Showing posts with label 112th IL INF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 112th IL INF. Show all posts

Monday, March 18, 2024

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 6.— Organization of the U.S. Forces, commanded by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, at the battle of Nashville, Tenn., December 15-16, 1864.

No. 6.

Organization of the U.S. Forces, commanded by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas,
at the battle of Nashville, Tenn., December 15-16, 1864.

FOURTH ARMY CORPS.
Brig. Gen. THOMAS J. WOOD.

FIRST DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL.

First Brigade.
Col. ISAAC M. KIRBY.

21st Illinois, Capt. William H. Jamison.
38th Illinois, Capt. Andrew M. Pollard.
31st Indiana, Col. John T. Smith.
81st Indiana, Maj. Edward G. Mathey.
90th Ohio, Lient. Col. Samuel N. Yeoman.
101st Ohio, Lieut. Col. Bedan B. McDanald.

Second Brigade.
Brig. Gen. WALTER C. WHITAKER.

96th Illinois, Maj. George Hicks.
115th Illinois, Col. Jesse H. Moore.
35th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Augustus G. Tassin.
21st Kentucky, Lieut. Col. James C. Evans.
23d Kentucky, Lieut. Col. George W. Northup.
45th Ohio, Lieut. Col. John H. Humphrey.
51st Ohio, Lieut. Col. Charles H. Wood.

Third Brigade.
Brig. Gen. WILLIAM GROSE.

75th Illinois, Col. John E. Bennett.
80th Illinois, Capt. James Cunningham.
84th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Charles H. Morton.
9th Indiana, Col. Isaac C. B. Suman.
30th Indiana, Capt. Henry W. Lawton.
36th Indiana (one company), Lieut. John P. Swisher.
84th Indiana, Maj. John C. Taylor.
77th Pennsylvania, Col. Thomas E. Rose.

SECOND DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. WASHINGTON L. ELLIOTT.

First Brigade.
Col. EMERSON OPDYCKE.

36th Illinois, Maj. Levi P. Holden.
44th Illinois, Capt. Alonzo W. Clark.
73d Illinois, Capt. Wilson Burroughs.
74th Illinois [and] 88th Illinois, Lieut. Col. George W. Smith.
125th Ohio, Maj. Joseph Bruff.
24th Wisconsin, Capt. William Kennedy.

Second Brigade.
Col. JOHN Q. LANE.

100th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Charles M.Hammend.
40th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Henry Learning.
57th Indiana:
        Lieut. Col. Willis Blanch.1
        Maj. John S. McGraw.
28th Kentucky:
        Maj. George W. Barth.
        Lieut. Col. J. Rowan Boone.
26th Ohio, Capt. William Clark.
97th Ohio:
        Lieut. Col. Milton Barnes.1
        Capt. Clarkson C. Nichols.

Third Brigade.
Col. JOSEPH CONRAD.

42d Illinois, Lieut. Col. Edgar D. Swain.
51st Illinois, Capt. Albert M. Tilton.
79th Illinois,2 Col. Allen Buckner.
15th Missouri, Capt. George Ernst.
64th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Robert C. Brown.
65th Ohio, Maj. Orlow Smith.

THIRD DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. SAMUEL BEATTY.

First Brigade.
Col. ABEL D. STREIGHT.

89th Illinois, Lieut. Col. William D. Williams.
51st Indiana, Capt. William W. Scearce.
8th Kansas, Lieut. Col. John Conover.
15th Ohio:
        Col. Frank Askew.1
        Lieut. Col. John McClenahan.
49th Ohio:
        Maj. Luther M. Strong.1
        Capt. Daniel Hartsough.

Second Brigade.
        Col. P. SIDNEY POST.1
        Lieut. Col. ROBERT L. KIMBERLY.

59th Illinois, Maj. James M. Stookey.
41st Ohio:
        Lieut. Col. Robert L. Kimberly.
        Capt. Ezra Dunham.
71st Ohio:
        Lieut. Col. James H. Hart.1
        Capt. William H. McClure.
93d Ohio, Lieut. Col. Daniel Bowman.
124th Ohio, Lieut. Col. James Pickands.

Third Brigade.
Col. FREDERICK KNEFLER.

79th Indiana, Lieut. Col. George W. Parker.
86th Indiana, Col. George F. Dick.
13th Ohio (four companies), Maj. Joseph T. Snider.
19th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Henry G. Stratton.

ARTILLERY.
Maj. WILBUR F. GOODSPEED.

Indiana Light, 25th Battery, Capt. Frederick C. Sturm.
Kentucky Light,1st Battery, Capt. Theodore S. Thomasson.
1st Michigan Light, Battery E, Capt. Peter De Vries.
1st Ohio Light, Battery G, Capt. Alexander Marshall.
Ohio Light, 6th Battery, Lieut. Aaron P. Baldwin.
Pennsylvania Light, Battery B, Capt. Jacob Ziegler.
4th United States, Battery M, Lieut. Samuel Canby.

TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS.
Maj. Gen. JOAN M. SCHOFIELD.

SECOND DIVISION.
Maj. Gen. DARIUS N. COUCH.

First Brigade.
Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. COOPER.

130th Indiana Col. Charles S. Parrish.
26th Kentucky, Col. Cicero Maxwell.
25th Michigan, Capt. Samuel L. Demarest.
99th Ohio, Lieut. Col. John E. Cummins.
3d Tennessee, Col. William Cross.
6th Tennessee, Lieut. Col. Edward Maynard.

Second Brigade.
Col. ORLANDO H. MOORE.

107th Illinois, Capt. John W. Wood.
80th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Alfred D. Owen.
129th Indiana, Col. Charles A. Zollinger.
23d Michigan, Col. Oliver L. Spaulding.
111th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Isaac R. Sherwood.
118th Ohio, Maj. Edgar Sowers.

Third Brigade.
Col. JOHN MEHRINGER.

91st Indiana, Lieut. Col. Charles H. Butterfield.
123d Indiana, Col. John C. McQuiston.
50th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Hamilton S. Gillespie.
183d Ohio, Col. George W. Hoge.

Artillery.

Indiana Light, 15th Battery, Capt. Alonzo D. Harvey.
Ohio Light, 19th Battery, Capt. Frank Wilson.

THIRD DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. JACOB D. Cox.

First Brigade.
Col. CHARLES C. DOOLITTLE.

12th Kentucky, Lieut. Col. Laurence H. Rousseau.
16th Kentucky, Capt. Jacob Miller.
100th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Edwin L. Hayes.
104th Ohio, Col. Oscar W. Sterl.
8th Tennessee, Capt. James W. Berry.

Second Brigade.
Col. JOHN S. CASEMENT.

65th Illinois, Lieut. Col. W. Scott Stewart.
65th Indiana, Lieut. Col. John W. Hammond.
124th Indiana, Col. John M. Orr.
103d Ohio, Capt. Henry S. Pickands.
5th Tennessee, Lieut Col. Nathaniel Witt.

Third Brigade.
Col. ISRAEL N. STILES.

112th Illinois, Maj. Tristram T. Dow.
63d Indiana, Lieut. Col. Daniel Morris.
120th Indiana, Maj. John M. Barcus.
128th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Jasper Packard.

Artillery.

Indiana Light, 23d Battery, Lieut. Aaron A. Wilber.
1st Ohio Light, Battery D, Capt. Giles J. Cockerill.

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.
Maj. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITH.

FIRST DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. JOHN MCARTHUR.

First Brigade.
Col. WILLIAM L. MCMILLEN.

114th Illinois, Capt. John M. Johnson.
93d Indiana:
        Col. DeWitt C. Thomas.1
        Capt. Charles A. Hubbard.
10th Minnesota:
        Lieut. Col. Samuel P. Jennison.1
        Capt. Edwin C. Sanders.
72d Ohio, Lieut. Col. Charles G. Eaton.
95th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Jefferson Brumback.
Illinois Light Artillery, Cogswell's Battery, Lieut. S. Hamilton McClaury.

Second Brigade
Col. LUCIUS F. HUBBARD.

5th Minnesota, Lieut. Col. William B. Gere.
9th Minnesota, Col. Josiah F. Marsh.
11th Missouri:
        Lieut. Col. Eli Bowyer.1
        Maj. Modesta J. Green.
8th Wisconsin, Lieut. Col. William B. Britton.
Iowa Light Artillery, 2d Battery, Capt. Joseph R. Reed.

Third Brigade.
Col. SYLVESTER G. HILL.3
Col. WILLIAM R. MARSHALL.

12th Iowa, Lieut. Col. John H. Stibbs.
35th Iowa:
        Maj. William Dill.
        Capt. Abraham N. Snyder.
7th Minnesota:
        Col. William R. Marshall.
        Lieut. Col. George Bradley.
33d Missouri, Lieut. Col. William H. Heath.
2d Missouri Light Artillery, Battery I, Capt. Stephen H. Julian.

SECOND DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. KENNER GARRARD.

First Brigade.
Col. DAVID MOORE.

119th Illinois, Col. Thomas J. Kinney.
122d Illinois, Lieut. Col. James F. Drish.
89th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Hervey Craven.
21st Missouri,4 Lieut. Col. Edwin Moore.
Indiana Light Artillery, 9th Battery, Lieut. Samuel G. Calfee.

Second Brigade.
Col. JAMES I. GILBERT.

58th Illinois, Maj. Robert W. Healy.
27th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Jed Lake.
32d Iowa, Lieut. Col. Gustavus A. Eberhart.
10th Kansas (four companies), Capt. William C. Jones.
Indiana Light Artillery, 3d Battery, Lieut. Thomas J. Ginn.

Third Brigade.
Col. EDWARD H. WOLFE.

49th Illinois, Col. Phineas Pease.
117th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Jonathan Merriam.
52d Indiana, Lieut. Col. Zalmon S. Main.
178th New York, Capt. John B. Gandolfo.
2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery G, Capt. John W. Lowell.11

THIRD DIVISION.
Col. JONATHAN B. MOORE.

First Brigade.
Col. LYMAN M. WARD.

72d Illinois, Capt. James A. Sexton.
40th Missouri, Col. Samuel A. Holmes.
14th Wisconsin, Maj. Eddy F. Ferris.
33d Wisconsin, Lieut. Col. Frederick S. Lovell.

Second Brigade.
Col. LEANDER BLANDEN.

81st Illinois, Lieut. Col. Andrew W. Rogers.
95th Illinois, Lieut. Col. William Avery.
44th Missouri, Lieut. Col. Andrew J. Barr.

Artillery.

Indiana Light, 14th Battery, Capt. Francis W. Morse.
2d Missouri Light, Battery A, Lieut. John Zepp.

PROVISIONAL DETACHMENT (DISTRICT OF THE ETOWAH).
Maj. Gen. JAMES B. STEEDMAN.

PROVISIONAL DIVISION.5
Brig. Gen. CHARLES CRUFT.

First Brigade.
Col. BENJAMIN HARRISON.

Third Brigade.
Lieut. Col. CHARLES H. GROSVENOR.

Second Brigade (Army of the Tennessee).
Col. ADAM G. MALLOY.

First Colored Brigade.
Col. THOMAS J. MORGAN.

14th U.S. Colored Troops, Lieut. Col. Henry C. Corbin.
16th U.S. Colored Troops, (||) Col. William B. Gaw.
17th U.S. Colored Troops, Col. William R. Shafter.
18th U.S. Colored Troops (battalion), Maj. Lewis D. Joy.
44th U.S. Colored Troops, Col. Lewis Johnson.

Second Brigade.
Col. JOHN G. MITCHELL.

Miscellaneous.

68th Indiana,6 Lieut. Col. Harvey J Espy.
18th Ohio:6
        Capt. Ebenezer Grosvenor.3
        Capt. John M. Benedict.1
        Lieut. Charles Grant.

Artillery.

Indiana Light, 20th Battery, Capt. Milton A. Osborne.
Ohio Light, 18th Battery, Capt. Charles C. Aleshire.

Second Colored Brigade.
Col. CHARLES R. THOMPSON.

12th U S. Colored Troops:
        Lieut. Col. William R. Sellon.
        Capt. Henry Hegner.
13th U.S. Colored Troops, Col. John A. Hottenstein.
100th U.S. Colored Troops, Maj. Collin Ford.
Kansas Light Artillery, 1st Battery, Capt. Marcus D. Tenney.

POST OF NASHVILLE.
Brig. Gen. JOHN F. MILLER.

Second Brigade,Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corps.
Col. EDWIN C. MASON.

142d Indiana, Col. John M. Comparet.
45th New York, Lieut. Col. Adolphus Dobke.
176th Ohio, Lieut. Col. William B. Nesbitt.
179th Ohio, Col. Harley H. Sage.
182d Ohio, Col. Lewis Butler.

Unattached.

3d Kentucky.
28th Michigan, Col. William W. Wheeler.
173d Ohio, Col. John R. Hurd.
78th Pennsylvania (detachment), Maj. Henry W. Torbett.
Veteran Reserve Corps, Col. Frank P. Cahill.
44th Wisconsin (battalion), Lieut. Col. Oliver C. Bissell
45th Wisconsin (battalion).

GARRISON ARTILLERY.
Maj. JOHN J. ELY.

Illinois Light, Bridges' Battery, Lieut. Lyman A. White.
Indiana Light, 2d Battery, Capt. James S. Whicher.
Indiana Light, 4th Battery, Capt. Benjamin F. Johnson.
Indiana Light, 12th Battery, Capt. James E. White.
Indiana Light, 21st Battery, Capt. Abram P. Andrew.
Indiana Light, 22d Battery, Capt. Edward W. Nicholson.
Indiana Light, 24th Battery, Lieut. Hiram Allen.
1st Michigan Light, Battery F, Capt. Byron D. Paddock.
1st Ohio Light, Battery A, Lieut. Charles W. Scovill.
1st Ohio Light, Battery E, Lieut. Frank B. Reckard.
Ohio Light, 20th Battery, Capt. William Backus.
1st Tennessee Light, Battery C, Lieut. Joseph Grigsby.
1st Tennessee Light, Battery D, Capt. Samuel D. Leinart.
3d U.S. Colored Light, Battery A, Capt. Josiah V. Meigs.

QUARTERMASTER'S DIVISION.7
Bvt. Brig. Gen. JAMES L. DONALDSON.

CAVALRY CORPS.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. JAMES H. WILSON.

ESCORT.
4th United States, Lieut. Joseph Hedges.

FIRST DIVISION.8

First Brigade.
Brig. Gen. JOHN T. CROXTON.

8th Iowa, Col. Joseph B. Dorr.
4th Kentucky (mounted infantry), Col. Robert M. Kelly.
2d Michigan, Lieut. Col. Benjamin Smith.
1st Tennessee, Lieut. Col. Calvin M. Dyer.
Illinois Light Artillery, Board of Trade Battery, Capt. George I. Robinson.

FIFTH DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. EDWARD HATCH.

First Brigade.
Col. ROBERT R. STEWART.

3d Illinois, Lieut. Col. Robert H. Carnahan.
11th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Abram Sharra.
12th Missouri, Col. Oliver Wells.
10th Tennessee:
        Maj. William P. Story.9
        Maj. James T. Abernathy.

Second Brigade.
Col. DATUS E. COON.

6th Illinois, Lieut. Col. John Lynch.10
7th Illinois, Maj. John M. Graham.
9th Illinois, Capt. Joseph W. Harper.
2d Iowa, Maj. Charles C. Horton.
12th Tennessee, Col. George Spalding.1
1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery I, Lieut. Joseph A. McCarthey.

SIXTH DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. RICHARD W. JOHNSON.

First Brigade.
Col. THOMAS J. HARRISON.

16th Illinois, Maj. Charles H. Beeres.
5th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Harlon Baird.
7th Ohio, Col. Israel Garrard.

Second Brigade.
Col. JAMES BIDDLE.
14th Illinois, Maj. Haviland Tompkins.
6th Indiana, Maj. Jacob S. Stephens.
8th Michigan, Col. Elisha Mix.
3d Tennessee, Maj. Benjamin Cunningham.

Artillery.

4th United States, Battery I, Lieut. Frank G. Smith.

SEVENTH DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. JOSEPH F. KNIPE.

First Brigade.
Bvt. Brig. Gen. JOHN H. HAMMOND.

9th Indiana, Col. George W. Jackson.
10th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Benjamin Q. A. Gresham.
19th Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Joseph C. Hess.
2d Tennessee, Lieut. Col. William R. Cook.
4th Tennessee, Lieut. Col. Jacob M. Thornburgh.

Second Brigade.
Col. GILBERT M. L. JOHNSON.

12th Indiana, Col. Edward Anderson.
13th Indiana, Lieut. Col. William T. Pepper.
6th Tennessee, Col. Fielding Hurst.

Artillery.

Ohio Light, 14th Battery, Lieut. William C. Myers.

_______________

1 Wounded.

2 Veteran detachment 27th Illinois attached.

3 Killed.

4 Detachment of the 24th Missouri attached.

5 Composed mainly of detachments belonging to the Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Seventeenth, and Twentieth Army Corps, which had been unable to region their proper commands serving with General Sherman’s Army on the march through Georgia.

6 Attached to Third Brigade.

7 Composed of quartermaster’s employés.

8 The Second and Third Brigades of this division, under the division commander, Brig. Gen. E. M. McCook, were absent on an expedition into Western Kentucky.

9 Mortally Wounded.

10 Disabled.

11 Chief of Division Artillery.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 9 3), p. 90-6

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Isaac D. Luce to Bradford F. Thompson, August 11, 1894

Murray, Iowa, Aug. 11, 1894

B. F. Thompson.—Dear Comrade:  Your kind invitation to meet with the 112th at the annual reunion in Galva, on the 22nd inst. was duly received.  I should like to meet the boys and sake hands with them, but I am so crippled with rheumatism* that it is impossible for me to go.

My best wishes to all the comrades.

Yours in F. C. & L.,
ISAAC D. LUCE—Co. B.

SOURCE: The Stark County News, Toulon, Stark County, Illinois, Thursday, August 23, 1894, p. 6

Friday, April 12, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 141. Reports of Col. Israel N. Stiles, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 141.

Reports of Col. Israel N. Stiles, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade,
of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY-THIRD INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,
Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with instructions received from Brigadier-General Cox, I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the operations of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, at Franklin, Tenn., on the 30th of November, the brigade being temporarily under my command on that day, owing to the illness of Col. Thomas J. Henderson, the brigade commander.

By direction of General Cox I placed the command in position early on the morning of the 30th, on the left of the Second Brigade, and with the left resting on the river and in the following order: One hundred and twentieth Indiana Infantry, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, One hundred and twenty-eighth Indiana Infantry, with the One hundred and twelfth Illinois Infantry a short distance to the rear in reserve. Substantial works were at once thrown up, and such portions of our front as were not already obstructed by a well-grown and almost impenetrable hedge were covered with a strong abatis made of the hedges which ran at right angles with the works. At about 4 p.m. the enemy commenced his advance on our front in three lines of battle, preceded by a strong line of skirmishers. When within shell range, Battery M, Fourth Regulars, stationed on the left and rear of the brigade, opened upon the advancing lines. The front line of the enemy soon came within range of our muskets and was repulsed. A portion of their second line succeeded in reaching that part of the works held by the One hundred and twenty-eighth Indiana, and planted their colors upon them. The color-bearer was killed, and the flag fell upon the outside. A number of the enemy succeeded in climbing over the works and were taken prisoners. This charge of the enemy was soon repulsed, and he made no further serious efforts to drive us from our position. The battery I have already mentioned, together with a battery in the fort across the river, kept up a continuous firing upon our front till after dark, which, I have no doubt, did much to check any further attempt of the enemy to advance upon us. In the meantime the One hundred and twentieth Indiana on the left was subjected to a terrific enfilading fire, both from the enemy's artillery and infantry. The regiment and its commander, Colonel Prather, in my opinion, deserve great praise for the heroic manner with which they held their position, the loss of which might have resulted in a defeat to our army. It is proper also that I should mention the stubborn and soldierly conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Packard, One hundred and twenty-eighth Indiana, and his command, in resisting the enemy after he had reached their works. The One hundred and twelfth Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Bond commanding, though in reserve, was exposed to a considerable fire during the engagement, and near nightfall was ordered by General Cox to re-enforce some portion of the Second Division.

The conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, commanding Sixty-third Indiana Volunteers, as well as that of the officers generally, was praiseworthy, and that of the men was made more efficient by the aid and presence of Colonel Henderson, the brigade commander, who, though suffering from illness, could not withstand the desire to be present where his command was engaged, and who was along the lines during the engagement, and whose opportunities of witnessing their good conduct were equal to my own.

By direction of General Cox I withdrew the brigade, except the One hundred and twelfth Illinois, across the river at midnight.

I learn that a report of the casualties and the number of prisoners taken has already been forwarded to General Cox.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
I. N. STILES,
Colonel Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry.         
 Lieutenant STEARNS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
_______________

HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,     
Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this command in the battles of the 15th and 16th instant, at Nashville, Tenn.:

On the morning of the 15th I moved the brigade from its position near Fort Negley to the right, in the rear and in support of a part of the Fourth Corps, on the Hillsborough pike. Near noon I marched farther to the right, following the First Brigade, and supporting the Sixteenth Corps and a portion of the cavalry. At night I took position on a high hill on the extreme right of the infantry, and occupied the adjoining heights by a strong force of skirmishers. Some time in the afternoon of the next day the cavalry on our right advanced, and the skirmishers of my command were ordered forward with them. About this time a successful charge was made by the infantry on my left, and the enemy in my front was driven from his position. At this time I received an order from General Cox to move two regiments forward, form on the left of the cavalry, and advance with it. I found, in attempting to comply with this order, that the cavalry, meeting with little or no resistance, was moving so rapidly that it was impossible for me to operate with it. Soon after I received orders to bivouac for the night.

My only loss was that of three enlisted men wounded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
I. N. STILES,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.        
Capt. THEO. Cox,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 429-31

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 115. Report of Col. Silas A. Strickland, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations November 24-December 7, 1864.

No. 115.

Report of Col. Silas A. Strickland, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, commanding
Third Brigade, of operations November 24-December 7, 1864.

HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, SECOND DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,      
Nashville, Tenn., December 7, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, since November 24, 1864:

November 24, 1864, in camp at Columbia, Tenn., with two regiments of infantry the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the last regiment having been assigned to Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, per order of Brigadier-General Ruger, commanding Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. November 25, 1864, at 9 p.m., Third Brigade receives orders to cross Duck River, and take position on north side near railroad bridge. November 26, 1864, skirmishing commenced at 6 a.m. and continued during the day on south side of river. Third Brigade remains in position on north side of river. November 27, 1864, remained in position on north side of river until 6 p.m., when we received orders and crossed the river to south side, occupying the works previously built by Twenty-third Army Corps, and sent out skirmishers to cover our front. November 28, 1864, remained in works on south side until Fourth Army Corps crossed the river, which, at 4 a.m., the Third Brigade moved across the river and occupied the same works left November 27, 1864. The One hundred and eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry is assigned for duty with Third Brigade, per Special Orders, No. 74, headquarters Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. November 29, 1864, Third Brigade in same position, and work on fortifications until 12 m. The Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry is assigned to Third Brigade, per Special Orders, No. 75, headquarters Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. At 12 m. Third Brigade moved by the right flank for Spring Hill, Third Brigade in advance of Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. All quiet until 5 p.m.; light skirmishing until 9 p.m., when part of brigade moved toward Johnson [Thompson's?] Station, leaving the Forty-fourth Missouri and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Regiments of infantry to follow in rear of all transportation. We reached Johnson [Thompson's?] Station 12 o'clock at night.

November 30, 1864, at 2 a.m., Third Brigade moved from Johnson [Thompson's?] Station, on Franklin road. We reached Franklin, Tenn., at 6.30 a.m., and commenced throwing up works. Works completed at 12 m. The position of Third Brigade, west of Columbia pike, on left of Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and on right of Third Division, Twenty third Army Corps. Skirmishers thrown out to cover our front. The brigade in two lines — Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry in front line, and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry in rear line. At 3 p.m. heavy skirmishing commenced, the enemy driving in our skirmishers, and at 3.30 p.m. the enemy assaulted the whole line, making an effort to flank us out of front line of works by marching down the Columbia pike in solid column. The nature of the ground gave the enemy the advantage. They succeeded in taking the front line of works, but had the pleasure of holding it but a few moments. The second line rallied to the support of the first line and succeeded in driving the enemy from it. The disorderly manner in which some of the troops of the Fourth Army Corps retreated caused a slight confusion, and, indeed, the enemy made his appearance on the outside of the first line of works almost simultaneous with the retreat of the Fourth Army Corps. I then ordered the reserve regiments to first line in support. The Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Gillespie commanding, and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Stockton commanding, renewed the attack with great vigor and gallantry; while the Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Bradshaw commanding, and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Hoge commanding, moved up in good order, under a most terrific fire, and took full possession of the first line of works, and in a hand-to-hand encounter the four regiments drove the enemy from the works, which was held with great tenacity, capturing a number of prisoners (not known). In the charge to drive the enemy from their immediate front of the first line and save it from capture by the enemy, Colonel Bradshaw, of the Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, while leading his regiment, with colors in hand, and most gallantly, by personal example, encouraging his men, fell mortally wounded,1 also, at the same moment, Lieut. Col. M. Clark, One hundred and eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was instantly killed while actively engaged assisting in bringing his regiment up to the first line, while Lieutenant-Colonel Stockton and Major James, of the Seventy-second Illinois Regiment of Infantry, were wounded at the same time.

The tenacity with which the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry held the first line, stubbornly refusing to yield their position, in the midst of a most terrible carnage, and the prompt manner in which the Forty-fourth Missouri and the One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Regiments executed the order to move up to the support of the first line, midst a shower of leaden rain, cannot fail to command the highest admiration of our superiors in the engagement and challenge the good opinion of all brave comrades in the battle.

Lieut. Col. H. S. Gillespie, Fiftieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Lieutenant-Colonel Stockton, Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and Major James, of same regiment; and Capt. J. A. Sexton, Seventy-second Illinois, [who] took command of regiment when both field officers fell; Colonel Hoge, One hundred and eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Lieut. Col. A. J. Barr, Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry — all are deserving of the highest praise for the marked ability in the management of their men, as well as their noble conduct of true bravery, so handsomely displayed throughout the engagement. To the other officers and men of the entire command I can find no words fitting the occasion sufficiently strong in terms of commendation for the pluck, stubbornness, and genuine heroism exhibited throughout.

I am greatly indebted to the officers of my staff, most especially the three who were present with me during the engagement: First Lieut. John B. McLoe, acting assistant adjutant-general; Capt. L. A. Burke, acting assistant inspector-general; Second Lieut. C. A. Van Deursen, acting aide-de-camp. Their conduct was such in personal gallantry throughout that entitled them to my deepest gratitude, and as examples worthy of imitation by all good soldiers in so trying an hour of battle. I cannot forget to mention that my two orderlies, John W. Fouts, color-bearer of brigade, and J. Milton Foster, my personal orderly, during the entire fight, exhibited personal bravery in the carrying of orders which does them great credit as good and faithful soldiers.

Although out of ordinary course of reports, I could not make a faithful history of operations without recording the fact that at a very critical moment in rallying to retake the first line, I consider the success of the brigade was mainly owing at this juncture to the immediate personal presence of Brigadier-General Cox, commanding Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and the timely assistance he rendered me in so critical a moment in sending to my support the One hundred and twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Bond commanding, who participated in the last two hours of the engagement (the colonel himself being wounded), the regiment rendering that assistance making success complete in holding our works until the order to move was received, which was at 12 o'clock at night, when the brigade withdrew, leaving a heavy skirmish line in the works, and marched across the river over the railroad bridge.

December 1, 1864, at 2 a.m., the skirmishers left in works at Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864, joined the brigade on the Nashville and Franklin pike. The brigade was in motion marching toward Nashville, Tenn., where it arrived at 4 p.m., and went into position on north side of Fort Negley, on right of Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and on left of Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps.

Below please find list of casualties;2 and for further information I will respectfully refer you to reports of regimental commanders; a copy of each accompanies this report.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. A. STRICKLAND,                       
Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade.
Lieut. S. H. HUBBELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
_______________

1 Bradshaw survived his wound.

2 Shows 6 officers and 67 men killed, 19 officers and 159 men wounded, and 2 officers and 278 men missing — total 531.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 389-91

Monday, August 7, 2017

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: June 28, 1863

Up for breakfast at daylight. Fed and cleaned our horses and saddled. Creek quite high, current strong. One fellow got a good ducking. Rained considerable during the day. Passed through a thickly wooded, rough and barren country. Reached Jamestown about 4 P. M. Got a lunch of cakes and cheese. 112th Ill. there. Went back a mile and camped. Grass, had a few oats. Onions for supper.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 75

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: April 30, 1863

After breakfast, mustered. Issued two days' rations. Lt. Abbey started for Stanford for rations. Bob, Ritter and I overtook the column five miles from Mills Springs. 103rd, 27th N. J., 112th Ill. crossed at the upper ford. Commenced crossing at Mills Springs at 10 A. M. Unsaddled and got tea. Skirmishing over the river. Saddled up and hastened to the river by order. Swam the horses, ferried the men. Amusing to see the horses. Several drowned. Hard to get them across. Lay down on the bank. So much noise, could not sleep much. Crossing all night. Fannie's birthday (nineteen).

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 67

Monday, March 3, 2014

112th Illinois Infantry

Organized at Peoria, Ill., and mustered in September 20, 1862. Moved to Covington, Ky., October 8, 1862. Attached to 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of Kentucky, Dept. of the Ohio, to January, 1863. 3rd Brigade, District of Central Kentucky, Dept. of the Ohio, to April, 1862. 2nd Brigade, District of Central Kentucky, Dept. of the Ohio, to June, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, to August, 1863. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 23rd Army Corps, to October, 1868. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 23rd Army Corps, to November, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, 23rd Army Corps, to May, 1854. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 23rd Army Corps, to August, 1865. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, to February, 1865; and Dept. of North Carolina to June, 1865.

SERVICE. – Moved to Falmouth, Ky., October 18, 1862. Escort supply train to Big Eagle, Ky., October 19-21, thence moved to Georgetown and Lexington, Ky. October 23-24. Duty at Lexington till March, 1863. Moved to Danville, Ky., March 21; thence to Nicholasville, Camp Dick Robinson, Lancaster and Crab Orchard, Stanford and Milledgeville, Ky. Duty at Milledgeville till April 26. Regiment mounted at Milledgeville. Moved to Somerset April 26. Operations against Pegram's forces in Southeast Kentucky April 26-May 12. Action at Monticello May 1. Duty at Somerset, Ky., till July. Saunders' Raid in East Tennessee June 14-24 (Detachment). Knoxville June 19-20. Strawberry Plains June 20. Rogers' Gap June 20. Powder Springs Gap June 21. Pursuit of Scott's forces July 9-13. OPerations in Eastern Kentucky against Scott July 26-August 6. Battle of Richmond July 28. Burnaide's Campaign in East Tennessee August 16-October 16. Winker's Gap August 31. Action at Cleveland September 18. Athens, Calhoun and Charleston September 25. Calhoun September 26. Athens September 27. About Kingston October 16-24. Philadelphia October 25-26. Lieper's Ferry, Holston River, October 28. Knoxville Campaign November 4-December 23. Holston River November 15. Campbell's Station November 16. Near Knoxville November 16. Siege of Knoxville November 17-December 5. Skirmishes about Bean's Station December 9-13. Bean's Station December 10 and 14. Blain's Cross Roads December 16-19. Bend of Chucky Road, near Dandridge, January 16, 1864. Operations about Dandridge January 16-17. Dandridge January 17. Operations about Dandridge January 26-28. Flat and Muddy Creek January 26. Near Fair Garden January 27. Kelly's Ford January 27-28. Moved to Marysville, thence to Knoxville and dismounted, thence moved to Mount Sterling, Ky., February, 1864. Duty at Mt. Sterling February 22-April 6. Moved to Camp Nelson, Ky., April 6, thence to Knoxville, Tenn., arriving May 3. Movement to Tunnel Hill, Ga., May 3-5. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 5-September 8. Demonstrations on Dalton May 9-13. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Cartersville May 18. Advance on Dallas May 18-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Lost Mountain June 15-17. Muddy Creek June 17. Noyes' Creek June 19. Cheyney's Farm June 22. Olley's Creek June 26-27. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Line of Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Utoy Creek August 5-7. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. LoveJoy Station September 2-6. Operations against Hood and Forest in North Georgia and North Alabama September 29-November 3. Nashville Campaign November-December. Columbia, Duck River, November 24-27. Battle of Franklin November 30. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-29. At Clifton, Tenn., till January 15, 1865. Movement to Washington, D.C., thence to Fort Fisher, N. C., January 18-February 9. Operations against Hoke February 11-14. Fort Anderson February 18. Capture of Fort Anderson February 19. Town Creek February 19-20. Capture of Wilmington February 22. Campaign of the Carolinas March 1-April 26. Advance on Goldsbow March 6-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21. Gurley's March 31. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at Greensboro, N. C., till June 20. Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C., June 20 and discharged at Chicago, Ill., July 7, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 76 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and Officer and 153 Enlisted men by disease. Total 234.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1093-4

Friday, January 25, 2013

Isaac D. Luce

Private
Co. B, 112th Illinois Infantry
Co. F, 65th Illinois Infantry




Born:
October 11, 1845
Hermon, Penobscott County, Maine

Died:
September 28, 1915
Iola, Allen County, Kansas


Highland Cemetery,
Iola, Kansas



Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Col. Henderson calls for volunteers . . .

. . . to fill up his regiment. Read his article in another column, and then go enlist.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, November 12, 1863

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

From the 112th

We have been shown an interesting letter from George Rhodes of Co. F, 112th, to his mother in this place, giving the particulars of his capture and parole by the rebels. Our readers are all doubtless acquainted with the circumstances of the capture of a scouting party under Capt. Dow from the 112th at Lexington, Ky., some time ago. Rhodes was in that party. We should publish the letter entire, but it is so late now that it has lost a great deal of interest; it is dated March 2d, and we will quote a passage from it, at all events:

“On Sunday the 22nd, dispatches were received in town to the effect that they {the rebels) had appeared before Richmond (Ky.) in force, and the Federal force at that place, only about 75 or [300] in numbers, was retreating toward this place.

Sunday night at 12 o’clock the 4th relief was called up to report at the provost marshal’s office immediately, with guns and equipments in good order, and I being a member of this relief was one that had to go. We went to the provost’s where we found enough more to amount to fifty men, were marched to Gen. Gilmore’s headquarters, mounted on horses, reported again at the provost’s, were divided into three squads, two of 10 each, and the balance of us went together under command of Capt. Dow, of Co. A. of our Regiment. We went out three miles on the Richmond pike, when we all stopped except the Captain and three men, and were ordered to await his return, which was not until after sunrise next morning. He had left two of his men as pickets about three miles ahead of us, and wanted four of us to go not less than one mile farther on the road and take a position where we could see down the road, and if we saw a body of horsemen coming to “skedaddle” for town and give the alarm as quick as possible. Myself and Henry Ackley of our company and two of company I volunteered to go. We took our position on a hill where we could command the road for about a mile ahead, and we waited the approach of the “rebs.” We staid there until about four o’clock without any breakfast or dinner. One of the boys got tired and hungry and started for town about three o’clock; he had been gone about an hour when we heard five shots fired at the station of pickets ahead of us. We were on the look-out for something to come off then right away, but could neither see nor hear anything more that indicated the presence of an enemy. Pretty soon, however one of the pickets came back to us wounded in the leg – a flesh wound only. We helped him on a horse and was about starting for town, when he said he would like to know hat had become of the man that was with him. We started down the pike to see if we could discover anything of him. We were surprised on looking around at the moment of starting, to see a body of twelve or fifteen mounted men come on to the pike between us and town. The wounded man and myself started down the pike in double quick time, and the “rebs” close after us. After a chase of about a half a mile they rode upon us, firing several shots at us. We saw they were on the road ahead and behind us, and that there was no chance of getting off the pike, so we were obliged to surrender without a chance of firing a single shot at the scamps. They put me on an old plug of a horse and we started for their camp.”

The boys were paroled the next day and returned to the 112th, from there they have been sent to St. Louis to be exchanged. – Capt. Dow and some twenty-five men of the 112th were taken and paroled at the same time.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, March, 19, 1863

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

From the 112th

In The Field, Atlanta, Ga.
July 26th, ‘64

Mr. O. White, Ed. News,

Dear Sir; – When I was at home in March last, you recollect that I told you I would subscribe for the News, but thought if I should, very few of the numbers would reach me after we left Kentucky. I did subscribe however, for a few months, and to my surprise, I have received every number, and every paper has been read by every man in Company “F,” and by a good many in Companys “B” and “E.” In fact it is read until it is entirely worn out. And now you may if you will, send it to me “during the war,” provided you will take the risk of getting paid. I have just five dollars in money, and of course cant send you any of that; but if I should have the good fortune to escape the missiles of death that our “erring brethren” are daily hurling at us, and Maj. Kennow gets around with greenbacks for the 112th, then all things shall be made right. I think I hear you say “that is a pretty risky business, but for the pleasure of the News will afford the boys I will take the risk, and book him for three years, or during the war.” Well, if I did not hear right, and you decline the risk, we will try and get along until the Maj. does come around, then we will make it come if greenbacks are legal tender in the office of the News.

On the 19th inst., the 23rd Corps, (Schofield’s) came around via Decatur, five miles east of Atlanta; drove the rebels out of that place, and turned their faces toward Atlanta. We stopped for the night about a mile from Decatur and four miles from Atlanta, entrenched ourselves and got a good night’s rest, were not disturbed by the firing of the Johnnies. On the morning of the 10th [sic] we advanced about a mile and came upon them. Our skirmishers drove theirs back very slowly. They appeared to be very stubborn, but after an hour’s skirmishing we were enabled to get a tolerable position, and formed our line. Our line fronted west and was joined by the fourth Corps, (Howard’s) their front being south and at right angles with ours. Sharp skirmishing was kept up during the day, and some artillery was used; but in our Division very few casualties occurred. On the morning of the 21st Corporal James E. Finley was shot through the thigh. Several pieces of bone were taken out, but he is doing finely. I saw him about a half an hour ago. He looked quite comfortable. I have been able to see him every day until now, but the hospital is moved two miles away, so that we will not have the opportunity of seeing him so often.

About noon our artillery made the rebel position rather uncomfortable and as soon as night came on, they left their breastworks and fell back toward Atlanta. At daylight on the morning of the 22d, about a hundred of the rebel skirmish line in our front, who hid themselves for the purpose, gave themselves up to our advancing skirmishers.

It was quite a puzzle to us to know why the rebs had given their works up so easily, but as soon as we got to them the mystery was solved; for the batteries of the 23rd Corps had been enfilading the rebel line confronting the 4th Corps, and their artillery enfiladed the line in front of us. We were now able to take a position about one mile from, and in sight of the long talked of city of Atlanta.

Our line was not yet formed when word came that the rebels were in Decatur, fighting the army of the Tennessee, in our rear (the15th, 16th and 17th Corps, commanded by McPherson.) So away went the first Brigade (ours) on the double quick, toward Decatur, to prevent the rebels from capturing our train and hospital, which were nearer to Decatur than the front. When we got there, everything was in the wildest confusion. The road was blocked up with teams, drivers were whipping and swearing at their mules, hospital attendants looked scared; but as soon as our brigade got into position, quiet again reigned in the hospital, and the poor mules ceased to hear such horrid oaths. They must have been greatful [sic] to us for thus stopping their torments. We have occupied this position ever since. The affair was a very serious one. The fight between McPherson and Hood was desperate. McPherson was killed and our loss is now put at ten thousand, killed wounded and prisoners. The rebel loss, it is said, cannot fall below fifteen thousand. They had to yield and fall back to their former position.

How long it will be before we take Atlanta, I am not going to say; but am confident we can and will do it, whenever General Sherman gives the word.

Yours Truly,
J. G. Armstrong

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, August 11, 1864

Monday, October 27, 2008

Army Correspondence

Headquarters 112th Regt., Ill. Inf’try.
Crab Orchard, Ky., Aug 19th, ‘63

Dear Kaysbier:–

On the 28th of July we were ordered to move from Danville, where we were then in camp, for the purpose of meeting a rebel force that had come into the State under Scott, which was estimated at from 15,00 [sic] to 2,000 men. They had attacked on the morning of that day, some 500 men of our force, under command of Col. Sanders, at Richmond, Ky., and used them very badly. About 150 of the 112th were in the fight, and some six or seven of them were wounded, and about thirty taken prisoners. A son of Calvin Davidson, of Penn township, was on a visit to the regiment, and went with the detachment to Richmond, and was the only one killed. – Such is the uncertainty of human life.

It is said our forces acted badly, and the truth is, they were thrown into confusion and could not be rallied; but it was owing to a blunder of the commanding officer. He allowed himself to be flanked, while they were amusing him with artillery at long range, and when he returned, as he did, in good order, through the town of Richmond, he found himself quite surrounded and the rear guard, who it is said, was out of ammunition, being attacked on both flanks and in the rear, broke, and running in upon the others, threw them into confusion so much so that all attempts to rally them proved ineffective. Perhaps no troops could have been rallied under such circumstances. The men of the 112th were in the advance, with the exception of some thirty men of Co. K, who were sent back to support the rear guard, and when the rear guard broke they ran in upon them, and in fact over them, throwing them into such confusion that it was quite impossible for them to do anything. The rear guard was composed of one company of the 10th Ky., I understand. Although the 112th were in the advance, by some means they got mostly in the rear, which does not look very cowardly on their part, and shows, at least, they were not very good runners. I think they suffered more than any other detachment. Col. Sanders is a very brave man, and has a good reputation, but he made a blunder in allowing himself to be flanked and to cover that blunder up, the men were accused of being panic-stricken. I have never seen any evidences of cowardice, unless in case of a very few individuals, in the 112th. But I have seen many evidences to the contrary. The foregoing are the facts, as I learn them from the officers of our regiment, who, it is admitted, behaved themselves well, and I have written them to you because it was charged in the papers that the men acted cowardly in the fight, including of course, the men from the 112th, and such charges may have reached the friends of the regiment at home. If so, I thought I would like to have you in possession of the facts.

We left Danville about 2 o’clock p.m., and then with a force of about 2,000 men moved to Winchester, and arrived there just about dark. The main body of the rebels had “skedaddled” before we got to the town. We drove the balance out after a little skirmish on the double quick, and then we began a chase, not soon to be forgotten, by those engaged in it. I cannot give you the particulars, although they were exciting and interesting from the beginning to the end of the chase. We drove them before us about 140 miles, skirmishing nearly all the way, except at night. The chase was continued for four successive days and nights; stopping about three hours at Irvine and about the same at Stanford. – during all the time I slept about four hours – three hours of that was the night we got to Lexington – and eat [sic] but three scanty meals, with an occasional hard cracker, that I begged from some one. The men also were out of rations after the second day, and we had no forage for our horses. When we drove them across the Cumberland River at Smith’s Ferry, we were compelled to give up further pursuit. Both men and horses were worn down and tired out. We took, however, in the various skirmishes, some 500 prisoners. We scattered and drove hundreds of others into the woods. We compelled them to abandon large quanties [sic] of property, a large number of stolen mules and horses, two pieces of artillery; gave them a “big scare” – one they have not yet got over, I assure you; and finally left them with only five or six hundred “demoralized” men.

We are now going, I cannot say. – But the general indications are that our destination is into East Tennessee. And everything begins to look like work. We have here to-night sixteen regiments. There are other columns moving on different roads, of the 23d army corps, and the 9th army corps is also moving along in the rear. It is said in all, the force amounts to – well, it may be contraband, and I will not mention it – but the force is large.

Hundreds of East Tennesseeans now are flocking in here weekly, fleeing from the conscription, which is being enforced there. – Hundreds of them are now returning with us with guns in their hands. We have two fine regiments in our division, from East Tennessee – one of them in our brigade (1st brig. 4th div. 23d army corps) and they are by far the strongest regiment we have in numbers and good fighting men. They are going home too, many of them, to visit their wives and children, after an absence of two years, and they go with light hears and cheerful spirits. The 65th Illinois is also with us.

The 112th is now in better condition than it has been for some months, and the boys are in better health. We have about 641 men present.

Company F is now the largest company in the regiment, I believe – at least it has more present for duty. The boys are generally well, too, in the company, and are in good spirits. Lieut. Armstrong is quite well again, and is now first Lieutenant. Edwin Butler is now Orderly, and is always on duty – he is no shirk. Sam Edridge id Regimental Post Master – ever prompt attentive and faithful; he daily delights the boys with messages from the “dear ones at home.” When he makes his appearance in camp, with mail bag in hand, it is the signal for a grand rejoicing. George Green is well and makes a capital good soldier. So are all the boys in company F – officers and all are ever ready for duty.

Somerset

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, September 3, 1863

Sunday, October 12, 2008

From the 112th

We are premitted [sic] to copy the following extracts from a letter from George Maxfield, of Co. F 112th Illinois regiment, now at Camp Wolford, near Somerset, Kentucky to his father in this place. The later is dated June 5, 1863.

“I received your kind letter last evening and was glad to hear from you. You can hardly imagine how much pleasure it gives a soldier to hear from the loved ones at home and I think if parents and friends would write oftener to their friends in the army, it would save a great amount of sickness. I know of cases of sickness that were caused by “homesickness.” I don’t write this because I think you have been delinquent in that respect, but because you may see some who have friends in the army, and even in the 112th, who might write more and oftener and by doing so do a vast amount of good – tell them a little town talk, or fireside talk, – what the little ones say about the war, or anything; it will do no harm; but tell them to write.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*

On the 2nd of June we had orders to pack up all clothing not drawn, and all extra clothing of the men, box it up and have it distinctly marked and sent to the rear. Officers would not be allowed to take but thirty pounds; the men, but one change of underclothing. So we went to work and had everything in readiness at ten o’clock according to orders. We were all ready to march, and are still ready, but I think we are elected to stay in Kentucky all summer. I am willing to stay anywhere, or do any thing to help put down this rebellion.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I was talking with an old man a few days since, about Vallandigham’s arrest. He said “that is the way to do it. They have begun in the right place, and I believe if they would keep on at the good work, the war would not last longer than this summer. The only thing that keeps it up now, is the copperheads at the north. It inspires the rebels with the idea that they may yet see a divided north against a united south.” This from an old man who has stood as a Union man through all the troubles in Kentucky. The “rebs” have robbed him of all the horses and cattle he had.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Co. A went out on a scout a few days ago, on the other side of the river. I think they crossed at Mill Springs. They captured nine horses and five men, drove in the rebel pickets and came back. There were 150 of our men and about a regiment of the rebels; but the “rebs” were afraid to follow our men up, and our men knew enough to keep out of shooting distance.

We have just got [illegible] [illegible] Co. F got very good ones, but they are [illegible] [illegible].

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday June 18, 1863

Note: The microfilm print of this page varied from light on the lower left hand corner to darker in the upper right hand corner. The last two paragraphs of this letter were in the upper right corner of the page & consequently the last sentence was extreemly hard to read. I will need to check this transcription againt the microfilm to verify the exact wording of the last couple of sentences. Yet another thing to add to my ever growing “To Do” list.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Decidedly Ungenerous

When the 112th was about to be mustered into the service of the United States, one of the Henry County Companies (Capt.Srouf’s [sic]) not having the minimum number of men required by law, and consequently could not be mustered in, it was arranged that enough of Capt. Wright’s men to supply the deficiency should be enrolled in Capt. Sroufe’s Company and mustered into the service; and as inducement for Capt. Wright’s men to leave their own Company and join the Henry County Company, they were promised the bounty offered by the Supervisors of that County to her soldiers and that after they were mustered in they should be transferred to their own Company again. On those conditions our boys suffered themselves to be made tools of to work an unfinished job off Henry County’s hands on to Uncle Sam. In due course of time, the muster rolls of the different Companies of the Regt. were sent home to their respective County Clerks, certified to by the proper officers in order that the boys might draw their bounties without any trouble. The names of those men appeared on Capt. Sroufe’s roll, as they should, and not on Capt. Wright’s. The officers of the Regiment all understood the arrangement as the men did, and thought it fair and honorable. But when the matter came up before the Henry County Board of Supervisors, that honorable body refused to pay the bounty they offered to those brave men, who stepped in, helped a Henry county Captain out of a scrape, and saved the credit of Henry County. Their names not appearing on the muster roll of Capt. Wright, furnished the Clerk of Stark County, of course, they received no bounty, and so they are entirely cut out.

Now we ask, if that is not, to give it to the mildest possible definition, a very ungenerous transaction of the part of the Henry County Board of Supervisors?

If they mean to do what is right and honorable in this matter, they will rescind their former action immediately, and allow those men what they are justly entitled to.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, June 4, 1863

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Attention Volunteers!

The undersigned desires to fill up his Regiment to the maximum number, and he earnestly calls upon all persons, especially in the Counties of Henry and Stark, who feel disposed to volunteer, to come forward and enroll their names at once.

The President has called for 300,000 additional troops to aid in putting down the rebellion. They are needed in the field at once, and must be furnished either by volunteers or by draft. With that number to swell their ranks, the hearts of our brave soldiers already in the field will be encouraged and strengthened. With that number the power of this wicked rebellion – already so much weakened – will soon be crushed out and destroyed. Every consideration of honor and patriotism demands that you respond promptly and cheerfully to the call of the President. The bounty now offered is liberal - $302 for new recruits and $402 for veteran volunteers. I would urge, therefore, all who can, not to hesitate, nor wait for the draft, but to enroll their names without delay.

The 112th Illinois has been in the service more than a year, and as a Regiment has a good reputation. The people of Henry and Stark Counties have a deep interest in its welfare and in its success. It is composed of their own sons, brethren, friends and neighbors – men who are worthy of the confidence of their friends at home. Will not every patriotic [man] help to fill up their ranks and give to them renewed hope and strength? I sincerely trust they will and that the Regiment may be filled up with the maximum number.

Volunteers can choose the Company they may wish to join; and can enroll their names at the office of James S. Henderson, Esq. Toulon, Illinois.

Thomas J. Henderson
Col. 112th Illinois
Toulon, Nov. 6, 1863

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, November 6, 1863

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The 112th is still at Lexington, Ky....

...and no news of importance has been received from there lately.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, January 1, 1863