McDonough County IL Archives History - Books .....The War - In The Field, Chapter XVIII 1878
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Book Title: History Of McDonough County

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE WAR-IN THE FIELD.

  If time and space allowed, gladly would we follow our brave soldier boys to
the tented field and recount the individual acts of bravery of one and all; but
this we cannot do, and can only speak in general terms, giving a short
description of such regiments as were composed in good part of men from this
county. Our soldiers, we find, are as modest as brave, and not disposed to
volunteer information for publication, so that for what we do give we have had
to depend principally upon our public records. Beginning in order of enlistment,
we come to the

SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.

  The Sixteenth Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, was organized and mustered into
the United States service at Quincy, Illinois, under the "Ten Regiment Act," on
the twenty-fourth day of May, 1861. It was mustered in by Capt. T. G. Pitcher,
U. S. A., June 12th, 1861; moved to Grand river, Mo., as railroad guard, after
which the regiment was scattered along the line of the H. & St. Jo. road as
guard. July 10, Col. Smith's force, though attacked at Monroe Station by sixteen
hundred mounted rebels, held its position until the arrival of reinforcements,
when the enemy fled. On the sixteenth, lost two men killed and two wounded at
Caldwell Station. August 20, regiment moved under Gen. Hurlbut to Kirksville in
pursuit of Gen. Green, arriving at Honeyville Sept. 1. Sept. 10, ordered to St.
Joseph, Mo. On the fourteenth, together with the Third Iowa Infantry, had a
skirmish at Platte City; seventeenth, returned to St. Joseph. Jan. 27, ordered
to Bird's Point, Mo. March 3, ordered to New Madrid, where they were attached to
the army of Mississippi, Second Brigade, Col. James D. Morgan, First Division,
Brigadier General E. A. Paine.

  On the evening of the twelfth of March the Tenth and Sixteenth Illinois
Volunteers were thrown forward and erected a line of earthworks, mounting four
heavy guns, within a half mile of the enemy's works.

  March 13, the battle of New Madrid was fought, the Sixteenth supporting the
siege guns.

  April 7, were landed on the opposite side of the Mississippi with the Tenth
Illinois, and followed the retreating enemy to Tiptonville, Tenn., where they
captured 5,000 prisoners, a large amount of artillery, small guns and ammunition.

  April 9, returned to New Madrid; 13th, embarked for Osceola, Ark.; 17th,
embarked for Hamburg, Tenn., where they arrived on the 22d; participated in the
siege of Corinth; after the evacuation pursued the retreating enemy to
Booneville. June 12, returned and camped at Big Springs. July 20, moved to
Tuscumbia; 29th, crossed the Tennessee at Florence.

  September 15, arrived at Nashville after a seventeen-days' march, with
continual guerrilla fighting. Loss, one killed and five wounded.

  Garrisoned Edgefield, guarding railroad bridge, November 5; garrison was
attacked by rebel General Morgan, who was repulsed, leaving many dead upon the
field. Loss, one killed and five wounded, including Captain Rowe; was in the
Atlanta campaign; mustered out July 8, 1865, at Louisville, Ky.; arrived at Camp
Butler July 10, 1865, for final payment and discharge.

  There were two hundred and twenty-eight in the regiment from this county,
divided into six companies, and during the war the casualties were five killed,
twelve wounded, and fifteen died.

  Nothwithstanding the life of a soldier on active duty is one of toil and
danger, still a little time is found for amusements, and some good anecdotes are
related by the boys. While this regiment was stationed at Memphis, a couple of
Irishmen found time to pay court to a pretty Irish maiden residing there.
Jealousy existed in the hearts of both, and each did his level best to win the
good graces of the fair one, while at the same time he would utterly demolish
his rival. One evening both happened to call upon the loved one at the same
time, and fell to demeaning each other in her presence. Becoming tired of this
they began bragging of their ancestors. One said his father was a very wealthy
man in the old country and a lineal descendant of a noble lord. The other
responded, "I can't say my father is very wealthy and a descendant of a lord,
but I can say he came to this country when a poor boy and became a great builder
and architect, planning some of the finest buildings and works of art in this
country; in fact, he was the principal architect of the Natural Bridge in
Virginia!" "Take the girl," said the other, "I have nothing more to say."

  In the regiment was a German going by the name of Solomon, an easy-going,
good-natured soul. One day he came into camp from a foraging expedition, and
related an adventure of his, as follows: "As I vas coming along te road,
somepody he behint me hollered out, 'Get out of te road.' I taught it was some
tam cavalry man, and I paid no 'tention to him. Butty soon he hollers out again,
'Get out of te road you tam son of a pitch.' I tought ten it vas somepody vot
knowd me, ven he callt me py name, and I looks around, and dere vas John Bope
(Gen. Pope), and I gets out oftħe road butty quicks."

  While in Missouri, General Pope, for some cause, took a dislike to this
regiment, and charged them with being a set of thieves, and said they would
steal everything they could lay their hands on. Afterward, at Tiptonville, this
regiment, with the 10th Illinois, captured five thousand prisoners without the
rebels firing a gun, which, when General Pope heard of, he enquired of General
Payne how it was done. The question was overheard by a member of the regiment,
who quickly responded, "General, I can tell you how it was done. The 16th stole
all their ammunition and they couldn't fire."

  On a long march the men were apt to break ranks, which being observed, the
order was given to "close up," which order was carried all along the line. On
one occasion a large number of "contrabands" were following the regiment when
this order was given. An old colored lady, thinking the order was meant for her,
raised her clothes a little above her ankles, and turning to the officer near
her who gave the command, innocently asked, "Is that high enough, massa?"

  The following letter, which we give precisely as received, without the change
of a single word, was received by Captain Rowe while the regiment was stationed
at St. Joseph. It is needless to say the Captain, being a "gintleman that he
was," made the boys pay their just debts, and immediately forwarded the "sax
dollars" to the lady. For this kind deed we have no doubt the lady has always
held him in kind remembrance:

                               THA SITTY O QUANCY   NOV 1, 1861.

  CAPTAIN ROWE.- Ant yer company after bein ashamed o' yerselves to let a pure
widdy go wid no pay 4 munths when u hev yer one pay long sense ye rite wel no I
did yer washin when yer were in this sitty an ye hev never ben the men to pay an
not let the childers cryin fer bred drab yer eis ma ye never be after bein
hungry childers yerselves, wid a mothers hart in ye at all, now that ye ma niver
forget it my name is Catharine O'Sullivan an did the washin fur companie C whin
Captain Cahill wus the after bein the boss Captain and jeems Barnett was the
Clark an he sed he wud se it pade wil ye no dear Captin Kowe tha do sa ye ar
after bein dacent gintleman yearself an wuld niver like ter se yer one childers
cri fur bred wunt ye be as a gude man as ye are hilp me get the 6 dolirs that
companie C oes me fur washin when I walked a mile an a half to git it an fatch
it home twice almost every weak when tha wur at Kemp wut Michael Eeedy noes I
did the wurk so dus michael lynch no it, I an wil tel ye the same if yer onor
wil but ask him an he wus married when he was at Quancy an a dacent man he
seamed But Jim Barnet tuk the names fur me an he can tel best that tha oe me sax
dolirs fur wash-in an will testify on the cross if he stil in companie c yet an
wil tel the trooth about it.

  Catherine O'Sullivan To Captin Kowe Michael lynch or Reedy or Jeems Barnet who
all no the Captin noe that companie c oes me sax dollars.

  Wel ye plase try an get the muny fur the lady as shea is very pure an neads it
much an got me to rite for her sent it to Mr. Newton Fagg for Catherine
O'Sulliven sax dolirs.

  On the departure of the companies for the 16th regiment the enlistment of
other men did not cease. The war fever was up, and hundreds were ready to do and
die for their country.  In July, 1861, L. H. Waters, G. L. Farwell, and W. F.
Bayne raised companies and proceeded to Springfield. The companies raised by
Waters and Farwell were consolidated, with Farwell as Captain, Waters becoming
Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment. J. D. Walker was also busily engaged in
making up a company, which is next in order.

COMPANY H- SECOND CAVALRY.

  This company was organized at Macomb, Illinois, by J. D. Walker, and accepted
by the Governor July 24, 1861. The company went into quarters at Camp Butler,
Springfield, August 5, and was mustered into the United States service August
12, 1861, remained in the State until November 12, 1861, when they were ordered
to Paducah, Kentucky, where they were partly armed and equipped. From here they
made several important reconnoissances into the interior of Kentucky. They were
ordered to Columbus, Kentucky, March 11, 1862, being the first Union soldiers to
enter that rebel stronghold; here they remained until March 23, 1862, when they
were ordered to Hickman, Kentucky. March 31 they were part of the force that
attacked and captured Union City, then a rebel camp of instruction. Returned to
Hickman and remained until July 9, 1862, when they were ordered to Union City,
thence to Crocket Station, and from there to Trenton, Tennessee, arriving June
18th. Their duty while here was arduous, having considerable scouting to do, the
country being alive with guerrillas. July 27th they scouted toward Brownsville,
and for seventeen days were continually skirmishing with the guerrillas.
Returned to their camp at Trenton, and was ordered to Jackson, Tennessee, August
25, and the 29th to Bolivar, Tennessee, where they arrived on the 30th, and were
immediately ordered into action, in which the noblest officer of the regiment,
Lieutenant-Colonel Hogg, was killed. The casualties of the regiment were heavy,
but in Company H were light. While in camp at Bolivar they scouted in Haywood
county, destroying Captain Haywood's guerrilla band by capturing his camp,
equipage, and forty men. The regiment was ordered to Lagrange, Tenn., November
5, 1862, from which they made several reconnoissances, one in the direction of
Larmar, where they brought on an engagement with the rebels, driving them away
and taking possession of the field with eighty prisoners, Company H meeting with
slight losses. On the twenty-eighth of November they took the advance of the
army, moving through Holly Springs to Abbeyville, returned to Holly Springs Dec.
2, and went into camp. The rebel General Van Dorn made a raid upon Holly Springs
Dec. 20, 1862. After two hours hard fighting the rebels, with overwhelming
numbers, drove this regiment from their place, it losing one hundred and sixty
killed, wounded and missing. Jan. 1, 1863, ordered to Memphis, where they had an
opportunity to recuperate some. On the twenty-second of February, moved to
Young's Point, arriving the twenty-third, and March 14 ordered to Milliken's
Bend, where they remained until the movement on Vicksburg commenced, this
regiment taking the advance. March 31, moved on Richmond, La., where they
engaged the rebels across the bayou, which, after one hour's fighting, they
captured. Left Richmond April 5, moving down Round Away Bayou, skirmishing with
rebel Colonel Hanson's command. April 14, camped at Smith's plantation; moved
from here, crossing Videl and Mill bayous in flatboats, and encamped at St.
Joseph, La., the twenty-eighth. Crossed the Mississippi at Bruinsburg, May 1,
and arrived at Big Sandy the fifth. The duties of this regiment were heavy,
having to picket the front of Osterhaus, and Hovey's Divisions, and watching the
flanks at the battle of Champion Hills. May 16, 1863, they arrived at Big Black
river, and the next day made the first reconnoissance in the rear of Vicksburg.
They were engaged in scouting in the Yazoo Valley until June 9, 1863, when they
were ordered to Big Black Bridge, on the Vicksburg and Jackson road, remaining
until July 5, when they advanced on Jackson. They skirmished heavily with the
rebels four days, and arrived at Jackson on the ninth, and on the sixteenth were
ordered to scout to Brookhaven, seventy-five miles below Jackson. Returned July
20, and were ordered to Vicksburg, where they arrived July 28, 1863. August 5
were ordered down the Mississippi river to Natchez, remaining until the
fifteenth, when they were ordered to Carrollton, La., and Sept. 5 to Morganza,
La., where they skirmished with the rebels fifteen days, and on the twenty-ninth
the rebels brought on a general engagement, compelling them to retreat. Oct. 9,
1863, they reported to General Lee at New Orleans, and on the fifteenth left for
Brashear City, arriving on the seventeenth, and at Franklin the eighteenth, New
Ibe'ra the nineteenth, at Vermilionville Oct. 20, 1863. On the twenty-first they
advanced on the Bayou Teche road, and brought on an engagement with the enemy,
meeting slight losses. Nov. 1, returned to Vermilionville, and on the eleventh
engaged the rebels at Carrion Crow Bayou Crossing, one killed and three wounded.
Jan. 5, 1864, ordered to New Orleans to recuperate, they arriving the fifteenth.
The company was mustered out Nov. 22, 1865. There were in this company, from
McDonough county, ninety-one men, four of whom were killed, four died, and four
wounded.

TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.

  The 28th Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, was organized at Camp Butler,
Illinois, in August, 1861, by Lieutenant-Colonel Louis H. Waters and Major
Charles J. Sellon.

  August 28, ordered to Thebes, Illinois; September 9, to Bird's Point,
Missouri; October 2, to Fort Holt, Kentucky, and remained until January 31,
1862, in Colonel John Cook's brigade. In the meantime engaged in several marches
south and east from the fort.

  January 31, moved to Paducah, Kentucky, and were assigned-to Colonel M.
Smith's brigade, Brigadier-General Lew Wallace's division; February 5, moved up
Tennessee river; on the sixth took part in the capture of Forts Henry and
Herman; February 13, a detachment of forty-eight men and twelve officers, under
Colonel Johnson, met the enemy (five hundred strong), at Little Bethel Church,
five miles from Fort Henry, and immediately attacked and routed them.

  March 6, having been assigned to General Hurlbut's (fourth) division, moved to
Pittsburg Landing, arriving the seventeenth.

  Early on the morning of the sixth of April the regiment was called into line
and marched half a mile to the front, where it met the enemy driving General
Prentiss. It was assigned to a position on the left of the line, in the Peach
Orchard. The enemy immediately attacked it, but were repulsed; and it held its
position from 8 o'clock A. M. until 3 P. M., only then retiring under orders
from Brigadier-General S. A. Hurlbut, commanding the Old Fighting Fourth
Division. On the morning of the seventh it held a position on the right of the
line, and was hotly engaged until the battle closed and the victory won. During
those two long, trying, bloody days the regiment behaved nobly, and was never
broken or driven back by the enemy, though often most heavily pressed. The
regiment here sustained a loss of two hundred and thirty-nine killed and wounded.

  It was engaged in the siege of Corinth during the mouth of May, 1862.

  Marched to Memphis, via Grand Junction, Lagrange, Holly Springs, Moscow,
Lafayette, Colliersville and Germantown, reaching Memphis July 21, 1864. Marched
September 6, reaching Bolivar the fourteenth; marched October 4th to Big Muddy
river; October 5, engaged in the battle of Metamora, on Hatchie river, losing
ninety-seven killed, wounded and missing. Returned to Bolivar October 7, and
left for Lagrange November 3. Marched from Lagrange, November 29, to Holly
Springs; thence to Lumpkin's Mill, "Waterford, Abbeville and Oxford to Tocoua
creek; December 21, to Tocoua station; thence to Tallahatchie river, Waterford,
Lumpkin's Mills, and December 30 was assigned to duty of guarding the railroad
from Holly Springs to Waterford, Mississippi.

  January 8, 1863, marched via Holly Springs to Moscow and Lafayette; returned
and camped at Colliersville, where it was assigned to guard railroad. Regiment
at this time being in the Third Brigade, Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps,
was engaged in the siege of Vicksburg, from June 11 to July 4, 1863.

  On the 12th of July, 1863, near Jackson, Miss., the 28th, 41st and 53d
Illinois, and 3d Iowa Infantry, not exceeding eight hundred men, were ordered to
charge across an open level corn field, some six hundred yards, and carry a
strong line of the enemy's works, mounting twelve guns and manned by at least
two thousand men. The brigade swept gallantly forward under a destructive fire
of grape, canister and minie bullets. The enemy appearing upon both flanks as it
reached the ditch, it was compelled to fall back, with a loss of more than half
of the rank and file killed or wounded. The eight companies of this regiment in
line, numbering one hundred and twenty-eight men, lost seventy-three killed and
wounded, and sixteen taken prisoners.

  September 1, 1863, the 28th formed part of an expedition from Natchez to
Harrisonburg, compelling the enemy to evacuate Fort Beauregard. The regiment
remained at Natchez doing provost guard duty in the city.

  The regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and on July 4, 1864, was mustered for
three years' veteran service, and May 18, proceeded to Illinois for veteran
furlough. May 29, every man who had been furloughed reported at Camp Butler,
Ill., and the regiment moved for Natchez.

  October 10, the regiment was consolidated into four companies, and on the 12th
embarked for Morganzia, La. November 3, embarked for mouth of White river;
arrived the 7th; left the 20th; arrived at Memphis the 22d. Here the regiment
received two hundred recruits, which were organized into two companies; was
assigned to the 1st Brigade District of West Tennessee- Major General C. C.
Washburne, commanding; December 21, formed part of an expedition to Moscow;
arrived the 23d, and returned to Memphis the 31st.

  On January 3, 1865, embarked for Knerville, La., arriving the 6th, and on the
12th, embarked for Mobile Point, La., and encountering a heavy gale on the
voyage were compelled to throw overboard 130 mules and horses to save the
vessel; arrived back at the mouth of the Mississippi, Feb. 14, and proceeded to
New Orleans. On the 14, moved to Lake Ponchartrain, on the 17, embarked for Ft.
Morgan. Mobile Bay, camped at Navy Cove, and arrived at Fish river March 25, and
Spanish Fort the 27th.

  In the advance upon Spanish Fort the regiment occupied the extreme right of
the division and corps, and held this position during the entire siege of 14
days, losing 14 killed and wounded, including two captains.

  April 10, marched to Ft. Blackly then returned and on the 12th, entered the
city of Mobile and on the 13th, marched to Whistler Station and skirmishing with
the enemy. May 11, moved within three miles of Mobile, Ala. June 3, 1865,
reviewed by Chief Justice Chase. July 2, embarked for Brazos Santiago, Texas;
arrived July 6; 7th, marched to Clarksville; Aug, 2, marched for Brownsville,
arrived the 3d. The regiment was mustered out March 15, 1866. Number enlisting
at organization 761, recruits 959. Total 1,620, 284 wounded, 24l killed and
died. Of the 28th, 89 men were from this county, in two companies, D, and K, of
whom 9 were killed, 9 died, and 15 wounded. Their record was a glorious one. For
their bravery in the battle of Shiloh, the county gave them a handsome flag,
which was well deserved.

COMPANY L- SEVENTH CAVALRY.

  This company was organized in Bushnell by Captain George M. Scott in Aug.,
1861, and mustered into the United States service Sept. 3, 1861. The regiment
remained at Camp Butler until Dec. 1861, when it was moved to Cairo, thence to
Bird's Point, Mo. It remained here until March 5, 1862. Engaged in the capture
of New Madrid and Island No. 10; also in capture of Corinth and pursuit of the
rebels. Guarded the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, in Alabama, until Sept. 9,
1862. After this the company participated in the following engagements: Iuka,
Miss., September, 1862; Burnsville, Miss., Sept. 19, 1862; Corinth, Oct. 3 and
4; Hudson Lane, November, 1862; Oxford, Dec. 1, 1862; Yancona Creek, Dec. 8;
Water Valley, Dec. 4; Coffeeville, Dec. 5; Covington, Tenn., March 8, 1863;
Union Church, Miss., April, 1863; Plain Store, La., May 25; Clinton, La., July
3; Quin's Mills, Miss., Aug. 1; Salem, Miss., Sept. 9; Collierville, Tenn.,
Sept. 11; Byhalia, Miss., Sept. 12; Wyattsford, Miss., Sept. 13; Collierville,
Tenn., Oct. 10,1863; Moscow, Oct. 12, 1863; Espanola, Tenn., Dec. 24;
Summerville, Tenn., Dec. 26; West Point, Miss., Feb. 20,1864; Okalon, Miss.,
Feb. 23; Pontiac, Miss., Feb. 24; Guntown, Miss., June 10; Memphis, Tenn., July
21; Shoal Creek, Tenn., November; Lawrenceburg, Tenn., Nov. 21; Campbellville,
Tenn., Nov. 24; Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 10; Nashville, Dec. 15 and 16; Harpe
Creek, Tenn., Dec. 17; Rutherford Creek, Tenn., Dec. 19; Anthony Hill, Tenn.,
Dec. 25. Besides a number of long, wearisome marches, the company participated
in several important raids, among which was Grierson's famous raid, made in
April, 1863, from LaGrange, Tenn., to Baton Rouge, La., traveling-Su sixteen
days, a distance of eight hundred miles. After which the company participated in
the siege and capture of Port Hudson, La., in June and July of 1863. A portion
of the company re-enlisted as veterans, Feb. 9, 1864, under Captain Daniel Wilt,
Lieutenants James Price and Lewis Pickel.

  There were one hundred and eighty-five officers and privates-enlisted in this
company- many being recruits- fifty-nine of this number were from this county.
The company, although very active all during the war, did not suffer as many
did, there being but five killed; sixteen died. The company was mustered out at
Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 4, 1865.

  J. L. Epperson, a member of this regiment, was not addicted to the use of
profane language, and condemned it in others, but on 'one occasion the boys
claimed that, they had the joke on him. While in camp at a certain place he went
down to a stream to get a drink of fresh water, and as he raised up from
quenching his thirst, he was fired upon by a couple of bushwhackers, one of whom
had a shot-gun and the other a musket. Although they were only about forty steps
away, they failed to touch him, when the quickly drew his revolver, firing three
shots at them as they retreated, and in all earnestness exclaiming: "You
playgonit cowards, you!" His comrades laughed at him for his conduct,
telling-him that he had disgraced the noble 7th, in fact, the entire army, by
his terrible swearing; that the rebels would think them an awful wicked set of
fellows, to hear such oaths coming from a Union soldier. It is probable he never
repeated them.

FIFTY-FIFTH INFANTRY.

  The Fifty-fifth Infantry Illinois volunteers was organized at Camp Douglas,
Chicago, Illinois, and mustered in October 31, 1861. November 9, left by rail
for Alton, and on the evening of the 18th left for St. Louis by steamer.
Remained at Camp Benton until January 12, 1862, when it was ordered to Paducah,
Ky., where it arrived on the 22d, and March 8th embarked on steamer for the
Tennessee river.

  March 15, marched out with the expedition from a point some fourteen miles
above Pittsburg Landing, for the surprise and overthrow of Corinth, but high
water defeated the movement. It returned to Pittsburg Landing and went into camp
east of Shiloh Church.

  The opening of the battle Sunday morning found the regiment in position with
an effective force of eight hundred and seventy-three men. Colonel Stuart was
wounded and nine of the line officers, three of whom died, one hundred and two
enlisted men were killed and mortally wounded, and one hundred and sixty-one
wounded and taken prisoner. The regiment was with the army in the advance on
Corinth, and at Russell's house, May 17; lost in skirmish eight men, two killed
and six wounded.

  Entered Corinth May 30, and from there, with General Sherman, westward along
the Memphis and Charleston railroad. Marching to Lagrange, Lafayette, Moscow, to
Holly Springs, Miss.; with Sherman marched into Memphis July 31, and remained in
camp until November 25, when, with Sherman's division, it marched for the
Tallahatchie river. Was marched back to Memphis to descend the Mississippi river
to Vicksburg with the new troops that arrived at Memphis. Embarked with the
expedition, and six companies were engaged in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou,
December 29, losing one Captain killed and one enlisted man killed and seven
wounded.

  The regiment was present and under fire at the battle of Arkansas Post,
January 10 and 11, 1863; from here it moved to Young's Point, La., where it was
initiated into the ditching process.

  Participated in the siege of Vicksburg, losing in all, from May 16 to July 4,
eight killed and thirty-nine wounded. Encamped on Black river, near Vicksburg,
until Sept. 27, when it embarked for Memphis, and moved out with the army past
Corinth to Iuka. From Iuka it was with the reconnoissance to Tuscumbia. Oct, 30,
marched from East Point to Chattanooga; arrived Nov. 21, and during the night of
the twenty-third, with the rest of the brigade, manned a fleet of pontoon boats
in North Chickamauga creek, four miles above Chattanooga, and in the midst of
rain and intense darkness, with muffled oars, descended and crossed the
Tennessee river, and captured the enemy's picket line. Nov. 25, marched with
Sherman to the relief of Knoxville; returned and camped successively at
Bridgeport, Bellefonte, and Larkinsville during the winter, and at Larkins'
Landing during the spring, at which place the regiment veteranized, and returned
to Illinois on a furlough of thirty days. June 27, 1864, participated in the
assault upon Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., losing fifteen killed and thirty-three
wounded. On July 22 the regiment was again engaged, with an effective force of
two hundred and thirty-nine men, and came out of the engagement with one hundred
and eighty men.

  In the siege of Atlanta the regiment's loss was seven killed and eighteen
wounded. In the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., Aug. 31, 1864, lost twenty-three men.

  In a short campaign of about two months, the regiment lost about one-half its
number.

  Joined in pursuit of Hood through northern Alabama, and returned to Atlanta,
when one hundred and sixty-two non-veterans were discharged. It soon left for
Savannah with the 15th Army Corps.

  Near Bentonsville, 'N. C. lost eight men.

  Marched with the army via Richmond to Washington, where it participated in the
grand review, and then moved to Louisville, where it remained in camp a few
weeks, and then by steamer went to Little Rock, Ark., where, Aug. 14, 1865, it
was mustered out of service, and on the 19th left for Chicago, and arrived on
the 22d, and received final payment and discharge.

  During its term of service the regiment marched 3,374 miles.

  This county was represented by one hundred and twenty-five men, in four
different companies of the 55th, of whom three were killed, fourteen died and
seventeen wounded.

COMPANY C- FIFTY-NINTH INFANTRY.

  This was among the first companies organized in McDouough, and nearly all of
its officers and men were residents of the western part of the county. It was
assigned to duty at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where it remained until the
organization of the 9th Missouri Infantry Volunteers, at St. Louis, September
18, 1861, to which Company C was assigned. This regiment was composed of
Illinois companies. February 12, 1862, by order of the War Department, it was
changed to the 59th Illinois Infantry Volunteers. Three days after organization
the 9th Missouri was ordered to Jefferson City, and on the thirtieth moved to
Booneville, and was brigaded with the 37th Illinois Infantry, 5th Iowa Infantry,
1st Kansas Infantry and Davidson's Illinois Battery. Colonel J. C. Kelton
commanding brigade, and Brigadier-General John Pope commanding division. The
campaign of 1861 and the early part of 1862 was spent in the State of Missouri.
On the 20th day of May, 1862, the regiment embarked for Hamburg Landing,
Tennessee. From there moved toward Farmington, on the twenty-seventh. After the
evacuation of Corinth, pursued the enemy. In June marched into Mississippi, and
in August to Florence, Alabama. Thence to Franklin, Tennessee; from there to
Murfreesboro, arriving September 1, 1863. September 3, commenced the northward
march with General Buell's army, arriving at Louisville on the twenty-sixth.
October 7, met the enemy at Chaplin Hill, near Perryville. On the eighth heavily
engaged, losing one hundred and thirteen killed and wounded out of three hundred
and sixty-one men going into action. Pursued the enemy on the tenth. Arrived in
Nashville November 7, and camped at Edgefield, near which they remained during
the year.

  Dec. 25, skirmished toward Nolensville. On the twenty-sixth the army of the
Cumberland was put in motion for the Stone River campaign, and the 59th employed
as skirmishers, and drove the enemy nine miles. Took active part in the attack
on Nolensville. On the twenty-ninth marched toward Murfreesboro; here the enemy
were found in force and entrenched. An unsuccessful attempt was made to drive
him from his position, and the regiment lay during the night of the thirtieth
within a few hundred yards of the enemy's works. Early on the morning of the
thirty-first, the enemy turned the right flank of the Twentieth Corps. The 59th
changed front to rear, and supporting the 5th Wisconsin Battery, for a long time
held the enemy in check, and when withdrawn, brought with it the guns of the
battery, from which the horses had all been killed. It was then put in position
on Murfreesboro pike, which it held until Jan. 2. The regiment forded the river,
swollen by recent rains, and assisted in driving back the enemy, and held their
position in the extreme front until the morning of Jan. 4, when it re-crossed
Stone river, and the enemy evacuated Murfreesboro. June 23, 1863, the Tullahoma
campaign was commenced. August 30, left Stevenson, crossed the Tennessee river
and ascended the Sand Mountain. Marched to Lookout Valley. Arrived at
Chattanooga Sept. 22. Distance marched from Stevenson, one hundred and
twenty-two miles. Was active in the Lookout Mountain campaign. Dec. 1, buried
the dead from the battle field of Chickamauga, of Sept. 19 and 20.

  January 12, 1864, the regiment mustered as a veteran organization, and arrived
at Springfield, Ill., on furlough, February 10, and March 19, was re-organized.
Took part in the Atlanta campaign July 12, the regiment crossed the
Chattahoochie, and presented itself before the fortifications around Atlanta,
and from that time until the 25th of August, it assailed the works of the enemy
and was under fire day and night. November 1, marched to Pulaski. On the 29th,
the brigade attacked the enemy in the flank, as it was marching toward Spring
Hill. The fight continued all day, and at night the 59th marched 20 miles, and
reached Spring Hill on the morning of the 30th. Resting but one hour, marched to
Franklin, and during the afternoon the battle of Franklin was fought. Dec. 1,
arrived in Nashville, and on the 15th, the battle of Nashville commenced. The
59th was in the first line of the assaulting column and planted the first colors
on the captured works. In the afternoon it assaulted and carried the enemy's
works near Hillsboro pike. Dec. 16, the memorable assault on Overton's Hills
were made; here the regiment lost in killed and wounded one-third of its number.
July 9, arrived at New Orleans, marched to San Antonia, Texas, and was stationed
at New Braunfels, Texas, until Dec. 8, 1865, when it was mustered out. In
company C, there were 79 men from this county, 7 of whom were killed, 7 died and
7 wounded.

SIXTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.

  The "First Battalion Yates Sharpshooters" was organized at Camp Butler,
Illinois, in the month of December, 1861, by Lieutenant-Colonel D. R. Williams.
It consisted of four companies, to which were added two others the last of the
month. January 10, 1862, the battalion was ordered to Quincy, where it was
armed, after which it was ordered South. Near New Madrid they had their first
engagement with the enemy on the night of March 12. Was engaged at Fort Pillow,
Corinth, Kenesaw, Atlanta, and a great many other battle-fields. No more
effective duty was done by any regiment during the war, it being always in the
front. Their loss, as far as known, in killed and wounded, was two hundred and
eighty-nine men; of those dying in service we have not the number. The regiment
was continually on the go, travelling with Sherman to the sea, thence around
through North Carolina, and then on to Washington, where they were in the grand
review, May 24, 1865. They were discharged at Chicago, July, 18, 1865.

  There were three companies represented from McDonough county in this regiment-
A, D and F, and a total of eighty-five men.

  Many personal incidents could be given of individual bravery of members of
this regiment, but will content ourselves with the following, as showing the
pluck of one of McDonough county's boys:

  John Jacobs, a member of company D, was captured near Atlanta, and, with other
prisoners, was hurried South under a strong guard, their captors following the
line of railroad. The prisoners were made to occupy the railroad track as far as
possible, while the guard ranged upon either side.

  A short time before the capture the government furnished our soldier boys with
shirts of unbleached cotton, which, in the twilight, looked not a great deal
unlike the butternut of the rebels. This fact was quickly discovered by young
Jacobs, who determined, if possible, to take advantage of it.

  On either side the guard was a number of rebel soldiers who had been slightly
wounded, and who were being sent to the rear. As twilight began to settle around
them, Jacobs began to limp slightly and fall slowly behind, and soon was in the
very midst of the guard, who, from his clothing, judged him to be one of their
number going to the rear. Occasionally he would limp directly in the way of one
of them, who, cursing him, would tell him to fall behind. This was just what he
wanted, and what he continued to do until he was the very last of the party
proceeding southward. As soon as he thought his absence would be unnoticed, he
turned and fled in the direction from which he came. Not knowing the direct way
back, he was forced to continue along the line of the railroad. He succeeded in
passing the infantry outposts without alarming them, but came near being
recaptured when he reached the cavalry pickets. In passing through the woods the
underbrush beneath his feet would break, and notice was thus given of his
presence. Although unseen, the command rang out to halt, and several shots were
fired in his direction, one ball grazing one of his ears. No further sound being
heard, the pickets thought the noise was made by a hog or other animal passing
through the timber, and made no further efforts to discover its source, which
was indeed well for him. They then rode off and he proceeded on his way.

  When daylight came he dared not proceed further for fear of capture, but lay
down in the tall weeds by the side of the railroad track, and all day long the
rebels marched over the road and on either side of him, many of them passing so
near he could easily have reached out and grappled with them. This he was many
times tempted to do, that he might wrest from them a gun with which he might
defend himself if necessary, and also to get hold of their canteens, for he was
almost suffocating with thirst. It was well for him that he restrained himself,
for if he had attempted to thus grapple with one he would surely have been
discovered, and his recapture made certain.

  When night came on he made his way to a house and boldly asked for something
to eat, telling the people he was a confederate spy. The family were very glad
to render him such service as they could, and gave him a supper which he
certainly appreciated, not having had anything to eat for about thirty-six
hours. While the meal was preparing, and while eating, he plied the family with
questions as to the location of the Yankee army, the best road to reach it,
etc., obtaining all the information they were able to give. He then asked for
the loan of a mule and a gun, stating that when near the enemy's lines he would
turn the mule loose, and let him return home at once, and the gun he would
return the first favorable opportunity. Yes, he could have the best mule on the
plantation, and an excellent gun, which he need be in no hurry to return if they
could be of service to the glorious cause. Thanking his kind host for the favors
shown, he rode forth toward the lines of the Union army.

  After riding all night, he came to a house, and hitching his mule in the front
yard, he went in and asked for breakfast, first depositing his gun by the door,
that he might not unnecessarily alarm the family, and where he could easily
reach it when necessary. To this family he told the same story of being a
confederate spy on his way to the enemy's camp, and from the lady of the house
he learned the picket line of the Union army was but a short distance from her
dwelling.

  While partaking of the nice warm breakfast which was prepared for him, he
heard the tramp of horses upon the road, and rushed to the front window and
looked out, but could not tell to which party they belonged, but judging they
were rebels intent upon his recapture, started out the back way and made for the
woods. He was quickly overtaken and brought back to the house. His kind landlady
then witnessed against him that he had confessed to her he was a confederate
spy, when they were about to hang him at once, without the form of trial. He
told them not to be so fast, that he was a Union soldier who had been captured
and made his escape from the rebels. His story they refused to believe, cursing
him as a spy, and arranging to at once put an end to his existence. Finally
better counsels prevailed, and he was at once taken (not very gently) into the
Union, camp and before the general commanding, who questioned him as to who he
was, and where he was from. He replied, giving his name, company and regiment.
The general then questioned him upon other matters, receiving direct replies,
when he ordered him under double guard, that inquiries might be made as to the
truth of his story, stating that he was either the man he claimed to be or else
a spy.

  Inquiry being made, it was learned that a captain of that regiment was then in
hospital. He was asked if there was such a person as John Jacobs in Co. D of his
regiment. He replied there was, and stated he would be able to identify him on
sight. Jacobs was then brought before him, and the recognition was mutual, and
he was at once ordered discharged. He then asked the party bringing him into
camp for his mule and gun, which they refused to surrender, when he at once
complained to the general, who ordered them delivered to him. These he sold for
$140, which was so much clear gain. The whole affair showed that Jacobs was
without fear, and a man of pluck and inventive genius.

  As illustrating the strict discipline of the regiment, the following incident
is given: An order was issued by General Rosecranz, commander of the division,
that no one should be permitted to pass the guards without the countersign, save
a general in full uniform. A gentleman, in a linen duster and broad brimmed hat,
drove along a road on which a guard was stationed, when he was commanded to
halt. Reining up suddenly, he inquired why he was thus stopped. "Give the
countersign," answered the guard. "Get out of the way, d- n you ! I'm General
Gordon Granger." "I have no means of knowing whether you are General Gordon
Granger or not, and you cannot pass here unless in full dress, or you give the
countersign." Using a string of adjectives that would not appear well in print,
he again asked permission to pass; when the guard told him he was not in a humor
to be cursed, and that he must either give the countersign or turn, or he would
at once arrest him and send him to the guard house. Upon this the party wheeled
around, and soon appeared dressed in full uniform; when the guard gave the
salute, and he was permitted to pass. The circumstance was reported to General
Rosecranz, who reproved General Granger and told the guard he did just right.

  Few rebel battle flags were captured during the war, and it was always
considered a grand honor for any to take one. In the last grand charge upon the
enemy's works at Atlanta, Captain George W. Reid, who at the time was acting
Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment, succeeded in securing one from a Texas
regiment, and sent it home, where it remained in his house in Chalmers township
about one year, when it was taken to Springfield by request of the
Adjutant-General; and it can now be seen in the "trophy room" of the State
capitol, duly labeled and credit given to Captain Reid.

SEVENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY.

  The 78th Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, was organized in Quincy, Ill., in
August, 1862, by Col. Wm. H. Benneson, and mustered into service September
1,1862. Ordered to Louisville, Ky., where it was assigned to the Second Brigade,
Fourth Division, Army of Ohio; transferred to Thirty-ninth Brigade, Twelfth
Division; afterwards detached from Brigade and assigned to Gen. Boyle, Oct. 1,
1862. This regiment was engaged in many battles during the war, among which were
Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Kenesaw Mountain and others. After a year's service,
Col. Benneson resigned, and Lieut. Colonel Van Vleck, of this county, was
promoted to the Colonelcy, and retained command until killed in August 1864,
near Atlanta, by one of the enemy's sharp shooters. No braver men than Col.
Carter Van Vleck and Major Wm. L. Broaddus were ever in command and none more
generally beloved by their men. Of the bravery of the men it is needless to
speak; their record is known of all. In this regiment there were 214 men from
this county, and of that number 15 were killed, 28 wounded, and 23 died of
disease while in service, 20 were taken prisoners, 6 of whom died at
Andersonville, and 3 at Libby. This is a record of which we may well be proud.

  Resigning the position of Lieutenant Colonel of the 28th, L. H. Waters
returned home and succeeded in raising another regiment, which in due time was
mustered into the United States service. This regiment was composed in good part
of men from McDonough county, and therefore deserves record in this place. We
therefore give the

EIGHTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.

  The Eighty-fourth Infantry, Illinois volunteers was organized at Quincy,
Illinois, in August, 1862, by Colonel Louis H. Waters, and mustered into the
United States service September 1st, with nine hundred and fifty-one men and
officers. Ordered to Louisville, September 23, 1862, and was assigned to the
Tenth Brigade, Colonel Gross commanding, Fourth Division, Brigadier General
William Sooy Smith commanding, and marched September 29th in pursuit of Bragg.
Moved via Bardstown, Danville, Perryville, Crab Orchard, Wild Cat, Somerset,
Columbia, Glascow, Scottsville, Gallatin, and Silver Springs to Nashville; from
thence via Murfreesboro, Bradyville and Manchester to Elk river, and back via
Hillsboro to Manchester; from thence across the Cumberland Mountains, and via
Dunlap, Jasper, Battle Creek, Shell Mound, Whiteside, Chattanooga, Grayville,
Ringgold, Gordon's Mills and Crawfish Springs to Chickamauga. On retreat to
Chattanooga, thence over Walden's Ridge to Shell Mound and Whiteside. From
thence via Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge to Chickamauga
battle-ground, and back by the same route to Whiteside; thence moved to
Chattanooga, Tyner's Station, Ooltowah, Cleveland, Charleston, back to
Cleveland, Blue Springs thence to Red Clay, Catoosa Springs, Tunnell Hill,
Buzzard's Roost, and back to Blue Springs. Thence by the same route to Dalton,
and moving forward was engaged at Resaca, Calhoun, Adairsville, Kingston,
Cassville, Pumpkin Vine, Burnt Hickory, Dallas, Hew Hope Church, Ackworth, Big
Shanty, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Rough Station, Pace's Perry,
Chattahoochie River and Peach Tree creek. Prom thence moved on the
fortifications of Atlanta; thence to Rough-and-Ready, Jonesboro and Lovejoy
station. Prom Atlanta moved via Marietta, Ackworth, Cartersville, Allatoona,
Kingston, Calhoun, Resaca, Snake Creek Gap, Galesville, Alabama, Chattanooga,
Stevenson, Bridgeport, Huntsville, Athens, Pulaski, Columbia and Franklin to
Nashville; thence to Pulaski, Lexington and Huutsville; thence by rail to
Knoxville, Tenn.; thence to Strawberry Plains and Bull's Gap, and returned to
Nashville, where, June 8th, 1865, the regiment was mustered out of the United
States service.

  Battles in which the 84th was engaged: Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862, Jan. 12 and
13, 1863; loss, two hundred and twenty-eight men. Woodbury, Jan. 17, 1863.
Chickamauga, Sept. 19 and 20, 1863; loss, one hundred and seventy-two men.
Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Binggold, Nov. 24, 25 and 26, 1863; loss,
nine men. Dalton, Feb. 22, 1864; loss, four men. In the Atlanta campaign:
Buzzard's Roost, May 10, 1864; Dalton, May 13, 1864; Resaca, May 14, 1864;
Burnt, Hickory, May 26 to 31, and June 1, 2 and 3; Kenesaw Mountain, Symria,
Atlanta, Jonesboro and Lovejoy Station; loss in the campaign, one hundred and
twenty-five men. Franklin and Nashville; loss, twenty men. Total casualties in
battle, five hundred and fifty-eight men.

  From the 84th but one man was ever taken prisoner; but ten deserted; only one
man ever sent to military prison; and but four tried by court martial.

  There were two hundred and five men in the 84th from McDonough county, in five
different companies- A, B, C, D and F. Killed, 11; died, 39; wounded, 39; died
in Andersonville prison, 1- the only prisoner taken. Twenty-five per cent, of
the whole number enlisting from this county in this regiment gave their lives
for their country. A great sacrifice indeed, but made in a good cause. May such
an offering never again be required.

  We now call attention to the

ONE HUNDRED AND NINETEENTH INFANTRY.

  The 119th Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, was organized at Quincy, Ill., in
September, 1862, by Colonel Thomas J. Kinney, and mustered in Oct. 10th. Nov. 2,
moved to Columbus, Ky., and thence to Jackson, Tenn.; Feb. 6, 1863, to Humbolt;
May 30, to Memphis, and assigned to Fourth Brigade, Filth Division, and
Sixteenth Corps. Jan. 27, 1864, the regiment moved to Vicksburg, was engaged in
the Meriden campaign, under Gen. Sherman. March 10, embarked on the Red River
Expedition, engaged in the battles of Fort DeRussey, Pleasant Hill, Bayou la
Moore, Yellow Bayou. Moved to Vicksburg May 25, and to Memphis June 24. By rail
to Lagrange, and July 5 commenced march through Mississippi. Returned to Memphis
the 27th. Sept. 5, moved to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. On Oct. 2, started after
Price, and returned Nov. 18, having marched 700 miles. Dec. 1, arrived at
Nashville, engaged in the battle of the 16. On Feb. 8, embarked for New Orleans,
engaged at Spanish Fort and Blakely. Moved to Montgomery and Mobile. Mustered
out Aug. 26, 1865, and arrived at Camp Butler, Ill., Sept. 4. Company H. of this
regiment was from this county, and contained 81 men. The mortality was 8.

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY.

 This regiment was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, in September, 1862, by
Colonel Thomas J. Sloan, and Oct. 6 moved for Jackson, Tenn.; was assigned to
Third Brigade, First Division, Thirteenth Corps. Moved to Lagrange Nov. 4. On
the twenty-eighth drove the enemy across the Tallahatchie, and advanced to the
Yocona river. Feb. 23, 1863, moved down the river from Memphis to Lake
Providence, and March 17 went into camp at Berry's Landing. April 18 moved to
Milikin's Bend, and on the 25th commenced the campaign against Vicksburg. On the
30th crossed the river sixty miles below Vicksburg, and the following day was
engaged at Thompson's Hill. Was engaged in the battles of Raymond, Jackson and
Champion Hills, May 12, 14 and 16, respectively, and during the entire siege of
Vicksburg, including the charge on the fortification and assault on Fort Hill.
On the thirty-first of August went on the campaign to Monroe, La., and Oct. 14
to Brownsville, and was in the battles at that place of Oct. 16 and 17. Nov. 7
went in camp at Black river, and on the 25th engaged in a prize drill with five
other regiments, excelling all others. At a subsequent contest for a prize
banner the 124th received the banner, inscribed, "Excelsior Regiment, Third
Division, Seventh Army Corps," from the hands of Major General McPherson for
excelling in soldierly appearance, discipline, and drill. Commenced the raid to
Meriden, Feb. 3, 1864. Returned to Vicksburg March 4. Was engaged at Benton on
May 7, and 10, returned to Vicksburg on the 21st. In July moved with Gen. Slocum
on his Jackson campaign, and was engaged in the sharp fight at Jackson Cross
roads the 5th and 7th. In Oct. was in campaign to White river and Memphis.
Remained at Vickburg on provost duty until Feb. 25, 1865, when it moved to New
Orleans. March 12, embarked for Mobile, moved to Dauphine Island, and up Fish
river, and commenced the siege of Spanish Fort. The regiment was the extreme
left of the investing line, and, with one-half deployed as skirmishers, drove
the enemy within their fortifications. The regiment started for Montgomery,
April 13, and July 17, 1865, started home for muster out; arrived at Chicago
Aug. 3, and mustered out the 15th. One hundred and sixteen men in this regiment
were from this county, and in companies D and I. But one was killed, fourteen
died, and six wounded.

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.

  This regiment was organized at Camp Wood, Quincy, Ill., by Col. John Wood, and
mustered in June 5, 1864, for one hundred days. On June 9, the regiment left
Quincy, and proceeded to Memphis, Tenn., where it was assigned to the Fourth
Brigade, District of Memphis, Colonel E. L. Baltwick, 39th Wisconsin,
commanding. July 9, assigned to the Third Brigade, Colonel John Wood,
commanding, and was stationed on the Hernando road on picket duty, where, on the
twenty-first of August, they were attacked by General Forrest; being on the
extreme outpost, they were the first to meet the enemy, and suffered more than
any regiment there on duty. The regiment was mustered out of the United States
service at Springfield, Ill., Sept. 4, 1864.

  There were in this regiment from McDonough county one hundred and fifty-three
men, in four different companies, C, D, G and I. Three of this number were
killed, four died, four wounded, and twenty taken prisoners.

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIRST INFANTRY.

  This regiment was organized at Quincy, Illinois, and mustered into the United
States service February 23, 1865, for one year. From Quincy it proceeded to
Springfield, where it received its arms and accoutrements, and was then ordered
to Nashville, and on March 7 marched to Murfreesboro, and then by rail to
Chattanooga, Tenn., where it remained drilling and engaged in picket and guard
duty and scouting. April 23, Colonel Woodall was detailed to proceed under flag
of truce to Macon, Ga., via Atlanta, to communicate with Major-General Wilson,
and carry, also, terms offered to the rebel General Warford for his surrender,
together with that of his command. This mission he executed with credit and
dispatch and was complimented by his commanding officer, Brigadier-General H. M.
Judah.

  May 2d, ordered to proceed to Resaca, Ga., thence to Calhoun and Kingston,
where the regiment arrived May 12, after a most tiresome march. The regiment
marched into this town with the precision of regulars, as it was here they were
to receive the surrender of the rebel General Warford and his command, which was
done on the 13th, 14th and 15th of May, 1865- 10,400 rebels paroled in all.

  The regiment remained at Kingston guarding government property, etc. July 28,
the regiment proceeded to Columbus, Ga., where, January 24, 1866, it was
mustered out and ordered to Springfield, Illinois, where it received final
payment and discharge February 8, 1866.

  Of this regiment 188 were McDonough county men, of whom but four died, being
the only casualties, as far as known.

BATTERY H-SECOND ARTILLERY.

  Battery H, Second Ill. Light Artillery, was organized at Camp Butler, Ill.,
Dec. 1861, by Capt. Andrew Stenbeek, and was mustered in Dec. 31, 1861, and Feb.
6, 1862, moved to Cairo, Ill., and was stationed at Fort Holt. One section moved
to siege Ft. Pillow, and returned to Columbus, Ky. and from there to Henderson
and went into pursuit of Morgan, Aug. 1. One section moved to Smithiield, Ky.,
and Sept. 4, one moved to Clarksville, Tenn. Jan. 1, 1864, sixty-five men
re-enlisted as veteran, and were furloughed. During the summer of 1861, the men
of the battery were mounted and armed, as cavalry, and used in scouting, etc.
Aug. 8, engaged the enemy at Canton and Rockcastle Ford, Ky., and subsequently
were in garrison at Clarksville, until July 15, 1865, when the battery moved to
Springfield, Ill., for muster out, and accordingly July 29 was mustered out of
service. Fourteen men of this battery were from McDonough county, none of whom
were killed, and but one died.

COMPANY B-TENTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.

  At the first call for 300,000 men, made by President Lincoln in 1861, Dr. W.
F. Bayne, of Macomb, made up a company, and immediately wrote to Springfield and
tendered its service to Governor Yates. The Governor informed him that, as he
had already accepted two companies from McDonough county, and that being their
full quota, he must decline any more. The doctor, with his men, not desiring to
quietly submit and remain at home in time of their country's peril, concluded to
go to Missouri and enlist, that State being unable to fill her quota. They
accordingly went to St. Louis without delay, tendered their service, and was
accepted by Governor Gamble, and mustered into service at St. Louis Arsenal, as
Co. B; was put on detached duty until 1862, when they were assigned to the 10th
Missouri Infantry, Second Brigade, Third Division, Army of the Mississippi. The
doctor received the commission of Captain, and for two years (having to resign
on account of ill health) led the company through many of the hottest
engagements of the rebellion. Very soon after the Captain had been commissioned
he received a letter from Governor Yates accepting the services of his company,
stating that when the two companies referred to came to muster they had only men
enough for one. This letter was received too late to effect any change. Had it
arrived a few hours earlier Captain Bayne and his company would have been in the
28th Illinois Volunteeers. One of the most efficient regiments engaged in the
suppression of the rebellion was the 10th Missouri Infantry, and no company of
that regiment did better service or has a brighter record than Co. B, of
McDonough county.

  Many of those enlisting in 1861 never returned to their homes, still there are
a few of the brave boys scattered here and there over the country who, sixteen
years ago, were so resolutely determined to defend their country. The following
are some of the more prominent engagements in which Co. B took an active part:
Corinth, in the spring of 1862; Iuka, September, 1862; Corinth, Oct. 3 and
4,1862; Raymond, Miss., May 12, 1863; Jackson, May 14, 1863, and Champion Hills,
May 16. The company was before Vicksburg during the siege, from May 18 to July
4, 1863.

OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN OF COMPANY B, TENTH MISSOURI INFANTRY.

  Captain, William F. Bayne; First Lieutenant, James E. Fleming; Second
Lieutenant, Jerry Randolph; First Sergeant, David S. Randolph; Second Sergeant,
James McClelland; Third Sergeant, Calvin R. Single; Fourth Sergeant, James F.
Jones; Fifth Sergeant, John H. Moore; Corporals, James F. Greenup, Russell T.
Stokes, James W. Harlan, John Matheny, Crawford J. Lindsey, Crawford Cubbison,
Isaac Halterman, John W. Clark. Fifer, Charles Morris. Drummer, John W. Foley.
Privates, Samuel Baldwin, George W. Baney, Reece W. Barnes, Andrew J. Clark,
Presley Cubbinson, Daniel A. Camp, William H. Davis, Thomas J. Ferguson, Francis
M. Fleming, John H. Fair, Samuel H. Frisclive, Edwin A. Farley, Albert Freas,
Robert F. Frances, Hiram P. Howe, Anderson D. Hainline, Joseph Hensley, William
O. Hoskinsou, John Horton, William R. Kirk, John P. Lane, William P. Leaphart,
William T. Moore, Robert J. Mills, David E. Marler, Richard A. Morris, John
Melvin, William N. McGraw, Isaac D. Morgan, Robert S. Morgan, David H.
McCartney, John W. Myers, Thomas J. Martin, David C. Newell, Harvey Oatman,
William B. Rice, Edward C. Rabbit, Louis Roberts, George A. Robinson, Hiram L.
Sweeny, John M. Sweeny, William S. Stokes, William H. Stevens, George Sherwood,
George W. Thompson, Leander C. Twichel, John E. Vance, Isaac N. VanHoesen, John
Wooley, Milton Woolridge, W. H. Woods, Felix B. White, William H. Young.

SUMMARY.

  We find, under the various calls, McDonough county was called upon to raise
2,737 men. By the reports of the Adjutant General of the State we learn that
there were credited to the county 2,734, leaving a deficit of three men. If the
seventy-one men enlisting in the 10th Missouri infantry had been duly credited
to the county, together with many enlisting in companies made up principally and
credited wholly to other counties, we would have exceeded our quota by at least
two hundred men. Only about twenty of the one hundred and two counties in the
State furnished as great a number proportionately.

  McDonough county was represented in thirty-three regiments and in
seventy-eight companies. There were sixty-nine men killed in battle, one hundred
and eighty-two wounded, and one hundred and seventy-six died while in the
service, of whom we have no record.

  Below will be found a carefully compiled statement taken from the reports of
the Adjutant-General of the State and revised in great part by some one familiar
with each regiment and company. We have tried to make it correct and reliable,
having spent many days in the work of compilation.



Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY ILLINOIS,
ITS CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES, EARLY REMINISCENCES, PERSONAL INCIDENTS AND
ANECDOTES,

AND A COMPLETE BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF THE COUNTY.
By S. J. CLARKE.

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.:
D. W. LUSK, STATE PRINTER AND BINDER.
1878.


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