been placed. My
left, which had not up to this time moved ten feet from its original
position on the Goldsboro road, was the last to withdraw, nor was this
done until the first line of the enemy was within fifty yards of my two
left companies, when they deployed as skirmishers and fell back firing.
I have no wish to make a bright picture for my regiment beyond what the
facts will justify. I have commanded it under very critical
circumstances on former occasions. I have witnessed the conduct of many
regiments in perilous situations, but I never saw a body of troops act
with greater coolness, or more heroic daring, than the 125th Ills,
manifested on the eventful 19th instant. When the enemy's firing was
hottest, my men were most earnest. Not one man left the ground until
ordered to do so. Every man seemed to appreciate that the efforts of the
regiment were being bent towards the safety of the brigade, and every
man was determined to do all in his power for that object. Far be it
from me to claim a higher quality of bravery for my men than belongs to
other troops of the brigade. If I were even disposed to be jealous of
the prowess of my own command, I could say nothing to disparage the
claims of other regiments to equal bravery with my own. _They_ were
suddenly attacked without warning, and in a position where their flank
was too boldly exposed, not to tempt the utmost efforts of the enemy to
fall vigorously upon it. Once started they were easily pressed back.
Being made aware of the situation on the right, I prepared my command
for any emergency. While all the officers and men of my command did
nobly, yet I cannot forbear to call special attention to the conspicuous
bravery of Captain Geo. W. Cook, acting field officer, and adjutant Wm.
Mann, for their eminent services in preserving at all times a good
alignment and directing the fire of different parts of the line. I also
commend to your notice, W. Blackeney, sergeant major; George W. B.
Sadorus, of company E; Barton Snyder, sergeant of company I, and Louis
Taft, corporal of company E, whose cool bravery and noble daring, won
for them the admiration of all who saw them. When my regiment withdrew
as far as the open field to the rear, I observed that Captain Snodgrass,
commanding the 22nd Ind., had formed the basis of a new alignment, about
three hundred yards to the rear and left of the first position. I
determined at once to form my regiment on his left, and directed the
colors to be placed on that prolongation, and formed line accordingly.
While this was being done, you reported to me that General Fearing was
wounded and disabled for further command. I immediately turned the
command of my regiment over to Captain Cook, and by virtue of seniority
in rank, assumed command of the brigade.
The subsequent operations of the regiment, will be reported by Captain
Cook.
I am, Captain, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
(Signed) Jas. W. Langley,
Lt Col. 125th Regt. I. V. I.
To Charles Swift, Capt. and A. A. A. G,
3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 14th A. C.
BENTONVILLE TO GOLDSBORO.
Headquarters 125th Illinois Infantry.
Goldsboro, N. C., March 30th, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit to you a report of the operations of
this command from the 19th inst. up to the time of its reaching this
place. Owing to the casualties in the 3rd brigade, 2nd division on the
19th, I was ordered to take command of this regiment at about 3 o'clock
p. m., just as the regiment had been withdrawn from a position parallel
with the Goldsboro road. Col. James W. Langley had reformed the regiment
in the open field on the left of the 22nd Indiana; here I took command
and had every man get a load of rails, and then moved the regiment
forward to the edge of the timber, where we built temporary works; the
22nd Indiana joined on our right, and a portion of the 20th A. C. on the
left. We scarcely had time to get our temporary works completed, when
the enemy advanced, as we supposed in two lines of battle. But they were
handsomely repulsed. I never saw men and officers fight with more
determination to win, than at this time. Here our loss was one man
killed and one wounded. We then sent out skirmishers in our front and
remained over night. At 8 a. m. on the morning of the 20th we were moved
to the right, in rear of the 1st brigade, in works the regiment had
built on the 19th. Here we were ordered to send 20 men and two
non-commissioned officers to bury the dead. They buried 27 rebels,
including two officers, and carried two wounded off the field. At 8 p.
m. my regiment was moved on the front line on the left of the 2nd
brigade, the 86th Illinois on my left. Here we formed temporary works.
We picketed our immediate front, built skirmish pits, and strengthened
our works. Twenty-first—nothing of importance transpired to day but
picket firing. I had one man wounded. On the morning of the 22nd, we
found the enemy had gone. We marched 8 miles in direction of Goldsboro
and camped for the night. Twenty-third—marched at 8 a. m.; arrived at
this place, after marching 13 miles, at 7 p. m. Since, we have been
resting from our labors. With this I forward a report of the casualties
in the command during the campaign up to the 23rd inst.
I am Captain Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
(Signed.) Geo. W. Cook,
Captain Commanding Regiment.
List of casualties in the 125th Illinois infantry during the late
campaign commencing January 20th and ending March 23rd, 1865:
March 19th,'65, commissioned officer wounded, 1.
March 19th, enlisted men killed, 2; wounded, 11; missing, 6.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed.) Geo. W. Cook,
Captain Commanding Regiment.
Goldsboro, N. C., March 30th, 1865.
Roster of the 125th I. V. I