VAU UNIVI M'.IIV I ll'I'AM,

9002 05423 5396

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Purchased from the income
of the bequest of
•WILLIAM ROBERTSON COE
Honorary M.A. 1949, for
material in the field
of American Studies.

HISTORY

— OF THE —

1 1 2t]a. I^e^ImnLen^Lt

— OF-

ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
— IN THE —
GREAT WAR OF THE IIEBELLION.
186.2—1865. BY

B. F. THOMPSON,
LATE CAPTAIN IN THE REGIMENT.

PRINTED AT THE STARR COUNTY NEWS OFFICE,
TOULON, ILLINOIS.
1885.

To the surviving mcmhers ofthe regiment,
and. to the memory of our deceased comrades,
this volume is respectfully dedicated, in
Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty,
hy the author.

PREFACE.

ci

At the reunion of the 112th Eegiment Illinois Volunteers in
1882, a committee was appointed to write a history of the sev
eral companies, and send the same to the author, to he edit-
1, arranged and wove.i into a history of the regiment. The
author waited two years, in vain, for some action of the com
mittee, and then determined to undertake the work independ
ent of the committee. His original purpose was to prepare
the manuscript and give it to the Association of Surviving
Members of the Regiment for publication ; but the labor and
expense of collecting material were too great for one to bear,
and this plan was abandoned.
The records of the regiment were twice captured and de
stroyed by the enemy ; many of our diaries have been lost or
destroyed, and others have faded so they cannot be read ; but
four company muster-out rolls can be found, and two of these
are imperfect copies; and the Adjutant General's Reports of
this State are too inaccurate to be of any value. The author
has examined all the rosteis and records that could be found,
but has relied mainly — and especially in the preparation of
the roster of the regiment — upon the facts and dates furnished
him by the members of the regiment. -He has endeavored to
make this a true and impartial history of the regiment and of
each man; but that it is free from errors he dees not claim;
many mistakes., of omission and commission will do .btless be
found ; it would be vain to expect absolute accuracy, afterthe
lapse of so many years, with our present means of informa
tion. The author has not attempted to write a histoiy of the

4 PREFACE.
war, of campaigns nor of armies, but of a single regiment on
ly ; and he has described the movements of other portions of
the army only when it was deemed necessary in order that the
reader may intelligently understand the movements of the re
giment. After the close of the war the government removed the re
mains of all the deceased Union soldiers that could be found
to National Cemeteries, where the graves were numbered and
a record made of all that could be identified. Many could not
be found, and many of those found could not be identified, but
by the courtesy of the superintendents of these cemeteries,
the author has ascertained the place of burial and number of
grave of every member of the 112th Illinois of whom there is
any record. Inquiry has been made as to every man ; and if
any are missing it is for the reason that no record can be found
of their burial.
The author is greatly indebted to many members of the re
giment for valuable aid and suggestions in the preparation of
this volume, and especially to those who have furnished him
diaries, documents and papers ; and to each and all of them
he returns his sincere thanks.

HISTORY OF THE H2TH ILLINOIS.

CHAPTER I.
ORGANIZATION OF THE REGIMENT — ORDERED TO THE FRONT.
Who among the surviving veterans of the war of the great
rebellion can ever forget the stirring events of the summer and
autumn of 1862 ? The war had continued more than a year
without decisive results ; the success of our arms in the West
had been counterbalanced by the masterly inactivity, or the
repeated failures of the Union armies in the East ; Union men
.were disappointed and despondent ; a murmur of disapproval
began to be heard among the most ardent and zealous support
ers of the administration, while its enemies openly avowed
their dissatisfaction and want of confidence in its ability to
quell the rebellion ; those who were lukewarm in tlieir devotion
to the Union, or secretly sympathized with the rebellion, cen
sured the government for continuing the war at the expense of
so much blood and treasure, and demanded a cessation of hos
tilities and an effort to settle the differences between the sec
tions by compromise ; and the enemies of the government re
joiced at our reverses and predicted the ultimate success ofthe
so-called Southern Confederacy.
Such, in brief, was the state of public feeling in the North
when, on the 2nd of July, 1862, President Lincoln called upon
the country for three hundred thousand volunteer soldiers to
serve three years or during the war. This was followed by a
second call, on the 4th of August, for three hundred thousand
more, to serve nine months unless sooner discharged.

6 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
This decisive step on the part of the government infused new
courage and confidence in the heaits ot the pe. pie ; there was
an imnediate change in the tone of public sentiment ; the po >
pie saw that the goveinment was in earnest, and they iiailed
its decisive action with demonstrations of joy and approval;
and, in response to the Pie udent's calls for volunteers, there
was a general, spontaneous, patriotic uprising of the whole
people of the great loyal North, such as the world had never
before seen.
From every hill-top and valley ; from country, town and
city ; from the farms, the work-shops and the factories ; from
stores, offices, and even pulpits, men of every vocation and
profession laid aside their business and professional pursuits,
left homes and firesides, wives and children, fathers, mothers,
sisters, sweethearts and friends, and hurried to the front, to
risk their lives upon the field of battle in defense of the Union
and the flag, of their country — dearer to them than ail else — •
singing as they marched : " We are coming, Father Abraham,
Six hundred thousand more."
No other government on the face of the earth could have
raised such an army of volunteers. No tided monarch could
thus command the services of his subjects ; but those brave,
patriotic men — citizen soldiers — voluntarily marched foith to
offer t leir lives, if necessary, in defense of country, govern
ment and flag, because it was tlieir country, their government,
and their flag.
No eye ever beheld a grander or more inspiring scene. Our
forefathers must have looked down with pleasure and gratitude
upon the Grand Army of the Republic, marshalled in defense
of the government they had founded ; angels might well i e.joice
as they looked into the hearts and read the secret though s of
the weeping but heroic wives, mothers and daughters whom
husbands, sons, fathers and lovers, at the call of duly to their
country, left behind ; and God bestow his blessing upon the
brave men and noble women whose uusellish love of countiy
promp'ed such invaluable sacrifices in its defense.
In no State in the Union did the people respond more will
ingly oi with greater enthusiasm to the demands of the gov
ernment than in the State of Illinois, notwithstanding the fact

ORGANIZATION. 7
that in the southern portion of the State a large portion of the
people sympathized with the Southern cause and refused to aid
the government in its efforts to preserve the Union. This State
had already furnished seventeen thousand men in excess of its
quotas under previous calls. Its qirota under the two calls of
July 2nd and August 4th was 52,296 men. It did not ask— did
not expect — any credit under these calls on account of its for
mer surplus.. It asked only for arms and ammunition for its
volunteers. In eleven days after its quotas under the two calls
had been ascertained and announced, the quotas had been fill
ed, and on the 18th of August' 52,296 men— the whole number
required — had been enrolled and were awaiting orders to take
the field. And' Illinois did not cease in well-doing. After the
two calls for volunteers, and before the expiration of the year
1832, fifty-nine regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry,
four batteries, and other recruits for old regiments, had been
•sent to the front, which raised its excess, over and above all
quotas, to twenty-three thousand men.
Henry and Stark counties, in common with other parts of
the State, had responded liberally to all previous calls, and had
sent to th*e front more than their full proportion of volunteers.
Both were agricultural coun'ies, with no large towns or surplus
population. Men without employment, if any there were, had
already enlisted and were in the field ; and very many of the
best men of the two counties had left their business and work
for other hands to perform, and were then fighting the battles
of tlieir country in the South. In consequence there was a
great scarcity of laborers, and farmers had much difficulty in
securing: sufficient help to cultivate and save the maturing
crops. It was in the midst of harvest, and they were busily at
work gathering and saving the ripening grain. But the loyal
men and women of these counties were thoroughly aroused up
on tlie issues of the war, and were ready and willing to do all
in their power to aid in subduing the rebellion and punishing
secession ; and when the President called for "three hundred
thousand more, "^the reaper was abandoned in the field, and
the golden grain left to be harvested by the old men, and "the
boys and women, who until then, had been exempt from such
labor ; the mechanic laid aside his tools ; merchants abandon-

8 I HISTORY OFJTHE 112TH ILLINOIS.
ed their business ; lawyers and physicians closed their offices,
and even ministers of the gospel exchanged the clotji for a blue
unifoim ; and from every neighborhood town and village, the
stuidiest, bravest and most intelligent men in the two counties
turned their b icks upon homes and families, and hastened to
enroll their names as soldiers of the Union "for three years or
during the war."
Prominent citizens, of both counties, without waiting for for
mal authority, and without previous conference or understand
ing with each other, as if animated by a common spirit, com
menced the enlistment of companies. Among these, in Hen
ry coun'y, were Tristram T. Dow, the leading business man —
operating largely in grain and stock and general merchandise
— of Annawan ; Alexander W. Albro, actively engaged in the
same business at Gal va; James. Mi Hosford, editor and bank
cashier, of Geneseo ; Rev. Joseph Wesley, a preacher of the
gjspel of peace, of Green Liver ; Dr. Augustus A. Dunn, a for
mer sheriff of Stark county, and afterwards the leading physi
cian of Cambridge ; Emery S. Bond, deputy clerk of the cir
cuit couit, and a veteran of the Mexican War, where "he served
in a Tennessee cavalry regiment, also of Cambiidge; and
George W. Sroufe, another Cambridge man, who worked at a
carpenter's bench six days of the week and preached the gos
pel of the. Carpenter's Son on the seventh. And in Stark coun
ty, Thomas J. Henderson, ex-state-senator, and the leading
lawyer of the district ; Sylvester F. Otman, county surveyor,
and a farmer and business mau of Wyoming ; and James B.
Doyle, an extensive farmer and stock dealer, of Bradford, were
engaged hi raising companies at those places. Each of these
men succeeded in raising a full company, and each was elect
ed captain of his company.
Large and enthusiastic public meetings were held at Cam
bridge, Geneseo, Toulon and other towns, and everywhere the
people— men and women— emulated one another in the honor
able strife of securing enlistment s and aiding -hose who volun
teered. Dr. Dunn, of Cambridge, was the first to report a full
company. J. M. Hosford, of Geneseo, headed a roll with his own name

ORGANIZATION. 9
on Thursday, and on the following Monday had one hundred
and one men.
T. J. Henderson, of Toulon, raised nearly a full comnany in
two days.
T. T. Dow, of Anna wan, and E. S. Bond, of Cambridge, each
raised a company in a veiy few days, and, after Dr. Dunn's,
were the first companies filled. The other companies were but
httle slower in filling their ranks. Everywhere the best and
most active men — men prominent in town and county affairs —
sought the places of enlistment and enrolled their names as
private soldiers, with but a single controlling motive — to reach
the front a.s quickly jas possible and strike a blow in defense of
the Union.
Early in August each of these companies held an election
and elected its commissioned officers by ballot ; and at once,
as if moved by a common impulse, active steps were taken by
the officers-elect to unite their companies into a regiment.
The people of Henry county had been anxious to raise a
Henry County Regiment : but two companies had been raised
at Kewanee, and assigned to the 124th Regiment, before the
movement to raise a home regiment had commenced, and it
was now too late to raise a regiment composed exclusively of
Henry county companies : and the next best thing to do was
to unite the seven Henry and three Stark county companies.
Col. Wheeler B. Sweet, a prominent citizen of Galva — and a
gentleman to whom the people of Henry county, and of the
State, are greatly indebted for faithful and efficient service in
behalf of the Union cause in the dark days of the rebellion —
visi'ed Springfield and obtained the necessary authority from
Governor Yates to organize a regiment from Henry and ad
joining connies. Col. Sweet then returned home and called
a meeting at Galva, which was attended by prominent men of
Henry and Stark, and by many who had enlisted in the Henry
companies : and after a careful survey of the field and a full
discussion of the subject, it was determined to convene the
commissioned officers-elect of the seven Henry and three Stark
county companies, at Galva, on the 18th of August, for the
purpose of uniting them into a regiment.

10 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Col. Sweet notified the company officers, and on the 18th of
August they met at Galva. Every officer was present— ten
captains and twenty lieutenants. Capt. J. M. Ho >ford, of
Geneseo, and Lieut. Thomas F- Davenport, of Cambridge,
were elected chairman and secretary, respectively, and the
meeting proceeded to business:" Aler a long but friendly dis
cussion, it'was unanimously voted to organize the ten coinpa.-
nies represented into a regiment ; and as the regiment would
contain seven Henry county companies, it was unanimously
agreed that it should be known as " The Henry County Regi
ment." The meeting, composed exclusively of officsrs, then proceed
ed to the election of Regimental Field Officers, by ballot, with
the following result :.
Capt. Thomas J. Henderson, of the Toulon company, was
'unanimously elected Colonel of the regiment ; Cap1. Emery S.
Bond, of one of the Cambridge companies, was unanimously
'elected Lieutenant Colonel; and Capt. James M. Hosford, of
one of the Geneseo companies, was unanimously elected Majo".
Col. Sweet 'was offered a position in the regiment but he de
clined any office — preferring, as he said, to be known as the
"Father of the Regiment."
Immediately upon the adjournment of the meeting Col. Hen
derson, Lieut. Col. Bond and Major Hosford left for Spring
field to confer wi Ai 'tlie Governor and Adjutant General of the
State, and obtain authority to complete the organization of the
regiment. The gallant. War Governor of Illinois was surpris
ed when he learned Col. Henderson's mission to Springfield,
and said to him, "Good Lord, Henderson ! we must have some
.men at home as well as in the army; we can't spare you."
But when he learned that the Colonel was deermined to go,
he readily yielded the-point and issued an order for the organ
ization of the regiment, and promised all tlie aid in his power
tp. secure it's rapid muster in and equipment."
The number "112 "-.was assigned to the regiment, and it was
c'ntered.of record in the, Adjutant General's Office as the "112th
Regiment of Illinois Volunteers."
At the suggestion ofthe Governor an election was held in
the several companies for the Field Officers of the regiment

ORGANIZATION. 11
which resulted in the election of Col. Henderson, Lieut. Col.
Bond and Major Hosford — each receiving the unanimous vote
of the enlisted men, thus ratifying the unanimous choice of
the officers. The regiment was ordered to rendezvous at Peo
ria, and Capt. Albro, with his Galva. company, was the' first to
report ; but by the 18th of September all ithe companies '"were
encamped in the barracks, on the old fair groundon thie'blufi.
The regiment was mustered into the United States service,
at Peoria, by the United States Mustering Officers, on the 20th
and' 22nd of September, 1862, — "for three years or during the
war," — and by this simple process free and independent citi
zens became United States soldiers, subject to military orders
and discipline.
Col. Henderson appointed the following commissioned Staff
Officers, which completed the list of commissioned officers of
the regiment :
Adjutant— Lieut. Henry W. Wells, of Cambridge..
Quartermaster— Lieut. George C. Alden, of Annawan.
Surgeon— Dr. John W. Spaulding, of Galesburg.
First Assistant Surgeon— Dr. Christian H. Gran, of Cam
bridge. Second Assistant Surgeon— Dr. Luther S. Milliken, of Wy
oming. Dr. Gran, who had enlisted in Major Hosford's com
pany, and been elected Second Lieutenant, and afterwards ap
pointed First Assistant Surgeon, for some reason unknown to
the author, was. never mustered into the service ; and Dr. Lv-
ther S. Milliken was mustered in as First Assistant Surgeon
—leaving the office of Second Assistant Surgeon, for the time
being, vacant. , .. .
Lieut. George C. Alden was mustered into the United States
service as Quartermaster, on the 10th of September ; and on
the following day Dr. Spaulding was mustered in as Surgeon,
with the rank of Major.
The letter of each company, and its consequent position m
the regiment, and the comparative rank of its officers, were
determined by lot, under the direction of Col. Henderson, with
the following result :
Capt. T. T. Dow, of the Annawan company, although the

12 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
last to draw, drew the letter A— and the post of honor on the
right. Capt. J. B. Doyle, of the Bradford company, drew B, and
occupied second place, on the left.
Capt. John J. Biggs, of a Cambridge company— Lieut. Col.
Bond's company — drew C.
Capt. A. A. Dunn, also of Cambridge, drew D.
Capt. S. F. Otman, of the Wyoming company, drew E.
Capt. William W. Wright, of the Toulon company — Col.
Henderson's company — drew F.
Capt. A. W. Albro, of the Galva company, drew G.
Capt. G. W. Sroufe, of a Cambridge company, drew H.
Capt. James E. Wilkins, of a Geneseo company — Major
Hosford's company — drew I, and Capt. Joseph Wesley, of the
other Geneseo company, drew K.
And the Captains, First and Second Lieutenants, respect
ively, of the companies, started out with rankin the reg
iment in the order named. Each of the companies retained
the same letter and the same position in the regiment, not
withstanding changes in the rank of officers, during the regi
ment's whole term of service — A on the right, and then in the
following order from right to left : F, D, I, C, H, E, K, G, B.
On the 3d of October Col. Henderson appointed the follow
ing non-commissioned staff officers :
Sergeant Major — Joseph C. Baird, of company H.
Quartermaster Sergeant — George Bernard, of company H.
Commissary Sergeant— Robert F. Steele, of company I.
Hospital Steward — Joseph C. Johnson, of company I.
Principal Musician— Robert Ferman, of company D.
Asa L. Hayden, of company D, was appointed Drum Major,
and served as such until the organization of the Regimental
Band, when he became a member of the band and remained
in it until mustered out of the service.
Daniel Middaugh, of company H, ("Old Uncle Dan"), was
detailed as Wagon Master, and Samuel M. Eldridge, of com
pany F, Regimental Postmaster ; and they held then respect
ive positions, and performed the duties thereof faithfully and
well during their whole term of service.
The regimental Field and Staff Officers having been pro-

ROSTER. ly
moled, or iippoinlcd, from the company officers, the vacancies
thereby occasioned in such companion were filled by other
elections and by promotion in the regular line of promotion.
Tbe following is a complete roster ofthe commissioned officers
of tbe regiment as mustered into the United States service;
FIl'lLl) AND STAFF.
Colonel Thomas .1. Henderson, of Toulon.
Lieut. Colonel — Finery S. Bond, of Cambridge.
Major .lames M. Hosford, of Geneseo.
Surgeon Dr. John W. Spaulding, of Galesburg.
First Assistant Surgeon Dr. Luther S. Milliken, of Wyo
ming. Adjutant Henry W. Wells, of Cambridge.
Quartermaster George 0. Alden, of Annawan.
No chaplain was appointed until the 8th of October — the
(Iny the regiment moved from Peoria when the commission
ed officers, at tbe request of the Colonel, voted for a chaplain,
and elected Rev. Roswell N. Henderson, a Baptist minister of
Geneseo, who had enlisted as a private in company I. He
was commissioned by the Governor on the 18th of October, and
soon thereafter was mustered in as Chaplain with the rank
and pay of Captain.
Mr. Henderson promised by his conduct and courage to
make an average private soldier, and it was unfortunate that
ho was not permitted to remain in the ranks. By his promo
tion tho government lost his services, for as a chaplain he
was neither useful nor ornamental. And right here it might
be woll to say that he is no kin whatever to the gallant Colonel
of tlie regiment — a fact for which the latter may be thankful.
LINE OFFICERS.
Company A- -
Captain, Tristram T. Dow, of Annawan. First Lieutenant,
Asa A. Loo, of Annawan. Second Lieutenant, John L. Dow,
of Annawan. Company F
Captain, William W. Wright, of Toulon. First Lieutenant,
-laokson Lorance, of West Jersey. Second Lieutenant, Rob
ert E. Westfall, of Penn.

14 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Company D —
Captain, Augustus A. Dunn, of Cambridge. First Lieuten
ant, Henry G. Griffin, of Andover. Second Lieutenant, Sam
uel L. Patterson, of Burns.
Company I —
Captain, James E. Wilkins, of Geneseo. First Lieutenant,
George W. Lawrence, of Geneseo. Second Lieutenant, Hen
ry S. Comstock, of Munson.
Company C —
Captain, John J. Biggs, of Cambridge. First Lieutenant,
John B. Mitchell, of Cambridge. Second Lieutenant, Alex
ander P. Petrie, of Rivoli.
Company H —
Captain, George W. Sroufe, of Cambridge. First Lieuten
ant, Thomas F. Davenport, of Cambridge. Second Lieuten
ant, Elisha Atwater, of Munson.
Company E —
Captain, Sylvester F. Otman, of Wyoming. First Lieuten
ant, Cranmer W. Brown, of Wyoming. Second Lieutenant,
Elmer A. Sage, of Essex.
Company K —
Captain, Joseph Wesley, of Green River. First Lieutenant,
Christian G. Gearhart, of Atkinson. Second Lieutenant, Ed
ward H. Colcord, of Geneseo.
Company G —
Captain, Alexander W. Albro, of Galva. First Lieutenant,
James McCartney, of Galva. Second Lieutenant, Thomas E.
Milchrist, of Galva.
Company B —
Captain, James B. Doyle, of Bradford. First Lieutenant,
Jonathan-'C. Dickerson, of Penn. Second Lieutenant, John
Gudgel, of Bradford.
The number of enlisted men mustered into the service was
as follows : Non-commissioned Staff, 5 ; Co. A, 96 ; Co. B, 85 ;
Co. C, 96 ; Co. D, 98 ; Co. E, 86 ; Co. F, 95 ; Co. G, 87 ; Co.
H, 75 ; Co. I, 87 ; Co. K, 93 ; total, 903.
Co. H, not having the required minimum number, several
men, mostly of Co. F, were mustered in as of Co. H, and af
terwards transferred to their original companies, to which
they are credited in the foregoing list.

• ORDERED TO THE FRONT. 15
Nothing of special interest occurred while the regiment re
mained at Peoria. It was a new- life to all ; officers, as well as
men, were ignorant of military affairs, and all had to com
mence at the beginning and learn as they progressed in the
art of war. It was some time before the men, accustomed to
pleasant rooms and comfortable beds at home, could habitu
ate themselves to the rough barracks and beds of straw and
coarse blankets ; but they learned afterwards that life in bar
racks was one of ease and luxury as compared with their ex
perience at the front. Many of the officers and men were vis
ited by tlieir families and friends^ who came to bid them a fi
nal farewell ; and some returned to their homes to settle busi
ness affairs and again look upon the loved ones there, before
their departure for the seat of war. Some of the boys ran
guard and went to town too frequently for their own. good;
but a majority conducted themselves with becoming dignity
and self respect.
On the 4th of October Lieut. John L. Dow, of Co. A, was
married, in camp, which afforded an interesting social episode
in his company, and some of the officers required him to "set
'em up," in honor of the event.
As soon as the regiment had been mustered in, active pre
parations were commenced to equip it for active service in the
field. Uniforms were procured, and arms and accoutrements,
knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, cooking utensils, camp and
garrison equipage, and all the various paraphernalia of war,
were provided as rapidly as possible ; but the great number of
volunteers in the loyal States, and the sudden emergency
which had called them into service taxed the government to its
utmost capacity to furnish the necessary arms and equip
ments for their use ; and consequently there was considerable
delay in fitting out new regiments — the 112th among others.
But at last all was ready ; and on the 8th of October, 1862,
the regiment marched out of the old fair ground, nine hun
dred and forty strong, and embarked on the cars for Cincinnati
— Col. Henderson having been ordered to report, with his regi
ment, to Major General Wright, commanding the Department
of the Ohio, with headquarters at Cincinnati.

CHAPTER II.
THE MARCH TO LEXINGTON — CAMP ELLA BISHOP — SICKNESS AND
DEATH OF MEN — RESIGNATION OF OFFICEHS.
At midnight of October 10th, 18(5*2, the regiment arrived at
Cincinnati. Col. Henderson was here ordered to report at
once, with his regiment, to Major General Gordon Granger', in
Covington, Kentucky ; and accordingly the regiment marched
across the Ohio River on a pontoon bridge, to Covington,
where Col Henderson reported to General Granger at 2 o'clock
on the morning of October 11th. Gen. Granger ordered him
tb encamp his regiment at Covington, and draw the necessary
supplies and transportation, and prepare as raqidly as possi
ble for active service in the field.
Here, for the first time, the men spread their blankets on
the ground and lay down to sleep, with no roof over them but
the starry heavens, and no bed under them but old mother
earth — a new and strange experience to many of them ; but
they afterwards became accustomed to such "lodgings" and
preferred to sleep on the ground, if not too cold or wet, rather
than in beds. And here, too, the "boys" had their first expe
rience with the government mule. The regiment was suppli
ed with fifteen wagons for the transportation of its effects —
five for "headquarters," inoluding hospital and quartermas
ter's stores, and one for each company — each drawn by six
mules. The mules^were obtained at a government corral in
Cincinnati, and wore as wild as the untamed mustang. Most
of them had never been haltered, and it required several men
to manage one mule, and nearly a whole company to harness
and hitch up a team of them.

THE GOVERNMENT MULE. 17
A mule is a mule the world over, but there is no mule like a
government rauie, His kick is like a stroke of lightning from
a clear sky ; and then the malicious brute will appear so meek
and penitent, and wear such an innocent, injured look about
him, that one can hardly comprehend that the lightning blow
that laid him out came froYn the heels of such an honest look
ing animal. The mule was an important factor in the prose
cution of the war ; he deserves credit for his patriotic devotion
to the Union, and for his unflagging zeal, his patient endur
ance and his untiring services in behalf of the Union armies.
The government armies were fed and clothed, and supplied
with arms and ammunition, and hospital stores, drawn, in
many cases, hundreds of miles, over rough and. hilly roads,
through narrow, mountain passes, by the ever ready, ever
willing, hardy, patient government mule. Even the brand up
on his shoulder, "U. S." — (Uti Supra — As above) — indicated
his amiable and kindly disposition. And during the war every
highway and byway in the South bore testimony to the mule's
self-sacrifices to the country — the air was thick with evidenc
es of his unselfish devotion to the Union armies.
At Covington the 112th Illinois was brigaded with the 33d
Indiana, the 77th, 97th and 108th Illinois regiments — Col. Col-
barn, of the 33d Indiana, commanding the brigade ; and on
the 17th of October the brigade was ordered to Falmouth, Ky.
Moved at noon of October 18th and marched nine miles.
October 19th, marched ten miles. The 112th Illinois was
detached from the brigade and orderel to procaed to Big
Eagle, Ky., as guard to a supply train of fifty wagons. Camp
ed at Snow's Pond, a small body of water in which the team
sters watered and bathed their mules, and of whioh the men
filled their canteens and used the same for' drinking and cook
ing purposes.
October 2Jth, (Sunday), marched seventeen miles, over a
hard, stone turnpike. After the regiment had encamped for
the night, and all the men, except the guards, had gone to
bed, an alarm was given, and the men were ordered to fall in
to line at once to repel an expected attack. The boys
tumbled out and fell into line in double quick time ; but great
—2

HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS. 18
was their indignation when they afterwards learned that it was
only a ruse of the officers to try their mettle.
October 21st, marched twenty-two miles, to Big Eagle, which
place was reached at nine o'clock in the evening. Here we
found the 22nd Wisconsin regiment, which proceeded to Lex
ington the next morning.
October 22nd, remained at Big Eagle. On this, the first
march of the regiment, some of the men, though new soldieis,
proved themselves adepts in an art of war not laid down in the
books — foraging. The regiment was composed principally of
men who were not only honest and conscientious, but were
men of honor and high principle, who would deem it an unpar
donable insult to be accused of taking property, under any cir
cumstances, not belonging to them. But there were some who
did notdeem it dishonest to take such articles of food — chickens,
pigs, vegetables, honey, etc., — as they could find in any South
ern State, while a very few seemed to think themselves licens
ed to appropriate to their own use any and everything they
could find, and they accused the officers of disloyalty who de
nied them that privilege.
Kentucky was a Southern State, and many, probably a ma
jority, of its citizens were secessionists. Thousands of its
best and Bravest young men were in the Confederate army.
But the State had not seceded from the Union. It was still
one of the States of the Union, and as such, its citizens were
entitled to the protection of the Union armies. Its govern
ment claimed to be neutral, rendering aid and comfort neith
er to one side nor the other. While this position was unsatisfac
tory to the Unionists, it was better than open and armed re
bellion ; and it was the policy of the general government to
conciliate, as far as possible, all the Border States, and keep
them from joining the more Southern States in their attempt
to destroy the Union. It may have been unwise, but in time
of war a passive enemy is less dangerous than an active ene
my. Again, there were many true Union men in Kentucky,
and if soldiers were permitted to leave their commands and
forage indiscriminately, they would be as likely to rob these,
their friends, as the most bitter rebels. But there were more
weighty reasons for stamping out, right at' the start, this evil

DISCIPLINE. 19
practice. There is nothing more destructive to the monde and
cffici3ncy of a regiment than indiscriminate foraging. Instead
of a regiment of drilled, disciplined and effective soldiers, itbe-
coni3s a mob of unruly, worthless marauders.
Col. Henderson was justly proud of his regiment of men, ard
lis was determined to make it worthy of the pride of its offi< -
ers, and its friends at home, as a regiment of soldiers. There
were comparatively few refractory men in the regiment, but a
few such soon corrupt and destroy the efficiency of.the whole.
The men were just from the pursuits of civd life, unused to
military restraint, and did not understand the real necessity
of strict discipline. Bat Col. Henderson was equal to the
emergency. He talked to the 'men — appealed to their pride
and self-respect, to their sense of honor as men and soldiers
engaged in an honorable cause ; aud in rare instances, where
the case demanded it, he threatened severe punishment, in
language so forcible as to leave no doubt of his intention to in
flict it if his orders were not obeyed. Of course there was
some grumbling, some irritation, and even some misrepresen
tation of the Colonel's motives ; but in time the most persist
ent forager saw and admitted the justice of the Colonel's po
sition and the wisdom of his course.
And right there, at Big Eagle, -was laid the foundation of
the proud record made by the 112th Illinois in its three years'
service in the field — winning golden opinions from citizens
and soldiers for its good conduct in camp, its orderly appear
ance on the march and its steady bearing and courage in ac
tion, of which every member of the regiment was justly proud,
and none less so than those very men who were loudest in
their denunciations of the Colonel for insisting upon obedience
to just orders and the enforcement of proper discipline. And
daring the three years service of the 112t.li not a man of the
regiment, was subjected to any humiliating punishment — not
a man was disgraced by being "bucked and gagged," "tied up
by the thumbs," or by the imposition of any other unreason
able punishment— the natural and legitimate sequence cf
starting right.
October 23d, moved from Big Eagle at 3 o'clock in the morn
ing, with the train, and marched fifteen miles to Georgetown ;

20 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
and on the 24th marched to Lexington — twelve miles. At
Lexington, after several changes of camp, and considerable
delay and uncertainty as to its destination, the regiment went
into winter quarters at "Camp Ella Bishop."
The camp was named in honor of a spirited Union girl of
L3xington, who, a short time before, hadd eflantly waved the
Union flag in the faces of the Confederate tioops who occupi
ed the city, and proclaimed herself for the Union "now and
forever." Enraged at her audacity they quickly suirounded
her and demanded its surrender. Coolly wrapping the flag
around her shoulders, she declared she would die before she
would surrender the glorious Stars and Stripes to rebels, and
dared any single follower of the stars and bars to attempt its
capture. After a short parley the rebel soldiers withdrew and
left her mistress of the situation.
At Lexington the 112th Illinois was brigaded with the 45th
Ohio and 18th and 22nd Michigan regiments, under the com
mand of Brigadier General Green Clay Smith, until January,
1863, when Colonel Doolittle, of the 18th Michigan, was plac
ed in command of the brigade..
The 112th remained in camp at Lexington, performing va
rious duties — among which was considerable provost duly —
and engaged in squad, company and batallion drill whenever
the weather would permit, with a daily dress parade, and ; n
occasional review, until March, 1863. It was a rainy, drer ry.,
disagreeable winter, and many of the men, unused to camp
life, suffered severely. There was much sickness in camp and
many deaths ; and some inefficients were weeded out and dis
charged from the service. On the 13th of March, out of (59
men then in camp— many being on detached service— 300 were
on the sick list. The first death in the legiment was that of
John F. Kegus, of Co. F, who died at Cincinnati, Ohio, on the
17th of October, 1862. To March 31st, 1863, the number of
deaths in the regiment was thirty-two. The following are the
names of the men who died up to that time :
Co. A— William W. McMillan, Squire S. Pope and Tivman
A. Woodruff.
Co. F— John L. Adams, William M. Creighton, George Mil
ler and George W. Oziah.

DEATHS. 21
Co. D— - Andrew Body, John W. Mahon and Chorodon E.
Wheeler. Co. I — Samuel Barnhart and Herman Hinlde.
Co. C — Joseph J. Hoover, John N. .Sellers and Joseph E.
Waters. Co. H — Hans Cornutson and Nels Nelson.
Co. E — Corporal William G. Wilkinson, David Barrett,
Thomas Colwell, James W. Ratc'liff, William E.L. Smith and
Russell White.
Co. K — Corporal Henry J. Buckols, Moses Bensinger, Adam
Whitehead and James Wilson.
Co. G — Daniel Corlett and Michael Millen.
Co. B — Spencer Elston, Jeremiah Sargent and William P.
Wilson. When the regiment moved from Lexington, a considerable
'number of men were left sick in the hospitals, some of whom
died, others were discharged, some were transferred to the
Ve'eran Reserve Corps, and a few were detailed and remained
at the hospitals as nurses ; but a majority recovered from
their sickness, much of. it caused by inactive camp life, and
rejoined the regiment early in the summer, and participated
in its campaigns and marches until the close of the war, or
until they were disabled by other causalties.
There were also numerous changes of officers of the regi
ment during the winter and spring of 1863.
January 13th, Dr. Wesley Phillips, of Burnt Prairie, White
County, Illinois, a young physician, but one who proved him
self capable and faithful to his patients, was appointed Second
Assistant Surgeon of the regiment.
January 31st, First Lieut. Christian G. Gearhart, of Co. K,
resigned, and Second Lieut. Edward H. Colcord was promot
ed to First Lieut., and First Sergeant Jacob Bush, of the same
company, was promoted to the second lieutenancy.
February 1st, o.i account of a seve.'e-mjuryca'jsed by a fall
of his horse, which produced hernia, Majf>r James M. Hosford
resigned, and Captain Tristram T. Dow, of Co. A, was pro
moted to Major.
In Co. A, First Lieut. Asa A. Lee was promoted to Captain ;
Second Lieut. John L. Low was promoted to First Lieut., and

22 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
First Sergeant James P. McChesney to the second lieutenancy.
March 5th, First Lieut. Jackson Lorance, of Co. F, resign
ed. Second Lieut. Robert E. Westfall was promoted to the
first and First Sergeant James G. Armstrong to the second
lieutenancy. March 22nd, Surgeon Spaulding resigned, and First Assist
ant Suigeon L. S. Milliken was promoted to Surgeon of the
regiment. March 31st, Capt. James B. Doyle, of Co. B, resigned. First
Licit. J. C. Dickerson was promoted to Captain, Second Lieut.
J..hn Gudgelto First Lieutenant, and First Sergeant B. F.
Tlumpsonto Second Lieutenant.
March 31st; Capt. A. W. Albro, of Co. G, resigned. First
Lieut. James McCartney was promoted to Captain, Second
Lieut. Thomas E. Mik-hrist to First Lieut., aud First Sergeant
William L. Spaulding to Second Lieutenant.
Also, same date, Second Lieut. Elisha Atwater, of Co. H,
resigned, and First Sergeant Jesse Newman was promoted to
a lieutenancy.
April 12th, Capt. Joseph Wesley, of Co. K, resigned. . First
Lieut. Edward H. Colco.rd was promoted to Captain, Second
Lieut. Jacob Bush to First Lieut, and First Sergeant Samuel
W. Weaver to Second Lieutenant.
May 14th, Dr. Charles De Haven Jones, of Geneseo, was ap
pointed First Assistant Surgeon, and entered upon his duties
with the regiment.
Nothing of special interest occurred while the regiment was
at Lexington until about the first of March. The officers, with
few exceptions, applied themselves diligently to the study of
military tactics, and imparted to the men the knowledge thus
obtained ; and it was not long before the 112th gained an en
viable reputation for excellency of drill and movement and for"
the steady, military bearing of its men. And right here it may
be proper to state that in this regiment there was not that diff-
e.ence in general intelligence, in military knowledge, or in so
cial standing, between the officers and enlisted men, that was
apparent in many other regiments. The officers owed their
position to the suffrages of the men. They were citizens of the
same communities ; and the officers were elected in some in-

INTELLIGENCE OF THE MEN. 23 .
stances without any knowledge of, and without any regard to,
the necessary qualifications. It was found that a few of them,
who were "good fellows" and popular among the people at
home, were not fitted for the positions they thereby secured,
and made inferior, officers, but a large majority of them prov
ed to be excellent selections.
But the men were not mere machines to be moved and
maneuvered at the will of others, without thought or knowledge
ofthe reason for such movements ; ihey endeavored to and did
study and understand the objects of the different movements,
and so were enabled to execute them with precision, and took
piide and pleasure in the perfect drill and discipline of the re
giment. It is not too much to say that in every company of the regi
ment there were enlisted men who were as competent to perform
the duties of commissioned officers as the officers of their com
panies, and only lacked the opportunity to prove themselves
equal, and in many cases superior, in general intelligence,
knowledge of military affairs and ability to command, to tlieir
officers.

CHAPTER HI.
OT/R FIRST CAMPAIGN.
PEGRAMS RALD rXTO CENTRAL KENTUCKY.
The I12th Ilhnois was about to enter upon its first campaign
— a bloodies., one it proved to be. and in the light of after ex-
perienc-. a ridiculous one; but it was a stem reality to tLe
regiment at the time, and tried the patience and endurance cf
officer, and men: and whatever mistakes and blunders may
have been made, the 112 :h was in no wise responsible for them.
Many times duiing the winter Union refugees from East
Tennessee had brought reports from over the mountains that
the rebel, were making extensive preparations to invade Ken
tucky in early spring, and the Kentucky .ieees.->ioiii,t- pre Ik-t
ed that the Union army would be driven from the State.
Buckner was rep • r td to i e securely po,te 1 in the mountain
passe, south of the Cumberland, with a force of from tweny
to twenty-five thousand men. waiting only for the approach of
spring to commence a forward movement. If this were true.
his force outnumbered the Union troop- nearly two to one, fcr
the later, including all arms, did not exceed fifteen thou, and
men in the whole State. The strength of Buckner's army was
prob ibly greatly exaggerated, but he had the advantage of a
sup rit r force of cavahy, many of them Kentuckian-. well
mo inted. and thoroughly acquainted with every highway and
by-way in that region of country, and with all the ford, and

GENERAL SITUATION. 25
ferries on the numerous rivers, and passes in the mountains,
— bold riders and daring raiders as ever robbed a citizen or
sacked a town, — numbering about five thousand; while the
Union cavalry and infantry combined did not exceed two
thousand. The Union lines extended' nearly the whole length of the
State, from northeast to southwest ; and with the numerous
bridges and crossings to guard, and passes in the mountains
to watch, it was an easy matter for the rebel cavalry to- elude
the Union pickets, break through the lines and make frequent
inroads into the interior of the State.
The blue grass region of Central Kentucky offered an invit
ing field of operations to the rebel raider. It abounded with
good horses, mules and fat cattle, and stores of provis
ions, which were "confiscated" from friend and foe alike for the
use of the rebel army. Many of its most influential citizens
were avowed secessionists, or secretly sympathized with the
South in its war against the Union, and gave freely of their
means to aid the Southern cause. Its young men, imbued
with the spirit of adventure, were easily persuaded to join the
ranks of the dashing cavaliers.
A considerable number of these troops were representatives
of the "first families"-of the blue grass section (thoroughbreds),
and they were sure to meet with a warm welcome, and obtain
valuable information from their friends and neighbors at home ;
and there were many beautiful women — most bitter secession
ists — who smiled sweetly upon the bold rebel raider, listened
attentively to his narrative of personal adventure, and incited
him to greater exploits in the warfare against the Union.
Early in February a force of rebel cavalry under Col. Clukes
entered the State, and made its appearance in the vicinity of
Richmond and Winchester, and threatened Lexington; and
several times the town was g.eatly alarmed .and the troops
were called out to iepei an expected attack. Re-inforcements
we e hurried forward to threatened points, and all the roads
leading into the town were strongly picketed and daily patroll
ed. One by one the rpgiments at Lexington were ordered away,
until all were gone except the 112th Illinois, and Col. Hender-

26 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
son was in command of the Post. Other troops soon arrived,
however ; among them the 100th Ohio without tents, which
was taken in and cared for by the 112th.
On the 23d Capt. T. T. Dow, with a mounted force of about
twenty-five men, of the 112th Illinois, proceeded out on the
Winchester Pike on a reconnoissance. Seventeen miles from
Lexington, they encountered a rebel cavalry force of 250 men,
— part of Morgan's command — and immediately fired into
them. Capt. Dow and his little command were compelled to
retreat before the superior force of the enemy, and were cut
off, completely surrounded, and made prisoners of war.
They were robbed of hats, boots, gloves, overcoats and mon
ey and other valuables, and on the morcing of the 24th were
paroled and permitted to return to the Union lines. The next
day a rebel squad, consisting of Capt. Morgan (John Morgan's
brother), one lieutenant and fifteen men, was captured six
miles from Lexington, and brought into camp. Morgan was
wearing Capt. Dow's gloves, and they were returned to him
with thanks for their use.
The following are the names of the men captured :
Co. A— Capt. T. T. Dow and Edwin Demott.
Co. F — Henry C. Ackley and George W. Rhodes,
Co. D — Corp'l Leander Woodruff, Edwin W. Brown, Frank
lin Buckley, Oswin Cahow, William Eastman, Edward O'Brien
and Joseph E. Patterson.
Co. I — John Hamilton and Randolph M. States.
Co. C — Thomas Anderson, William P. Decker' and George
B. Lower.
Co. H — Serg. Lewis Norton. John D. Bennett, Alfred Ham
ilton aod Amos Thompson.
Co, K— Moses St. Mary.
Co. B— Nicholas Hill.
During Capt. Dow's absence he 'was promoted to Major of
the regiment, to fill the vacancy caused by Major Hosford's
resignation, and entered upon ihe duties of that office upon
his return to the regiment in the following April.
The men were sent to Parole Camp, at Benton Barracks, St.
Louis, Mo., on the 4th of March, where Joseph E. Patterson
of Co. D, died, and the rest remained until their exchange, oq

CAPTURED AND PAROLED. 27
the 10th of the following September. The regiment was then
in East Tennessee, and they were sent forward by way of Nash
ville ; but when they arrived there, the regiment was besieged
in Knoxville, and they returned to Lexington. From Lexing
ton they went, with a wagon train to Cumberland Gap, and
tbence to Tazewell, and from there to Bean's Station, where
they rejoined the regiment on the 14th of December.
On the same day that Capt. Dow and his men were captured,
Stephen B. Otis and James A. Chase, of Co. D, were on pa
trol duty on the Richmond Pike, near Lexington, and were ap
proached by a squad of- mounted men wearing Federal over
coats, whom they supposed to be Union soldiers. Otis halted
them ; and one of them inquired if he had seen any rebels.
He replied that he had not. "What would you do," inquired
one of thorn, "if a rebel officer should command you to surren
der?" He replied that he would not surrender. "Well," said
the man on horse-back, throwing open his coat and displaying
a Confederate uniform, "I am a rebel officer, and I command
you to surrender." Quick as a flash Otis brought his guirto
his shoulder and fired, and the rebel officer tumbled off his
horse, severely wounded.
The wounded officer proved to be Major Steele, a brother-in-
law of the notorious John Morgan. Otis was also slightly
wounded in the thigh, and he and Chase were both captured
and taken to the rebel camp. Major Steele sent for Otis and
he was taken to the Major's quarters. -Steele inquired why he
had shot him, and Otis replied, "I thought you intended to
shoot me, and I thought I would take the first chance." "Well,"
said Steele, "you are a brave soldier;" and he requested the
guards to take good care of him, saying that he deserved good
treatment for his bravery. They were paroled the next morn
ing and returned to Lexington, and were sent to Parole
Camp at St. Louis, with the men captured with Capt. Dow.
On his return to the regiment Otis was promoted to corporal.
About 8 o'clock in the evening of March 1st, Capt. Doyle,
of Co. B, and Capt. Albro, of Co. G, with the officers and men
of their companies, and one hundred men detailed from the
other companies, were ordered to report at once to Col. Saun
ders in the city. The detachment was mounted, and accom-

28 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
panied by one section (two pieces) of Law's battery, and march
ed at midnight towards Winchester. They arrived at Win
chester at daylight and drove a small rebel force out of town.
The detachment was here joined by a detachment of the 45th
Ohio (mounted) infantry and of the 2nd Kentucky cavalry, un
der command of Col. Rankle. The whoie force, under com
mand of Col. Saunders, then proceeded toward Mt. St3iling.
When about half way to Mt. Sterling they encountered a rebel
cavalry picket force of about one hundred men, and charged
upon them and drove them into Mt. Sterling with such speed
that the rebel troops in town had no time to get into position,
but were swept along and driven pell mell out of town and
across Slate Creek.
Two regiments of cavalry were raised in Mt. Sterling and vi
cinity — the 2nd Kentucky Union, and the 2nd Kentucky rebel.
The rebel regiment was in town when the Union troops made
the charge upon them. Among the Union forces was Major
 , in command of a battalion of the 2nd Kentucky Unicn
cavalry. The Major's home was in the outskirts of town, and
his mother resided on one of the principal streets in the hea. t
of the town. The old lady heard a great confusion outside,
and running to the window, threw it open, and saw a battalion
of the 2nd Kentucky rebel regiment riding headlong down the
street, closely pursued by the battalion of the 2nd Kentrc1 y
Union regiment, her son at the head, urging forward his men.
She was wearing an old-fashioned "'poke" bonnet, and leaning
far out of the window and taking off her bonnet and swinging
it in the air, amid the rattle of carbine and pistol shots, the
clashing of sabres and the yells of the men, she cheered on
the Union troops, and shouted to her son at the top of her
voice, "That's right John, give it to 'em ! Go for 'em, John !
Give it to 'em. John ! They're rebels, John, give, it to 'em !"
John did "give it to 'em," much to the old lady's satisfaction;
but he was wounded in the onslaught, although not severely.
Col. Saunders occupied Mt. Sterling with his troops; but
the rebels hovered in the vicinity, and there was daily skirm
ishing between the pickets and scouting parties of the opposite
sides, and a number of prisoners captured by both parties.
The detachment from the 112th was engaged in several sharp

TWO KENTUCKY REGIMENTS. 29
skirmishes, but with no serious casualties ; and on the 10th of
March was relieved and returned to Lexington.
Co. K was also mounted about the same time, and under
command of Lieut. E. H. Colcord was sent to Paris, and re
mained in that vicinity about two weeks, scouting.the country,
and captured a large number of horses aud a considerable
number of prisoners.
These several detachments were dismoun'el on their return
to Lexington, and rejoined the regiment at Camp Ella Bisliop.
On the 2nd of March one of our scouting parties captured
twenty-eight prisoners, among whom was Morgan's letter car
rier, having in his possession 220 letters, many of them a 1-
dressed to prominent citizens of Kentucky, and some tender
missives from the boys in gray to the'girls they had left behind
them. On the 19th of March, Lieut. Petrie, of Co. C, was ordered
to report with forty men, to Capt. Wright, who with about the
same number of men from Co. F, was ordered'to proceed t j
Boonsboro, on the Kentucky River, where they constructed a
fort, under tbe direction of Capt. Brooks, engineer on Gen.
Gillmore's staff, to defend the crossing of the river on the Win
chester and Richmond pike. The detachment met with sev
eral adventures, in one of which Lieut. Petrie and three of "his
men came near being drowned by the capsizing of a "dugout"
in which they were crossing the river in the night. They were
frequently interrupted in their work by detachments of rebel
cavalry, and at one time were called out in the night to dispute
the advance of a force which proved to be the 14th Ky. (Union)
regiment. The detachment was relieved on the 3d of April
and proceeded to Lexington, where it joined Capt. Sroufe in
command of the camp, and all joined the regiment at Mil-
ledgeville on the 9th of April.
About the 20th of March, Col. Wolford of the First Kentucky
cavalry, reported a heavy foi ce of the enemy in his front at Mill
Springs, on the Cumberland River. General Carter ordered
the infantry in his command to concentrate at Danville in
readiness to meet any advance of the enemy.
On the 21st the 112th Illinois embarked on the cars at Lex
ington and proceeded to Nicholasville, the terminus of the rail-

30 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
road, and thence marched in a pouring rain for Danville, Ky.,
where it arrived on the evening of the 23d, and, baring no
tents, found shelter in buildings, public and private.
Co. E bivouacked in the eoint house, but at ten o'clock was
ordered to return to Dick's River and guard the bridge. Af.er
a march of six miles, in the rain, Capt. Otman and his com
pany occupied the bridge, which was covered and afforded shel
ter from the storm.
On the 22nd Wolford's lines on the Cumberland were b ok-
en by a division of cavalry under the rebel general Pegram,
supported by a strong force of infantry, and Wolford was com
pelled to fall back, to protect his flanks. Pegram eluded Wol
ford and marched rapidly toward Ban ville, and at tlie samo
time other rebel forces crossed the river above and swept for
ward toward Richmond and Mt. Sterling.
Gen. Gillmore, in command of the Union army, ordered Gen.
Carter to call in his outpo.sts and fall back across ,t!ae Ken
tucky River, and occupy a strong position at Camp Nelson.
It was confidently believed by tue Union generals that Pe
g-ram's cavalry was the advance guard of Buckner's whole ai-
my, and that the long talked of invasion of Kentucky had ac
tually taken place. They were paralyzed by the very audacity
of the rebel troopers, and seemed incapable of understanding
the situation or of adopting the necessary measures to repel
the rebel forces. But one officer among the brigade and di
vision commanders seemed to comprehend the true state of af
fairs, and that was Col. Wolford of the 1st Kentucky cavalry.
Wolford's regiment seemed to be everywhere at the same time.
They were on their native soil and knew every foot of the coun
try thoroughly, and seemed to have cart hlaiiehe to go when
and where they pleased and return when they got ready.
They knew but little about drill, and discipline was a stranger
to them, but the men had the utmost confidence in tlieir co'-
onel and he in them. Every man was a brigadier on his ov»n
hook, and a majority of them believed themselves superior to
the average brigadier. "Two ranks into four, git — go," was
their ordinary and almost only command; and away they
would go, at break-neck speed, and woe ^o the rebel who cross
ed their path. Brave, generous men — bold, daring soldiers—

ORDERED FORWARD. 31
they had tho utmost contempt for red tape, discipline, dress
parade and reviews, but were always on hand when there w; s
a ly lighting to do, and nothing gave them so mach satisfac
tion as to get a "whack" at a rebel.
At midnight of the 23d of Ma.rch, the 112th Illinois was or
dered to fall back at once to Dick's River bridge!, on the Lex
ington pike, and hold it "at all hazards." The regiment
marched at once, and by daylight was in the designated posi
tion ; but as there was not a rebel in sight, the position was
not extremely hazardous.
In the evening of the 24th the command was ordered to fall
hack to the Kentucky River at the Hickman, and made a night
march, retreating before what was still believed to be a super
ior force of the enemy.
By an oversight of the brigade commander or some officer
of Ins staff, Co. E, which occupied the bridge, was not reliev
ed when the command fell back. This was not disetnered un
til the command had marched a considerable distance; and
Adjutant Wells at once starlet! back to relieve tho company
from its perilous position. Wolford's cavalry, the rear guard,
had crossed the bridge, and Capt. Otman found himself con
fronted by a force in front, and at the same time detachments
wore crossing above and below to cut off his retreat. Adju
tant Wells came riding down the road at a rapid pace and call
ed out to him, "(-let. out of there as soon as you can, the
command is half way to tlie Kentucky River !" Capt. Otman
then learned for the first time that the command had fallen
back. He succeeded in eluding the rebel cavalry, by reason
of the darkness, and after a hard night's march joined the reg
iment on the north bank of the Kentucky River near the Hick
man bridge.
Tho next day the whole command fell back to Nicholasville,
still retreating before a force which the 112th Illinois, a year
1 i.'ter. would notihavo hesitated to attack alone and unsupport-
el. Five men of the 112th, WiUiam C. Biggs, Jesse B. Kilgore
a id Andrew Peterson of Co. K, John Goi'ander of Co. H and
Jerry H. Bailey of Co. E, had been left iii hospital, sick, at
Danville, and were captured and paroled by the enemy, and

32 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
were sent to Camp Dennison, Ohio, where they remained until
exchanged. Jesse B. Kilgore was sent from Camp Dennison
to St. Louis, and after his exchange was sent to Indianapolis
ami transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps.
By this time it was discovered that the "great invasion" of
Kentucky was no invasion at all, but simply a raid by a strong
force of cavalry in quest of booty— a grand foraging, stealing
expedition— that while keeping up a bold front along the line
of the Kentucky River, the rebel troops had been actively at
work gathering up horses, mules, cattle, boots and shoes, and
whatever else they could lay their hands on, and sending their
"plunder" on converging roads to Somerset, and thence across
the Cumberland into the Confederate lines in the mountainous
regions south of the river, where Buckner's "infantry" wero
waiting to receive it. And now the order was given to ''about
face," the advance was sounded, and instead of retreating we
started in pursuit of the enemy.
On the 28th of March the 112fch Illinois, with- other regiments
of infantry, moved from Nicholasville, on the Danville road
as far as Dick's River, but the enemy having burne. 1 the bridcc,
the command turned into Camp Dick Robinson for the nigh*.
Having no tents or blankets — they being on the wagons— and
the ground being wet and cold, the men built fires and sat
around them until one o'clpck in the morning ofthe 29ch, and
then proceeded to Lancaster, where the command arrived at
daylight. Remained at Lancasler until 11 o'clock, and then
inarched four miles, on the Danville road, to the river, when it
was discovered that that bridge had also been horned by the
enemy. Returned to Lancaster, and marched on the Oral) Or
chard road twelve miles to the river, and found that the bridge
there had also been burned. The wagon train having come up,
the wagons were unloaded and rolled into the river, and the
troops crossed over on them, leaving everything except arms
and ammunition, and proceeded to Crab Orchard and bivou
acked in buildings, having marched twenty miles, on solid stone
pikes, since 11 o'clock in the morning. The enemy was now
in rapid retreat toward the Cumberland, closely pursued by
Wolford with a brigade of cavalry and mounted infantry ; and
early in the morning of the 31st the infantry proceeded, by a

SKIRMISHING. 33
rapid march, on the Somerset road to their support. But in
fantry cannot keep up with mounted troops, especially when
the latter are in pursuit of retreating mounted forces; and
when we had marched sixteen miles we were informed that our
cavalry and mounted infantry had overtaken tho roar guard of
the enemy al Duflon's Hill, near Somerset, and afler a sharp
light had defeated and driven them across the Cumberland,
capturing it number of prisoners, and a huge herd of cattle,
and considerable other property, which the rebels had failed
to gel. aol'OHS the river.
Tlie infantry command bivouacked in the woods, and the
next day (April I) relumed to Crab Orchard and encamped in
buildings again.
On fhe 2nd of April the 112th Illinois, with the rest of the
brigade, marched to Stanford, vvhere Idle wagon train was met.
I lore tho 1 12th was detached from tho brigade, and a now bri
gade formed, consisting of the 112th Illinois, the 32nd Ken
tucky and tho br>lh Ohio (mounted infantry) under the com
mand of Col. Ron. I'. I'uukle, of the 151,11 Ohio.
On tho Ith of April the 1.12th marched from Stanford to
Houslonvillo, twelve miles, and camped for the night in a largo
academy; and the next day marcbed to l\l illedgoville, on the
Houslonvillo anti Danville road, nine miles from Danville, and
pitched lenls and went infoeamp, preparatory to being mount
ed. It was deloriuiuod by those in authority to supply the de-
liciency in cavalry by mounting several in fan I ry regiments,
and the ll2ih Illinois was one of the regiments selected for
that sei \ ice.
The camp was named "( 'a nip Murn side," in honor ol'( len. A. E.
Burnside, who had recently arrived from the east to take com
mand of the Department of the Ohio. And Col. Runkle an
nounced in a genei'al order that the brigade should be known
m "The Kxcelsior Brigade of Mounted Rilles" although thero
was no intent'on of mounting the 32nd Kentucky, ami there
was not a single rille in Ihe 112th Illinois. The regiment had
boon armed, at Peoria, with old I la.rper's Ferry muskets the
best that could be obtained at the time. Col. Henderson had

34 HISTORY.OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
repeatedly endeavored to procure better arms, but thus far had
received nothing but promises.
The regiment was needlessly encumbered in its movements
with a "regimental wagon train" of fifteen wagons — one for
each company and live for headquarters and quartermaster's
and hospital stores. Even then there was considerable com
plaint by some of the officers and men oi lack of sufficient
transportation, and it required no little ingenuity to pack all
the baggage and camp and garrison equipage upon the wagons.
Later in our term of service, when transportation was reduced
to one wagon to a regiment, and at times to but one wagon for
a brigade, the men experienced no difficulty — had all the trans
portation needed — could have got along 'very well, in fact
did, for weeks at a time, Avithout any, save knapsacks and hav
ersacks and pockets.
When the regiment moved from Lexington a considerable
number of men who were unable to march had been left in
camp, and Capt. Sroufe had been left in command. The sick
and convalescent who were left in hospital having recovered
from their illness with the approach of warm weather, and
others who were on detached duty in Lexington having been
relieved and joined Capt. Sroufe in camp, and the detach
ment from Boonesboro having also' joined them, all now re
joined the regiment, aud the 112th Illinois once more assumed
its old proportions; and all, officers and men, commenced
making preparations for the next campaign.

CHAPTER IV.
'"3I0CNTED INFANTRY" — SOMERSET AND MONTICELLO.
Details were made from all the companies and sent to Lex
ington, under command of Capt. Dunn, after horses and ac
coutrements. On the 24th of April they returned with all that
could then be obtained, but only enough to mount six compa
nies ; and the next day companies D, C, E, K, G and B select
ed horses, and drew saddles, bridles, etc., and fitted them to
the horses.
On the 26th the - regiment drew clothing ; and it had hardly
been distributed to the men when an order was received to
prepare to move at once, and in less than an hour the regi
ment was on the road inarching toward Somerset. Tents were
left standing ; no extra clothing or other baggage was taken,
no wagons accompanied the regiment, and the sick were left in
camp. Another lot of horses arrived soon after the regiment
had left, and the next day a detail was sent back after them.
They overtook the regiment late that night with horses
enough to mount company H and part of company I. The
command arrived at Somerset on the morning of the 28th,
where it joined other troops under command of Brig. Gen. Car
ter, and on the 30th the whole force moved south across the ,
Cumberland. The infantry and artillery crossed at Stigali's
Ferry. Companies A, F and part of I, of the 112th Illinois,
not being mounted, accompanied the infantry, and by order of
Gen. Caiier remained at the ferry, to guard the crossing and

36 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
take charge of the ferry boat — an old flat-bottomed scow, pro
pelled by men pulling hand over hand on a rope stretched from
shore to shore, across the river.
The mounted troops, including the 112th Illinois, crossed the
river near Mill Springs. The men were ferried over, and ihe
horses unsaddled and driven into the river and made to swim
— one horse leading the way, his rider swimming behind and
guiding him by the tail, and the other horses following. The
troops passed over the old battle-ground where the Union ar
my, under Gen. George H. Thomas, had defeated the rebel ar
my under Crittenden and Zollicoffer, on the 19th of January,
1862 ; and the Kentuckians pointed out the place where Zolli
coffer was standing when he was killed. We looked with con
siderable curiosity, not unmixed with awe, upon the long lines
of breast- works and rifle pits.
Our advance reached Monticello early on the morning of
May 2d, where a small force of rebels was s rongly posted on
a hill. The 112th Illinois charged up the hill and the rebels
retreated. They were closely pursued about four miles, when
they were joined by a larger force, under Col. Chenault, and
occupied a strong position on a high hill. Capt. Law's bat
tery was brought to the front and gave them a few shells, to
which they replied with artillery. They were partially con
cealed by timber, so their numbers could not be even guessed
at, and our troops were ordered to fall back, as if in retreat, to
draw them from their concealment. But the ruse* did not
work; they refused to follow, and the Union cavalry, support
ed by the 112th Illinois, dismounted, charged up the hill and
routed them from their position. Co. C, of the 112th Illinois,
was detached and sent to the left, on a road leading from the
south, and deployed and ascended the' hill, covered with tim
ber, in splendid style, Lieuts. Mitchell and Petrie being in
command. It was now nearly dark, and the command was
ordered back to Monticello.
This was the first time the 112th had been under fire ; and
although it was not severely engaged and suffered no loss, the
regiment was highly complimented by Col. Wolford for its good
conduct and steadiness, who could hardly believe that was its
first experience under fire.

DROWNED IN THE CUMBERLAND. 37
At 6 o'clock that evening Lieut. Thompson, of the fl2th, and
an officer of the 45th Ohio, were ordered to start at once and
go to Milledge ville, seventy miles, and bring the men left in
camp, and the camp and garrison equipage, forward to Som
erset The rebel forces retreated toward Tennessee, closely pursued
by the Union cavalry aad Law's battery, and as it was next to
impossible to transport suppUes over the rough roads and
across the river to Monticello, the infantry, foot and mounted,
and ar^j^er-} .^etprned to Somerset. In crossing the river an
unf oi-tonjiiK^a(*****ident occurred ; one of the boats was capsized,
and oM^nyin and thirty-two men of the 27th New Jersey
regiment— of the 9th Corps, brought from the East by Gen.
Burnside — were drowned. The men were encumbered with
knapsacks and unable to swim, and were swept down stream
by the rapid current, and sank beneath the waters before aid
could be rendered. Lieut. Dow. of Co. A, and several men of
his company and of Co. F, who were managing the boat, nar
rowly escaped drowning. One ccmpany of the 112th (B) came
near meeting the same fate as the New Jersey company.
The tents and camp equipage of the regiment reached Som
erset the same day as the regiment, May 8th. and there the
command went into camp. Company F, and a few mounted
men to be used as scouts, under the command of Capt. Wright,
were ordered to remain at the river and guard the ferry : and
detachments were also stationed at other points above and be
low, to guard the numerous crossings. The Cumberland at
that point is quite wide, and a portion of each year is naviga
ble. At times of low water it may be forded, but at this time
it could be crossed only by ferries.
Capt. Wright's command occupied a position on a bend of
the river on the heights, three hundred feet above the river,
overlooking the opposite shore, and commanding a fine view
for miles above and below. The rebel troops soon returned
and occupied the opposite bank, in full view of our forces. The
pickets held frequent friendly chats, and at times agreed among
themselves upon a temporary cessation of hostilities, and in
dulged in the pastime of fishing on the opposite banks of the
riveri

38 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Gen. Jdhri H. Morgan was now in command of the rebel
troops, and on the 13th of May sent over an impudent mes
sage, under a flag of truce, stating that he held one Union cap
tain, one lieutenant and fifteen men, whom he wished to ex
change for salt and coffee. The message was returned to him
without answer or comment.
The following letter from Gen. Carter will illustrate the nature
of the service required of guards on tbe Cumberland, and else
where in that region :
"Headquarters 4th Division, Army of Centr'a'l EtBbucky,
Somerset, Ky., May 15th,.T&jjr
"To Capt. W. W. Wright, Commanding GuardsTStigall's
Ferry. "You will have your command use the utmost vigilance
against surprise. The enemy may cross in small bodies above
or below you and attempt to take you in rear. The crossing
must be held as long as possible, but should you be in danger
of being overpowered, destroy boats and fall back slowly. Ad
vise me at once of an attack and aid will be sent you.
"William Stigall's family reside just above the mouth of Pit
man's Creek — he is with the rebels. I wish you to send, after
dark, a small mounted force, which will dismount before
reaching the house, and move cautiously on foot to some point
sufficiently near to watch the premises. At the proper time
surround and carefully search the house and out-buildings, as
he may be caught. If possible I wish to get hold of him. Use
great caution.
"There is a negro belonging to Wm. Stigall named "Fount."
You will arrest him and send him to the Provost Marshal at
Somerset. "Do not be surprised, and hold your ground with courage
and obstinacy. If you take any prisoners have them careful
ly searched immediately.
"Respectfully, S. P. Carter,
Brig. Gen."
Capt. Wright did not succeed in finding Stigall — he was in
Dixie with the rebel army — but the negro "Fount" was arrest
ed and sent up to camp.

THE ORGANIZATION. m 39
Co. F remained at the river, scouting up and down'its banks,
meeting with numerous adventures and some narrow escapes,
until May 19th, when it was relieved and joined the regiment,
and on the 4th of June was mounted — thus completing the
mounting of the whole regiment.
The troops concentrated at Somerset consisted of infantry
and artillery (four batteries), three regiments of cavalry and
two regiments of mounted infantry — the 112th Illinois and 45th
Ohio — about six thousand men, all under the command of
Brig. Gen. Carter. The brigade of which the 112th was part,
was designated the 3rd Brigade of the 4th Division of the Ar
my of Central Kentucky. The camp was named "Camp Wol
ford," in honor of the doughty colonel ofthe 1st Kentucky cav
alry, who was a warm friend of the 112th Illinois,, and almost
as popular with our men as with his own.
The 112th remained at Somerset until the 8th of July ; de
tachments of the regiment being constantly engaged in active
and severe duty, scouting up and clown the Cumberland River,
and in other parts of the country, by nignt as well as day, of
ten at great distances, being absent many days at a. time,
guarding the crossings on the river, and furnishing heavy de
tails, to picket the numerous roads leading into the town.
During this time the army in Kentucky was reorganized.
The 2nd East Tennessee regiment of infantry was added to
the brigade, and.the number changed to 1st Brigade, 4th Divi
sion, 23d Army Corps — the system of designating the armies
by corps having recently been adopted.
While at Somerset our large camp tents were exchanged for
shelter tents— "dog tents," the boys called them, To say they
were disgusted with the change would, not, by half, express
their feelings ; but they soon became accustomed to them, and
were satisfied with the change. The officers of the regiment
raised $550 by subscription to purchase instruments for a
band ; competent musicians were detailed from the companies,
an instructor from Geneseo, 111., was employed, and in a short
time the 112th band was an institution known throughout the
corps, and popular wherever known. It was of great benefit to
the regiment in drill and on the march ; and there were no
moie useful men in the regiment than the band boys. In ac-

40 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
tion they carried stretchers and assisted the ambulance corps ;
and at all times were ready and willing to perform such duties
as were required of them. More than this, they weie excellent
foragers, and never permitted themselves nor their horses to
want for food if the country afforded anything eatable.
The regiment was in splendid condition. The men were in
excellent health and spirits, and notwithstanding heavy de
tails for detached service, on the 20th of May over seven hun
dred men were repoit3d "present for duty."
Law's battery, composed of eight guns, was manned in part
by men of the 112th Illinois, detailed for the purpose, who ac
companied the battery through Kentucky and Indiana into
Ohio, in pursuit of Morgan, on his celebrated raid, and render
ed valuable assistance in destroying his band of marauders.
Capt. Law was never satisfied with a position in the rear of the
skirmishers, but invariably ran his guns out to, and sometimes
in advance of, the skirmish line, and astonished the enemy by
his rashness as well as by the precision of his aim.
The rebel forces south of the river were evidently bent upon
mischief. They made frequent attempts to cross the river,
and several times the Union camp was alarmed and the troops
called out in line of battle,' — once at eleven o'clock at night, —
and the men frequently slept upon their arms, in readiness for
an emergency.
On the 2nd of June the regiment received orders to pack up
all company clothing, and all the men's clothing except a
change of underclothes, and send the same to Hickman bridge
on the Kentucky River, to be stored ; and to be ready to move
at a moment's notice, with three days cooked and five days un
cooked rations. Everything was preparedas directed, but the
regiment did not move. As will be seen hereafter, other plans
were adopted.
On the 7th of June Second Lieut. Henry S. Comstock, of Co.
I, resigned. Sergt. Harry Fones was promoted to fill the va
cancy, but not until September, 1864.
Co. F had lost the first enlisted man by death, and now it
gave th3 first offiser— First Lieut. Robert. E. Westfall — to the
grim messenger whom we all fear yet none can escape.
He died at Somerset, after a severe illness-, on the 16th of

TOWARD EAST TENNESSEE. 41
June. He was an efficient and faithful officer, respected by all
who knew him for his sterling integrity and conscientious per
formance of duty, and his death was sincerely mourned by ev
ery man in the regiment, and especially by the members of Co.
F, who knew his worth better than others.
Second Lieut. James G. Armstrong was promoted to fill the
vacancy, and Sergeant George C.Maxfield was promoted to the
second lieutenancy.
Two divisions of the 9th Corps were temporarily detached
from the Army of the Ohio and ordered to Vicksburg to rein
force Gen. Grant, who still pounded away upon that rebel
stronghold ; our armies in Virginia were about to make an
other effort to reach the Confederate capital, and Gen. Burn
side undertook to destroy one important interior line of com
munication between the two great rebel armies — the Tennes
see, Virginia and Georgia Railroad — and at the same time des
troy the vast stores of army supplies accumulated by the en
emy in East Tennessee.

CHAPTER V.
THE SAUNDER'S RAID JN EAST TENNESSEE.
MAJOR DOW'S REPORT.
On the 10th of June, five officers and two hundred men —
twenty from exch compmy — if i, the 112th Illinois, under the
command of Capt. Dunn, with similar detachments from .the
other mounted regiments at Somerset,' alFunder command" of
Major Dow, of the 112th, were ordered to report to'Col. Saun
ders, and accompany him upon'the contemplated raid into
East Tennessee.
"For rapidity of movement, marching over mountains, and
swimming rivers by.day and night, and for successful execu
tion, baffling the enemy, doing him a "great amount of damage,
finally escaping from a vastly superior force, where every
mountain gap was^supposed to «be securely. guarded, this raid
stands among the most brilliant of ,the war. It severely test
ed the courage and endurance 'of the officers and men who par
ticipated in it." — (Adjutant General's Reports, State of .Illinois.)
The following is Major Dow's report of the expedition, made
to Col. Henderson, after his return :
"Headquarters, 112th Regiment, Ills. Vols.,
Danville/;Ky., July 12, 1863.
Sir : — I have the honor to submitlthe following report of the
late expedition into Tennessee under Col. Saunders, ]so far as
relates to the detachment fronijjthe^ 112th, 111., Vol. Infantry,
accompanying the command, under Capt. Dunn.

MAJOR DOW'S REPORT. 43
"June 10, 1833. Two hundred of the 112th, 111, Vol., one
hundred and fifty of the 2nd Ohio Cavalry, one hundred and
fifty of the 7th Ohio Cavalry, and one hundred of the 1st Ken
tucky Cavalry, left Somerset, Kentucky, under orders from
Brig. Gen. Carter to report to Col. Saunders, or in his absence
to Col. Byrd at Mt. Vernon, Kentucky.
"The detachment from the 112th was made up by details
from Companies A, and F, commanded by Lieut. Dow, Co. D,
Lieut. Griffin, Co's. G, and I, Capt. McCartney, Co. C, Lieut,
Petrie, Co. H. Lieut. Newman, Co. E. Lieut. Brown and Co.
B, Lieut. Gudgel, Assistant Surgeon Jones, Hospital Stew
ard Johnson, and five hospital attaches, one ambulance, and
two teams loaded with forage.
"The men were provided with three days rations, eighty
rounds of cartridges, and two extra horse shoes each.
"We reached Mt. Vernon at 12 o'clock at night and encamp
ed one mile west of town. Reported to Col. Byrd, Col. Saun
ders not being there.
'¦June 11. — By order of Col. Byrd, we moved three mfles east
of town, and encamped on Gen. Bragg's old camping ground.
"June 12. — We remained in camp awaiting Col. Saunder's
arrival. "June 13. — Col. Saunters arrive! last night. We were or
dered to draw ten days rations and eight days forage ; three
pack mules were furnished to each one hundred men, to be led
until our transportation should be sent back, and to be in read
iness to move by daylight the next morning.
"June 14. — We marched twenty eight miles to Laurel Creek,
and encamped : the latter part of the day. and during the
night it rained heavily : having no tents we passed an uncom
fortable night.
""June 15. — We started at sunrise and marched twenty four
miles, encamped two miles this side of the Cumberland River.
Here all the teams were unloaded and sent back and the pack
mules loaded with forage. What could not be put upon them,
together with rations issued to the men. was carried upon the
horses. '"June 16. — Forded the Cumberland River this morning at
Williamsburg, — the river shallow and easily forded — taking the

11 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
HuntsviUe route to Tennessee. Col. Gilbert passed this place
late last evening with portions of the 44th Ohio Volunteers,
and 9th Ohio Cavahy. and four pieces of Kumkle's Battery,
taking the road to Big Creek Gap, designiug to make a diver
sion in our favor. We* subsequently learned that this gap was
taken without serious resistance, but not held by Col. Gilbert.
We marched this day twenty-five miles over mountains and
unfrequented roads, it being often necessary to clef r the pa h
of fallen trees, and to detail men to push ambulances up the
steep mountams. On this day commenced the toil and fatigue
endured by officers and men, as well as horses on this raid.
"June 17. — We started this morning at four o'clock and con
tinued the march until 9 at night, without feeding, when the
thed horses were turned into a small lot to graze, with orders
not to unsaddle, and to be in readiness to march at one o'clock
in the morning. At this place spies were sent forward to Lou
don Bridge, with mstructions to march the entire night, and
after obtaining the necessary information to rejoin us the fol
lowing night.
"June 18. — Marched at one o'elockinthe morning and reach
ed Montgomery at nine ; passing through this place without
halting, in order to surprise the enemy at Watburg, one mile
beyond. We captured here one hundred and seven rebels, a
lot of ammunition, small arms, spades, axes, several mule
teams, and forty horses. We had one man belonging to the
2nd Ohio cavalry shot through the hand, and two horses killed.
"After paroling the prisoners moved two mfles south of town
and halted one horn- to graze the horses. Some of the rebels
who escaped from Watburg, carried the news of our approach
to Kingston — being the first certain news the enemy had of our
coming. While here the advance of Pegram's force, forty-five
hundred strong, entered Watburg, cutting off one man of the
1st Kentucky cavalry, who had been sent back on some errand.
"This afternoon we were forced to abandon several korses
and were much fatigued. We reached Clinch River at dark.
The river at this place is difficult and dangerous to ford, espe
cially for troops unacquainted and in the night. It was elev
en o'clock at night before we had all forded it. wetting many
of om- cartridges, losing a few hams, and spoiling most of our

MAJOR DOW'S REPORT. 45
hard bread ; remained here one hour to feed the horses.
"June 19. — At midnight we heard the bugle s u id the ad
vance in silence, and with heavy hearts. We had left five
of our brave comrades sleeping in the Clinch River, that sleep
which knows no waking. May their friends be comforted ;
they had left their homes at tlieir country's call, but they will
never return. Peace be to tlieir ashes. At one o'clock in the
morning the column halted by the road side and fed horses
without unsaddling. We were now near Loudon Bridge. Col.
Saunders here received information that the bridge was de
fended by four thousand troops, ten batteries, and strongly
fortified. He decided not to attack the place. At seven o'clock
the column was in motion. Leaving Loudon Bridge two and
a half miles to our right, we entered Lenoir at eleven o'clock,
having destroyed three pieces of artillery, found abandoned on
the road to this place. We captured one hundred and forty
prisoners, and burned a depot containing two pieces of cannon
and large quantities of small arms and ammunition, cut tele
graph wires and destroyed the railroad track for some distance.
"We left Lenoir at noon and reached Knoxville, twenty-four
miles from Lenoir, at dark. The road led directly through
the town ; it was thought necessary by our commanding offic
ers to attack the place from the opposite side, so that in case
of failure we could continue the march up the railroad to Straw
berry Plains. The entire night was occupied in moving around
the place, over an unfrequented path, and the night very dark.
The column was broken in consequence of an ambulance hav
ing upset, leaving the 112th Illinois and the 14th Kentucky
cavalry without a guide : the ambulance being badly broken it
was abandoned. We had considerable firing with the enemy's
pickets during the night, while endeavoring to find the rest of
the command ; we did not find them until daylight. Dr. Ba
ker was killed on this day by an advance guard.
"June 20th. — Attacked Knoxville, but found the enemy too
strong, and after one and a half hours sharp firing, chiefly ar
tillery, were drawn off in good shape, the 112th Illinois bring
ing up the rear. Our casualties were, one man mortally
wounded, one captain and one lieutemint severely, all from
other detachments, and several horses killed, and one man

46 ~ HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
from the 112th Illinois missing. We captured forty prisoners
and some fifty horses. Our rear was considerably annoyed by
Scott's cavalry for several miles.
"At McMillan's Station the depot was burned without halt
ing the column, as were also two railroad bridges, and Flat
Creek bridge, a large fine covered structure thirteen miles from
Knoxville. Crossed Holston River two miles from Strawberry
Plains, and.reached the' latter place at 4 o'clock in the after
noon, distance seventeen miles. After a short engagement the
enemy hung out the white flag. We here burned one of the
largest bridges Jin East Tennessee, several rebel store houses
containing clothing and grain, captured one hundred and fifty
prisoners, four pieces of artillery and a quantity of small arms
and ammunition.
" June 21st. At 4 o'clock in the morning again under march
passing through New Market without stopping, except a snt all
detail to burn the railroad cars at this station. Ariived at
Mossy Creek station at about 11 o'clock, fifteen miles from
Strawberry Plains. A fine railroad bridge was burned here,
and a store house filled with corn, from which the horses were
fed and each man carried away all he could for future us e.
There were, however, many who preferred to load their ho:.ses
with tobacco — a large quantity being found here — believing
this weed of more advantage to them than forage for their ex
hausted horses. There were none of this class in the 112th
Illinois. "We here left the railroad and started homeward. Two and
a half miles from Mossy Creek, the machinery in Ratton
Howell's factory, now working for the Southern Confederal y,
was destroyed. We reached Clinch Mountain about 7 o'clock
in the morning where we found Scott's cavalry prepared to dis
pute our entrance of the gap leading over the mountain. Ttey
were soon driven away, with the loss of five men captured, but
followed us until we crossed the Cumberland Mountains, fi e-
quently attacking our rear. We toiled all night, making but
ten miles. During the night we took a train of loaded wagons
and thirty prisoners.
"June 22nd. This morning Capt. Hurst was shot near Clinch
River. After fording this stream, the horses were fed while

MAJOR?DOW'S REPORT. 47
saddled and in column, and the men hastily ate whatever they
had remaining of their rations. After a brief stop we moved
on, fording Powell River about noon. At three o'clock in the
afternoon Col. Saunders rode back to the headoFmy command
and informed me that the enemy were at Rodgers' Gap — the
one through which we intended to pass — in large force, and
ordered me to send my detachments, the 112th Illinois in ad
vance, over a by-path, guided by Sergt. Reynolds, while he
saw the section of artillery spiked and carriage destroyed.
"Although the head of the column was near and in sight of
the enemy, this was successfully accomplished ; the guide
leading the column through" heavy timber an'd again striking
the road about four miles from where we had left it and oppo
site Smith's Gap ; the route traveled, however, was seven
miles. It seems they had tried to guard all these passes, for
we here found some cavalry drawn up in front of this pass.
The 112th Illinois and the 45th Ohio were dismounted, and
one volley sent them rapidly down the road. These two de
tachments were ordered to mount and skirmish through the
timber between our forcos and the base of the mountain, to
ascertain if any rebel force was concealed there ; none being
found, the order was given to move up the mountain. The
men little knew what going up a mountain .meant. The 45th
Ohio took the advance, the 112th Illinois next. I did not go
up with them, but waited for the 2nd Ohio Cavalry, under my
command, and then in the rear. I did not again see Captain
Dunn or the main body of the 112th Illinois until we reached
Kentucky. "There was considerable firing between the rear of our forces
and the enemy, who had now arrived in force. The mountain
was exceedingly, steep. Many horses, already worn out by the
wearisome march, here failed entirely. The path, as darkness
came oh, could not be followed, and the different detachments
became mixed up and many lost tlieir way entirely. It was
said by Col. Saunders that we should rest upon the mountain
during the night, yet for some reason unknown to me, there
was little if any halt made, leaving those whose horses had
given out, and many who had lost their way in the darkness
and were now unable to move in any direction, under the be-

HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS. 48
lief that at day-light they would be able to find their com
mands. "June 23rd. In the morning I was informed by one ofthe
112th Illinois that the main body had not made any stop the
night before. We at once moved down the east side of the
mountain, and after traveling about two miles came to a house.
We here met Capt. McCartney and many other ¦ from the ssv-
eral detachments. We procured a guide and halted unt 1 two
o'clock in the afternoon, when we had collected one hundred
and sixty enlisted men and officers. About one-third had
abandoned their arms. None were left after joining us. We
left the place at two o'clock, and encamped six miles east of
Boston. During the night two girls accompanied by a man
came into camp and informed us that a large body of mount
ed rebels were within one and a half miles of us feeding their
horses ; they, however, did not discover us.
"June 24th. We continued our toilsome march over steep
mountains, and during a heavy rain, without food, until June
26th, when we reached London. We here found rations, and
rested one day, joining our command at Lancaster. The offi
cers and men endured the fatigue and dangers attending the
raid bravely and cheerfully. "Respectfully, Tris. T. Dow,
Major commanding detachment from Somerset, Kentucky.
To Col. Thomas J. Henderson, Commanding 112th Illinois
Mounted Infantry."
The men drowned in Clinch River were, First Sergeant Amos
C. Holden, Corporal Edwin F. Hunt and Thomas H. Kilby, of
Co. D, George C. Wood, of Co. C, and Thomas T. White, of Co.
F. Sergt. Holden had been recommended for promotion to a
lieutenancy in his company, and his commission was received
at headquarters the day after the expedition left Somerset, but
was never received by nim. He was a brave, generous, noble-
hearted young man, as, indeed, were his four unfortunate com
rades who perished with him. They died for their country,
while engaged in the line of duty— a perilous duty— and their
names are entitled to a place upon the roll of honor with those
who fell upon the field of battle. Many times the following

DROWNED AND CAPTURED. 49
winter the 112th Illinois crossed the rapid and dangerous
Clinch, but never without gazing sorrowfully and regretfully
upon the watery graves of their departed comrades.
Others of the 112th lost their way and floundered in deep
water, but fortunately escaped drowning — some of them very
l.arrowly, however.
The 112th Illinois also lost nine men captured by the ene
my, on this rf id : Addison C. Leonard and He lry Mover, of Co.
A, Stephen Roberts, William W. Cowden and Jeruel B. Whit
ney, of Co. D, Corporal Andrew Kamerer, of Co. F, George
Ritchie, of Co. H, James S. Riggs, of Co. K and Joseph C.
Johnson, hospital steward. Johnson, Cowden, Whitney and
Riggs were connected with the hospital department, and were
captured at Chiller's Gap, on the 22nd of June, and taken back
to Knoxville. The prisoners were confined in jail at Knoxville
with a lot of Unionists and deserters from the rebel army, and
thence sent to Lynchburg, Va., and thence to Richmond, where
they were paroled July 11, 1863, and sent to City Point, and
from there to Parole Camp at St. Louis, where they were ex
changed Sept. 10, 1863, and rejoined the regiment at Bean's
Station, East Tennessee, on December 14th, 1863.
James Patten, of Co. D, was severely wounded in both hands
by a rebel "bushwhacker." Several others were wounded, as
also some of those captured, but the author has been unable
to obtain their names.
The Dr. Baker referred to in Major Dow's report was Dr.
Harvey Baker, a Confederate citizen residing a few miles be
low Knoxville. A Confederate scouting party, in command of
Capt. Wiggs, occupied a position near Baker's house, and as
Col. Saunder's troops advanced, fired upon them. The Fed
erals advanced Rapidly and Wiggs retreated. It was charged
by the Union troops that Baker stood in his yard and fired up
on them as they advanced, and that they shot him in retalia
tion. In a Confederate account of the affair, before me, this is de
nied ; but it is admitted that Baker did fire upon the Union
troops, but it is claimed not until they opened fire upon
him. It is also admitted that shots were fired from near
-4

50 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
where he was standing before the Union troops fired, but these,
it is said, came from Confederate soldiers, although, it is slat
ed, the Union soldiers might easily have believed they came
from Baker, as he had a gun in his hands at the time. It is
very probable that Baker fired the first shot, and that the Un
ion soldiers were justified in killing him on the spot.
The following article is taken from a Knoxville paper of
June 24, 1863 : ,
"the RAIDERS."
"We have no official news of the Yankee raiders in their re
treat, after the destruction ofthe bridges and private property
at Mossy Creek, save that they had passed through Powder
Springs Gap of Clinch Mountain into Powell's Valley, closely
pursued by Scott's cavalry. Various rumors were in circula
tion on the streets last night, among others that Scott had
captured their artillery, that they were flying in great confus
ion, and were abandoning not only their plunder, but even
their own equipments, in their haste to get out. The general
belief, however, founded on all reports, is, that owing to the
jaded condition of the pursuing cavalry, and the absence of any
Confederate forces in front of the enemy, they will make good
their return to Kentucky with no great loss."
The paper contains several communications in relation to
"the infamous Yankee raiders," and all were very bitter in
their denunciations of Col. R. K. Byrd, whose home was at
Kingston, but who had been driven out of East Tennessee be
cause of his loyalty to the Union; and who accompanied the
raiders with his regiment, the 1st East Tennessee, compos
ed of Union refugees, like himself, and who undoubtedly im
proved the opportunity to pay off old scores.

CHAPTER VI.
guarding the cumberland — expeditions
to harrodsburg and lebanon.
capt. dunn's report.
On the 10th of June — the same day the expedition started
for East Tennessee — -another detachment of about two hun
dred men from the 112th Illinois, under command of Lieut.
Col. Bond, was ordered to report, with one day's rati0n=>, for a
reconnoissance on the Cumberland ; but on arriving at head
quarters, the order was countermanded, and the whole detail
ordered on picket, to relieve the men of other regiments under
marching orders.
During the night of June 17th, the regiment received orders
to be ready to march at 6 o'clock the next morning, with eight
day's rations, and all the sick were sent off to Camp Nelson;
but after several hours of hard work in making preparations to
move, the order was countermanded.
So many troops had been withdrawn from Somerset that it
required heavy details from the remaining regiments to per
form picket duty, and the officers and men of the 112th were
"on picket" nearly all the time ; but as the weather was warm
the duty was not excessively arduous.
On the 27th a detachment of one hundred and fifty men and
five officers of Co's. A, F, C, G and B, in command of Capt. W.
W. Wright, was ordered to the Cumberland River, nearly op
posite Mill Springs, to guard the crossings in that vicinity.
The detachment marched at 8 o'clock in the evening, in the
midst of a heavy shower, and in dar kness so black and dense

HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
that nothing could be seen. Capt. Wright was unacquainted
with the road, and at his request Lieut. Mitchell, of Co. C,
who had been over the road several times, led the way with his
company and the others followed. The detachment reached
Fishing Creek, a roaring little stream, about twelve miles from
Somerset, at 2 o'clock. The water was too high to ford and
the detachment halted and established a reserve in the timber
about a mile from the old Zollicoffer fortifications, threw: out
pickets on several roads and fords, and remained there until
the next day and then proceeded to the Cumberland.
On the 3d of July the detachment was joined by Capt. Sroufe
with Co. H. The detachment remained there, guarding the
crossings on the river and scouting up and down its banks, and
eating blackberries, which grew in great abundance, until the
5th, when it withdrew to Fishing Creek.
In the meantime many of the troops had been withdrawn
from Somerset, and Col. Henderson was in command of the
Post. The following communication, addressed to Capt. W.
W. Wright, will explain why the detachment was withdrawn
from the river : "Headquarters 112th III. Vol. Inft'y,
Somerset, Ky., July 5, 1863.
Capt. — I am directed by Col. Henderson to say that you
will at once withdraw the pickets in your command from Mill
Springs and vicinity. You will leave one company of at least
fifty men at Fishing Creek, and the balance of your detach
ment will at once return to camp. The compeny at Fishing
Creek will be left under a competent officer, and say, one or
two lieutenants. They will be instructed to be very vigilant
and to saout the vicinity of their station and the creek fre
quently and thoroughly. Rations will be sent to you at Fish
ing Creek for two days for fifty men.
Very Resp'y, H. W. Wells,
Adj't., 112th 111."
The detachment arrived at Fishing Creek after dark, and
leaving Lieuts. Davenport and Thompson, with fifty men, to
guard the crossing, proceeded to Somerset.

bethel Church. 53
The next day Lieut. Davenport with one-half the men scout
ed toward the Cumberland in the direction of Mill Springs,
and on their return Lieut. Thompson, with twenty men, scout
ed on other roads leading to the river. In the evening Lieut.
Davenport received the following communication from Col.
Henderson, which explains itself :
"Headquarters U. S. Forces,.
Somerset, Ky., July 6, 1863.
Lieut. T. F. Davenport, Commanding Pickets at Fishing Creek :
It is rumored that the rebels are at Mill Springs, and have
been crossing the river, though I can hardly believe it to be so,
but have thought proper to advise you »f the rumor, and to
urge upon you that you be vigilant, and that you give me ear
ly information of any movement in that direction. You had
better patrol the road well in the direction of Mill Springs and
ascertain if any rebels shall be attempting to cross there, and
give me information. Thos. J. Henderson,
Col. Commanding Post."
The detachment moved back upon a hill, at the intersection
of two roads, and occupied a position at and around Bethel
Church, leaving a picket at the creek and patrolling both roads.
Bethel Church was a log structure of the most primitive
style, with no floor, and with openings in the walls for doors
and windows. An old lady in the vicinity informed us that
she had "hearn tell" that there, was a church at Mill Springs
with real glass windows, but she had never seen such a church.
The author met an old man, eighty-four years of age, who was
born and had always resided in the house in which he then liv
ed. He had never visited Somerset, the county seat, fourteen
miles from his farm, and had no idea as to the size of the town.
He said, with considerable pride, that he had been to Mill
Springs — seven miles — "five or six times" in his life, but he
had not been there for twelve years. That had been the ex
tent of his travels. He had learned, in some way, that there
was a war, but he knew no more about its cause, or the parties
to it, or of the history aud events of the times, than a govern
ment mule. When offered pay for a very good dinner, he de-

54 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
clined to take any, but said he would accept a "chaw o'terbac-
eah," as he had been without for a long time. He was reward
ed with a large plug, and was happier than a small boy with
his first pair of boots. He had never owned a "nigger," and,
although a land-owner, was classed among the "poor white
trash." July 8th, the detachment was ordered to join the regiment
at Somerset. The troop3 had all left except the 112th Illinois,
and at noon the regiment marched, and on the 10th joined the
brigade at Stanford.
John Morgan had commenced his famous raid north, had
captured Lebanon, after a severe fight, on the 5th, and was
now moving rapidly ^toward the Ohio. Portions of our army
were pursuing him closely, and our command was ordered
back to guard the blue grass country against other rebel raid
ing parties seeking to make a diversion in favor of Morgan.
The 32d Ky. regiment had been ordered to guard the wagn
train by way of Crab Orchard, on the pike, but instead had
turned off the road and pass3d through Hall's Gap inlo the
valley, and gone inrb camp about six miles below Stanford,
leaving the train unprotected ; and the commander of the re
giment reported that bands of rebel cavalry were following him
closely and threatening to attack him. Gen. Carter ordered
Lieut. Thompson, of the 112th Illinois, to take twenty men
and proceed to Hall's Gap and hold it at all hazards, and to
inform the commanding officer of the 32d Kentucky that his
orders were to protect that regiment against attack. The
message was faithfully delivered, but there was a terrific blaze
of blue lightning in that vicinity, about that time, that would
have been dangerous to Gen. Car!er had he been witl in range.
Hall's Gap is a narrowpass in the ranje of hil's bordering the
blue grass region, and affords a magnificent view of country as
far as the eye can extend.
In the night of the 10th the wagon train was attacked near
Crab Orchard, and fifty wagons and their con^en's v e e burn
ed — ttie work, probably, of Kentucky guerri 1 is. The 112th
II inois and 45th Ohio were ordered to Ciab Orchard, but ar
rived too late to save the t tain, and returned to Stanford, an 1
the next day marched tp Danville.

DETACHMENT SERVICE. 55
The detail at Hall's Gap was joined by a company of the
45th Ohio, the next morning, and the two were ordered to scout
toward Somerset as far as Waynesburg, which they did with
out finding any rebels, and returned to Stanford fhe same day,
and the next guarded a body of rebel prisoners to Danvihe,
and lejoined the regiment.
On the 11th of July, Capt. Wright with companies F and I,
in command of Lieut. Armstrong and Capt. Wilkins, respect
ively, was ordered to return to Stigall's Ferry, on the Cum
berland River, with a train of wagons, to destroy all boats on
the river, and obtain some pontoons left at the river ; arrived
there oh the 18th of July. On the 14th a detail was sent to
Newell's Ferry to destroy a boat, while the rest of 'the detach
ment loaded the pontoons, and then proceeded to Danville.
Immediately upon the arrival of the regiment at Danville,
companies E* and G, under command of Capt. Otman and
Lieut. Milchrist, were ordered to Harrodsburg, to capture, if
possible, two companies of Morgan's command which had left
the main body of his troops while on the way to Indiana and
Ohio on his famous raid, and being unable to rejoin his force
had disbanded, and were attempting to get through the Union
lines into the Confederacy. Capt. Otman was fortunate in his
search, and found and captured one lieutenant, thirty-one men
and sixty-one horses. His command being mounted, and hav
ing this additional number of horses to feed, it required a large
quantity of forage for the two weeks they remained there. Ex-
Gov. Magoffin resided there and owned a farm adjoining town,
on which was a large field of oats, just harvested and in the
shock, upon which the soldiers levied without ceremony, and
fed tlie same to the horses.
The boys had not forgotten the famous proclamation issued
by the governor in 1861, in which he declared that "Kentucky
was neutral territory, and neither hostile army should cross
her borders." And they recollected his reply to President Lin
coln's first call for troops, that "Kentucky would furnish no
troops for the purpose of subduing her sister States of the
South." And they remembered that Gov. Magoffin had en
deavored lo preserve a position of "belligerant neutrality" only
for the purpose of turning his State over to the Confederacy as

56 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
soon as the South should become strong enough to keep it ,'
and they rightfully believed that he was a secessionist, and
that, in taking his oats, they were simply compelling a rebel
to contribute of his means toward paying the expenses of the
war for the maintenance of the Union.
When Capt. Otman received orders to return to Danville, a
receipt was made out and tendered to the ex-governor for the
oats consumed, containing a proviso, however, that his loyalty
was to be proven before any voucher should be issued to him.
This so enraged him that he tore it up and threw the pieces
upon the floor and stamped upon them. He was informed
that that was the only voucher he would ever receive ; but his
claim has undoubtedly been presented against the government
and paid long before this time.
The detachment remained at Harrodsburg until July 27th,
scouring the country for bands of rebels ; and rejoined the re
giment, at Danville just in time to participate in the chase af
ter Scott. The only casualty at Harrcdsbarg was one man,
Sylvester H. Stoffer, wounded.
The expedition into East Tennessee reached Lancaster, on
its return, on the 30th of June, and after a few days rest pro
ceeded to Camp Nelson. Here on the 7th of July Capt. Dunn,
with five officers and one hundred and twenty-nine men of the
112th Illinois, were ordered to accompany Major Ellis, of the
1st East Tennessee, to Lebanon, and the remainder of the
Tennessee raiding detachment rejoined the regiment at Dan
ville. Capt. Dunn and' his detachment were absent until the 10th
.of August, when they rejoined the regiment at Stanford. The
following report of their operations, made by Capt, Dunn, will
show the nature of the service they performed.
Headquarters 112th Regt. III., Vols.,
Stanford, Ky., Aug. 11, 1863.
Colonel. — Allow me a brief report of the operations of the
detachment placed under my command by Major T. T, Dow,
112th Illinois, and ordered by Col. R. K. Byrd, 1st East Ten
nessee Mounted Infantry, to accompany Major John Ellis,
same regiment, from Hickman Bridge, or "Camp Nelson," to

CAPT. DUNN'S REPORT. 57
Lebanon, Ky., on the 7th of July. The detachment number
ed, as stated by Major Dow, one hundred and twenty nine men.
Capt. McCartney, Co. G, Lieut. Griffin, Co. D, Lieut. Brown,
Co. E, Lieut Petrie, Co. C, and Lieut. Newman, Co. H, accom
panied the expedition. We reached Lebanon the next day,
about 10 o'clock, and went into camp. Soon after, some of
the boys ascertained that a large number of damaged arms
were stored in a building in town, wh'ich, through the kindness
of the commanding officer, they were allowed to examine for
the purpose of putting together whole parts, so as to get a bet
ter arm than their own, which was the old Harper's Ferry
musket. The examination and refitting lasted for parts of two
or three days. On the 9th, Henry J. Roberts, of Co. C, fired a
loaded gun, the muzzle immediately upon a considerable quan
tity of powder which was scattered about the floor, all of which,
of course, at once exploded, fatally burning himself and Wil
liam Herridge, of Co. E — he lived until the third day, and Her-
ridge lingered several days longer. Other parties were in the
room, but escaped without notable injury.
On the 13th I went, with apart of my command, on a scout,
with a detachment from the 1st East Tennessee, and the 1st
Kentucky Cavalry, the whole under command of Major Ellis
in person. We returned to camp a little before day on the 14th,
without observable results.
On the 14th Col. 0. H. Moore, 25th Michigan, commanding
the Post, directed Major Ellis to send a scout of thirty men,
with directions to proceed as far as Green River Bridge, and
parole such wounded prisoners as-had not been paroled, and
make such discoveries and arrests as opportunities offered.
The order was sent to me for the scouts, when I directed Capt.
McCartney to report with the men. He proceeded promptly to
headquarters, received his orders and was on the road at once.
A tew wounded prisoners were paroled, and he arrested and
sent up to Col. Moore one deserter from the 13th Kentucky.
On the 15th I was ordered by Major Ellis, under directions
from Col. Moore, to proceed with my command to Columbia,
Adair county, Ky., requiring Capt. McCartney, whom I should
meet on the road, to join me there.
Wo reached Columbia about noon on the 16th. My order*

58 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
were to thoroughly scout the roads leading into Columbia, and
ascertain if possible the whereabouts and strength of any force
of the enemy that might be in the vicinity.
Learning immediately after my arrival that Robert Cross, a
prominent citizen of Bm-ksville, was recruiting a company for
the Confederate service within our lines, I obtained two guides,
both belonging to the 1st Kentucky Cavalry, and proceeded, at,
6 o'clock in the evening with twenty-two men, to Bm-ksville,
reached that place — twenty-eight miles distant — just before
day, the 17th, and searched a house in which Cross was sup
posed to be, but without finding him. It was known that he
frequently slept in a house just across the Cumberland, and
in plain sight of the ferry. Against the advice of my princi
pal guide I determined to cross the river and search that house,
before searching the town — which search the guides proposed
I should first' make. Upon reaching the river the canoe and
flat boat were on the opposite side. The guide referred to,
Joseph D. Bordon, immediately doffed his clothing and swam
the river, got into the canoe and brought" it over, three of my
men retu*rningm it, and bringing over the flat boat. By this
time it was broad daylight, though a little foggy, and we could
be plainly seen from the house we had our eyes on. I crosse'd
the river with a dozen men, and hurrying up the hill entered
the house, and found the object of my search, and also Lieut.
Tyrrell, of Morgan's command, and two men, sound asleep.
One was wounded in a recent fight and I paroled him. The
others were hurried across the river and carefully guarded,
whde I sent out a party to capture a few- rebel soldiers a mile
and a half out of town. None were found, however. I should
have stated that I threw out pickets on every outlet from town
as soon as we entered it.
We set out for camp at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, reaching
it before dark, after a hard ride. The man whom I suspected
of being a new recruit, but had not the evidence against, took
the oath of allegiance, when I discharged him.
The others were sent up to Col. Moore', at Lebanon, on the
19th of July.
Finding no organized force north of the Cumberland, I look
the responsibility of crossing the river on two other occasions

CAPT. DUNN'S REPORT. 59
—scouting on the 19th and 20th as far as Albany, Clinton Co.
Kentucky, but without results, save impressing the scattered
rebels infecting that region with the idea that a strong reserve
was on the north side of the river at no considerable distance.
Lieut. Petrie and thirty men accompanied me. I was advised,
however, that it was unsafe to cross with less than sixty men.
On the 19th Capt. McCartney commanded a party of twenty-
five men on a scout, accompanied by Lieut. Newman, hoping
to intercept rebel soldiers straggling singly and in squads, who
had been cut off from Morgan's force while passing through
the state. He returned, after two days absence, without find
ing any stragglers. Lieut. Brown was sent up with the pris
oners, as I did not feel safe in trusting Cross with an ordinary
guard. Lieut. Griffin remained in camp. ,
On the 23d I started with sixty men, with Lieut. Griffin and
Lieut. Petrie, on an expedition into Overton county, Tennes
see, taking with me three competent guides, and crossing the
Camberland nine miles below Burksville. We returned after
an absence of four days, having captured one captain and four
privates in Tennessee, and two soldiers and three refugees
from the conscription, after we recrossed the river. The refu
gees were vouched for and were not detained. The five pris
oners taken in Tennessee were paroled ; the captain — Quirks
of Morgan's command — was wounded in the fight at "Marrow
bone," and a private was sick. Idid not wish to be encumber
ed with prisoners, as I anticipated trouble with a force under
Col. Hughes, who was reported to be in the vicinity, but with
whom I did not fall in. The other two were sent up to Col.
Moore, at Le*banon,va8 also were two who surrendered them
selves to me in camp. Three other Tennesseeans surrendered
themselves, subscribed the oath of allegiance, and were dis
charged. My operations required my little command to spend
entire nights in the saddle.
I am indebted to Capt. McCartney and the lieutenants who
were with me, for prompt and efficient assistance in carrying
out my instructions. Afnong them was an order, just before
e'ection day, to proceed will my command to Burksville, to
protect the citizens on that day from violence threatened by
the rebals. That movement was made, but no disturbance

60 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
took place. I cannot speak too highly of the promptness and
alacrity with which all the men performed the fatiguing duties
assigned to them, nor of their exceedingly orderly and soldier
ly conduct ("gentlemanly conduct," the citizens denominated
it), for which, indeed, they received — and I am happy to note
the fact — the unbounded commendation of the citizens through
an extent of country fifty miles in diameter.
Under an order from Col. Moore, on the 8th of August, we
returned to the regiment, reaching it here on the 10th, — the
command numbering eighty- two men, some having joined the
regiment, and ten men who had been detailed to guard the
polls at Greensburg, Ky., not having returned with it.
Very Resp'y, your Ob't. Serv't,
A. A. Dunn,
Capt. Commanding Scouts.
To Col. Thomas J. Henderson, Commanding 112th Reg. Ills.
Vols.

Chapter vii.
THE FIGHT AT RICHMOND — THE SCOTT RAID — AN EXCITING CHASE.
On Sunday, the 26th of July, five companies ofthe 112th Il
linois, and details from other companies, making a total of one
hundred and eighty men of the regiment, in command of Capt.
G. W. Sroufe, and details from other regiments in the brigade,
all in command of Major Dow, with two hundred aud seventy
men from the 10th and 14th Kentucky regiments, the
whole detachment under the command of Col. Saunders,
marched at night from Danville to Richmond — thirty-five
miles — arriving there at 8 o'clock the next morning. The de
tachment went into camp and remained there that day. The
rebels had driven Col. Gilbert out of London, and were ad
vancing toward Richmond. A strong picket was thrown out
about two miles on the London road, and after night brought
in 1 1 the outskirts of town. The rebels surrounded the sup
posed picket post in the night, expecting to capture the out
post and surprise the force in town, but when they sprung the
trap the game was not there.
At daylight the next morning (28th) the pickets were attack
ed on all sides of the town, and it was not long until large bod
ies of rebel cavalry were in position commanding every road.
They opened upon the Union troops with artillery, and for an
hour and a half poured shells and solid shot into their ranks,
but, being scattered in small bodies, our forces suffered but
little loss. In the meantime the rebel lines were drawn closer
and closer, and soon our troops found themselves completely
surrounded by more than 1,500 of the enemy, under command
of Pegram and Scott. The air was filled with clouds of dust,

62 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
and the men were covered with it so thickly that it was diffi
cult to distinguish friend from foe. Capt. Sroufe was in a corn
field with part of his command, and seeing a squad of men on
the other side of the'fence, two'rods away, whom he.supposed
to be Union soldiers, called out to them : "Here, boys, come
in here !"FJand received in reply'a volley from rebel carbines.
Lieut. Davenport, withjhis company (H), in changing posi
tion, rode' right up to^the' rebel lines, and seeing their 'mistake
wheeled and!rode away, followed by a volley asjsoon as the re
bels^ discovered their, own mistake — they at first! supposing
them to belong to their own forces. j^jThere was but one way to
get out of there, andjthat was to mass the Union forces quick
ly at a point where the rebel line was weakest, and with a dash
and a yell cut their way through. T"'Capt.° Colcord, withj his
company (K), was the last to come in from his position and
join the column forming for that purpose j and they were at
first mistaken for rebels and came near being fired into.
Capt. Lee, with his company (A), was at one time complete
ly surrounded, and the rebels yelled with satisfaction as
they demanded his surrender, but he cut his way out and
joined the main column. When all was ready, Col. Saunders
gave the command to "charge !" and plunging spurs into their
horses sides, away they went, like a whirlwind, through the
rebel lines, shooting right and left and yelling at the top of
their voices. They were closely pursued by the rebels ; but as
the latter were by this time nearly out of ammunition for their
carbines and could only use their revolvers, the Union forces
escaped with but little loss, and made their way to Lexington,
where they were joined the next day by the 112; h Illinois and
other Union troops. The whole loss of the detachment was
ten men killed, and about twenty-five wounded and captured.
A number who were cut off and supposed to have been cap
tured succeeded in eluding the rebels, and rejoining their com
mands. The casualties of the 112th Illinois were as follows :
Co. C— Allen Woods, severely wounded ; Emanuel C. Bet-
chel, wounded and captured; JohnM. Henderson, foot broken
and severely injured by fall of horse, and captured ; and John

Captured and wounded. 63
F. Barney, Wesley Crigler, Noah Hampton, George Keltonand
William F. Smith, captured.
Co. H. — Serg. John H. Matthews, captured.
Co. K.— James Ague, Joseph Chough, John M. Blade and
Delos Taylor, wounded ; and Lewis H. Detterman, Oran In
gram and Gunne Opplecust, captured,
Co. G.— Serg. Eli Hi Mauck, John S. Hite, Hiram W. Hub
bard and William 0. Shurtleff, captured.
The captured men were paroled on the ground ; but the pa
roles were not recognized by the government, and the depart
ment eo.mmander, by general order, directed all these men,
and others coming within the rule laid down, to report to tlieir
respective commands for dutys and the 112th Illinois men at
once joined the regiment.
The Co. G men were captured about two miles north of
Richmond. A company of the 10th Kentucky cavalry was rear
guard, and running out of ammunition was unable to hold the
rebels in check. Lieut. Spaulding directed Serg. Mauck and
three men to take down the fence, so he. could move .the com
pany into position in a field to check the rebel advance.
As they were removing the fence, the rebels made a charge
and the company was swept down the road, leaving the dis
mounted men surrounded by the enemy. They were sent to the
rear without a guard, and being covered with dust fell in Avith
another advancing rebel force, without being recognized, and
joined with them in making a charge upon our lines, hop
ing by that means to make their escape. They were recogniz
ed, however, by Col. Scott and ordered back.
Serg. Mauck again attempted to reach the front, but he was
again recognized by Scott, who drew his revolver and threat
ened to blow Mauck's head off if he did not go to the rear and
stay there. They were then dismounted, and marched back
to town and paroled.
August T. Sniggs, of Co. H, was also cut off and surrounded
by rebels, who commanded him to snrrender, but he ran into
a corn field and concealed himself and made his escape.
While at Danville the 1st and 2nd East Tennessee regiments
of mounted infantry were added to the brigade ; and the 112th
exchanged its old Harpy's Ferry muskets for new Enfield ri-

64 HISTORY OF THE H2TH ILLINOIS.
fles. The rifles arrived in the night of July 26th, and orders
were given to draw and issue them instanter, and be ready to
move, with five days rations at a moments notice.
The men turned out of their tents ; the new arms and accou
trements were distributed, the old packed in boxes ready for
shipment, rations prepared and everything got in readiness
for an immediate movement ; but the day passed and no or
der to march was given. Information was wanted as to the
movements of the rebels, and finally it came. At 4 o'clock
Tuesday afternoon (the 28th), the command was given to move
at once ; and leaving one hundred men in camp in command
of Capt. J. C. Dickerson (who was unable to ride on account
of an injury received in a tussle with a mule) the 112th Illinois
with the hrigade, marched for Lexington, and arrived there
at 2 o'clock the following morning, and after resting two
hours, was ordered to saddle up and be ready to move in five
minutes, but did not start until in the afternoon. The detach
ment from Richmond joined the regiment here ; and informa
tion having been received that the rebels were at Winchester,
the 112th Illinois, 10th and 14th Kentucky, 2nd East Tennes
see regiments, and a battalion of the 5th East Tennessee, (a
new organization half formed, made up of Union refugees from
Tennessee) — all mounted, — and the 2nd Ohio battery, CjI.
Saunders in command, at 3 o'clock, started after them, arriv
ing at Winchester at 8 o'clock the same evening.
The Union advance guard here came upon the rebel rear
guard and captured eight or ten of them. At Winchester the
command left the turnpike, and struck into the hills, over
rough and stony roaxls, through ravines and across streams,
in the midst of a terrible thunder shower which continued un
til daylight. The force of rebels under Scott had taken this
route, hoping to elude the Union troops and make their escape
from the State ; but Col. Saunders, who commanded this de
tachment of Union troops, was determined to punish Scott for
driving him out of Richmond two days before.
The Union troops marched all night and overtook the rebel
column at 8 o'clock the next morning, at a little place called
Vienna. The rebels attempted to make a stand here, but, af
ter a sharp skirmish, broke and retreated rapidly toward Ir-

ON THE MOVE. 65
vine, on the Kentucky River, followed closely by the Union
forces. Arrived at Irvine at noon. Here the rebels again
formed a line and showed fight ; but after a severe skirmish,
lasting about two hours, the battery was brought up and open
ed on them, and at the same time the Union troops charged
upon tlieir line, and they gave way and retreated towards Lan
caster. Up to this time the Union column had made but one halt
exceeding thirty minutes since leaving Lexington, and that
was at Vienna1 while- engaged in a skirmish. Frequent halts
of a few minutes "each had been made, and during these the
men had fed their horses corn, which had been found in the
country,, picked up the uneaten ears when the bugle sounded
the advance, and carrying them until another halt was made,
and then feeding again; and in that manner the horses had
fared very well for food. But both men and horses needed a
little rest, so the command halted at Irvine to take breath,
and feed the horses some hay which was found there.
When the column left the turnpike at Winchester and struck
the "knobs" the wagon train, containing rations and feed for
the horses, was left in the rear, and the men now had only two
crackers each (many not any), and a very small piece of very
dirty, greasy meat. This was their first "square meal" since
leaving Lexington, and after eating that, the order was given
to mount and away again in pursuit of the flying rebels.
Again the column moved — marched the remainder of the
day and all night— the advance guard engaged in a continual
skirmish with the rebel rear guard— until daylight, when the
main rebel force was discovered a short distance ahead at "Big-
Hill. " A temporary halt was made to close up the ranks and
get into line, and then the Union troops spurred their horses
into a run and rode straight forward toward the rebel liue, yell
ing like demons, and firing guns and revolvers as, they advanc
ed. The rebels fired one volley and then broke and ran. From
this point the chase became exciting. At a little town near
Lancaster they again attempted to check the Union advance,
but failed and scattered and ran like sheep, through fields, over
fences and across roads, on to Lancaster. Here, supposing
—5

66 HISTORY OF THE 112TH! ILLINOIS.
the rebels would halt at Lancaster, Col. Henderson, with the
112th Illinois, made a detour to the left for the purpose, if pos
sible, of moving around the town and getting possession of the-
road between them and Dick's River, and cutting off their re
treat ; but the movement was discovered, and the enemy re
treated rapidly to the river, closely pursued by the Union
troops. The enemy crossed the river and made a halt on the oppos
ite side ; and as the 112th, which was now in advance, was _
crossing the river, the rebels opened fire with artillery. Col.
Henderson deployed the regiment and advanced his lines rap
idly to ascertain their position and strength ; but the rebels
were not prepared to make a stand, and again broke and con- ¦
tinned their flight toward Stanford, with a loss of sixty of then-
rear guard, who were captured, and the Union forces followed
in hot pursuit. It was reported that a Union force was at
Stanford prepared to intercept the rebels there, and it was
hoped their whole force on this road would be captured.
But the only Union force at Stanford was a train of twenty-
six wagons, loaded with' provisions and forage for the com
mand chasing Scott, guarded by the 32nd Kentucky regiment ;
and upon the first approach of the enemy the 32nd Kentucky
ingloriously fled and abandoned the train to the rebels. The
flying rebels halted and fed themselves and horses out of the
Union supplies, burned the remainder, with the wagons, cap
tured the mules, and continued their retreat towards Somer
set. The Union forces hurried forward to Stanford, and arrived
there in time to give the retreating rebels a parting shot, but
too late to save the train. It was now 5 o'clock Friday even
ing. The main force of rebels was only two miles in advance,
but the Union force was ordered to halt. Some corn was
found in the country for the horses, but the men had nothing
to eat except what they could purchase in town,— barely en
ough to keep soul and body together.
Since the command left Lexington the men had had no sleep
whatever, except what they had slept on horse-back. From
5 o'clock Thursday evening to noon Friday the command had
marched seventy miles, had captured many prisoners and kept

AN EXCITING CHASE. , 67
the enemy on the run. The road was strewn with abandoned
arms and ammunition, saddles, bridles, clothing and burning
wagons. At 8 o'clock Friday evening (July 31st) the order was given
to advance, and the command again started in pursuit of the
rebels. Marched sixteen miles to Waynesburg, and there halt
ed two hours, to sleep, and then marched again towards Som
erset. Overtook the rebel rear guard at Somerset and pursued
them to the Cumberland River, at Smith's Ferry, near Waits-
boro, and engaged in a severe skirmish and artillery firing, but
the main body of the rebel force succeeded in crossing the riv
er. The Union troops captured a considerable number of pris
oners and a large quantity of property. It was now Saturday
evening, and the command was relieved from further pursuit
by Wolford's brigade of fresh troops, and moved back a few
miles and bivonacked for the night, hungry and weary. Sup
plies having been forwarded to Stanford, the command march
ed early the next morning (Sunday,) and arrived at Stanford
at 3 o'clock, where rations were drawn — and eaten with a rel
ish. The next day (Monday, Aug. 3d,) the command returned to
camp at Danville, — having marched two hundred and sixty
miles — captured five hundred prisoners, among them Col. Ash-
by — and scattered hundreds in the woods, who were after
wards captured — and several pieces of artillery, and recover
ed a large herd of horses, about five hundred mules and nearly
as many cattle, which had been plundered from the citizens ;
and the Union troops had taught Scott and his raiders a les
son wdiich they remembered during the remainder of the war.
All the horses of the Union troops were jaded and worn out,
and some were completely ruined in this race, and soon after
returning to Danville requisitions were made for other horses
to supply their places. When the regiment moved back from
the river, Col. Henderson's horse was so lame and foundered it
could hardly walk. Serg. Doyle, of Co. B, offered the colonel
his horse, wdiich was "accepted, and he took charge of the col
onel's horse. He was nearly a week in getting the horse to
camp. Many other horses were in equally bad condition, and
some even worse.

68 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
On the return from the Cumberland, dozens of Union sol
diers' hats were picked up on the road, which had been lost on
the night march from Stanford — fallen off while the men were
sound asleep, and not missed until they awoke and found them
selves bareheaded.
On the 8th of August the 112th Illinois with the other troops
at Danville, marched to Stanford. Here the brigade was re
organized to consist of the 112th Illinois, the 1st East Tennes
see, and the 45th Ohio, (mounted infantry) and the 8th Michi
gan Cavalry and 1st Indiana Battery. Gen. Julius White
commanded the brigade and Gen. Carter the division.
Ever since the affair at Monticello, early in May, Capt.
Biggs, of Co. C, had virtually surrendered the command ofthe
company to Lieut. J. B. Mitchell ; and the captain resigned
his commission on the 9th of August, and retired from the ser
vice. Lieut. Mitchell was promoted to Captain, Second Lieu
tenant A. P. Petrie to First Lieutenant, and First Sergeant
Homer Sherbondy to Second Lieutenant. Their commissions
were not received, however, until the 17th of October follow
ing. /
Gen. Burnside arrived at Stanford with the 9th Army Corps,
on the 17th of August, and at once commenced active prepar
ations for the permanent occupation of East Tennessee,

CHAPTER VIII.
OVER THE MOUNTAINS — THE MARCH TO EAST
TENNESSEE — RECEPTION AND UNION
MEETING AT ATHENS.
Tennessee was the last state to "secede" from the Union.
It was not until the 8th day of June, 1861 — nearly two months
after the first mad assault of armed rebels upon the flag of
their country — that the secessionists of the State, aided by the
emissaries of the rebel government, succeeded in passing an
ordinance of secession and uniting the State with the so-called
Confederacy. Secession in Tennessee, as in most other South
ern States, was not the act of the people, nor the consequence
of any disaffection of the people to the Union, nor of any just
complaint against the National Government ; but it was the
result of a foul conspiracy, entered into by prominent South
ern politicians at Washington, who, while holding high official
positions under the government, which they had solemnly
sworn to serve and maintain, were secretly engaged in hatch
ing treason against the government and plotting its destruc
tion. If this be not treason — if Jeff Davis and his fellow-con
spirators be not traitors, then was Benedict Arnold a patriot,
and John Wilkes Booth a martyr to the cause of liberty.
But, although Tennessee had formally withdrawn from the
Union and joined the Southern Confederacy, the brave, hardy,
loyal mountaineers of East Tennessee refused to transfer their
allegiance from the Government of their Fatheis to the slave
holders' oligarchy of the South.
No language can describe the sufferings of those people in

70 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
consequence of their loyalty to the Union. They were de
nounced as traitors, robbed of their property, driven from their
homes, hunted like wild beasts in the forests, confined in loath
some dungeons, hanged like felons, and — a greater wrong
than all these— many of them were forced, at the point of the
bayonet, to enter the rebel army and fight for a cause they
hated, against the Union they loved. Many others fled from
their homes, and, after many weary weeks hiding in the woods,
escaped from their persecutors, and, nearly starved, half nak
ed, crossed the mountains and enlisted in the Union army.
Several regiments in Kentucky were composed almost entirely
of "Union refugees" from East Tennessee. One prominent
Union lady, of good family, herself conducted men enough over
the mountains, guiding them by day and concealing.them at
night, to make two full Union regiments. Hundreds of these
refugees had not heard from wife or family for more than a
year. Occasionally a letter could be sent home, 1/y some bold
adventurer who was returning, who rode into the neighbor
hood in the night-time and slipped the letter under the door
of the house, where it could be found in the morning ; and the
good wife would know that a friend from the Union army had
brought it, but she would have no means of knowing who. It
might be a near neighbor, but she knew better than to make
inquiries. The fact that she had received a letter was careful
ly concealed. It was almost dangerous for a Union family to
breathe in that country, and the slightest sign of intelligence
from the absent husband, son or brother might be attended
with serious oonsermenees. ft was verv seldom indeed that,

CRAB ORCHARD TO KNOXVILLE. 71
of the I12th called on him at his headquarters, and spent a
short time very agreeably.
Gen. White detailed the following officers of the 112th as
members of his staff, and they served in the positions here
named, under different brigade commanders, during the entire
East Tennessee campaign, until the regiment was dismounted
at Knoxville, in February, 1864 :
Capt. James McCartney, Acting Assistant Adjutant Gener
al. Lieut. Thomas F. Davenport, Acting Assistant Commis
sary of Subsistence. Lieut. George W. Lawrence, Acting As
sistant Topographical Engineer.
On Friday, the 21st day of August — on the s,ame day Gen.
Rosecrans, in command of the Army of the Cumberland, com- '
menced shelling Bragg's rebel army out of Chattanooga — Gen.
Burnside marched from Crab Orchard with the Army of the
Ohio, the 9th and 23d corps, for East Tennessee.
Before leaving Crab Orchard, Gen. White was transferred
to the command of the 4th Division of the 23d Corps, and Col.
R. K. Byrd, of the 1st East Tennessee regiment was placed in
command of the 1st Brigade, of which the 112th was part.
With a wagon train nine miles in length, and one thousand
pack mules ; with artillery, ambulances, and all the necessary
equipage of an army, the march across the mountains wras
successfully accomplished, and about the first of September-
Gen. Burnside established his headquarters at Knoxville.
The infantry entered Tennessee by way of Cumberland Gap,
and proceeded to Knoxville. The division of mounted troops
of which the 112th Illinois was part, marched by way of Wil
liamsburg, Jellico Mountain, Big Creek Gap, Montgomery and
Wartburg, to Kingston, on the Tennessee River, where it ar
rived on the first day of September ; and the next day Col.
Byrd's brigade, including the 112th Illinois, proceeded to Post
Oak Springs, seven miles west of Kingston.
Sgrgeant Lucius C. Niles, of Co. A, Avas drowned in the Em
ery Biver, near JKingston, on the 31st of August. His body
was- recovered, and enclosed at night in a box and buried by
moonlight. At Jofield's cross roads, ten miles north of Williamsburg,
Co. B, of the 112th, in command of Capt. Dickerson, was or-

72 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
dered to halt and wait for the division supply train to pass,
and then to follow the train as rear guard. The company re
mained there three days, in a country abounding with pigs,
fowls, fruit and vegetables (and apple brandy), and thei pro
ceeded with the train, arriving at the camp of subsistence at
Emery's Iron Works, eight miles north of Kingston, on the
4th of September, where the train was unloaded and the com
pany relieved, and the next day guarded another train to
Kingston, and then proceeded to Post Oak Springs and rejoin
ed the regiment. On the 3d of September the 45th Ohio was
detached from the brigade, by Special Order Xo. 59, Head
quarters 23d Army Corps, and temporarily assigned to the 4h
Division, then at Loudon, in command of Gen. White.
The rebels had retreated from Kingston upon the approach
of the Union troops, after slight skirmishing, and retired
across the Tennessee. They crossed the river by ferry, and
in their hurry twenty men were drowned. They then sunk
the boat to prevent its falling into the hanls of the Union
forces. Capt. Wright, with his company (F), was directed to
proceed to the river and raise the boat, which he did : and at
the same time recovered several dead bodies of the drowned
rebel soldiers which rose to the surface with the boat, and
which were decently buried.
Lieut. John L. Dow, of Co. A, of the 112th Illinois, was ap
pointed Provost Marshal of Kingston, and with an efficient
guard at his command, managed the affairs of the town — civil)
and military — in a manner creditable to himself and to the
satisfaction of his superior officers. He made himself im
mensely popular with the ladies by a liberal distribution of
the contents of a large dry-goods store belonging to the rebel
merchant Yost, who had abandoned his store and gone south
with the rebel army.
Capt. Dunn, with Co. D, in command of Lieut. Griffin, and
Co. G, in command of Lieut. Milchrist, proceeded on a scout
from Post Oak Springs down the Tennessee, and brought into
camp forty sacks of flour and a considerable number of pris
oners. A detachment of cavalry from Rosecrans' army arriv
ed in camp during the night of September 6th with dispatch
es. This was the first communication with the Army of the

AT PRIGMORE'S MILLS. 73
Cumberland, and the boys turned out and welcomed them
with cries of "Bully for Rosy !"
Tho brigade broke camp and marched at 7 o'clock in the
morning of the 7th, crossed the Tennessee River by ferry boat
at Kingston, and proceeded about three miles southwest to
Rrigmore's Mills, arriving there on the evening of the 8th, in
the midst of a cold disagreeable rain storm. The mills were
• set in operation and were soon grinding food for the Union
troops. Prigmore was an old rebel, and the products of his
large farm wore freely appropriated to supply men and horses
with food. Among other supplies captured in this neighbor
hood wore thirty head of fat beef cattle, of "rebel proclivities,"
which were slaughtered and the meat distributed to the Union
soldiers. Notwithstanding the fact that Prigmore was a se
cessionist and a rebel, Col. Byrd issued an order that no rails
on his farm should be burned. No sooner hal the troops dis
mounted, however, than the 112th Illinois had a dozen or two
bright fires burning, made exclusively of "top rails." Col.
Byrd rode down tlie line in a fury, and meeting Lieut. Col.
Bond, inquired in language more forcible than polite, if the
112th Illinois proposed to disobey his orders. Col. Bond re
plied in equally forcible language, "If every rail on this 
old rebel's farm was the cross on which our Saviour was cruci
fied, my men should bum every  one of them." Col.
Byrd wheeled his horse and rode away, too greatly amazed to
reply. Col. Byrd had considerable trouble at Prigmore's, and tied
up some of the men by the thumbs for foraging. He threaten
ed to tie up some of the 112th Illinois, but was informed by
Col. Henderson that he would attend to the discipline of his
own regiment, and that no 112th man should be humiliated
by such punishment. Col. Byrd's intentions were good ; but
th.3 men misunderstood him. He endeavored to save the corn
and forage on Prigmore's farm for future use— to prevent it
fiom being wasted— but failed to make his motives understood,
hence the trouble. He was accused of personal friendship and
sympathy for Prigmore, but that was doubtless untrue.
On the 9th of September a detachment consisting of Co. C,
in command of Capt. Mitchell, Co. H, in command of Lieut.

74 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Jesse Newman, and Co. I, in command of Capt. Wilkins, all
in command of Capt. Sroufe, of the 112th Illinois, was ordered
out on a scout, and proceeded as far as Athens on the railroad,
without finding any armed rebels. Athens is a beautiful town
on the Virginia, East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad,' sixty
miles south of Knoxville, and its citizens were generally in-
, tensely loyal ond patriotic. They welcomed the advent of the
Union army with joy, and tendered the detachment under
Capt. Sroufe a dinner in token of their friendship for the old
Union. It is hardly necessary to add that their proffered hos
pitality was not declined. A Union lady informed Capt.
Sroufe that the rebels had seized a National Flag belonging to
the Union people there, and that it was in the custody of a
certain rebel family in town. At her request the captain vis
ited the house indicated, and politely but firmly demanded
the flag. It was surrendered to him and restored'to its right
ful owner. The detachment returned to camp late the same
night with glowing accounts of tlieir reception at Athens.
On the 10th the whole brigade moved to Athens, arriving
there in the afternoon, and went into camp on Forest Hill,
about one mile from town, and in honor qf the colonel of the
112th Illinois the camp was named "Camp Tom Henderson."
Upon the entry of the Union army into East Tennessee, in
force, the rebel troops had retired, without making serious re
sistance to our advance, and joined Bragg's army at Chicka
mauga. This was the first appearance of the Union troops in
that part of the country, and the people along the line of
march, Union and rebel, turned out en masse — the Union peo
ple to welcome the boys in blue, and the rebel population to
gratify their curiosity. The latter were evidently disappoinf-
ed. They had pictured the "Yanks," in their minds, as horri
ble looking creatures, blood-thirsty savages ; but, as one of
them expressed it, "You 'uns look jest like other men." A
-camp visitor on Sunday said to one of Uncle Sam's soldiers,
"You 'uns don't war them good close every day do you?" An
other, a woman, with the ever present snuff-dip in her mouth,
the tobacco juice running out of both corners, down over her
chin, indignantly inquired, "What for you 'uns come down
here critter back to fight we 'uns?" Not all the women were

THE LADIES AT ATHENS. 75
ignorant, however, neither did all of them dip snuff. There
were few able bodied men in the country — they were in the ar
my, Union or rebel. All the people, and especially the women ,
were radical in their political views — were intensely Union or
intensely rebel— there was no middle ground upon which they
could stand, nor any conservative principle upon which they
could agree.
It m ty have been that the author looked with partial eyes
upon the Union women, or that he was prejudiced against the
"she rebels," but certain it is that he then believed the former
were far superior in appearance, in intelligence and in behav
ior to their sisters of rebel proclivities. On the march over the
mountains — through Southern Kentucky and East Tennessee
— hundreds of Union women who. had heard of the "OldFlag,"
but had never seen one, gathered on the road sides, as the
troop's were passing, and begged the color bearers to show
them the stars and stripes. Serg. John L. Jennings, the reg
imental color bearer, many times unfurled the colors of the
112th to gratify these loyal women, and patiently explained to
them the significance of the stars and stripes.
The author met one Union lady — cultured and beautiful —
the wife of a prominent Union officer, who had travelled over
the mountains five times — a distance of over two thousand
miles— had forded dangerous rivers, traversed dismal forests,
climbed steep mountain ranges, by day and night, in storm
and sunshine, attended only by a trusty negro woman, to car
ry information to the Union army in Kentucky.
At Athens the Union soldiers were greeted with a warm wel
come by the citizens. A large company of beautiful young la
dies, all dressed in white, bearing two elegant National Flags,
marched out to meet the Union troops, and with bewitching
smiles, amid waving handkerchiefs, greeted them with three
hearty cheers for the good old Union and the bonnie boys in
blue. The ladies carried beautiful bouquets of flowers, artist
ically tied with red, white and blue ribbons, which they be
stowed upon the boys with many wishes for the success of the
Union cause. The boys responded with becoming spirit. Such
a reception gladdened their hearts, gave them new courage and

76 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
energy, and intensified their determination to free East Ten
nessee, and the whole South, from rebel dominion.
A large meeting of the citizens was addressed by Col. Byrd,
Col. Henderson and others, who made ringing Union speeches,
which were enthusiastically cheered by the people. A seces
sion newspaper office, which had been hurriedly abandoned by
the proprietor, was taken possession of by the Union army, and
Lieut. Boynton, of the 8th Michigan, brigade quartermaster,
was placed in charge of the editorial department. Compositors
were detailed from the regiments, and two numbers of the pa
per issued while the troops occupied Athens. The paper had
been called the "Athens Post," but Lieut. Boynton inserted
the word "Union," makiug it the "Athens Union Post, "
and adopted as a motto, "the union must and shall be pre
served." The following is the report of the Union meeting, as publish
ed in the Post: "patriotic gathering."
"Last Thursday, after our army came into this place, the
citizens requested Col. Byrd to address them at some appoint
ed time, in order that the public might better understand the
policy of the administration. Our enemies had entirely mis
represented our intentions. Col. Byrd appointed the next day
(Friday), at ten o'clock. In the meantime the citizens pro
cured the Methodist church, and sent out word as much as
their limited time would allow, for the people to gather in and
hear what was to be said.
At the appointed time Col. Byrd, of the 1st Regiment East
Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, now acting Brigadier General
of this brigade, Col. Henderson of the 112th Regiment Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, and Lieut. Col. Wormer of the 8th Regi
ment Michigan Cavalry, made their appearance. The band
belonging to the 112th Illinois enlivened the occasion by spir
ited tunes of a patriotic and sentimental character. The house
was crowded to its utmost, and everyone seemed anxious to
learn the "Lincoln policy." It was also undoubtedly quite a
curiosity to see and hear those dreaded "Yankees."
Not knowing that we would be able to publish this little
sheet when the meeting took place, we did not take a report of

MEETING AT ATHEENS. 77
the speeches made, and have to depend altogether upon our
memory, which is somewhat limited. We would have been
pleased to have published a complete report.
A. Blizzard, Esq., opened the meeting by a few appropriate
remarks. He very feelingly alluded to the persecution he had
subinitted to for the last two years. He stated that it was the
first time in that period that he had been permitted to address
his friends at a public gathering. The liberty of speech which
our government had, up to the breaking out of this war, given
to the people had been taken from him ; he was obliged to go
about with sealed lips. It gave him great pleasure to be once
more under the protection of the old government he had al
ways loved so well, and to be allowed to speak his sentiments
publicly and without molestation. He wanted the people to
hear for themselves whether the enemies of our country had
stated truly and fairly the policy which the Union administia-
tion had adopted in conducting the war, in order to bring
about an honorable and lasting peace. He spoke of the ban
ishment of Col. Byrd from his home and fireside, because he
loved the Union that our forefathers had established and ce
mented with their blood. He was happy to meet him again
on his own soil, and to have the honor of introducing him to
the citizens of Athens on this occasion.
At the close of his remarks he introduced Col. Byrd to the
audience, who stepped forward and said :
Fellow Citizens. — I wish to say a few words to you in re
gard to the course our government has adopted, and to dis
abuse the public mind of the false statements made by public
speakers and the disloyal press of the South.
It has been said by them that when we came among you we
would destroy your property, desolate your fields, steal your
niggers, and commit all kinds of depredations. That the
"Yankees" were a cruel, barbarous race, and that they would
insult your wives, mothers and daughters, that they would im
prison those who had in the least assisted in this rebellion.
It is dfficult to state what they have not said about the inten
tions of our army, and what we would do when we came
among you. We believe our actions and conduct will prove
that, although we are soldiers and " Yankees, " as they are

78 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
pleased to call us, yet we are nevertheless men and human
beings. We do not come here to oppress you, to apply the
torch to_your dwellings and otherwise destroy your property.
But we come to establish law and order to put down a false
and pernicious government which the rebels have sought to
force upon you.
Our commanding generals— Gen. Burnside, Gen. Hartsuff
and others— have issued stringent orders against allowing the
soldiers to trespass upon or molest the property of citizens,
whether they are loyal or disloyal. The severest punishment
will be given to those who disobey.
In regard to stealing negroes — a crime which the Union ar
my has been accused of time and again — I would say that Ave
did not come here for any such purpose. Not a citizen along
the route has been robbed of his negroes, nor do Ave propose
that they shall be.
Gen. Jackson, that good old patriot, had he been a prophet,
could not have prophesied more truly, when he said, at the
time South Carolina attempted to secede from the Union, that
the next pretext for secession Avould be the slavery question.
I can remember when we, of the South, looked upon slavery
as an evil, and talked and discussed the matter as such among
ourselves, regretting that it existed. But scheming politicians
saw that the institution might be used for political purposes.
The agitation of it brought about a sectional feeling, and from
that we of the South were soon led to believe that the institu
tion was right — that it was of Divine origin and should be per
petuated. Thus we Avere taught to believe in the divinity of
an institution Ave in former times looked upon as pernicious.
I want my friends to understand that I am for the Union,
nigger or no nigger. We will have our government first, and
examine the negro question afterward. If Ave can save it Avith
the nigger, I am Avilling. If Ave must lose the nigger to pre
serve the Union, I will not object. The Union .is paramount
to all other questions.
We do not propose to take anything from the people, unless
we give them value received. If the country people have any
produce, grain or hay, to sell, Aye Avill take it and pay them
fair prices. The soldiers and the stock have got to live, and

ADDRESSES AT ATHENS. B 79
we must get our subsistence here among you. We do not pro
pose to take it from those who cannot spare it. We will leave
them enough to live upon.
The Colonel concluded, after a few happy remarks, which
were frequently applauded by the audience.
Lieut. Col. Wormer was then introduced. He said he was a
Michigan man, from the extreme North — was not in the habit
of public speaking, and could not say what he wanted to say
in short order. He was surprised at the Union demonstra
tions he had seen since he came into East Tennessee. He was
proud of the East Tennesseans, and the Michigan boys were
ready to assist them in driving from the country their enemies.
He said,his boys had a dose to give those who would not lay
down their arms. It was called the Spencer Pills ; seven were
taken (if necessary) for a dose. They were easy to take, but
fearful effects followed suddenly aftenvards. He hoped the
war would soon close, and if possible without any further
bloodshed. He was glad to see that the people had got over their fright
— that they had found the "Yankees" without horns. The peo
ple here had been led to believe that we were monsters, with
horns, and that we were coming to destroy them all. He be
lieved it would be but a short time before the war would cease,
and we would once more join hands, Nortli and South. LaAV
and order would prevail, and we northern men could return
home, conscious that the old government was reestablished,
and peace and harmony existed, North and South, East and
West. Col. Henderson was then called upon, and after being intro
duced to the audience as an Illinoisan, said :
He Avas happy to be permitted to address the people of his
native State on this occasion. He was born in Tennessee but
Avas a citizen of Illinois by adoption. He had always taken a
great interest in his native state, and had been pained to see
what ruin and anarchy prevailed in Tennessee, and regretted
the course she had taken.
He said Illinois had sent one hundred and thirty odd thous
and men into the field to restore the Union, and, if it was nec
essary she could send as many more. The North was united

80 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
and determined. He spoke of the Emancipation Proclama
tion. It was a necessary measure to weaken our enemies —
that the slaves Avere used against us, in the fortifications as
well as in the fields. Had the South remained with us it
would have had greater protection thrown around the institu
tion of slavery, under the present administration, than it ever
had before. In fact there was greater danger of the North be
coming all pro-slavery than all abolitionists. People all- over
the country had, through political influences, worked them
selves into the belief that it was a good institution, and the
North must not interfere with it, but the war, that the political
demagogues ofthe South had inaugurated, had entirely chang
ed the whole order of things.
He spoke of the humane policy of President Lincoln, that he
did not want to oppress the people of the South or deprive
them of life, liberty or their property, if they would only re
turn to their allegiance to the government. But this Union
must be restored, and this government maintained, cost what
it may. Itis impossible to give a correct report of the Colonel's speech
from memory. It Avas an able speech, and was received with
bursts of applause. We would have been glad to have printed
it entire if a correct report could have been obtained. We be
lieve it would have done much toward enlightening the public
mind in regard to the policy of our government.
The meeting dispersed while the band played, everyone ap
pearing Avell pleased with what they had heard."

CHAPTER IX.
- army correspondence.
clippings from the "athens union post".
The author also clips the following articles from the first
number of the Athens Union Post (the only one he can obtain)
believing they cannot fail to be of interest to every 112th Illi
nois man, and as illustrating some peculiar phases of army
life. The first article, "Army Correspondence," was originally
written by Lieut. Boynton for a Michigan newspaper, but hav
ing no opportunity to send it, he published it in the Post : *
''army correspondence.
Head-Quarters 1st Brig. Cav. Div. 23d Army Corps,
Kingston, East Tennessee, Sept. 2nd, 1863.
Aug'. 17th. After having everything in readiness to march,
we started at 6 :30 a. m. on the road to Crab Orchard. The
advance of the brigade "arrived at 1 :30. The commanding of
ficers found after marching that distance, that they had not
entirely restored order out of the chaos, and had not therefore
completed their preparations for so great an undertaking.
Here Gen. White, commanding this brigade, was ordered to
take command of the 4th Division, and Col. Byrd of the 1st
Tenn., Mounted Infantry, was ordered to take command of
this brigade. A sufficient number of horses had not been
drawn, and many of the men were compelled to go on foot to
Crab Or diard. It was a sultry, hot day, and scores of them
gaAe out, and lay along the side of the road under the shade
trees. —6

82 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
We remained at Crab Orchard three days, during which
time pieparations were completed for the expedition. While
Ave were in camp at Crab Orchard, the 2nd Division (infantry,)
in Avhich Avas the 23d and 25th Michigan regiments, passed on
the road leading to Somerset. All the roads leading over the
mountains, in this direction, were completely filled Avith troops.
Trains of Avagons loaded AA'ith forage and supplies folloAved the
different brigades and divisions, covering over mile after mile
of road ; and it seemed that the rear would never pass. It is
impossible for one not connected AA'ith the army to take into
contemplation the resources of our government.
Aug. 20th. At 2 o'clock we were again under motion, fol
lowed by a train of wagons belonging to the brigade. Gen.
Burnside, staff and body guard soon after took up their line
of march, followed by his train of sixty wagons, in which Avas
the baggage and camp equipage of himself and staff. We
moved slowly on over a rough, rocky road to Mt. Vernon — the
advance of the brigade arriving at 5 o'clock, but the train hav
ing been too heaAily loaded for the roads, some of it did not
reauii there till the folloAAing morning. Here Ave halted one
day to rearrange the loads, as they Avere altogether too heavy
to cross the mountains. J3efore reaching Mt. Vernon we had
made up our minds — as the town had been named after the
birthplace of the father of our country — to find quite a nice,
romantic place ; but in this Ave Avere greatly disappointed. *
On the road we found that romance had nothing to do with
driving mules before army wagons, over rocky hills — in other
words over nature's rough paA~ed pathways.
It Avas indeed musical — so much so that I forgot to pay as
much attention as I intended to, to the romantic part — to hear
the shouts of the mule drivers, the braying of the mules, the
curses and blows bestowed so laAtishly on the poor unfortunate
brutes. It Avas particularly interesting on the part of the
Michigan boys who knew little about mules, rocks or hills.
Had the mules been fortunate enough, when they were usher
ed into this state of existence, to possess souls, not one of
them would haA'e passed on to that better land if the Michi
gan boys had anything to say about it. If they were sent to
perdition. once on the route, they were times innumerable. It

ARMY CORRESPONDENCE. 83
was night* when I arrived in town. Morning dawned upon Mt.
Vernon. I arose from my rocky bed, Avith a rock for a pilloAv,
expecting to gaze upon some beautiful village surrounded by
luxuriant verdure, shade trees, with little cottages here and
there, rich gardens Avith abundance of vegetables good to the
taste. But alas, a squalid, dirty, uninviting village, so called,
met my anxious looks. I dreamed of better things but I Avas
led to believe, as the Paddy says : "Drames go by contrairies."
The inhabitants partook of the same characteristics as the vil
lage, dull, sleepy, inanimate, dirty and lazy. I could not
blame them much, for the surrounding country was enough to
give even a Michigan man the "don't care if school keeps or
not" spirit. But little vegetation met the eye. Here'and there
a scrubbed oak tree was visible, while old moss-covered rocks
protruded their ugly looking heads through the thin layer of
poor soil. It was an uninviting place for a soldier Avith an
empty stomach.
At this place, dealers in liquors were prohibited from selling
their stock to soldiers, but one impudent individual who had
a very good article overstepped the order ; Capt. Wells, of the
8th Mich. Cavalry, Avho was acting on Col. Byrd's staff as
Provost Marshal, getting wind of his maneuvers, took posses
sion of his institution and confiscated the liquor. He brought
it to Col. Byrd, who, after mature deliberation, concluded to
retain it at head-quarters, for purely medicalpurposes — thought
it would be necessary to cure rattlesnake bites, as the moun
tains over which we were to pass abounded with the reptiles.
But fortune favored the brave, and no one was bitten by
snakes; The medicine disappeared in a remarkably mysterious
manner. It probably might have been taken in anticipation
of what might occur, and the staff undoubtedly thought it best
to use it as a preventive, believing in the doctrine that an
"ounce of preventive is worth a pound of cure."
At 6 o'clock, the next morning, Aug. 22d, the bugle sounded
"boots and saddles," and we were soon on the road again tow
ards Wild Cat Mountains. We were indeed glad enough to
leave so dismal a looking town, but could we have looked for-
Avard over the roads we subsequently traveled we would have
been perfectly contented to remain in Mount Vernon, though

84 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
so lifeless and dead. Away Ave went, up hill, the wagons
bounding over rocks in the road, and it seemed at times that
the Avheels Avould crush, as they jumped from one rock to an
other. But it appeared that Uncle Sam had, for once, dealt
Avith an honest contractor AAdio got up good, substantial, Avag-
ons. Slowly, but surely, the long eared animals tugged away
(some of them not larger than rats) at their loads. The col
umn Avould occasionally halt, in order that the teams might
close up. A little ¦after 12 o'clock, noon, Ave Avere ascending
the Wild Cat Mountains. How the name originated I could
not learn, but it is not inappropriate, for a wilder, more deso
late looking place could not well be imagined. It was a fit
abode for wild cats, provided they depended for subsistence on
snakes and bats.
Reaching the top of the mountain, we found where Buell
and Bragg had a set to, when Bragg Avas retreating from Ken
tucky. Earth works were thrown up on the top of the moun
tain to the left, Avhere Bragg had plante'd his batteries to re
tard the movements of Buell. Trees had been felled, in order
to get better range, and the narrow road leading doAvn the
mountain had been obstructed by fallen timber. The obstruc
tions had long been cleared out, but there lay the evidences of
the conflict.
After passing down on the opposite side of the mountain,
we found for a few miles very good roads. ToAvards sundown
Ave reached Rock Castle River. On the opposite side another
large hill made its appearance, up which we had to climb with
our loaded teams. The column moved on Avithout much diffi
culty, but when the nearly worn out mules came along with
tlieir heavy loads, it did look decidedly discouraging. The
poor brutes must have certainly realized it.
It Avas 10 o'clock the following morning before the whole
train reached the top of the hill. We would have made much
better progress Avere it not that both horses and mules had
been kept for OAer ten days on half rations, and only hay at
that. This Avas a necessary measure. Grain Avas very scarce,
and all that could be obtained was retained in the wagons, to
be fed when we got oil the mountains, Avhere it Avas impossible
to get forage. This eventually proA'ed to be a Avise measure.

CROSSING THE MOUNTAINS. H5
The column moved on, the same night, six miles beyond
London, but the wagons did not all got np till about 8 o'clock
in tho morning of the next day. Some of the mules gave en
tirely out, and the teamsters wore obliged to feed them ongreen
corn stalks before they had strength enough to go further.
At London, the 8th Mich. Cavalry was detached from the
brigade!, and was ordered to take the loft hand road and join
the brigade! again at Williamsburg, but as they had got in the
roar of the division train, Gen. Carter ordered them to act as
roar guard, and assist the wagons in going over the Cumber
land Mountains ; coiisetpiontly they did not join the command
until three tlays after, at a place called Chitwood, after we
had crossed tho line into East Tennessee.
Tho brigade left its camping ground this sitle of London
about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and marchoil nearly all night
over a very rough road and wild country. About midnight
we encamped within six miles of Williamsburg. Early the
next morning wo took up our line of march to Williamsburg,
arriving there between 8 and 9 o'clock. There Ave found the
3rd Brigade, which went by another route. Gen. Burnside
and Gen. Carter wore also there. It was at that place we cross
ed the Cumberland River. Had we been traveling for pleas
ure, with all tbt! comforts of life along with us, we might have
noted it down as a romantic and picturesque place. But emp
ty stomachs, tired and worn out bodies and sleepy noddles
could not appreciate tho beauties of nature. Our longing eyes
and gnawing stomachs wore contemplating the condition of a
corn field not far distant from camp, and some tall tracks
were made to procure roasting ears for the inner man, and the
stocks for our hungry horses and mules. But a short time
elapsed before nothing but the stumps Avere visible on the
field. All along the route fields of corn disappeared like vap
or before the morning sun. But our kind and beneficent
Father Abraham, who is conducting Uncle Sam's business ar
rangements, would not allow the loyal people lo suffer by los
ing what little provender tho poor soil of this country gave
them ; therefore, he, with unusual liberality, sent his agents,
hldon with the over welcome ¦¦green-backs," to pay them Avell
for what the boys and stock consumed. In many instances

86 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
they were doubly paid for what the army had taken. Many a
man woke up in the morning, and looked out upon his small
field of corn, and a stack or two of hay, or grain, and at night
sat doAvn and counted his "green-backs." His fields weie well
harvested, as a general thing. A great amount of forage Ava s
consumed on this expedition. Large droves of cattle were fol
lowing the army, to provide the men Avith meat ; and hundreds
of pack mules were led along, laden with commissary stores.
All these had to be fed, and it Avas impossible to transport for
age sufficient to feed them ; consequently it Avas necessary to
take Avhat forage we could find along the route. But the OAvn-
ers, on proving their loyalty, were amply paid.
After feeding our traveling stock, and partially filling our
bread baskets with a few roasting ears, we receiAed orders to
march at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, in the advance of the whole
force. We marched some six miles, to a place called Jones,
where we encamped for the night, intending, the next morning'
to go through into Tennessee by the way of Big Creek Gap.
But that night Ave learned that the rebs had blockaded the
road, and the nextmorniug we had to change our course. The
First Tenn. regiment was here detached to take another route
across the mountains to Jacksboro, Tenn.
This movement was made in order to attract the attentio n
of the enemy from our real ob]ect, as a very small force could
hold us in check a long time. This proved to be a Avi'se move
ment, and Ave passed over the mountains unmolested.
The next morning Ave took another route over the mountains,
which from the appearance of things, had seen but little trav
el. For three or four miles Ave did not find very bad roa ds ;
they were rough but not hilly. Being unacquainted with the
. country, I had consoled my mind Avith the idea that Ave had
passed over at least as bad roads as Ave would find. But poor,
frail, human nature, Iioav often art thou deceived ! Coming
out of the Avoods into an open space, I discovered ahead of me
a long range of mountains. I turned around and accosted a
Tennessean in this wise : "Friend, Avhat mountains are those
ahead?" "The Jellico Mountains, sir," he replied. "Does
the road run over the mountains, or is there a gap through
Avhich Ave pass ?" "The road runs directly over the top of yon-

CROSSING THE MOUNTAINS- 87
der mountain," and his finger pointed towards the highest
mountain in the range. "Are the roads very bad ?" I inquired.
"Bad" he exclaimed, "Good God, that's no name for it. I tell
you, friend, if Ave succeed in getting over that mountain before
dark to-night, I shall think Ave haAre done exceedingly well."
There was the mountain ahead of us, and here stood the
battery and train behind us. What was to be done ? No sign
of human habitation or civilization greeted our anxious looks.
The tall trees Avaved defiantly at us, and the gray rocks, that
peered tlieir ugly looking heads from out the side of the moun
tains, seemed to say, "Now, boys, we've got you in a tight
place." But the trees, rocks, nor the lonely Avildemess could
intimidate us. Over the mountains we Avere bound to go, if
we had to carry the battery, wagons and loads by piece-meal.
The battery, (15th Ind.) was ahead of the train. After a feAv
moments rest and reflection, the word "Forward" Avas given,
and away they Avent up the mountain. They had not gone
more than fifty rods before Ave saw that it Avas impossible for
the horses alone to- draw the battery up. Col. Byrd dismount
ed a part of the 45th Ohio, and the 112th Illinois, to assist,
and with their aid Ave got along remarkably well. The top of
the mountain was reached, wheels Avere locked, and Ave imme
diately commenced the descent. This Avas indeed much easier
to accomplish ; although it was necessary to have ropes at
tached to the Avagons to keep them from going doAvn too fast,
as well as to prevent them from turning over.
BetAveen three and four o'clock, in the afternoon, Ave had
succeeded in getting the train all over the ever to be remem
bered Jellico Mountains. It was a great relief. Officers and
men had worked hard to accomplish it in as expeditious a
manner as possible. The Third Brigade, Avhich had passed
over a better road, here got in our advance. We went some
eight miles further that night, and encamped at a place called
"The Well," so called from the fact that there is a Avell at this
place some four hundred and fifty feet deep. The Avater is not
ed for its medical qualities.
Here the cornfields had to suffer again, as the division sup
ply train had not reached us, and man and beast must have
something to subsist on. At six o'clock the next morning Ave

88 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
were again on the move, in advance of the 3rd Brigade.
About 10 o'clock Ave passed through Camp Chitwood, where
Gen. Haskell's division Avas encamped. We halted six miles
beyond and Avent into camp. Here we remained until 3 o'clock
in the afternoon of the next day. The 8th Michigan and 1st
East Tennessee joined us at this place.
By this time short rations and corn stalks began to tell heav
ily on our horses and mules. Occasionally a horse would drop
doAvn in the road, and a mule give out and have to be aband
oned, but Ave had passed over the worst part of the road and
felt more encouraged.
The supply train had overtaken us, but yet there was but
little forage to feed so much stock. It was soon gone and we
had to depend solely on the cornfields on the route, and what
little hay Ave could find. We moAed on as fast as our weak,
half-starved horses and mules could carry us, in order the
sooner to get beyond the Cumberland Mountains into the val
leys where forage was more abundant.
We were now in Scott county, Tenn. .It was a Aery inhos
pitable looking region of country, and it required all the moral
fortitude imaginable to keep up good spirits. We would trav
el for flours without coming in sight of a human habitation,
and then it Avould be some little hut, scarcely fit for human
beings to live in, and secluded among tall trees and rocks.
Occasionally small patches of corn and a hill or two of pota
toes were discovered near these dismal huts. These would
disappear like magic. Horses were constantly dropping down
in the road, mules were constantly exhausted, neither whips
nor spurs Avould pluck up their courage, and before we passed
the boundary line of Scott and Morgan counties Ave had lost a
large number of horses, and the train became scattered for
miles, but Ave pushed on. It would not do to stop the column
in a destitute country for a few horses and a feAv Avagons. A
few miles further, we found more forage. This Avas fed to the
stock economically, yet it seemed to revive them up in a great
degree. The people in this part of the country Avere truly loyal.
They have suffered from the effects of this war beyond all cal
culation, and they have borne up under all the persecutions

OUT OF THE MOUNTAINS. 89
the rebels have heaped upon them, manfully and patriotically,
without a murmur ; the majority of the East Tennessee moun
taineers are truly loyal.
We passed on, after being in Scott county three days and
nights, to Montgomery, the county seat of Morgan county.
Here we found the rebels had left the town the day before, and
there was a likelihood that we might have a little opportunity
to skirmish before we reached this place. We moved cau
tiously along the road. About dusk a bushwhacker shot the
horse from under one of the pioneers, who was in the advance
clearing the road of obstructions. As we expected they would
try to obstruct the road and retard our movements, Col. Byrd
sent forward the 1st Tennessee as an advance guard, and in
structed Major Ellis, who was in command, to throw out pick
ets and feel his way cautiously. They had not moved far be
fore they came upon some trees which the rebs had felled
across the road. They were soon removed and we moved slow
ly on. We had not proceeded far before we heard the sharp
firing of the pickets ahead, and knew that th^ere was some fun
going on. The pickets ascertained that they had obstructed
the road ',and that they had thrown up breastworks of stone
and timber on the left of the road, on the hill, behind Avhich
they had stationed a force to contest our advance. It was
now between ten and eleven o'clock, the moon shone dimly,
and as it was a place so situated that a few men could cut a
whole regiment to pieces, Col. Byrd concluded it not advisable
to advance further, and went into camp until morning ; throw
ing out strong picket guards on all the roads. Morning came,
but not a rebel was to be found. They had taken leg bail to
this place, Kingston, and from here to Loudon. We were not
molested in any way. We came on here and took peaceable
possession of the place. Col. Byrd now occupies the same
building for headquarters that Gen. Forrest, the noted rebel,
did, the day before our arrival.
The people all along the route, and more particularly at this
place, greeted us Avith shouts of applause, while they waved
the dear old flag— the stars and the stripes— to the breeze,
which they had been compelled under rebel rule to hide so long.
It was indeed a day of rejoicing for the loyal citizens of East

90 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Tennessee. For, simultaneously with the movements of this
brigade, other troops moved over the various roads leading to
the railroad, thus delivering the noble patriots of this country
from the tyranny of King DaAds."
"a stampede."
"On the news of our occupying this portion of the State, a
stampede which must have been ludicrous, occurred among
the Confederate soldiers and citizens. For some days they
had been expecting a call, but Avere not certain that Ave would
favor them. Although they apparently had everything in
readiness, and the officers of the Confederate army who were
fortunate enough to have sweethearts had bade them farewell,
yet there was a hurrying to and fro ; the cry was "They come,
they come." Much surprise is manifested that the Confeder
ates did not show fight. Our boys expected to have a little
set to, but were disappointed.
"It is surprising to us that these men who have always tra
duced the character of the Union army, called them ruthless
invaders, plunderers, robbers, etc., went off, making good their
escape, but leaving their wives and daughters to the mercy of
these "terrible Yankees." The very fact of their leaving them
here alone is sufficient evidence that they did not believe what
they said in regard to the savage nature of our boys.
"We believe their families are well satisfied with the treat
ment they receive from the Federal army, and do not find
them such brutes as they had been represented. There are
very strong symptoms of tender regard springing up between
the southern ladies and the Federal boys, and if the Confeder
ates do not drive our army away from here, the ladies will all
return to the Union — not only a Union of States, but a union
of hearts and a u nion of hands. ¦ Hoav pleasant Avill be the
restoration of such a Union."
"who steals the negroes?"
"The Union army has been accused of being negro stealers.
But we wonld ask our friends who believe the statement — who
it was that ran the negroes, belonging both to Union men and
to_Confederates, into Georgia ? Was it the "Yankees ?" Is

WHO STEALS THE NEGROES. 91
not that property safer under Union than under re*bel rule ?
Then who are your friends— those you have upheld and sup
ported, or those you have learned to call your enemies ?
"Let it be distinctly understood hereafter that the North
does not want your slaves. They would gladly give you a
quitclaim deed— if they could do so— of all their right and tit
le, and send all there is north of the Ohio River back south.
You have only cut your oato. throats in attempting to dissolve
this Union, thinking that you would have better protection
thrown around that kind of property."
"THE RECEPTION AT ATHENS."
"Last Thursday morning this brigade, the first, broke camp
at Prigmore's farm and started for this place. The 8th Mich.
Cavalry took the advance. About three o'clock in the after
noon they entered this patriotic town amid the waving of
flags, the shouts of the people and a shower of bouquets.
"Union flags, that these long suffering people had secreted
in their houses, were flung to the breeze, and there was a gen
eral time of rejoicing. The ladies, God bless them, greeted us
with smiles as well as sweet flowers. It was indeed an inter
esting occasion, and one that the soldiers, as well as the citi
zens,, will long remember. We little dreamed when we were
traversing those lonely Cumberland Mountains, weary and
ofttimes without food, that we should be so amply repaid for
the hardships we endured. It reminded us of home, and the
enthusiasm which prevailed there when regiment after regi
ment left for the seat of war to battle for the restoration of our
noble government. In fact we have not witnessed such en
thusiasm, and such demonstrations since we crossed the Ohio
River. "It is cheering to jour noble soldiers to know that the people
here are grateful for their deliverance from the despotic yoke
of Jeff Davis' bogus Confederacy. It is admitted eAen by those
who have been the warm supporters and admirers of the would
be Confederate Government, that their rights as citizens, and
their property are better protected now than under the rule of
the rebels.
"Patriots of East Tennessee, you have our warmest sympa-

92 HISTORY OF THE 112TH .ILLINOIS. '
thy, and our highest admiration for your true and lasting de
votion to your country. Future history will recount your suf
ferings and praise your patriotism. We thank you for your
kind reception, and believe us when we say that Ave will fight
to protect you and your homes with renewed vigor. Your no
ble conduct has increased our determination to keep the proud
stars and stripes waving over your homes."
"to the farmers."
"The farmers living in this vicinity who have forage or pro
visions to sell, and who like "greenbacks" better than Confed
erate scrip, can readily dispose of everything in that line to
the army for a good price.
"Lieut. Humphrey, brigade quarter-master, attends to the
buying of and receipting for all forage, and Lieut. Davenport,
brigade commissary, will purchase all articles in the provision
line and receipt for the same.
"The disbursing officer will pay all receipts given by the
above officers, on presentation at Knoxville. Bring in your
potatoes, flour, meal, bacon, beef-cattle, etc., and get your
money." "our typos."
' "We are under great obligations to Serg. Edwin Butler, of
the 112th Regiment Illinois Infantry, and Serg. F. H. Morse,
Serg. Charles A. Wing and Oscar F. Morse, of the 8th Mich.
Cavalry, for their valuable assistance in issuing this paper."
"Capt. McCartney, of the 112th Regiment Illinois Mounted
Infantry, and now A. A. A. G. on Col. Byrd's staff, will accept
our thanks for news items furnished us for publication. Fur
ther favors will be acceptable."

CHAPTER X.
OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN IN EAST TENNESSEE.
ADVANCE AND RETREAT.
Upon the arrival of the brigade at Athens, Capt. J. E. Wil-
kins, of the I12th, was appointed Provost Marshal, and his
company(I) was detailed as Provost Guard ; and during the
campaign in East Tennessee the company was on duty at
headquarters whenever there was any service required of it
there ; at other times in line with the regiment. Its service
consisted principally in performing guard duty at headquar
ters ; gathering up property — horses, mules, cattle and other
army supplies ; guarding forage trains, carrying dispatches,
and performing such other duties as the brigade commander
required. On the 11th of September, companies A and F, in command
of Capt. Lee and Capt. Wright, respectively, went on a scout
south, crossed the Hiawassee River, and proceeded as far as
Benton, or "Ducktown," where they remained two or three
days, without seeing any indications of an enemy. ¦
On the 12th, Capt. Dunn, with his company (D), went doAvn
to the Iron Works and brought in some civilian prisoners,
whom Col. Byrd placed under bonds.
Citizens from the surrounding country came to Athens by
hundreds, and also many deserters from Bragg's and Buckner's

94 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
armies, and voluntarily subscribed to the oath of allegiance-
anxious to resume fealty to the National Government.
Bragg's rebel army was at Chickamauga, confronted and
Icosely watched by Gen. Rosecrans. Bragg had-recently been
reinforced by Gen. Jos. E. Johnston with thirty-thousand men,
and it was suspected that other reinforcements were on the way
from Virginia. Whether Bragg intended to attack and crush
Rosecrans, with his whole army, andjthen pay his respects to
Burnside, or whether he would first attempt to recover East
Tennessee — the granary of the South — with a portion of his
army, holding Rosecrans at bay Avith the remainder, and then
fall upon the latter, were speculative questions, which were fre
quently discussed around our camp-fires ; but not until some
time after was the riddle solved.
On the 15th of September a detachment, consisting of Co. B
of the 112th Illinois, — Capt. J. C. Dickerson, — Co. K of the
1st East Tennessee, and Co. I of the 8th Michigan Cavalry — a
total of one huudred and thirty men, — under command of
Major Edgerly of the 8,th Michigan, was ordered to Cleveland,
the county seat of Bradley county, thirty miles below Athens,
near the Georgia line, and at the junction of the Dalton and
Chattanooga branches of the railroad. Cleveland was the gate
way between Georgia and- East Tennessee, through which the
Confederate army must pass to reach Burnside's army, and
this detachment was sent down there to watch the movements
of the enemy.
The detachment arrived at Cleveland at midnight. The
people were wrapped in slumber ; no enemy had disputed its
entrance into the town ; and after sending out pickets, the
men quietly unsaddled their horses and bivouacked in the
court house square.
A company of rebel cavalry had been there the day before,
and the citizens charged them with committing many depre
dations, of which they bitterly complained.
Small parties of rebel cavalry were seen on the hills near
town, on the 16th, but were driven away. They reappeared
on the 17th, and a large force was reported to be approaching
on the Dalton road. Part of another company of the 8th
Michigan joined the detachment in the evening, increasing its

KILLED AT CLEVELAND. 95
numbers to one hundred and fifty-two men ; and that night
the men slept on their arms in anticipation of an attack.
At day-break on the morning of the 18th, Capt. J. C. Dick
erson and twenty-five men of Co. B, of the 112th, accompani
ed by a citizen guide, moved out on the Dalton road on a re
connoissance. Lieut. John Gudgel and twenty men of the
same company took the Chattanooga road. The two teams
that accompanied the detachment were harnessed and hitched
to the army wagons, and every man had his horse saddled
ready for an emergency. Lieut. B. F. Thompson, of the same
company — acting as adjutant, quartermaster and commissary
of the detachment — Avith half a dozen men and one team, start
ed for a cornfield near town, to gather corn for the horses of
the detachment.
Lieut. Gudgel had hardly passed the pickets when he was
furiously assailed by a superior force of rebel cavalry, which
was advancing rapidly with the evident intention of surprising
the little force in town, and Lieut. Gudgel and his men were
compelled to fall back in hot haste, but not Avithout giving the
rebels some fatal shots. Capt. Dickerson, hearing the firing,
at once started across the fields to Lieut. Cudgel's assistance.
He had proceeded but a short distance when he heard picket
firing on the road he had ju'st left, and he immediately retrac
ed his steps and returned to the Dalton road. In the mean
time a rebel cavalry regiment had driven in the pickets, and
its advance was in town before Capt. Dickerson reached the
road. He captured their ambulance (an old Adams Express
wagon) and surgeon and rear guard of fifteen men, and then
moved down to the forks of the roads. Here he halted and
sent three men down the Dalton road, Avho returned in a few
minutes and reported the near approacu of another rebel force
of about four hundred men. Capt. Dickerson exclaimed,
"We'll give them a fight, anyhow. Forward!" And they
rushed upon the rebels at full gallop. The enemy quickly dis
mounted and took position in the edge of some small timber,
leaving Capt. Dickerson no alternative but to take position in
an open field, Avhere he formed his men in skirmish line about
thirty feet apart — his prisoners and guard in rear — and imme
diately opened fire upon them. Capt. Dickerson rode forward

96 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
and, sitting on his horse, emptied two revolvers into the rebel
ranks. He then attempted to dismount, and while doing so,
Avhile his left foot was yet in the stirrup, he Avas struck by a
musket ball in the left side of the abdomen. At the same
time his horse jumped quiekly to one side, and he was thrown
to^the ground. He attempted to arise, and one of his men,
not knowing he was wounded, offered him his horse. Capt.
Dickerson replied: "lam shot, boys, give them h — 11," and
gasped in death. His men, left without a leader, retreated,
and started down the lane toward town. They Avere closely
followed by the rebels, and were soon headed off by another
force coming out of town to ascertain the cause of the firing in
their rear. The boys finding themselves surrounded, abandon
ed their horses and took refuge in a deep ditch beside the road,
Avhere they kept up a rapid fire in front and rear, until they
were compelled to surrender. One man, Clark M. Sturtevant,
escaped. His horse was killed; he concealed himself, and af
ter the rebels passed, took to the hills, and after a feAV days
tramp came into the Union lines at Athens. All the others
were taken into Cleveland and thence marched to Dalton —
prisoners of war.
In less than ten minutes after the first shot was fired, the
rebel cavalry were swarming into town on every road except
that leafding to Charleston toward Athens. For a few minutes
all was confusion, but the men quickly rallied, and their well-
directed shots checked the rebel advance. The books and pa
pers of the several companies were thrown into a wagon, and
the team started up the road on a run ; bnt it was afterwards
captured by the enemy. The other wagon and team were
saved. Lieut. Gudgel attempted to form his men in line at the out
skirts of the town, but the enemy was in too great force, and
his men had hardly halted before the rebels were far in his
rear on other streets, and he was compelled to fall back rapid
ly to escape being captured.
F. Louis Heinke ("Siegel") was the only man with Lieut.
Gudgel who Avas wounded. He was in the act of firing his gun
when a rebel bullet passed betAveen his elboAv and side, mak
ing tAvo wounds in its course, but neither very serious.

CAPTUKED.
The detachment feU back, fighting all the way, to Calhoun,
on the north bank of the Hiawassee River — eleven miles from
Cleveland. As the command was retreating up the road, closely pursu
ed by the enemy, a window in the second story of a large farm
house, not far from Cleveland, situated a little distance from
the road, and nearly opposite the detachment, was opened, and
some one, probably a citizen, opened fire from the Avindow up
on the Union force. The men had no time to attend to his
case then, but they vowed that if they ever returned there, one
rebel mansion would be reduced to ashes — a threat Avhich, the
author has been informed, was afterwards executed by some of
the Union Tennesseans.
The following are the names ofthe 112th men, all of Co. B,
who were captured : Corporals Abram Deyo, Edward T. Riley,
Hiram P. Mallory and Orlin Bevier; George A. Brown,
Charles N. Crook, Isaac N. Dalryrnple (wounded), John P.
Freeman, William D. Freeman, Washington Garside, Newton
J. Green, Edwin Holmes (severely wounded), William H. John
son, Francis J. Liggett, Charles Leighton, George Ludlum, Hor
ace Morrison, Orman M. Miller, Lewis Osborn, Samuel Red
ding, Dennis Spellman, Henry Stacy, Cyrus Sturm and John
Wallace. Morrison was not with Capt. Dickerson, but was captured
on the retreat towards Calhoun.
Of the above number Abram Deyo and Orlin Bevier succum-
ed to the horrors of Andersonville and died in prison in the
summer of 1864. George Ludlum died on his way home, after
haA'ing been exchanged. W. D. Freeman, F. J. Liggett and
Henry Stacy escaped from Andersonville in May, 1864. Sta
cy Avas recaptured, but Freeman and Liggett, after suffering
untold hunger and fatigue, and many hair-breadth escapes
from recapture, made their way into the lines of Sherman's
army in Georgiu, in June, 1864, most miserable, forlorn look
ing objects — nearly naked and starved.
The rebel loss at Cleveland was thirty killed and wounded.
Then- force numbered one thousand cavalry and two pieces of
artillery. —7

98 HISTORY OFTHE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Capt. Dickerson was the first officer of the 112th killed. He
met his death just a year to a day, and at the same hour of
the day, from the time he left Bradford with his company for
the rendezvous in Peoria. He was deservedly popular among
the officers and men of the regiment, and from Col. Hender
son down Avas sincerely mourned by all.
He was a brave,, daring leader, an honorable and conscien
tious officer, and a generous, ' noble-hearted man. In a con-
versation with the author upon the chances of war, but a short
time before his death, he declared he would never surrender
to a rebel ; that he would fight to the death rather than be
captured ; and in this, as in all things else, he kept his word.
By order of Gen. Burnside a fort in Knoxville was named "Fort
Dickerson, " in honor of his brave death. He was buried in
the cemetery, at Cleveland, and after the war a fitting monu
ment Avas erected to his memory by his widow.
Lieut, Gudgel was promoted to Captain of Co. B, and Seer
ond, Lieut. B; F. Thompson to First Lieutenant ; but the com,
pany having been reduced below the minimum number requir
ed by law, no second lieutenant was appointed.
Bragg was reinforced in the night of Sept. 18th, by Gen.
Longstreet, with part of the Army of Virginia,, and he deter
mined to attack and annihilate Rosecrans before Burnside
could arrive within supporting distance ; and the object of the
rebel cavalry force was probably to develop Burnside's posi
tion, and protect the flank of Bragg's army.
, Col. Henderson, with the 112th Illinois and a section of art-
tfllery, was sent from Athens to reinforce the detachment un
der Major Edgerly on the Hiawassee, and arrived at the river
about noon on the, 18th. At 8 o'clock in the evening the com
mand fell back seven miles, to Riceville, to prevent being
flanked, and remained there until the evening ,of the 19th.
On the morning of Sept. 19th Bragg attacked the Union axr
my at Chickamauga with terrible force. All day long the bat
tle raged with dreadful fury, until night put a stop to the
struggle, and the soldiers of both armies rested upon their
arms. From our position at Riceville, we could distinctly
hear the roar of the artillery, and we knew the giants were en
gaged in a death struggle. The next morning the battle Avas

SKIRMISHING. 99
renewed, Rosecrans Avas defeated and his army driven into
Chattanooga, Avith a loss of seventeen thousand men ; and had
it not been for the brave, heroic Thomas, the grand Army of
the. Cumberland would, indeed, have been overwhelmed and
destroyed. In the evening of the 19th Col. Henderson fell back, with
his command, to Athens. At 10 o'clock in the evening, on. the
20th, the Union pickets Avere driven in on the road at Athens,
and the 112th, Avith two pieces of artillery, moved down to,
toAvn to repel an attack, and remained on guard until daylight.
Two companies Avere sent out on a reconnoissance, but return
ed Avithout finding the enemy.
Horses were saddled early on the morning of the 21st, in an-;
ticipation of an order to move ; but the command did not move
until 5 o'clock in the eAening. Co. A, of the 112th, in com
mand of Capt. Lee, was assigned to duty in town, and the bri
gade returned to Calhoun, arriving there late that night.
The rebel force, having evidently accomplished the object of
the reconnoissance, had fallen back. On the 22nd, tAvo com
panies proceeded south nearly to Cleveland Avithout finding
the enemy.
The command was ordered to saddle up at 4 o'clock, on the
morning of the 23d, and be prepared for an attack. Co. E,
in command of Capt. Otman, Avas ordered to reconnoiter on
the Cleveland road, and Capt. Wright, with Co. F, on the Dal
ton road. Both met the enemy about five miles from the riv
er, and fell back sloAvly, skirmishing all the Avay. They report
ed that large bodies of troops could be seen on the hills beyond
Cleveland .
, This, as Ave afterwards learned, was the advance of Forrest
and Wheeler.
Capt.E. H. Colcord Ayas directed, to proceed with his com
pany (K) to Cottonwood Ford some miles doAvn the river, topre-
vent' the rebels from throwing over detachments and gaining
possession of the road in rear of our position at Calhoun, and
lie remained there until the evening of the 24th, Avhen lie Avas
relieved. •
' Reveille at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 24th — played
three times by the 112th band, — once by the full band, once

100 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
as a martial band, and again on the bugle— to deceive the en
emy as to the number of Union regiments.
At daylight, Companies A, F and D, (A having rejoined the
regiment), under the command of Major Dow, crossed the riv
er again and succeeded in finding the enemy. They were
driven back rapidly by an overwhelming force. Col. Hender
son moved the regiment down to the river bank to protect the
companies in crossing ; but the rebels withdrew when near the
river, and did not press the detachment.
Horses were saddled at 3 :30 on the morning of the 25th.
At daylight, Companies C and K, of the 112th, in command of
Capt. J. B. Mitchell and Capt. Colcord, respectively, crossed
the river and proceeded south to the junction of the Dalton
and Cleveland roads. Here they met the enemy in force, and
at once opened fire on them. Severe skirmishing ensued, and
the rebels attempted to flank the two companies and cut them
off, but without success. After holding theenemy as long as it
was deemed safe, the detachment retired — the rebels still
threatening their flanks — and recrossed the river.
In the afternoon Col. Henderson crossed the river with the
regiment, and reconnoitered toward Cleveland, but without
material results beyond slight skirmishing. The enemy evi
dently was not yet prepared to press an advance, and the reg
iment returned to the north side of the river. The next morn
ing (26th) the horses of the brigade were saddled at 3 :30 and
everything put in readiness to move at a moments notice. At
daylight a large reconnoitering party was sent over the river,
and it had not proceeded far before it met the enemy advanc
ing in force. Severe skirmishing commenced at once, and the
detachment was driven back slowly to the main body.
Companies E and D, in command of Capt. Otman and Lieut.
Griffin, were ordered to guard the ford just above the towns,
and moved dovvn to the river and went into position,— Co. D
occupying some old rifle pits.
The position was a bad one for defense, as on the north
side of the river was a wide stretch of bottom land, and on the
opposite side of the river was a range of hills or bluffs which
gave the enemy a commanding position. About noon the en
emy appeared in sight, and under fire of the Union artillery,

FORWARD AND BACK. 101
planted their batteries on the range of hills, but a few hundred
yards in front of Capt. Otman's position, and at once opened
tire. Col. Henderson moved the regiment, dismounted, to the
support of Companies E and D, leaving the horses in a strip
of timber in the rear.
He was directed to. hold the ford and prevent the enemy
ffrom crossing, and succeeded in doing so until about 2 o'clock,
when it was found that the enemy was crossing above and be
low, to flank the command, and the brigade was ordered to
all back. Without waiting for the 112th to rejoin the com
mand, the rest of the brigade moved up the road toward Ath
ens, leaving Col. Henderson and his regiment to fall back ov
er the bottom land to the horses as best they could. As soon
as the retrograde movement commenced thej-ebels came swarm
ing over the river, and their artillery opened a rapid fire uponi
the retreating Union troops. It seems almost miraculous that
the 112th escaped without great loss, but only qne man, Irvin
Oxberger of Co. B, was hit, and he was only slightly wounded
by a piece of shell.
The command fell back rapidly through Riceville to Athens,
the 112th Illinois bringing up the rear and holding the enemy
in check. The rebel cavalry force was armed with short-range
carbines, and the 112th could reach them, with its long-range
Enfields, before they could get near enough to return the fire.
When near Athens the brigade was met by Col. Wolford with
his brigade, but even then the rebel force greatly outnumbered
the Union troops, and as there was danger of being cut off,
the retreat was continued. Just below Athens the rebel ad
vance made a dash upon the 112th, still rear guard, but they
met such a galling fire from the Enfields and Law's Howitzer
Battery, that they were glad to place themselves out of range
as quickly as possible. Col. Henderson and his regiment were
highly complimented in general orders for their gallant con
duct on this occasion. Lieut. C. W. Brown with his company
(E), by direction of Col. Byrd, and without the knowledge of
Col. Henderson, made a detour on another road and arrived
at Athens late in the evening. It was thought the company
had been captured when- it was reportedthat "E was missing,"
but Lieut. Brown brought it safely in.

102 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
The Union command marched all night, reached Sweetwa
ter the next morning (27th) at 5 o'clock, and thence fell back
to Philadelphia, 'arriving there at noon, where a halt was call
ed and preparations made for a fight. The 112th Illinois
formed in line of battle at the front, and remained in position,'
in readiness to repel an attack, all night.
The rebel advance attacked the Union pickets at noon, on
the 28th, but were repulsed ; and a detachment of cavalry and
LaAv's battery drove them back upon their main force. They
again advanced, and information having been received that
they were pressing forward on another road, towards Loudon;
on the Tennessee River, the Union command fell back to 'tha*
point, and the 112th again lay in line of battle all night. Here
reinforcements wene met, including Gen. White's division of
infantry, and the Union force was now strong -enough to cope
with the rebel cavalry.' On the 29th the 112th obtained some
fresh horses, to replace those worn out and broken down;
Companies A and F, ofthe 112th, scouted towards Philadeb
phia, but saw nothing of the enemy.
In the afternoon scouting parties reported the rebel forces
falling back. But in fact, as it was afterwards known, after
driving the Union advance back to Loudon, Forrest, with a
force of tAvelve thousand cavalry, crossed the Tennessee River
into the Sequatchie Valley, in rear of Rosecrans' army, for
the purpose of destroying his line of communications..
At 7 o'clock on the morning of the 30th, Byrd's brigade
marched from Loudon, the 112th; in command of Col. Hender
son, in advance, left in front, followed by Wolford's brigade,
and moved on a double-quick to Philadelphia— trotting their
horses the whole distance — and there formed in line of battle.
The roads were dry and very dusty, and the men Avere nearly
suffocated. The main force of rebels was on the road east
' and "nearly parallel with the railroad. Lieut. Col. Adams Avas
at SweetAvater, -with the 1st Kentucky Cavalry, and Avas in
great danger of being cut off and captured. Lieut. Thompson,
of Co. B, 112th Illinois, was ordered to take twenty-five men,
with the best horses, and proceed as rapidly as possibie to
Sweetwater, twelve miles, Avith verba*! orders from Col. Wol
ford to Lieut. Col. Adams. He was ins'tructed not to spare

TOWARD ATHENS. 103
horse-flesh, and if fired into by the rebels to pay no attention
to them, but keep going, and not halt, even if some of his men
were wounded or killed. They made the trip successfully,—
receiving a few stray shots from a squad of rebels on tlieir left,
in a corn-field, as they galloped down the road,— and returned
in the evening Avith Lieut. Col. Adams and his command.
Early the next morning (Oct. 1st) the whole force moved
toward Athens— companies E, G and B, of the 112th Illinois
rear guard, — and marched in a pouring rain, to Mouse Creek,
four miles below Sweetwater, and bivouacked ; and the next
day (Oct. 2nd) marched to Athens,— the 112th in advance —
arriving there at noon — where the regiment occupied its old
camping ground on Forest Hill.
Let us now go back to the Hiawassee River, on the 26th of
September. When the 112th Illinois fell back from the river
to the timber where the horses were left, Capt. Otman and
George W. Nicholas, of Co. E, found that their horses, fright
ened by the exploding shells, had broken away and were out of
sight. While searching for them the regiment had mounted
and was moving up the valley, and the enemy coming up rap
idly, there was no alternative for the two dismounted men but
to take a ridge of timber that rah parallel with the road toAV-
ard Athens, and conceal themselves from the enemy as best
they could. In the hurry of mounting and getting out of the
timber — the enemy's shells hastening their moA'enients — neith
er the men of Co. E, nor of the regiment, had been informed
of the predicament Avhich Capt. Otman and Nicholas were in,
and when they Avere afterwards missed it was supposed they
had been captured — perhaps wounded or killed.
They followed up the ridge all that day, in sight of the rebel
force in the road, less than a mile from them. The two men
were determined, if possible, to make their Avay to Athens,
where they knew Col. Wolford lay with a brigade of cavalry,
and where they supposed a stand would be made by the Union
troops. About 10 o'clock that night they saAv a light on a cross road,
in the valley beloAv them. After carefully reconnoitering, they
found it to be a cabin, with no occupants but a Avoman ; and be
ing pressed with hunger (having had nothiug to eat since four

104 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
o'clock that morning) they determined to enter and get some
thing to eat. They went in and made their wants known,
when the woman stated that she was very sorry she had noth
ing for them, as all she had in the house was some pumpkins
she was stewing in a kettle, in a rude fire place, and a small
piece of bacon ; that all the rest of her provisions had been
taken by a party of rebels early in the evening. Some of the
bacon was fried, and, with the stewed pumpkin, a supper was
made that was keenly relished.
While they were eating, a man, clothed in the gray rebel
uniform, opened the door without knocking, and entered the
cabin. Both sprang from the table, at the same time pulling
their revolvers, when the intruder threw up his hands, said he
was unarmed, and that was his home, and that he had desert
ed from the Confederate army, and was then hiding from the
rebel forces. After supper he guided them in the direction of
Athens, and left them about 11 o'clock, when the moon was
up so they could see their Avay. They continued on their way
until about two o'clock, when they came to a field in which
was a stack of sheaves of corn blades, in which they made a
bed and slept until the sun was high in the heavens the next
morning. They continued on towards Athens during the day,
avoiding houses and roads, until near sunset, when they met
a negro Avoman on horseback whom the Captain halted and
inquired the direction and distance to Athens. The woman
threw up her hands and exclaimed, "Good Lord, massa, don't
' you know the country is full of rebels ?" She informed them
that they were within two miles of Athens, and that Forrest's
cavalry were in camp right ahead of them, not more than half
a mile away. She pointed out the house of a Union family in
the distance and rode away, very much frightened for f ear
some of Forrest's men would see her talking with them.
They then left the road and crossed a small field, in the
center of which was a stack of straw, and entered a strip of
timber. In passing through the timber the rebel camp was
in sight, and the house in which Gen. Forrest made his head
quarters was not more than a quarter of a mile away. They
then struck off to the left in the timber, and came upon about
twenty negroes, men, women and children, hiding from the re-

HID IN A STRAW STACK. 105
bels, with several fine horses belonging to then master, who
hved at the house where Forrest was stopping. Capt. Otman
and Nicholas were very hungry, and prevailed on an old ne
gro to get them something to eat. He returned about ten
o'clock that night with warm biscuit, fried ham and two quarts
of neAV milk, on which the hungry men feasted. With many
thanks, they bade "Uncle George" (the old negro) good night,
and started for the straw-stack in the little field, and, with the
aid of a pole, climbed to the top and made a bed in which they
lay down, pulling a slight covering of straw over them.
In a few minutes after a reserve picket post of rebels Avas es
tablished in the road a few rods away, and some of the soldiers
came to the stack and got straw to he on. In the morning
they could see the pickets and hear their conversation, and
they passed two days listening to them and Avatching their
moArements. After dark one night, they left then hiding place,
went cautiously to the timber, followed the ridge, and AAent
to the house pointed out to them by the negro vvoman
as being occupied by a Union family; but failed to get in, or
arouse the family, all being dark and apparently deserted.
They returned, and on their way back found a persimmon tree
and got half a dozen ripe persimmons, which constituted then-
only meal on that day, and crawled carefully into the straAv-
pile for another night.
During the next day the pickets were withdrawn, and they
knew the Confederate forces were moving, but in what direc
tion it was impossible to tell. After dark they left their place
of concealment and proceeded again to the house of the Union
family, where there was a bright light in the rooms, but the
windoAvs being covered with curtains they could see no one in
side. They went to the front door and knocked, but could get
no answer. They then called several times, without any re
ply. After persistently calling for some time, and informing
those inside who they were, and that they were nearly famish
ed with hunger, a woman's voice replied that they could not
deceive her, that they were Forrest's men, and that some of
his men had already been there and robbed her of nearly every
thing she had.. She was finally persuaded to open the door,
and when she saw the blue uniform hesitated not to invite them

106 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
in. She informed them that Forrest had moved south with
his main force ; but that two hundred cavalry had passed on
that road, going out twelve miles to some iron works, and had
not yet returned. Her husband was a soldier in Col. Stoke's
regiment — 3d Tennessee. After a conversation of an hour,
which seemed to the hungry men an age, a negro woman an
nounced supper, and they sat down to a meal Avhich seemed to
them the best they had ever eaten. After supper they return
ed to the straAV-stack, in which they passed the night. The
next morning it Avas raining, which continued all day, and they
moved their quarters to a barn on the place where Forrest had
made his headquarters, and again applied to "Uncle George"
for subsistence, Avhich was willingly supplied. The next fnorn-
ing the sun came out clear and bright, and they made then-
way through the timber in the direction of Athens.
Reaching a high point near and overlooking the town, vvhere
they could see any movements made by troops, they halted to
take observations. About noon they saw a mounted force
emerge from a pine grove, on the opposite side of town, and
move toward the town, but the distance Avas too great to tell
whether they were Union or rebel troops. Presently they
heard familiar strains of music, AAhichthey at once recognized
as a favorite piece often played by the 112th band, They lis
tened. That music was by the 112th band, sure, and that
mounted regiment in advance Avas the good old 112th. With
a bound and a cheer they ran down the hill, throwing their
hats in the air and shouting like tAvo glad school-boys ; and
entering town met Col. Henderson and other officers of the
regiment, who Avere as greatly surprised at meeting them as
they would have been had Forrest and his staff suddenly ap
peared before them. The 112th Avas just entering Athens on
the return from Loudon.
Co. I, in command of Capt. J. E. Wilkins, was station
ed in rear of the Union line at Calhoun, on the 26th of Sep
tember, acting as Provost Guards. Early in the day Capt.
Wilkins was ordered to proceed Avith his company to Cotton
wood, down the river, to Avatch the movements of the enemy
in that direction, and report any attempt of the rebels to flank
the Union force. He proceeded rapidly, but before he had reach-

THE CAPTURED AT ATHENS. 107
ed the ford the Union troops had fallen back from Charleston,
and he Avas directed to rejoin his regiment, as soon as possi
ble, at Or near Athens. He at once turned back and proceed
ed by a rough, unfrequented road toward Riceville. , In de
scending a steep hill, Sergt. C. B. Hunt's horse stumbled and
fell, aind he was thrown to the ground Avith such force that his
left shoulder -was dislocated and the elbow fractured. HeAvas
picked up by George B. Ramsey, Alanson D. Thomas and Jo
seph Mitchell, and calling Sergt. Fones, Avho had had some
experience as a physician, they reduced the dislocation and
fracture as Well as possible, bound up his Avound, and started
to overtake the company. They had not proceeded far when
they found themselves completely surrounded by rebels, front,
real- and both 'flanks, ahd uncomfortably near to them ; but
they were so thickly covered Avith dust as to conceal the color
of their uniforms', and managed to hide themselves in the thick
underbrush Avithout it being discovered that they Avere Union
soldiers. After the rebel troops had passed they proceeded by
a circuitous route to Athens, Avhere they arrived in advance of
the rebel' force, and Serg. Hunt was taken to the hospital and
the others rejoined the regiment.
When the Union troops retired1 from' Athens Dr. C. De Hav
en Jones, First Assistant Surgeon of the 112th, remained
in charge of the" hospital ; and on the morning of the 27th all
the sick Svere made prisoners of war, and rebel soldiers placed
on guard, and a Confederate surgeon superceded Dr. Jones.
Among the prisoners Avere the f olloAving members of the 112th
Illinois : William Benson, LeAvis Stagner and Henry J. Mc-
Gath, of Co. A ;" Serg. Cephas B. Hunt, Henry M. Phillips
and Daniel R. Riggs, of Co. I ;' Serg: Carey G. Colburn, Corp.
William W. McMillan* and Whitfield Evans,* of Co.. E ; and
Peter J. Olson*, of Co. K ; and John Shattuck, of Co. I, who
Avas with Capt. Wilkins and had been severely wounded and
taken to the hospital.
Serg. EdAvin'Butler, of Co. F, avIio had been detailed for du
ty in the printing office, Avas also captured ; and Daniel Kane,
of Co. B, who had been reported "missing," when the com -
*Died in rebel prison.

108 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
mand fell back from Calhoun, it was afterward learned had
been captured.
The rebel surgeon examined Serg. Hunt's injuries, and
gravely informed him that the arm must be amputated in or
der to save his life. Hunt knew better, and protested against
the barbarous designs of the Confederate butcher ; but the lat
ter protested that it was necessary, and commenced preparing
for the amputation. Hunt appealed to Dr. Jones, and the two
surgeons were soon engaged in a lively quarrel ; but Jones, tri
umphed and the arm was saved.
The rebel surgeons were quick to amputate an arm or leg of
Union prisoners upon the slightest pretext ; and many a poor
boy lost a limb for no earthly reason but to kill or cripple him,
so he could perform no further service in the Union army. Ii
that failed they Avere sent to Andersonville to be starved to
death. Dr.. Jones saved Hunt's arm, and he also saved him
from a worse fate, as we shall presently see.
The sick men were kept there several days, with nothing to
eat except what the loyal, kind-hearted women of Athens
brought to them ; and then all who were able to move were or
dered to prepare to start south. Stagner of A, and Riggs and
Phillips of I, were excused ; but though Hunt was unfit to be
moved, the rebel surgeon was determined that he should go.
He was marched out with the others, but managed to get back
into the hospital unobserved, and concealed himself in a pile
of blankets. The men moved off, many weeping like children,
and were sent south — many of them to die. One of them,
however, William Benson of Co. A, escaped and rejoined his
company at Athens on the 5th of October.
He attempted to escape at Dalton, but was unsuccessful.
But, about 3 o'clock the next morning after the train had left
Dalton, going south, he jumped from the cars, while the train
was moving, and although severely injured, crawled into the
brush and concealed himself. The train was stopped, but the
guards failed to find him. As they returned to the train, he
heard them say they would put the dogs on his track in the
morning, He crawled into the mountains and then started
north.' He met a man in the woods, hiding from the rebels,
who gave him some corn bread and directed him on his way*

SERG. HUNT AND THE SURGEONS.' 109
He finally reached the Hiawassee River, and weary, hungry
and feeble— suffering from his injuries — lay doAvn under a tree
to die. Here he was found by a citizen, a Mr. Packer, and
carried to his house, and concealed in the attic. A division of
Forrest's cavalry camped around the place the next day, and
some of the officers made the house their headquarters, and
remained there four or five days. He could see them from his
hiding place, and hear their conversation, but was careful to
keep himself in the background. He was furnished with food
and taken care of, during this time, by Mrs. Packer, who
managed to go to the attic* for that purpose, unobserved. Af
ter the rebel cavalry moved away, and he had partially recov
ered his strength, Benson started for Athens, and reached that
place just as the 112th was moving out to return to Loudon,
on the 5th of October. He never fully recovered from the in
jury received when he jumped from the car, although he re
mained with his company, most of the time, and performed
some duty, until in May, 1835, when he was discharged. He
now resides in Oregon, and still suffers from his injury ; but
his jump probably saved him from a worse fate — slow starva
tion in Andersonville.
A stormy scene ensued when Serg. Hunt was discovered ;
but he pretended to be very sick — said he had tried to go, but
failed — and the rebel surgeon left, promising to send his pri
vate ambulance for him in half an hour. With the assistance
of Dr. Jones and a Union citizen — a very old man whom the
rebels did not trouble— who furnished him with some citi
zen's clothing, Hunt escaped from the hospital and went to
the house of a Union lady in town, where he was concealed in
the attic. Dr. Jones sent Lewis Stagner up there, and the
two remained concealed, in the care of the Union people and
Dr. Jones, who visited them at night, until the regiment re
turned to Athens.
The rebel guards searched diligently for them, and visited
the house where they were concealed, but failed to find them.
The lady of the house gravely informed them that she was not
in the business of concealing Yankee prisoners, which satisfied
them and they continued their search elsewhere.
Serg. Hunt was sent to Knoxville, and on the 9th of Novem-

110 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
her reported "for duty," and served with his 'company until
the close of the war ; which is satisfactory proof that there
was no necessity for amputating his arm, and', that the object
„ of the rebel surgeon, as in thousands of other similar cases,
was to disable him for further duty as a soldier.
Whitfield Evans, of Co.. E, having been captured and pa
roled, in Kentucky, the previous summer, and then returned
to duty, by order of the department commander, without hav
ing been exchanged— the paroles not being, recognized— was
fearful that he might be charged with breaking his parole, so
assumed the name of John Robinson, and was known by the
rebels by that name. He died in prison at Danville, Va., in
March, 1864, and was buried in grave number 646, by the name
of John Robinson. .
When the rebels retreated from Athens, all the sick then iii
hospital, of their own as well as Union soldiers, were left be
hind, and the Union surgeons again took charge of the hospital,
Martin F. Knapper and Albert J. Remour, of Co. H, were
also captured near Athens, on the. 27th, and were first taken to
Atlanta and thence to Richmond, then to Danville, and finally
tb Andersonville.. Knapper escaped frorn the hospital at the
latter place, but Avas run 'down by blood hounds, and recaptur
ed and confined in the stocks for punishment. He was parol-
ed'near Vicksburg, about the 8th of April, 1865, and rejoined,
and was discharged with, his company, at Chicago, on the 6th
of July, 1865. Remour died at Andersonville in June, 1864. .
Bet us now go back to Capt. Wilkins and the men with him.
He proceeded as rapidly as possible toward Riceville, and on
reaching the main road near the town, struck a rebel ambulance
train with a light guard. The Union troops had passed through
Riceville toward Athens, but this the captain did not know ;
so he captured the train and guards— two or three times his own
number of men — and took them into Riceville. He soon learn
ed that he was in rear of the main rebel column, and was
informed that he and his men were prisoners of war. He sur
rendered his prize, and accepted the situation with as good
grace as possible. It was a sore disappointment, but he was
compelled to bear it. One of his men, John Shattuck, was
shot in the mouth, and left lying Avhere he fell, supposed to

IN SOUTHERN PRISONS. Ill
be dead ; but he was afterwards sent to the hospital at Athens,
and recaptured by the Union troops.. The following are the
names of the men who were captured with Capt. Wilkins :
Sergt. John Liken.*
Corporals— David Vader, George W. Hatton,* Cyrus B. Lord*
and Charles F. Barber.*
Judson M. Atwood, George Bunnell,, Peter Coyle,* LeAvis R.
Colby,* Thomas H. Daring,* James W. Dowd,* John Doyle,*
Watson R. Ford,* Charles T. Goss, Frank Gurstung,* James
Hart,* Edward D. Hunt,* Wesley Neiswender, John B. Peter
son,* Robert 0. Serene,* August H. Schrader, Jefferson S.
Snyder* and Llewellyn Worthly.
*Died in rebel prison.
Capt. Wilkins was sent to Libby prison at Richmond ; his
men to Andersonville — two-thirds of them never to return to
home and friends.
In reply to a request of the author for information concerning
his prison life, Capt. Wilkins writes as folloAvs :
"Our rations consisted of about six ounces of solid food
per day, that is, if bread made of unbolted corn meal, ground
cob and all, can be called 'solid food'. As for meat we had
next to none ; and you may well conclude we did not increase in
weight while prisoners. Add to this the almost total lack
of proper clothing and blankets to protect us from the inclem
ency of the winter weather, and it is no wonder -that men
died ; it is surprising that any lived to tell the horrid tale
of their sufferings. On the night of Feb. 9th, 1864, one
hundred and ten prisoners, myself among the number, escap
ed from Libby, through a tunnel excavated under a street. We
did not go out in a body, but by ones, twos, and threes. Af
ter tramping around in the Chickahominy swamps six days
and nights, I was recaptured. and taken back to Libby, and
placed in tbe dungeon. While , confined in this dungeon, I
must confess I felt that I had been forsaken by friends, coun
try and. God. However., in six or eight weeks after, it pleased
the old arch devil, Jeff Davis, .to order our removal to Macon,
Georgia. This afforded another opportunity for escape ; and
one dark night four of us cut a hole through the side of the
*Died in rebel prisons.

112 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
car in which we were being transported southward, and just
as the train was moving out from a station, jumped from the
car, and again took French leave of the Southern Confedera
cy. Lieut. Griffin, of Co. D, of the 112th Illinois, was|in the
car, but too lame and weak to make the venture. As I took
his hand, and bade him 'good-bye,' as I verily believed for the
last time, the tears filled my eyes in spite of all I could do.
We made a leap in the dark as the train was moving out, and
fortunately struck the ground without injury. We marched
by night, and concealed ourselves in the brush by day — the
north star our only guide, and the poor oppressed negro our on
ly friend and commissary. We avoided cities, villages and
farm houses, Avaded bogs and swamps, swam rivers, and trav
ersed hills and mountains, and finally, after many a weary
night's march, entered the Union lines at Dalton, Georgia.
barely able to draAV our weary bodies along, but happier than
we had been for many long months. I immediately Avent to the
telegraph office and sent the following message to a httle
woman up in God's country ; ""Dalton, Ga., June, 5. 1864.
"'To Mrs. Clara Wilkins,
"'Geneseo, III.
"Give me joy, I am a free man. Will write you more fully.
J. E. Wilkins."
"We went by rail to Knoxville, where I became so weak I
was taken to the hospital. There I found one of my own
men, Louis Deem, who informed me that our regiment was with
Sherman on the Atlanta campaign. The Post Surgeon di
rected Louis to take me home to die ; but Louis did not inform
me of this untd six months later. The only thing I knew
was, that the next day I found Louis and myself on a train
bound for the North, and when Ave changed cars he carried
me from one to the other. I arrived at home at last, and
thanks to the care of that httle woman, was able to rejoin the
112th, in front of Atlanta, on the 5th of August, 1864."
Charles T. Goss, of Co. I, who was captured with Capt.
Wilkins, made several unsuccessful attempts to escape, and
twice succeeded in getting away from his captors, but was re
captured and taken back to prison. In the summer of 1864

THE CYPHER DISPATCH. 113
he made a final, and successful, effort to escape from Anderson
ville ; and after many narrow escapes, and suffering great
hardships, entered the Union lines at Rome, Ga., "on the 4th
of July, 1864.
When the command fell back through Athens, Capt. Sroufe
was sick, at the house of the Union lady at Avhose request he
had obtained the National Flag, upon his first visit there ;
but he proceeded back with the troops, although hardly
able to ride in an ambulance.
When the rebels occupied the town, Forrest, himself, who
had been informed of the incident, went to the house and
informed tlie lady that he wanted that "d  d Yankee cap
tain" she had concealed in her house. She assured him that
the captain Avas not there, that he had gone back with the
Union troops, and gave permission to search her house. For
rest said the captain had insulted a Confederate lady by com
pelling her to surrender the Yankee flag, and he was determin
ed to make the "d  d Yankee officer" suffer for his impudence.
The house was searched, but, fortunately for Capt. Sroufe, he
was not there to be found.
The Hag was found, however, and torn to shreds and trampl
ed in the dust by the enraged rebel officers.
Rosecrans expected Burnside's support in his encounter with
the Confederate army, and on the 18th of September sent the
following cypher dispatch by courier to Col. Byrd, with the re
quest that it be forwarded to Gen. Burnside, whom Rosecrans
supposed Avas then moving south to his support. The dispatch
was received by Byrd on the Hiawassee River, and was for
warded to Gen. Burnside at Knoxville, by telegraph :
"Enemy Chicamauga you again since you left cavalry that
' hundred since good the from it has as should that on on val-
' ley rich spring dispatched Jasper twice important our our
' hard one men troops commencement sickness has been soon
' close it, the my September guns Crawfish. I at and very on
' possible so twenty dismounted horse of and decreased worked
' as in was thirteenth arrival eighteenth enemy should once
' danger to the close the in and and woods Rome covering large
' enemy down remainder Tyners there if come hills Byrd at
—8

114 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
' any down left should possible front valley Dalton mountains
' Headquarters the force are as of station he he down rocks
' campaign Cleveland in came our force as our Pea Vine to
' valleys at roads occupying in soon your on can is to Stanton
' General me we have large La Fayette rebels a and we to
' from wicked here concentrate century force will-false Queenly
' Yankee need oppose you true Major can from his Quadrant
' well is portion all them signed badly Benjamin let arrived of
' Avill-everything. 'J. P. Drouilland
Capt. and A. D. C."
On the 3d of October, — the next day after the return of the
regiment to Athens, — Capt. Dunn, with his own com
pany (D) in command of Lieut. Griffin, and one company
of the 1st Kentucky cavalry, was directed by Col. Wolford to
proceed toward Calhoun in search of the enemy. He was in
structed not to enter the town, but to approach as near as he
could without too great danger. Capt. Dunn proceeded on one
road with the cavalry company, and Lieut. Griffin, with Co. D,
on another — both roads uniting near town.
Capt. Dunn exceeded his orders, by taking his command in
to the town, and down near the river ; and finding that the
rebels were on the opposite side of the Hiawassee, in Charles
ton, he could not resist the temptation to give their pickets a
few shots "just to let them know he Avas there." On his re
turn he reported his disobedience of orders ; but, instead of
censuring him, the colonel seemed gratified that the captain
had taken the responsibility of ascertaining for himself that no
enemy was on the north side of the river on either of the roads
scouted by him.
At noon on Sunday, Oct. 4th, Col. Byrd's brigade received
orders to saddle up and prepare to move at once. At 4 o'clock
the brigade started, — marched seven miles toward Sweetwater,
and camped for the night.
Oct. 5th. Broke camp at 7 o'clock, and marched to Sweet
water. Oct. 6th. Moved at 7 o'clock,— marched to London, crossed
to the north side of the Tennessee River, halted three hours

GENERAL ORDERS NO. 9. 115
waiting for the train, and then marched until 9 o'clock on the
road towards Kingston. Very dark and rainy.
Oct. 7th. Marched at 7 o'clock and arrived at Kingston at
noon. The 112th Illinois here took the advance — forded the
Clinch River, and marched five miles west, toward Post Oak
Springs. Oct. 8th. Marched to Post Oak Springs and Avent into camp
— just a month and a day from the time the brigade left this
point for Athens. During that time the 112th had been con
stantly at the front, almost every clay in the saddle, and fre
quently engaged in severe skirmishing with the enemy. One
company (B) had opened the campaign at Cleveland, and an
other company (D) had been the last to locate the rebel forces
south of the Hiawassee. The regiment had lost one captain
killed, six men wounded, and one captain, three sergeants,
nine corporals and forty-five privates captured.
Men and horses had suffered with hunger — many days at a
time having had but one meal a day, and some not any, and
all the time on short rations — and the command Avas now sta
tioned at Post Oak Springs to watch the enemy in that direc
tion and to rest and recuperate, and prepare for future action.
On the 10th of October Col. Byrd issued the following order
commendatory of the 112th :
"H'dq'rs 1st Brig., 4th Div., 23d A. C,
Post Oak Springs, Oct, 10th, 1863.
"General Orders No. 9.
"To the Officers and Soldiers ofthe
112th Illinois Volunteer Infantry :
"The Colonel commanding takes great pleasure in announc
ing to you with what feelings of gratification and pride he -wit
nessed y mr noble and gallant conduct when attacked by the
enemy at Calhoun on the 26th of September last.
"The enemy threw himself upon you with a force of at least
six to one, yet you quailed not, nor deserted your post, al
though you were overpowered and nearly surrounded by an
overwhelming force. Too much cannot be said in praise of
your noble conduct on that occasion ; and when compelled to

116 HISTORY OF THE 112TH*TLLIN0IS.
fall back from that place to Loudon, you behaved with great
gallantry and bravery.
"Your country will remember you in the future, when the
glorious flag of our country again floats over every State and
Territory of this great Republic, planted by the hands of her
brave defenders who have nobly fought in her cause. Some
of your number have been grievously wounded, some are now
languishing in southern prisons ; but although many vacan
cies occur in your ranks, you are ready and anxious again to
meet the enemies of your country wherever they may appear.
"Toilsome marches over rugged mountains have not dis
couraged you. You have borne the heat and storms of a
southern climate without murmuring, "foil have often march
ed days and nights without food or rest, and have never failed
when duty called you. You have fought and bled in your
country's cause ; and for all this you will have your reward in
the future grandeur and glory of a united and happy Republic.
"Go on, brave soldiers, and continue to persevere in the
cause in which you have enlisted, and which, thus far, you*
have so nobly sustained, and a grateful country Avill yet crown
you victors in a glorious cause.
"By command of Col. Robert K. Byrd.
"James McCartney, Capt. and A. A. A. G."

CHAPTER XI.
LONGSTREET'S INVASION OF EA'ST TENNESSEE.
MARCHES AND COUNTERMARCHES.
CHARGE AT PHILADELPHIA.
ACROSS THE TENNESSEE — RETREAT TO CAMPBELL'S STATION.
Soom after the arrival of the brigade at Post Oak Springs,
Col. Byrd returned to his home at Kingston, and Col. Hender
son and Lieut. H. W. Wells, Adjutant of the regiment, visited
Knoxville on business connected with the service. Lieut. Col.
E. S. Bond, of the 112th Illinois, assumed command of the
brigade, and Major Doav of the regiment ; and Lieut. A. P.
Petrie, of Co. C, was detailed as acting adjutant.
On the 14th of October, Lieut. Thompson, Avith twenty-five
men of Co. B, was ordered to go to Washington, thirty-two
miles south, on the Tennessee River, where a detachment of
the Army of the Cumberland was stationed, with dispatches
for Gen. Rosecrans. They arrived at Washington late in the
night, after a hard ride over rough roads, in a heavy rain
storm, and found shelter from the storm in an old stable —
having had no dinner or supper. They returned to Sulphur
Springs, once a favorite resort, twelve miles from Washington,
the next day, the rain still pouring in torrents, and took pos
session of a "cottage" at the Springs. Here the boys killed
and dressed a hog, cut it up, obtained a large kettle, and cook
ed the whole lot at one time. They procured some meal, hir
ed some negro women to make some bread, and had a supper
fit for a king — if a hungry king — with enough left for break-

118 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
fast, and some left for the negroes. The detachment returned
to camp on the sixteenth.
On the 16th Major Doav received orders from the headquar
ters of the army at Knoxville to have the 112th Illinois fitted
up for active and rapid movement ; to have the horses avoII-
shod — and he was authorized to draAv upon other regiments
for shoes, or obtain them in the country — and have eAerything
in readiness for active and severe duty. From the nature of
the order it was inferred the regiment was to be detached from
the brigade and sent on some distant and perilous expedition
— perhaps- to Western Virginia, or into Northern Georgia, or
over the mountains into Kentucky — but if such was the inten
tion it was abandoned.
On the 18th, Lieut. Thompson, with twenty-five men of Co.
B, was ordered to proceed to Sulphur Springs, and scout the
country thoroughly in search of a courier, on the line betAveen
Kingston and Washington, who was missing with an important
dispatch. He was instructed to divide his company at Sul
phur Springs, and send part to Washington, and destroy all
boats on the river between Washington and Kingston ; and, if
possible, to capture an old rebel named Brown, who resided
on an island in the river, Avith one or two sons, and who were
suspected of having waylaid the missing courier. The detach
ment was absent four days, and destroyed eleven boats, but
failed to find the missing courier. Brown's island was desert
ed ; he was with the rebel army, east of the river, but his cab
in and other buildings were destroyed and the place rendered
uninhabitable. Serg. John H. Bunnell, Avith a squad of men, crossed the
river to destroy a boat on the east side. They ascended the
bluff, and seeing a farm-house not far aAvay, Avent to it. Sev
eral rebel soldiers were there eating supper, but did not see
Bunnell and his men until the latter were entering the house.
The rebels were surprised, and ran out of ah opposite door and
took to the fields, closely followed by the whole family, leaving
their arms and accoutrements standing in a corner. Bunnell
and his men coolly finished the rebels' supper, and taking the
captured arms and accoutrements, recrossed the river. The
detachment returned to Post Oak Springs on the 21st, but

LEAVES OF ABSENCE. 119
found the camp abandoned ; the command had marched for
Kingston, by way of the ford across the Clinch River.
The detachment proceeded by a shorter route to the ferry,
but the ferryman refused to take them over. The boat was a
side-wheel concern, run by horse-power. After parleying with
him to no purpose, Serg. Doyle was directed to take the helm,
the men led their horses aboard, and the proprietor became
an unwilling passenger on his own boat.
Col. Henderson returned from Knoxville on the 17th. His
health had become greatly impaired, and believing the cam
paign had ended for the season, and that the regiment Avould
remain at Post Oak Springs during the winter, he Avas ordered
by Gen. Burnside to proceed north on recruiting sendee ; and
on the 19th started for home, to rest himself and recruit the
depleted ranks of the regiment. He Avas absent until about
the middle of the following January — the situation of affairs
in East Tennessee being such that he could not rejoin the re
giment before that time.
Capt. Wright obtained leave of absence and also went home,
leaving his company, in the meantime, in the command of
Lieut. Armstrong.
Adjutant Wells returned to the regiment ; but having been
authorized by Gen. Burnside to raise a regiment of artillery
in East Tennessee, he returned to Knoxville on the 20th of Oc
tober, and was assigned to duty as Chief of Artillery on the
staff of Brig. Gen. Manson.
On the 25th of November following, Lieut. Wells severed his
connection with the regiment, and Avas promoted to Major of
artillery. After the siege of Knoxville he served a few weeks
on the staff of Brig. Gen. Cox, and was then assigned to duty
as Chief of Engineers and Artillery on the staff of Brig. Gen.
Tillson. On the 29th of April, 1864, he was assigned to duty
as Chief of Artillery on the staff of Gen. Cox, commanding the
3d Division, 23d Army Corps, and served in that capacity un
til the close of the war. He was also Acting Assistant Adju
tant General, and Judge Advocate, of the 3d Division, during
part of the Atlanta campaign, in addition to his other regular
staff duties. During the succeeding campaigns in Georgia,
Middle Tennessee and North Carolina, Major Wells perform-

120 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
ed the duties pertaining to his enlarged sphere of action in a
manner highly creditable to himself and to the entire satisfac
tion of his commanding officer. He enlisted as a private in
Capt. Dunn's company, was appointed, and mustered into the
service, as adjutant of the regiment, and all claim him as a
member of our regimental "family."
Lieut. Petrie continued to perform the duties of adjutant
until the 24th of November, when he was relieved, at his oavii
request, and Lieut. C. W. Brown, of Co. E, Avas detailed as
Acting Adjutant. Lieut. Brown Avas offered the permanent
appointment as adjutant, but declined it. He performed the
duties of the office until the return of the regiment to Kentucky
in the spring of 1864, and was then relieved at Ins own re
quest. On the 20th of October a scouting party of tAventy men, of
the 112th Illinois, captured six rebel soldiers near Kingston,
and it Avas learned that three brigades of rebel cavalry were
moving up the Tennessee Valley, east of the river, toward
Kingston. The 1st East Tennessee regiment was immediate
ly ordered to Kingston to guard the ferry ; and later on the
same day the rest of the brigade also moved to Kingston.
The Tennessee regiment was here detached from the brigade
and ordered to garrison Kingston — Col. Byrd commanding the
Post — and remained there the following winter. The regi
ment Avas dismounted, and, with other regiments, repelled an
assault made by a detachment of Longstreet's army, in No
vember, and held the position against every attempt of the en
emy to capture tt.
A few days after, the 6th regiment Indiana cavalry was
temporarily added to the brigade, and the number Avas chang
ed to the 2d Brigade, 4th Cavalry Division, 23d Army Corps.
Lieut. Col. Bond, of the 112th Illinois, commanded the brig
ade, with few temporary exceptions, until Col. Henderson's
return from the North in the following January. During that
time Major Dow commanded the regiment, and Capt. Dunn,
the senior captain, acted as field officer of the regiment ; and
until the 18th of November Lieut. Griffin commanded Co. D.
On the 22d of October the pickets of the 8th Michigan Cav
alry were attacked and an Orderly Sergeant killed and the

A YARXETY OF MOVEMENTS. 121
rest of the pickets captured. Capt. Mitchell with Co. C. and
part of Co. H in command of Lieut. Newman, proceeded on a
scout, by way of Post Oak Springs, as far south as White
Creek. No rebel troops were discovered on the west side of
the river, but it was learned that a large force of rebels was
moving through Athens toward Loudon.
At ten o'clock that night, after all the men. except the pick
ets and guards, had retired to rest, the bugle sounded "boots
and saddles." in clear, ringing, emphatic tones, that every
man understood to mean '"business." The command was or
dered to move as quickly as possible, and in twenty minutes
the column was on the road marching toward Loudon. The
brigade marched all night, hi darkness so dense it could al
most be eut : and, Avithout halting for breakfast, continued on,
in the midst of a pouring rain-storm, until noon, when it ar
rived at Loudon. The rebels were reported in force at Phila
delphia, six miles below Loudon, and threatening the bridge
and army stores at the latter place, hence the forced march
to reinforce the troops already there.
Rosecrans Avas safely caged in Chattanooga, -with the rebel
army looking down from the heights of Lookout Mountain and
Missionary Ridge, their sides bristling Avith artiUery. threaten
ing destruction to the Union army : and accordingly Bragg
bad sent Longstreet. with a strong force, to drive Burnside
back over the mountains into Kentucky, or compel him to sur
render. We made the acquaintance of Longstreet's advance
on the 24th of October, and from that time until the foUowing
February, the 112th Illinois kept up an intimate, if not a cor
dial, acquaintance with his troops.
Early on the morning of the 24th the brigade proceeded tow
ard Philadelphia ; met the rebel advance guard and drove it
back upon their main column. Engaged in light skirnhshing
and reeonnoitering aU day. and returned to Loudon in the
evening. On Sunday, the 2oth, Major Dow was directed to proeeed to
Philadelphia with the 112th Illinois and feel of the enemy, but
not to bring on a general engagement, if possible to prevent
it. The regiment drove in the enemy's pickets and skirmished
until night and then retired to Loudon.

122 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Capt. Sroufe, Avith his owu company, and Co. B. in com
mand of Capt. Gudgel, Avas directed to move out on the Mad-
isonville road and ascertain the position of the enemy in that
direction. He encountered the rebel pickets five miles from
Philadelphia and attacked and drove them in. After skirm
ishing with the enemy as long as it was safe to do so, Capt.
Sroufe AvithdreAv his force and retired slowly to Loudon.
Three brigades of mounted troops, with three pieces of artil
lery, all in command of Gen. Saunders, moved from Loudon,
at noon of the 26th, and marched to Philadelphia, for the pur
pose of developing the enemy's position and strength. Co. K.
in command of Capt. E. H. Colcord, and Co. G, hi command
of Lieut. T. E. Milchrist, of the 112th, Avere thrown forward as
skirmishers, and attacked and drove in the enemy's skirmish
line. The rebels rallied and endeavored to recover the lost
ground, but the K and G boys held the position, and sent them
reeling back to theh main line. The Union companies had
the advantage of the long-range rifles, and while comparative
ly out of danger themselves — the rebel skirmishers being arm
ed Avith carbines — they poured a hot fire into the ranks of the
enemy ; and for this reason they suffered no loss, Avhile the
rebels suffered severely.
The 9th Tennessee (rebel) regiment of mounted infantry,
numbering four hundred men, occupied an advanced position
on a hill, three miles below Philadelphia, on the enemy's right.
They were dismounted, their horses in rear, and were armed
with rifles. The 8th Michigan cavalry charged up the hiU and
attempted to drive the rebels off, * but were repulsed, with the
loss of several men killed and Avounded. Another cavalry reg
iment made the attempt, and that, too, Avas repulsed, with
considerable loss, amid the cheers and jeers of thousands of
rebel troops. Major Doav moved the 112th, left in front,
around to the foot of the hill, right under fire, dismounted,
leaving every fifth man to hold horses, formed in line in front
of the horses, fixed bayonets, and the order was given to
"Charge!" Gen. Saunders rode along the line and said "Now, boys,
' show them what Ulinoisans can do. I want you to take
' that hill."

CHARGE AT PHILADELPHIA. 123
With cheers, and a shout of defiance at the rebels on the
hill, the regiment moved steadily forward, Avithout Avavering,
and rapidly ascended the hill. The enemy opened a rapid fire ;
the air seemed full of whistling, "zipping" bullets, but, as us
ual Avith men on an elevated position firing down the hill, tlieir
balls passed harmlessly over our heads, and the regiment suff
ered but little loss. When the brow of the hill Avas reached
the rebels were given one volley, and the regiment rushed for-
Avard at "'charge bayonets." They could not stand the line of
bristling bayonets, but broke and retreated in disorder doAA'n
the opposite side of the hill. The Union troops, as well as
the rebels, had witnessed the discomfiture of the cavalry regi
ments, and as the 112th gained the top of the hill, and the reb
els broke and ran like sheep, the Union soldiers made the wel
kin ring with cheer after cheer, and the 112th regiment was
the hero of the day.
The casualties of the regiment were, one man killed — Tiras
Starne»-of Co. D — and six men wounded — Sergeant Major J.
C. Baird, Joseph Dingman of Co. A, Corporal Andrew
Harty of Co. F, Henry H. Firkins of Co. C, First Sergeant
Henry Graves of Co. E, and Conrad E. Smith of Co. K.
But two hundred men of the regiment were present, and one-
fifth of these held the horses, so that only one hundred and
sixty men participated in the charge. The regiment lost
heavily in horses, many being killed and wounded in line at
the foot of the hill. ,
Eight prisoners, and fifty muskets, thrown away by the re
treating rebels, were captured. The rebels opened fire upon
the regiment with artillery, and the 9th Tennessee rallied and
attempted to recapture the hill, but they soon learned that the
Illinoisans could hold a position as well as take it. Lieut.
Griffin asked, and obtained, permission to deploy his company
(D) and make a demonstration on the battery, and it being
unsupported, he compelled it to limber up and seek a safer
position. The 112th was highly praised for its gallantry and good
conduct on this occasion. Gen. Saunders sought Major Dow
on the field, and personally thanked him, and complimented
the officers and men for their coolness and steady bearing un-

124 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
der fire ; and Lieut. Col. Wormer — temporarily in command of
the brigade during Lieut. Col. Bond's illness — promulgated a
congratulatory order, addressed "To the Officers and Soldiers
of the 112th Regiment Illinois Mounted Infantry," thanking
them for tlieir braAery and brilliant conduct in making the
charge. The command returned to Loudon at ten o'clock in
the evening, and the 112th, with other regiments, lay all night
in line of battle, on a range of hills south of the river.
Sergt. George W. Buck of Co. C — on duty in the Quarter
master's Department — crossed the river on the 27th, Avith a
forage train, guarded by Co. G, in command of Lieut. Mil
christ. They had not proceeded far when they were attacked
by rebel cavalry. The rebels made several desperate attempts
to capture the train, but Lieut. Milchrist and the Co. G boys
repulsed every assault, and held them in check until the 45th
Ohio came to their assistance, wdien they turned upon the en
emy and drove them beyond Philadelphia . They then return
ed to the train and brought it, safely into camp, welLloaded
with forage.
The 9th Army Corps, under command of Gen. Potter, Avas
encamped at Lenoir, six miles above Loudon. A division of
infantry of the 23d Corps was at Loudon, and the other divis
ions were stationed at different points ; some near the Virginia
line, northeast of KnoxA'ille, operating against other portions
of the rebel army.
Longstreet was pushing forward his infantry, threatening to
cross the river above and below Loudon. His cavalry had ef
fected a crossing of the Little Tennessee oast of Loudon, and
Avere moving up the valley on the east side of the Holston.
Under these circumstances the position at Loudon became
untenable ; consequently the pontoons were removed from the
river, and on the 28th of October the place was evacuated, and
the Union troops retired to Lenoir. Guards were stationed at
all the ferries and fords on the Tennessee and Holston rivers,
and detachments were constantly engaged in scouting in the
country on both sides of the two rivers and watching the move
ments of the enemy.
Capt. S. F. Otman, with part of his own company (E), part
of Co. H, in command of Lieut. Jesse NeAvman, and one com-

TAMING A SUTLER. 125
pany of the 8th Michigan cavalry, was directed to guard the
fords and ferries on the Holston, between Loudon and Louis
ville, a distance of about twenty miles, and to hold them until
relieved or driven back by the enemy. In pursuance of the
order, he stationed Sergt. Solomon Dixon with twenty men
of Co. E, at Park's Ferry : Sergt. John E. Gharrett with twelve
men, at a ford in a bend of the river above ; and the remainder
of the Co. E men at Loav's Ferry, five miles above, where he
made his head-quarters. Lieut. NeAvman and his company,
and part of the 8th Michigan company — under a sergeant,
were posted still further up the river, watching the ferries and
fords in the vicinity of LouisA'ille. Capt. Otman gave the offi
cer in charge of the several posts the same instructions he had
received — to hold the position until relieved or driven back by
the enemy.
The 112th was ordered to be ready to move at 10 o'clock on
the 29th. Saddled up and moAed out on the road, where the
regiment waited until 2 o'clock for orders, and Avas then direct
ed to return to camp.
On the 30th, Capt. Sroufe, with fifty men of the 112th, and
fifty men of the 8th Michigan, was sent up the river to recon-
noiter and ascertain the moAyements of the enemy in the vicin
ity of a certain ford. He found the 27th Kentucky mounted in
fantry was on the opposite bank of the river, hard pressed by
a superior force of the enemy, and in great danger of being
captured, on account of the difficulty of crossing the river un
der fire — the ford being a dangerous one even under the most
favorable circumstances. Capt. Sroufe moved his men doAvn
to the water's edge, dismounted and opened fire upon the en
emy, holding them at bay while the 27th crossed. He remain
ed there until after dark, and did not reach camp until eleven
o'clock. He lost no men. The 27th Kentucky lost tvvo killed
and seven wounded.
October 31st, the regiment mustered for pay, and before the
muster Avas completed received orders to saddle up and be
ready to move at a moment's notice. The order was soon
countermanded and the regiment remained in camp.
On Sunday, Nov. 1st, the sutler of the 20th Michigan regi
ment opened his stock, and was well patronized by the boys,

126 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
who had been so long at the front without opportunities to
purchase luxuries or even necessaries. His prices were high,
but not exorbitant, considering the distance he had hauled his
goods over the mountains. In fact, old soldiers could not be
imposed upon by sutlers. If a sutler charged an exorbitant
price for his wares, he was requested to "come down" — and no
one of them was ever known to refuse a second time. The sol
diers were at all times generous, but they would not be swin
dled. One instance wiU illustrate : A sutler drove into camp
with a large wagon heavily loaded with goods. He was im
mediately surrounded by an eager throng of would be purchas
ers. He displayed his goods and named his prices. The boys
quickly discovered that he intended to swindle them, that his
prices were three times the value of his goods. They com
menced quietly helping themselves, and before he was aware
of their intention, but one article was remaining in the wagon
— a caddy" of tobacco on which he was sitting. He stood up
to protest against being "robbed," and in a moment the tobac
co was gone. He took the hint. He returned with another
load, drove into the same camp, offered his goods at reason
able prices, and sold them rapidly at a fair profit This he re
peated many times ; and he said he would not hesitate to leave
his wagon, or tent, in that camp, at any time, day or night,
unguarded. November 2nd, the 9th Corps commenced building "winter
quarters," after the fashion of McClellan's army in the East.
They afterwards learned, however, that the armies in the West
never indulged in such luxuries ; and even they were not per
mitted to inhabit their cosy cabins.
November 3d, a general inspection of all the mounted troops
was had, and the 112th "passed muster" and was favorably
reported. On the 4th, Lieut. Milchrist with Co. G, and Lieut. Thomp
son with Co. B, were ordered to go to Kingston as guards to a
battery which Avas being sent there to aid in the defense of that
post. They met two companies of the 1st Tennessee regiment
twelve miles from Lenoir, and turned the battery OA*er to them
and returned to camp.
Capt. Colcord was sent out on a reconnoissance, Avith his

DRAW PAY AND CLOTHING. 27.1
company (K), and scouted along the river until dark and then
returned to camp, with valuable information as to the move
ments of the enemy.
On the 6th, drew clothing, and were required to report the
number of men and horses fit for active duty. At ten o'clock
in the evening the brigade was ordered to saddle up and pre
pare to move at once. After everything was in readiness to
march the order was countermanded, only to be repeated at
three o'clock the next morning.
Many horses of the mounted regiments Avere broken down
and unfit for service ; and a considerable number of the men
Avere worn out hy constant duty, night and day, in the rainy
season, always on short rations, and many days Avithout any ;
and when, on the morning of November 7th, the order Avas
given to move out at once, Avith only the best horses and strong
est men, leaving all others behind, a large proportion of every
regiment was left in camp. Capt. Sroufe Avas detailed to re
main in command of the 112th men. Moved at six o'clock,
marched twelve miles towards Knoxville, and encamped on
the farm of the Dr. Baker who was shot by the Tennessee Un
ion soldiers on the Saunders raid, in the preceding June, where
there was an abundance of corn and forage for the hungry
horses. Marched at 7 o'clock on the morning of the 8th, and arrived
at Knoxville and went into camp, a mile south of town, about
noon of the same day ; and remained there, performing vari
ous duties, watching the enemy beloAV, reconnoitering, and
kept in readiness to move at a moments notice at any time,
day or night, until the 14th of NoA'ember. Part of Co. E and
part of Co. H were still on picket on the Holston River ; and
Major Dow directed Lieut. BroAvn, Avho Avas in command of
the remnant of Co. E Avith the regiment, to relieve Lieut.
Newman and his men ; and the latter rejoined the regiment
with fat horses and well-fed men, as they had found excellent
foraging on the river.
On the 13th, Capt. Mitchell Avith his Co. (C) Avas directed to
go out and meet a United States Paymaster, avIio was coming
over the mountains from Kentucky Avith a large amount of
money, and guard the treasure into Knoxville. Capt. Mitchell

128 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
successfully performed the perilous duty, and brought the pay
master and the money safely into the city.
On the same day, (the 13th), Lieut. Thompson returned to
Lenoir, with instructions to Capt. Sroufe to turn over aU the
unserviceable horses and move his men to Knoxville. He ar
rived at Lenoir late in the evening. The next morning'a di
vision of the 23d Corps was engaged with the enemy in the vi
cinity of Loudon, and the 9th Corps was moving down to its
assistance. Longstreet was pushing his division across the
river, and the armies were on the eve of an important battle ;
consequently the order to tum over the horses could not be
carried out.
In the afternoon Hon. Charles A. Dana, then Assistant Sec
retary of War, Hon. Horace Maynard, a Union member of the
United States Congress from East Tennessee, and Col. Bab-
cock, of Gen. Grant's staff, arrived at Lenoir from Knoxville,
AA'here they had been in consultation with Gen. Burnside, and
desired to proceed at once to Chattanooga. As Longstreet oc
cupied the country through Avhich lay the direct route, they
Avere compelled to go by Avay of Kingston, and thence down on
the west side of the Tennessee. Gen. Potter, commanding
the 9th Corps, directed Capt. Stroufe to take a lieutenant, and
thirty-five men haA'ing the best horses, and one ambulnace,
and go with them as a guard as far as Kingston. Capt. Sroufe
directed Lieut. Thompson to accompany him, and, selecting
men and horses, they started at once, and arrived safely at
Kingston about 8 o'clock in the evening. After feeding horses
they started to return, but had not proceeded far when they
were informed by a Union citizen that part of Longstreet's ar
my had crossed the river at Hough's Ferry, and was in posses
sion of the road to Lenoir, and the road to Campbell's Station
above Lenoir, and that the detachment was completely cut off.
A careful reconnoissance proved the truth of the man's state
ment. To proceed further in that direction Avould result in
certain capture. The Union citizen volunteered his services
as a guide ; and returning a feAV miles, the detachment took
another road, leading around Longstreet'a forces. It w7as a
rough, mountainous road, at many places almost impassable,
over steep hills and through narrow defiles ; and they march-

PROSPECT OF A FIGHT. 129
ed all night and all the next day (Sunday the 15th), to reach
CampbeU's Station, a few miles above Lenoir. Having had
nothing Avhatever to eat since leaving Kingston, they marched
three miles further to Concord, on the railroad, where rations
could be obtained, and remained there over night.
At one o'clock in the afternoon of November 14th, the 112th
Illinois, with the other mounted regiments at Knoxville, march
ed for Lenoir. It had rained hard all the preceding night and
afternoon, and the roads were very muddy, and for artillery
almost impassable. The command marched but ten miles and
halted for the night. ReveiUe at 3 :30, and moved at daylight,
on the 15th, and reached Lenoir at four o'clock in the after
noon. Here all was excitement and confusion. Longstreet
had succeeded in crossing the river and the two armies Avere
already engaged in severe fighting. The roads were blockad
ed with 9th Corps trains ; quartermasters were cursing, team
sters swearing and mules braying ; while the roar of artillery
and the rattle of musketry, warned them that time was pre
cious and danger near. Longstreet was slowly but surely ad
vancing his lines and the Union troops were doggedly and
slowly falling back.
Campbell's Station is not a railroad station, but a village of
that name — an old stage station — about three miles west of
Concord on the railroad. It is situated on the highway between
Kingston and Knoxville — the Lenoir and Kingston roads unit
ing at the "forks" about a mile below the village.
Longstreet was advancing with the main portion of his ar
my on the Lenoir road, while the detachment that had crossed
the river at Hough's Ferry was advancing on the Kingston
road. At the same time he had sent a heavy force up the
Holston River on the Loudon and Concord road, to flank Gen.
Burnside's position at Lenoir and gain possession of the road
above the forks of the Lenoir and Kingston roads, and thus
completely cut off Burnside's line of retreat to Knoxville. If
either wing of his army could gain possession of the road above
the junction of the two roads, while he held the Union army
at Lenoir Avith his center, his object Avould be accomplished.
But the trams of the Union army, containing stores which had
—9

130 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
been hauled hundreds of miles OA'er the mountains, were too
valuable to be abandoned ; and although Longstreet's army
greatly outnumbered the Union army, Gen. Burnside determ
ined to save both his army and his trains. The Union army
fell back to Lenoir, and there, on the 15th, Longstreet made a
furious assaidt on the 9th Corps, but Avas repulsed with con
siderable loss.
Immediately upon the arrival of the mounted troops at Le
noir, they Ave re ordered to return to Campbell's Station to
watch the movements of the rebels in that direction, and pre
vent them from getting possession of the road. The command
moved at once and arrived at Campbell's Station at dayhght
the next morning. Early on the morning of the 16th the ball
opened. The Union infantry fell back from Lenoir, slowly, in
good order, but closely foUowed by Longstreet. fighting every
inch of the ground. Capt. Dunn, Avith Co. D of the 112th IU-
inois, in command of Lieut. Griffin, and four companies ofthe
6th Indiana cavalry, was directed to advance on the Kingston
road until he met the enemy, and to hold the rebel force on
that road in check as long as possible : and Major Dow with
the remainder of the regiment — except Co's E, I and G, and
the detachment Avith Capt. Sroufe — Avas directed to support
Capt. Dunn ; while Lieut. Col. Bond held the rest of the bri
gade in readiness to strike a blow Avherever aud whenever re
quired. The country between the two roads below the forks was
heavily timbered, so that the movements of troops on one road
could not be seen from the other. Capt. Dunn moved down
the road Avith his command, and Avas soon engaged in a sharp
skirmish with the enemy. It Avas just at this time that Capt.
Sroufe arrived upon the ground from Concord, AAith the detach
ment that had been to Kingston. Leaving their horses with
the others, he and his men joined the regiment. The firing on
the Lenoir road indicated that the Union army Avas faUing
back, and would soon be above the forks of the road. Major
Doav directed Lieut. Thompson, as he came up. to return to
the horses and move them as quickly as possible aboA-e the
junction of the tAvo roads. The horses were moved at once,
but before thev reached the road the rear guard of the 9th

AN ENGAGEMENT. 131
Corps had fallen back beyond that point — fighting on the re
treat, preserving as good order and as correct time as if on a
review. The horses were iu great danger, but just then the [in ion
artillery opened a heavy fire on the advancing rebel lines and
gave "an opportunity to remove the horses out of danger, and
they were taken to a position to the right and rear of the Un
ion lines.
In a feAv moments Longstreet's infantry had advanced above
the forks of the road, and the 112th and four companies of the
6th Indiana cavalry were below, on the Kingston road, com
pletely cut off from the Union army. It was thought they had
been captured, and the horse-holders were lamenting the fate
¦ of their officers and comrades, when troops were seen emerg-
i ing from the woods far to the Union right, wdiich proved to be
Major Dow with his command, who had made a circuitous
movement through the timber around the rebel flank, and es
caped from tlieir clutches. During the battle which, ensued
the 112th occupied a position in reserve. . Co. I, in command
of Lieut. Lawrence, acting Provost Marshal of the brigade,
was on duty as provost guards, arresting stragglers from the
whole army, and performing such other duties as usually de
volved upon provost guards.
Early on the" morning of the 15th, Lieut. Milchrist, in com
mand of Co. G, had been ordered to march rapidly to Lenoir
with his company and report for duty to Gen. Potter, com
manding the 9th Corps. He proceeded to Lenoir and reported
at once to Gen. Potter, who directed him to keep his men well
in hand and aAvait orders. During the night the 9th Corps
retreated toAvard Campbell's Station, Avithout informing Lieut.
Milchrist of the movement, and on the morning of the 16th
the company was still at Lenoir, awaiting orders — the only
Union troops remaining there, all the others having fallen
back. About daylight they were discovered by the rebels, who
made a sa Iden and furious attack upon them, with the evident
intention if capturing the whole company. Taking in the sit
uation at a glance, Lieut. Milchrist and his men beat a hasty
retreat t .ward Campbell's Station, and overtook the rear guard
near there, about il o'clock. The loss of the company was

132 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
John W. McMiUan, mortally wounded (died Jan. 8) ; WiUiam
W. Starboard, wounded and captured ; and Ransom D. Fos
ter and Andrew P. Folk captured, both of whom died in rebel
prison. Michael Nugent's horse was kflled, but he succeeded
in getting away ; walked to Concord and thence to CampbeU's
Station, and two days later was killed in front of Knoxville.
On reaching the command, Lieut. MUchrist learned, for the
first time, that Gen. Burnside had requested Gen. Potter
to send to him (Gen. Burnside) a mounted company to act as
escort during the expected battle, and Lieut. MUchrist had
been ordered to report to Gen. Potter for that purpose : but
the latter, instead of informing him at once, directed MUchrist
to await orders, and then moved off and left the company in
the enemy's lines ; and as the consequence of his neglect the
company lost four good men. On learning this, Lieut. MU
christ at once reported directly to Gen. Burnside, and the com
pany was assigned to duty as escort. During the battle, and
the succeeding night, many of the men were employed in car
rying dispatches, a perUous duty, but they performed it faith-
fuUy, and to the satisfaction of the commanding general. The
company was relieved, and rejoined the regiment near Knox
ville, on the morning of the 17th of November.

CHAPTER XII.
THE BATTLE OF CAMPBELL' 8 STATION.
RETREAT TO KNOXVILLE.
SEVERE FIGHTING IN FRONT OF KNOXVILLE.
ONE-THIRD OF THE 112TII ILLINOIS KILLED, WOUNDED AND MISSING.
It was Gen. Burnside's intenion to retreat to Knoxville, but
Longstreet. was pushing forward with such vigor and determi
nation that the Union general was compelled to turn upon his
pursuer and check the rebel advance in order to save his trains
and supplies. The Union line had barely passed the junction
of the two roads when the enemy opened a vigorous fire, fol
lowed by a furious assault upon the whole line. The Union
troops repulsed them, but fell back to a new line of defense,
some distance in rear of the first position, and there prepared
to receive the enemy's attack. They had not long to wait.
The heavy, gray columns moved steadily forward — but they
came to a sudden halt. From the line of the Union batteries
on the hill, shot and shell and grape and canister were hurled
into their ranks, mowing wide swaths in their lines. The re
bel batteries were wheeled into position, and for nearly two
hours the cannonading was terrific. The infantry, on either
Bide, watched the artillery duel with eager interest, knowing
full well that when that ceased then would come the tug of war
between the infantry forces.
I*} was an open-field fight. The movements of each army
could be distinctly seen ; and soon the Union troops knew the
rebel column was preparing for a charge. On they came, with

134 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
fixed bayonets, shouting and yelling like demons ; but they
met such a withering fire from the Union lines that they halt
ed, hesitated, and were driven back, dismayed at their fail
ure. To halt, to hesitate, to waA'er, is certain death to an
assaulting column. To succeed it must be kept moving, mov
ing forward, lt cannot stand still, in an open field, and when
it ceases to move forward it must move backward. The rebel
column fell back, reformed, and again charged upon the Union
lines, and again it was repulsed. 'Every attempt to dislodge
the Union troops proved unavailing. It required courage,
nerve, to withstand these repeated furious assaults, but the
Union soldiers were equal to the occasion, and met every
charge made by the enemy's assaulting column with a cool
ness and deliberation and a firmness that was truly heroic.
Longstreet attempted to flank the position of the Union ar
my by sending a column around its deft through the woods,
but the batteries opened fire into them at left oblique, and the
movement was abandoned. All that long day the Union army
held its position, and at dark again commenced its retreat to.:
ward Knoxville ; and the 112th Illinois was designated by Gen.
Burnside as the rear guard. The . regiment remained in pos.i- •
tion, and after all the. other troops, had moved to the rear,
built hundreds of camp-fires on the hills and. in. the valleys to
deceive the enemy and make him believe the Union army had
gone into camp. Who of the 112th can ever forget that long,
wearisome, toilsome November night ?
In the afternoon, when the rebels. attempted to flank the Un
ion army, Capt. Dunn, Avith Co. D, in command of Lieut. Grif
fin, and Co. F, in command of Lieut. J. G. Armstrong,. of the.
112th, was ordered to move- to the left ofthe Union position.
and develop the movements of the rebel column in that di
rection. Capt. .Dunn moved down through the .woods., and
soon came upon detachments of rebels moving around be
tAveen Campbell's Station and Concord. .. He dismounted and
deployed his. men, and remained there, watching .and report
ing the enemy's movements, and engaged in a sharp skirmish,
until the Union army fell back frdm Campbell's Station, when
the rebels advanced with such force he was compelled to fall
back to the main road. He there met Gen, Potter, who di-

STAND AT CAMPBELL'S STATION 135
reefed him to occupy a hill 011 the Concord road and hold it
until further orders. The Union army continued to march
toAvard Knoxville, and Capt. Dunn and ins command were for
gotten. Neither Lieut. Col. Bond nor Major Dow knew where
they were, and so could not relieve them.
The rebels Avere moving upon the detachment in front and
on both flanks, and the prospect of a trip south at the expense
of the Confederacy was extremely good. Capt. Dunn was urg
ed to move his command out of there, while he could, but he
refused to leave his post without orders. Lieut. Armstrong
finally sent Benjamin W. Todd, of his company, to inform
Gen. Potter of the situation and ask for instructions what to
do. Todd returned in a remarkably |hort time and reported
that as soon as he had informed Gen. Potter that tbe detach
ment had not been relieved, the general ordered him to return
as quickly as possible and direct Capt. Dunn to fall back at
once and rejoin his regiment. No one, except, perhaps, Capt.
Dunn, suspected that Todd had seen Gen. Potter, but he cer
tainly saved the detachment from capture.
It was noAV long after dark. A rebel force of infantry was on
their right and another in rear, and cavalry in front ; while a
regiment of caAalry Avas in position to charge upon them if
they attempted to move out to the road. They were in a tight
place but the darkness saved them. They tore down fences,
crossed the fields, eluded the rebel cavalry, reached the road
above and rejoined the regiment. The rebels opened fire upon
them when they discovered the movement, but fortunately no
one was hit. The two companies, in command of Capt. Dunn,
acted as rear guard of the regiment on the march to Knoxville.
Wheeler's cavalry corps, at this time in command of Gen.
Martin, infested the -country around KnoxviUe, and made sev
eral unsuccessful attempts to capture the city, which was de
fended by a force under Gen. Saunders.
During the battle at Campbell's Station Gen. Burnside sent
a telegraph operator, with a strong guard, to tap the wires near
Concord and send an important dispatch to Gen. Saunders at
Knoxville. After several ineffectual attempts to reach the line,
Gen. Burnside called upon Lieut. Milchrist for a brave, reso
lute man of his company, with a good horse, to carry the dis-

136 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
patch to Knoxville. John Crowe immediately rode forward
and volunteered to take the message safely into KnoxvUle.
Gen. Burnside informed him that it was a perilous undertak
ing, that it might result in his capture or death, but that the
dispatch was an important one, and whatever became of him,
it must not, under any circumstances, fall into the hands of
the enemy. Crowe took the dispatch, and after a hard ride
and several narrow escapes, delivered it safely to Gen. Saun
ders. During the siege of Knoxville Gen. Burnside sent for
Crowe to come to his headquarters, but he was away on duty
at the time and did not receive the message until his return.
He then reported to Gen. Burnside's headquarters, but the
general had resigned the command of the Army of the Ohio
and left the department. He, hoAvever, left a letter for Crowe,
in his own handwriting, thanking him for the faithful perform
ance of the trust committed to him on the 16th of November,
and enclosing fifty dollars which he begged Crowe to accept
as a personal gift from himself in reAvard for his brave conduct
on that occasion.
On the retreat from Campbell's Station to KnoxviUe, Gen.
Burnside came upon an abandoned army wagon, which block
ed the road and prevented the passage of artillery, and other
wagons in the rear. Immediately dismounting, he requested
his escort to assist him in turning the wagon over out of the
road. Several Co. G men hastened to the wagon, and one of
them, John Humphrey, who boasted of his strength, took hold
of the hind wheel with the general. The general gave the
word, and Humphrey lifted with all his strength, but Burnside
"turned the wheel on him," and he was compelled to admit,
with considerable chagrin, that the general was "a better man"
than himself.
These incidents are mentioned as apt illustrations of Bum-
side's thoughtf ulness of the "common soldier," and his readi
ness to share with him the perils and hardships of war — char
acteristics which endeared him to the whole army.
Capt. Otman was at Low's Ferry, when the firing of artillery
at Campbell's Station warned him that a battle was in pro
gress, and that the position of the rebel army endangered his
picket posts. He immediately started down the river to relieve.

TAPPING TELEGRAPH WIRES. 137
them; but on reaching Serg. Gharrett's post, found the reb
els Avere in force between there and Serg. Dixon's post, and
that there was no escape for Dixon and his men unless they
could cross the river and move up on tlie east side. The en
emy's troops were advancing, and Gharrett's post Avas with-
drawn barely in time to escape capture, as they Avere fired up
on by rebel cavahy as they moved out of the bend of the river.
All the posts except Sergt. Dixon's were withdrawn and con
centrated at a cross-road a mile south of Low's Ferry. Pickets
were thrown out, and at eight o'clock in the evening Corporal
David Fast and Josiah Umbaugh were dispatched for orders.
They returned at ten o'clock with the information that the Un
ion army was retreating to KnoxviUe, and with orders to Capt.
Otman to report there as soon as possible. They then proceed
ed on a blind, unfrequented road along the river ; struck the
main road five mfles below the city, and rejoined the regiment
about five o'clock the next morning.
Serg. Dixon and his men were captured. They were taken
to Atlanta, thence to Belle Isle, and thence to Andersonville.
Many of them never returned, and of those who did few have
ever fully recovered from the horrible sufferings endured in
rebel prisons. The following are the names of the men cap
tured :
Serg. Solomon Dixon,* Corporal Andrew Fantz ; WiUiam
B. Barr,* John Cole,* Charles B. DaA-is,* James Elston,* No
ah Fantz,* Jonathan Graves, Stephen W. Green, Charles W.
Hart, WiUiam Holgate, David Kerns, William H. Morgan,
George 0. Marlatt,* George W. Nicholas, James Ray,* Simon
Ray,* WiUiam Ray, Michael Springer* and John D. Swain.*
William Ray died in the United States Hospital at Balti
more, Maryland, a few days after his exchange, of disease con
tracted in rebel prison.
Serg. Dixon has been blamed for not exercising his own
judgment and falling back, Avhen he saAv that his post would
be cut off and captured. He Avas urged to do so, but like
Capt. Dunn, he refused to leave his post without orders. He
was a good soldier and a faithful officer, and believed in strict
*Died in rebel prison.

138 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
obedience of orders — usually considered a virtue instead of, a
fault. The only loss of the 112th on the 16th, besides the casualties
in Companies G and E, was one man wounded, Corporal Allen
Woods of Co. C. Capt. Dunn's horse Avas killed under him in
the morning, and seA'eral other horses Avere wounded.
The command marched all night, over roads that in many
places seemed to be bottomless, and reached Knoxville at day
light on the morning of the 17th. The 112th was ordered to
picket the Campbell's Station road, and the regiment occupied
a position about two miles from town — Companies K, G and B
on the extreme outpost.
Early in the morning, Col. Wolford with the 1st Kentucky
cavalry and the 45th Ohio mounted infantry, moved doAvn the
road to meet the enemy. He had hot far to go. The fierce
rattle of musketry indicated that he had found the rebels and
that they were driving him in. He fell back and occupied a
position on a hill in rear of the pickets, where the 11th and
12th Kentucky regiments were in reserve. On came the rebel
advance, and attacked and drove the outpost back upon the
regiment. On they came in overpowering numbers, and the
regiment fell back, in considerable confusion, to Wolford's line.
The rebels followed up their advantage with a furious assault,
and the Union line wavered and broke.
Sergeant John L. Jennings, the 112th Color Bearer, accom
panied by the color guard, rushed forward aud planted the
colors on the hill. The rebels opened fire on them, and James
J. Inglis, of Co. C, was instantly killed. The others escaped
unharmed. The 112th quickly rallied around the flag, and the
memy's guns being empty, one well-directed volley sent them
reeling back to the foot of the hill. The rest of the Union
iroops recovered their position, and the line held the hill all day,
engaged in heavy skirmishing Avith the enemy, and meeting with
considerable loss. At night the 112th was relieved and retir
ed to the City, to rest and obtain rations ; having had nothing
to eat since leaving Campbell's Station, and very little there.
The casualties of the regiment on tlie 17th were two men
killed — Corporal Robert Corkhill, of Co. G, and James J. Inglis,
of Co. C ; one mortally wounded — Jonas S. Rogers, of Co. D,

THE MISGUIDED ENEMY. 139
(died Nov. 18} ; and four severely wounded — John Winters, of
Co. A. (died of wounds April 21. 1S64*. Henry C. Morris, of
Co. C, John Oldaker, of Co. E. and Charles H. W. Payne, of
Co. D ; and one slightly wounded— Frederick Kukuk. of Co.
A ; total eight.
At daylight on* the morning of the 18th the 8th Michigan
cavalry, and the 112th IUinois in command of Major Doav,
of the 2d Brigade, and the 45th Ohio, all under the command
of Gen. Saunders, moved out on foot, leaving every fifth man
to take care of the horses, and occupied the position ofthe
night before — the 8th Michigan on the left. with its right rest
ing on the road, the 112th in the center. Av-ith its left resting on
the road, and the 45th Ohio on the right. The position of the
45th Ohio and the 112th IUinois was along the top of a low
ridge, behind a light rail fence. A short distance in front was a
ravine, or narrow vaUey, through which ran a creek, nearly par
allel with the ridge : on the opposite side and within musket
range was a range of hiUs, or bluffs, higher than the position
of the Union line, which was occupied by the Confederates.
The position of the 8th Michigan on the east side of the road
was on lower ground, and in its front on the opposite side of the
creek was a hiU higher than the others, on Avhich stood a fine
brick residence, near the road. The position was about one
nine from the outskirts of the city. In rear of the 112th Avas
an orchard, and back of the orchard another ravine and creek,
called Second Creek, very similar to that in front. A short
distance to the left of the 8th Michigan was timber. Gen.
Saunders was directed to hold this position, at aU hazards,
until noon. His whole force did not exce ed six hundred men.
The morning was very foggy, and the positions of the contend
ing forces could not be seen by the opposite side.
About ten o'clock the fog raised and revealed to the Confed
erates the position and strength of the Union troops, and they
at once opened a vigorous fire Avith musketry, which was re
turned with equal vigor. Sharpshooters occupied the brick
house on the hiU, and one of them was kiUed by a musket baU
from the 112th. After severe skh-mishing for an hour or more.
the rebels moved a column down the lull into the ravine, and
prepared to charge. The bluff protected them from the fire of

140 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
the Union troops — concealing them from view — and they form
ed their column and made preparations for the charge in per
fect safety. When all was ready they moved up the bluff, and
on they came, with that peculiar, indescribable, never-to-be-
forgotten rebel yell ; but they met a well-directed, withering
fire from the boys in blue, and Avere driven back under cover
of the bluff. From this time until noon severe skirmishing
continued with the forces on the opposite hills, and then for
an hour or more the firing nearly ceased, and the two lines lay
there watching each other. Gen. Saunders might have with
drawn his command at this time with little loss ; but he deter
mined to hold the enemy in check as long as possible, to give
more time to the army in rear to complete the defences of the
city. About half past one o'clock the enemy planted four pieces
of artillery on the hill, near the brick building, and opened fire
wnth shot and shell. The first shot mortally wounded Capt.
A. A. Lee and killed Thomas Nowers, of Co. A, of the 112th.
For two long hours the line of Union troops lay there, without
artillery to reply — helpless — and received the fire of the rebel
guns. The formation of the ground was such that the 8th
Michigan and the left wing of the 112th were protected from
the artillery fire — the guns could not be depressed sufficiently
to reach them — but the right wing of the 112th and the 45th
Ohio suffered severely.
About half past three the rebels formed a column in the ra
vine, three lines deep, and charged fiercely upon the Union
line, but were repulsed with heavy loss. They fell back, re
formed and charged again, and were again repulsed. Again
they advanced to the charge. The Union troops were direct
ed to hold their fire until the advancing line was Avithin easy
range, and then to take good aim and fire to kiU. The enemy
misunderstood the motive for withholding the fire ; they be
lieved the Union troops wished to surrender, and a Confeder
ate colonel rode forward alone, right up to the line, and called
out : "Lay down your arms, boys. ; you can't get out of here ;
you will all be killed ; we will take good care of you ; you had
better surrender!" Rider and horse fell together, pierced by
a dozen Union bullets.

KILLED AND WOUNDED. 141
Maddened by the death of their leader, the rebels charged
with redoubled fury, but again they were repulsed and driven
back over the bluff. In the meantime they had moved anoth
er column up the ravine, around the right flank of the Un
ion line, and now came charging down obliquely in rear, and
at the same time again in front. Just at this time (4 o'clock)
Gen. Saunders was mortally wounded and carried off the
field. The 45th Ohio, being in the greatest danger, was the
first to break. The two advancing lines formed a wedge, and
there was but one way for them to escape — to make a rapid
movement by the left flank. Major Dow saw that the whole
force would be captured in a very few minutes, and he gave
the order, in clear, ringing tones, to fall back.
Back through the orchard they rushed, followed by solid
shot and shrieking shells, down across Second Creek and up
on the opposite side. Most of the 8th Michigan and some of
the 112th "took to the woods" on the left, to get out of range
of the artiUery, and going around, joined the command on the
hill above. A position was taken some distance in front of
the fort (afterwards named Fort Saunders, in honor of Gen.
Saunders) and Lieut. Milchrist with Co. G, and Lieut. Thomp
son with Co. B, occupied a large brick dwelling house, between
the Union and rebel lines, to watch the rebels and prevent
them from occupying it with sharpshooters, and remained
there until dark. This building was afterwards burned to pre
vent the rebel sharpshooters from occupying it, as it was with
in range of the fort.
The rebels advanced their lines through the orchard to the
bluff south of the creek, and the day's work Avas done.
The loss of the 112th Illinois in this day's work was fifteen
killed, eight mortaUy wounded, forty-one Avounded — many se
verely — three wounded and captured, and nine captured ; a
total of seventy-six, as follows ;
KILLED.
Co. A — John Hords, Jesse H. Morgan and Thomas Nowers.
Co. F— Serg. William P, Finley, Corporal William C. Bell
and John Kendall.
Co. D — Corporal Henry Carl, Corporal Cyrus F. Foote,

142 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Reuben Cahoii, Patrick Griffin, William A. A. Martin and
Theodore M. Penny.
Co. C — Corporal George McCausland.
Co. H — Serg. Alonzo B. Stetson, Color-Guard.
Co. G — Michael Nugent. MORTALLY WOUNDED.
Co. A — Capt. Asa A. Lee ; died the same day.
Co. F— Elmore Barnhill, Olaus Forss (died in the hands of
the enemy Nov. 19th), and Aaron Ridle (died in the hands of
the enemy).
Co. D— Martin V. Cole (died Nov. 19th).
Co. C— John Davis (died Nov. 19th).
Co. E— David Wandling (died Nov. 19th).
Co. K — Corporal John Murray (died Nov. 26th).
WOUNDED.
Capt. A. A. Dunn, Co. D, acting as Field Officer of the reg
iment, slightly.
Co. A — Corporal James M. Bice, and Philip J. Wintz (cap
tured and escaped).
Co. F — Lieut. George C. Maxfield, Nathaniel Crabtree (se
verely), George G. Stone, James R. Gelvin, Alfred C. Ballen-
tine, John W. Curfman and James Essex.
Co. D — Sergt. A. B. Lafferty (slightly), Alexander Beath,
Eben G. Woodward (wounded and captured), Ezra Adkins
(severely), David Mallory (severely), Martin R. Lowry (severe
ly), James M. Baird (slightly), and James Stitt (slightly).
Co. C — Capt. J. B. Mitchell, two Avounds ; Corporal JohnD.
Hill, Color-Guard, (slightly), Griffith Shreck (severely), Thom
as J. Atwater (seA'erely and captured), Benton W. Godfrey
(slightly) and George McConnell (slightly).
Co. H — Sergt. John L. Jennings, Color-Bearer, Corporals
Abner Norman (seAerely) and Anchew T. W. Chalmers (slight-
ly). Co. E— Serg. John E. Gharrett (slightly).
Co. K — Lieut. Jacob Bush (slightly), Jabez Bartlett, Charles
Crommett (severely), Conrad E. Smith (severely), Nathan
Smith (slightly), Joseph Sneller and John Wahl.
Co. G — Serg. Thomas J. Townsend (slightly), Corporal

CAREFUL PRESERVATION OF PRISONERS. 143
Thomas J. McClellan (severely), George W. Hempstead and
Hiram W. Hubbard (both slightly).
Co. B — Andrew J. Brode (severely), and Joseph Fleming
(slightly). Captured, besides those wounded and captured :
Co. A — Nathan H. Cole, Andrew J. DaA-is, Vester Goble,
Salem B. Giles and Luther M. Harrington.
Co. D — Lieut. H. G. Griffin and Holmes N. Tillson.
Co. C — Wesley Crigler.
Co. H— Peter Hoen.
The 112th had but two hundred and eleven men on the
field, and lost more than one-third in killed, wounded and miss
ing. Co. I Avas not in the engagement, but was stationed in rear
of the line, in command of Lieut. Lawrence — then acting as
Provost Marshal of the brigade in addition to other staff du
ties — as Provost Guards. First Serg. Harry Fones, however,
was hit by a musket ball from a long-range gun in the hands
of a rebel sharpshooter with such force that he was knocked
down, senseless, but soon returned to consciousness. The ball
struck the company roll-book in his pocket, and that doubtless
saved his life.
Lieut. Griffin was taken prisoner while engaged in an effort
to support the 45th Ohio, Avhich was nearly surrounded and
the Avhole regiment in great danger of being captured. He wras
taken to Atlanta, and thence by Avay of Augusta, Georgia, to
Richmond, Virginia, where, on the first day of December, 1863,
he was incarcerated in Libby Prison. He remained in Libby
until May 7, 1864, Avhen, with about twelve hundred other of
ficers, he was taken to Macon, Ga., and remained there until
Sherman's guns began to thunder about Atlanta, and the reb
el government feared he might liberate the prisoners, when
they were moved to Charleston, S. C, and on the 17th of Aug
ust were lodged in the j ail yard of that city and kept there un
til Oct. 6th, when they were again moved, for greater safety,
to Columbia, S.C. Here they were strongly guarded in an
open field until Dec. 12, 1864, when, having been brought to
the verge of insanity by disease, cruel treatment and starva
tion, the rebel authorities decided, by their conduct rather than

144 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
words, that the prisoners were proper subjects for the insane
asylum, and moved them to the State institution for such un
fortunates. They were confined here until Sherman's advance
through the Carolinas again warned the rebels of approaching
danger ; and on the 17th of February, 1865, when Sherman
was within fifteen miles of Columbia, the prisoners were mov
ed to Charlotte, N. C, and a few days later to Raleigh, and
thence in a few days to Goldsboro, N. C. There seemed to be
no rest for the soles of their feet ; but here the rebels them
selves became discouraged, and to keep the prisoners out of
the way of the advancing forces of Sherman and Schofield,
paroled them and sent them to Wilmington, where Lieut. Grif
fin, more dead than alive, again met the regiment, and of
course was heartily welcomed. He went from WUmington to
Annapolis, Md., where he was exchanged on the 26th of April,
1865, and rejoined the regiment at Greensboro, N. C. He was
mustered out with his company on the 20th of June, 1865, and
returned home with his old comrades in arms, beat his sword
into a pruning hook, and he finds it more congenial employ
ment pruning his apple trees than tramping through the South
ern Confederacy as a prisoner of war.
Wesley Crigler of, Co. C, escaped from the rebel prison at
Florence, S. C, joined Sherman's army near Savannah, Ga.,
and marched with it to Goldsboro, N. C, where he rejoined
his company on the 23d of March, 1865.
During the fighting many incidents occurred — some serious,
some laughable — but space will not permit mention of them.
There were many acts of real heroism, too — one of which was
the case of David Ridenour of Co, D, who, having been on
mounted picket the night previous, was excused from duty— -
as were other pickets, and left in town. When the firing com
menced he left camp, without orders, and ran the whole dis
tance out to the regiment, "to have a hand in the fight" — as
he expressed it.
Charles Crommett, of Co. K, was unweU, and had a present
iment that he would be hit. Capt. Colcord directed him to go
in and exchange places with a horse holder. He had not the
moral courage to leave the line in time of action— staid — and
lost a leg.

AFTER THE FIGHT. 145
Capt. Mitchell Avas hit* on the front, of the temporal bone —
just outside of the eye — the ball glancing and passing back,
on the side of the head, over the ear — leaving an ugly looking
mark in. its course — and causing him to spin around like a top.
A sixteenth of an inch nearer the eye, and the ball Avould have
crushed through the skull. An officer standing near him ex
amined the Avound and remarked, "Weil, Cap., it came 
near missing you, didn't it '?"
The 45th Ohio suffered severely, losing about the same num
ber of men as the 112th, most of them on the last charge. The
8th Michigan lost fewer men — its position being such that the
rebel artillery could not reach them. The 112th bore the
brunt of the conflict, as the numerous assaults of the enemy
were made upon the center. The front line of the rebel force
making the charges in our front consisted of the 3d South Car
olina, the 4th Mississippi and the 1st Texas regiments of in
fantry. When Longstreet made the assault on Fort Saunders, on
the 29th of November, Lieut. Col. O'Brien, of the 4th Mississ
ippi regiment, was severely wounded and captured. He was a
brother of Parson Brownlow's wife — as bitter a rebel as Brown-
Ioav was a firm Unionist. By Gen. Burnside's permission he
was taken to Brownlow's residence, where several officers of
the 112th called on him. He informed them that when the
Confederate colonel rode forward to our line, on the 18th, and
demanded our surrender, they supposed the. Union troops had
laid down their arms and wished to surrender. At first they
thought the Union line was composed of new troops, who
"didn't know enough to run," and that all they had to do was
to "'go up and take them in." After this notion had been dis
pelled, the assaulting column niade it a matter of "personal
honor", to break the center of the line, but it failed, until the
flanking column had routed the 45th Ohio and endangered the
whole i. ne. O'Brien said he had never witnessed a braver or
more obstinate defense. than, that made by the 112th Illinois
on that occasion.
Gen. Saunders died on the 19th ; a brave, generous, noble
soldier, popular with the whole army, and especially so with
—10

146 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
the 112th Illinois. Almost his last words were in praise of the
112th, and he said he would like to live to go with it through
the war.
Capt. Lee died on the evening of the 18th, after the most in
tense, suffering— he having been literally torn to pieces. He
died as he had lived, bravely and honorably. He was a gal
lant officer, a brave soldier, an honorable man ; and he gave
his life to the cause he loved without a murmur— his only re
gret being that the country would lose his servpces.
"We buried him darkly ; at dead of night ;
The sods with our bayonets turning,
By the struggling moonbeam's misty light,
And the lantern dimly burning.
"No useless coffin enclosed his breast,
Nor in sheet nor in shroud we wound him ;
But he lay — like a warrior taking his rest —
With his martial cloak around him.
"Slowly and sadly we laid him down,
From the field of his fame fresh and gory !
We carved not a line, we raised not a stone,
But left him alone in his glory ! "
Lieut. John L. Dow was promoted to Captain of Co. A, Sec
ond Lieutenant, James P. MeChesney to First Lieutenant,
and First Serg. Leander U. Browning to Second Lieutenant ;
commissions dated March 5th, 1864, to rank from Nov. 18th,
1863. At 8 o'clock in the evening of the 18th, the right wing of the
112th was relieved from duty and moved into the city to rest,
and the left wing remained on picket.
At 3 o'clock the next morning the right relieved the left wing,
and the latter moved into town. The right companies were
relieved at 10 o'clock, and for the first time in many days the
112th was permitted to lay quietly in camp, on the 19th, and
listen to heavy skirmishing with the enemy, without partici
pating in it.
And now commenced the "Siege of Knoxville."
Since writing the foregoing chapter the author has received

MAJOR DtiWS LETTER. 147
a copy of a letter written by Major Dow to his wife, from
Bean's Station, after the siege of Knoxville, and he appends
the following extract, commencing with the battle of Camp
bell's Station on the 16th of November :
"The battle continued until darkness put an end to it. The
whole army then commenced a retreat to Knoxville, our bri-
.gade (the only cavalry present) as rear guard. The enemy
gained no advantage in this day's fight, but Gen. Burnside had
intended to make his stand at Knoxville. The artillery fight
ing was grand — not less than seventy-five pieces belching their
thunder, and completely filling the air with their scorching
missiles at once. We reached within one mile of Knoxville a
little after daylight, when I was sent back to skirmish and re
tard the advance of the enemy — no time even to dismount our
worn out men, now forty-eight hours marching and fighting
without a moment's rest. We found them about four miles
back, and held them until Ave were reinforced by three regiments
of cavalry from Knoxville under Gen. Saunders. About twelve
o'clock their artillery came up and we slowly fell back, skirm
ishing, about two miles, and then made a stand, dismounting
and taking position on a gentle eminence entirely bare of trees.
Their infantry made one charge but were repulsed. We lay
upon our arms during the night, having sent our horses inside
the line of earthworks. We had many horses shot to-day, but
our loss of men wj,s not large. The morning ofthe 18th found
us under arms occupying the same position of the night of the
17th. A dense fog hid the enemy from our sight and delayed
the fearful work — but it came soon enough. We occupied the
center of the line, my right resting on the top of the hill and
extending down its left slope ; the 45th Ohio held the right
slope and the 8th Michigan were in position from my left to
the Holston River. Col. Pennypacker's brigade was stationed
next oh the right of this line, and Wolford's brigade was held
somewhere to our right. About 9 o'clock the fog had almost
disappeared. We had moved a rail fence in front of our line,
making a slight protection. Suddenly our skirmish line was
rapidly driven in. The enemy had formed in a narrow valley
in our immediate front, beyond which, and in easy rifle range,
they now were. The force which now occupied the ravine

148 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
came up with deafening yells, but our deadly volleys sent them
back with severe loss. The 45th Ohio fell back under the
shock, but the 112th and the 8th Michigan stood fast. Their
dead and wounded lay in front of our lines. Some of the lat
ter crawled in to us and surrendered.
"The musketry was very heavy, at intervals, until 12 o'clock,
noon, when they opened upon us with two batteries, but we
held our position. At 2 o'clock the. enemy moved their bat
teries down to within six hundred yards, but we still staid right
there. We soon saw heavy columns pass down in the ravine
in our front. I knew what was coming and had our bayonets
fixed. They came up, four lines deep, with their usual yell
when charging, to within twenty-five yards of our lines. But
mortal man could not stand the terrible shower of minnie baUs
which met them. They fell back in disorder. Again and
again they came on, but only to retire in disorder, and I
thought they would not again try us, but I was deceived. They
came up this, the fourth time, led by Col. Vance, a South Car-.
olinian, commanding the brigade. He rode up at the head of
his columns, and when within thirty yards, ordered me to sur
render our colors. I politely told him to go to h — 11, and or
dered Sergeant Williams, of Co. A, to shoot him, but others
fired at him and he fell dead in our front. They again fell
back. But the 45th Ohio, overpowered, was driven from the
field. That portion of their line which confronted the 45th
passed around my right flank and came**up in the rear of
the right, and I gave the order to fall back. General Saunders
was killed a few moments before, a few rods from us, and some
of my men carried him off the field. We formed again on an
other hill about eighty rods back, but the enemy was satisfied,
and except one skirmish there was no more fighting that day.
Not a man left the field until ordered to. Many of the regi
ment were taking care of the horses and on other duty. I had
but two hundred and eleven men on the field, and you will see
the list enclosed gives seventy-six killed, wounded and missing
— more than one-third, and there are but four missing who are
not either killed or wounded, and all except Lieut. Griffin and
Vester Goble, Wesley Crigler and Holmes Tillson, of the miss
ing, are probably killed. A flag of truce was sent in and the

MAJOR DOW'S LETTER. 149
Avounded exchanged. I can add nothing to the above in rela
tion to this sanguinary fight ; to lose one-third killed and
wounded is saying all that can be said. We again lay upon
the field, in our new position, the night of the 18th and until
ten o'clock of the 19th, when we were relieved and did no more
fighting during the siege. We occupied a hill, which we strong
ly fortified, and no one molested us. The morning of Dec. 5th
we received orders to "boot and saddle", and with the other
cavalry regiments to follow the enemy. We have followed to
this place ; some skirmishing every day."

CHAPTER XIII.
THE SIEGE OF KNOXVILLE.
ASSAULT ON FORT SAUNDERS — RELIEF OF THE GARRISON.
There Avas considerable sharp skirmishing and some artille
ry fii-ing on November 20th, but no serious fighting. Long-
street's army could be seen going into position on the Mils and
ridges north of the river, and it was expected that he would
make an attack as soon as his divisions were well up in posi
tion. Heavy detaUs from aU the Union regiments were at
work on the fortifications, day and night ; and the work's Avere
being strengthened and extended as rapidly as possible, in an
ticipation of an early assault. The troops, although wearied
by three days constant marching and fighting, worked AAith a
wiU upon the rifle pits and bastions, being assisted by many
of the citizens of the place, the loyal people showing a great
desire to lend theh aid in defense of the city. "Contrabands"
were also pressed into service, and by a united effort much
was accomplished. In front of one position on the nortli side
of the town the cheA-aux-de-frise w?as composed in part of a
large number of sharp pikes — said to be over tAvo thousand —
which were captured from the enemy at Cumberland Gap ear
ly in the faU. They Avere stuck and firmly secured in the
ground at an angle of about forty-five degrees, and formed a
barrier not easily surmounted.
The 112th Illinois moved out on the street, on foot, early in
the morning, and was held in reserve aU day, Avith orders to
be in readiness to move quickly and without a moment's de-

IN THE STREET AND IN THE RAIN. ].*;i
lay, in case of an attack, or any serious demonstration by the
enemy. Tho regiment remained in line until evening, and
then moved into the beautiful front yard of a fine private resi
dence and bivouacked for the night. A heavy detail from the
regiment patrolled the streets all night, to preserve order and
prevent fast driving or a stampede, in case of a night attack.
The 112th was selected for this duty by order of Gen. Burnside
himself -- a high compliment to the courage and morale of the
regiment. Several fine residences just outside the skirmish
line, southwest of town, were burned during the evening to pre
vent rebel sharpshooters from occupying them. It commenc
ed raining about nine o'clock and continued to rain all night
and the next day. The 112th passed an uncomfortable night,
without tents, and early in the morning sought shelter from
the storm in some old buildings in the neighborhood, with
headquarters in a carpenter shop on Main Street ; but the
men had only tinie to wring the water from their clothing when
the regiment was again ordered to its old position in the street,
and stood in line, in a pelting storm, all day and the night fol
lowing, under orders to move at a given signal, on a double
quick. The rain ceased on the morning of the 22d, and it was
then more comfortable ; but the regiment remained in posi
tion, awaiting orders, until evening, when, with several other
mounted regiments, all in command of Col. Wolford, it pro
ceeded up the river on a night reconnoissance ; returned at 11
o'clock, and again bivouacked in the front yard of the same
private residence.
All the supplies for the Army of the Ohio had been hauled
in wagons over the mountains from Kentucky, by way of Cum
berland Gap. Gen. Burnside had not anticipated a siege, and
consequently had not provided a surplus of stores ; in fact he
could not have provided a sufficient quantity had he expected
a siege, as it taxed his transportation trains to the utmost to
supply the army from day to day. But the line of supplies
was now cut off, and the whole Union army Avas reduced to
half rations — horses and mules to less.
Knoxville is situated on a, bend of the Holston, and the
course of the river at that point is nearly from east to Avest.
Longstreet's army encircled the town north of the river, but

152 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
as yet he had no considerable force on the south side ; and
forage trains were daily sent across, on a pontoon bridge, ac
companied by strong guards, usually two or three companies
of mounted troops, to search the country for grain and "rough
forage" for the horses and mules. Sometimes they would be
gone all day without meeting the enemy ; at other times they
Avould hardly pass the picket lines before encountering squads
of rebel cavalry, and would be compelled to fight their 'way in
to the country or return to camp ; and upon more than one
occasion the rebels attacked the trains, and came near cap
turing train, guard and all. The 112th was frequently called
upon to furnish companies or details for this service, and al
most every day some company or detail was in the country as
train guard, and frequently engaged in severe skirmishing
Avith detachments of the enemy, often narrowly escaping cap
ture. After dark in the evening of the 23d, the cavalry diA'ision
crossed the river and occupied a position on the south side.
Longstreet was gradually, but surely, contracting his lines ;
and it was feared he might gain possession of the hills south of
the river, overlooking the city on the north bank, and by plant
ing artillery, expose the Union lines to a plunging enfilading fire.
During the evening the enemy made an attack on the picket
line of a division of the 9th Corps, north of the city, and
drove in the pickets. As the pickets fell back they set fire to
all the buildings on the ground, for the double purpose of pre
venting rebel sharp-shooters from occupying them, and so they
Avould not obstruct the view of the movements of the enemy
from the Union lines. The arsenal, machine shops, round
house near the depot, and several other large buildings were
burned to the ground, making an extensive conflagration and
lighting up the city and surrounding country as bright as clay.
The next day the rebels were driven back and the Union
lines reestablished.
Longstreet's army had outnumbered Burnside's from the
beginning ; and within a few days after he reached KnoxviUe
Longstreet had been reinforced by detachments under Gen
erals Jackson, Carter, Jones and Williams, respectively, and
he now felt - confident of his ability to capture the whole of

CONFEDERATES CROSS THE RIVER. 153
Burnside's little army and reestablish Confederate authority
in East Tennessee.
He effected a crossing of the Holston, below the city, extend
ed his lines across the river, and gained possession of a hill
and planted artillery, preparatory to advancing his lines and
driving the Union force on that side back across the river.
At nine o'clock in the evening of the 24th, Lt. Col. Bond was
directed to move his brigade, under cover of the darkness,
down the river, and take possession of, and fortify, a hill or
ridge, and in case of an attack to hold it at all hazards. He
occupied the hill without difficulty, and that night the men lay
on their arms. At daybreak on the 25th work was commenc
ed on the fortifications, and pushed rapidly all day and the
succeeding night, and until noon the next day, when it was
deemed safe to pause and take breath. The position was a
strong one — well nigh impregnable, against attack, but ex
tremely weak against starvation. It was designated "Bond's
Hill" — after the brigade commander.
Col. Cameron, Avith a brigade of infantry of the 23d Corps,
occupied an adjacent hill ; and in the afternoon of the 25th
the rebels made a furious attack upon his position, and at
, first gained some advantage ; but they were finally repulsed,
after a desperate struggle, and driven back to their works.
While the Confederate forces occupied several strong posi
tions south of the river, yet their lines were not continuous ;
forage trains continued to dodge out between them, and scout
ing parties also ranged through the country, but always attend
ed with great danger of capture.
On the night of the 26th, Lieut. T. E. Milchrist, with part
of his company (G), of the 112th Illinois, by direction of Col.
Wolford, moved doAvn the river, eluded the rebel pickets, pass
ed through tlieir lines, and proceeded to Marysville, wi quest
of information as to the position and movements of troops in
that direction, lt Avas a perilous undertaking, but Avas suc
cessfully accomplished. They passed so near the rebel pickets
that they could hear their conversation and when they cross
ed the bridge, muffled tlieir feet to prevent being heard. They.
returned towards morning, and Lieut. Milchrist immediately
proceeded to Col. Wolford's head-quarters to report the result

154 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
of his observations. Col. Wolford deemed the information of
great importance, and directed Lieut. Milchrist to report the
same without delay to Gen. Burnside, and sent a staff officer
Avith him to the general's headquarters. Gen. Burnside Avas
highly pleased with Lieut. Milchrist's report, and compliment
ed him and his men for their courage and fidelity in the un
dertaking, and for successfully accomplishing the object of the
secret reconnoissance.
A forage train attempted to pass up the south bank of the
river into the country, on the 27th, but it was attacked by the
enemy and driven back within our lines.
There was heavy skirmishing and artillery firing all day ;
and in the evening all the troops were directed to be extremely
cautious and watchful, and every precaution was taken to
guard against surprise, or a sudden attack.
Each regiment was divided into three reliefs, and one-third
of the men kept on guard all the time, night and day — two
hours on and four hours off. One man in every four, of those
not on guard, kept awake and on the alert, to wake his three
comrades in case of an attack, and those who slept lay with
their accoutrements on and their guns within reach, ready to
spring into action at an instant's notice.
The siege had now continued ten days. During that time
neither army had been idle. On the Union side earthworks
had been extended and strengthened, ditches deepened, bat
teries planted in position, and everything possible done to as
sure a successful defense. On the Confederate side batteries
had been placed in position and protected by strong earth
works ; the infantry were strongly intrenched in each new po
sition, and approaches had been made toward the Union lines ;
and the cavalry were scouring the country for food, forage,
horses, .mules, and other army supplies.
But the Union army was getting painfully short of supplies.
The rations had been reduced from one-half to one-third, then
to one-fourth — and even at that rate all would be exhausted —
the last mouthful eaten — on the third of December, and it was
now the 28th of November — only five days more of grace, and
then what ? The cavalry and artillery horses and train mules
had already actually stripped the trees of small limbs and bark

THE TROOPS NEVER DISCOURAGED. 155
—had eaten them bare— and what Avould they eat next ?
The rebel pickets did not console the hungry Union boys to
any great extent. They said they were paying us off for Vicks
burg. Inquired how we relished mule meat. Advised us to
study Lincoln's proclamation ; proposed to trade tobacco for
sugar and coffee ; and boasted of their intention to capture the
whole Union army and march it in a body to Andersonville.
But the Union boys replied with spirit to their raillery, chal
lenged them to try the strength of our Avorks, and predicted
that Avithin a week the rebel army would find itself in a trap,
and be compelled to run or surrender.
The Union troops never became discouraged ; they had faith
in the military wisdom and plans of Gen. Grant and Gen.
Burnside, and Avere contented to bide their time.- Gen. Burn
side waskind, generous and humane, to citizens and soldiers
alike ; he won the profound respect of all, and imparted con
fidence and courage to all.
' After the terrible struggle at Chickamauga, in which Rose
crans' army was defeated and driven into Chattanooga, and
was only saved from complete destruction by the indomitable
courage and stubborn resistance of the heroic Thomas and his
grand division, the Army of the Cumberland was practically
besieged. With but a single hne of communications, nearly
surrounded — Bra'gg's victorious army looking down upon it
from the impregnable heights of Lookout Mountain and Mis
sionary Ridge- -the mountain sides bristling with cannon — it
was apparently at the mercy of the Confederate commander.
Then it was that Bragg, feeling secure in his position, had de
tached Longstreet and his veterans from the Army of Virginia,
and sent them to drive Burnside out of East Tennessee, and
redeem it from National dominion. But Longstreet had hard
ly crossed the Hiawassee, when Gen. Grant arrived at Chatta
nooga, and, as Commander of the Military Division of the
Mississippi, assumed command of the three great armies in
the West, and at once restored order and confidence where all
had been confusion and discouragement. One of his first
steps was to cause the removal of Cen. Rosecrans from the
command of. the Army of the Cumberland, and the appoint
ment of Gen. Thomas as his successor. His next step Avas

158 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
to reinforce the army at Chattanooga ; and Gen. Sherman, with
part of the Army of the Tennessee, and Gen. Hooker, with How
ard's 11th Corps and Slocum's 12th Corps, from the Army of the
Potomac, were soon en route to the scene of operations.
He then communicated with Gen. Burnside, in command of
the Army of the Ohio, and the result was that Longstreet was
permitted to advance as far as the Tennessee River without
serious resistance. Here he was held in check as long as prac
ticable, and then allowed to cross. Gen. Burnside was com
pelled to make a stand at Campbell's Station to save his trains,
and to gain time to prepare the defences of Knoxville. It also *
deceived Longstreet into the belief that the Union army would
stand its ground until driven back, and compelled him to bring
forward his whole available force to dislodge the Union arm) •
Then he was lured to Knoxville, more than a hundred miles
from Bragg— far beyond supporting distance — where he laid
siege to the city and threatened to starve the garrison into
surrender. By the 23d of November his whole force had been
brought forward^ and placed in position. He had been rein
forced by other detachments, which had been assigned places
in his lines of investment; his batteries were frowning upon
the beleaguered city ; and he had promised his soldiers that
they should eat their Thanksgiving dinner within the defences
of Knoxville.
But on the 23d, Gen. Grant commenced a succession of bril
liant movements and hard fought battles, in which he scaled
the rugged sides of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge,
routed Bragg's great army from its fortified heights, and hurl
ed it into the valleys below, from whence, crushed and defeat
ed, it sought safety in rapid retreat to Northern Georgia,
closely pursued by the victorious veterans of Sherman and
Thomas and Hooker.
In accordance with Gen. Grant's instructions, Gen. Sherman
moved to the east, and placed his command between Bragg's
army and Longstreet's, and thus cut off all communication
between the two rebel armies.
In the meantime Longstreet had been actively at Avork on
the ridge north of Fort Saunders, connecting his batteries with
lines of rifle pits, and preparing to open a vigorous bombard-

THE ASSAULT ORDERED. 157
ment of the fort. But the news of the engagement between
Grant and Bragg nad reached him and hastened his plans.
Longstreet undoubtedly knew of Bragg's defeat, but neither
his soldiers nor his subordinate officers were informed of the
fact. He now saw his fatal mistake and determined to redeem
himself while there was yet time.
On the 28th of November he directed Gen. McLaws to double
his pickets and reserves, and advance and occupy the line of
the Union pickets, and at the same time make arrangements
to assault as soon as the weather lighted up enough for the ar
tillery to play upon the Union position. He directed the as
sault to be made after ten minutes brisk artillery firing by all
their batteries. Gen. Jenkins was ordered to advance his
picket line in the same way, and advance to the assault, fol
lowing McLaw's movements ; and Gen. Johnson, with two
brigades, was ordered to support McLaws and Jenkins.
Upon the receipt of the order Gen. McLaws addressed to
Longstreet the following note :
"Headq'rs Division, Nov. 28, 1863.
"Lieut. Gen. J. Longstreet :
"It seems to be a conceded fact that there has
been a serious engagement between General Bragg's forces and
those of the enemy, with what result is not known, so far as
I have heard. General Bragg may have maintained his posi
tion, may have repulsed the enemy, or may have been driven
back. "If the enemy has been beaten at Chattanooga, do we not
gain by delay at this point ?
"If we have been defeated at Chattanooga, do we not risk
our entire force by an assault here ?
"If we have been defeated at Chattanooga, our communica
tions must be made with Virginia.
"We cannot again combine with General Bragg, even if we
should be successful in our assault upon Knoxville. If we
should be defeated or unsuccessful, and at the same time Gen
eral Bragg should have been forced to retire, would we be in a
condition to force our way back to the army in Virginia ?
"I present these considerations, and, with the force they

158 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
have on my mind. I beg leave to say that I think we had bet
ter delay the assault- until we hear the result of the battle at
Chattanooga. The enemy may have cut our communications
to prevent this army reinforcing General Bragg, as well as to
prevent General Bragg from reinforcing us, and the attack at
Chattanooga favors the first proposition.
"Very respectfully,
"L. McLaws,
"Major General"
To which Gen. Longstreet replied as follows :
"Headquarters, Nov. 28, 1863. , •
"General : — Your letter is received. I am not at all confi
dent that General Bragg has had a serious battle at Chatta
nooga, but there is a report that he has fallen back to Tunnel
Hill. Under this report, I am entirely convinced that our on
ly safety is in making the assault upon the enemy's position
tomorrow at daylight ; and it is the more important that I
should have the entire support and cooperation of the officers
of this command, and I do hope and trust that I may have
your entire support, and of all the force you may be possessed
of, in the execution of my views. It is a great mistake to
suppose there is any safety for us in going to Virginia if Gen
eral Bragg has deen defeated, for we leave him to -the mercy
of his victors, and with his army destroyed our own had bet
ter be also — for we will not only be destroyed but disgraced.
There is neither honor nor safety in any other course than the
one I have chosen and ordered.
"Very respectfully, "J. Longstreet,
"Lieut. Gen., Commanding.
"To Maj. Gen. L. McLaws.
"P. S. — The assault must be made at the time appointed,
and must be made Avith a determination that will insure suc
cess. ¦ J. L."
Gen. McLaws gives the following description of the opera^
tions preceding the assault upon the fort, Avhich took place at
six o'clock on the following mornings Sunday, November 29.

GEN. McLAWS' ACCOUNT. 159
After referring to the delay in attacking the Union picket
lines, he says :
"After this I proposed to Gen Longtsreet that if he Avould
delay the assault until daylight the next morning, the 29th, I
would drive in the enemy's pickets and occupy a line with my
sharpshooters which would command the enemy's works, going
beyond the line occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters, if such
was found to be necessary in order to obtain eligible positions.
He assented, and the assault was put off until daylight of the
29th. I then addressed the following circular to my brigade
commanders : ' STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
' General : The operations discussed to-day will take place
tomorrow morning. I Avish you to make the necessary prep
arations and advance your skirmishers to-night, so as to occu
py the line of rifle pits now held by the enemy and make them
tenable for your men, so that your sharpshooters can open fire
on the main rifle pits of the enemy, and, firing into the em
brasures of the majn work, prevent them from using their can
non with effect when the main assault is made ; and if an op
portunity is offered, which may happen, we may dash at the
main works. Further instructions will be sent if any are
thought necessary, lf any brigade commander is not fully
informed, he is requested to make proper inquiri at once.'
"Copies of this circular were delivered to each brigade com
mander. "The brigade commanders assembled at division headquar
ters, and it was agreed that the attack upon the Union picket
line should take place at moonrise, Avhich occurred at about
ten p. m. The signal agreed upon for the assault was the op
ening of fire from Leyden's battery, which had been sunk in
pits on the advanced line of Kershaw's brigade, near the Arm
strong house, to be foUowed at daylight by a continuous firing
by the sharpshooters from their advanced position.
"I ordered the assault in two columns, because there was
considerable felled timber and much broken ground between
the positions of Humphrey's brigade and that of Wofford's,
and, besides, I thought that the spirit of rivalry between the

160 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
two brigades leading the assault — one being from Georgia, and
the other from Mississippi — united to their preA'ious well-tried
gallantry, would urge them to their work with accelerating
dash and Aigor, I had been previously informed by Col. Alex
ander, of General Longstreet's staff, that there was no ditch
at the northwest angle of the work that offered any obstacle to
the assault, and by General Longstreet himself that there
Avould be no difficulty in taking the work so far as the ditch-
was concerned."
The author has clipped the following from a newspaper art
icle on the "Siege of Knoxville." The name of the writer is.
unknown, but as the situation is correctly described, the auth
or has taken the liberty to use these extracts :
"The existence of a ditch in front of the northwest angle,
where the assault was made, was entirely unknown to the Con
federate officers. No scaling ladders were prepared, partly be
cause it Avas supposed that none were needed, and partly be
cause there were no tools with Avhich to construct tbem.
Longstreet says : ' Something was said about fascines [small
branches of trees in bundles], and I said they might be useful
to protect the men from bullets in their approach, but I did
not consider them essential in crossing the ditch.'
"The immediate vicinity of the fort had been jealously guard
ed from close observation, and was a terra incognita to citizens
as well as Confederates. The deep and impassible ditch in
front of Fort Saunders was as much a surprise to Longstreet's
assaulting columns as was the "sunken road" to Napoleon's
Imperial Guard as it made its last desperate charge at Water
loo. "McLaws claims that the necessity for any appliance with
which to reach the summit of the parapet was scouted by Col.
Alexander ; that he did not think of them himself ; but as
there were 'no tools or material with which to make anything'
he did not mention them, as 'to do so, and not to have them,
would create hesitation and detract from the dash and deter
mined purpose so necessary to succeed,' although he did not
consider them essential.
"On account of the dense fog which hung over the river
banks, obscuring the movements of both armies, the advance

SIEGE OF KNOXVILLE. 161
upon the Union picket lines was delayed until about 11 p. m.,
when they were carrried by a dashing charge, many of the
pickets being captured in the rifle pits. This brought the Con
federate picket line under the guns of Fort Saunders, and suf
ficiently indicated the movement about to take place. Skirm
ishing continued during the night, and a sIoav cannonading
was kept up from Alexander's batteries, directed principally
upon Fort Saunders, Avhich Avas believed by the Union officers
to be the real point of attack.
"If the Confederate commander had designed to give his an
tagonist timely notice of his intended assault, he could not
have done so more effectually than by prefacing it by the mid
night assault upon the picket line. General Burnside at once
sent Reilly's brigade, wdiich had been really in reserve during
the siege, to reinforce Ferrero's line at the fort. The weather
had been most unfavorable for movements of troops during
the week that had past. Rain feU on the night of the 27th,
and the mercury fell below the freezing point. Ice formed on
the water in the ditch, and the almost perpendicular waUs of
the ditch and parapet were as smooth and slippery as a wall
of marble.
"In advancing to the assault upon the Union pickets,
Humphrey's skirmish line became entangled in an abattis,
which fact McLaws at once reported to the commanding gen
eral, who replied curtly, through his adjutant general, that
' the feant of an attack is not the time to make discouraging
reports.' "About four o'clock a. m., General McLaws, accompanied
by his staff, rode out to give personal supervision to the execu
tion of his orders for the assault upon the fort. He says : ' It
was evident to me that the enemy were aAvare that one was in
tended, and I think it probable that they knew where it was to
be made, for whUe I was talking with Colonel Ruff (command
ing Wofford's brigade) on the railroad, the enemy threw a shell
which bursted over the woods, just in rear of us, through which
his brigade was passing, assembling by regiments for the as
sault.' "General Jenkins was ordered to advance a brigade a little
—11

162 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
later than the assaulting columns and to pass the enemy's
lines north of the fort, and to continue the attack along the
enemy's rear and flank. Two brigades of General Johnson's
division, having arrived the day before, Avere ordered to move
in the rear of General McLaws, and at a convenient distance,
to be throAvn in as circumstances might require.
"The ground to the right of Fort Saunders descended irreg
ularly to the valley of Second Creek. A parapet of three or
four feet in height ran from Fort Saunders to Temperance Hill,
the most easterly portion of AA'hich, nearest ' Temperance HiU,
was further protected by the high water of the creek.
"An open space of sufficient Avidth for an assault existed be
tween Fort Saunders and the dam, over which troops could
move at least as rapidly as over the ground in front of Fort
Saunders. This Avas the point designated in instructions to
General Jenkins for him to make his assault, timing his
moA'ements by those of General McLaws. Two of Jenkins'
brigades, however, were still south of the Holston, Avhere, in a
fruitless assault upon Cameron's brigade on the '25th, they
had lost over one hundred men.
"The garrison of Fort Saunders consisted of Lieutenant
' Benjamin's battery E, Second United States Artillery, with
four twenty-pounder Parrot guns, and Capt. Buckley's battery
D, First Rhode Island Artillery, four twelve-pounder Napole
ons, and tAvo three-inch steel guns, part of the Seventy-ninth
New York and part of the Second Michigan Infantry, making
an aggregate of about tAvo hundred and twenty men, all under
command of First Lieutenant Samuel N. Benjamin, Second
United States Artillery, Chief of ArtiUery Ninth Army Corps.
Such AA-ere the men Avho were called upon to repulse one of the
most desperate charges recorded in history."
General Poe gives the foUowing description of Fort Saun
ders : "It is a bastioned earthwork built upon an irregular
quadrilateral, the sides of which are respectively one hundred
and twenty- five yards southern front, ninety-five yards western
front, one hundred and twenty-five yards northern front, and
eighty-five yards eastern front. The eastern front Avas entire
ly open and is to be closed with a stockade. The southern
front was about half done; the western front finished with

FORT SAUNDERS. 163
the exception pf cutting the embrasures, and the northern
front nearly finished. Each bastion was intended to haAe a
pan coupe. In front of the fort Avas a ditch tAvelve feet wide,
and in many places as much as eight feet in depth. The ir
regularity of the site was such that the bastion angles Avere
very heavy, the relief of the lightest one being tAvelve feet.
The one attacked Avas thirteen feet, which, together witli the
depth of the ditch, say seven feet, made a height of tAventy
feet from the bottom of the ditch to the interior crest."
Fort Saunders Avas the salient of the line of works, and the
bastion Avhere the assault Avas made Avas the salient of the fort.
Wires were stretched from stump to stump, and around the
outer edge of the deep ditch encircling the fort, to trip the reb
el soldiers as they approached our lines.
• The 112th and other troops on the south side Avere aroused
by the fierce cannonading and severe skirmishing along the
lines on the north side, on the night of the 28th, and all sprang
to their places in the line of earthworks ready for action ; but
no serious demonstration Avas made by the enemy south of the
river. All night the Union troops stood guard, listening to the
rebel artillery as it threw7 shot and shell against the lines of
defense, ii.nd Availing anxiously for the morning, Avhen they
well knew the final struggle for the possession of Knoxville
would commence.
At daybreak on the 29th, amid a terrific fire of artillery, the
rebel columns advanced to the charge. From our position on
the hills south of the river, we could see the solid gray mass,
line after line, as they pressed forward to the assault. As they
neared the fort the scene was veiled in a dense cloud of smoke,
that no eye could penetrate ; but the sharp quick rattle of mus
ketry, the steady roar of artillery, and the bursting of shells
were evidences of the terrible conflict being waged beneath that
dark cloud. It was a terrible suspense. Upon the successful
defense of the fort depended the fate of the whole army. That
in pos-v-sion of the enemy, and we were at his mercy. Ere
long a victorious cheer from the Union lines greeted our listen
ing ears. The rebel columns were repulsed, with heavy loss,
and sent, reeling, staggering, broken and shattered, back to
their lines. The heavy cloud of smoke lifted from the field

164 HISTORY OF THE H2TH ILLINOIS.
and revealed to our straining eyes a scene of carnage seldom
witnessed even amid the horrors of war.
A captain of the 51sf New York Volunteers, a staff officer in
the 9th Corps, who Avas in the fort at the time, thus describes
the assault :
"Across the railroad, up the gentle slope, and through the
stumps thay came, while our guns were making haA-oc among
their ranks. On they came, neAer faltering, with that well
known Avar yell ; the stumps that the wires were attached to
are reached, and doAvn they fall, amid charges of grape and
canister, while the steady fire of the infantry from the adjoin
ing rifle-pits, although destructive, did not deter them from
rushing forward. They filled the ditch, and every foot of
ground showed evidence of their courage. Lighted shells with
short fuses and hand grenades were thrown over in the ditch,
and in another moment, through the smoke, we discovered an
other brigade, closed en masse, rushing on them with renewed
vigor. Yells mingled Avith groans as they fell, and, unable to
stand such a scorching fire, they broke and fled to the rear ;
the few who returned in safety were truly fortunate. One or
two leaped the ditch, climbed the parapet, and planted their
colors on the fort, but only for a moment, as they were* instant
ly hauled in by our men. Such deeds of heroism are rarely
recorded, and we could not help but admire tlieir pluck as
they were marched off as prisoners of war.
"Before the smell of powder and smoke had passed away, I,
with a few others, passed out of the fort over the ditch on a
plank, and looked on that sad scene of slaughter. Such a
spectacle I never again want to witness ! Men literally torn
to pieces lay all around, some in the last throes of death, oth
ers groaning and their faces distoited under the extreme pains
from their severe wounds. Arms and limbs, torn from their
bodies, lay scattered around, while at every footstep we trod
in pools of blood. The ground also was strewn with split guns,
bayonets and equipments, not to speak of hats and boots.
Over a hundred dead bodies were taken from the ditch alone,
while the vast number of the wounded were being carefully
carried within our lines, to receive the best care in our hospit
als ; as they passed by us on stretchers then- moanings were

FIVE HOURS TRUCE. 165
pitiful to hear. Three hundred'prisoners fell into our hands,
representing eleven regiments, and it was evident to us that
the enemy had met with a fearful loss, while ours was com.
paratively slight."
Truly, "Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melan
choly as a battle Avon."
One Confederate officer, Col. Mcllroy, gained the parapet
with his flag, but was immediately killed ; and a Sergeant Ma
jor managed, in s"6me way, to craAvl through an embrasure,
and was in the act of spiking a gun when he was arrested.
Such bravery is Avorthy of a better cause than fighting against
one's OAvn government ; but, thank God, the brave men of both
sides are now united, and ready to peril their lives if necessa
ry, in defense of a common country, under one flag — the glo
rious stars and stripes'.
Pollard, the Confederate historian, says Longstreet lost sev
en hundred men, in killed, Avounded and prisoners, in compar
atively an instant of time. In fact his loss was about one thou
sand, of Avhom more than one-half Avere killed and Avounded.
At 12 o'clock the Confederate commander asked, and was
granted, a truce of five hours to bury his dead, and for tAvo
hours Union and rebel soldiers mingled together upon friendly
terms, betAveen the lines ; the former assisting in burying
those whom but a few hours before, in obedience to the stern
demands of duty, they had deliberately slain.
The wounded prisoners on both sides Avere exchanged ; and
among those brought in by the rebels, Avere Thomas J. AtAva-
ter, of Co. C, Avho returned to our lines minus a leg, and Alex
ander Beath and Eben G. Woodward, of Co. D, of the 112th
Illinois, all of wdiom had been wounded and captured on the
18th of November. We also heard from Lieut. Griffin and
other prisoners — learned of their capture — as it had not been
known until this time whether they had been captured or kill
ed. They had been reported as "missing in action" — an un
certain fate, of deep suspense and great anxiety to tlieir sur
viving comrades.
At five o'clock the signal gun in Fort Saunders gave notice
that the truce Avas ended, and the blue and gray separated, re-

166 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
turned to their places, and the lines resumed their wonted at
titude of hostility.
All Avas quiet on the 30th. In the afternoon Ave learned of
the glorious victory of Gen Grant"; and every man felt doubly
repaid for the hardships and suffering he had endured, as it
had contributed to the success of our arms at Chattanooga.
On the first day of December, Gen. Burnside officially an
nounced to the army the result of the battle at Chattanooga,
in General Field Orders No. 33 ; and he congratulated the Ar
my oi the Ohio on its successful defense of the city of Knox
ville, and thanked officers and men for tlieir uniform good
conduct, patience and endurance.
During the day two deserters from Longstreet's army came
into our lines. They reported that the rebel army Avas pre
paring for some kind of movement, but whether in retreat or
attack they did not knoAV.
It was also reported that Longstreet had been reinforced ;
but in fact the only forces that had joined him Avere outlying
detachments that had been driven in by the advancing forces
of Sherman and Granger, coming from the south, and of Gen.
Foster coming from Kentucky, by way of Cumberland Gap, to
relieve the garrison.
On the 2nd of December there Avas but little skirmishing
along the lines, and no indications of another attack. During
the night there was considerable artillery firing ; but the next
day all Avas quiet again.
In the meantime Gen. Sherman, with his oavii and Grang
er's corps, was hastening to our'relief. At Philadelphia, on
the night of December 2nd, he directed Col. Long, command
ing a brigade of cavalry, to select_the best material of his com
mand, start at once, ford the Little Tennessee, and push into
KnoxviUe at whatever cost of life and horse-flesh. It Avas all
important that Gen. Burnside should have notice of approach
ing succor. The rebels had destroyed all the bridges, and the
infantry and artillery necessarily moved slowly. The roads
were bad, and the distance to KnoxviUe was over forty miles.
Sherman feared that Burnside would not hold out until the
infantry arrived, and pushed Col. Long ahead with notice of
his approach.

RELIEF FROM SHERMAN'S ARMY. 107
Col. Long marched by way of Marysville, and arrived at
KnoxviUe, on the south side of the oiver, at 2 :30 on the morn
ing of December 4th. The author was in command of the
picket that night, oil the Marysville road. As the guards lay
¦ on the ground at the reserve, about two o'clock, they heard the
tramp of approaching cavalry at a distance. Were they friends
or enemies ? was the question. Hastening to the vedette post,
the officer of the guard took one or two men and Avent dowii
the road to reconnoiter. They soon came in sight of the cav
alry, and by the bright moonlight could distinguish the blue
uniform. It Avas not safe, however, to depend upon the color,
for many rebel cavalrymen wore the Union blue. As they ap
proached nearer they were halted. "Who comes there '?" "The
advance guard of Col. Long's brigade of cavalry, from Gen.
Sherman's army,". Avas the reply. Before the officer in com
mand of the adv ance guard had spoken three words, Ave knew
they were friends. Rebel soldiers frequently disguised them
selves in Federal uniforms, and at a little distance easily de
ceived Union soldiers. But they could not disguise their
speech. One could also distinguish a rebel from a Union sol
dier, in the same uniform, even by the cut of his hair.
Col. Long's cavalry moved inside the Union lines and biv
ouacked on the flats in front of "Bond's Hill."
On the 4th Gen. Burnside informed Gen. Sherman, by mes
senger, of Col. Long's arrival, and there were signs of a speedy
departure of the rebel army.
During the night of the 4th Longstreet's army folded its
tents and retreated on the Rutledge, Rodgersville and Bristol
roads, toward Virginia, and Gen. Burnside's cavalry and
mounted infantry, among which Avas the 112th Illinois, were
on the rebels' heels. They received orders in the evening of
the 4th to prepare to move, and at 8 o'clock on the morning of
the 5th were in pursuit of the retreating Confederate forces.
Gen. Granger's corps moved into Knoxville, and Gen. Burn
side's army moved out ; and Gen. Sherman, with his own com
mand, returned south.
The siege was ended. The intelligence of Bragg's defeat,
and the arrival of Col. Long as the forerunner of Sherman's
troops^ marching to the relief of the besieged garrison, had

168 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
warned Longstreet to move quickly, and he had taken the on
ly line open to him.
The siege of Knoxville commenced on the 19th of Novem
ber, and continued to, and including, the 4th of December — a
period of sixteen days, not , six Aveeks as some writers have
stated ; although sixteen days of sleepless anxiety and sus
pense, on one-fourth rations — our little army of twelve thou
sand men confronted by a force of nearly three times its num
bers — sixteen days under such circumstances was long enough ,
and it is no wonder that it seems to some of the besieged
soldiers to have been six weeks, or even six months.

CHAPTER XIV.
IN PURSUIT OF LONGSTREET.
SCOUTING AND SKIRMISHING — THE 112TH DISMOUNTED.
MARCH TO MT. STERLING, KY.
REORGANIZATION OF THE BRIGADE.
The 112th Illinois and the 8th Michigan cavalry noAV consti
tuted the 2nd Brigade, 1st. Division, Cavalry Corps of the Ar
my of the Ohio.
Major Doav was still in command of the regiment, and Lieut.
Col. Bond commanded the brigade, and Col. Wolford the di
vision. The column marched eight miles on the Rutledge
road, on the 5th of December, and camped for the night in the
woods. A considerable number of prisoners were captured,
mostly stragglers, many of whomjseemed glad of an opportun
ity to visit Knoxville, even as prisoners of Avar.
The Union forces on other roads moved slowly, and Col.
Wolford was directed to govern the movements of tHe division
accordingly, and not advance beyond them. The command
was ready to move at 8 o'clock on the morning of the 6th, but
did not move until ten.
The rebels had a strong rear guard, and orders were given
not to attack, but to press them slowly and cautiously. March
ed about four miles and captured fifty prisoners. Co. C, of
the 112th Illinois, while on picket at night, captured twenty-
four prisoners and thirteen horses. On the 7th advanced
three miles, and lay in line of battle in the woods until dark,
and then moved forward two miles and bivouacked on Flat

170 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Creek. Reveille at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 8th, and
moved at seven. Marched fifteen miles and camped Avithin
one mile of Rutledge— the comity seat of Granger county —
thirty-two miles from KnoxAille. This day's march Avas over a
rough, rocky, poor and dilapidated country, along the foot of
the Clinch Mountains. There were few men in the country,
and the women were intensely rebel, and boasted of their hos
tility to the Union. They Avere as ignorant as plantation
shiAes, and so homely that they were actually repulsive. The
weather was cold, raw and Avindy. The country, the people
and the Aveather were alike miserable and disagreeable.
Reveille at 4 o.clock on the morning of the 9th, and moved
at seven. Pushed the rebels hard, and captured a large num
ber of^prisoners. Arrived at Bean's Station — forty-nine miles
from Knoxville — at two o'clock in the afternoon, and the 112th
Illinois Avas immediately ordered out on a reconnoissance.
Proceeded out five miles, captured nine prisoners and returned
to Bean's Station in the evening. The main rebel force was"
reported to be moving on the Morristown road. Forage for
horses Avas plenty, but the men- Avere suffering with hunger.
Roads were impassable for Avagons, and consequently no sup
plies were received after leaving KnoxviUe.
Remained in camp and rested on the tenth. Scouts report
ed the enemy in force Avithin eight miles, on the Rodgersville
road. An inspection Avas had at one o'clock, after which Col. Wol
ford made a speech to the 112th in relation to Gen. Burnside's
management of the campaign in East Tennessee — he having
announced his intention of retiring from the command of the
department as soon as his successor should be appointed.
Col. Wolford spoke highly of Gen. Burnside, both as an officer
and as a man, and regretted his resignation — sentiments, which
were heartily approved by the officers and men of . the 112th
Illinois. A meeting of alljthe officers of the cavalry corps was held at
Gen. Shackleford's head quarters hC.the evening, and resolu
tions of confidence and respect were unanimously adopted, and
several speeches made, highly eulogistic of Gem Burnsice,
which were heartily endorsed by aU present.

IN PURSUIT OF THE REBELS. 171
Another brigade of cavalry engaged the enemy on the Mor-
ristown road, on the 11th, and the 112th Illinois and the 7th
Illinois battery were ordered to its support. They reached the
river, five miles from Bean's Station, Avhen the order Avas
countermanded and they returned to camp. Lieut. Col. Bond
was directed to move out on the RodgersA'ille road with his
brigade on the 12th, -and reconnoiter the enemy's position.
He found a force of rebels of one thousand strong, posted sev
en miles from Bean's Station, and attacked and drove in then-
pickets. He was instructed not to bring on an engagement,
and after developing the enemy's strength and position, re
turned to camp at four o'clock.
Neither men nor horses on the Union side were in condition
to fight or march. They had not recovered from their long
fast in Knoxville. Our lines of communication had not been
reestablished, and the subsistence afforded by the country over
which Longstreet's army had passed Avas small in quantity
and poor in quality. Some forage had been found for the
horses, but rations for the men Avere painfully scarce. The
prospect of obtaining supplies from over the mountains in mid
winter was not extremely flattering. It would tax the supply
trains to their utmost capacity to furnish the whole army with
clothing, and the infantry with food. Under these circum
stances it was absolutely necessary that the cavalry should
subsist upon the country ; and while men and horses were half-
starved, and were engaged in scouring the country for sufficient
food to keep themselves alive, it was not deemed safe
to bring on a general engagement with the enemy. If
the rebel army would move on and permit us to occupy the
country, it was all that was asked, but we could not safely
make an attack when defeat might result in destruction.
On the 13th the rebels attacked our forage trains and drove
them in. Not content with that they attacked the Union pick
ets, and after a severe skirmish drove them in. The com
mand turned out on a double quick and drove the rebel force
back five miles, and returned to camp at dark.
Quite a number of the 112th men who had been captured in
Kentucky and on the Saunders raid into East Tennessee, the
previous summer, having been exchanged, rejoined the reg-

172 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
iment on the 14th. They came over the mountains from Ken
tucky with a train, and with them came a mail from home —
the first we had receiAed for more than a month. All were
busily engaged far into the night in reading letters from the
loved ones at home — some Avith troubled faces as they learned
for the first time of sickness or death in the family circle at
home, others with gladness as they perused tender missives
from wives or sweethearts.
On the morning of the 14th scouts were sent out, and re
ported that no force of the enemy was nearer than Rock
Springs. Co. K of the 112th, under command of Capt. Col-
cord, was on picket in front of the 2nd Brigade. Everybody
was engaged in writing letters, feeling secure from attack,
when, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, a strong rebel force
suddenly appeared and made an unexpected and fierce attack
upon the pickets. The rebel advance wore blue overcoats, and
rode up to the vedettes without exciting suspicion, the guards
supposing them to be Union soldiers. On being halted the re
bels opened fire and at once rushed upon the pickets. Capt.
Colcord was directed to hold them in check as long as possible,
and did so, successfully repulsing every attack, until columns
of rebel infantry threatened his flanks, when he fell back across
a creek and burnt the bridge. The rebel cavalry swain the
creek, hoAvever, and continued to advance. In the meantime
the Union forces turned out on double-quick and Avere rapidly
placed in position, the 112th Illinois in front, deployed as
skirmishers, dismounted, and Capt. Colcord fell back sloAvly
to its lines. Capt. Colcord received several orders from Gen.
Burnside to hold the enemy in check until he could get his
forces in position ; and he personally complimented the Cap-
jain for the admirable manner in AAdiich he had performed the
iuty. The rebels advanced in heavy force, and thejUnion line retir
ed slowly, skirmishing all the way, about three miles. It was
noAV dark and the 112th was ordered to hold its position at all
hazards until morning. This it did, Avithout being disturbed,
until 8 o'clock on the morning of the 15th, when the rebels
again advanced to the attack ; but they Avere held in check un
til the infantry obtained a good position, Avhen the regiment

HELD IN CHECK. 173
Avas relieved and retired within the infantry lines. At seven
o'clock in the evening the whole command fell back to Rut
ledge, where it arrived at one o'clock in the morning of the
16th ; and at seven o'clock again fell back, closely pursued by
the enemy, and constantly engaged in heavy skirmishing, to
Blaine's Cross Roads. Here a halt was called and prepara
tions made to fight, but nothing beyond heavy skirmishing oc
curred. At dark the Union force was again put in motion, and
marched four miles toward Strawberry Plains, to Stone's Mills,
where it arrived late at night, in a heavy rain storm, cold, wet,
weary and hungry — having had but one meal, and that a light
one, in forty-eight hours.
A flouring mill full of Avheat, on Highland Creek, Avas taken
possession of by the 1st Division, and S«rg. C. B. Hunt, with a
guard from Co. I, of the 112th, was placed in charge. Serg.
Lincoln S. Baugh, of Co. C, was installed as chief miller, and
soon the division Avas supplied Avith flour. The mill with the
Avheat in store Avas considered a great prize. Gen. Spears dis
covered what Avas going on, and ordered Serg. Hunt to leave the
mill at once. Serg. Hunt informed him that he Avas there by
order of Col. Wolford, his division commander, and refused to
vacate. Gen. Spears then sent a" captain with a company of
infantry to take possession of the mill, but the boys locked and
barricaded the doors and refused to admit them. The captain
then ordered them all under arrest, but, in the meantime,
Serg. Hunt had informed Col Wolford of the situation, and he
had them released, and they retained the mill. The rebels al
so discoA*ered the mill and opened fire upon it Avith a battery
and endeavored to shell the boys out, but our Indiana battery
Avheeled into position and soon silenced their guns.
Flour mixed with water, Avithout grease, salt or saleratus,
and baked in ashes, does not make the most palatable bread,
but it is much better than no bread, and the mill was truly a
prize for the short time it Avas held.
The enemy attacked and drove in the Union pickets on the
17th, and the 112th was ordered out, dismounted, to support a
, battery. There was considerable artillery firing and some skir
mishing, during the day, and at night a heavy skirmish line
was throAvn out and the troops lay on their arms all night.

174 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
The 112th remained on duty in support of the battery on the
18th, but there was no fighting. At 8 o'clock in the evening
moved out three miles on the Strawberry Plains road, intend
ing to cross the Holston River ; but on acconnt of the heavy
rains, the river was unfordable, and the next morning the com
mand moved back toward Blaine's Cross Roads, about four
miles, and went into camp to wait for the water to subside.
Thus ended our first encounter with the rear of Longstreet's
army. Let us now go back to Bean's Station. On the 15th
Capt. Colcord with his company (K), by special direction of
Gen. Burnside, reconnoitered the Cumberland Gap road ; and
on the 16th Capt. Sroufe, in command of five companies of the
112th Illinois, also proceeded np the same road, and after a
hard march rejoined the regiment at Stone's Mills. Other de
tachments were sent out, but the author has been unable to
obtain sufficient data to mention them.
The casualties of the 112th Illinois from the 13th to the 16th
of December were as follows :
Killed— Bradley W. Diltz, of Co. A.
Wounded — Stafford Godfrey and Washington Gooding, of
Co. A ; Samuel Long and Robert Gay, of Co. I ; William An
derson and Edward Miller, of Co. C ; Edward Garrett, of Co.
H; Lieut. Samuel W. Weaver and Jabez Bartlett, of Co. K.
'Captured — Joseph Hoppock, of Co. F, (died in rebel prison).
As the regiment was going into camp, after dark, on the
16th, Daniel Roberts, of Co. I, rode down to Highland Creek
to water his horse, and in the darkness fell over a cliff and was
seriously injured. His thigh Avas broken and he was crippled
for life.
On the 20th of December pay rolls were made out and sign
ed, and at 9 o'clock in the evening the paymaster commenced
paying the 112th for the two months ending October 31, 1863,
and the whole regiment was paid that night.
At two o'clock in the morning of the 23d, the camp Avas
aroused and the command ordered to be ready to move at four
o'clock. The Aveather was very cold, the ground frozen and
the roads rough. The recent rains had washed away many
bridges and cut deep gullies in the roads. Lieut. B. F.
Thompson, with a detail of thirty men of the 112th, was or-

OUR CHRISTMAS DINNER. 175
dered to proceed at once to McKinney's Ford, on the Holston
River, repairing the road and bridges on the way, and there
scarp the river banks so the command could move down to
and get out of the river, and keep the opposite landing in con
dition so the troops could move up the bank. In fording a
river by cavalry, eA'ery horse carries out a little Avater, which
drips upon the ground, and a hard, solid bank will soon be
come a, quagmire, unless men are kept at work with shovels
and spades to keep it in repair. The river was wide, the wa
ter deep, rapid and muddy, and it looked like a dubious un
dertaking to attempt to ford it ; but it was successfully cross
ed, and the command then marched to New Market, on the
railroad, where it arrived at 5 o'clock in the afternoon.
At 8 o'clock on the morning of the 24th Col. Girrard's brig
ade of cavalry, Avhich was in advance, became engaged with
the enemy and had some hard fighting. Our brigade occupied
a position on a hill, on his right, and lay in line of battle all
day, but was not engaged.
December 25th Avas anything but a "Merry Christmas" to
our 112th boys. Roast turkey, plum puddings and pumpkin
pies were not to be obtained. Instead, they dined on parched
corn, or coin-bread baked in ashes. Canteens were split open
and made into graters by punching holes with a bayonet, and
the corn grated, as our mothers grated nutmegs, and the meal,
mixed with nothing but water, made into bread. Our Christ
mas dinner Avas not sumptuous, but it Avas healthy. Having
an opportunity to send to Knoxville, by a guard with prison
ers, the author, among others, sent for some salaratus, salt
and pepper. These little condiments made the food more pal
atable, but they were expensive luxuries. The salaratus cost
$1 per pound, the salt $1.25 per pound, and the pepper $1.50
per pound, in government greenbacks. Why the salt cost
more than the salaratus no one but an army sutler can ex
plain. The 112th occupied the position of the day before until two
o'clock, when it was ordered to relieve the 65th Indiana, on
picket at Flat Gap, four miles from New Market. A rebel
force was at Dandridge, and their picket posts were within a
mile of Flat Gap. One-half of the regiment remained under

176 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
arms all night in anticipation of an attack, but no hostile dem
onstrations were made by the enemy.
The regiment remained at Flat Gap, performing picket du
ty and foraging, until the afternoon of the 27th, when it rejoined
the command at New Market, and the whole force immediate
ly marched to Mossy Creek, arriving there at 5 o'clock in the
evening. All was quiet on the 28th, but the brigade was kept in read
iness to march at a moment's notice.
Reveille at three o'clock on the morning of the 29th, and at
five o'clock our brigade and the Second Division of cavalry
proceeded to Dandridge, on the French Broad River. The.
Union force left at Mossy Creek was attacked during the day
by a superior force of rebels, but after a hard fight the rebels
were repulsed, and each side occupied its former position.
The Union loss was fifty killed and wounded.
The force at Dandridge started to return, but was cut off and
compelled to go around by the way of Bay Mountain, and af
ter a hard march of twenty-four miles, in a heavy rain storm,
arrived at Mossy Creek at eight o'clock in the evening.
The command was ordered to be prepared for any emergen
cy on the morning of the 30th — either to march or fight, as
might be required, but no demonstration was made on either
side. The morning was clear and cold, but at dark it com
menced raining, and continued to rain constantly, accompan
ied by high, blustering winds, until early in the morning of
the first day of January, 1864, when the wind suddenly chang
ed and the temperature fell to twenty -nine degrees below zero.
The north winds pierced like sharp knives, and nothing could
be done but bufld great log fires and endeavor to keep warm.
The 112th remained at Mossy Creek untU January 14th, do
ing picket duty and foraging for provisions. The weather was
too cold for military movements, and by common consent Un
ion and rebel pickets frequently stacked their arms and built
fires on the posts, and stood around them in the vain attempt
to keep warm, untU one side would warn the other to "look
out." Foraging parties were sent into the country daUy, and fre
quent brisk skirmishes occurred between Union and rebel par-

AT MOSSY CREEK AND DANDRIDGE. 177
ties for the possession of a mill or a corn crib, and it Avas no
unusual occurrence for the forage trains to be driven into
camp empty.
At 11 o'clock on the night of the 13th the command received
orders to be ready to move at daylight on the following morn
ing, and the next day marched to Dandridge — twelve miles —
arriving there at noon. The enemy occupied the toAvn. Com
panies B, C and D, of the 112th Illinois, Avere deployed as
skirmishers; and, supported by the remainder of the regiment,
attacked and drove the rebels out of toAvn and pursued them
three miles into the country. Returned and Avent into camp
near toAvn late in the evening.
Col. Henderson returned to the regiment on the 14th, and
was assigned to the command of the brigade, and Lieut. Col.
Bond assumed command of the regiment. Capt. Wright also
returned about the same time.
A division of infantry, in command of Gen. Phil. H. Sheri
dan, arrived at Dandridge on the 15th. No fighting occurr
ed during the day. The rebels attacked the pickets at night
but were driven off without loss.
Reveille at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 16th, and at
seven the cominand moved to the front, Col. Adams' brigade
in-advance. Col. Adams met the enemy tAvo miles out, ad
vancing iri force. The 112th Illinois deployed as skirmishers,
and attacked and drove in the enemy's skirmish line, and Avas
then ordered to retire, and fell back to the line of infantry near
town, closely pursued by the enemy. Gen. Sheridan then ad
vanced the infantry and drove the rebels back, and the 112th
returned to camp.
The enemy advanced and attacked the Union skirmish line,
just after noon, on Sunday, the 17th, and there was consider
able heavy fighting until dark. A large force of Longstreet's
infantry was in our front, and Gen. Granger, in command of
the Union troops, placed his diAisions in position for a general
battle, Avhich it Avas expected would commence early on Mon
day morning — the 18th.
lt Avas ascertained, however, that a heavy force of the enemy
had gamed possession of the fords on the river, and had cut off
—12

178 HISTORY OF THE 112TS ILLINOIS.
om- lines of communication with KnoxviUe, at the same time
threatening the latter place. To interpose the Union army
between the rebel army and KnoxviUe was deemed a military
necessity, but it could only be accomplished by a long detour
to the north, by the way of Strawberry Plains, and thence
down the Holston to KnoxvUle, and there reeross the Holston
south of the French Broad.
This Gen. Granger determined to do, and at 9 o'clock in the
evening the whole command was ordered to move promptly at
eleven o'clock. In the evening Capt. Otman, with his compa
ny, was ordered to occupy an advanced position on the main
road, and to hold it untfl 4 o'clock the next morning, and then
fall back slowly, holding the rebel cavalry in check untfl the
army trains had crossed the Holston River near New Market.
Capt. McCartney, with Co. G, in command of Lieut. MUchrist,
and Co. B, in command of Lieut. Thompson, wTas also dhected
to occupy another position, near the left, and watch the ene
my's movements untfl 3 o'clock in the morning, unless sooner
discovered, and then retire slowly and foUow the main column.
The troops moved out at 11 o'clock, and marched aU night
and the next day ; crossed the Holston River six mues above
Strawberry Plains on the 18th, and thence continued on to
Strawberry Plains — arriving there at 8 o'clock in the evening.
It rained nearly aU the time and the roads were muddy and
heavy, and the men and horses were completely worn out.
The column was again in motion at 7 o'clock on the morn
ing of the 19th, and arrived at Knoxville at six in the evening,
and camped near the town. The horses had had no breakfast
or dinner, and not a mouthful could be obtained at KnoxvUle,
and the poor animals were in a pitiable condition.
Companies G and B remained in position at Dandridge, so
near the rebel lines they could hear their conversation, untU
the sky in the east showed signs of daybreak, and then moved
sUently away and rejoined the command at Strawberry Plains
the foUowing evening. They found several boxes of new cloth
ing and blankets on the road, which some demoralized quar
ter-master had abandoned, and every man loaded his horse
with all he could carry. Tbe men were sadly in need of cloth
ing and blankets, and after supplying their own companies,

RETREATING TOWARD KNOXVILLE. 179
Capt. McCartney and Lieut. Thompson freely distributed the
remainder among the most destitute men in the regiment.
The quarter-master afterwards put in appearance and attempt
ed to make them account for the goods, but failed to do so.
Capt. Otman remained in position until 4 o'clock, and then
fell back to Dandridge, where he found a number of stragglers
from the Union army.
He started these off, and followed slowly, on the road toAV-
ards StraAvberry Plains. At daylight the rebel cavalry ap
peared in sight and commenced firing. Capt. Otman took po
sition with his company and returned the fire, and brought
them to a stand. Having a superior force, they threAV down
the fences and attempted to flank him, and not knowing how
far he Avas from support, the captain fell back and took a neAV
position, with the same experience as before. This was con
tinued all day until near night, Avhen the company was so
hard pressed that Gen. Willich, in charge of the supply and
ammunition trains, sent the 10th Indiana infantry regiment
to its support. Owing to the Confederate cavalry being armed
with carbines, their fire was comparatively harmless, as the
long-range Enfield rifles kept them at a respectful distance.
Serg. Gharrett's horse was shot under him, but none of the
men were hit.
At night the company occupied a strong position in rear of
Gen. Willich's brigade, and was not disturbed. The next day
the company crossed the river. All the other troops and the
trains had crossed, and rails were piled under the bridge ready
to be fired, and the bridge was burned as soon as Co. E had
crossed. The company then marched rapidly to Knoxville and
there rejoined the regiment.
The 112th had several men wounded and captured in the
operations about New Market, Mossy Creek and Dandridge,
but the author has been unable to obtain the names or number
of them. One man, WUliam H. Buchanan of Co. C, was left
sick at New Market, and believing he could not live, Lieut Pet
rie left money to pay his expenses and bury him. Bnt he was
captured by the enemy, afterwards exchanged, and died in
hospital at Baltimore, Md., on the 20th day of February, 1864.
The 112th Illinois, with other mounted troops, crossed the

180 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
river at Knoxville, at sunrise on the 20th of January, and pro
ceeded towards Sevierville, the county seat of SeAier County,
south of the French Broad. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon bi
vouacked for the night in a country well supplied Avith corn
and forage, and the horses fared sumptuously.
Remained here until 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the 21st,
when the men were each supplied with one hundred rounds of
cartridges, and the command moved tAvo miles beyond Sevier-
Aille and camped in a beautiful pine grove. Crossed the Pig
eon River at its forks at Sevierville and passed through Pigeon
Valley — equal in beauty to any in the country — a perfect Gar
den of Eden. It seemed a desecration for armed men, engag
ed in war, to trample upon its beauty and purity.
Moved at 9 o'clock on the 22nd, and marched eight miles to
Fair Garden.
Our advance captured five rebel wagons and the guard of
twenty men.
On the 23d captured a train of eleven wagons and seventy
prisoners. The country abounded with corn and forage and water, and
it was not surprising that the rebel cavalry were unwilling to
leave it.
On the 24th the command moved back two miles on the
Sevierville road ; and on the 25th retired to within three miles
of Sevierville and camped near Dr. Hodgeden's place on Pig
eon River.
Col. Henderson's official report of the operations of his bri
gade, consisting of the 112th Illinois and 8 th Michigan caval
ry, on the 26th. 27th and 28th of January, contains a full his
tory of the movements of the 112th during that time, and is as
follows :
"H'd Qrs. 2nd Brig. 1st Div. Cav. Corps, Army ofthe Ohio,
Maryville, Tenn., February 4, 1864.
Lieutenant :
I have the honor respectfully to submit the following
report of the part which my brigade, composed of the 112th
Illinois Volunteer Mounted Infantry and the 8th Michigan
Volunteer Cavalry, took in the cavalry engagements above

COL. HENDERSON'S REPORT. 181
Sevierville on the 26th, 27th and 28th days of January, 1864 :
On the morning of the 26th of January, under orders from
Col. Wolford, in command of the 1st Division Cavalry Corps, I
moved my brigade, in rear of the 1st Brigade, commanded by
Lieut. Col. Adams, from near Dr. Hodgeden's, where we were
then in camp, to Fowler's, on the road from Sevierville to Fail-
Garden. We arrived at Fowler's about 12 o'clock M., and
halted. About 3 o'clock p. m. our pickets were attacked by the ene
my approaching from the direction of Fair Garden.
Under orders from Col. Wolford I immediately formed the
112th Illinois in line, on the right of the 1st Brigade, holding
the 8th Michigan cavalry in reserve.
The enemy drove in our pickets and skirmishers rapidly, and
soon firing was heavy all along our line. At this time,
fearing the left of our line was exposed, by direction of Col.
Wolford part of the 8th Michigan cavalry was sent to picket
the Dandridge road in our rear, and the rest to cover the left
of our line and guard against any movement of the enemy from
that direction, but, as I learn from Major Edgerly, command
ing the 8th Michigan, before he got his men in position the en
emy had already succeeded in flanking us on the left.
They had penetrated through the woods and down a ravine,
when, with a yell, they opened up a heavy fire and seemed to
be making for our horses. The left of our line now gave way
and fell back hastily to their horses. The 112th Illinois and
11th Kentucky cavalry maintained their position firmly until
ordered by Col. Wolford to fall back and mount, which was
done in good order ; and then, by direction of Col. Wolford, I
moved back across Flat Creek and to the gap, Avhere eight com
panies ofthe 112th Illinois were dismounted and formed inline
on the hill to hold the enemy in check and cover the retreat of
our forces, which they did in a gallant manner, holding their
positions until all had passed through the gap.
The enemy did not pursue us further, and by orders we then
moved back on the Sevierville road, to within about two miles
of Sevierville, and went into camp.
I have no means of knowing what command of the enemy
we were engaged with, its strength, or what punishment was

182 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
inflicted upon it. In my command four were wounded in the
112th Illinois— three severely and one slightly. None in the
8th Michigan.
On the morning of the 27th of January Ave moved back to
the gap at Flat Creek, under orders from Col. Wolford— my
brigade in the advance— but found no enemy. After remain
ing in position some two hours, I Avas ordered to move my bri
gade in rear of Lieut. Col. Adams' to Dickey's, some three
miles from Sevierville, and near which place Col. McCook's
division had engaged the enemy. Col. McCook's division was
driving the enemy handsomely Avhen we arrive 1 upon the
ground, and continued to do so during the day. The only part
my brigade had in the movements of the day was the dis
mounting of the 112th Illinois and moving it up in the center
to fill an opening between the right and left of Col. McCo ik's
line, and to guard against any reverse that might befall Col.
LaGrange's brigade on the left ; but the gallantry of Col. Mc
Cook's command gave us no opportunity to unload our rifles.
We, however, occupied duiing the night, with orders to hold,
the last position from which the enemy had been gloriously
driven, where a battle-flag, two pieces of artillery and a num
ber of prisoners had been captured, and where the lamented
Lieut. Col. Leslie of the 4th Indiana cavalry had fallen while
leading a gallant and successful saber charge upon the enemy.
On the 28th of January Ave moved early in the morning to
Fair Garden and on the road to Dandridge, to a point near
Kelly's Ford, where Ave found the enemy in a strong position
and fortified. Here, under orders from Col. Wolford, Ave dis
mounted and formed in line — my brigade on the right of the
1st Brigade, and the 112th Illinois on the extreme right. We
were then ordered to advance, charge the enemy and drive him
from the hill. The men advanced gallantly to Avithin thirty
or forty yards of the enemy, who lay on a crest of a hill extend
ing around our entire front in crescent form, and behind tem
porary breast works made of logs, Avhen the enemy poured a
teir'fij fire upon us and checked our advance ; in fact the line
for a moment fell back a little, but the men soon rallied and
held tlieir position for more than two hours and until ordered
to fall back. In the fight the men were much exposed. As I

KILLED AND WOUNDED. 183
have said, the hill occupied by the enemy was in the form of a
crescent, and as we advanced within the circle of it, our front
not being sufficient to cover that of the enemy, Ave were expos
ed to an enfilading fire on both flanks as Avell as a heavy fire
in front. Yet both officers and men behaved well and fought
bravely until the order came to fall back.
Our loss must have been heavy but for the density of the
timber. As it was the 112th Illinois lost one killed and seven
teen wounded, including four commissioned officers, and one
missing, supposed to have been killed.
The loss of the 8th Michigan Was two wounded.
I attach hereto a complete list of the casualties as they oc
curred in the several engagements.
Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant,
Thomas J. Henderson, Col. Comd'g
To Lieut. W. B. Smith, A. A. A. G., 1st Div.Cav. Corps."
The casualties of the 112th Illinois, as reported by Col. Hen
derson, were as follows :
At Flat Creek, January 26, th Corporal Joseph Mitchell of Co.
I, Morris C. Lampson of Co. E, and Robert Alexander of Co.
B, severely wounded ; and William C. Lopeman of Co. B,
slightly wounded. Robert Alexander died of his wounds, at
Knoxville, on the 16th of May, 1864.
At Kelly's Ford, January 28th :
Killed — Benjamin BroWn of Co. D.
Wounded— Capt. John L. Dow and John C. Troyer of Co. A.
Serg. -Bushrod Tapp, slightly, and Job. C. Mahaffey, of
Co. F.
Capt. A. A. Dunn, severely, Serg. David H. P ayton, seA'ere-
ly, Paul G. Kilby, mortally— died March 11; Charles D.
Knapp, Corporal Franklin Buckley and Adam Body, all
severely, of Co. D.
Lieut. A. P. Petrie, severely, and Corporal Martin L. Vin
cent, of Co. C.
Lieut. Jesse Newman and 1st Serg. William K. Wight, both
severely, of Co. H.
Joseph Sparks of Co. E.

184 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Corporal John Humphrey of Co. G.
Corporal John Olenburg, slightly, of Co. B.
Missing — Coiporal Charles B. Valentine of Co. A.
Corporal Valentine, reported by Col. Henderson as missing,
Avas killed.
Corporal Franklin Buckley, Paul G. Kilby and Charlos D.
Knapp, all of Co. D, were left in a building near the field of
battle ; all three Avere too seAerely Avounded to" be moved, and
Edward O'Brien, of the same company, Avas left to take care
of them. They Avere captured by the rebels the next mornmg
and guards placed OA'er Buckley. Kilby and Knapp, and they
were left in care of the citizens where they had sought shelter.
Kilby died of his wounds on the 11th of March, 1864. Corpo
ral Buckley recovered from his wounds and made his escape
on the 10th of March.
Charles D. Knapp Avas supposed to be mortally wounded.
The citizens AA'here he Avas left offered to take care of him, and
as the rebels supposed he would certainly die they withdrew
their guards and let him remain. But he declined to die, re-
coA'ered from his Avounds, and Avas secreted in the mountains
and protected by Union citizens from the guerrillas avIio infest
ed the country and murdered many Unionists, and inhumanly
butchered every Union soldier that fell into tlieir hands. He
finally made his escape through the rebel lines on the 22nd day
of May, 1864, by floating down the French Broad' River, in a
canoe to KnoxviUe.
Edward O'Brien was taken, with other prisoners, to Dand
ridge, and confined in the "nigger jail" at that place. The
next day they were marched sixteen miles to Morristown, with
out having had a mouthful to eat since their capture. Among
the prisoners were eight "home guirds", dressed in "home
spun", whom the rebels denominated "bu.-h- whackers'', who
claimed to be Union nien — loyal Teimesseans. They were or
dered to step out of the ranks, were formed in line beside the
road, and shot dead ; and the column then moved on and left
them lying Avhere they fell — to be buried by citizens or to rot
on the ground — the rebels cared not which.
The prisoners were taken to Richmond; and as they we: e
marched down the street by Libby Prison, O'Brien saw Lieut.

A PRISONER'S ADVENTURES. 185
Griffin of his own company (who had been captured at Knox
viUe,) looking out through the bars. He called to him and
endeavored to attract the lieutenant's attention; but a rebel
guard threatened to blow his brains out if he did not keep still,
and O'Brien very discreetly subsided and marched on.
The prisoners were confined in the Pemberton building, near
Libby, two days, and then turned upon Belle Isle, in mid-win
ter, half-clothed, and Avithout tents or blankets — the rebels
having robbed them of hats, boots, overcoats and blankets. In
March, O'Brien and his squad were removed to Andersonville,
where O'Brien attempted to make his escape, but was over
hauled and recaptured by blood-hounds. In the following
September they were removed to Charleston, S. C. While
marching through the city O'Brien fainted and fell by the way
side, completely unconscious. When he returned to con
sciousness he was lying under a palmetto tree attended by a
Sister of Mercy — not a guard in sight. He believes this lady
saved his life. After his recovery O'Brien was sent to Flor
ence, S.C- In December, 1864, the rebel officers sent a squad
of Union prisoners, under guard, to Charleston, after more
sick and wounded prisoners, and O'Brien volunteered to accom
pany them. They were required to sign a parole before start
ing ; but on the 27th of December O'Brien and two others
broke their paroles and made their escape. They made tlieir
way to Savannah, Ga., and there joined Sherman's army,
and thence marched with Sherman north, through the Caro
linas, to- Goldsboro, where O'Brien and the other 112th men
rejoineil the regiment. About sixty escaped prisoners joined
Sherman's army at Savannah, among them Wesley Crigler, of
Co. C, of the 112th. He and O'Brien Avere hiding in the
swamps, near together, several days before they entered Sa
vannah, but neither one knew of the other's presence.
The artillery mentioned by Col. Henderson in his report as
having been captured, was commanded by a Lieut. Blake.
He Avas a native of Putnam county, Illinois ; his father having
at one time been surA'eyor of that county. He Avent south be
fore the Avar, and Avhen hostilities, commenced enlisted in the
Confederate service as a private, and had Avon promotion by
hard fighting. He said public sentiment had compelled him

186 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
to enlist, but he did not beheA'e at the time there would be a
Avar. But the Avar came, and his battery was ordered to the
front, and haA'ing got started he concluded to make the best
of his position and fight it out on that side. He'Avas wounded
by a sabre thrust on the spine and brought into our lines. He
was immediately recognized by several men in Co. A, of the
112th IUinois, some of AA'hom had been his schoolmates. He
fought desperately, and refused to surrender untU disabled.
He gaA'e as the reason for his stubborn resistance that he ex
pected to be killed if captured and recognized as a northern
man, and he preferred to die at his pos't. He Avas surprised
and gratified, hoAveA-er, at being treated respectfully and cared
for tenderly. But his Avound proved fatal, and the next morn
ing he Avas a corpse. He was buried in a rebel's grave, un-
honored, unpitied, unmourned, an unfaithful son of his state
and country, with not even the lame excuse of a southern ed
ucation and an interest in its peculiar institutions for taking
up arms against his government.
When our command fell back, on the 26th, it was found
there Avas not a sufficient number of ambulances to carry the
Avounded. The chaplain of the 112th IUinois was the proud
possessor of a team and carriage. He was requested to carry
some of the AA'ounded men in his carriage, but refused to do so,
saying it Avas the duty of the governmsnt, and not his duty,
to furnish transportation for the wounded. The Avounded men
were loaded upon Avagons ; but during tlie inarch that night a
heavy army Avagon accidentally collided with the chaplain's
carriage and it was completely demolished, ami he himself
narrowly escaped serious injury. He met Quartermaster Al
den, a feAV days after, and informed him of the accident. His
conscience troubled him, and he exclaimed, "I am afraid the
hand of Providence is against me for refusing to carry those
wounded men."
Alden admitted that the ways of Providence were myster
ious and past findhig out, but suggested that perhaps it was
the devil who had interfered in the matter.
The Quartermaster had hinted to the teamster that it
Avould be unfortunate for the chaplain if one of the heavy Avag-
ons should happen to collide Avith his carriage, and he cau-

VARIOUS CAMPING PLACES. 187
tioned the teamster to exercise great care to avoid sue h an ac
cident. The teamster took the hint ; and Alden's suggestion to
the chaplain was not far from right.
Capt. Otman was talking to Lieut. Newman, when the latter
was wounded at Kelly's Ford, on the 28th. A musket ball
struck Newman in the center of the forehead. He fell to the
ground, but Otman caught and helped him to his feet. It was
thought he was mortally wounded, and, at his request, Capt.
Otman made a hurried memoranda and promised to write to
his Avife in New York City. It proved to be only a scalp wound,
however, and in six weeks after the lieutenant was on duty
again. In the battle of Franklin, in November, 1864, Capt. Otman
Avas again talking to Lieut. Newman, when the latter was
again hit and severely wounded. He was sent to the hospital
at Nashville, where Capt. Otman called on him a few weeks
after. The lieutenant was glad to see him, of course ; but he
cautioned the captain uev.er to speak to him again while they
were engaged in battle.
After the engagement on the 28th, our command fell back
and camped again at Dr. Hodgeden's place on Pigeon Creek.
But while we had been fighting the rebel cavalry, a heavy in
fantry force of tne enemy had obtained a position in our rear
and occupied the country between our command and Knox
viUe. In fact, our cavalry division was quite surrounded ; and
accordingly the command was ordered to move by a circuitous
route to Maryville — the county seat of Blount county — a little
east of south of Knoxville.
The command moved at sunrise on the 29th ; marched
about sixteen miles, over the worst roads ever traveled, passed
through "Devil's Gap" into "Weir's Cove," and there camped
for the night. Marched at noon on the 30th, and camped in
"Tuckaleeche Cove." Moved at 9 o'clock on the 31st, folloAV-
ed down Little River, crossing and recrossing it a dozen or
more times, marched sixteen miles, and arrived at MaryAille
at sunset.
These "Coves" were little valleys surrounded by mountains,
the only ingress and egress being by a narrow gap at either
end. They were inhabited by a peculiar class of people, as

188 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS. *
ignorant as their animals, who knew and cared nothing about
the outside world. Many of them had been born, and lived
and died in these little basins, Avithout ever having been out
side. That was their "world" — they knew of no other, and
cared for no other — happy in their ignorance, contented in
their poverty.
On the first day of February our wounded men were sent to
Knoxville. Several of them obtained furloughs and went
home by Avay of Chattanooga ; others were sent to the hospit
als. The regiment remained at Maryville untU February 4th ;
the principal occupation of the members during that time be
ing to Avash their clothing, rest and prepare for the next move.
Many of the men were dismounted ; their horses had worn out
and been abandoned. For several weeks it had been reported
that the 112th was to be dismounted and sent to Kentucky to
be refitted Avith neAv horses and now the order came. It had
been found impossible to obtain a sufficient number of horses
in Tennessee to supply all the mounted troops, and the 112th
Illinois and tAvo other regiments were ordered to proceed to
KnoxviUe, turn over their horses, and march on foot to Ken
tucky for a neAv supply.
Accordingly, on the 4tth, the regiment marched to Knox
ville, turned over horses, and loaded saddles and accoutre
ments upon wagons, and on the morning of the 6th, in the
midst of a pouring rain-storm, started on the march over the
mountains to Kentucky.
Col. Henderson, Major Dow, Capt. Doav, Lieuts. Petrie,
Bush and Newman, and eight enlisted men, and Capt, Mc
Cartney, A. A. A. G. of the brigade, proceeded by rail to Lou
don, thence by steamer doAvn the Tennessee to Chattanooga,
thence by rail by way of Nashville and Louisville, to Lexing
ton, and thence by stage to Mount Sterling.
The brigade, or detachment, consisted of the 112th IUinois,
the 45th Ohio and the 8th Michigan cavalry, and Avas com
manded on the march to Mount Sterling by Lieut. Col. Bond,
of the 112th IUinois. The regiment during this time was com
manded by Capt. S. F. Otman, the senior officer present.
It was rumored that upon our arrival in Kentucky the whole

. ..-

AT MOUNT STERLING. 189
regiment would be furloughed for thirty days. It was a mere
camp rumor, but many of the boys believed it and hoped it
might prove true. It hastened their footsteps remarkably,
and made them feel exceedingly happy ; and as they tramped
along the mountain roads they made the forests ring with
songs and cheers and laughter. The regiment reached Point
Burnside, six miles below Somerset, at noon on the 12th of
February, having marched one hundred and twelve miles, ov
er rough, mountainous roads in six and one-half days. Here
the command halted, to rest the teams, until the 14th, and
then proceeded by easy marches, by way of Danville, Camp
Nelson, Lexington and Winchester to Mount Sterling, one
hundred and twenty miles from Point Burnside, where we ar
rived on the 24th, having marched two hundred and thirty-two
mfles from Knoxville to Mount Sterling.
The boys soon learned that no applications for furloughs
would be considered. A few of those who were disabled by
reason of wounds or sickness were granted leaves of absence,
but that was all. A recruiting party was sent home, to recruit
the depleted ranks of the regiment, but regimental and brigade
commanders were instructed not to forward any applications
for leaves of absence or furloughs, as they Avould certainly be
disapproved. Many of the officers and men sent for their
wives, and those were permitted to board in town, but as a
rule the same attention to duty was required and the same
discipline imposed as while at the front.
While at Mount Sterling Lieut. B. F. Thompson, of Co. B,
was appointed Adjutant of the regiment, but on account of
some delay in the muster out of Adjutant Wells, he was not
mustered as adjutant until the following September. Serg.
William H. Doyle was promoted to First Lieutenant of the
company, but was not commissioned nor mustered until Sep
tember. At Mount Sterling, on the 5th of March, as the 2d Brigade,
1st Division, Cavalry Corps, the brigade Avas reorganized, to
consist of the 112th Illinois, the 8th Michigan and the 6th In
diana Cavalry— Col. Henderson in command— and the foUow
ing staff officers were appointed from the 112th Illinois : Ma
jor Luther S. Milliken, Chief Surgeon; Capt. James McCart-

190 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
ney, A. A. A. G. ; Lieut. James G. Armstrong, A. A. Q. M. ;
Lieut. Thomas F. Davenport, A. A. C. S. ; Lieut. Jacob Bush,
A. A. D. C.
And now officers and men applied themselves industriously
in resting and recovering from the exposures and hardships of
the East Tennessee campaign, and in making preparations
for other campaigns in the near future.

. CHAPTER XV.
MARCH BACK TO KNOXVILLE — ORDERED TO GEORGIA.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN.
THE 112TH JOINS COL. REILLY'S BRIGADE.
The 112th Illinois remained at Mount Sterling, engaged in
daily drill and dress parade, and resting from the arduous
campaign in Tennessee, until the 6th of April, when the regi
ment and other troops, at Mount Sterling moved to Lexington.
The service of the regiment as mounted infantry had ended.
The order to remount and refit the regiment had been coun
termanded, and it was ordered to equip itself for service in the
field as "flat-footed" infantry and join the 23d Corps for a cam
paign in Northern Georgia. Saddles and all the equipments
of mounted troops were turned over, and arms and accoutre
ments put in condition for active service at the front as regular
infantry. At Lexington, on the 8th of April, the brigade was disolved,
and Col. Henderson issued the following order relieving the
officers of his staff :
H'dqrs 2nd Brigade, 1st Div. Cav. Corps,
Lexington, Ky., April 8, 1864
General Orders No. 8 — The following named officers, com
posing the staff of the Colonel commanding, are hereby reliev
ed from duty at these Headquarters, and will report to their
respective regiments without delay, viz: Major Luther S.
MiUiken, 112th Bl. Vol. Infty, Chief Surgeon ; Capt. James
McCartney, 112th 111. Vol. Infty, A. A. A. G; Lieut. James G.
Armstrong, 112th 111. Vol. Infty, A. A. Q. M. ; Lieut. Thomas

192 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
F. Davenport, 112th 111. Vol. Infty, A. A. C. S. ; Lieut. Jacob
Bush, 112th 111. Vol. Infty, A. A. D. C. ; Lieut. James G. Miles,
6th Ind. Vol. Cav., A. A. I. G.
By command of Col. Thomas J. Henderson.
James McCartney, Capt. and A. A. A. G.
At Lexington the regiment joined the 11th and 16th Ken
tucky regiments of infantry, and the 45th Qhio, making about
two thousand men, and Col. Ben P. Runkle, of the 45th Ohio,
being the ranking Colonel, was ordere I to take command of
the detachnent and conduct ii to Knoxville.
From Lexington the command moved to Camp Nelson,
where it arrived on the 10th, and remained there, refitting,
procuring arms and accoutrements and the necessary supplies
for a long march over the mountains, with daily drills and
dress parades, and frequent inspections, until the 19th,
when the detachment again moved to Point Burnside, ar
riving there on the 23d of April. Here the command was plac
ed in charge of seventeen hundred pack mules and a large
wagon train, loaded with tAventy thousand rations, to take to
Knoxville. At Camp Nelson, on the 14th, Lieut. Thomas F. DaAenport
of the 11.2th Illinois was detailed, by order of Col. Runkle, as
Acting Assistant Commissary of Subsistence of the detach
ment, and among other duties required of him, he was assign
ed to the immediate command of the "mule train."
The command left Point Burnside on the 26th of April, and
after a tedious, weary march arrived at Knoxville at noon on
the third of May, having marched five hundred miles since
leaving there on the 6th of February.
The author is indebted to Lieut. Thomas F. Davenport for
the following interesting account of the march over the moun
tains, which he entitles :
"a MULE TRAIN OVER THE MOUNTAINS — FROM A LIEUTENANT'S DIARY.
"On the 8th of April, 1864, the staff officers of the 2nd Bri
gade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps, Col. Thomas J. Henderson,
were relieved from duty, and the service of the 112th IUinois
as a mounted regiment was ended.

THE MULE TRAIN. 193
"The Kentucky campaign ; the brilliant Saunders raid ; the
stirring events in and around Knoxville ; the long Aveeks of
confinement during the siege, with scanty rations of mouldy
corn-bread, mixed with SAveepings from tobacco warehouses,
cut off entirely from the supply train, in the enemy's country ; .
the -'brilliant dashes of our chief ot foragers, Eph. Smith, up
on the fat, grain-fed mountain steers ; the little, old-fashioned
mills, in which Lincoln S. Baugh of Co. C, and John Hords of
Co. A, both practical millers, ground the confiscated wheat ;
the scouting, and raiding, and foraging expeditions by night
and'clay ; all were ended.
"At one time our boys captured a little mill on a creek near
Dandridge, Tennessee. It was a few days before the affair at
Kelly's Ford. Lincoln S. Baugh was placed in charge, and
the burrs were soon buzzing. This was in the afternoon. '
About a wagon load had been ground when the rebels attack
ed the mill, drove the boys out, put their own in, and they
commenced grinding. This exasperated our boys, and they in
turn drove the rebels out and again took possession of the mill.
The rebels returned in the night with reinforcements, and
again obtained possession of the mill, and this time held it ;
but our i boys saved every pound of flour fairly belonging to
them, and before daylight it was distributed to the men. The
next morning the boys had "flapjacks" for breakfast.
"On the 14th of April the writer of this received the follow
ing order : ' Camp Nelson, Ky., April 14, 1864.
'Special Order No. 1. 49
* * Extract I.— First Lieut. Thomas F. Daven
port, 112th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, is hereby de
tailed as Acting Commissary of Subsistence of detachment of
United States Forces commanded by Col. Ben; P. Runkle, and
will report to these Headquarters for orders, without delay.
•By command of
'Col. Ben. P. Runkle.
' L. E. Allman, Lieut., &c."
"I reported to Col. Runkle, and was directed to proceed to
—13

194 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Crab Orchard and there receive and take charge of one hun
dred and fifty wagons and three hundred and fifty pack-mules,
to be loaded and packed with rations.
"At Crab Orchard we found a motley crowd of mules, wag
ons and teamsters, aU out in a pouring rain. We proceeded
to Point Burnside, on the Cumberland River, in advance of
the troops, to finish packing, where we arrived on the 21st,
and found everything in confusion and excitement.
"On the 22nd, I went out of town a mUe or two to find Capt.
Ransom, Post Commissary, from whom we drew ten days full
rations of "hard-tack" and other provisions for two -hundred
men. I found Capt. Ransom occupying a cozy little cottage
high up on the mountain side, among the rocks, looking like
an eagle's nest in the cliffs, where he was enjoying his 'honey
moon' — having recently married Miss Ella Bishop, the heroine
of Lexington, after whom our camp at that place was named
—'Camp EUa Bishop/ I found Mrs. Ransom to be a plain,
intelligent lady, and as full of patriotism and zeal for the Un
ion as when she defied the rebel soldiers on the streets of Lex
ington. "At Point Burnside three hundred wagons and several hun
dred pack mules were added to our train. Each mule was
loaded with from two hundred to three hundred pounds of
rice, beans, sugar, coffee, salt and bacon, carried in panniers
or saddles strapped upon the mules and covered -with oil-cloth.
I was assisted by Corporal H. Q. Edwards aLd Uncle John
Boyd of Co. C, Ephraim Smith of Co. F, James Waterman of
Co. H, Avho was our butcher, and George Boyd, who had been
discharged from the 9th Illinois cavalry and was on his way
to Knoxville to reenlist. It was a novel sight. The long train
of mules coupled together in files of four, Avith their pads,
looking like miniature dromedaries, winding in and out among
the trees, guards on each side watchful and on the alert against
attack— for the rebels well knew the value of the convoy and
would have gladly relieved us of it if opportunity had offered.
"The troops and train left Point Burnside on the 26th of April
and ascended the mountains, avoiding the towns and settle
ments and, with few exceptions, making fifteen to twenty miles
a day, nearly all of the way through dense forests. An escort

FUN WITH A MULE TRAIN. 195
of one or tAvo regiments marched in front and rear of the train.
At night the wagons were parked in a circle, the mules in the
center, and guards outside. As we rounded the crest of the
Cumberland Mountains on the 30th of April, the sun rose
warm and bright, the spring foliage glistened Avith dew, and
Aye looked down, sheer down, one thousand feet from the beet
ling cliffs upon the little town of Jacksboro nestled in the beau
tiful valley below. Arriving at Clinton, on the Clinch River,
our train and stores were turned over to Capt. Chapin, the
Post Commissary of Knoxville, and we Avere relieved from fur
ther duty.
"Col. Runkle did not have an organized brigade, but he com
manded the four regiments on the march into Tennessee as a
detachment, hoping and expecting that they Avould be organ
ized into a brigade of which he would have permanent com
mand. But higher authority decided otherwise ; he was order
ed on duty elsewhere, and I lost sight of him in the momentous
events that followed.
"My relations with him had been- exceedingly pleasant. He
was a brave soldier and a courteous officer, but quick-tempered,
and often reckless in the discharge of his duties."
Immediately upon the arrival of the regiment at Knoxville,
an inspection of arms and accoutrements Avas held, and Col.
Henderson was ordered to turn OA'er everything unserviceable ;
all the regimental teams except tAvo, and all surplus tents and
baggage, and to draw all the clothing the regiment needed, and
be ready to march on the morning of the fourth.
The command Avas ordered to proceed to Cleveland by rail,
and thence join Sherman's army in Northern Georgia ; but for
want of sufficient transportation the 112th Illinois did not
move until the 8th of May.
Many of the sick and slightly wounded had recovered and
rejoined the regiment ; all the field officers were present ; the
long march into Kentucky and return had hardened and
toughened the men ; and drills and parades had restored the
regiment to its old-time proficiency and discipline, which had
become somewhat impaired during its mounted service.
It was understood that Ave were about to enter upon an active
and perilous campaign against one of the great armies of the

196 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Confederacy, under the leadership of one of its ablest gener
als, and that we would be called upon to endure hardships, face
dangers and make long, weary marches ; but no man wavered
in the determination to push forward and conquer a peace
by destroying the enemy. Every man was in earnest, and
ready and willing to go to the front and end the war by hard
blows ; to wipe out, annihilate, destroy the rebel armies, and
then return home and enjoy a well-earned peace.
The mounted service in which the 112th had been engaged
had been detrimental to the discipline and morale of the regi
ment. Attached to an inferior force of cavalry, it had been
compelled to do double duty, scouting and skirmishing as cav
alry, and fighting, dismounted, as infantry ; always at a dis
advantage, as compared with regular infantry, as it required
every fifth man to hold the horses, while many men were left
in the rear on account of disabled and broken down horses.
WhUe the mounted forces in East Tennessee, after the siege
of Knoxville, had been kept constantly moving, scouting and
foraging, almost daily engaged in a skirmish with the enemy,
alert, watchful, ever ready to move at a moment's notice, ex
posed to driving storms of rain, sleet and snow, the infantry
regiments were lying quietly in comfortable camps, undisturb
ed by rebels, protected from the inclement winter weather.
But one important movement was made by the infantry.
When Longstreet left his camps at Morristown andmarched
with his infantry to Dandridge, in January, 1864, Gen. Parke,
with the 9th Corps, and Gen- Granger's 4th Corps, and the
23d Corps, in temporary command of Gen. Cox, marched out
to meet him ; but the return of heavy, cold storms rendered
an extended campaign impossible ; and both Confederate and
Union commanders withdrew their troops and returned to
their permanent quarters. The mounted forces, however, were
kept at the front, moving night and day ; and it was not until
the 112th Illinois was dismounted that the men were permitted
to rest, and then only after a long march over rugged moun
tains, in mid-winter, to Central Kentucky.
Company and battalion drills and dress parades and re
views had been unknown during the East Tennessee campaign,
and while waiting at KnoxAille for transportation the time was

OUR COLOR BEARERS. 197
well occupied in reviewing the early lessons of the regiment in
army tactics, and it was soon restored to its old-time profi
ciency and discipline. No regiment in the corps could keep
better step, carry itself steadier, or make a finer appearance
on the march or on a review than the 112th Illinois, and its
fighting qualities were equal to its "style."
Serg. John L. Jennings, of Co. H, who had been appointed
Color Bearer of the regiment, upon its muster in at Peoria,
was relieved at Lexington, on the 6th of April, at his own re
quest, and returned to duty in his company. Serg. Eli C.
Jones, of Co. B, one of the color guards, acted as Color Bearer
on the march from Lexington to Knoxville. On the 6th of
May, while at Knoxville, Corporal John D. Hill, of Co. C, who
had served as color guard, was appointed Color Bearer of the"
regiment, and served as such from that time until the regi
ment was mustered out of the service. Many times during the
Atlanta campaign, and in the terrible battle at Franklin, in
the foUowing November, the colors df the regiment were riddled
by rebel bullets, while in his hands ; but never for an instant
were they lowered beneath the shower of Confederate lead.
At all times the 112th colors floated proudly and defiantly in
the southern breeze.
Gen. Grant having been promoted to Lieut. General — a
grade created by congress especially for him — and having been
called East to take command of all the armies of the Union
and personally direct the movements of the army in Virginia
against the Confederate capital, Gen. Sherman was placed in
command of the Military Division of the Mississippi, compris
ing the three great Departments of the Cumberland, the Tenn
essee and the Ohio, and early in May, 1864, concentrated his
forces in Northern Georgia preparatory to opening the cam
paign against Atlanta. ^
The Army of the Cumberland as prepared to take the field,
in command of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, consisted of
three divisions of the 4th Corps, three divisions of the 14th Corps
and three divisions of the 20th Corps — numbering about fifty-
four thousand infantry and about four thousand cavalry, and
twenty-three hundred artillery, and one hundred and thirty
guns. Large garrisons were stationed at Chattanooga and

198 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Nashville, and other important points in Middle Tennessee, and
a considerable force was also required to guard tlie lines of
communication north.
The Army of the Tennessee, in command of Maj. Gen:
James B. McPherson, consisted of three divisions of the 15th
(Logan's) Corps, the 2nd and 4th divisions of the 16th Corps,
and the 3d and 4th divisions of the 17th Corps— numbering
about twenty-two thousand infantry, fourteen hundred artille
ry and ninety-six guns.
The 1st and 3d divisions of the 16th, and the 1st and 2nd
divisions of the 17th Corps were left in the Valley of the Miss
issippi for garrison and other duties. After the fall of Atlan
ta the 2nd Division of the 16th Corps Avas transferred to the
45th Corps, and the 4th Division to the 17th Corps.
Longstreet had moved out of East Tennessee, leaA'ing only
a corps of observation in the upper Holston Valley, and joined
Lee in Virginia. Union troops occupied Bull's Gap, and had
destroyed seA'eral miles of railroad beyond the pass, and East
Tennessee Avas now comparatively free from danger of Con
federate invasion or raids.
The 9th Corps had been transferred from the Army of the
Ohio to the Army of the Potomac, and Avas again in command
of Maj . Gen. Burnside ; and the Army of the Ohio now com
prised only the 23d Corps, in command of Maj. Gen. John M.
Schofield. The corps consisted of three divisions of infantry
— the 1st in command of Brig. Gen. A. P. Hovey, the 2nd in
commSrnd of Brig. Gen. Milo S. Hascall, and the 3d in com
mand of Brig. Gen. Cox — numbering about twelve thousand
infantry, and about seventeen hundred cavalry, seven hundred
artillery, aud twenty-eight guns. Two other divisions of the
corps were left to garrison Kentucky and East Tennessee.
In June Gen. HoA'cy was relieved of his command, at his
own request, and the 1st Division was broken up and consoli
dated with the 2nd and 3d, and these Avere the only divisions
of the corps in the field after that time. Gen. Schofield moA'-
ed out of East Tennessee Avith his three divisions and occupied
Red Clay, on the state-line north of Dalton, on the 4th of May.
On the 6th the Army of the Cumberland occupied the center
of the Union line near Ringgold, and the Army of the Tennes-

STRENGTH OF THE ARMIES. 199
see the right flank at Gordon's Mills, on Chickamauga Creek ;
and generally, during the campaign, the Army of the Cumber
land, on account of its greater strength, occupied the center,
and the two smaller armies the right and left of the line.
The aggregate strength of Sherman's army, as it confront
ed the Confederate army intrenched around Dalton, approxi
mated one hundred thousand men, with two hundred and fif
ty-four guns.
The Confederate army numbered about sixty thousand men,
divided into two corps of infantry, under Hardee and Hood,
and one corps of four thousand cavahy, under Wheeler, all in
command of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. On the 11th of May
Polk joined Johnston with a corps of infantry and artillery,
which increased his aggregate strength to about seventy-five
thousand men.
When it is considered, however, thai in this campaign the
enemy always had the choice of position, and Avas usually pro
tected by strong intrenchments ; that one man in defense is
equal to three in attack, and one rifle in the trench worth five
in front of it ; that, as Sherman's army advanced, it was con
stantly weakened, to garrison important posts and guard its
lines of communication, while, as the enemy fell back, his gar
risons and guards were taken up and added to his effective
strength ; and that slave labor was utilized in digging trench
es, building earth-works, and performing the drudgery of the
rebel army; when all these facts are considered, the disparity
in the strength of the two armies was not as great as it seemed.
Sherman's grand army was stripped for work. All surplus
baggage and unnecessary clothing were sent to the rear.
Transportation was reduced to one wagon and one ambulance
to each regiment, and one pack mule to each company. Tents
were almost an unknown luxury. During the succeeding
campaign Gen. Sherman himself frequently slept beside a log,
with no bed but mother earth and no covering but the south
ern sky.
The foUowing incident wiU illustrate his manner of work and
sleeping : One hot day during the foUowing summer the au
thor had put up a tent-fly as a protection against the broiling
sun, and was busily engagedinmakuiig up regimental reports.

200 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Gen. Sherman and staff rode along the lines to the right, and
on their return, an hour later, Sherman rode up to the fly and
remarked to the occupant, "That's a mighty cool place— what
are you doing?" "Making out regimental reports," was the
reply. " What regiment ?" "112th Illinois." "Haven't you
room for one more in there?" "0, yej; come in." Giving
the bridle to an orderly he dismounted and came in, his staff
going on without him. He said he had not slept more than
an hour at a time for three nights, and was "tired to death,"
and it looked so cool and inviting in there he wanted to "lie
down and take a nap." Some blankets were spread upon the
grass and he was soon sound asleep. When he awoke he
thanked the occupant of the fly as kindly and politely as if he
had been a Major General instead of a lieutenant, and rode
away refreshed for another night's work.
His example was contagious — every officer and soldier in
the army would do anything, endure anything required of
them, cheerfully and heartily, because he set them an exam
ple of hard work, endurance, exposure, and earnestness in
conducting the campaign. He never flinched, and it taught
them never to flinch.
Immediately upon the arrival of the 112th Illinois at Knox
ville the regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 3d Division,
23d Army Corps, consisting of the 100th and 104th Onio, 11th
and 16th Kentucky, 8th Tennessee and 112th Illinois regiments,
commanded by Col. James W. Eeilly of the 104th Ohio. On
the 8th of May, as soon as transportation could be obtained,
the 112th took ears at Knoxville and moved by rail to Cleveland,
and thence marched, in charge of a large ambulance train and
an ordinance train of fifty wagons, to Tunnel HUl, Avhere it
arrived on the 10th; and at 5 :30 on the morning of the 11th
joined the brigade in front of Dalton, and at once Avent into
.position on the extreme left of the army, and threw up heavy
Avorks. The regiment was now part of Sherman's grand Union
army, and it is difficult to separate the history of any single
regiment of the army from the history of the whole army, or of
the campaign.
Gen. Sherman was now about to enter upon the eAer-mem-
orable Georgia campaign. Its first objective point Avas John-

THE GEORGIA CAMPAIGN. 201
ston's army of seventy-five thousand veteran troops ; its sec
ond, the City of Atlanta — the center of a great railway system,
the site of extensive manufactures, the great distributing
point for arms and munitions of war, provisions, clothing
and other supplies, to the Confederate armies.
The Southern armies had been concentrated into two great
armies, for a final and determined effort to uphold the rotten
and wicked oligarchy of the South, and to defend it against
the attacks of the Union armies — one in the East, in com
mand of Lee, one in the West, in command of Johnston. But
Grant was now in supreme command, and while he personally
directed the campaign against Lee, he at the same time planned
the campaigns and directed the general movements of all the
other Union armies— leaving the details to be carried out by
his lieutenants. In the West Sherman was in supreme com
mand, subject only to the orders of his superior; but so great
was Grant's confidence in his judgment and ability that he
seldom interfered with his plans. How well Sherman per
formed his part — his campaign against Atlanta, his triumph
al march to the sea, his progress through the Carolinas, his
earnest devotion to the cause of his country, his implicit faith
in and loyalty to Grant — all these achievements are Avritten
in history, and place his name high up on the pinnacle of
fame and heroism, next to that of his faithful friend and su
perior, officer — the Great Commander.

CHAPTER XVI.
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN.
FROM DALTON TO DALLAS AND NEW HOPE CHURCH — THE BATTLE OF
RESACA — ACROSS THE OOSTANAULA AND THE ETOWAH.
THE FIRST MONTH'S WORK.
Gen. McPherson, Avith the Army of the Tennessee, had mov
ed down through Snake Creek Gap, and confronted the rebel
force at Resaca ; and at three o'clock on the morning of the
12th of May, the 23d Corps and 14th Corps were in motion,
marching to the right, towards the same point. The country
was rough and broken, and the command made but slow pror
gress. Bivouacked at night in the woods, having marched but
fourteen miles. Reveille at one o'clock on the 13th and mov
ed at two o'clock. Marched sixteen miles down through Snake
Creek Gap, and joined McPherson in front of Resaca at noon.
This was Sherman's first great flank movement of the cam
paign, and it compelled Johnston to evacuate his works at Dal
ton and concentrate his army within their intrenchments at
Resaca. Gen. Hovey's division (1st of the 23d Corps) was left to guard
the trains parked in Snake Creek Gap, and the 2d and 3d di
visions (Hascall's and Cox's) of the 23d Corps, marched across
ravines, fording streams and climbing high hiUs, and formed
in line of battle on the left, — Gen. Cox's division on the extreme
left ; and that night the men slept on their arms.

KILLED AND WOUNDED AT RESACA. 203
It will not be expected that a work of this kind will give the
details of the Battle of Resaca, or attempt to describe the
movements of the several armies and corps. This information
may be obtained elsewhere, and the author takes it for grant
ed that the reader is already familiar with the facts, or, if he
is not, that he will read some other work detailing them, in
connection with this.
At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 14th the Union lines were
advanced. Cox's division moved forward about a mile by the
flank, and then filed to the right, in two lines, Reilly's brig
ade in advance, and moved forward over rough and broken
ground, through dense woods and thick underbrush, and reach
ed the enemy's skirmish line about noon. Here the command
came to a front, and deployed skirmishers. The division
again moved forward, in line of battle, driving the enemy's
skirmishers. The order was given to change direction to the
right, and in doing so the lines got badly mixed — the 112th Il
linois being crowded first to the right and then to the left, and
finally wedged in between two lines, — but the advance contin
ued. The order was then given to charge, and the column
moved forward on a double-quick, nearly a mile, driving the
enemy's skirmishers pell mell, and after a fierce struggle car
ried and held the enemy's first line of intrenchments.
The enemy fell back to a strongly fortified position, and the
division was pushed forward to within two hundred yards of
this line, but»was unable to carry it. The 112th advanced to
a hill fifty yards in front of their second line, when the enemy
opened a severe fire with grape and canister and musketry.
Our sharpshooters, however, picked off the gunners and near
ly silenced their batteries. The division lay there, giving and
receiving hard blows, until about 4 o'clock, when its ammuni
tion was exhausted, and as the wagons could not cross the
creek it was relieved, a brigade at a time and retired to the rear.
The casualties of the 112th Illinois in this engagement were
as follows :
Killed— Co. A, Corporal John B. Heaps and Joseph S. Bare-
more. Co. D— Watson L. Andrews, William H. Collier and William
W. Cowden.

204 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Co. C— John F. Barney and William Follett.
Co. H— First Serg. Abel M. Randall. Total, eight
„ Wounded : — Col. Thomas J. Henderson, severely ; Adjutant
B. F. Thompson, slightly.
Co. A— Patrick Cummings, slightly, and Philip J. Wintz,
severely. Co. F— Capt. William W. Wright, mortally, (died June 24) ;
Serg. John F. Rhodes, severely ; Corporal Levi Silliman ; Wil
liam H. Barton, severely; William T. Essex, mortally, (died
Sept. 18) ; Henry C. Hall, mortally, (died May 24), and George
G. Stone.
Co. D— Capt. A. A. Dunn, slightly ; George M. Dunkle, John
Flansburg, Lewis W. Jacobs ; Lemuel F. Mathews, severely,
and Joseph Weaver, severely.
Co. I — Serg. Hugh Pound ; Frederick Baker, severely, and
John G. White, severely.
Co. C — Corporal Joel C. Smith, mortally, (died June 24) ;
Corporal Hanford Q. Edwards, severely ; Thomas Duncan ;
George Maconnell, slightly, and Hiram F. Williamson.
Co. H — Corporal A. T. W. Chalmers, John M. Ericson;
George H. McKee, mortally, (died June 10) ; David V. Plants,
(promoted on the field for bravery), and August T. Sniggs.
Co. E — Corporal Cyrus C. Snare ; Corporal Sydney D. But
ler, slightly ; Jerry H. Bailey ; and Thaddeus S. Thurston, se
verely. Co. G — Corporal William Watterson and John t!rowe.
Co. B — James A. Goodrich and John C. Leighton, both in
jured by the concussion of an exploding shell.
Total, thirty-eight, of whom one captain, one corporal and
three privates were mortally Avounded. Total loss of the regi
ment in killed and wounded, forty-six.
The lines had been extended to the left during the action,
and the 23d Corps, which had gone into the engagement on
the extreme left, at the close of the battle was in the center.
There was sharp skirmishing along the whole line during the
morning of fhe 15th, and the lines Avere further extended to
the left. The 23d Corps was withdrawn from the center and
again moved to the extreme left. There Avas heavy fighting
in the afternoon by Hooker's corps and several divisions of

THE FLANKING MOVEMENTS. 205
other corps, but the 112th Illinois Avas riot engaged. Sherman
was moAing his forces to the left, contracting and strengthen
ing his lines, so as to Avithdraw part of his forces for a flank
ing movement south of the Oostanaula River. At 4 o'clock in
the afternoon the 3d Division of the 23d Corps advanced its
lines and occupied a strong position, preparatory to a closer
investment on the following day.
But Johnston Avas not to be caught by Sherman's flank
movement, and duiing the night of the 15th Avithdrew his ar
my across the Oostanaula, burned the railroad bridge, and re
treated south.
Gen. Cox's division Avas ready for action at 4 o'clock on the
morning of the 16th, but the enemy had escaped, and the
troops were at once put in motion in pursuit.
The 23d Corps moved to the left and forded the Connasauga
River at Fife's Ferry, the artillery and wagons being ferried
over in a small flat-boat. The river was quite wide and the
water about waist deep. Gen. Cox's division was in the ad
vance. The column halted on the bank of the river, came to
a front face, stacked -arms, and the men stripped to the skin,
carrying their clothes on their heads or shoulders to keep them
out of the water. Just as the column was prepared to enter
the water Gen. Cox and his staff rode along the line, and the
boys greeted him Avith cheer after cheer, and made great sport
of their ludicrous appearance. But when the opposite bank
of the river was reached the fun increased. The bank Avas
steep and of a clay soil. Every man carried out a little water
on his person, which dripped to the ground, and the bank soon
became as slippery as a sheet of ice, and as difficult to climb,
barefooted. Many a man would get half-way up the bank and
go sprawling into the mud and roll down the embankment to
the water, while those who had reached high ground cheered
and laughed at his misfortune. Fortunately there was a pond
of clear water near by in which the men could Avash themselves
before dressing.
After crossing the river the march Avas continued up the
Coosawattee River to within four miles of Field's Mills, where
the column halted and Avent into camp at dark.
The CoosaAvattee Avas too deep to ford, and as the corps had

206 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
no pontoons at hand, a trestle foot-bridge was constructed for
the infantry to cross on, and the artillery and wagons were
ferried over in a flat-boat. Moved at 10 o'clock on the morn
ing of the 17th, but it was 10 o'clock at night before the col
umn had crossed the river— the 112th Illinois being near the
rear. The column pushed forward in the darkness until three
o'clock the next morning, when it reached Big Spring, on the
Adairsville road, and halted for rest and sleep.
Moved at 6 on the morning of the 18th, on the Adairsville
road, marched about twelve miles — delayed by 20th Corps
trains, and cavalry passing the column — and went into bivou
ac at four o'clock in the afternoon.
The Confederate army occupied a strong position stretching
along a chain of hills back of CassviUe. On the 19th Johnston
issued a general order, saying that he had retreated only for
strategic purposes, that it had gone as far as was necessary,
that the time had come for giving the enemy battle, and he
proposed to fight it out in that position. They had reached
the "last ditch," but ingloriously fled and left the ditch behind
them, as soon as Sherman's army made its appearance.
The 23d Corps moved at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 19th,
marched five miles and waited until noon, and then moved
forward and formed in line of battle on the left of the Union
line, close to the enemy's works. The other armies were al
ready in position, and as soon as Schofield had completed the
line the Union batteries opened upon the rebel works. The
Union army lay in line of battle that night, prepared to accept
the rebel challenge for a general battle on the morrow, but
during the night the rebel army folded its tents and stole away
and retreated across the Etowah River.
Cox's division moved at daylight on the morning of the 29th
and overtook the enemy's rear guard two miles below Cass
ville, and drove them, without serious resistance, nine miles,
to the Etowah River, Avhich they crossed, and burned the
bridge behind them. Two brigades of the division (Reilly's
and Casement's,) proceeded up the river a few miles and de
stroyed some factories and iron works, and then returned to
CartersviUe, near the EtoAvah, where the_command went into

DEATH OF CAPTAIN WRIGHT. 207
camp, and paused a few days to take breath, repair the raU
road and accumulate supplies for another advance.
Since the battle of Resaca, Lieut. Col. Bond had been in
command of the 112th Blinois, ably assisted by Major Dow.
Col. Henderson's Avound Avas a serious one — a musket baU
through the thigh — and required his retirement from duty un
tU it should heal.
Capt. Wrighb's wound w-as still more serious, for it cost him
his life. He was shot through the arm near the shoulder, and
the nature of the wouud required amputation at the shoulier.
He was taken to NashviUe, and died there, in hospital, on the
24th of June. He was visited by wife and friends, but their
care and prayers could not save him. His remains were taken
home and buried in the cemetery at Toulon. Capt. Wright was
a brave, generous, conscientious officer, devoted to his coun
try, never shrinking to go where duty caUed him. He was one
of the very few who practiced his religion, in the army as weU
as at home, and was respected and honored as a christian
soldier by aU who kneAv him. His loss was regretted and
sincerely mourned by the Avhole regiment. The vacancy was
filled by the promotion . of First Lieutenant James G. Arm
strong on the 14th of the folloAving September.
On the 22nd the division trains were loaded Avith twenty
days rations, and the army ordered to be ready to moA'e on the
foUoAving day. and early the next morning the columns were
in motion.
The 23d Corps again moved to the left and reached MUam's
Bridge, ten mUes down the Etowah, at noon, but as Hooker's
corps Avas using the pontoons, Schofield was obliged to wait
until the 20th Corps was across and out of the way. The 23d
Corps crossed at 6 o'clock the foUowing morning, and proceed
ed rapidly toward Burnt Hickory — the cavahy in advance, en
gaged in severe skhmishing and driving the enemy before
them. The heat was intense and water scarce, and many of the
men were prostrated by the burning sun, and compeUed to fall
out and seek shelter under the trees. Marched ten mfles. At
dark heaAy* cannonading was heard on the right, which con
tinued at intervals through the night.

208 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Another flank movement Avas being made by Sherman, and
this time Johnston fell back and selected a position near Dal
las — a portion of his army occupying strong intrenchments
at NeAv Hope Church, in the same vicinity.
On the 25th the 23d Corps rested near Burnt Hickory, "while
other divisions were swinging to the right, the cavalry, in the
meantime, reconnoitering and scouring the roads to the left
and front.
The country was rugged, mountainous and densely Avooded.
Even in the daytime it was difficult to see but a short distance
ahead. At 6 o'clock in the morning the bugle sounded "atten
tion ! " and the column again moved forward, but a tremen
dous thunder shower came up and it was as dark as night, so
the troops Could make but little headway. After groping along
four hours, an order was given to halt, stack arms and wait
until the storm had ceased. Waited until one o'clock in the
morning of the 26th and again moved forward, marched seven
miles, crossed Pumpkin-vine Creek and'moved to the front.
Breakfasted at seven and moved to the laft., McPherson was
moving up to Dallas on the right, Thomas was moving against
the rebel center at New Hope Church, and the 23d Corps was
moving to the left to turn the enemy's right. As the 3d Divis
ion of the 23d Corps (Cox's) was moving through the dense
timber the enemy opened a heavy musketry fire upon the col
umn, and skirmishing continued untU dark. The 16th Ken
tucky and 100th Ohio regiments, of the 1st brigade, lost sever
al men killed and wounded, but the 112th Illinois met with no
casualties. Heavy skirmishing commenced at 5 o'clock on the morning
of the 27th, and continued with but slight intermission all day.
The enemy made an assault on the left of the line, and the
100th Ohio and the 112th Illinois were moved to the left to re
inforce the line ; but the assault was repulsed without their
assistance. Part of the 4th and 14th corps moved to the left
and advanced their lines upon the enemy's flank. At dark
the enemy opened a furious artillery fire along the whole line,
but as our men were protected by heavy breast-works the cas
ualties were slight. John R. Jones of Co. B, of the 112th, was
slightly wounded by a splinter from a head log, but remained

SKIRMISHING. 209
on duty. This Avas the only casualty in the regiment.
Severe skirmishing continued during the night, which in
creased at daybreak on the morning of the 28th, and was kept
up all day. The position of the forces in our front remained
unchanged. Prisoners reported Hardee's corps in. front,
Polk's on the right and Hood's on the left.
Lieut. Homer Sherbondy of Co. C, of the 112th LUinois, was
severely Avounded on the skirmish line and sent to the field
hospital in the rear.
During the foUowing night the rebels made several attacks up
on our lines, but AA'ere repulsed each time Avithout serious effort.
Heavy skirmishing commenced at daylight on the 29th and
continued all day and the following night. During the night
the enemy made an effort to dislodge McPherson on the right.
The rebel batteries opened fire along the Avhole line from right
to left, Avhich were replied to by the Union batteries, and for
two or three hours the cannonading was deafening.
A narrow vaUey, in many places only a ravine, separated
the two lines ; and as far as the eye could see to the right and
left, the flashing artillery and-flying, bursting, screaming sheUs
made a magnificent but dangerous display of fireworks, in the
darkness of the night. The rebel skirmish 'lines Avere advanc
ed close up to our line of works but were driven back, and the
morning found the position unchanged from the day before.
Heavy skirmishing and considerable artillery firing contin
ued on the 30th and 31st, day and night. The enemy made
an assault upon our lines at 10 o'clock in the morning, on the
31st, but Avere repulsed with heavy loss. The loss of the 1st
Brigade Avas three kUled and eight wounded, among the latter
Sorg. John H. Bunnell, of Co. B, 112th IUinois, Avho was mor
tally Avounded, and died at Nashville, Tenn., on the 12th of
August, 1864.
This ended the first month's work ; and the entire Union
army, from Gen. Sherman to the humblest private, Avas Avell
pleased with the result.
Let us iioay go back a little. On the 24th of May, after the
Union army had crossed the Etowah, Johnston being uncer
tain as to the movements of Sherman, sent a division of cav-
—14

210 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
airy, under Wheeler, across the Etowah, to push into Cass
ville and discover and report what was there. Wheeler found
that the whole army had moved ; but unfortunately he found
part of the trains stUl at Cassville, with a small guard, and,
swooping down on them, captured about seventy wagons and
nearly two hundred prisoners. Among the latter were Lieut.
George C. Alden, the Quartermaster of the regiment, and John
W. Adair of Co. A, James Lindsay of Co. D, Welcome B.
French of Co. K and Lewis P. Peterson of Co. G, of the 112th
Illinois. Lieut. Alden remained a prisoner until the foUoAving
March, suffering all the horrors of rebel prison life, and several
times lying at the point of death, when he was paroled and
entered our lines at Wilmington, N. C, where he found the
regiment. After a visit home, to recover from the effects of
prison fare and rebel cruelty, he returned and rejoined the
regiment at Greensboro, N, C, about a month before it was
mustered out of service.
After his capture Lieut. Alden suffered the usual indignities
heaped upon Union prisoners by rebel officers and soldiers.
He was robbed of money and valuables, but had no reason to
expect that he would be required to surrender his clothing.
In this, however, he Was disappointed. But a few hours after
his capture he was accosted by a rebel cavalry officer and po
litely requested to trade hats, the officer at the same time tak
ing his hat and replacing it with a much poorer one. Soon
another officer made the same request, in the same manner,
and with the same result. This was repeated until Alden was
hatless. Another rebel officer, in the same manner, compell
ed him to trade boots ; and he traded, and traded again, untU
he was barefooted. If any suppose that the Quartermaster
tamely submitted to being robbed without objection or protest,
they do not know the man. He did protest most vigorously,
and denounced their acts of vandalism in language more forci
ble than polite, but all to no purpose. He was in their power ;
and no argument, no appeal to their generosity, no denuncia
tion could influence these "chivalric" sons of the South to de
sist from their acts of brutality, and he Avas compelled to sub
mit. And the Confederate officer who stole his hat is now a mem-

IN REBEL PRISONS. 211
ber of the United States Congress ; and the officer who robbed
him of his boots is a member of that august, honorable and dig
nified body, the United States Senate. Verily, there is no other
government on the face of the earth that thus exalts and re
wards its traitors, or permits them to hold high and honorable
places in the councils of the Nation. Duiing Lieut. Alden's
absence from the regiment, Lieut. Jacob Bush of Co. K, act
ed as quartermaster until the 3d of November, 1864, when
Lieut. George W. Lawrence, of Co. I, was detailed, and acted
as quartermaster until Lieut. Alden's return to the regiment.
James Lindsay, who was Captured with Lieut. Alden, Avas
the Quartermaster's clerk.- He was inhumanly and wickedly
murdered by a rebel guard, whUe confined in prison at Flor
ence, S. C, in January, 1865 ; and the guard Avas rewarded for
his bravery with a thirty days furlough home and a promotion
after his return. Another iUustration of Southern inhumanity.
John W. Adair, Welcome B. French and Lewis P. Peterson
survived the horrors of rebel prisons, and are still living.
French escaped from the rebels at Raleigh, N. C, and con
cealed himself in a box car and rode to Goldsboro, where he
boarded a train loaded with Union prisoners, bound for Wil
mington for exchange, and was taken to the latter place, with
out being discovered, and was exchanged on the 4th of March,
1865. Neither of them ever returned to the regiment for duty.
AU three were discharged for disability incurred in rebel prisons.
Among the wagons captured at Cassville was the regimental
wagon of the 112th IUinois, containing all the records of the
regiment and of each company, and the officers' clothing and
baggage. The loss of the officers' clothing and other property
was severe to them, under the circunistauces, but the loss of
the regimental and company records was irreparable. It made
work and trouble to every officer in the regiment in making up
reports and accounts, and, more than all, much valuable ma
terial for a proper history of the regiment was blotted out of
existence and cannot be supplied.
Lieut. Sherbondy, as we have seen, Avas wounded and taken
to the field hospital on the 28th of May. One of the Bennett '
boys of his company Avas detailed to accompany and take care
of him. When the army moved to the left, about the first of

212 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
June, it necessitated the moving of the hospitals. The ambu
lances were over-crowded and Lieut. Sherbondy volunteered
to wait until one could return for him. He was left at a log
cabin occupied by two women, and Bennett remained with
him. As soon as the Union army had moved, rebel cavalry
Avere scouring the country in quest of information as to the
movement ; and the ambulance sent back after Lieut. Sher
bondy was captured, with the driver and team. The ambu
lance driver was Zarah H. Newton of Co. F, 112th IUinois,
and the next time he and Sherbondy met was at Andersonville
in the following winter ; for although the latter escaped cap
ture this time, he was afterward "-taken in" at Columbia in
November, 1864, and confined for a time in the "nigger pen"
at AndersonviUe.
No ambulance arrived, and at daylight the next morning
Bennett went out to reconnoiter. In a few moments one of
the women informed Lieut. Sherbondythat a squad of Confed
erate soldiers was on picket but a short distance from the
house. Sherbondy's wound was a severe one in the side, and
he was nearly paralyzed, but he determined to escape capture
if possible to do so. He could not stand, even Avith the assist
ance of the Avomen, so he roUed off the stretcher and attempt
ed to craAvl to the door. But the effort was too much for him,
and he fainted. When he returned to consciousness he found
himself in the thick underbrush about forty feet from the
house, where he had been carried by the women, assisted by a
small boy.
In a short time a brigade of rebel cavalry passed along with
in twenty feet of where he lay, but the brush concealed him
from view and he was not discovered. The boy brought him
some milk, and Sherbondy then sent him to reconnoiter, but
without favorable results. He lay there until 3 o'clock, when,
with the assistance of the tAAro women, he sought a safer place,
further from the house, near the edge of an old field. But
the exertion brought on hemorrhage of the lungs, and he
thought his last day had eome. But he recovered, and just at
night sa>v some Union soldiers going down to Pumpkin vine
Creek after water. He was too AAeak to call the women, and
breaking off a sassafras bush, signalled the soldiers, and finally

LIEUT. SHERBONDY'S ESCAPE. 213
caught their attention. They came to him, and obtaining the
stretcher, carried him to the 4th Corps hospital, Avhich had
not been moved, and thence he was sent to AckAvorth, on the
railroad, and then to NashviUe, Avhere he remained until his
wound was healed, and then returned to the regiment. Lieut.
Sherbondy Aery justly giA'es those two women credit for hav
ing saA'ed his life, for his capture at that time could have been
attended witli but one result — quick death.
Later in the campaign an Ohio man of the 23d Corps was
accused of making a criminal assault upon a Avoman. He Avas
tried by drum-head court martial, found guilty beyond any
doubt, and sentenced to be shot, and the next morning the sen
tence Avas executed. The Avoman upon whom he made the as
sault was one of the Good Samaritans who had befriended and
assisted Lieut. Sherbondy — a most shameful recompense for
her kindness to a Union soldier. But it can be said, truthfully,
that such outrages were very rarely committed by Union sol
diers, and wdien convicted their punishment was sure and quick ;
there was no escape from the consequences of their crime.
On the other hand, complaints were frequently made to Un
ion officers, by citizens, of numerous outrages of that charac
ter committed by rebel soldiers, and especially by rebel cavalry.
The Southern people generally feared their own caA^alry more
than the Union armies. The latter stripped them of horses
and cattle and forage, but did not break into their houses nor
insult their women. A citizen of North Carolina informed the
author that when Lee's army passed through that State, after
the surrender, no Avoman was safe from insult and no house
secure against burglary. The rebel soldiers revelled in lust
and larceny, and gloried in their own shame and wickedness.
Thank God, no such accusation can truthfully be brought
against the soldiers who fought for the Union. Bad men there
were in the National army, but they were few, and when con
victed of crime met with sure and condign punishment. Say,
what you may about the "honor" of the men of the South, the
morals of the Northern army, its intelligence and sense of jus
tice, Avere vastly superior to the Southern army ; and no better
witnesses to this fact can be found than the men and women—
the citizens — of the South.

CHAPTER XVII.
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, CONTINUED.
FROM DALLAS TO THE CHATTAHOOCHEE — PINE MOUNTAIN.
KENESAW— MARIETTA.
The position of the opposing armies remained unchanged
on the first day of June. Skirmishing and artillery firing con
tinued along the whole front, but there was no general engage
ment. The Confederate army Avas strongly intrenched, and
instead of sacrificing the lives of his men by a direct assault,
Gen. Sherman preferred to make another flank movement to
the left to strike the railroad at Ackworth, which Avould com-
pell Johnston to abandon his works around Dallas and New
Hope Church.
At 3 o'clock in the evening of the first, the 23d Corps was
relieved by Davis' division of the 4th Corps, and moved two
miles to the rear and went into bivouac for the night.
Marched at 5 o'clock on the morning of the 2nd of June, to
near Burnt Church, and, forming in line of battle, Cox's Divi
sion in the center, moved forward, and crossed AUatoona Creek,
near the Dallas and Ackworth roads, and gained a position
within about one hundred and fifty yards of the enemy's in
trenchments.

THUNDER AND ARTILLERY. 215
As the 1st Brigade was moving into position in the line, by
the flank, through dense woods and thickets, the head of the
column suddenly struck the rebel skhmish line, and the bul
lets whistled through the timber furiously. Companies A and
F were deployed as skhmishers, and soon drove them out of
the woods and across an open field to the edge of heavy tim
ber, where a heavy hne of infantry could be seen awaiting our
advance. The brigade charged across the field, in the midst
of a terrific thunder shower — the heavy peals of thunder and
the roar of the enemy's artUlery mingling together, making it
difficult to distinguish one from the other. The enemy were
driven from the position in the edge of the timber to the heavy
intrenchments one hundred and fifty yards in the rear, and
the Union troops occupied theh line. The enemy opened a
furious artUlery fire, but on account of the formation of the
ground could not reach our line, except down one or two ra
vines, Avhich were kept so hot that no man could cross them.
The 112th Illinois lost several men wounded in this affair,
but the only names the author has been able to obtain are
those of Hiram NeAvton and Jacob W. Payton, both of Co. D.
The men on the line passed an uncomfortable night. The
ground was too wet and muddy to lie or sit upon ; the rain
had wet them to the skin, and they were compeUed to keep
moving to prevent being chUled. Temporary breast-works
were buUt duiing the night, and the morning found the Union
line prepared to hold fast what it had gained.
Heavy skirmishing continued on the 3d, until a heavy thun
der storm in the afternoon compeUed both parties to cease fir
ing. The Union hnes were extended stiU further to the left,
and that night the enemy abandoned the works in om- imme
diate front and feU back to another intrenched position near
Pickett's MUl, and on the 4th the division moved mto theh in
trenchments, which were found to be solid and substantial,
and evidently made with the purpose of holding them.
The Union troops continued to move to the left, and in the
night of the 4th Johnston was again forced to let go along his
whole line and retreat to a new line of defense extending from
Brush Mountain, just north of Kenesaw, southwest to Pine
Mountain, and thence to Lost Mountain*.

216 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
The 23d Corps remained in its original position until the re
mainder of the army had taken positions on its left, and on
the 8th tlie corps was on the extreme right of the Union line.
without having moved. The railroad was reached, and four
days later the line had been repaired, bridges rebuilt, and cars
AAere running into Big Shanty. Sherman's army g/e ete 1 the
locomotive Avhistle Avith cheer after cheer, Avhfle Johnston's
must have been astonished at the speedy continuation of Sher
man's line of communication as his army advanced.
The 3d division engaged in a slight skirmish with a small
body of rebel caA'alry which Avas proAA'ling around the right and
rear, on the 7th, and on the 9th supported the 2nd Division on
a reconnoissance. On the 10th the Avhole army moved forward, Cox's division,
of the 23d Corps, on the extreme right. The division broke
camp at 9 o'clock, and marched from near Allatoona Church,
about five mfles on the SandtoAvn road. Found the enemy in
position across Allatoona Creek, and slept on our arms in line
of battle.
The 11th was another rainy day. Severe skirmishing was
kept up untU 4 o'clock in the afternoon, Avhen the line Avas or
dered forward into position nearer the enemy's lines. In the
adA-ance Co. G, of the 112th Illinois, lost two men on the skir
mish line — George W. Hempstead, mortally Avounded (died in
field hospital on the 14th), and William Elkins, severely
Avounded. The rain continued on the 12th, but did not preA'ent severe
skirmishing. The lines were so near together that the skirm
ishers were "croAA'ded" close together, and on either side were
glad to seek shelter in rifle pits or behind trees. At 5 o'clock
in the afternoon the 112th niinois Avas ordered out on the skir
mish line, and remained on picket until the next afternoon,
Avhen it was relieved and took a neAv position and built strong
works on the right of the brigade.
Henry M. Richards, of Co. I, Avas Avounded on the 12th, and
George H. Ferris, of Co. D, on the 13th, AAirile on the skirmish
line. Francis J. Liggett and WiUiam D. Freeman, of Co. B, ll*2th
IUinois, came into om* lines from Andersonville, on the 13th,

THE ADVANCE CONTINUED. 217
having made their escape on the 24th of May. Their appear
ance was more like Georgia "crackers" than Union soldiers ;
hair long and unkempt, underclothing on the outside, to con
ceal the blue, faces thin and pinched, clothing ragged and dir
ty ; they were indeed in a pitiable condition, yet the boys could
not help laughing at their ludicrous appearance. They had
been eight months in rebel prisons, and did not regret the
hardships they had endured for twenty clays in craAvling
through the woods, eating raw meat and berries, to escape
the horrors of prison life. Of course they received furloughs,
and started north to visit their homes.
On the 14th strongly supported skirmish lines were advanc
ed, and the whole front moved well up to the enemy's line of
works. On the right Cox's division, supported by the 2nd Di
vision, drove the enemy's skirmishers from the hill occupied
by them across Allatoona Creek, obtained a cross-fire with ar
tillery upon their line of intrenchments, and, under cover of
the fire, carried the line and captured a considerable number
of prisoners.
The advance movement was continued on the 15th. The
Union batteries shelled the rebel lines furiously, and the 20th
Corps, on our left, engaged in heavy fighting. ReiUy's brig
ade of Cox's division was in reserve.
Heavy cannonading all day on the 16th. The 2nd Division
of the 23d Corps moved to the right, clear of the line, and ad
vancing rapidly in conjunction with the right of Cox's divi
sion, obtained possession of high ground from which ah enfi
lading fire was opened with artillery upon the rebel line, and
the enemy abandoned the works and fell back to another in
trenched position across Mud Creek.
Moved forward inline of battle on the morning of the 17th,
skirmishing sharply and driving the rebels back. On reach
ing the Marietta road, Cox's division of the 23d Corps, moved
down the road in search of the enemy's flank. Reaching the
vaUey of Mud Creek the enemy opened fire with artillery, but
the division advanced rapidly across the open ground and
gained possession of a hUl opposite and within close range of
the rebel works. Cockerell's battery of Ohio artUlery unlim-
bered just behind the crest of the bill, only the muzzles of the

218 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
guns visible from the front, and for an hour or more engaged
in a brilliant artUlery duel. The 3d Division lay in line under
the hill in support of the battery— the 112th Illinois nearest
the battery— but the men were protected from danger by the
hiU. At the same time Hooker's corps on the left was engag
ed in severe fighting, and Hascall's division of the 23d Corps
was engaged on the right. The air was full of flying missUes
— solid shot and shells. In the midst of the uproar the 112th
band obtained a favorable position and played several Nation
al ahs, which the rebels could hear in an occasional lull of the
artUlery firing, and Avhich were cheered to the echo by the boys
in blue.
The rebel batteries were silenced, but each side held its po
sition and kept up sharp skirmishing, until night put an end
to further operations.
The casualties of the 112th LUinois on. the 17th were Wil
liam J. Hill kUled, Edward MUler mortally Avounded (died Ju
ly 1), and Lieut. A. P. Petrie wounded, all of Co. C ; RUey Ma-
ranvUle of Co. E, severely wounded, and Calvin H. Howe of
Co. I, captured — all on the skirmish line. Howe was errone
ously and very unjustly reported as a deserter, and dropped
from his company rolls. But when the rebels brought a train
load of prisoners into our lines at WUmington, N. C, the fol
lowing year, among them was Howe, and Capt. WUkins at
once corrected the mistake and had him reinstated as a mem
ber of his company in good standing.
And this leads the author to remark that company com
manders were frequently too hasty in reporting absent or miss
ing men as deserters ; and many a man has the ignominious
term Avritten opposite his name in the Adjutant General's Re
ports of this State, who does not deserve it. Men were fre
quently kept at hospitals and barracks against their avUI, and
after they had recovered from wounds or illness, to perform
menial services for the officers, or to keep a sufficient number
present to assure the retention of the officers in charge, and
these men often ran away and joined theh commands at the
front, and were reported by the high officials in "soft places"
as deserters. The author personaUy knows of several such cas
es in the 112th Illinois, and in one case the man was severely

A RECRUIT'S ERROR. 219
wounded on the skirmish line on the very day his company
commander received notice from a hospital in St. Louis that
he had deserted.
About one hundred recruits joined the 112th Illinois on the
evening of the 16th of June. The next morning, before the
movements of the day had commenced, one of them, Robert
H. Vining, of Co. H, went out in front of the Avorks to Avatch a
detail of men engaged in digging a pit for a battery. He was
cautioned by the men at work not to expose himself, but his
curiosity got the better of him and he remained. In a few
moments he was.struck by a rebel musket ball, and was car
ried back severely wounded — a Aviser but sadder soldier. He
lost a leg, and his military career was ended.
It rained very hard all day on the 18th, but the weather did
not prevent the Union troops from gaining several advantage
ous positions, and that night Johnston was again forced to
abandon his line of-intrenchments, and fall back to a line near
Marietta, the key of which was Kenesaw Mountain — leaving a
heavy rear guard in the trenches.
It still continued to rain on the 19th, but at day-break an
advance AVas ordered, the rebel rear guard driven from the
trenches, and the works occupied. Again the whole line ad
vanced—the 23d Corps along the Sandtown road, on the ene
my's flank, to Nose Creek. The rebels had removed the planks
from the bridge, and the little stream had been swollen by re
cent rains until it was a raging torrent, too deep to ford. The
dismantled bridge was covered by artillery, supported by cav
alry, and no attempt was made to force a crossing on the 19th ;
but on the 20th a battery was advanced to a knoll near the
creek, and the bushes along the stream filled with sharpshoot
ers, and under protection of these, the 103d Ohio, of Case
ment's brigade of the 3d Division, crossed on the stringers of
the bridge and gained a foothold on the opposite side. The
whole brigade then crossed, followed by the remainder of the
division, and on the 22nd the whole corps occupied an in
trenched position, well advanced on the enemy's left flank,
and nearly south of Kenesaw Mountain.
From the 22nd to the 26th the time was occupied in getting
the troops into position and strengthening the lines. Hood

220 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
made a furious attack with his corps upon the 2nd Division of
the 23d Corps, and a division of the 20th Corps, but was repuls
ed with considerable loss. On the 23d Andrew T. Allen, of Co.
H, was wounded, which was the only casualty in tie 112;h
Illinois. On the 26th Reilly's brigade advanced, and, after a sharp
skirmish and under cover of a brisk cannonade by the 23d
(Myers') Indiana battery, occupied and intrenched a strong
position on the hills near OUey's Creek.
The enemy held a fortified hill across the creek, on a ridge
between OUey's and Nickajack creeks. The 112th Illinois Avas
thrown forward on the right of the battery, which kept up a
brisk fire upon the enemy. The remainder of the division and
HascaU's division followed and occupied other hUls in contin
uation of Reilly's line, and pressed the enemy so closely as to
keep them under cover.
Gen. Sherman was preparing to make a. direct assault on
the enemy's works on Kenesaw Mountain, on the 27th, and
these demonstrations were made on the extreme right of the
Union line to induce Johnston to strengthen his left by detach
ing troops from his right and center ; but the activity of the
skirmish line along the whole front seems to have puzzled the
Confederate commander to decide at what point there was the
greatest danger, and his lines were, therefore, kept intact.
It had been Gen. Schofield's intention to attack the enemy
with the 2nd Division on the 27th, but the plan was changed
to a strong demonstration by that division, whUe Cox's division
made a further divergent movement to the right down the
Sandtown road. At daybreak the movement commenced.
Cameron's brigade crossed OUey's Creek and occupied a posi
tion to the right and rear of Byrd's brigade, which had crossed
the night before. Reilly's brigade attempted to cross near the
Sandtown road, but the bridge was broken down and covered
by a rebel battery, so that a crossing could not be effected
•without too great sacrifice. One regiment was deployed as
skirmishers and kept up a brisk fire in front, whUe the other
regiments of the brigade moved down the creek until a position
for a battery was found on the flank of the rebel line, and un
der cover of the fire of the ^battery, the regiments waded a

AT KENESAW MOUNTAIN. 221
swamp, forded the creek, and charged up the hUl on the rebel
flank. Cameron's brigade at the same time moved agamst
the other flank, and the enemy broke and ran.
The position was occupied by ReUly's brigade and strongly
intrenched — Cameron joined on the left, and he connected
with Byrd's brigade.
The corps was now far in advance of the center and left of
the Union line, in fact was in rear of the rebel army occupying
Kenesaw. WhUe the men were at work on the intrenchments the loar
of artiUery far to the left and rear notified them that the baU
had opened on the fortified heights of Kenesaw, and ReUly's
brigade was at once again moved forward, driving the rebel
cavalry before it, about two mUes, to a cross road leading into
the main road from Marietta to Sandtown.
Cameron's brigade joined on the left, and the men set to
work with a wUl to fortify the position against attack from the
front and flank. The division was separated from the rest of
the army by OUey's Creek and by a long unoccupied interval,
and aU felt the danger of the position, and did not rest until
it was made weU nigh impregnable.
During the movement on the 27th, the 112th IUinois was in
advance. The casualties of the regiment on the 26th, were
Corporal Cornelius G. Fikej mortaUy wounded (died June 27th)
and Daniel D. SheUhamer, severely wounded, both of Co. K ;
on the 27th Charles Riley of Co. G, severely, and Adelbert
NevA-man of Co. H, slightly wounded.
The result of the assault upon the enemy's intrenchments
on Kenesaw Mountain is well known. The men marched
bravely, heroically to the charge, but the position was too
strong to be carried.
Hundreds of them lost their lives in the attempt, and tens
of hundreds were severely wounded.
The assault was a faUure ; and Sherman resorted to his old
method of flanking the enemy out of his position. The posi
tion of the 23d Corps across OUey's Creek Sherman regarded
as important, and he at once commenced the movement of
troops to the right of Schofield's position, threatening the rail
road and the bridge across the Chattahoochee.

222 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
From the position of Cox's division railroad trains could be
heard moving between Marietta and the river, on the night of
June 28th, Avhich induced the belief that the rebel army was
preparing to retreat south of the Chattahoochee River.
On the 29th the enemy's lines were severely shelled, and
there was considerable sharp skirmishing, which continued all
night and the next day. HascaU's division was moved from
the left of Cox and thrown still further to the right, doAvn the
Sandtown road, untU it covered all the roads leading into
Marietta from the west. Its place in the line was filled by
part of Hooker's corps. And then a brigade at a time was
taken from the hne and sent to the right, those remaining
stretching their lines to cover the front. ...
In the night of July 3d Johnston evacuated Kenesaw Moun
tain and feU back to a new position in strong intrenchments,
already prepared, behind Nickajack Creek. During the day
his wagon trains could be plainly seen from the works of Cox's
division, so near Avas the position to the road. The Army of
the Cumberland moved doAvn through Marietta ; the Army of
the Tennessee to the right, and the Army of the Ohio stood
fast in its old position. On the 4th of July heavy cannonad
ing toward the raUroad bridge across the Chattahoochee indi
cated that Johnston's left flank was stUl in danger ; and being
pressed on the right and center at the same time, he withdrew
from the position behind the Nickajack, in the night, and oc
cupied another line of intrenchments, also already prepared,
on the north bank of the Chattahoochee. These Avorks extend
ed across a bend in the river, from bank to bank, covering the
raUroad bridge, and Avere about five mUes in length, the flanks
protected by the river. They were elaborately buUt, and pro
tected in front by heavy abattis and lines of chevaux-de-frise,
and were evidently too strong to be carried by ordinary assault
from the front. Sherman said he wanted time to study the
situation ; and the Army of the Cumberland was placed in po
sition on the left and center, and the Army of the Tennessee
on the right, to invest Johnston's position ; and the 23d Corps
moAed to Smyrna Camp Ground, near the raihoad, in reserve,
- as a movable column ready to march in any direction. The
23d Corps had hardly got into camp on the 6th of July, when

AT THE END OF TWO MONTHS. 223
a locomotive whistle announced to Union and Confederate sol
diers, alike, that Sherman's lines of communication were in
tact, and a construction train swept down the track almost
within musket range of the rebel pickets.
Two months had passed since the opening of the campaign
in Northern Georgia, and in that time the enemy had been
forced to quit one stronghold after another, had been pressed
back from hill-range to hill-range, over a broken, mountainous
country, where all the advantages had been on his gide, until
he had reached the Chattahoochee ; and from the hill-tops
the Union boys could discern the spires of Atlanta. Camps
were laid out and prepared and arrangements made for a few
days rest, but on the foUoAving day new movements commenc
ed, which will be described in the next chapter.

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN CONTINUED.
ACROSS THE CHATTAHOOCHEE — PEACHTREE CREEK..
THE CHARGE AT UTOY CREEK — THE KILLED AND WOUNDED.
As soon as Johnston had secured his.ppsition on the river he
sent his cavalry, under Wheeler and Jackson, to the right and
left on the south side of the riAer to guard the flanks and to
destroy the bridges and ferry boats, and prevent the laying of
pontoons. The work was well done, and for twenty mUes up
and doAvn the river every bridge and boat were destroyed.
There were numerous places where the river could be forded
at times of low water, but the recent heavy rains had so swol
len the stream that the fords were impassable.
In the meantime Sherman's reserve column had not been
idle. A place had been found some seven miles up the river,
at the mouth of Soap Creek, near Phillips' Ferry, which was
insufficiently guarded, where a crossing could be made.
At midnight on the 7th of July the 23d Corps was ordered to
be ready to move at day-light on the foUoAving morning, and
at 4 o'clock on the 8th the column was in motion. Accompan
ied by Col. BueU's pontoon train, the corps marched to the
mouth of Soap Creek, Cox's diAision in advance, keeping
away from the river so as not to be seen from the opposite
side. Arriving at the place of destination, vedettes were plac
ed along the river bank, concealing themselves in the bushes,
and pontoons were launched in the creek out of sight of the
rebel guards, and at 3 :3ti in the afternoon preparations were
completed for crossing. The boats were loaded Avith the 12th
Kentucky regiment, of Byrd's brigade, and at a given signal

CROSSING THE RIVER. 225
Bhot out of the creek into the river, the remainder of the bri
gade running down to the water's edge to cover the guards on
the opposite side with their rifles.
A cavalry outpost Avith one piece of .artillery was stationed
on the heights opposite the mouth of the creek, and as the
boats glided out of the creek into the river, they fired one shot
from fhe cannon, ran it back and reloaded, and ran it forward
to fire again ; but Byrd's men on the opposite bank covered
them with rifles and no man could aim or fire it. The boats
were soon over, and the men climbed up the bank, when the
rebel cavalry and gunners took to tlieir heels, leaving gun,
caisson and artiUery horses prizes of Avar to the Union soldiers.
In the meantime Cameron's brigade, led by Col. "Jack"
Casement with his 103d Ohio regiment, had scrambled across
the river on an old fish-dam half a mile above, in a swift cur
rent, and joined the Kentuckians on the heights beloAv.
The pontoon bridge was laid, and Cox's division crossed
over and intrenched on a high ridge nearly parallel to the riv
er, forming a natural bridge-head.
On the 9th the division Avas reinforced by two brigades, and
moved down to a ridge one mile south of the crossing and in
trenched a strong position across the bend of the river, cover
ing the ford and bridge. Johnston had been kept busy in
front by Thomas and McPherson, while Schofield was cross
ing, and the rebel army Avas completely surprised at the result
of the movement. On the morning of the 9th a rebel picket
on the river called out to a Union picket on the opposite side,
"Say, Yank, we got reinforcements last night." "Is that so
Johnny," replied the 'Yank', "who is it?" "Schofield with a
whole corps is over here — he is on our side iioav, " ansAvered
the rebel picket. In the night of the 9th, Johnston eA'acuated
his Avorks, crossed the riA'er Avith his infantry, burned the
bridges behind him, and retreated towards Atlanta. Sher
man's army at once commenced laying pontoons and building
bridges, and several days Avere occupied in doing this Avork,
and in constructing strong bridge-heads to guard the cross
ings, and getting the troops over.
On the 10th Cox's division strengthened its position, in an-
—15

226 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
ticipation of an attack by Johnston's infantry, but beyond
slight skirmishing with caAalry the enemy made no demon
stration in that direction. On the 11th the diAision was reliev
ed and placed in reserve near the river, and heavy details were
made to work on the bridge. On the 12th the 4th Corps cross
ed on the pontoons at the mouth of Soap Creek, and went into
position south of the river. On the 13th a substantial bridge
was completed at this crossing ; and on the 14th the 23d and
4th corps Avere ready for an aclA'ance. Everything was packed
in readiness to move, but as the other diAisions of the army
were not yet prepared, a general advance Avas not made untU
the 17th. In the evening of the 14th a heavy thunder shoAver,
accompanied by a gale of wind, passed over the camp, blow
ing down tents and trees, and creating considerable excite
ment. The Adjutant of the 16th Kentucky was kUled, and
the Major and several men severely Avounded, by a tree faU-
ing upon tlieir tent ; and one man was mortally and several
slightly Avounded in the 104th Ohio.
On the 17th of July, all being ready, a general advance was
ordered. Johnston's army was intrenched on the south bank
of Peachtree Creek, and he had planned to strike Sherman's
right wing with his whole force, while the column ay as in mo
tion when it crossed the creek, and then, falling back AA'ithin
the defenses of Atlanta, fall upon the left w ing and crush it
before Sherman's forces could be concentrated.
Johnston's position Avas about six miles from the river, and
four miles from Atlanta.
On the morning of the 17th Gen. Thomas moved his army
from Pace's and Phillips' ferries toward Atlanta, his left on
the Buckland road. Schofield, with his corps, in the center,
moA-ed at 7 o'clock, and proceeded by Avay of Cross Keys to-
Avard Decatur ; drove the enemy's skirmishers before him, and
bivouacked near Cross Keys for the night.
McPherson, on the left, Avas to cut and destroy the railroad
betAveen Decatur and Stone Mountain.
On the same day Johnston Avas removed from the command
of the Confederate army, and Lieut. Gen. J. B. Hood placed
in command.
At the same time Gen. A. P. SteAvart was assigned to the

AT PEACHTREE CREEK. 227
command of Polk's old corps, and B. F. Cheatham took Hood's
corps, Hardee being the only old corps commander remaining.
Hood followed the general outline of the campaign marked
out by Johnston, but without the discretion and patient skill
and watchfulness of the latter. Hood was brave to rashness,
and believed in an aggressive policy, but, as subsequent events
will show, his dash and eagerness to fight cost him his com
mand and the Confederacy an army.
The 23d Corps moved at six o'clock on the morning of the
18th ; struck the main Atlanta road at Cross Keys, and march
ed to the north fork of Peachtree Creek. The 112th Illinois
was thrown forward two miles, to the junction of the Decatur
and Atlanta roads, and held the position until 6 o'clock in the
evening, when it was relieved by the 2nd Division.
While the Army of the Cumberland was endeavoring to ef
fect a, crossing of Peachtree Creek, on the 19th, the 23d Corps
advanced on the Decatur road to within tAvo miles of the town,
crossed the south fork of Peachtree Creek, and secured a po
sition in front of Cheatham's line of intrenchments on Peavine
Creek— the 15th Corps connecting on the left. Moved at six
o'clock on the morning of the 20th, the whole left wing swing
ing forward and threatening to turn Hood's right. Cox's di
vision struck a line of intrenchments nearly parallel to, but
crossing, the road, and the leading brigade engaged in sharp
skirmishing. The other brigades formed on the left, and Has
call's division advanced and connected on their left.
At three o'clock in the afternoon Hood fell upon two divis
ions of Gen. Thomas' army, as they were crossing Peachtree
Creek, with great force ; and until darkness put an end to the
conflict, the battle raged with deadly flercenes's. Hood was
repulsed with great slaughter. This is knoAvnas the battle of
Peachtree Creek, but as the 112th Illinois Avas not engaged in
it, a derailed account of the battle will not be expected in a
history of the regiment.
On the 21st the Army of the Cumberland intrenched its po
sition on the south side of Peachtree Creek ; the Army of the
Ohio advanced and intrenched its skirmish lines, and the Ar
my of the Tennessee, on the extreme left, continued its oper
ations against the enemy's right flank.

228 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
One man of the 112th IUinois, Corporal James E. Finley of
Co. F, was seA'erely wounded in advancing the skirmish lines.
In the night of July 21st Hood abandoned his line of intrench
ments in front of the 23d Corps and on Peachtree Creek in
front of Thomas, and withdrew his army, except Hardee's
corps, into neAv lines nearer the city. A general advance of
Thomas' and Schofield's lines commenced early on the morn
ing of the 22nd. Moved forward about two mUes and gained
a position AAithin two mUes of Atlanta, and from the hUls
could look into the heart of the city ; and the fortifications on
the opposite hUls, with thousands of men at Avork upon them,
Avere in full view of the Union troops.
In the meantime Hardee, with his four divisions, had made
a long detour to the north east, in the night of the 21st, to
make an attack upon the flank and rear of the Army
of the Tennessee ; and it was part of Hood's plan, if
Hardee should be successful, to moA'e upon the 23d Corps with
Cheatham's corps, and crush the whole left Avingof Sherman's
army before Thomas, on the extreme right, could render as
sistance. Hoav Avell Hardee performed his part ; hoAv gaUant
ly the Army of the Tennessee met his attack from front and
rear ; Avith what bravery and heroism McPherson's men repell
ed the savage assaults of the Confederates : hoAv the brave
McPherson fell ; the noble conduct of Logan, on the held, and
subsequently when the dispute arose as to the command of
that army ; all this is recorded in history and need not be
repeated here.
A brigade of infantry in Decatur was attacked by Wheeler's
cavalry, simultaneously Avith the assault upon McPherson,
and Reilly's brigade of Cox's diAision was sent to cover the
army trains behind Peavine Creek ; and the brigade moved on
a double-quick about tAvo miles to gain the desired position.
Army trains were met flying down the road in the greatest dis
order, teamsters lashing the mules and hurrying them forward
at the top of their speed, and confusion and turmoil reigning
supreme. The stampede was soon checked, however, and the
trains ordered back to their former position.
The brigade in Decatur was reported as being hard-pressed,
and Reilly's brigade Avas sent to its assistance. Wheeler was

AT EZRA CHURCH. 229
driven off, and the extreme flank in that direction made secure.
Part of Cheatham's corps and a division of Georgia troops
also made an attack upon the 2nd DiAision and Byrd's brigade
of the 3d Division, of the 23d Corps, but were easily repulsed.
The Army of the Tennessee having effectually destroyed the
Atlanta and Augusta railroad, the Macon road was the only
line by which the Confederate army could be supplied, and
Gen. Sherman determined to move his army by the right flank
and cut this line of communication.
By the 25th the railroad bridge OA'er the Chattahoochee had
been rebuilt and trains were running right up to Thomas' lines.
On the 26th the movement to the right commenced. The Ar
my of the Tennessee withdrew from the extreme left and mov
ed by successive corps to the extreme right, Schofield stretch
ing his lines to the left to cover the Augusta road, and draw
ing back Reilly's brigade of the 3d Division into the intrench
ments formerly occupied by the enemy, to protect his flank.
The movement was successfully accomplished ; but as How
ard, now commanding the Army of the Tennessee, was going
into position near Ezra Church on the 28th, Hood again at
tempted to crush the column by striking it while in motion,
but was severely punished and glad to withdraw Avithin his
fortifications. While these movements Avere being made
Thomas and Schofield kept the enemy occupied in the center
and on the left, and heavy skirmishing and cannonading con
tinued along their lines during the whole movement.
Col. Henderson having recovered from the Avound received
at Resaca, returned from home and rejoined the regiment on
the 28th, but still suffering with ill health and hardly able to
resume command.
On the 29th Reilly's brigade moved out in a south Avest di
rection on a reconnoissance, going around the rebel right and
pushing well up to the defenses of Atlanta. The brigade drove
the enemy's cavalry with ease and marched rapidly. Burned
two mills and returned to its position in the line at dark — just
in time to escape serious consequences, as the enemy had sent
out heavy detachments of troops to cut off and capture the
brigade. Heavy skirmishing and considerable cannonading continued

230 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
on our right, on the 30th and 31st, but all was quiet in front
of the 23d Corps.
On the 31st Col. Reilly of the 104th Ohio, commanding the
brigade, received his commission as Brigadier General, and
was heartily congratulated by the officers and men ofthe
brigade on his deserved and Avell earned promotion.
On the first day of August the movement of the army to the
right Avas continued. The 23d Corps was relieved by cavalry
and a division of the 4th Corps, and at 9 o'clock in the evening
moved towards the right, in rear of the Armies of the Cumber
land and the Tennessee. The night was very dark and the
country densely wooded, and the column made slow progress.
At twelve o'clock the command was halted and ordered to biv
ouac till daylight, and torches were lighted to see to stack arms.
Lieut. Col. Bond, who Avas in command of the regiment, had
obtained a new "outfit" since the loss of the regimental wagon
at Cassville, and he received information that afternoon that
his valise and its contents had been stolen from the Avagon.
All he had left was a fatigue suit, which he was wearing, and ¦
a change of underclothing in his saddle bags. As he lay clown
to rest, he placed the saddle-bags under his head for a pillow,
against some small trees, and remarked to his adjutant that
he "guessed he had them fixed so no — thief could get them."
When he awoke in the morning, behold, the saddle-bags were
gone. No pen can describe the Lieut. Colonel's feelings:' ''
Could the thief have heard him, he certainly would have real
ized the baseness of his sin ; and could the Lieut. Colonel haA'e
got hold of him, there surely would have been a case for the
surgeon. At 6 o'clock the following morning the column Avas again in
motion, Gen. Reilly's brigade in advance, and moving south,
occupied and intrenched a position on the north fork of Utoy
Creek, Cox's division on the right. A heavy shower in the
night wet the men to the skin, as they had no tents. Reveille
at 3 :30 on the morning of the third, and by daylight the corii-
mand was ready for action.
Hascall's division crossed the creek and occupied a ridge on
the south, folloAved by Baird's division of the 14th Corps,
Avhich had been ordered to report to Schofield, and the follow-

READY TO MOVE IN THE MORNING. 231
ing morning Cox's division crossed and formed in rear of
Baird to support his advance. Johnson's and Morgan's diAis
ions of the 14th Corps crossed on the 5th, and a general acl
A'ance was ordered, but on account of Palmer (commanding the
14th Corps) refusing to obey the orders of Schofield, the ad
vance was delayed.
Reveille at 3 :30in Cox's division on the morning of the 4th,
and ordered to stand at arms, until 4 o'clock, Avhen the men
stacked arms and rested in position. At 4 o'clock in the after
noon reconnoitered the enemy's Avorks, but found them too
strong to assault, and returned to position.
Reveille at 3 :30 on the 5th, and again ordered to-stand to
arms to support an advance of Band's division. A brigade
was engaged in heavy skirmishing but there Avas no general
action. Johnson's division Avas then ordered to advance, and
Cox's division moved to the right, in column by regiments, in
support, but no serious action occurred. All this maneuver
ing and delay Avas caused by Palmer's disaffection at being or
dered to report to Schofield ; and Palmer's division and-brigade
commanders, as might be expected, sided Avith him. The dif
ficulty resulted in Palmer being removed from his command.
On the 6th Cox's division relieved Baird's, and the latter re
lieved Hascall's. In the meantime the rebels had extended
their flank and strengthened it with heavy works protected by
abattis and chevaux-de-frise.
The distance across the forks of the Utoy was about two
miles. Reilly Avas ordered to make a reconnoissance in force
with his brigade. At 11 o'clock the brigade moved, and form
ed in line of battle, the 100th Ohio on the left, 112th Illinois in
the center, 104th Ohio on the right, the 16th Kentucky off to
the right to protect the flank, and the 8th Tennessee in re
serve. The brigade was supported by Cameron's old brigade,
now commanded by Casement. A strong skirmish line was
advanced across the field to the timber, and the order was giv
en to charge. The skirmish line advanced, and the brigade
moved rapidly across the creek, up the slope beyond and into
the woods. The skirmishers reported that the Avorks were
protected by abattis, and could not be carried, but the line
was pushed forward, amidst a shower of bullets, until it found

232 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
itself entangled among the feUed trees aud undergrowth half-
cut off and bent downward aud interlaced, but it pushed for-
Avard untU it found itself Avithin a feAv yards of the enemy's
works, when it was compeUed to halt. The reeonnnssauee
developed a solid line of breast-works as far as could be seen
to the right and left, well-filled AAith Confederate infantry.
The 8th Tennessee was brought forward to reinforce the line.
but ten times that number could not have carried the works.
•Casement's brigade was advanced across the valley, and un
der its cover the brigade was withdrawn, a well-supported skir
mish line being intrenched close up to the abattis. and hold
ing the position.
The loss of the b.igale was three hundred and thirty-three,
in killed, wounded and missing. All the killed and many of
the wounded Avere left on the field. The casualties of the 112th
Illinois were as follows :
KUled: — Co. F, Serg. John H. Lane, Serg. Audrew G. Pike,
Corp. Robert M. Dewey, and George W. Rhodes; James Es
sex mortally Avounded, died next morning.
Co. D — Peter Lohnns, (mortally wounded, died same day.)
Co. C — William L. Jordan.
Co. E — Serg. Charles B. Hitchcock.
Co. K — William M. McHenry, Peter Shoe and Amos Tim-
merman. Co. G — James B. Henrietta, Edward McKeon (mortally
wounded, died Aug. 8*.
Wounded — Lieut. Col. E. S. Bond.
Co. A — First Serg. Thomas J. Williams (slightly). Corporal
James Slick, James R. Batten (severely), Stafford Godfrey,
Henry H. Leonard (slightly1). John Willett (slightly).
Co. F — Isaac Messinger (died of wounds Sept. 2), William
A. Stowe (severely), William Hiines and George W. Johnson,
both slightly.
Co. D — Lieut. James H. Clark. First Serg. Andrew B. Laf-
ferty, slightly. Andrew M. Gustafson, George Knapp and Isaac
P. Wing, both slightly.
Co. I — Corp. Wilber F. Broughton (severely), Corp. Ahuison
D. Thomas (slightly), Charles T. Goss (slightly), Orie Cole
(slightly), James A. Little, Henry L. Powell, George B. Ram-

LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED. 233
sey (severely), William H. Rankin and Jacob Zimmerman
(both slightly).
Co. C— William Anderson, John W. Cox (slightly), George
M. Clark and James F. Duncan,
Co. H— Capt. George W. Sroufe (severely), Serg. John H.
Matthews (severely), Serg. John L. Jennings (slightly), John
D. Bennett (slightly), and Enoch Ross (died of Avounds Aug. 24).
Co. E— First Serg. Henry Graves (slightly), Corp. Sidney
D. Butler (slightly), William Holgate and Joseph Sparks (both
severely), and Jonas Stronburg (slightly.)
Co. K— Capt. E. H. Colcord (severely), First Serg. Edward
S. Persons (severely), Serg. Jacob G. Rowland (died of wounds
Aug. 29), Robert Burrows, James Kenney (slightly), William
Miller, Albert B. McNickJe (severely), Conrad E. Smith (slight
ly), and Michael Sweeney.
Co. G— William H. Cotteral and Ezra Litten (both slight
ly), and John A. Larson (severely).
Co, B — Capt. John Gudgel (severely, never returned to du
ty), Serg. Eli C. Jones (died of wounds Aug. 19), Corp. John
R.Jones (slightly), Charles H. Barber (died of wounds Sept.
15), Melvin Gage (slightly), Cyrus Sturm (died of wounds Feb.
10, 1865), Charles' R. Thompson and John Wallace, both
slightly. Captured — Corporal James M. Bice, of Co. A.
Total killed and died on the field, thirteen.
Total wounded fifty-nine, of whom six died of their wounds .
Captured, one — making the total casualties in the regiment
seventy-three. Two of the Co. I men, above named, were wounded by a
shell while the regiment was moving into position to make the
charge ; and the others were killed and wounded in making
the charge— many of them on the skirmish line.
A striking feature in the list of casualties is the number of
sergeants killed and wounded — two having been killed, two
wounded unto death, and three severely, and three slightly
wounded. Many of the slightly wounded did not go off duty ;
but many of the severely wounded were disabled for service and
never returned to the regiment — some were discharged, others
transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, .and some lingered

234 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
through years of pain and suffering, and finally died of their
wounds. It was a severe encounter and a tight place. At one time as
the brigade lay in line close up to the enemy's works, every
man seeking shelter from the murderous fire from the intrench
ments, a body of rebel troops moA'ed over the Avorks and un
dertook to make a counter-charge and capture the whole line,
but they were repulsed and scrambled back over their works.
In the meantime Hascall, with two brigades of his division,
had moved over to the right, crossed the main stream of Utoy
-Creek, and after a sharp encounter with the enemy's cavalry
on the flank, gained a position enfilading the line of works ;
and that night the rebel troops were withdrawn and retired to
a strong line of fortifications extending from the hUls near the
north fork of Utoy Creek, southward across the Sandtown road,
to the railroad a mile beyond East Point.
On the morning of the 7th a burial party was detailed to re
cover and bury the dead left on the field. A few wounded men
were also recovered. Many of the dead were stripped of their
clothing, having been robbed by rebel vandals.
A deep, Avide ditch was dug, and the men laid into it, side by
side, wrapped in their army blankets. They were then cover
ed with pine boughs, and upon these Avere shovelled the South
ern soil. The command was ordered to move at once, and the
Chaplain of the 16th Kentucky — as brave, noble-hearted and
generous a man, and as true and upright a Christian, as ever
lived — requested that the Chaplain of the 112th Illinois be
directed to remain with the burial party, and offer a prayer
over the common grave of his dead comrades, and assist in
giving them a decent and half-way Christian burial.
By direction of Lieut. Col. Bond, commanding the 112th, the
Adjutant of the regiment informed Chaplain Henderson of the
request of the Kentucky chaplain, and supplemented it Avith
an order from Lt. Col. Bond to remain with the burial party
and assistin performing the last sad rites over the remains of
our fallen comrades. The Chaplain refused to remain, giving
as the reason for his inhuman conduct, that his horse had had
nothing to eat since that morning, and he must look up some
forage.

MORE ABOUT OUR CHAPLAIN. 235
His conduct in East Tennessee, when he refused to carry
wounded soldiers had not been forgotten, and after the fall of
Atlanta, when the regiment was in camp at Decatur, a paper
was presented to him, signed by every officer present in the
regiment, from Col. Henderson down, requesting him to sesign,
and threatening him with court martial if he refused ; and he
resigned and left the service in disgrace. After that the reg
iment dispensed with the services of a chaplain ; but it con
tained many men who were zealous Christians, and religious
meetings were held whenever opportunity would permit, in
fact, more frequently than when they depended upon a selfish
and half- hearted chaplain to lead them. Among the leaders
in religious exercises was Capt. G. W. Sroufe, who did much
to encourage the boys in leading "honest and correct lives,
among many temptations, and whose earnestness and sincer
ity were honored and respected even by those who differed from
him in opinion.
After the war the government removed the remains of these
men to the National Cemetery at Marietta, where they were
interred and their graves numbered, and a record made of the
name and number of all who could be identified.

CHAPTER XIX.
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, CONTINUED.
A NEW BRIGADE — COL. HENDERSON IN COMMAND.
THE 112TH ILLINOIS THE FIP.ST TO REACH THE MAOON RAILWAY.
JONESBORO — ATLANTA "FAIRLY WON'" — IN CAMP AT DECATUR.
Gen. Cox's division moA'ed to the right on the 7th of August,
and occupied the hiUs in rear of WiUis' Pond, its right resting
on the south fork of Utoy Creek, and intrenched, the 2d Divi
sion in reserve, and the 14th Corps connecting on the left.
John W. Whitten, of Co. F, of the 112th Illinois, Avas mor
tally Avounded Avhfle at work on the intrenchments, and died
in field hospital on the 9th of August. He and Samuel M.
Adams, of the same company, Avere carrying a heavy raU, one
at each end. Adams Avas ahead and had safely passed a narrow
opening in the timber, covered by rebel sharpshooters. When
Whitten reached the opening, a moment later, he was shot.
This Ulustrates the constant danger in which the men lived —
at no moment safe from the enemy's bullets.
On the 8th Hascall's diAision crossed Utoy Creek and in
trenched on the south side, and the next day the remainder of
the division completed its works, under an irritating fire from
the enemy's sharpshooters, only two hunched yards distant.
On the 9th ReiUy's brigade was again moved to the right,
and occupied a position on the extreme right of the line, and
at once commenced the construction of breast-works.
The enemy's sharpshooters stiU kept up a galling fire, and
Lieut. WUliam L. Spaulding, of Co. G, 112th IUinois, was
mortally Avounded, and Alva W. Sturtevant, of Co. B, severely
wounded, AvhUe building breast-works. Lieut. Spaulding's
father, Dr. John W. Spaulding, formerly Surgeon of the regi-

A NEW BRIGADE-COL. HENDERSON. 237
ment, visited him in hospital and obtained permission to take
him home ; but the lieutenant was destined never to see the
loved ones at home who were anxiously awaiting his return.
He died on the way, at Jeffersonville, Indiana, on the 25th of
August, and from that point the aged and sorrowful father
conveyed all that was left of his son — his inanimate form — to
their home in Galesburg. Lieut. Spaulding Avas a young, ac
tive, brave and energetic officer — always ready and willing to
perform his duty,1 never shrinking from the post of danger, and
his death was a sad loss*] "to the regiment. He was at work
with his men, with a spade in his hands, at the time he was
struck by the fatal shot. Albert Walton, of Co. D, then acting
as Sergeant Major, was making a detail for the skirmish line,
and, as he approached the lieutenant, the latter rested on his
spade, while Walton informed him of the number of men re
quired from his company ; and Avhile Walton was talking to
him he was'shot.
As the company had been reduced below the required min-
inium'number, no promotions were made to fill the vacancy
occasioned by his death.
The 112th Illinois, Avith the division, remained in position,
engaged in constant skirmishing, until the 12th of August. On
the 10th Thomas J. Reynolds of Co. I, Avas Avounded.
In the meantime Gen. Sherman had brought down from
Chattanooga some four-and-a-half -inch rifled guns, and they
were put to work night and day upon the city, causing frequent
fires and creating great confusion among soldiers and citizens.
On the 12th Cox's division was relieved by a division of the
4th Corps, and made a reconnoissance in force to the junction
of the CampbelltoAvn and East Point roads, and half a mile
east on the East Point road. Drove in the enemy's pickets and
developed his lines extending beloAV East Point. The enemy's
lines were about fifteen miles in length, extending from near
Decatur to below East Point, and Sherman's lines at that time
were about twenty miles long.
The 3d Division returned and took a new position on Has
call's right. The only casualty in the 112th Illinois was Corp
oral James D. Blood, of Co. G, wounded.
While Col. Henderson had been at home it had been arrang-

238 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
ed to give him a brigade to command, on his return, and on
the 12th the 1st Brigade stacked arms in front of Gen. Reilly's
headquarters, and the 112th Illinois took formal leave of its
old brigade commander and comrades in arms. The campaign
had engendered a feeling of mutual friendship and respect for
each other among the regiments, and between Gen. Reilly and
his command, and the leave-taking was like the parting of
old friends.
The new brigade consisted of the 112th Illinois, the 63d,
120th and 128th Indiana and the 5th Tennessee regiments. It
was numbered the 3d Brigade of the 3d Division of the 23d Ar
my Corps, and the 112th Illinois remained in the brigade un
til the close of the war. The 5th Tennessee was then at home
on veteran furlough.
Col. Henderson was yet too ill for active service, and Col. I.
N. Stiles, of the 63d Indiana, was placed in temporary com
mand of the brigade. Col. Henderson took command a few
days later, and, with few temporary exceptions, commanded
the brigade until the close of the war.
Lieut. Col. Bond's wound received at Utoy Creek, which at
the time had been deemed slight, rapidly assumed a threaten
ing character, and compelled him to relinquish the command
of the regiment and retire from duty untfl the wound healed ;
and Major Dow took command of the regiment, assisted by
Capt. Dunn, acting as Field Officer, Co. D in the meantime
being in command of Lieut. James H. Clark.
By the casualties of war, and sickness induced by exposure
and constant and unremitting toil, the regiment had become
greatly reduced in numbers. But eight line officers were re
ported "present for duty." Some were on detached service,
but a majority of the absentees were either wounded or sick.
Several companies were commanded by sergeants, and they
did quite as well as commissioned officers ; in fact, every pri
vate kneAV what was required of him, and performed his work
as well without as with orders ; and except to keep the com
pany accounts and make the details, there was not much for
company commanders, as such, to do.
The 3d Division remained in position untU the 15th, when it
moved to the crossing of the Campbelltown and East Point

AT LIBERTY CHURCH. 239
roads, its flank covering both roads, and intrenched, and re
mained there, daily strengthening its works, until the 18th.
On the 16th orders were received placing the men on three-
fifths rations, which occasioned some surprise, and fears were
entertained that our line of eommunicatisiis had been cut, but
subsequent events explained the reason of the order.
The 18th was an extremely hot day. The command was
ready to move at 8 o'clock, but did not move until noon.
Cox's division then advanced, under a heavy skirmish fire, to
a position nearly a mile east, and intrenched in a semi-circu
lar position, the left of the division covering the Utoy Creek
valley, and the right Camp Creek valley. Gen. Kilpatrick
with a division of cavalry passed through the lines to make a
raid south of Atlanta, to cut the Macon railroad ; and on the
morning of the 19th the division moved out in light marching
order, Col. Henderson's brigade in advance, to reconnoiter the
position of the rebels, and support Kilpatrick in "rounding"
the enemy's flank. The division moved out three mfles to
Camp Creek Church, drove in the enemy's skirmishers, and
returned at sunset. The 3d Brigade proceeded as far as the
Newman road, and returned to its original position in the ev
ening. This was repeated on the 20th, the 112th Illinois sup
porting the skirmish line, and again on'the 21st going down
the road to Liberty Church, and close up to the enemy's forts
in front of East Point.
Kilpatrick returned on the 21st, having been entirely around
Atlanta and cut the railroad, but the damage was soon repaired.
Cox's division was now on the extreme point reached in the
advance of Sherman's lines, and when he made the move
ment to the south of Atlanta, a feAv days later, this position
became the pivot on which the whole army turned. On the
24th the army received orders to be ready to move on the 26th,
with twenty days rations, and to send all baggage to the north
side of the Chattahoochee River.
On the 25th, the 112th LUinois, in command of Capt. Dunn,
(Major Dow being ill) moved out about a mile from camp on
a reconnoissance, and drove the enemy's skirmishers through
the woods, and obtained a position so near their lines that Ave
could hear their conversation.

240 HISTORY 0$ THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
The author has a vivid recollection of climbing a tree and
watching a column of rebel infantry which had stacked arms,
the men lying on the ground resting, while their band played
"Dixie." Sherman had determined to raise the siege of Atlanta, cut
loose from the city, and, swinging south, cut the enemy's lines
and compel him to abandon his strong-hold. The 20th Corps
had been sent back to the Chattahoochee to intrench and hold
the bridge, and on the 25th of August the movement com
menced. The 4th Corps, on the extreme left, was the first to
move, and by successive corps and divisions the Army of the
Cumberland and the Army of the Tennessee moved in rear of
the 23d Corps to the right, and the latter corps, which had
been the extreme right, became the extreme left of the line.
Hood discovered the movement and jumped to the conclusion
that Sherman was retreating across the Chattahoochee, but
his illusion was rudely dispelled a few days later.
While these movements were being made it required the ut
most A'igilance on the part of Schofield's troops to guard against
a sudden attack upon tlieir lines, and at the same time keep
the enemy occupied in front.
Frequent demonstrations Avere made by both sides, and for
several days the men were kept almost constantly standing
at arms.
On the 28th, the 23d Corps moved to a position a mile north
east of Mt. Gilead Church and intrenched, and the next day
moved three miles south and then to the west and south-west
and connected with the left flank of the 4th Corps, and in
trenched the position. Moved at 7 -.30 on the SOth, and struck
the Atlanta and West Point road, and took position and built
works near Ballard's. The 23d Corps was now isolated from
the remainder of the army— which was between the two rail
roads—and it was expected that Hood would attack the corps
and endeavor to crush it ; but beyond slight skirmishing no
serious demonstration was made in that direction.
The Army of the Tennessee had effectually destroyed several
miles of the West Point railroad on the 28th, and the Macon
railway Avas noAV Sherman's objective point.
On the 31st the Army of the Tennessee was in front of Jones-

AT ROUGH AND READY STATION. 241
boro. Thomas was advancing the center, and Schofield Avas
moving forward on the left to strike, the Macon railway near
Rough and Ready Station. Hood had sent two corps under
Hardee to Jonesboro, leaving Stewart's corps and the Georgia
troops in Atlanta. Hardee moved out of his works and attack
ed HoAvard, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and made a
stubborn fight, but was driven back into his works Avith con
siderable loss.
Fi-oni our position on the left we could distinctly hear the
roar of artiUery at Jonesboro ; but the Army of the Tennessee
had boasted that it had never been whipped, and all felt the
greatest confidence hi its ability to defeat the rebel army upon
this occasion.
About' the same time that Hardee moved out to attack How-
ard, Schofield's leading diAision (Cox's) struck the railroad
above. The division moved at 6 o'clock hi the morning, Henderson's
brigade in advance, the 112th Illinois in front, and marched
out through the lines of the 4th Corps to the right, driving the
enemy's skirmishers, and took a position facing the railroad.
The 4th Corps then moved to the right of Schofield's corps,
and advanced on another road leading to the railway, a mile
south. Hascall's division of the 23d Corps followed Cox's.
When all was ready the column moved forward. Gen. Cox
was anxious to be the first to strike the raUroad, and directed
Major Dow to report directly to him with the 112th Illinois.
The Major moved the regiment forward, where the right wing
was deployed as skirmishers, the left wing in support, and
away they went through the woods and brush, on a double-
quick, Gen. Cox with them, and struck the railroad at three
o'clock. An intrenched line, occupied by dismounted cavalry, covered
the road, but this was carried without difficulty and a number
of prisoners taken. By this time the diAision Avas on the
road, and the work of destruction commenced at once.
A railway train came steaming down the road from Atlanta,
and came within sight of the left of the line, but stopped and
ran back before it could be reached.
—16

242 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
The rafls were torn from the ties and the latter burned, and
the rails heated and bent and twisted into all manner of shapes,
and many of them bent, like a hoop, round and round trees,
so it would be impossible to remove them after they had cool
ed. Hascall's division struck the road at the same place, and
destroyed the raUway south to the 4th Corps, the latter having
reached the road about 4 o'clock.
At night Cox's division went into position across the rail
road, fronting nortli, and built works, and the next day (Sept.
1st) destroyed the road a mile and a half north to Rough and
Ready Station, and then returned and -moved south towards
Jonesboro — the 112th Illinois the rear guard. Hood heard
by the returning train that Sherman's army had cut the road
and Avas moving north on Rough and Ready Station. He had
not heard of Hardee's encounter with Howard, the telegraph
wires having been cut, and sent orders for Lee's corps to re
turn to Atlanta.
Lee moved from Jonesboro in the night, but never reached
Atlanta. Sherman having divided -the Confederate forces, en
deavored to surround and capture Hardee, but he escaped afr
ter a hard fight, in which he lost heavily in killed, wounded
and captured, and retired to Lovejoy's Station.
About two o'clock in the night of the 1st, heavy explosions
were heard in the direction of Atlanta, about twenty miles
distant, which continued for an hour or two, and again at four
o'clock in the morning other explosions were heard, which it
was subsequently learned, Avere caused by the destruction of
large trains of ordnance and ordnance stores which Hood had
not been able to move from Atlanta.
During the night of the 1st Hood evacuated Atlanta and
assembled his army at Lovejoy's Station, and on the 2nd Slo
cum's 2L)th Corps marched in and took possession ofthe city.
Atlanta had been "fairly Avon", as Sherman expressed it,,
and on the 4th the army Avas ordered to move back slowly
and go into camp at the places selected, for a brief period of
rest before entering upon another campaign.
The Army of. the Cumberland was ordered to occupy Atlan
ta, the Army of the Tennessee East _ Point, and the Army of
the Ohio Decatur, while the cavalry Avas ordered to cover the

THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN ENDED. 243
flanks and rear from Sandtown to the Chattahoochee River.
The army moved back by easy marches, and by the 8th of
September all were in their designated camps.
Hood's army Avas grouped around Palmetto Station, twenty-
five miles south-east of Atlanta. He threw a bridge across the
Chattahoochee west of him, and sent a cavalry force west. to
Carroltown, another to PoAvder Springs, ten miles south of
Lost Mountain, and also occupied Jonesboro Avith considera
ble force.
Gen. Sherman strengthened the garrisons at Chattanooga,
Rome and other strategic points in the rear, and at the bridges
and other points on the railroad, to guard his line of commu
nications, and the army settled down to rest.
The Atlanta campaign was ended ; and after four months of
constant marching and counter-marching, maneuvering and
skirmishing, by. night as well as by day, in the mountain fast
nesses of Northern Georgia, almost eA'ery clay under fire, both
of artillery and musketry, ever alert, watchful and vigilant —
guarding against surprise, yet seeking to strike the enemy un
awares ; at all times prepared for the unexpected and in read
iness to meet and overcome it ; always ready to move at a mo
ment's notice- -to march at the sound of the bugle, or fight at
the tap of the drum ; after four such months of incessant
strain on nerve and brain, the veterans of Sherman's army
were worn and weary, although flushed with Aictory, and were
glad to pause and take breath, while the plans of future cam
paigns were being discussed and marked out by Grant and
Sherman. Lieut. Thomas E. Milchrist, of Co. G, was detailed as Aid-
de-camp on Col. Reilly's staff on the 14th of May, and served
in that capacity until the 112th was transferred to the 3d Bri
gade, Avhen he was transferred to Col. Henderson's staff and
served as Aid-de-camp on his staff, until he was transferred
and promoted to captain in the 65th Illinois, in June, 1865.
Capt. James McCartney was appointed Judge Advocate of
the division court martial in the beginning of the campaign,
and served as such until the 27th of July ; but he commanded
his company all the time, holding court martial only .when the
division was at rest.

244 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS
Lieut. James P. McChesney, of Co. A, resigned on the 10th
of August, and on the 20th of September Second Lieut. Lean-
der U. Browning was promoted to fill the vacancy, and First
Serg. Thomas J. Williams Avas promoted to Second Lieutenant.
Second Lieut. George C. Maxfield, of Co. F, resigned on the
11th of September, and on the 14th First Lieut. James G.
Armstrong Avas promoted to Captain, and First Serg. Bushrod
Tapp to First Lieutenant.
As the company was reduced beloAV the required minimum
number, no second lieutenant was appointed.
Serg. Major J. C. Baird Avas compelled to go to the rear, by
reason of sickness, on the 13th of June ; and Albert Walton, of
Co. D, Avas detailed as acting Sergeant Major, and served as
such until the 12th of September. George Bernard, Quarter
master Sergeant of the regiment, died in hospital at Marietta,
on the 24th of August, and on the 12th of September Albert
Walton was appointed Quartermaster Sergeant ; and Serg.
Andrew B. Lafferty, of Co. D, was detailed as acting Sergeant
Major, and served as such unjh the foUoAving year.
Q. M. Sergeant Bernard was buried at Marietta, on the 25th
of August ; and after the war, his remains Avere interred in the
National Cemetery at Marietta, in Section G, Grave No. 7,269.
At Decatur grounds Avere prepared and camps laid out with
great care and accuracy, tents Avere set with the greatest pre
cision, and the men, of their own accord, at once commenced
beautifying the camp. The ground Avas swept as clean as a
house floor, arbors were erected, and every clay some neAv im
provement Avas made adding to the comfort and beauty of the
camp. There was considerable good natured rivalry among the reg
iments, each trying to outdo the others, and in a short time
the camp had the appearance of a Garden of Paradise. It
was universally admitted, howeAer, that the 112th Illinois had
the most beautiful and perfectly arranged camp in the corps ;
and hundreds of officers and soldiers from other commands,
and many citizens visited the camp to look upon its beauty
and admire the good taste and skfll of the men aaIio had plann
ed and made it.
The officers, hoAAever, Avere compelled to AA'ork. The loss of

MAKING REPORTS. 245
the records had thrown their accounts into confusion, and dur
ing the campaign there had been no opportunity to straighten
them out.
They were greatly perplexed Iioav to proceed ; but "pay-day"
was approaching, and that was an incentive to their inventive
genius ; and finally they succeeded in unravelling the knots
and getting their accounts in shape for approval.
Report after report was called for, from companies, regi
ments, brigades and diAisions, and for three weeks adjutants
and clerks were busily employed in making, consolidating and
forwarding them to higher headquarters.

CHAPTER XX.
hood marches north and strikes sherman's line of
communications — a wild-goose chase.
allatoona— rome — resaca — gaylesvllle
Sherman's march to the sea.
the 23 j corps at pulaski, watching hood.
Atlanta Avas not only the center of a great raihvay system,
in the very heart of the grain anl foi l-prod.irint; reflon of
Northern Georgia, but it contained extensive manufactures of
the utmost importance to the Southern Confederacy.
Its railways and warehouses and mills and foundries sup
plied the Southern armies with proAisions and clothing and
munitions of war, which were accumulate! there in large
quantities, and distributed as occasion required.
It was the key-stone city of the Confederacy, and its loss was
a severe blow to the South.
But it was not for the intrinsic military value of Atlanta,
alone, that it had been so stubbornly defended. There had
been a double purpose in holding it, and the military cam
paign to retain it Avas but an adjunct of the political cam
paign then in progress in the North. A Presidential election
was pending. After three years of Avar the power of the so-
called Confederate government remained unbroken, and its
armies contested every foot of ground as they retired before
the advance of the Union armies. Lee had destroyed an
army equal in numbers to his own, anl still su.e.-ssfully de
fended the Confederate Capital against every attempt to cap
ture it.
Calls for volunteers by the National gOAernment did not
meet with quick response, as in the first years of the Avar, and
a draft had been ordered to fill the depleted ranks of regiments

ENCOURAGED AND DISCOURAGED. 247
at the front.- The public debt was increasing at the rate of a
million dollars a day, and no man could foresee the en I.
Many people of the North had become discouraged, com
plained of the slow progress of the Avar, and the great sacri
fices of blood and treasure without corresponding advantages,
and demanded a change in the administration of the govern
ment ; and one of the great political parties of the country, in
National convention, had solemnly declared the war for the
Union a failure, and demanded a cessation of hostilities, with
a view to an ultimate settlement of the questions at issue by a
compromise. The Confederate leaders were watchful of the
public -sentiment in the North, and quick to turn any disaffec
tion among the people to their own advantage. They looked
upon the peace-/ party of the Nortli as*friends and allies of the
South, and determined to continue the struggle with increased
energy for its political effect upon the pending election, as weU
as for military advantage.
The defeat of Sherman, they believed, would strengthen the
peace party and aid it in carrying the election, in which event
they expected a termination of the Avar upon terms favorable
to themselves. They had hoped to check Sherman's advance,
and hold him on the line of the Chattahoochee until after the
election ; but failing in that, they next determined to hold At
lanta, at whatever cost of men and money.
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, who was removed from the com
mand of the Confederate army because of his failure to pre
vent Sherman from crossing the Chattahoochee, is a compe
tent and credible witness upon this point. In his "Narratives
of the War" he says :
"The importance to the Confederacy of defeating the enter
prise against Atlanta was not to be measured by military con
sequences alone. Political considerations were also involved,
and added much to the interest of that campaign. The North
ern Democrats had pronounced the management of the war a
failure, and declared against its being continued, and the Pres
idential election, soon to occur, was to turn upon the question
of immediate peace or continued war.
"In all the earlier part of the year 1864, the press had been
publishing to the Northern people most exaggerated ideas of

248 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
the mUitary value of Atlanta, and that its capture would ter
minate the war. If Sherman had been foiled, these exaggera
tions AA'ould have caused great agitation in consequence of his
faUure — would have strengthened the peace party greatly — so
much, perhaps, as to have aided it to carry the Presidential
election, AA'hich would have brought the war to an immediate
close." But if the people in the North were discouraged, Sherman
and his soldiers Avere not. Atlanta Avas taken, and the peace
party buried in its ruins.
Jeff DaAis visited Hood at his headquarters, on the 25th of
September, and together they discussed and matured a new
campaign. Atlanta had been lost. But if Hood, by bold, rapid move
ments, could destroy Sherman's hne of communications, they
believed he would be forced to abandon Atlanta and all North
ern Georgia, and place his army north of the Tennessee.
If Sherman did not follow him, but should seek a new base
of operations on the Gulf or on the sea coast, then Hood would
march north, capture NashviUe, recover Tennessee, invade
Kentucky, and push his operations north to the Ohio River ;
and he even dreamed of crossing the Ohio and carrying the
war into the Northern States.
Sherman's line of communications extended north to Louis
ville and Cincinnati.
Gov. Vance of North Carolina, hi a letter written only three
days before Jeff Davis' Aisit to Hood, stated that with a base
of communications five-hundred miles in Sherman's rear,
through tlieir oaati country, not a bridge had been burned, not
a car thrown from its track, not a man shot by the people
whose country he had desolated.
The people, he said, seemed every Avhere to submit as soon
as the Confederate armies were withdrawn.
It Avas Hood's purpose to destroy this line — except where
necessary for his OAvn use — to subsist his army as far as pos
sible upon the country and captured supplies, to arouse the
seeessionists of Tennessee and Kentucky to actiA'ity, recruit
his army by volunteers and a vigorous enforcement of the Con
federate conscription laws, and sweep north to the Ohio River.

IN PURSUIT OF HOOD. 249
He began his march on the first day of October. His caval
ry forces were sent forward in advance, with orders to move
rapidly and strike the railroad north of the Chattahoochee ;
and he foUowed with his infantry and artillery and pushed
rapidly toward Dallas. The cavalry 'destroyed the railroad
and twenty miles of telegraph in the vicinity of Big Shanty,
north of Marietta, and then hasten-ed toward Allatoona Pass,
where one million rations were stored, guarded by the 93d Il
linois Volunteers.
Sherman waited untU satisfied of Hood's intentions, and
then started in pursuit. He had no thought of transferring the
theater of operations north of the Tennessee, nor of loosening
his hold upon Atlanta. On the 3d of October the order of
march was issued. The 20th Corps was to hold Atlanta and
the Chattahoochee bridge, and the rest of the.army move to
Smyrna Camp Ground, near Marietta.
Gen. Thomas was at Nashville making combinations to head
off Forrest and Wheeler, who Avere threatening a cavalry raid
into Middle Tennessee, and the Army of the Cumberland was
in command of Gen. Stanley. Gen. Schofield was at Knox
ville, looking after the business of his department, and during
his absence Gen. Cox commanded the Army of the Ohio, and
Gen. Reilly the 3d Division. Gen. Howard was in command
of the Army of the Tennessee.
The 23d Corps moved at daylight on the morning of the 4th,
made a long detour in order to cross Peachtree Creek, on ac
count of a bridge having been carried away, crossed the Chat
tahoochee on pontoons near the railroad bridge, and thence
proceeded seven miles up the river and bivouacked on the "
Pace's Ferry and Marietta road — having marched eighteen
miles. On the 5th marched up through Marietta to the old rebel
works north of Kenesaw, twelve miles. The Army of the Ten
nessee covered the line to the Chattahoochee.
Hood with his principal force was hi the direction of Dallas.
He sent French in the night of the 4th to capture Allatoona.
Sherman signalled Gen. Corse at Rome to reinforce the garri
son at Allatoona, and the latter arrived there with three regi-
mehtsy by "rain Justin time, for he had hardly placed his men

250 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
in position on the morning of the 5th, when French,, with a di
vision of infantry and artillery, surrounded the place and op
ened a vigorous cannonade. After tAvo hours cannonading he
demanded a surrender in fiAe minutes, "to spare unnecessary
effusion of blood." Corse refused to surrender, and informed
the Confederate general that he could commence "the. effusion
of blood" as soon as he pleased. The. result is Avell-known.
French made a furious assault upon the works, but was gal
lantly repulsed. Again and again he repeated the charge, on
ly to increase the "effusion of blood" in his own ranks. :
From the heights of Kenesaw, eighteen miles away, Sher
man anxiously watched the unequal contest. The 4th and
14th corps Avere on Pine Mountain, and the 23d Corps moved
out rapidly on the Burnt Hickory road to strike the rear and
flank ofthe rebel division; and Sherman signalled to Corse
that little message, celebrated in song and story, "Hold the
fort, for I am coming.!" Quickly the little flags waved back
Corse's reply — brief, but brave and determined. It satisfied
Sherman, but is not mentioned in the Sunday School books.
French Avithdrew from Allatoona and beat a hasty retreat,
leaving his dead and wounded upon the field.
The 23d Corps continued its march, and arrived at Allatoo
na at sunset on the 8th, and remained there until the 10th.
French moved rapidly upon Resaca, but Sherman sent for
ward a division by rail to reinforce the garrison, and by a
forced march brought, his army to Kingston, within support
ing distance, and the rebel general retreated toward Rome.
Hood was south of the Coosa, and he now crossed the river
with his main force and threatened Rome. Sherman pushed
forward a diAision by rail. to reinforce the garrison, and follow
ed by rapid marches with the rest of his army.
The 23d Corps arrived at Rome on the evening of the 12th,
and at daylight the next morning broke camp and crossed the
Uoosa, in support of the cavalry, on a reconnoissance to as
certain the position of Hood's principal force ; and learned
that he had removed his pontoons and taken them nortli with
him, and given out that he was going to Tennessee. The cav
alry captured two guns and a hundred prisoners of his fear
guard. The corps returned to. Rome in the evening,

HOOD'S PLANS COME TO NAUGHT. 251
Hood's movement against Rome proved to be but a feint ;
he was already moving rapidly, by forced marches, upon Re
saca, which he meant to reach and carry by mere force of
numbers before Sherman could discoA'er what he Avas about.
Moving into position before Resaca, he demanded an immedi
ate surrender, threatening that he would take no prisoners if
compellel to make an assault. Gen. Baum, in command, re
fused to surrender. Hood hesitated. Sherman had discov
ered the movement and was in close pursuit. The 23cl Corps
moved from Rome at daylight on the morning of the 14th, and
reached Resaca on the 15th. The rest of the army was in ad
vance. Hood destroyed twenty miles of railroad north of Resaca,
and retreated through Snake Creek Gap, blockading the gorge
behind him by felling the timber,' so as to delay Sherman's
pursuit. Sherman endeavored to entrap him in the gap, and
sent Stanley over the hUls to head him off, Avhile Howard and
Cox cleared out tbe road and followed him in rear ; but he made
his escape. Sherman followed him down the Oostanaula, Val
ley to Shipp's Gap, and thence to La Fayette, when Hood re
treated to Gadsden in Alabama.
The 23d Corps marched from Snake Creek Gap to Sugar
Valley, fifteen miles, on the 16th, and rested on the 17th,
awaiting orders.
Moved at daylight on the 18th, and marched by the way of
Villanow and Dirt Town, over the mountain by Graver's Gap,
to Summerville, and thence crossed the State line into Alaba
ma, at 10 o'clock on the 20th, and proceeded to Gaylesville,
arriving there on tbe 20th, and camped on the.Chattooga River
— haAing marched nearly sixty miles in the three days. The
Armies of the Cumberland and Tennessee marched down the
Chattooga Valley, and arrived at Gaylesville the same clay.
Sherman was wearied of the Avild-goose chase Avhich Hood
had led him, and determined to end it then and there. Hood
was checkmated for the present, and Sherman decided to halt
for a few days in the heart of the rich valley of the Chattooga,
abounding in food, and while watching the enemy, rest his
men and subsist upon the country.
From the 4th of October his army had rested but three days

252 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
— every other clay in motion. It had marched over two hun
dred miles, in almost continuous autumnal storms. THe hour
of reveille was 4 -.30, and at daylight every morning the col
umns had been in motion. The men, although in excellent
spirits, needed rest ; and while resting they feasted upon the
beef and pork and mutton, the sweet potatoes, peaches, and
milk and honey of Northern Alabama.
The Army of the Cumberland was held in reserve at Gayles-
A'ille ; the Army of the Tennessee was advanced to Little River,
to support the cavalry watching Hood ; and on tlie 25th the
Army of the Ohio moved to Cedar Bluff, on the Coosa River,
from which point detachments reconnoitered toward Center
and Blue Mountains.
About the last of October Hood moved his army westward
toward Decatur, with the evident purpose of decoying Sher
man from his position ; but, instead of following, Sherman
concentrated his army at Rome and Kingston. Hood evident
ly expected that his movement would cause Sherman to con
centrate his army at Nashville, to oppose the threatened inva
sion of Tennessee, but in this he was disappointed.
Sherman had no notion of abandoning the fruits of a year's
campaign. Gen. Thomas was at Nashville, watching Hood's
movements, and making preparations to contest his march
northward, if he attempted it, or pursue him if he followed
Sherman toward the sea.
Two divisions of the 4th Corps were at Pulaski, eighty miles
south of Nashville, and fifty-four miles nortli of Decatur, Al
abama, observing Hood's movements, and prepared to march
north or south, as necessity might require.
The 23d Corps had expected to accompany Sherman on his
"March to the Sea," but at the request of Gen. Thomas it was
detached from Sherman's army, and ordered to report to
Thomas at Nashville.
Sherman then returned to Atlanta, and burning the bridges
behind him, plunged out of sight into the enemy's country.
President Lincoln said of him : "We know where he Avent in
at, but no one can tell where he will come out at."
He moAved a swath forty miles Avide through the heart of '
Georgia, and thence north through the Carolinas ; and when

ORDERED TO NASHVILLE. 253
»
he "came out" at Goldsboro, N. C, in March, 1865, the 23d
Army Corps— and the 112th Illinois with it— was there to meet
him. Sherman's "March to the Sea" was a grand pic-nic ; but it
proved the hollowness of the Confederacy — developed its weak
ness, and hastened the inevitable end of its existence.
Sherman had said to some of the officers of the 23d Corps,
in parting with them at Rome : "If there's any fighting, you'll
have it to do ;" and the sequel proved that he was right.
The 23d Corps broke camp at 6 o'clock on the morning of
the 30th of October and marched eighteen miles to a point
three miles east of Rome. Here Lieut. Col. Bond rejoined the
112th Illinois and took command of the regiment, having re
covered frorii the wound received at Utoy Creek. The next
day inarched nineteen miles, and camped near Calhoun ; on
the first day of November marched through Resaca to Tilton
Station, twelve miles, and on the 2nd marched to Dalton, ar
riving there at noon. On the 3d the 2nd Division, in com
mand of Gen. Joseph A. Cooper, accompanied by Gen. Scho
field, started for Nashville, by rail, and on arriving there, two
brigades were sent- to JohnsonviUe, on the Tennessee River,
nearly west of Nashville, and one (Strickland's) to Columbia
on Duck River, south of Nashville, on the railroad leading to
Pulaski. Cox's division remained at Dalton, waiting for trans
portation, until the 6th, when it was ordered to strike tents
and be prepared to take the cars at 10 o'clock in the eveniag.
The division moved down town to the depot in the eA'ening
and stood in the streets all night, in a pelting storm, waiting
for cars. At 8 o'clock on the 7th the division was loaded, and
the train pulled out and ran to Chattanooga, arriving there at
dark; waited there until 8 o'clock, and then ran out ten miles
and side-tracked, and Avaited until 8 o'clock the next morning
for a down train to pass ; reached Stevenson, Alabama, at
2 :30 in the afternoon, and arrived at Naslrville at 6 o'clock en
the morning of the 9th ; remained there until noon, and then
ran south twenty-one miles, to Franklin ; remained there un
til noon of the 10th, and then six miles south, to Thompson's
Station, and unloaded and Avent into camp to wait for a brok
en bridge to be repaired.

254 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS. «
On the 12th the division was ordered to proceed on foot to
Pulaski ; and on the 13th(Sunday)*marched fifteen miles, to
Columbia ; on the 14th marched nineteen miles, to LynnviUe,
and on the 15th marched ten "miles and went into camp near
Pulaski. Gen. Schofield was in command of the forces in the field.
He now had at Pulaski the 4th Corps, in command of Gen.
Stanley, and Cox's division of the 23d Corps, and a small force
of cavalry in command of Gen. Hatch.
Major Dow had been detailed on the first of NoA'ember and
was now acting as Assistant Inspector General on the staff of
Gen. Cox, a position he held until April 22, 1865, when he was
appointed by the President Inspector General ofthe 23d Army
Corps, Avith the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and served as
such until the close of the war.
For several days the weather had been miserable — a cold,
driving rain storm, and the camp was a vast body of mud and
water. The rain, accompanied by sleet, continued, with the
exception of but a single day (the 17th), until the 22nd of
November. Col. Henderson had been attacked with chills and fever, and
was so ill that he was compelled to turn over the command of
his brigade, temporarily, to Col. Stiles, but he remained with
the command, riding in the ambulance when it moved, until
the 25th, when he again assumed command, although then
sifk enough to be in bed.
Hood was on the south side ofthe Tennessee, at Florence, and
it was yet uncertain what course he would pursue, although
it was believed he would cross the river and attempt to march
north and capture Nashville ; and then, if successful, continue
his march northward in accordance with his original plans.
But, as the sequel will prove, he was doomed to disaster, de
feat, disappointment and disgrace.

CHAPTER XXI.
HOOD CROSSES THE TENNESSEE — SCHOFIELD'S RETREAT TO
COLUMBIA— ACROSS DUCK RIVER — SPRING HILL.
HOOD NAPPING — FORCED NIGHT MARCH TO FRANKLIN.
PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE.
Hood had been delayed by bad roads and want of transpor
tation, but he crossed the Tennessee River at Florence, on the
20th of November, and on the 21st his whole army was in rap
id motion, on the Lawrenceburg Pike, toAvards Columbia, in
the attempt to get in rear of Schofield before the latter could
reach Duck^River.
On the 21st Cox's division was ordered to be ready to move
at a moment's notice, with three days rations packed in haver
sacks, and the next morning marched back to Lynnville, to
cover the cross roads at that place, where it was joined in the
evening by Wagner's division of the 4th Corps ; and on the
23d Cox moved ten miles further back to Hurricane, where the
division^bivouacked in line of battle ; and that night the men
slept on their arms. The rest of the 4th ' Corps moved back
from Pulaski, the same night, and joined Wagner's division
at Lynnville. But Forrest Avas making a determined advance
upon Columbia, on the Mount Pleasant Pike, driving Hatch's
cavalry before him, and before daylight on the 24tli the whole
Union force was moving rapidly towards Columbia. Cox's di
vision having less distance to travel, Avas the first to approach
the town. Forrest was driving Col. Capron's brigade of cav-

256 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
airy rapidly into town, and as Cox approached the firing on
the other road was heard, and the division marched by a
cross-road two miles from town, and interposed a heavy
skirmish line, composed in part of Companies A, F and D of
the 112th Illinois, moving at double-quick, between the contend
ing cavalry forces. A brisk fire from the skirmishers and a
few well-directed shots from the battery soon checked For
rest's advance. A line was formed and light works thrown
up behind Bigby Creek. Schofield's whole force moved into
Columbia before noon and occupied a strong position, and by
the 25th Hood confronted him with his whole army.
It had been Gen. Thomas' intention to meet and give Hood
battle south of Duck River, but three divisions of the 16th Corps,
under Gen. A. J . Smith, which had been promised him, had
been delayed, and his cavalry had been scattered and many
of them dismounted ; and he instructed Gen. Schofield to de
lay and obstruct Hood's advance to the last moment, while he
awaited Smith's arrival and concentrated other troops in his
command. Gen. Schofield was met at Columbia by Gen. Ruger with
one of the brigades of the 2nd Division, from JohnsonviUe,
part of which was scattered at several points on the river, to
protect the crossings and fords on the right flank.
The other brigade had moved from JohnsonvUle to Centre-
. ville, on the river twenty miles west of Columbia, to prevent
Forrest's cavalry from crossing at that point. Gen. Wilson
joined Schofield and took command of the cavalry, and be
tween the 25th and 30th this arm of the service was consider
ably reinforced.
There was considerable sharp skirmishing and artiUery fir
ing on the 25th, but Hood did not risk an attack.
Gen. Schofield became convinced that Hood would attempt
to turn his position, and prepared an interior and shorter line
to which he could retire part of his forces and send part north
of the river ; and during the night of the 25th the 1st and 2nd
brigades of Cox's division crossed to the north side and occu
pied and fortified a position covering the pontoon bridge.
Henderson's brigade and Strickland's brigade of the 2nd Di
vision and the 4th Corps remained on the south side, and oc-

CROSSING DUCK RIVER. 257
cupied the interior line of works. Henderson's brigade cover
ed the Mount Pleasant Pike and Wood's, division of the 4th
Corps tlie Pulaski Pike.
The enemy advanced a heavy line of skirmishers and at
tempted to drive in our skirmish line, on the morning of the
26th, with the evident purpose of ascertaining the strength of
the line ; but they were repulsed with considerable loss. This
was repeated several times with the same result. Two men of
the 112th Illinois were slightly wounded, but the author has
been unable to obtain tlieir names or company.
The indications of Hood's purpose to divide the army, and
force a crossing of the river above with his principal force,
while the remainder kept up a demonstration in front, Avere so
plain, that, during the night of the 26th the 4th Corps was
moved across the river, and the lines of Henderson's and
Strickland's brigades were stretched to cover the whole front.
The enemy made frequent demonstrations on the 27th, but
the attacks were evidently made for the sole purpose of keep
ing the line occupied, and to cover the movements of Hood's
troops to his right.
Our forces ran out of ammunition, and it seemed as if they
would be compelled to retire ; but fortunately Lieut. Milchrist,
of Col. Henderson's staff, found tAvo wagons loaded with am
munition, which had remained there, not haA'ing received or
ders to move, and the men were supplied j ust in time to pre
vent the enemy from taking advantage of our empty cartridge
boxes. Gen. Schofield and Col. Henderson were in constant com
munication by means of signal flags, and Col. Henderson in
formed him of the fact that Hood was moving his main force
to the right with the evident purpose of crossing the river above
and striking the line of retreat to Franklin.
Gen. Schofield directed the remainder of the forces on the
south side to cross the river in the night of the 27th, and at
seven o'clock the movement commenced. Strickland's brigade
was the first to cross.
Col. Henderson, with his brigade, covered the movement
and brought up the rear.
—17

258 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS. •
At 4 o'clock in the mornmg the whole command had cross
ed, and the railroad bridge was partly, and the pontoon bridge
wholly destroyed. The latter was of heavy wooden boats, for
which there was no transportation.
Columbia is situated on high ground, on the south bank of
Duck River, on a deep bend of the river, in the shape of a
horse-shoe. The ground on the north side, within the bends
of the river, is low and flat, and completely commanded by the
hills 011 the south side. Tavo brigades of Cox's diAision were
in position on the north side, fronting south across the tongue
between the two bends in the river, and at daylight on the
morning of the 28th Henderson's brigade joined them — having
marched east to the Nashville road and then back towards
Columbia, a distance of seven miles.
Forrest forced a crossing Avith his cavalry eight miles east,
and pushed forward towards Spring Hill, on the pike half way
between Columbia and Franklin.
Hood left all his artillery and two divisions of infantry, of
Lee's corps, at Columbia and Avith the rest of his army laid
pontoons five miles east in the night of the 28th, crossed the
river early in the morning of the 29th, and marched rapidly
in support of Forrest. He pushed Cleburne's division ahead,
Avith instructions to hurry forward and attack Avhatever force
he should find at Spring Hill.
In the meantime Stanley, with the 4th Corps, hurried for-
Avard, and leaAing Kimball's division in position at the cross
ing near Rutherford Creek, four miles beloAV Spring Hill, pro
ceeded with Wagner's division to the latter place. The wag
on trains had been sent back and were all at Spring Hill* and
Stanley arrived there just in time to save them. The rebel
caAalry had driven the Union cavalry m, and were already in
the outskirts of the town.
Cleburne came up with his infantry, folloAved closely by
Cheatham with tAvo more divisions of cavalry and infantry,
and rushed furiously upon Stanley's command, and made
charge after charge upon his lines ; but he held his position,
repulsed every assault, and saved the trains and the line of
retreat, until darkness put an end to the contest.
Hood hurried forward his columns, and ordered Cheatham

AT COLUMBIA. 259
to throw his corps across the pike and thus completely cut off
Schofield's line of retreat ; but Cheatham failed to comply
with the order, and Hood's army. went into bivouac in line of
battle parallel to, and less than half a mile from the pike, with
a picket line less than a hundred rods from the pike.
Gen. Cox still remained in position north of Columbia. At
daylight on the morning of the 29th the rebel artillery in Col
umbia, from the hills around the whole bend of the river, op
ened fire upon the division, but the traverses and angles in
the line saved it from serious loss.
The Union rifled cannon replied with vigor, and the rebel
gunners were compelled to run back their pieces out of range.
The artillery firing was continued at intervals duiing the day,
and in the afternoon the rebel infantry made several unsuc
cessful attempts to force a crossing.
About 4 o'clock in the afternoon, under cover of a terrific
artillery fire, they succeeded in crossing a considerable force,
and they lay in line near the water's edge, under protection of
the river bank, so they could not be reached by the fire from
Cox's line. They soon appeared above the bank, however,
and advanced against that part of the line held by the 12th
and 16th Kentucky regiments, of Reilly's brigade. The 63d
Indiana and 112th Illinois regiments, of Henderson's brigade,
rushed forward in support of the Kentucky regiments, and the
rebels were driven back under cover _of the river bank, and
made no further efforts to advance.
Gen. Ruger, with two brigades of the 2nd Division of the
23d Corps (one brigade being at Centreville), and one brigade
of Kimball's division of the 4th Corps, had joined Stanley at
Spring Hill, but learning that Jackson's diAision of rebel caA'
alry occupied Thompson's -Station, and that the rest of For
rest's cavalry Avere in that direction, Gen. Schofield Avent for
ward with Ruger's division to clear the way. Jackson with-
drew, and Ruger was placed in a position to cover the pike,
and Schofield returned to Spring Hill.
At 7 o'clock in the evening of the 29th the positions of the
tAvo armies were as follows : Cox's division Avas in position
near Columbia ; Wagner's diAision and one brigade of Kim
ball's division, of the 4th Corps, were with Stanley at Spring

260 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Hill ; the remainder of Kimball's division and Wood's divis
ion, of the 4th Corps, were between Columbia and Spring HUl,
within supporting distances of Cox and Stanley and of each
other, Wood's division next to Cox's. The cavalry forces were
on Stanley's left at Spring Hill, and between there and Frank
lin ; the wagon trains were parked at Spring Hill.
Two divisions of Lee's corps of Hood's army, and all his
artillery and wagon trams were in Columbia; Cheatham's
and Stewart's corps, and one division of Lee's, were with Hood
at Spring HUl ; the rebel cavalry forces were on his right and
at intermediate points between there and Franklin.
Gen. Cox had been ordered to hold his position until night
fall, and then ieaving a skirmish line in position, to march to
Spring Hill, the skirmishers to remain until midnight, and
then join or follow the rear guard. The picket line Avas
strengthened and the 12th and 16th Kentucky regiments left
in support, all in charge of Major' Dow, of the 112th Illinois,
Inspector General of the division ; and at the request of Major
Dow, Lieut. Milchrist of Col. Henderson's staff also remained
to assist him in relieving and bringing off the skirmish line.
At 8 o'clock the division moA'ed out, left in front, Henderson's
brigade in advance, the 112th Illinois advance guard, the two
left companies, G and B, thrown forward, in command of Capt.
McCartney, as advance guard of the regiment.
For three nights the men had not had an hour's sleep ; but
Gen. Cox rode along the line, informing them of the necessity
of making a forced night march, and encouraging them to
hold out to the end.
It may seem incredible, but it is nevertheless a fact, that
some of the men went to sleep while walking, on that night's
march, and fell to the ground. The fall aroused them, and
they would then get up and stagger on again.
Cox's division was followed by Wood's and Kimball's, all
marching left in front, so they could come to a front face and
be in line of battle ready to repel an attack.
The head of the column arrived at Spring Hill at midnight.
The camp fires of Hood's army were dimly burning but a little
distance away, on the right, and one man actuaUy rode doAvn
to one of them to light his pipe, thinking they belonged to the

A NIGHT MARCH. 261
Union troops. On the left of the pike the little town Avas full
of wagons and soldiers, and in the darkness, everything seem
ed to be inextricably mixed up and in great confusion.
A voUey from Hood's line was*,biomentarily expected, and it
was thought next to impossible to pass -his front without at
tracting the attention of his soldiers and drawing tlieir fire.
But Hood's army slept ; and our columns moved on unmolest
ed. Later in the night Hood was informed that troops were
passing on the pike, and he sent Johnson's division of Lee's
corps to extend his lines across the pike and stop the move
ment ; but Johnson failed to reach the desired position and
the movement continued. Orders were passed down the line
for the men to make no noise ; and silently and cautiously the
eolumn moved forward. The night Avas dark, and nothing
could be seen but the long line of Hood's camp fires on the
right, extending far to the north.
Capt. McCartney, in command of the advance guard, de
tailed Serg. Thomas J. Townsend, of his company (G), and
eight men to march one hundred and fifty yards in advance
of the advance guard, with instructions to move very cautious
ly, and keep a sharp lookout for rebels in the road and on the
flanks, and be careful not to be drawn into a trap. Serg.
Townsend and his squad Avere soon joined by Serg. Eli K.
Mauck, of the same company. Presently they discovered a
dark object in the road ahead of them. It proved to be a reb
el soldier, a member of the 4th Florida regiment ; but before
he had time to halt them, or give an alarm, Sergs. Mauck and
Townsend were upon him, and one of them had him by the
throat. He was disarmed and cautioned that if he made any
noise or outcry it would cost him his life, and he was then
sent, under guard, back to the main column.
Another rebel soldier, seeing troops moving, and supposing
them to be Confederates, walked up to the pike, and, as the
column made a temporary halt, stepped up to a mounted or
derly and commenced talking to him. The orderly quickly
discovered that he was a rebel soldier, and grabbing him by
the hair of the head with one hand, at the same time covering
him with a revolver in the other, told him if he spoke aloud,
or made the.least noise, he would blow his head off. The as-

262 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
tonished rebel surrendered in silence, and Avas turned over to
the guard.
The head of Cox's diAision reached Franklin at 4 :30 on the
morning of the 30th, haAirig marched twenty-two miles in
eight and a half hours, and immediately Avent into position and
commenced building works. Wagner's diAision remained in
position at Spring Hill until all the trains and troops had pass
ed, and then foUoAved, leaving Opdycke's brigade as rear guard,
which remained until 6 o'clock in the morning.
Franklin is situated on the south side of the Harpeth River,
on Ioav land in a deep bend of the river, enclosing it on three
sides. On the north bank the ground is much higher ; anl
on a hill commanding the railroad and Avagon bridges Avas an
old earthwork called P'ort Granger.
Gen. Schofield had requested that pontoons be sent down
from NasliAille, but they had not arrived. The Avagon bridge
was impassable and had to be repaired, and the banks
of the river were too steep to ford, and it w:as impera
tive to make a stand there until crossings could be made and
the trains moved to the north side of the river. By noon the
banks of the river had been scarped so as to use the ford, some
old buUdings torn down and the lumber used for planking the
railroad bridge, and the Avagon bridge repaired, and the trains
began crossing ; but even then it Avas slow work and would
take until night to move all of them over.
Gen. Schofield directed Gen. Cox to take command of.the
forces on the line, and Schofield established his headquarters
on the hills north of the river, Avhere he could look over the
field, and watch the operations of the cavalry engaged on the
left in preventing Forrest's cavalry from crossing the rh7er on
that flank.
Wood's diAision of the 4th Corps also crossed the river and
occupied a position covering the bridges and ford, and with it
the artillery of the 23d Corps, which, being in advance, Avas
ordered to cross by the ford to save time, and the artillery of
the 4th Corps reported to Gen. Cox on the line.
Let us now go back and take up the casualties of the 112th
Illinois. When the 3d Division fell back from Columbia on the night

CAPTURED. 263
of the 29th, Lieut. Homer Sherbondy, of Co. C, 112th Illinois,
with a detail of about forty men was on picket, down the river,
near the railroad bridge where the -division had crossed. He
should have been relieved when the skirmish line fell back,
but by some Unaccountable mistake, or inexcusable blunder,
he Avas not informed of the movement, and he and all his men
were captured. Serg. Henry B. Perry, of Co. F 112th Illinois,
Avas in charge of three picket posts of four men each, situated
between Sherbondy's line and the right of the line occupied by
the 12th and 16th Kentucky regiments. He Avas relieved by
Capt. R. K. Miller, of the 128th Indiana, Acting Assistant In
spector General of the brigade, at half past ten o'clock in the
evening of the 29th, and directed by Capt. Miller to fall back
and proceed on the pike towards Spring Hill, Avhile he rode
down and relieved Lieut. Sherbondy. Serg. Perry says he
overtook Capt. Miller, on the pike, about a mile from the riv
er, who said he had not relieved Sherbondy ; that he thought
it useless to do so, as he could fall hack with the '2nd Division.
As the 2nd DiAision Avas already at Spring Hill, Sherbondy
and his men were left to tlieir fate.
On the morning of the 30th Sherbondy saAv a feAV rebels ap
proaching, and inquired of them if they Avere not "off their
beat," and said "he guessed he would take them in."
He was informed that the Union army had disappeared, and
that the Confederates now occupied that side of the river, and
he was invited to surrender to them. Looking up the river
Sherbondy saw ample evidence of the truth of the statement —
he was completely surrounded by rebel soldiers — and he un
conditionally surrendered.
The 112th Illinois men who Avere captured with him were :
Serg. William C. Schull, Co. K ; also wounded (escaped
Feby 16, 1865) ; Corporal John R. Renner, Co. K ; Corporal
Ithamer P. Miller, Co. C ; Corporal John Corkhill, Co. G ;
James McShurry and Jesse B. Taylor of Co. F ; LaFayette
Gearheart (died on hospital boat April 7, 1865) and Randolph
M. States, of Co. I ; Augustus Johnson of Co. C ; William C.
Biggs arid Jackson Biggs of Co. K ; Philip Cromain and John
Crowe of Co. G, and Ira F. Hayden of Co. B — one lieutenant,
one sergeant, three corporals and ten men — total, fifteen.

264 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
They were put into an old fort in Columbia, and kept there
until December Wth, the day before the battle of NashvUle
commenced, and then sent, with other prisoners, to Corinth,
Miss., Avhence the commissioned officers were sent to Selma,
Ala., and the men to other prison camps. The officers were
finally sent to Andersonville and confined there some time in
a "nigger pen."
The officers and men were paroled at Vicksburg, about the
first of April, 1865, and sent to Parole Camp at St. Louis, Mo.
Lieut. Sherbondy was placed in command of a company of
paroled men and remained there until the 3d of May, when he
was mustered ont of the service under a general order of the
War Department.
The men were discharged at Springfield, Illinois, about the
first of July, 1865. Some of them arrived at LaSalle, Illinois,
on their way home, on the evening of the 6th, and Avaited
there for the down train from Chicago. When they boarded
the cars, to their great joy and astonishment they found the
regiment on the train on the way home, having just been dis
charged at Chicago.
They suffered the usual hardships and privations of prison
life in rebeldom, and Lieut. Sherbondy writes that Avhile con
fined at Columbia, he saAv men pay five dollars in greenbacks
for an ear of corn to eat.
Lieut. C. W. Brown, of Co. E, came very near being captur
ed at Hurricane, below Columbia, on the 24th of November,
in the same way Sherbondy was captured. He was in com
mand of the skirmish line, and when the troops fell back to
Columbia, on the night of the 23d, was not informed of the
moA'ement. He found the troops gone and the rebels advanc
ing, in the morning, and without waiting for orders, assembled
his skirmishers and marched them back to Columbia, and
thereby saved himself and them from capture. And he Avas
not too quick about it, either, for as it AA'as, he barely escaped
being cut off from the command
The officers of the regiment had Avorked industriously and
patiently, at Decatur, to restore the records of the regiment
and companies. New books had been obtained and records
made, approximate reports made to the Ordnance and Quar-

REGIMENTAL RECORDS CAPTURED. 265
termaster's departments, and their accounts adjusted, so that
henceforth they could keep correct accounts and make correct
reports. They had also replenished their ward-robes, wliile
at Nashville, and purchased many other necessary articles for
field and camp use. All these — records, clothing, except the
fatigue suits they were wearing, baggage of every kind
— were again captured by the enemy and destroyed on the
night march from Columbia to Franklin. The rebel cav
alry made a dash on the trains betAveen Spring Hill and
Franklin, and captured a number of wagons. They were soon
driven off, but not until they had destroyed several wagons
and their contents, and among them, unfortunately for us,
was the 112th Illinois wagon, and the regiment, was again des
titute of records, and the officers of clothing and baggage.
The rebels also made a dash upon a drove of beef cattle, in
charge of Ephraim W. Smith, of Co. F, 112th Illinois, at
Thompson's Station, and created* considerable excitement
among the drivers, as well as the cattle. They captured about
fifty head of the cattle and succeeded in getting away with
them ; but the timely arrival of Union cavalry saved the re
mainder of the drove.

CHAPTER XXII.
THE BATTLE OF FRANKLIN.
HOOD'S ASSAULT UPON THE NATIONAL LINES.
REPULSED WITH GREAT LOSS — SANGUINARY AND DESPERATE CONFLICT.
THE BATTLE FROM A CONFEDERATE STAND-POINT.
The line of defense selected by Gen. Cox at Franklin was on
a curve ; the left at a railroad cut near the river, the center
on the Columbia Pike, a few rods in front of a dAvelling house
occupied by a Mr. Carter, on a knoll, and the right swinging
back to the river. At the pike the full Avidth of the road was
left open, to alloAV double lines of wagons and artillery to pass,
and a retrenchment Avas made a few rods in rear to command
the opening.
The 3d Division of the 23d Corps, Gen. Reilly in temporary
command, occupied the line on the left, extending from the
rh-er to the Columbia Pike. Col. Henderson's brigade was on
the left — the three Indiana regiments in the front line, the
120th on the left, its left slightly retired, the 63d in the center,
and the 128th on the right, and the 112th Illinois a feAV rods
to the rear in reserve.
In marching or making other movements, the divisions of a
corps, brigades of a division, and regiments of a brigade usu
ally change position in the column every time a movement is
made. The division in front one day takes the rear the next ;
the brigade in advance changes to the rear of the division ;
and the leading regiment of each brigade is the rear regiment
the next day, and is placed in reserve in case the command
goes into position. The 112th Illinois was the leading regi
ment of the brigade on the 29th, and therefore its place on the
30th was to the rear, or in reserve.
Reilly's own brigade was on the right of the division, its right

POSITION AT FRANKLIN. 267
resting on the Columbia Pike ; and Casement's brigade occupi
ed the center. The 12th and 16th Kentucky regiments of
Reilly's brigade, left on Duck River at Columbia, arrived at
Franklin after the line was occupied, and were placed with
the 8th Tennessee in reserve.
Ruger's two brigades of the 2nd DiAision extended from the
Columbia Pike west to the Carter's Creek Pike — Strickland's
brigade on the left, its left resting on the Columbia Pike, and
Moore's brigade on the right. Gen. Cox's force was not suffi
cient to reach to the riA'er on the right, and Kimball's diAision
of the 4th Corps was ordered to report to him, and was placed
on the right flank, extending to the river.
Opdycke's brigade of Wagner's division, which had been
rear guard, was placed in reserve on the Avest side of the Co
lumbia Pike ; and Wagner Avith his tAvo other brigades, Lane's
and Conrad's, occupied a position in air, across the Columbia
Pike, nearly half a "mile in front of the principal line, where
he Avas directed to remain in observation until Hood should
advance, and then retire within the lines as a general reserve.
The ground in front of the line was an open plain, descending
gently to the south.
In front of Henderson's brigade was a heavy osage orange
hedge, which Gen. Cox ordered cut down and the brush used
in making an abattis along the front of the division ; but at
the suggestion of Lieut. Col. Bond, the hedge was thinned out
and the brush used in front of the other brigades, and the re
maining hedge cut half off, about four feet high, and bent down
to the ground, making an impassable barrier.
In front of the 2nd Division a young locust grove Avas cut
down and the brush used in making an abattis.
The breast-works Avere light and hastily constructed. In
fact it was not believed theie would be any use for them. The
tiains were moving across the river, and all would be over by
dark ; and Gen. Schofield had given directions for the troops
to commence crossing at six o'clock. It was not believed by
many of the general officers that Hood Avould attack ; but lat
er in the day those who doubted were convinced.
The number of the 4th Corps reported "present for duty" on
the 30th of November, 1864, Avas sixteen thousand two bun-

268 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
ched commissioned officers and enlisted men. The largest di
vision (Wood's) was on the north side of the Harpeth, and the
tAvo divisions Avith Cox probably did not exceed in numbers
ten thousand men.
The two divisions of the 23d Corps reported, on the same
day, ten thousand and thirty-three commissioned officers and
enlisted men "present for duty." One brigade was at Centre-
A-ille, so that Gen. Cox had under his immediate command
south of the Harpeth not far from eighteen thousand men of
all ranks and arms.
Against this line Hood was advancing with three corps of
three divisions each, of infantry and artillery, numbering over
forty thousand men, a'nd a considerable force of cavalry to
cover his flanks, in addition to the cavalry force operating
against Wilson and Hatch — all seasoned veterans whom Sher
man had been pounding all summer, and as brave an army as
ever fired a shot or kept step to the beat of a drum.
About three o'clock in the afternoon the rebel columns could
be seen moAing over the range of hills south of the level plain
and forming in heavy force. The author has a vivid recollec
tion of standing on a knoll in the line of the 3d Brigade, with
Col. Henderson and others, and viewing them through a field
glass as they moved their columns into line.
On they came, a solid mass of gray, Cheatham's corps on
the west side of the Columbia Pike, Stewart's on the east, and
Lee's in close support in reserve. Hood himself was seen to
ride up the turnpike with his staff, and some of his men who
were afterwards captured, said he made them a speech. Point
ing to the Union line he said : " Soldiers of the Confederacy,
there is the line of the enemy. There is nothing but that line
between you and the Ohio River. Break that line, and the
Ohio is open to you."
Nearer and nearer they came, advancing at quick step, with
traded arms, a solid array of men, with a mile and a half
front, moving steadily, firmly, grandly forward. It was a mo
ment of intense anxiety. Every Union soldier in the line un
derstood the situation and prepared to meet it. The Harpeth
River Avas at his back, and Hood's whole army of veteran sol
diers in his front.

THE ASSAULT OF HOOD'S ARMY. 269
At 4 o'clock the clash came, As soon as their artillery Avas
within range it unlimbered and opened fire. "Down in front,"
and the men climbed off the breastAVorks Jinto the trenches.
The Union artillery poured shot and shell into their ranks, but
they closed up the gaps and moA'ed steadily forAvard. As they
approached Wagner's line, in front, his artillery limbered up
and moved within the lines, in accordance with previous or
ders : but Wagner's infantry opened fire. In a moment the
flanks of his short line were enveloped by the rebel lines on the
right and left, and his men broke and ran. With a rush and
a yell the rebels followed. Wagner's men formed an effectual
screen for the rebels, and protected them from any fire from
the center ; but a heavy fire was poured into them from the
right and left. In a few seconds the flying mass of Union and
rebel soldiers, mixed together, came surging over the Avorks
near the pike, like a whirlwind, and the right of Reilly's line
and left of Strickland's gave way under the shock, and the
men were swept as by a cyclone from the works. With cheers
and yells the rebels came flying over the parapet. They cap
tured the guns in the center, loaded with grape and canister,
and turned them upon the flank of Reilly's division ; but the
horses having become frightened at the melee ran off with
the ammunition chests containing the primers, the guns could
not be fired. But in a moment Opdycke's brigade and Reilly's
three regiments in reserve Avere upon them. They charged
right into the surging mass of rebels ; Reilly's and Strickland's
men rallied, and after a fierce and desperate struggle the guns
were retaken, the rebels checked in their headlong charge, and
all who had gained the inside-of the works Avere killed or cap
tured. It was a moment of intense anxiety and suspense.
Every man of the 112th Illinois, the reserATe of Henderson's
brigade, was upon his feet, looking with breathless anx ety
upon the furious struggle, but denied the honor of taking part
in it.
While this desperate contest was going on in the center, there
was no idleness on other parts of the line. In front of Hen
derson's brigade the rebels charged up to the osage hedge, and
a s that was infpassable, they attempted to move by the flank
through a gateAvay in the hedge. But the 120th Indiana con-

270 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
centrated its fire upon the gap and effectually closed that pas
sage way. Again and again they tried it, untU the gap was
filled Avith dead bodies piled one upon another. They also at
tempted to move up the railroad cut, but that was covered by
the artillery at the old fort across the river and a battery of
regulars on the left of Henderson's line, and they were moAved
doAvn like grass before a sharp scythe.
Col. Henderson Avas on the front line duiing the hottest of
the fight, directing the fire of his men, and urging them to
take deliberate aim and fire low. The enemy lay along the
hedge, hugging the ground, and many, finding themselves un
able to get aAvay, came into our lines and surrendered.
Along the Avhole line the battle raged ; and no sooner Avas
one line of the enemy met and repulsed than another struck
the line Avith redoubled force. They seemed determined to ov
erwhelm the Union line by sheer force of numbers and des
perate courage.
Kimball's division on the right flank was not seriously at
tacked, except on its left, and there the rebels were easily re
pulsed ; but in front of the 2nd and 3d divisions of the 23d
Corps charge after charge was made, and the struggle contin
ued Avith unabated fury until late in the evening.
The enemy succeeded in holding the Avorks on the right of
Strickland's brigade, and the Union soldiers made a new bar
ricade, of fences and other material, some tAventy or twenty-
five yards in rear of the first line.
About dark Gen. Cox requested Col. Henderson to send the
112th forward to the right, to be in readiness to reinforce
Reilly's line, in case of necessity ; and Col. Henderson accord
ingly directed Lieut. Col. Bond, in command of the 112th, to
report with his regiment to Gen. Reilly.
The battle was still raging fiercely, and the darkness added
to the dangers and uncertainty of the conflict. Lieut. Col.
Bond moved the regiment by the right flank to the turnpike,
where he was met by a staff officer with orders to move across
the pike and report to Col. Strickland. He Avas informed
that the 72nd Illinois and the 50th Ohio regiments occupied
the line of works in front of Strickland's right, and he was di
rected t o move his regiment across the intervening space be-

NIGHT MARCH ACROSS THE HARPETH.  271
tween the two lines and reinforce the regiments'in the front
line. It was dark, and Lieut. Col. Bond being unacquainted
with the ground and the position of the front,"Capt. ^Carter, of
the 72nd Illinois, volunteered to show him the way. Lieut.
Col. Bond, accompanied by Capt. Carter as a guide, moved the
regiment nearly to the right of Strickland's line, and filing left
moved through a gap in the line into the open space. Co. A
and the head of Co. F had passed through the gap, when they
were met by a murderous fire from the'front line. The men
immediately dropped flat on the ground, and lay there until
the fire had slackened, and then backed out ; the regiment
came to a front face and occupied the line with Strickland's
men ; and the fire which had momentarily relaxed about the
time the 112th reached the gap, reopened Avith redoubled fury
along the whole line. The front line Avhich Lieut. Col. Bond
had been informed was occupied by the two Union regiments,
was in fact occupied by the main line of the enemy ; and had
they Avithheld their fire the regiment would have marched right
into their lines and been captured. Lieut. Col. Bond, of
course, did not know this at the time, but the officer Avho gave
him the order ought to have known it, and, if he did not, was
inexcusably ignorant of the situation of affairs in his front.
Lieut. Col. Bond was wounded, and companies A and F lost
several men killed, wounded and captured between the lines of
works ; and Capt. Carter himself was reported missing.
The enemy made several determined assaults upon the Un
ion works after dark, and the battle continued with unabated
fury until ten o'clock in the evening. A fire broke out in the
village about eleven o'clock, lighting up the toAvn and the Un
ion lines so they could be plainly seen by the enemy, and any
movements of the troops discovered ; but at twelve o'clock, the
fire having been extinguished, and the front being quiet, Gen.
Schofield ordered the withdrawal of the troops to the north
side of the river.
Kimball's diAision, on the right, marched by the rear to the
wagon bridge, followed by Opdycke's brigade ; and Ruger's di
vision passed behind the lines to the railroad bridge. Reilly's
division was the last to cross. A strong line of skirmishers,
under command of Major T. T. Doav, Division Inspector Gen-

272 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
erai, remained in the trenches untU all the troops had crossed
and removed the plank from the wagon bridge, when the skirm
ishers followed, and crossed by the railroad bridge.
Our dead and many of the wounded were left on the battle
field. The Union killed, and those who were mortally wound
ed and left upon the field and died in the hands of the enemy,
were buried by the rebels, in trenches, three or four deep.
After the war their remains were removed, and interred in the
United States National Cemetery at Madison, near NashviUe.
Very few of them could be identified, and consequently their
graA'es are marked "unknown." All of the 112th are among*
the unknown, except Edward R. Petrie, of Co. C, Avho was car
ried off the field by his brother, Lieut. A. P. Petrie, and his
remains sent home.
Wood's division on the north side covered the crossings, and
when all were over, brought up the rear. The command mov
ed back to Brentwood Hills and halted for breakfast, and then
proceeded to Nashville, arching there at noon on the first day
of December, and immediately went into position.
The losses on the Union side were two thousand three hun
dred and twenty-six, of Avhich nearly one-half Avere in Wag
ner's two brigades, which Avere out in front. The losses of
the 112th Illinois were seven killed and mortally wounded,
tAventy wounded, and two captured.
The Confederate losses Avere about seven thousand, of Avhich
about seven hundred were prisoners — captured Avhen they
broke the line in the center.
Among the kUled were twelve generals and a long list of
colonels and field officers, many of whom were killed within a
few yards of the Union line. In orie brigade every general and
field officer was either killed or severely wounded, and the bri
gade went out of the fight in command of a captain.
It was one of the most desperate and savage battles of the
Avar. ReUly's division captured and carried off twenty-two
battle flags, and Opdycke's brigade ten, as trophies of the ter
rible conflict. The loss of the three Indiana regiments in Hen
derson's brigade Avas fiAe commissioned officers — among whom
was Major Braser — and nine men killed, forty-six Avounded
and twenty missing.

LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED. 273
The casualties in the 112th Illinois were as foUoAvs:
Killed and mortally wounded — Co. A, James Caughey (mor
tally Avounded, died Dec. 3d), Patrick Kenney (mortally AA'ound-
ed, died in the hands of the enemy Dec. 6th), Milton Barton
and Frederick A. Woodruff.
Co. F — John W. Curfman (mortally wounded — left on the
field, and died in rebel hospital Dec. 10).
Co. C— Edward R. Petrie.
Co- B— Elias MiUer.
Wounded — Lieut. Col. E. S. Bond, and Adjutant B. F.
Thompson, both slightly.
Co. A — Lieut. Leander U. Browning, seA'erely ; First Serg.
Jesse Goble, slightly ; Jerome T. Kepler, severely ; and Wilham
Patten, John Willett and Stephen L. Blankenship, all slightly.
Co. F — Henry S. Stone, severely.
Co. D — Capt. A. A. Dunn, severely; Serg. John S. Farn
ham, severely, (by being thrown off the bridge) ; Edward
Woolever, severely.
Co. I — Jacob Bamhart, seA'erely.
Co. C — Capt. J. B. Mitchell, James E. Ayers and Benjamin
P. Scoville, all slightly.
Co. H — Lieut. Jesse NeAvman, severely, and Serg. John L.
Jennings. Co. K — John Adams and Joseph Clough.
Captured — Thomas E. Mathews and Alonzo RockefeUer of
Co. A.
Killed and mortaUy wounded — seven; Avounded — twenty;
captured — two ; total — tAventy-nine.
Milton Barton and Frederick A. Woodruff, of Co. A, were
at the time reported "missing", but it was afterwards learned
that both had been kiUed. By special direction of Gen. Cox,
Co. D, in command of Capt. Dunn, was detaUed as the provost
guard , and assigned to duty in the town ; and it was Avhile
performing this duty that Capt. Dunn was Avounded. It was
a dangerous and delicate duty, and the selection of Capt.
Dunn and his company, by the commanding general, for its
performance, was a high and deserved compliment to both.
Capt. Dunn was struck in the forehead by a piece of slieU,
—18

274 HISTORY OF THE U2TH ILLINOIS.
and the outer rim of the skull was literally broken and crush
ed in. He was carried off the field apparently dead, and after
he returned to consciousness was supposed to be mortally
Avounded; but his wonderful recuperative powers carried him
through, and in a few months he was back to the regiment
and reported himself "present for duty." He never fully re
covered from the wound, however, and died at Chicago, Illinois,
on the third day of March, 1869, by reason of it. He was a
brave and efficient officer ; strict in discipline, but kind and
attentive to the wants of his men ; and as generous and noble-
hearted as he was brave and determined.
Lieut. Col. Bond's wound proved to be more serious than
was at first anticipated, and he was compelled to resign the
command of the regiment to Capt. S. F. Otman, the senior
captain. Capt. Otman commanded the regiment during the
rest of the engagement at Franklin, and on the retreat to
Nashville, and on the two days battle of Nashville, in Decem
ber, and in the pursuit of Hood. Lieut. Col. Bond rejoined
the regiment at Clifton, on the Tennessee RiA'er, on the 14th
of January, 1865, but did not resume command until the regi
ment reached Cincinnati a few days later.
Thomas E. Mathews and Alonzo Rockefeller, who were cap
tured, had pushed forward so near the enemy's line that they
could not get out, and they climbed OArer the rebel works and
surrendered. They were sent back to Columbia on the 3d of
December, and there joined those Avho had been captured on
the river at Columbia — Lieut. Sherbondy and his squad.
They were sent south, and after being moved from place to
place, finally landed in Andersonville on the 17th of February,
1865. From Andersonville Mathews and Rockefeller, with
some others, were sent to Jacksonville, Florida, Avhere they
were paroled on the 28th of April, 1865, and sent, by way of
Annapolis, Md., to the parole camp at St. Louis, Mo., where
they Avere discharged, Avithout haA'ing been exchanged — the
collapse of the Southern Confederacy rendering an exchange
unnecessary. Since writing the foregoing the author has received a copy
of the Southern. Bivouac, containing an interesting article on
the Battle of Franklin from a Confederate stand-point, Avritten

FROM THE "SOUTHERN BIVOUAC." 275
by Major D. W. Sanders, A. A. G. of French's diAision, Stew
art's corps, of Hood's army, from which he takes the foUoAving
extract :
"General Hood resolved of his own volition to fight the bat
tle of Franklin, and made his disposition for battle with a con
fidence Avhich evinced his belief in the intrepidity of his troops.
With undaunted reliance he massed his forces and delivered
the most gallantly contested and sanguinary battle of the war,
Avhen the number of troops engaged and the duration of the
conflict are considered.
"The field of Franklin on the afternoon of November 30,
1864, presented the most imposing martial display that occur
red during the war. Eighteen brigades of infantry, with cor
responding cavalry supports (though deficient in complement
of artillery), in full view of their commanding generals, and of
each other, and also in full A'iew of the enemy occupying an
intrenched line, Avhich he is resolved to hold to the last ex
tremity, deliberately surveyed the impressive situation. Not
a cloud obscured the autumn sun, which shone upon the
beautiful plain with its gentle slopes, over which they must
pass to engage in mortal strife in the supreme effort to carry
a strongly fortified line by a most reckless and daring assault.
"At four o'clock General Hood ordered his troops to the as
sault. The right, under coAer of Guibor's artillery, moved for
ward in gallant style. * * The troops moved
on converging lines and charged the Avorks, with Brown's di
vision on the right of the Columbia turnpike, Avith French's,
Walthall's and Loring's divisions constituting the right of the
advancing line. The assault was made with the characteris
tic elan of veteran troops. Brown and Cleburne overwhelmed
Lane's and Conrad's brigades in tlieir front, while French,.
Walthall and Loring, although suffering severely from the ter
rible fire on the left of the intrenched line and the eight-gun
battel y on the north side of the Harpeth, enveloped their left
flank, enabling BroAvn and Cleburne to hurl them in a disor
ganized and routed mass on and over the center of their works,
breaking through three hundred yards of Ruger's and two
hunched yards of Reilly's intrenched line. Quick to perceiA'6
the atlvantage thus Avon, they pressed the pursuit over and

276 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
within the main works, and Gordon, penetrating with a part
of his brigade Avithin the intrenched line beyond the Carter
house, was ultiriiately captured. Gist's brigade, notwithstand
ing the locust abatis in the front, reached the intrenched line
and held it. Polk's, Govan's and Cranberry's brigades car
ried the intrenched line at and to the right of the Columbia
Pike, including the angle near the gin-house, routing the 100th
and 104th Ohio regiments. Two four-gun batteries, loaded,
Avere captured in this assault, turned on the enemy and serv
ed as long as the limited ammunition lasted. (This is a mis
take. The guns were not fired.) French's diAision, in front
of the gin-house, assaulted with indomitable bravery, and car
ried a portion of Reilly's defensive works. Sears' brigade was
torn and mutilated in the assault, and gallant Colonel Wither- '
spoon of the 36th Mississippi, lay dead on the immediate right
of the captured artillery. Cockrell, with tAvo severe wounds,
was prostrated on the field, and Colonel Gates assumed com
mand — when immediately he lost one of his arms, and was
severely wounded in the other. Thus disabled, with his arms
hanging limp, this iron soldier sat on his horse and followed
the movements of the historic Missouri brigade over a field
swept by a storm of shot, shell and musketry.
"Walthall and Loring, in the meantime, charged "heroically
the intrenched line protected by an osage-orange abatis. In
Walthall's front Casement's celebrated brigade was posted,
armed with improved repeating rifles. This portion of the in
trenched line, in addition to the formidable osage-orange abat
is, was provided with artillery supported by the heavy guns of
Fort Granger and an eight-gun battery on the north side of
Harpeth River, which delivered an effective cross and enfilad
ing fire into the assaulting lines of both Walthall and Loring.
Notwithstanding the right flank of Casement was left uncover:
ed by reason of the successful assault at the center and gin-
house, that command stood firm, and concentrated its terrible
fire on Walthall's advancing division. In truth the fire of this
line was a continuing fringe of flame because of the extraordi
nary rapidity with which their improved arms facilitated
its delivery, which wrought fearful and devastating effect on
the advancing force. Quarles fell fearfully Avounded, with aU

FROM THE "SOUTHERN BIVOUAC." 277
of his staff dead around him, his field officers killed or wound
ed, and a captain, as ranking officer, assumed command of
his brigade.
"The decimated brigades of Reynolds, Shelley and Quarles
succeeded in reaching the osage-orange abatis, and were in a
manner impaled in its fatal meshes in their gallant though
hopeless struggle to penetrate it. Shelley, however, with a
few officers and men, succeeded in reaching the ditch in front
of the works, but the impetus of the grand charge was check
ed, and the mutilated division recoiled under a fire which
neither heroism nor gallantry could overcome. Walthall had
two horses killed under him, but was furnished remounts by
the casualties in his staff, which enabled him to retire his
command in good order, an extraordinary achievement, con
sidering the fact, that in the fearful conflict between him and
Casement, never before in the history of war did a command
of the approximate strength of Casement's in as short a period
of time kill and wound as many men.
"Loring, with Featherstone's, Adams' and Scott's brigades,
simultaneously with Walthall, vigorously assaulted Henderson
in his strongly intrenched position, also protected by an osage-
orange abatis, which was defended with great courage.
"Scott was disabled by a shell early in the charge, when
Colonel Snodgrass succeeded to his command. Adams, in re
serve, leading the charge of his brigade to the left of Feather-
stone, where the space Avas open for a short distance, not pro
tected by abatis, Avas killed, horse and rider falling over the
works. "Featherstone, on the extreme right, leading his brigade
through a destructive fire of artillery and musketry, reached
the abatis, but exhausted by heavy losses, was unable to main
tain his position, and sullenly retired, leaving many gallant
officers and men in front of tlie works, among wdiom was the
heroic Col. Dyer, 3d Mississippi.
"The divisions on the right, thus repulsed, with unimpaired
morale retired in good order. To preserve morale after a severe
repulse is difficult in every instance, but in this particular in
stance, after sustaining unprecedented loss, and under such
continuous fire., with a cross and enfilading fire from heavy, ar-

278 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
tillery supports, the movement was of infinite hazard and dif
ficulty. "When the line of defense had beenbroken by the assaulting
force, and the center captured, concurring at tlie time of
French. Walthall and Loring's grand charge, Opdycke's bri
gade, in reserve in rear of Ruger's left near the Carter house,
and the 12th and 16th Kentucky and 8th Tennessee regiments,
in reserve in rear of ReUly's right, and near the gin-house, at
once rushed to the captured line, and in a fierce and bloody
combat, heroically regained the retrenched line at the Colum
bia Pike, the angle and left to the gin-house, and held it. Cox
and Stanley promptly rallied Strickland's, Lane's and Con
rad's brigades, brought them to the support of the reserves,
engaged in a hand to hand combat, on the Avorksat the cen
ter, Avhen Major General Cleburne, in the meridian splendor
of his martial fame, leading the charge of his superb division,
AA'hich had just planted their battle colors on the captured
works, was killed, in front of the 16th Kentucky, at the Co
lumbia Pike, about thirty paces from the intrenched line.
"The conflict raged with intense fury, as every msmant. in
creased the strength of the enemy and diminished that of the
assaulting force. The struggle for the possession of the works
Avas maintained Avith great stubbornness and tenacity, and the
combatants, in the fury of the bloody strife, fought with bayon
ets and clubbed muskets.
"These reserves saved the day to Schofield, and rescue! the
broken and captured center of his line with a gallantry, and
heroism reflecting honor on the uniform they wore and the
flag under which they fought.
"Brown's division held the line captured from Strickland's
brigade of Ruger's division at the locust abatii, and the strug
gle for the recovery of the works was most bloody aud pro
longed. Gist's and Gordon's brigades, with undaunted cour
age, held the Avorks they captured.
"Gist was killed. Gordon captured, and Brown, with heroic
resolution, thie ay into the vortex of battle his reserves, compos
ed of Strahl's and Carter's brigades. Fierce, bloody, and con
tinuous Avas the fight. BroAvn continued to hold the works,'
when the assaulting forces on his right Avere repulsed with ap-

FROM THE "SOUTHERN BIVOUAC." 279
palling loss. His right, although in possession of the captur
ed line, Avas subjected to a cross fire from the angle in the in
trenched line immediately Avest of the gin-house. Bates had
not connected on his left, and his left flank Avas threatened,
and likewise subjected to a cross fire. Brown maintained his
lodgement in the works, Avith both flanks uncovered, exposed
to a cross fire, AAith obstinate endurance.
"Bate's diAision, AAith Jackson's brigade on the right, Smith's
brigade on the left, Finley's brigade commanded by Colonel
Bullock, in support, near the Bostick house, encountered the
enemy's skirmishers, drove them on the main Avorks, and as
saulted Ruger's right and Kimball's left.
"Kimball's line, immediately to the right of the Carter
Creek Pike, bent back to tbe river, and as soon as Bate discov
ered its direction, he moved Bullock to the left of his advanc
ing line across the pike. * Chalmers did not
connect with Bate's left, and his flank Avas exposed to Kim
ball's fire.
"Bate assaulted the main AA'orks exposed to the heavy fire of
both artillery and infantry.
"Kimball held his line intact, and poured a destructive fire
into Bullock's flank, and also that of Smith and Jackson.
"The battery of artillery with Bate engaged the artillery lo
cated on Kimball's line. Bullock and Smith were repulsed,
but Jackson reached the Avorks and maintained his position.
"Cheatham's and SteAvart's corps, although haA'ing sustain
ed great losses, yet preserA'ed their morale, promptly reform
ed and renewed the assault. The assaulting division concen
trated their attack on the center and gin-house, and stormed
the works.
"The Federal troops received the second charge of the as
saulting forces Avith steadiness and courage, and delivered
their fire with a rapidity and destructiveness unparaUeled in
the history of modern Avarfare.
"The fire of small arms and artillery Avas so incessant as to
cause great clouds of smoke to obscure the field and complete
ly A'eil the moA'ements of the assaulting lines, except when
lifted into rifts by the flashes of musketry and artUlery, could
be seen, and only for the moment, battle flags waving and the

280 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
men in the charging lines reeling and falling to the ground fa
tally stricken, as the dense smoke settled to be lifted again
and again by rapidly successive flashes. In this second grand
assault, Cranberry, Govan and Polk stormed the intrenched
line at the pike, and attempted to capture the angle. Gran-
berry was killed in this desperate charge, and the three bri
gades repulsed with great slaughter.
"French stormed the works at the gin-house, with Seais'
and Cockrell's brigades, and was repulsed, losing in these as
saults sixty-five per cent, of his command, almost annihilat
ing his division.
" Walthall assaulted the Avorks with his diAision, and Rey
nold's, Shelley's and Quarles' brigades were likewise repulsed
and almost destroyed.
"Loring assaulted the works with his division, and Feather-
stone's, Scott's and Adams' brigades AA-ere repulsed with heavy
loss, leaving the brilliant young Colonel Ferrell, of the 15th
Mississippi, and many others, immediately under the works,
mortally Avounded.
"Brown still held the works in Ruger's line, and notwith
standing the repeated efforts of the enemy, could not be dis
lodged. Ruger constructed a hasty banicade in front of
Brown ; Strickland occupied the line behind it, and engaged
Brown at close range. Strickland was reinforced frorn Hen
derson's brigade on the left, and yet Brown could not be driv
en from the captured line. -
"Darkness ended the great conflict. The Confederate troops,
repulsed in their repeated assaults, had retired, but BroAvn's
division held the Avorks captured by it in the first grand as
sault. Brown Avas wounded, Gist and Strahl killed, Carter
mortally Avounded, and Gordon captured within the intrench
ed line.
"Immediately after dark General Hood ordered Johnson's
diAision of Lee's corps, which arrived during the action, to
assault the works to the left of the Columbia Pike. This fine
diAision, Avithout support, in dense darkness, moved gallantly
over the field, thickly strewn with the dead and Avounded, and
charged the works held by Ruger's division.
"The storm of battle was again renewed. Kimball and Rug-

FROM THE "SOUTHERN BIVOUAC. " 281
er delivered a deadly fire into Johnson, and Managault fell
severely wounded, and his brigade, with Sharpe's, Brantley's
and Dea's brigades, suffered heavily, and were repulsed. ' Af
ter this, heavy firing continued, with occasional voUeys, untU
ten o'clock. StovaU 's brigade, of Clayton's division, Lee's
corps, was moved forward on the Columbia Pike, and occu
pied the line in front of the center from which Lane and Con
rad had been driven in the commencement of the action.
"NotAvithstanding the repiUse at Franklin, attended as it
was with fearful loss of life, Hood, undismayed, resolved to
renew the attack the following morning ; and to that end is
sued orders to his corps commanders to hold theh troops in
hand, and take position in front of his artUlery and at a given
signal to assault the works at the point of the bayonet. ... Scho
field, however, evacuated Franklin at midnight and retreated
on Nashville. When the first information from his works was
received, the artUlery opened on Franklin with a heavy can
nonade. There being no response, it was then evident that
Schofield had successfuUy withdrawn his forces and retreated
to NashvUle." '¦¦
The Carter house, around which the battle raged so fiercely,
Avas occupied by an old gentleman and his two daughters.
When the battle commenced, it broke upon them so suddenly
that they could not leave the house and took refuge in the
ceUar. At early dawn the following day they Avere engaged in min
istering to the wounded of both sides, carrying Avater to those
on the field, Avhen as they climbed the parapet in the rear of
the house, where Brown's^division had so stubbornly held the
works, they found their OAvn brother (the Carter mentioned by
Major Sanders) mortally wounded, lying where he had faUen
the day before whUe bravely leading his brigade to the grand
charge — but a few yards from his father's door.

CHAPTER XXIII.
THE BATTLE OF NASHVILLE — A GREAT UNION VICTORY.
HOOD'S ARMY DEFEATED, ROUTED AND DESTROYED.
THE PURSUIT — THE 23d CORPS MARCHES TO CLIFTON, ON THE
TENNESSEE RIA'ER.
At NashA'ille Gen. Thomas placed his army on the heights
surrounding the city and awaited Hood's approach.
Cen. A. J. Smith had arrived on the first day of December
with three divisions of the 16th Corps, numbering about twelve
thousand men, and these were placed on the right of the line ;
the 4th 'Corps was placed in the center, and the 23d Corps on
the left.
On the 2nd of December the 112th Illinois and the 175th
Ohio, a neAv regiment, were moved into Fort Negley, near the
left of the line, and Col. Henderson placed in command of the
fort. The three other regiments of the brigade Avere held in
reserve in rear of the fort ; and Col. Henderson was instruct
ed to prepare for action, and hold his command well in hand
to meet any emergency that might arise. The 112th remain
ed in Fort Negley until the 15th of December.
On the 3d Hood approached the city and placed his army
in position and fortified it on a range of hills within sight of
our lines, with Lee's corps in the center, across the Franklin
Pike, Cheatham's on the right, and Stewart's corps on the
left. Forrest's caA'alry corps extended from Stewart's left to
the Cumberland River below Nashville. Hood's army, with
the addition of Forrest's cavalry, noAV numbered about forty-
five thousand men of all arms ; but he w7as endeavoring by ev-

RELATIVE STRENGTH OF THE ARMIES. 283
ery means possible to increase its numbers, by soliciting vol
unteers and by a vigorous enforcement of the Confederate con
scription laAA's. For the latter purpose, the pretended govern
or of the State, Isham G. Harris, Avas with Hood's army, a
willing tool of the Confederate general in forcing the Tennesse-
ans into his ranks, and compelling them, Avhether Avilling or
unwilling, to fight against the National Government.
Thomas' army now exceeded Hood's in numbers, but many
of them were new, just arrived at the front, and not to be de
pended upon in an encounter with the veterans of Hood's
army: The terms of enlistment of nearly fifteen thousand of
the veterans left behind by Sherman had expired, and these
had been replaced by twelve thousand new troops and a few
thousand employes of the quartermaster's department at Nash
viUe. Smith's three divisions reported eleven thousand three
hundred and forty-five men "present for duty" on the 10th of
December. The 4th Corps reported fourteen thousand one
hundred and fifteen, and the 23d Corps nine thousand seven
hundred and eighty-one "present for duty" on the same day,
making a total of thirty-five thousand five hundred and thirty-
one of these three corps. Thomas' cavalry force numbered
about six thousand mounted men, while Hood's numbered
twelve thousand, in command of the ablest cavalry- leader of
the South. Thomas concentrated fragmentary detachments
from the District of Tennessee and elseAvhere, many of them
veteran troops but new to the command and to each other.
The situation is thus aptly described in Badeau's Military
History of General Grant.
"On the 12th of NoA'ember Sherman severed connection with
the forces on the Tennessee, and from this time Thomas re
ceived his orders direct from Grant. He was now in command
of all the National troops betAveen the Mississippi and the Al
leghanies. To him from this moment was committed the de
fense not only of Tennessee, but of all the territory acquired
in the Atlanta, or even in the Chattanooga campaign.
"The same army, depleted, it is true, but still the same com
mand that had confronted Sherman so long and so valiantly,
now stood before Thomas, and threatened all at the Avest that
in a year of battle either Grant or Sherman had gained. Af-

284 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
ter Avandering hundreds of mUes, Hood at length found a base,
and raUroad communication uninterrupted in his rear, from
Corinth to Selma and MobUe. The troops beyond the Missis
sippi had been ordered to reinforce him, and the only success
ful leader of rebel cavalry, during the later years of the war,
had been placed under his command. Not only did Hood out
number Schofield, but Sherman with the pick and flower of
the army, men, horses, pontoons even, whatever he chose to
take, aU in the best state of preparation, he marched in an
other direction, and a desperate effort, it Avas evident, was
about to be made to strike at Thomas, whose fragmentary
command was stiU scattered from Missouri to East Tennes
see. The very boldness of Hood's movement was calculated
to effect the spirit of his troops. They knew, if defeated, that
no other army remained or could be coUected at the west in
defence of their cause. They were to meet theh old enemy.
The eyes of the South AAere upon them, the rebel President
himself had journeyed from Richmond to incite them. Sher
man had left them an open door, and they were about to re
claim the soil upon Avhich many of them had been bom. Had
Hood attacked Thomas before Schofield arrived, the result
must have been disastrous to the National cause. But For
rest had not returned from West Tennessee, and the rebel chief
had lost some of the ardor Avhich characterized the assaults
befoie Atlanla. If his strategy Avas still bold, his tactics were
certainly tamer. He lingered around Florence when every
hour's delay Avas of incalculable advantage to his adversary,
and for twenty days, at this crisis of his fortune, he neither
foUowed Sherman nor assaulted Schofield."
But Hood noAV confronted Thomas, and the latter was strain
ing every nerve to complete his preparations for an attack.
No one feared an attack by Hood. Even the private soldiers
understood that there was no danger of an attack, and laugh
ed at the idea of the Confederate army assaulting theh Unes.
While at NashviUe the 120th and 128th Indiana regiments
were transferred from the 3d Brigade and their places in the
brigade filled by the 140th Indiana,— a neAv regiment, but a
good one — in command of Col. Thomas J. Brady.
Gen. Thomas Avas determined not to attack Hood untU his

STATE OF THE WEATHER AND ROADS. 285
preparations to follow up a victory had been fully completed.
One-half his cavalry force was dismounted.'" He lacked artil
lery horses, and mules for the transportation of supplies. In
fact his army was sadly deficient of the means of an active
pursuit of the enemy ; and trains and animals had to be sup
plied. This required time ; but by the 8th of December all
was ready. Orders were issued on the 6th to be prepared for
action on the 8th, and the plan of battle was agreed upon by
Gen. Thomas and his corps commanders.
But on the night of the 7th the weather, which had been
warm and pleasant for a week past, suddenly changed, and
the morning of the 8th opened with a driving storm of rain and
sleet. The cold increased during the day, and before night
the hills were covered with snow. This was followed by rain,
and another sudden change converted the water to ice, and
the hills were so slippery that it was extremely difficult to
climb them in the performance of the usual camp duties.
This kind of weather continued nearly a week — the alterna
tions of rain and frost covering the hills with a thick coat of
ice over which it was impossible to move troops.
The President, the Secretary of War and General Grant, all
became impatient at the delay ; but those who were at Nash
ville at that time know that no movement of the army could
have been made over the icy hill-slopes between the 8th and
14th of December.
On the 14th a warm rain melted the ice, and orders were at
once issued to be ready for action early the next morning.
At day-break on the 15th, the 112th Illinois, in command of
Capt. S. F. Otman, moved out of Fort Negley and joined the
brigade. The 23d Corps was relieved by a provisional division
under Gen. Steadman — made up of detachments belonging to
the several corps with Sherman, which had been unable to
join their commands — and moved to a position in rear of the
4th Corps to strengthen and extend the attack on the right —
constituting the reserve. The ground was muddy and the
movements necessarily slow, but a dense fog concealed from
the enemy the disposition of Thomas' troops and gave him
time to move them into the desired positions without being
discovered.

286 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Gen. Steadman moved forward under cover of the fog, very
early in the morning, and made a vigorous attack on Hood's
right, and AvhUe this was in progress, the center and right of
Thomas' line moved forward and opened the attack along the
whole line.
A detailed account of the Battle of Nashville will not be at
tempted. It is familiar to those who participated in it, and
those who did not can consult other more elaborate works.
The 23d Corps moved to the right and operated against the
enemy's left flank, Henderson's brigade, of the 3d DiAision, in
temporary command of Col. Stiles, Col. Henderson being ab
sent, sick, supporting the cavalry on the extreme right. At
the end of the first day Hood's army had been driven tAvo
miles, with the loss of sixteen pieces of artiUery and tAvelve
hundred prisoners, besides many killed and wounded : while
the casualties in the 4th and 16th corps were only about three
hundred and fifty each, and only one hundred and fifty in the
23d Corps. The troops rested on their arms on the night of
the 15th, ready and willing to renew the conflict the next
morning. At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 16th the movements of
the previous evening Avere continued. The line Avas moved for
ward and occupied a position parallel to the enemy's lines,
and a heaA'y line of skirmishers was adA'anced close to their
Avorks. Col. Stiles, Avith the 3d Brigade, left his position in sup
port of the cavalry on the'extreme right, and marched further
south, and then turning to the east pushed forward upon a
wooded hill on the extension of the line of the division, and
thence Avas ordered to keep pace AAith the advance of the dis
mounted cavalry, and attack Avith the rest of the line Avhen it
should go forward. A little after noon the cavalry and the
brigade formed a continuous line around the enemy's left flank,
and the cavalry were advancing from the south, gaining one
hill after another and doubling up the extreme left of Hood's
army. About 3 o'clock the signal was given to advance the whole
line, and with a cheer the men rushed forward. The center
Avas broken, and at the same time both flanks of the enemy's
line were doubled up, and his men broke and ran like a tiock

In pursuit OF HOOD. 287
of sheep. Many of them were killed and wounded and a large
number captured. Hood's grand army of veterans was de
feated, routed, in a panic-stricken and demoralized condition,
the men abandoning their organizations, and streaming over
the Brentwood Hills to the Franklin Pike, and thence on to
ward the Harpeth River.
The victory was complete ; but, unfortunately, night was
falling, and a drenching rain set in to add to the darkness, and
the pursuit had to be abandoned until daylight.
Early on the morning of the 17th the Union cavalry were in
hot pursuit of the retreating Confederates, followed as rapidly
as possible by the infantry and artillery ; but the roads were
in a horrible condition, cut up by the Confederate trains and
artillery, and consequently the movements of the Union infan
try were slow. The 23d Corps moved at 9 o'clock, having
waited until that time for other troops to move out of the way,
and then proceeded on the Franklin Pike — the 3d Division in
the rear of the train — and marched to Brentwood and there
bivouacked for the night.
On the 18th the Corps moved to within tAvo miles of Frank-..
lin and halted for the night. The roads were blockaded -with
trains. The rain continued to pour in torrents, softening the
ground and pikes, and the macadamized turnpikes, cut
through by the heavy wagons, became next to impassable,
while the mud roads were simply bottomless quagmires. On
the 19th the 23d Corps, which was in rear, crossed the Har
peth River and camped near Franklin. The advance was al
ready beyond Columbia, pressing Hood's rear guard, and cap
turing many prisoners. Hood destroyed his ammunition, and
abandoned the ' wagons, and doubled teams on his pontoon
trains, and pushing them .forward, succeeded in crossing the
Tennessee, and by the 27th his shattered forces were on the
south bank of the river.
Hood's loss in the battle of Nashville was not great in killed
and wounded, but he lost heavily in prisoners, and in artillery
and small arms. ' About five thousand prisoners were captur
ed, among them four generals and a large number of general
and regimental officers commanding brigades, fifty-three piec
es of artillery, and a great number of small arms. In the

288 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
pursuit many more prisoners and pieces of artiUery were cap
tured, and hundreds of his men deserted and returned to their
homes. Among the prisoners was a general officer who was forced
to surrender to a "  nigger" under peculiar circumstances,
and much against his will. A colored regiment on Thomas'
left was in the advance on the afternoon of the 16th, and,
when Hood's line broke, gathered in many prisoners. A col
ored sergeant called upon this officer, who was mounted, to
surrender. The fiery Southron replied that he would never
surrender to a"  nigger," but if they would send for a
white man, he would surrender to him. Quick as lightning
the sergeant's gun went to his shoulder, and covering the
haughty Confederate, he replied, "Can't help it massa ; no
time to send for white man now ; come down." The ominous
click of the sergeant's gun convinced the Confederate officer
that the "  nigger" would not be trifled with, and he "came
down," and was sent to the rear in charge of a colored guard.
When Hood assembled his army at Tupelo, Miss., at the
end of the month he could muster scarcely fifteen thousand ef
fective muskets. His army was scattered and demoralized,
and had lost the character of a disciplined army, and at his
own request, he was relieved of its command. The 23d Corps
met some of the fragments of his army in North Carolina, the
following spring, but as an organization the Confederate Army
of the Tennessee was dead beyond resurrection.
The Union losses at Nashville were less than four hundred
killed, and about twenty-six hundred wounded, a great major
ity of the latter only slightly. Among the latter were Serg.
Edward P. Wright and Serg. WUliam 0. Shurtleff, both of Co.
G, of the 112th Illinois, the only casualties in the regiment.
The truth is, there was no hard fighting at NashvUle.
Hood's army was whipped at Franklin. Its back bone was
broken ; his men were discouraged, and at Nashville there was
no fight in them. When the final charge was made on his
lines, on the 16th, it was crushed as easUy as an egg-shell.
Hood's corps commanders counselled him to retreat south
ward, after the battle of Franklin, instead of advancing upon
NashvUle ; but the rash and impetuous general declined their

HOOD RETIRES IN DISGRACE. 289
advice and rushed forward to certain destruction. He had
entered upon the campaign Avith a grand flourish of trumpets,
and in numerous manifestoes, replete with southern braggado
cio, had announced his intention of marching to the Ohio, and
if Sherman should lay waste the plantations of Georgia and
the Carolinas, he Avould lay Avaste the fertile fields of Southern
Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and compel northern cities to pay
tribute to his victorious army. But it was only a dream, and
he now awoke to the sad reality that he had sacrificed the only
army of the Confederacy in the west, in the vain attempt to
restore the falling fortunes of rebeldom ; and he retired in dis
grace from the command of an army unsurpassed in braA^ery,
unexcelled in endurance and not exceeded in enthusiasm,
which his OAvn folly and rashness had led to the verge of com
plete annihilation.
If, instead of retreating to Nashville, after the battle of
Franklin, Schofield had moved Wood's division to the south
side of the Harpeth, in the night of November 30th, and had
made a bold and vigorous attack upon Hood's sore and bleed
ing army, on the morning of December 1st, the battle of Nash
ville would never have been fought ; Hood's army would have
been as completely crushed and routed as it subsequently was
at NashviUe.
The defeat of Hood's army virtually ended the war in the
west. It was the same army, its ranks depleted by the cas
ualties of war, which Sherman had been fighting all summer ;
which had successfully resisted a direct advance upon its in
trenched lines and compelled Sherman to "flank" its chosen
position ; which had repulsed many an assault, and which had
tried the mettle and the courage of Sherman's soldiers upon
many a well-fought battle-field ; and yet a so-called history of
the United States disposes of this entire campaign in the fol
lowing manner :
"The capture of Atlanta had effected only a part of the ob
ject of the campaign, for Hood's army, still nearly forty thous
and strong, had escaped, and although Sherman had nearly
twice as many he thought it useless to pursue. He therefore
resolved to convert Atlanta into a purely military post, and or
dered all the inhabitants to leave the town. Hood lingered in
—19

290 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
the neighborhood until the close of September, when he set
out upon his fatal expedition to Tennessee ; the original pur
pose being to destroy the railroads by which the Federal army
was supplied. Sherman anticipated the movement, and sharp
fighting took place about Allatoona. Hood pressed on until
he reached Resaca about the middle of October. Thence he
moved towards NashA'ille by a wide circuit. Thomas had al
ready been sent there. Hood appeared before Nashville early
in December. On the 19th he was attacked by Thomas.
Fierce fighting ensued, lasting two days, ending in the total
rout of the Confederates."
(Bryant's Popular History of the United States, Vol. 4, page
583. — In justice to Bryant, however, it is proper to state that
this volume was written by others after his death.)
That is all. The movement from Columbia, the assault up
on Spring Hill, the battle of Franklin — one of the most des
perate and bloody encounters of the war ; all these are com
pletely ignored ; and the battle of Nashville, in Avhich Hood's
army received its death Woav, is disposed of in less than half
a dozen lines.
In the same volume a page and a half is devoted to a
skirmish in Virginia, in which the whole number of men en
gaged was less than the number of killed and Avounded at
Franklin. So much for the truth and impartiality of history.
The beautiful village of Franklin presented an appalling
spectacle on our return there on the 19th of December.
Churches, school buildings, public halls, stores, shops- -even
blacksmith shops — many of the dwelling houses — eA'ery avail
able room had been converted into a hospital, and all were
filled to overflowing with wounded men ; and Union and Con
federate surgeons labored harmoniously together to alleviats
their terrible sufferings. It was a sight never to be forgotten
— the dark, dark side of war. Many of our oavii wounded were
there, who had been left behind on the 30th of November, but
nearly all were Confederates — the same men who, in the pride
and flush of manhood, had swept forward over the level plains
in front of Franklin m grand battle array, on that bright No
vember day, to assault our lines — now groaning with pain,
some gasping in death, and many of those avIio survived crip-

AT SPRING HILL. 291
pled for life ; and the -newly made graves gave evidence that
hundreds and hundreds of their comrades had already been
buried upon the field where they fell. Well might our Great
Commander exclaim, "Let us have peace."
"0 war ! thou son of hell,
Whom angry heavens do make their Ministers."
On the 20th of December the 23d Corps moved at 8 o'clock
in the morning, and marched to Spring Hill. It Avas a cold
rainy day. The pikes Avere a bed of mortar, being cut up by
heavy trains, and it was a wearisome and difficult march. As
the corps trains were in the rear, the command went into biv
ouac and passed an uncomfortable night.
It continued to rain and snow on "the 21st and 22nd, and
was very cold. Remained at Spring Hill waiting for the sup
ply trains, as the men were Without rations. In the afternoon
of the 21st the regimental wagons came up, and the officers df
the command pitched their tents — having passed the previous
night without shelter — and were now on an equal footing with
the men, who carried their tents upon their backs and were
never caught in a storm without shelter.
On the 23d the corps marched down to Duck River, near
Columbia, and went into camp, where it remained until the
26th, when it crossed the river and camped on the Pulaski
Pike, one mile south of Columbia.
Another Christmas had overtaken us, and the war was not
yet ended. But rapid strides had been made during the year
and in the dim distance the "boys" could see the beginning of
the end, and they were much happier than one year before.
Many camp stools were vacant as they gathered around the
camp fires on this sacred holiday, to talk of friends and by
gone Christmas festivals at home ; and many an unbidden tear
trickled down tlieir brown and rugged tapes as they referred to
the places made vacant in their ranks since the last Christ
mas. The '23d Corps remained in camp at Columbia until the 2nd
day of January, 1865, when orders were received to proceed at
once to Clifton, on the Tennessee River, *and there take trans
ports up the river, and join Gen. Smith, with the 16th Corps,

292 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
and Gen. Wilson, with the cavalry, at Eastport, Mississippi.
The 4th Corps was ordered to HuntsviUe, Alabama.
At 8 o'clock on the 2nd the corps moved over to the Mt.
Pleasant Pike and marched twelve miles, in a cold drizzly rain
storm, the mud nearly knee deep, and camped tAvo miles be
low Mt. Pleasant. Moved at daylight on the 3d, and leaving
the pike, the 3d Division marched thirteen miles over the
hills, on a mud road, to Newburg, and camped for the night.
Remained in camp until noon on the 4th, waiting for the
supply train. . Marched at 12 o'clock, the 112th Illinois in ad
vance. The road followed along the course of raA'ines and
beds of creeks. Crossed Bryner's Creek a dozen or more times
during the afternoon, over which temporary bridges were has
tily constructed of logs and rails for the men to cross on. At
dark struck Rockhouse Creek, and followed along its course,
first on one side and then the other, in the narroAV raA'ine
through which it ran, and as it was too dark to see to build
bridges, the men waded it at every crossing, some half dozen.
The water was from one foot to two feet deep. At 8 o'clock in
the evening the command reached Buffalo Creek, a wide
stream about four feet deep. There was no bridge, and but
one way to cross. With cheers and shouts the men plunged
in and waded it. It was a cold bath ; but in the valley on the
other side were several stacks of hay and plenty of dry rails,
and it was not long until great fires were burning, and after
drying themselves the men made comfortable beds of hav and
lay down to rest. Gen. Cox personally rode along the lines as
the regiments were going into camp, and informed the men
that there were plenty of rails and hay near by, and directed
them to build good fires and make themselves comfortable beds.
Marched at 8 o'clock on the 5th. The roads were horrible.
Reached Waynesboro at dark, having made fifteen miles, and
camped for the night. The 6th was a cold rainy day, but the
command moved at 7 o'clock and marched fifteen miles, to
Clifton, on the Tennessee River, and went into camp.
The corps remained at Clifton, waiting for transports, until
the 16th of January. On the 14th, however, orders were re
ceived transferring the corps to other fields on the sea coast,
and it moved down instead of up the river.

CHAPTER XXIV.
A NEW BASE OF OPERATIONS — TRANSFERRED TO NORTH CAROLINA.
THE JOURNEY TO THE EAST — AT SEA IN A STORM.
LAND AT FORT FISHER.
Sherman moved from Savannah on his march through the
Carolinas about the middle of January, 1865. Gen. Terry
captured Fort Fisher, at the mouth of the Cape P'ear RiA'er,
in North Carolina, about the same time. And Gen. Schofield
was now ordered to proceed with his corps to the North Caro
lina coast, and, with his own and Terry's 10th Corps, to cap
ture Wilmington, and then advance upon two lines from Wil
mington and Newbern to Goldsboro, where it was expected
Sherman would join him ; a*nd from that point, Avith two bases
of communication already established, Sherman could push
his operations north or west, as the exigencies of war should
require. The supreme military genius of Grant planned the
campaign, and it was executed by his faithful lieuten
ants, months afterwards, with such exactness that there was
hardly a day's difference between the entry of Schofield's ar
my and Sherman's army into Goldsboro.
At 8 o'clock in the evening of the 10th the corps moved down
to the river and embarked on transports. The fleet consisted
of twenty five steamers guarded by two" gunboats.
Col. Stiles, still commanding the brigade, with his staff and
orderlies, and the 112th Illinois, occupied the steamer "Clara
Poe," and the 63d and 140th Indiana regiments the "Minne
haha." The troops were loaded duiing the night, and at 6 :30 on the
morning of the 17th the fleet moved from the landing and

294 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
steamed down the river. Arrived at Paducah at 3 o'clock on
the morning of the 18th and at 7 o'clock steamed into the Ohio.
The steamer landed at New Liberty, Illinois, for wood ; and
many of the men went ashore "to tread upon Illinois soil once
more." As the steamer swung off into the river again they
gave three cheers for our own Illinois. Arrived at Evansville,
Indiana, at 7 o'clock on the morning of the 19th, where we left
a mail. Reached Lousiville at 2 o'clock in the afternoon and
passed through the locks, — and thence continued up the river
to Cincinnati, Ohio, where we arrived at 1 :30 in the afternoon
of the 21st of January. Here the command drew rations ; and
at 8 o'clock in the evening embarked on box cars. At 9 o'clock
the trains pulled out and arrived at Columbus at 10 o'clock on
the morning of the 22d — Sunday. Here the troops changed
cars and obtained coffee and breakfast.
At 1 o'clock moved from Columbus and ran without change
to Bellair on the Ohio river, arriving there at 6 o'clock on the
morning of the 23d. Crossed the river, by ferry, to Benwood,
West Virginia, and breakfasted, and at 10:30 again took cars
on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and at noon moved eats.
The weather was extremely cold ; and the change from South
ern Tennessee to a northern latitude told severely on the men.
The cars were ordinary freight cars, and of course had no
stoves. Necessity is frequently the cause of mischief, as Avell
as the mother of invention. At Piedmont, in West Virginia,
our train met a Avest bound freight train. The trains stopped
but a few moments, but long enough for some of the boys of
Co. A, of the 112th Illinois, to confiscate a stove and its pipe
in a box car on the freight train, -and transfer it, unobserved,
to their car. Philip J. Wintz got a Avrench and loosened the
nuts on the bolts that held the stove to the floor, and- others
stood ready to assist in removing it. In the meantime others
were obtaining fuel. As soon as the train Avas under Avay a
stove-pipe hole was cut through the car roof and a fire built.
It is not knoAvn Avhat Avas said by the conductor and brakes
men ofthe freight train when they discovered, their loss. If
they consigned the boys to a warm place, it was no more than
they deserved, and had already 'obtained. Such enterprise en
titled them to -a, fire, and they had it.

AT ALEXANDRIA AND WASHINGTON. 295
Our train arrived at Cumberland, Md., at 5 o'clock in the
afternoon of the same day ; and at Harper's Ferry at 5 o'clock
in the morning of the 25th, and at noon reached Washington
Junction. From this point our train Avas delayed by passen
ger trains occupying the track. Arrived in Washington at 7
o'clock in the evening, where the train halted an hour, and
then moved across the Potomac River and down to Alexand
ria, Va., — having traveled fourteen hundred miles since leav
ing Clifton. The 112th Illinois obtained quarters at the "Sol
diers' Rest." Lieut. Col. Bond and the Adjutant, of the 112th,
lodged at the Marshall House — made historic on account of
the tragic assassination of Col. Ellsworth Avithin its walls, by
the proprietor of the house, in 1861.
But one serious accident happened to the regiment on the
journey. John Johnson, of Co. H, Avas run over by a railroad
car in Washington, on the evening of the 25th, and had his
right arm taken off. He was taken to the hospital, Avhere he
died on the 16th of February from the effects of the injury.
While at Alexandria passes were granted liberally, and the
men improved the opportunity to visit Washington. Large
squads visited the city daily, and probably every man in the
regiment spent at least one clay in the capital.
A large mail had followed the corps to Washington ; but
the corps postmaster had neglected to inform the postmaster
at Washington of the whereabouts of the corps, and the mail
had been sent back to Nashville. This exasperated the men
when they heard of it, and curses loud and deep were heaped
upon the head of the corps postmaster for his neflect of duty.
Next to rations, a soldier's mail is most necessary for his
welfare. The people at home hardly realized the actual ne
cessity of AA'riting frequently to their relatives and friends in
the army. Give a soldier his rations and frequent letters from
home, and he will defy hardships, disease, homesickness, and
will be jolly, contented and ready and Avilling for duty. Cut
off his mail, and he becomes morose, sullen, homesick, and
this induces actual sickness ; and he goes to the hospital, and
perhaps dies. Many a poor fellow lies buried in southern hos
pital cemeteries Avhose disease and death can be traced to the
neglect and carelessness of his friends at home in not Avriting

296 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
to him. It may have been a weakness ; but many brave men
who feared neither southern bullets nor the southern climate
succumbed to this AAeakness. They could stand fire, but not
neglect. Col. Henderson had been compelled to relinquish his com
mand while at NashvUle, and go north on account of ill health.
He Avas in fact too ill to be on duty from the time the army
left -Pulaski until it reached NasliAille, but he refused to leave
his command Avhile it Avas being pressed by the enemy. He
arrived at Alexandria on the 29th of January, and at once re
sumed command of the brigade. He had been recommended
for promotion to Brigadier General of Volunteers for gallant
conduct upon the Atlanta campaign and at the battle of Frank
lin, by both General Cox and General Schofield, but as there
Avere no vacancies in that grade, President Lincoln nominat
ed him Brigadier General, by breA'et, on the 6th of January,
and he was confirmed by the Senate and entered upon the du
ties of the office ; but by some mistake his commission was not
issued until after the death of President Lincoln, and Avas sign
ed by President Johnson.
By the first of February the 23d Corps was ready to moA'e
south ; but the extreme cold weather had frozen the Potomac,
and boats could not run until the river was clear of ice.
Gen. Schofield visited Gen. Grant at Fortress Monroe, and
together they went to Fort F isher, at the mouth of Cape Fear
River, to consult AAith Gen. Terry and Admiral Porter, in com
mand of the naval forces, with regard to future operations.
A new department Avas created, designated as the Depart
ment of North Carolina, and Gen. Schofield assigned to its
command. Gen. Cox was placed in command of the 23d Corps,
and Gen. Reilly commanded the 3d Division. Gen. Reilly
left the service near the close of the Avar, and after that time
the division was commanded by Gen. S. P. Carter. The corps
was reorganized, and the 1st Division reconstructed, in com
mand of Brig. Gen. Ruger.
Gen. Schofield returned to Alexandria, and the ice having
broken up, he embarked, Avith Cox's division, on the 4th of
February, leaA'ing the other divisions to follow as soon as
transportation could be obtained. Gen. Schofield and his

ARRIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA. 297
staff, Gen. Cox and his staff, and Gen. Henderson with his
brigade went aboard the steamship Atlantic. The brigade
Avent aboard late in the afternoon of the 3d, and at 8 o'clock
on the morning of the 4th the steamship swung from the pier
and steamed down the Potomac. Passed Mount Vernon in
the afternoon, and at dark the fleet anchored at Kettel's Shoals,
near Matthew's Point, and lay by during the night. Got un
der Avay at 7 o'clock the next morning, steamed down Chesa
peake Bay and reached Fortress Monroe at 7 o'clock in the ev
ening, where a mail was left and ammunition taken on. Got
under Avay again at 3 o'clock in the morning of the 6th, and
under full sail and steam steered toward Cape Hatteras. The
ship rolled and pitched tremendously, and many of the men
Avere very sea-sick. A dense fog covered the sea, and nothing
could be seen. It was a new experience to many of our west
ern "land-lubbers," but they stood it bravely.
We arrived opposite the month of Cape Fear River on the
morning of the 7th, but by reason of the dense fog and high
sea could not make a landing, and stood out to sea until five
o'clock in the evening, when the ship ran in toward the shore
and anchored. At 8 o'clock the next morning the troops com
menced landing. A small steamer ran out, and the men were
roAved from the steamship to the steamer in small boats , and
the steamer carried them to the landing on Federal Point. The
140th Indiana regiment was the first to land and the 112th Il
linois the last, but by 9 o'clock in the evening all were landed,
and the brigade moved up through Fort Fisher and bivouack
ed about two miles above the fort.
Fort Fisher was battered and broken, the effect of the re-
,eent bombardment, and its interior and the sandy beach in
front were covered with great shells, strewn so thickly that
one could walk on them.
The whole cape was a vast body of white sand, with no trees
or shrubs to break the monotonous landscape. The gunboats
lay off the coast and in the mouth of the Cape Fear River, and
threw frequent shells into the rebel lines. The continuous
roar of the sea, as the huge Avaves rolled in upon the sandy
shore, Avas new music to our Avestern ears, and amid these neAv

298 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
surroundings the men spread their blankets upon the sand
and lay cIoavii to sleep.
The" 3d DiAision remained in its position on Federal Point
until the 9th of February, waiting for tents and camp equipage
to be landed, and for the men to recover from the effects of
sea-sickness, incident to the voyage around Cape Hatteras.
The weather was cold, and the sea breezes cut to the mar
row, but in the afternoon of the 10th the tents were brought
up and pitched, and all were made as comfortable as the cir
cumstances Avould permit.
The horses of the division had been shipped on the steamer
"Nereus," a much smaller A'essel than the Atlantic, and consid
erable anxiety had been felt for its safety. It weathered the
storm, hoAvever, though with the loss of a number of horses,
and in the afternoon of the 10th came steaminginto the harbor.
The Cape Fear River, for several miles near its mouth, runs
nearly parallel Avith the coast. Between the river and the sea
coast is a sandy tongue called Federal Point. Fort Fisher Avas
situated near the southern point of this narrow tongue. Myr
tle Sound is a long, narrow, shallow bay, extending from a
point about two miles north of Fort Fisher to Masonboro In
let, several miles further north, where it connects with the sea.
It is nearly parallel to the coast, and only a few hundred yards
away from it, and the land between the sound and coast, is a
mere key of sand. Federal Point, from Fort Fisher north to
Myrtle Sound, is not more than half a mile Avide — the broad
Atlantic on the east and the Cape Fear River on the west— a
barren, desolate strip of sand.
The Confederate forces, in command of Gen. Hoke, Avere in
trenched about two miles north of the southern end of Myrtle
Sound, on a line extending from the Avest side of the sound
Avest to the Cape Fear River. Nearly opposite the right of
Hoke's line, on the Avest side of the river, on a projecting point
commanding the approaches up the river, was a strong fort,
called Fort Anderson, containing several heavy guns and a
considerable force of Confederate soldiers, and from this point
the river Avas planted with torpedoes to prevent the passage
of the fleet up the river.

CHAPTER XXV.
THE CAMPAIGN IN NORTH CAROLINA — CAPTURE OF FORT ANDERSON.
THE FALL OF WILMINGTON — THE MARCH TO GOLDSBORO.
REUNITED WITH SHERMAN'S ARMY.
PREPARATIONS FOR A FINAL CAMPAIGN — BEGINNING OF THE END.
At 8 o'clock on the morning of the 11th of February Gen.
Cox moved his division about a mile up the cape and relieved
Gen. Terry's reserves in his second line of works, and the lat
ter were moved forward to reinforce his first line. Terry then
advanced his line, drove in the enemy's skirmishers, and gain
ed and held a position close up to the enemy's line of intrench
ments. At the same time the naA^y opened fire upon the enemy's po
sition; and the gunboats and monitors on the river opened on
Fort Anderson, but without eliciting a reply.
At noon the gun-boats advanced to a position near the fort,
when the latter opened a vigorous fire with solid shot, and they
were compelled to retire ; but a little monitor ran close up to
the fort and poured shot and shell into it with a vigor that
elicited cheers from the infantry. The fort replied Avith its
heavy guns at short range, but the monitor held its own untU
ordered to retire.
There Avere some colored troops in Terry's corps, and in ad
vancing his lines one of his colored soldiers captured a prison
er, Avho proved to be the negro's former owner. As'the color
ed soldier, in his blue uniform — an emblem of his freedom —
with bayonet fixed and gun at right shoulder shift, marched
proudly to the rear in charge of his prisoner, his black face
fairly glistened with delight, and as he passed through our
lines he exclaimed, "I'se got 'im boys— I done got im." "Got

300 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Avho :*" inquired some one. "I'se got my old massa, boys. I
tuk im in, I did. He's my prisoner, ole massa is." "Yes"
said the prisoner. "Sam has the advantage of me just now."
And ex-master and slave passed to the rear, the face of each
reflecting his feelings beyond the power of words to express or
pen to describe.
At two o'clock in the afternoon of the 12th (Sunday) Gen.
Cox's division of the 23d Corps, and Gen. Ames' division of the
10th (Gen. Terry's) Corps received orders to be ready to moA'e
at dark Avith three days rations and seventy rounds of cartridg
es per man, on a secret night expedition.
The object of the expedition Avas to lay a pontoon bridge
across Myrtle Sound at a narroAV place above Hoke's position,
and cross the sound and gain a position in his rear. The
navy was to convey the boats up the coast and land them at
the designated rendezvous, where the infantry was to receive
them, and drag them across the sands to the sound, and lay
the bridge. The divisions moved out a little after dark and
marched doAvn to the beach, and, keeping near the water's
edge, proceeded up the coast about four miles to the designat
ed point. The Avlnd blew a gale from the north east, and the
sea ran so high that the boats could not be landed. The Aveath
er was intensely cold, the night very dark, and as the men
were loaded doAvn Avith extra rations and ammunition, the
march in the soft sand was extremely tiresome. The infantry
returned to its former position, and at midnight Avent into
camp, Avearyand cold.
On the night of the 14th another attempt was made to lay
the pontoons across the sound. The command moA-ed at 7
o'clock, each man loaded Avith three days rations and seventy
rounds of ammunition, and proceeded to the same place as be
fore. This time the pontoons were loaded upon wagons and
an effort made to haul them forward along the beach ; but it
was found almost impossible to do so, on account of the high
tide and surf. When it Avas not washed by the sea, the sand
was too deep and soft for the teams ; and nearer the water, the
sea washed them off their feet. They made slow progress ;
and before the teams had reached half Avay to the ren
dezvous, the moon rose and revealed the troops and naval

AROUND FORT ANDERSON. <*01
squadron to the enemy, and again the expedition was aban
doned and the men returned to their quarters, reaching camp
about 3 o'clock on the morning of the 15th.
A severe storm swept tho coast on tbe 151 li, commencing at
6 o'clock in the morning and continuing until afternoon. The,
wind blew furiously from the south of east, and the rain fell
in torrents. Tents were blown clown, and for a time it seemed
as if the whole camp would bo blown into the river, but the
storm ceased as suddenly as it had commenced, and the af
ternoon was warm and pleasant. At 9 o'clock in the evening
orders were received at division headquarters to bo ready to
move at 7 o'clock the following morning. Tho next day Gen.
Cox's division and Gen. Amos' division moved down to the ex
treme southern point of the cape, and were ferried across to
Smithville, on the right bank of Cape Fear River. Here they
were joined by Col. Moore's brigade of the.2nd Division of tho
23d Corps, Avhich had just landed ; and Gen. Cox was directed
to take command of the whole force, and advance upon Fort
Anderson and capture or turn it. The command camped on
the night of the 16th half a mile above Smithville.
Cox's division and Moore's brigade marched at 9 o'clock on
the 17th, the 112th Illinois in the advance, with companies A,
F, D and I deployed as skirmishers. At Governor's Creek,
three miles above Smithville, the enemy's cavalry wore met
and pressed back, by a continuous skirmish, to within two
miles of the fort. A line was established, Henderson's brigade
on the right, its right Hank near the river, and communication
opened with the navy, which was cooperating with the land
forces. The only casualty in the 112th was James A. Chase,
of Co. D, slightly wounded on the skirmish line. The distance
marched during the day was ten miles, through a country nev
er before invaded by Union troops. The people had never
seen any Union soldiers; and as the command marched along
tho road, the negroes, old and young, men, women and chil
dren, some as black as tar, others scarcely brown, and a few
as white a.s their masters, came running out from the planta
tions, singing and shouting with joy and thanksgiving at the
presence of "Massa, Linkin's sogers." Some of thorn kneeled
upon the ground and offered up their simple prayers of praise

302 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
and thanksgiving to Him who is the God of the slave as AveU
as of the master : others roUed in the dust and gave vent to
theh feehngs in wild yells of delight; whUe the younger por
tion of them ran and kicked and jumped about like a lot of
young colts : and some of the women actually rushed into the
ranks and Avanted to embrace and kiss some of "Massa Lin-
kin's sogers." It was both an affecting and a laughable scene
— a prayer meeting and a circus combined — the sublime and
the ridiculous in one act.
The negroes were as ignorant as cattle ; they had never seen
a Union soldier ; yet, instinctively perhaps, they knew that the
presence of the boys in blue meant freedom to them. Theh
days of slavery were ended ; they knew not how nor Avhy : they
did not care ; it was enough for them to knoAv that the "clay of
jubUee" had come, without asking or caring for the cause.
They were supremely happy — happier in anticipation of future
freedom than they have been in its realization.
At 8 o'clock on the morning of the 18th the command again
advanced, in line of battle, skirmishing sharply with the ene
my, and driving them within the fortifications. A position
was gained within half a mUe of the fort, and Gen. Hender
son's and Col. Moore's brigades intrenched, the right of the
former restmg on the river, to invest the fort on that side ;
whUe Gen. Cox, with the 1st and 2nd brigades of his division,
made a detour to the left to turn the position. A hne of trench
es, protected by abattis, ran at right angles from the fort to
the foot of Orton's Pond, a lake several mfles in length ; and
sending orders to Gen. Ames to foUow him with his division,
Gen. Cox marched Avith his two brigades fifteen nriles around
and to the head of the pond. In the meantime the two brig
ades in position kept up active demonstrations upon the fort,
and the navy continued to cannonade it during the day, and
at intervals during the following night.
Corporal James Stitt, of Co. D, 112th IUmois, was wounded
in the advance upon Fort Anderson on the 18th — the only cas
ualty in the regiment. A musket baU struck his watch, pass
ed through both cases, then dropped down and passed through
the groin. The watch saved his life. It was a narrow escape.
Corporal Stitt has never regretted the loss of his watch, how-

WAS THERE FOR BUSINESS. 303"
ever. He still has the bullet, Avhich he has preserved as a sou
venir of the war, and as a reminder of his ''close call."
The men of Henderson's and Moore's brigades lay on their
arms the night of the 18th, under orders to make a bold dem
onstration upon the fort at daylight on the foUoAving morning,
Avhile Gen. Cox, at the same time, moved rapidly upon the en
emy's flank, to turn the position.
Gen. Schofield's headquarters were on a small steamer on
the river, where he could communicate Avith greater facility
with either Cox or Terry ; and after Gen. Cox had commenced
his movement toAvards the head of Orton's Pond, Schofield
recognized Gen. Henderson as being in command of the two
remaining brigades, and directed his orders to him accordingly.
A. strong skirmish line was detailed from Henderson's bri
gade, and posted in position by Capt. S. F. Otman, Brigade
Inspector General, in command of Major Wilcox of the 63d
Indiana ; and, under instructions from Gen. Schofield, Gen.
Henderson directed Major Wilcox to be watchfal and vigilant
— as it was feared the enemy might attempt to evade Cox by
making a sortie upon Henderson's line, and endeavror to break
through and make their escape down the coast.
But now a new question arose. Col. Moore claimed that his
commission as colonel ante-dated Henderson's, and that con
sequently he outranked Henderson, and Avas entitled to the
command. Gen. Schofield sent for Gen. Henderson and in
formed him of Moore's claim. Gen. Henderson promptly
waived the point ; and informed Schofield that he was not
there to quibble about rank, but to assist in taking Fort An
derson and capturing Wilmington. The disposition of the
troops for the night had already been made by Gen. Hender
son, and he returned to his headquarters, prepared to yield
the command to Col. Moore whenever the latter- Avas ready to
assume it.
The gun-boats on the river threAv an occasional shell into the
fort during the night ; and about 3 o'clock on the morning of
the 19th Major Wilcox discovered signs of an evacuation of
the fort. He immediately ordered an advance of the skirmish
line, and firing one volley as they advanced, the skirmishers
pushed forward, scaled the walls of the fort, and found that

304 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
both the fort and the line of trenches extending towards the
foot of Orton's Pond had been abandoned." The rebel rear
guard Avas just leaving the fort as the skirmishers climbed ov-
er the walls, and about forty prisoners were captured. The
garrison flag, which was rolled up and had evidently fallen off
a Avagon, was also found and taken possession of.' When the
firing on the skirmish line Avas heard, Gen. Henderson ordered
his brigade to stand to arms, and it remained in that posi
tion, awaiting developments, until daylight. At day-break
the navy opened a vigorous fire upon the fort. Of course there
Avas no reply; but the fire was continued until Major Wilcox
ran up the stars and stripes. That seemed to satisfy tbe na
vy that the fort had surrendered, or was ready to surrender,
and a boat manned with marines, with a naval officer, put off
from the fleet and rowed up to the fort. The officer landed
and took formal possession of the fort, "in the name of the
United States Navy" ; and the next day the New York papers
announced in glaring head-lines that Fort Anderson had been
captured by the naval forces on Cape Fear River.
To complete the farce, Col. Moore, as soon as he had dis
covered the situation of affairs, ordered his brigade into line
and actually went through the form of making an assault up
on the abandoned rebel works ; and some of our men, Avho
were returning from the fort, met his brigade advancing in
line of battle, with fixed bayonets, upon the empty fort and
line of trenches. Col. Moore and the naval squadron may
have succeeded in "dividing the honors ;" but the fact remains
that. Maj or Wilcox and his skirmishers weie the first to take
possession of the fort, and captured all the prisoners that were
taken. The garrison flag was found by some of the skirmish
ers belonging to the 140th Indiana, and it was afterwards pre
sented to Gov. Morton of Indiana, by Col. Brady, in a glowing
speech about the captwred flag, in front of the National Hotel,
in Washington, on the 17th of March, 1865. A large crowd
was in attendance and after Gov. Morton had replied to Col.
Brady's presentation speech, President Lincoln, Avho was
present, also made a speech. This was another farce — the
flagAvas not captured, it was found.
Ten pieces of heavy ordnance and a considerable quantity

AT TOWN CREEK. 305
of ordnance stores, which the rebels had been unable to move,
were captured in the fort.
Henderson's brigade immediately drew three days rations
and started in pursuit of the retreating rebels. Marched three
miles on the Wilmington road, when orders were received
from Gen. Schofield to halt and aAvait the arrival of Gen. Cox
with the other brigades. At two o'clock in the afternoon Gen.
Cox arrived and the command again moved forward, and driv
ing the enemy's rear guard before it, marched to Town Creek,
a narrow, deep, unfordable stream emptying into the Cape
Fear River. The enemy retreated to the north bank of the
creek, to a strong line of earthworks and a fort which had been
previously built on a bluff twenty feet above the water, and re
moved the planking from the bridge, and Avith a Whitworth
rifled cannon and two smooth twelve-pounder field pieces
sweeping the approaches to the bridge, awaited our advance.
The rebel forces consisted of Hagood's brigade of Hoke's divis
ion, and one other regiment, numbering about eighteen hun
dred men ; but their position was a strong one, Avith a deep
river in their front, and it required skill and courage to dis
lodge them. On the east side of the river the enemy retreated
to a strong position opposite the mouth of Town Creek, closely
pursued by Gen. Terry ; and as the principal force of the en
emy appeared to be on that side, Gen. Ames' division recross
ed the river on the 19th and reinforced Terry.
Henderson's brigade gained a position well up to Town
Creek, and a strong line of skirmishers worked their Avay
through the sandy marsh to the edge of the stream, within
easy range of the enemy's works, and dug rifle pits for protec
tion against the enemy's guns. An old negro informed Gen.
Henderson of a small flat-boat two miles down the river, and
he sent a squad of men to secure and guard the boat.
* Early on the mornmg of the 20th the rebel artillery opened
fire on Henderson's line, but the Union artillery replied Avith
telling effect, and their Whitworth gun Avas soon disabled.
The skirmish line Avas strengthened, and from the rifle pits on
the bank of the creek covered the enemy's works so completely
that none dared show themselves above the parapet. Their
—20

306 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
two remaining guns were also silenced. Several attempts were
made to withdraw them, but every man who approached the
guns fell beneath the deadly fire of the Union sharpshooters.
Jabez Bath, of Co. D, was injured in the head by the concus
sion of an exploding shell — the only casualty in the 112th IUi
nois during the day.
In the meantime Gen. Cox had proceeded down the river
with the three other brigades, and they Avere being ferried
across in the old flat-boat. The boat would carry only fifty
men, and it was late in the afternoon when the whole force
had crossed. Here a new difficulty met them. The country
was covered with swamps and dykes, impassable for horses ;
but the men succeeded in wading them, and Gen. Cox march
ed the two brigades of his division rapidly for the Wilmington
road, sending Col. Moore with his brigade to intercept the reb
el forces on another road further west, and prevent their re
treat in that direction. Gen. Cox fell upon the Confederate
flank and rear and after a short, sharp fight, captured the
commanding officer and four hundred men and both pieces of
artillery. The remainder of the Confederate forces made their
escape by the west road — Col. Moore having failed to reach it
in time to cut off their retreat — and retreated to Wilmington.
The bridge was repaired, and Henderson's brigade crossed
and occupied the enemy's works.
Early on the morning of the 21st the command Avas again
in motion, and marched rapidly toward Wilmington, driving
the enemy's skirmishers without serious difficulty. The enemy
destroyed the bridge over Mill Creek, six miles above Town
Creek, which caused several hours delay, but early in the af
ternoon the command reached Brunswick Ferry, opposite
Wilmington. The west channel of the Cape Fear River, where
it passes around Eagle Island, in front of Wilmington, is call
ed Brunswick River. The island is about a mile wide, a low
marsh, crossed by a narrow road. The Wilmington and Man
chester railroad crosses Brunswick River to the island, and
thence crosses the Cape Fear River to the city. The rebels
burned the railroad bridge, and it was still smoking when our
command arriA'ed. They had a pontoon bridge across Bruns
wick River at the ferry, which they attempted to destroy, but

AT BRUNSWICK RIVER. 307
were in too great haste to succeed. The boats Avere recovered
and a detachment ferried across to the island, and a field bat
tery of rifled guns, which was placed in position to cover the
movement, threw its shells across both rivers and the island
into the city.
Henderson's brigade was placed in position fronting to the
rear, and constructed breastworks to guard against a possible
attack by Hardee, who was reported to be advancing from
Charleston; and the remaining troops were engaged in re
pairing and relaying the pontoon bridge. Heavy columns of-
black smoke in the city indicated the destruction of naval
stores and preparations to evacuate the town.
Hoke, on the other side of the river, resisted Terry's advance
so stubbornly that it was supposed he had been reinforced, and
would attempt an aggressive movement ; and Gen. Schofield
directed Gen. Cox to send part of his command to reinforce
Terry. Accordingly at one o'clock in the morning of the 22nd,
Henderson's and Moore's brigades marched for the mouth of
Town Creek, where boats were directed to meet them and fer
ry the troops across Cape Fear River. After proceeding sev
eral miles, Henderson's brigade was directed to return to
Brunswick Ferry, and the brigade countermarched and pro
ceeded about two miles back, when another order directed
Gen. Henderson to proceed down the river in accordance with
the first order ; and the brigade arrived at the mouth of Town
Creek at daylight the following morning. Moore's brigade
crossed the river and joined Terry ; but Gen. Henderson Avas
directed to hold his brigade on the bank of the river and await
further orders. But Hoke, instead of commencing an aggress
ive movement, had retreated during the night, and at daylight
the Union army marched into Wilmington.
The fleet sailed up the river with flags at eAery mast head,
and at noon a salute of one hundred guns was fired, to doubly
celebrate the day — the day of victory and Washington's birth
day — and there was general rejoicing among all the Union
troops. Another Confederate stronghold had fallen ; the "last
breathing hole" of the rebellion had been closed ; another stone
had been removed from the foundation of the Confederacy,

308 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
and ere long the temple of secession woiUd tumble in ruins up
on the heads of its projectors.
On the 23d Henderson's brigade returned to Brunswick Fer
ry, arriving there at noon. The 112th IUinois was detaUed to
guard the pontoon bridge, and the rest of the brigade crossed
over to WUmington. The regiment went into position cover
ing the bridge, and built strong works in front and on the
flanks to guard against attack.
At 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the 26th several sharp loco
motive whistles in the direction of the picket post, near tbe
railroad, startled the camp, and Lieut. Col. Bond, command
ing the regiment, dhected the Adjutant to ride out and ascer
tain what it meant. He found a locomotive and train of cars
just outside the pickets, displaying a flag of truce ; and on go
ing out Avas met by Major Lay of Gen. Hardee's staff, Avith
dispatches from Gen. Hardee to Gen. Schofield. The Major
explained the nature of the dispatches, and requested the Ad
jutant to carry them to Gen. Schofield. Gen. Schofield was
absent from his headquarters, and Major Lay and his party
remained until the next afternoon, waiting for a reply, becom
ing very impatient at the delay, in the meantime, and necessi
tating seA'eral trips to Gen. Schofield's headquarters at Wil
mington by the Adjutant of the 112th.
The object of the Aisit was to arrange for an exchange of
prisoners, Avhich was satisfactorily accompUshed. On the
28th a large number of Union prisoners aa ere brought down
the river to WUmington and exchanged, among whom were
Lieut. H. G. Griffin and Quartermaster George C. Alden ofthe
112th Dlinois ; and on the first day of March a train load of
ten hundred and fifty men was brought into the camp of the
112th Blinois. They were in box cars too dirty for human oc
cupants, and the condition of the men was too horrible to re
late. The prisoners were from Florence and other points
threatened by Sherman's army as it advanced northward, and
the Confederate authorities were compelled to send them in
for exchange to keep them out of the way of Sherman. Among
them Avere a number of our comrades, members of the 112th
IUinois, who had been captured in Tennessee and Georgia, and
their surprise and joy may be imagined — it cannot be express-

AN EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS. 309
ed — when they found their own regiment at Wilmington to re
ceive them. They did not dream the regiment was in the
East, and when they so unexpectedly met their old friends and
comrades, many of them wept like children. The condition
of these prisoners was deplorable. They were as black as tar ;
alive with vermin ; a majority of them helpless ; many verg
ing on insanity ; others, who had been Avounded, were actually
rotten ; and all were emaciated and half-starved. The Con
federate officers excused their condition by saying that these
were the worst cases ; but the men denied this, and affirmed
that they were the best cases, and that the worst cases could
not be moved. They were sent to the hospital, and some of
them were sent home on furlough. A majority were too fee
ble to travel, and many of them died in the hospitals.
Gen. Henderson informs the author that he visited the hos
pital in Wilmington, the next day, and counted sixty newly
fiUed coffins, containing the remains of exchanged prisoners
whp had died in one night ; and this death rate continued
day after day.
The causeless war upon the Union may be forgiven ; North
ern and Southern soldiers may meet in fraternal friendship '
Northern aud Southern politicians may clasp hands across
the "bloody chasm," and affirm the existence of political rec
onciliation ; Northern and Southern ministers may preach the
gospel of peace and goqd will toward all men ; sectional strife
may be ended, sectional wounds be. healed, and the people of
the North and South join hands in a common effort to advance
the prosperity and happiness of the whole country ; all this is
well, and as it should be. But the- curse of God and man
should rest forever upon the heads of the men guilty of the ¦
cruel and barbarous treatment of our Union prisoners of war.
That is a crime never to be forgotten nor forgiA'en. Not the
people of the South ; nor their brave soldiers who fought in
the ranks, nor the officers, who led them to battle are respons
ible ; but the head of their pretended government and his se
lected tools and agents, in military and civil offices, are res
ponsible ; and every one of them should have been hanged,
for murder, if not for treason. When the exchange train pulled
out of our lines to return south, not a guard accompanied it —

310 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
every one of them had deserted — and they were glad to escape
from the rebel army. The Confederate officers filled the air
with curses, loud and deep, but it did no good. Their guards
were safely concealed, and were sent to Wilmington, willing
prisoners of war.
On the 26th of February Gen. Cox was detached from his
command at Wilmington and proceeded by sea to Newbern, to
take command "of the troops there and open a line of commun
ication and repair the railroad from Newbern to Goldsboro, by
Way of Kinston, which he succeeded in accomplishing after
considerable hard fighting. The 3d Division was thereafter
commanded by Gen. Reilly until he retired from the army,
and then by Gen. S. P. Carter until the end. Gen. Cox soon
after took command of the corps, and Gen. Schofield com
manded the Department of North Carolina.
On the 27th Col. Moore's brigade returned to the west side
of the Brunswick River and went into position near the 112th
Illinois, in anticipation of an attack from the south by Hardee
with the skeleton of Hood's old army.
On the 28th the troops were paid by Major G. P. Sanford,
to Dec. 31, 1864.
At 3 o'clock in the afternoon of March 4th the 112th Illinois
broke camp, crossed the rivers, and joined the brigade in Wil
mington. Col. Moore's brigade was relieved by a brigade of
Terry's corps, and also returned to Wilmington, On the 5th
of March the 2nd and 3d divisions of the 23d Corps — the 1st
Division being at Newbern — were ordered to be ready to move
at daylight the following morning, and all were busy during
the day making the necessary preparations. Moved at seven
o'clock on the 6th, and marched sixteen miles on the Newbern
road. Moved at daylight on the 7th and marched eighteen
miles. Left the Newbern road to the right and took the Kin
ston road. Our route lay through a flat, swampy country,
sparcely inhabited, thickly wooded with pine ; the principal,
if not only, industry of the few inhabitants being the gather
ing of turpentine. This was done by cutting notches in the
trees and dipping out the turpentine with wooden spoons.
Traveled thirteen miles on the 7th without seeing a dwelling
house.

LAND OR WATER? 311
Moved at 7 o'clock on the 8th, and marched tAvelve miles.
On the 9th moved at 6 o'clock and marched sixteen miles. On
the 10th moved at 5 o'clock and marched thirteen miles. Mov
ed at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 11th, and marched fourteen
miles, over the worst roads ever traveled by man, and through
the worst country on the continent. Our route all day was
through swamps covered with water from three inches to three
feet deep, and it was doubtful Avhether the country was land or
water. Camped at night on the Newbern and Kinston road,
near the Trent River about seven miles from the latter place,
near the comriiand of Gen. Cox, who had driven the enemy
back to Kinston.
The march from Wilmington, of nearly one hundred miles,
through swamps overflowed with water, and creeks, was the
hardest we ever made. The water and sand ruined the men's
boots and shoes, and nearly every one was bare-footed, and
their feet sore and swollen. . At 11 o'clock on the 12th the com
mand moved two miles toward Kinston and went into
camp. The command remained in camp on the 13th. The
enemy evacuated Kinston on the 14th and the National troops
occupied the town. Henderson's brigade moved three miles
and occupied a position on Southwest Creek, three miles from
Kinston, on the Newbern and Goldsboro road.
On the 15th heavy details from nearly every regiment were
set to work repairing the railroad and buUding a wagon road
over the Neuse RiA'er. The command remained here, repair
ing and perfecting lines of communication from Newbern and
WUmington, and accumulating supplies, until the 20th of
March. On the 19th heavy cannonading was heard in the direction
of Goldsboro, which was supposed to be Kilpatrick's cavalry;
but which we afterward learned was the battle of BentonviUe,
between Sherman and Johnston, fifty miles away.
The men were supplied with seventy rounds of ammunition
on the morning of the'_20th, and at 7 o'clock moved out on the
Goldsboro road and marched thirteen miles. Moved at 5 : 30
on the morning of the 21st, toward Goldsboro. The command
was delayed nearly four hours during the day, but reached
Goldsboro at nine o'clock in the evening, having marched

312 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
twenty miles in a heavy rain storm, over muddy roads, and
went into bivouac for the night. Heavy cannonading heard
west of Goldsboro was eAidence that Sherman was not far away.
On the 22d the 3d Division of the 23d Corps moved into po
sition on the north side of town and constructed heavy Avorks.
Received news of Sherman's victory at BentonviUe. On the
23d of March Sherman marched into Goldsboro, "bummers"
and all, and again was reassembled the grand army of the
West under its old invincible commander. In the afternoon
Sherman reviewed the 23d Corps and expressed himself as
greatly pleased with its appearance, and glad to again meet
its officers and men.
A train of cars arrived at Goldsboro on the same day of
Sherman's arrival, and supplies Avere received by rail, and al
so by water to Kinston and thence by army wagons to Golds
boro. The Wilmington railroad was also repaired and put in
operation, and supplies brought forward by that route.
On the 24th the 1st and 2nd divisions of the 23d Corps re
turned to Kinston to guard the railroad — the 3d Division re
maining at Goldsboro.
And now the work of accumulating supplies and preparing
for a new campaign, which it was intended should give the re
bellion its death-blow, commenced in earnest. Cfficers and
men were enthusiastic and confident that the end was hear at
hand. Gen. Grant held Lee in his iron grasp at Richmond
and Petersburg. The 4th Corps, under Gen. Wood, was at
Bull's Gap, fifty miles northeast of Knoxville, to prevent Lee's
escape into East Tennessee. Sherman, with an army nearly
equal to Grant's, was prepared to intercept his retreat south,
and altogether the outlook for an early termination of the war
was indeed. cheering; and yet it came sooner than we then ex
pected.

CHAPTER XXVI.
THE FALL OFJRICHMOND — A JOLLY CELEBRATION.
THE MARCH TO RALEIGH — LEE's SURRENDER — ANOTHER JUBILEE.
NEWS OF THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
SURRENDER OF JOHNSTON — OCCUPATION OF GREENSBORO.
THE WAR ENDED — PREPARING FOR MUSTER OUT.
At Goldsboro the 17th Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry
was added to Gen. Henderson's brigade. It was an excellent
regiment ; but the eastern and [western boys did not always
agree, and several quarrels were indulged in-between the New
England "Yankees" and the "Hoosiers" and "Suckers." Truth,
however, compels the statement that the Hoosiers and Suck
ers were most frequently to blame.
Col. Stiles had been promoted to Brevet Brigadier General,
and was in command of a brigade in the 1st Division. He en
deavored to have the 63d Indiana — his own regiment — trans
ferred to his brigade ; but every officer in the regiment pro
tested against the transfer, and the 63d remained in Gen.
Henderson's brigade.
On the 3d of April Capt. John L. Dow, of Co. A, 112th Illi
nois, was appointed Provost Marshal of the 23d Corps, and
served as such until mustered out of service in the foUowing
June. Sherman's army remained at Goldsboro, accumulating sup
plies, refitting and making preparations for the contemplated
final campaign of the war, until the tenth of April. On the
31st of March Gen. Henderson's brigade was ordered out on a

314 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
reconnoissance and encountered the enemy's cavalry pickets
within two miles of camp ; drove them about three miles, up
on their main force ; killed one and captured three, and re
turned to camp at dark.
Sherman's part in the- final combination was to move his
whole army north of Raleigh, and thence to Weldon on the
Roanoke River ; and on the 5th of April orders were issued for
the new campaign to open on the 10th ; but on the 6th news of
the evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg was received, and
that Lee was pushing toward Danville, which changed the
plan of the campaign.
The whole army was wild with excitement. Bands were
playing, cannon roaring, rockets screaming, bon-fires blazing,
and soldiers cheering. ' All was noise and confusion — a gener
al uproar, a grand jubilee; a fourth of July celebration,. a
merry Christmas, a happy New Year and a hearty Thanksgiv
ing, all combined. Men who never smiled, laughed; men
who never prayed, thanked the good Lord for signs of peace ;
men who never sang, shouted "hallelujah," men who never
drank got drunk.
Capt. D. K. Hall, our brigade Quartermaster, obtained a
liberal supply of milk and whisky, and invited all the officers
of the brigade and the 112th Illinois bancLto assemble at Gen.
Henderson's headquarters. The invitation was accepted,
without a single exception. Music, speeches and punch flow
ed freely. All were happy and jolly, if not mellow. Gen.
Henderson was suffering with a sick-headache, and after mak
ing an excellent speech retired, and did not further participate
in the celebration ; but his staff officers more than made up
for his absence.
The Colonel of an Indiana-regiment, Avho has since attained
National notoriety, was called upon for a speech. With great
difficulty he got upon his feet, and said : "Fellow so'gers and
c'rmr'des ; I can't find wo'ds to 'xpress my feelings on this
'portant 'casion. I can only say, in the classic language of
that great and good man, Davy Crocket, of whom you've all
heard, 'Let's take another drink.' " And all took another
drink. Dress parades were at a discount that evening ; and it was

"LEE HAS SURRENDERED." 315
no wonder that the officers of the 112th failed to keep step with
the music, and that all the boys laughed heartily at their lu
dicrous attempts to do so. The music was all wrong — the
band was tipsy.
At daylight on the morning of the 10th, the advance of Sher
man's army moved out of Goldsboro on the Raleigh road. It
encountered the Confederate rearguard, but drove them easily
and rapidly. The 23d Corps moved at noon.
The Army of the Tennessee — the 15th and 17th corps — was
on the right ; the Army of the Ohio — the 23d and 10th corps
— in the center ; and the Army of Georgia — the 14th and 20th
corps — on the left, moving on parallel roads. Kilpatrick's cav
alry corps moved on the flanks.
Marched seven miles, and went into camp for the night at
nine o'clock in the evening. The roads were in a bad condi
tion, and bridges were gone which had to be rebuilt, and the
command made slow progress. The advance guard of the
corps captured about one hundred prisoners during the after
noon. On the 11th the command marched about eleven mUes, by
easy stages, halting frequently to repair bridges, or for the men
to rest, and camped near Smithfield. At 8 o'clock on the
morning of the 12th the column was again in motion, but had
proceeded only a short distance Avhen a great commotion was
seen and loud cheering heard in front. Very soon the cause
was learned. A staff officer was seen coming down the road,
swinging his hat, his horse on a gallop, the men running to the
.right and left, as he approached, to give him the road, and
throwing their hats in the air as he swept along the line. On
he came, nearer and nearer, until we could hear the glad mes
sage he was bearing ; "Lee has surrendered ! Lee has surren
dered ! " he shouted, as he rushed on to carry the good news to
those in the rear.
The whole army was electrified. No pen can describe the
scene that followed. The men were wild with excitement.
Cheer after cheer rent the air ; men turned somersaults like
glad school-boys ; rolled on the ground, and cut innumerable
strange antics, and yeUed and shouted and cheered, until they
were hoarse.

316 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
The 3d Brigade moved into a field, near some tall timber,
and stacked arms. Almost in the twinkling of an eye a tall,
straight tree was felled and trimmed, and raised near the road,
with the stars and stripes floating at its head. The men as
sembled around the tiag and Gen. Henderson was seized, end
carried on the men's shoulders and placed on a horse, near the
"liberty pole," and he made them a thrilling, patriotic speech,
from the saddle. The bands played and the men sang, "The
Battle Cry of Freedom," "Marching through Georgia," "When
Johnny Comes Marching Home," and other "War Songs,"
and then more than a thousand voices, accompanied by the
band, sung the Doxology.
William D. McGaffee, of Co. I, who Avas on duty at regimen
tal headquarters, drew a large cotton sack OArer a mule, com
pletely concealing the animal from view, and pinning a large
placard upon either side of the sack, reading in hastily con
structed letters, "A Blessing in Disguise," led the mule along
the lines. This travesty upon the Southern manner of ex
plaining the many defeats of their armies was greeted with
cheers and shouts of laughter.
Gen. Sherman at once gave orders to drop aU trains and
push forward as rapidly as possible to and through Raleigh in
pursuit of Johnston's army, — the only Confederate army of
any considerable strength remaining in the field. Johnston
him seh Avas at Greensboro, towards which point his army was
retreating. Sherman's advance moved into Raleigh on the morning of
the 13th in the midst of a pouring rain storm. The 23d Corps
arrived there at noon on the 14th. On the 15th Johnston sent
in a flag of truce and proposed to surrender. Sherman offered
him the same terms Grant had given Lee ; but Johnston pro
posed that their agreement should include all the Confederate
armies in the field. The negotiations that followed led to an
agreement ; but it Avas disapproved by the government at
Washington. On the 17th the first news of the assassination of President
Lincoln was received.
The army was infuriated at the appalling intelligence, and
fears were entertained that the men would seek vengeance up-

FROM AN UNKNOWN WRITER. 317
on the citizens and property of Raieigh. Gen. Henderson's
brigade Avas moved from the east to the west side of the city
to protect the town against the infuriated soldiers, and no man
was permitted to enter the city. These fears were, perhaps,
groundless •, but the sorrow which filled the hearts of the men
was accompanied by a terrible determination to give no quar
ter to the enemy when they met him upon the field of battle.
The horrible murder of the President was intuitively connect
ed with the rebellion, and the aiders and abettors of the war
against the Union were held responsible for the crime. Had
Sherman's army encountered Johnston's Confederate army,
at that time, the latter would have been swept from the face
of .the earth like chaff before a cyclone.
On the morning of the 18th Gen. Henderson found the fol
lowing note pinned to his tent :
"To Col. Henderson, "Dear Sir: — Most all the brakes wich
you leaf away from home, from their family and beloved coun
try, acknowledge Mr. Linkin, our late President, as the best
of the state of Illinois, but you are next in rank. The majori-
tat of your Regt.. Would sacrifi themselfs for you. I have no
better way to explain mein gratitute towards you.
"Private  H, 112th Regt."
The hand- writing and the punctuation of the note indicated
that it was written by a man of more than ordinary intelli
gence, while the spelling shows that its author Avas not fully
acquainted Avith our language. It was probably written by
some one of the many brave and patriotic Swedes in the regi
ment — men who had risked life and limb upon many a well-
fought battle field in behalf of their adopted country ; but, al
though Gen. Henderson made diligent inquiry, he Avas unable
to ascertain the writer, and to this day does not know the name
of his admirer. It is a well-merited tribute of respect and es
teem, coming from the ranks, of which the General may well,
and does, feel justly proud.
On the 18th negotiations for the surrender of Johnston's ar
my were resumed. On the 20th, 21st and 22nd Gen. Sherman re
viewed the army— the 23d Corps marching in revieAv on the
21st ; and on the 23d he issued orders terminating the truce ai

318 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
noon on the 26th, and for aU the troops to be in readiness to
move at that hour.
On the 25th Gen. Grant arrived at Raleigh. On the 25th
Johnston proposed another conference with a view of surren
dering his army ; and on the 26th final terms of agreemept
were concluded by Grant and Sherman on the Union side, and
Johnston for the collapsed Confederacy ; and Grant telegraph
ed to the National authorities at Washington that Johnston had
surrendered to Sherman — another illustration of the Great
Commander's unselfish generosity.
The duty of receiving the surrender of the Confederate ar
my, taking charge of its arms, and issuing paroles to the* men
was committed to Gen. Schofield, commanding the Department
of North Carolina.
This was performed at Greensboro, where Gen. Schofield and
a small detachment of the 23d Corps went for that purpose.
Capt. John L. Dow, of the 112th IUinois, was appointed one
of the commissioners to carry out the terms of the mUitary
convention ; and on the first day of May, under the immedi
ate direction of Lieut. Col. Dow, Inspector General of the 23d
Corps, the Confederate army was paroled ; and the last great
rebel army disbanded. The men were furnished with rations
and transportation by Gen. Schofield, and returned to their
homes— a majority of them far happier at the termination of
the war, though their cause was lost, than they would have
been had it continued.
Johnston's army numbered, on the 19th of AprU, about for
ty-five thousand effective men ; but between that date and the
24th, he states that the apprehension of being made prisoners
of war caused about eight thousand deserters, so that only
about thirty-seven thousand men and officers were present to
be paroled.
With the exception of the 23d Corps Sherman's army march
ed north, with flying colors, by the way of Richmond to Wash
ington, where they participated in a grand reAiew and then
returned to their homes. »
Gen. Schofield being in command ofjthe department, re
mained Avith his own corps, to bring order out of chaos, and
protect the lives and property of citizens untU civU govern-

EDITORIAL COMMENT. 319
ment could be reestablished and the people prepared to take
care of themselves.
The following editorial from the Raleigh Daily Progress of
April 20, 1865, fairly represents the feelings of the loyal pop
ulation of North Carolina toward Jeff Davis and Governor
Vance, and their former modes of government :
"We do not desire to dictate to Gen. Sherman, Gen. Grant
or to the Government at Washington, but Ave do most solemnly
protest against the State officers who have tyrannized over us
for the past two years. Give us military government and pro
tection at the polls until we can elect new civil officers, and
we shall be satisfied ; but if those who have heretofore enslav
ed us be allowed to remain over us, all our devotion to a Con
stitutional Union, and all onr sacrifices are in vain. Give us
entire freedom, through the constitutional mode of the ballot
box, or give us abject slavery. No more of Jeff Davis, no more
of Vance.
"We speak not for ourself, but for the people of North Car
olina ; and we appeal to the Union armies and the National
authorities to save us."
On the 4th of May the 3d Division of the 23d Corps proceed
ed by rail to Greensboro, arriving there on the morning of the
5th, and went into camp on the Madison road, about two miles
from town. Greensboro is the Guilford Court House of Revo
lutionary times, and is near the battle field of that name,
where Gen. Greene fought Lord CornAvallis, on the 15th of
March, 1781 ; and many of the officers and men of the 112th
visited the old battle-ground.
But few changes occurred in the organization of the regi
ment after its arrival in North Carolina. Captain Gudgel, of
Co. B, who was wounded at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, on the
6th of August, 1864, had never returned to the regiment, and
on the 27th of March, 1865, was honorably discharged from
the service by reason of wounds. Lieut. B. F. Thompson, Ad
jutant of the regiment, Avas promoted to Captain of the com
pany ; and First Sergt. Gilbert R. Woolsey of Co. D, then act
ing as Sergeant Major, was promoted to First Lieutenant and
Adjutant — both to rank from AprU 25, 1865. Lieut. Griffin,
who was captured at Knoxville on the I8th of November, 1863,

320 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
and Quartermaster Alden, who was captured in Georgia on
the 24th of May, 1864, having visited their homes on leaves of
absence since their exchange, rejoined the regiment at Greens
boro. S. M. Eldridge, the regimental postmaster, Avas detail
ed as brigade postmaster, and WUliam K. Porter, of Co. A,
was appointed postmaster of the regiment.
Since the resignation of Chaplain Henderson the regiment
had been without a chaplain. Abram C. Frick,. a recruit of
Co. D, joined. the regiment at Goldsboro, and brought with
him a long list of names recommending him for chaplain.
Neither Gen. Henderson nor Lieut. Col. Bond, commanding
the regiment, would recommend him, but he was permitted to
perform the duties of chaplain, and to be excused from other
duties ; and he performed such duties very acceptably.
On the 11th of May Gen. Carter, then commanding the di
vision, directed Capt. McCartney, with Co. G, and Lieut.
Brown, with part of Co. E, to proceed to Sandy Ridge, about
seventy-five miles northwest of Greensboro, to restore and
maintain order among the people , of. Stokes county. They
camped at Sandy Ridge, and remained there until the 22nd of
May. Capt. McCartney has furnished the author Avith the
following account of their operations :
"We selected some of the best and most conscientious citi
zens of the county, in different sections, and made them jus
tices of the peace, and authorized them to take jurisdiction of
and punish crime, until the civil authorities were fully estab
lished. We also organized a company of county police, who
were authorized to find and arrest all persons committing any
criminal offenses, after the date of Johnston's surrender.
SimUar courts had been organized in Virginia after Lee's sur
render. "While at Sandy Ridge I went to Patrick Court House, the
county seat of Patrick county, Virginia, and defended some
men who were charged with criminal acts. Several of them
were found guilty, and were punished by being taken out and
whipped by the officers. There were no jaUs, and no Avay of
punishing them except in some summary manner. The mag
istrates finally settlecl upon whipping, and every man found
guilty was punished by so many stripes, according to the nat-

EDITORIAL COMMENT. 321
ure of his offense. They were all white men Avho were tried at
this court, and in most cases very bad men ; and the punish
ment inflicted upon them was very light, considering the of
fenses of which they were convicted, which were of great vio
lence and cruelty
"I found all the people of both Stokes and Patrick counties
very glad the war was over, and every one with whom I talked
agreed that the result settled forever the question of States
Rights. Most of them were glad that slavery was abolished,
and hoped only to be permitted thereafter to live quietly and
in peace. I found all whom I met as pleasant and hospitable
as any people I have ever seen anywhere, and generally very
intelligent. A majority of them had been discharged from the
Confederate army . only a few days, but I went everywhere
without arms, in perfect safety. All their passions seemed to
have cooled down, and we discussed the issues of the war and
politics as calmly as if we had all lived in the North and were
all of the same political faith.
"There Avas a certain class of people living in this portion of
Virginia and North Carolina, however, who were very ignorant
and depraA'ed. They had lived mostly in the SAvamps and in
accessible places, so they should not be drafted into the rebel
army, and during the whole war had lived by pillage and rob
bery. When the war ended they claimed to have been Union
men and to have been persecuted by the enemy. These were
dangerous men, against whom the people had to be guarded,
after the close of the war, and were much more to be feared
than the recently freed negro. We found all the colored peo
ple very happy, but willing and anxious to remain with their
old masters until they could proAide homes for themselves ;
and there Avas a very strong attachment between the former
slaves and their masters."
Capt. Sroufe with his company (H.) and Capt. Dunn with
his company (D,) were also sent into the country on similar
errands, and were absent several weeks.
On the 18th of May, a Union meeting was held at Greens
boro, to which all the people Avere invited, which Avas address
ed by Gen. Cox, Gen. Carter and Gen. Henderson. The meet-
—21

822 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
ing was well attended, and the people seemed at the time to
be weU satisfied with the progress of events.
Many of the men had been stricken with malarial fever en
gendered by the swam*ps in the eastern part of the State, and
they had been left in hospitals along the line of march from
WUmington to Raleigh.' Some were sent to Northern hospit
als, several were discharged and a feAV died, but the most of
them recovered and rejoined the regiment at Greensboro.
Nothing more of special interest occurred while the division
was at Greensboro. A court martial was convened in town,
upon which some of the officers of the 112th IUinois were de
taUed, for the trial of military offenses, but this was of short
duration. The officers worked hard every day in making out
final reports and settling with the government, preparatory to
muster out, and the -most of them, if not all, succeeded in
squaring their accounts.

CHAPTER XXVII.
MUSTERED OUT — GEN. HENDERSON'S
FAREWELL ORDER — GEN. CARTER'S LETTER.
EXTRACTS FROM GEN. COx's LETTER — HOMEWARD BOUND.
RECEPTION AT PITTSBURG — ARRIVAL AT CHICAGO.
FINAL DISCHARGE— RETURN HOME.
BANQUET AT GENESEO.
On the 2nd day of June, 1865, General Order No. 73 was
promulgated from Department Headquarters directing the dis
charge of all the troops whose terms of service expired on or
before the 30th of September, which was as follows :
"H'd Qr's Department of N. C, Army of the Ohio,
Raleigh, North Carolina, June 2, 1865..
General Orders, No. 73.
"I. In compiiance with telegraphic orders from the War
Department, all volunteer organizations of white soldiers
whose terms of service expire on or before September 30th
next, will be immediately mustered out of service. The mus
ter-out avUI be made with existing regimental and company or
ganizations, and under the regulations promulgated . in Gen
eral Orders, No. 94, of May 15, from the War Department,
published in General Orders, No. 62, of May 25, from these
Headquarters. "All mem in the aforesaid organizations whose terms of ser
vice expire subsequently to September 30, 1865, will be trans
ferred to other organizations from the same State ; when
practicable such men will be transferred to veteran regiments ;

324 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Avhere this is not practicable, they wUl be transferred to regi
ments having the longest time to serve.
"All men whose terms of service expire prior to October 1st.
1865, but whose regiments or companies are to remain in ser
vice after that date, will be mustered out of service at once.
This order will be executed as follows :
"1st. The three years regiments that were mustered into
service under the call of July 2nd, 1862, and prior to October
1st of that year.
"2nd. The three year recruits who were mustered into ser
vice for the old regiments, prior to October 1st, 1862.
"3d. One year men for new or old organizations who enter
ed the sendee prior to Oct. 1st, 1864.
"In addition to the places of rendezvous for the troops to be
mustered out designated in General Orders No. 94, current
series, War Department, Adjutant General's office, Greens
boro is designated as the place of rendezvous for the troops
of the 23d Army Corps, and Raleigh for those of the 10th Ar
my Corps.
"By command of Major General Schofield.
"J. A. Campbell, Assistant Adjutant General."
There was considerable delay in obtaining muster-out rolls,
which were required to be made in quadruplicate, but on the
15th a sufficient supply was received, and the work of prepar
ing them commenced.
Upon the muster-out of the regiment the recruits of the
112th Illinois, whose terms of service did not expire until af
ter the first of October, were transferred to the 65th Regiment
Illinois Veteran Volunteers (consolidated). One whole com
pany was organized — Co. F of the 65th— and Lieut. T. E. Mil
christ of the 112th Illinois, was transferred and promoted to
captain, and remained in command of the company. Lieut.
Elmer E. Sage of Co. E, was also transferred to the same
company. The 65th regiment was mustered out of the ser
vice at Greensboro, on the 13th of July, 1865.
Capt. Dunn was the senior captain of the regiment ; and on
the 14th of June Gen. Henderson addressed tn"e foUowing
communication to Gen. Schofield, commanding the depart
ment, recommending the captain for promotion, by brevet :

MUSTERED OUT. 325
"H'd Qr's 3d Brig., 3d Div., 23d A. C,
"Greensboro, N. C, June 14, 1865.
"Lieut. Col :
"I have the honor very respectfully to recommend for pro
motion by brevet, Capt. Augustus A. Dunn, of Co. D, 112th
Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
"Before cominginto the army Capt. Dunn was a very intel
ligent and popular physician, enjoying a lucrative practice ;
but, inspired purely by patriotic motives, he Avas one of the
first officers of our regiment to commence raising a company,
and, in fac„t, the first who organized his company, aud he has
been in the field ever since. He has shown himself to be an
able, energetic, brave and skillful officer. He has been four
times Avounded in battle ; lost two fingers of his left hand in
an engagement near Kelly's Ford, in East Tennessee, was
slightly wounded in action at Knoxville and again at Resaca ;
and was seriously wounded in the forehead by a shell at Frank
lin, Tenn., from which he has not yet recovered, although he
has been on duty with his regiment for two months or more.
"For fidelity to duty, for bravery and resolute determina
tion, for lofty and earnest patriotism, I know no officer more
meritorious : Avhile his intelligence, his ability, his soldierly
bearing qualify him for a much higher rank m the volunteer
service than he has filled.
"I would make this communication to the War Department,
but am led to believe thai; if the object which I most earnestly
desire can be accomplished, it wUl be more readily done through
the Major General commanding the Department of North
Carolina ; and besides, my regiment is about to be mustered
out of the service, and if the captain should be brevetted, I
suppose it ought to be done before he is mustered out, and
there seems to be but little time for a communication to go up
through the proper channels to Washington. There has been
no opportunity for promotion in the regiment, or he would
have been promoted long ago.
"While,he has intimated to me no desire to receive such
promotion, if he could be brevetted Major or Lieut. Colonel it
would be no more than a suitable acknowledgement for gal
lantry at Knoxville, at Resaca, and many other battles in

326 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
which he has been engaged, including, of course, those in
which he was wounded, and a just tribute paid to superior
merit. "I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, "Thomas J. Henderson,
"Col. 112th Ills., and Brv'tBrig. Gen., ConuVg 3d Brig. 3d Dir.
"To Col. J. A. Campbell, A. A. G., Dept. of North Carolina. "
Capt. Dunn deserved promotion ; but the recommendation
came too late to secure it before muster-out, and he was dis
charged a captain. He was a brave, generous, honorable man
and officer, and served his country faithfully and well until
the last rebel had surrendered, and his services were no longer
needed. In several companies of the regiment the office of Second
Lieutenant was vacant. No promotions had been made for
the reason that the companies had been reduced below the re
quired minimum number. On the 15th of June the following
named sergeants were commissioned Second Lieutenants ; but
none were mustered' as such, but were discharged as of their
former rank : First Serg. Jesse Goble, of Co. A ; First Serg.
Henry B. Perry, of Co. F ; Serg. William J. Gilhspie, of Co. C ;
First Serg. Henry Graves, of Co. E ; First Serg. Eli K. Mauck,
of Co. G, and First Serg. Charles B. Foster, of Co. B.
On the 19th of June Gen. Henderson was relieved from the
command of the 3d Brigade, in accordance with the foUoAving
order from division headquarters, and on the 21st he resumed
command of the regiment :
"Head Quarters Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps,
"Greensboro, N. C, June 19th, 1865.
"Special Orders, No. 101.
"14— Brevet Brig. Gen'l Thomas J. Henderson (Col. 112th
111. Inft'y) is hereby relieved from the command of the 3d
Brigade, 3d Division, 23d Army Corps, and ordered to take
charge of his own regiment to conduct it home, on being mus
tered out of the service.
"By command of Brig. Gen'l Carter.
"Geo. H. Bell, A. A. A. Gen'l"
"Brevet Brig. Gen'l Thomas J. Henderson,"

GEN. HENDERSON'S FAREWELL ORDER. 327
On the same day Gen. Henderson issued the following fare-
weU order to his brigade :
"Head Quarters 3d Brig. 3d Div. 23d A, C,
"Greensboro, N. C, June 19th, 1865.
"General Orders No. 12.
"Having been relieved from the command of the 3d Brigade,
1 desire, before taking leave of those so long associated
with me in arms, to express my sincere congratulations that
many of you, after passing safely through so many trials and
dangers, are about to return to your homes, your families arid
friends, whUe those who remain behind have only the more
peaceful* duties of the soldier to perform, and the pleasing
prospects that they, too, will soon folloAV.
"WhUe rejoicing with you that victory has crowned our arms
with glorious success, that peace has again been established in
the land, and that our country now stands so proudly before the
world ; while sharing with you the happiness we so naturally
feel in the promise of a speedy and blessed reunion with
friends from whom we have so long and painfully been separ
ated, yet it is Avith sadness. I know, that associations of such
long standing are now to be broken up, and ties which have
so long bound us together are to be severed.
"It must ever be your pride and your glory that, in a time
of great National peril, you contributed by your courage and
your patriotism to the preservation of the Government of your
country. The weary marches you have made, the deadly con
flicts in which you have been engaged.^ the trials and expos
ures you have suffered, with so much patience and courage,
can never be forgotten by a grateful people ; while the mem
ory of them and of your brave comrades who have fallen in
battle must ever stimulate you to the faithful performance of
the duties which, as good citizens, you owe to your country.
"Sincerely trusting that you may, each and all, long live
to enjoy that National peace, prosperity and happiness which
your courage and patriotism have contributed so much to win,
I bid you an affectionate and cordial farewell.
"Thomas J. Henderson,
"Brevet Brig. Gen'l, Commanding-,"

328 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS .
On the 20th day of June the regiment was mustered out of
the service and every officer and enlisted man furnished with
a duly certified discharge. On the same day the following or
der Avas issued, Avhich explains itself :
"Headquarters 23d Army Corps,
"Greensboro, N. C, June 20, 1865.
"Special Orders, No. 60.
"I. The muster out of the 112th Regiment Illinois Infantry
having been completed in accordance with General Orders No.
73, C. S., Department of North Carolina, so much of the regi
ment as are entitled to discharge will proceed without delay
to Chicago, IU., and there report to the Chief Mustering Offi
cer of the State for final discharge.
"The Quartermaster's Department will furnish transporta
tion for thirty-two commissioned officers, four hundred and
six enlisted men, six servants and six horses.
"By command of
"Brevet Major General Ruger.
"Henry A. Hale, Capt., and A. A. G. "
"To Lieut. Col. E. S. Bond, Commanding Regiment."
Gen. Henderson, Major Dow, Capt. Dow, Dr. L. S. Milliken,
Brigade Surgeon, Capt. Otman, and other officers on detached
service, returned to the regiment, and all commence 1 active
preparations for the journey homeward. All, except Dr. Mil
liken ; he remained in North Carolina, where he married the
widow of a Confederate officer, and has since lived happily
and pleasantly. The lady's son also married the doctor's
daughter, and thus the blue and the gray are doubly linked
together with a golden chain of love, and all are blessed Avith
peace and happiness.
No regiment in the service was more fortunate than the
112th Illinois in the selection of its surgeons. Dr. Spaulding
was an old, experienced physician. He Avas succeeded by Dr.
Milliken, equally competent, and, with less years, more active
and energetic ; and he was ably assisted by Dr. Jones and Dr.
Phillips, the Assistant Surgeons — all excellent physicians,
and careful and attentive in the performance of tlieir duties.

QUARTERMASTER'S DEPARTMENT. 329
The surgeons received valuable aid in caring for the sick
and wounded from Hospital Steward Joseph C. Johnson, and
that prince of good nurses, "Parson" William Bowen. Dr.
Jones and Johnson are dead. Dr. Phillips is still engaged in
the practice of medicine, in White county, Illinois, Avhere he is
pleasantly situated, and the head of a happy family ; and
"Parson" BoAven is farming and dispensing justice upon the
fertile plains of Nebraska.
The 112th was also fortunate in the selection of a]quartermas-
ter— the most difficult and least desirable position in the regi
ment. In most regiments the quartermaster is the scape-goat
for all the commissioned officers, and is expected to take all
the "cussirigs" for short rations, insufficient clothing, and oth
er deficiencies for which the officers are themselves responsi
ble. But this was not the case in the 112th. Lieut. Alden
was a faithful, energetic and honest quartermaster. He perform
ed his duties with such great care and energy that no cause of
complaint could lie against him. With Commissary Sergeant
-R. F. Steele at the head of the commissary department ; and
ably assisted by Quartermaster Sergeant George Bernard, and
after his death by Quartermaster Sergeant Albert Walton ; and
with Serg. George W. Buck as Wagon Master, and command
er-in-chief of the "mu-le train," the quartermaster's depart
ment of the 112th was managed in an efficient and vigorous
manner, that gave general satisfaction to the officers and men
of the regiment. And there were none more industrious, more
trust- worthy, more willing to perform faithfully and AveU every
duty than the members of "Co. Q," from Lieut. Alden himself
down to the humblest "mule-Avhacker."
Gen. S. P. Carter, now commanding the 3d DiAision, had
been acquainted with the I12th Illinois ever since the spring
of 1863. The regiment had been under his immediate com
mand in Kentucky, and both had served in the same corps all
the time since March, 1863. On the 20th of June he address
ed to Gen. Henderson the following communication, which ex
presses in no uncertain terms his estimate of the services of
the 112th, and for the publication of which the author offers
no apology :

330 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
"Headquarters 3d Division, 23d A. C, )
Greensboro, N. C, June 20th, 1865. \
"Brevet Brig. Gen'l Henderson,
(Col. 112th Regt. Ills. Vol. Infty.)
"My Dear General: —While I most heartily congratulate the
officers and men of your regiment on a speedy return to theh
homes, I cannot see the pleasant relations which have, with
intervals, existed between us since March, 1863, now severed,
without a feeling of sadness nearly akin to regret.
"There are few regiments in the service Avhich have a more
creditable record, or one of which they and* their chUdren may
be more justly proud, than that of the 112th Illinois. The in
scriptions on your Regimental Colors tell the story of some of
the battle fields on which the regiment has won its fame, and
added new glory to the "starry banner" under which it march
ed and fought, and aided in wrenching from the bold and
courageous enemies of the Repubhc victories which have led
to the peace and quiet which now prevail from Maine to the
Rio Grande.
"But your regiment gained its laurels not on the battle field
alone. It has won a reputation for order, discipline and strict
regard for law and the rights of non-combatants, which gives
it an enviable reputation among the volunteer soldiers of the
Union. Kentuckians, East Tennesseans, and even North Car
olinians have just cause for remembering the 112th Illinois
with gratitude, and as presenting a striking contrast to the
conduct of the troops where the morale was lower and soldierly
pride less plainly exhibited. Knoxville, where sleep so many
noble heroes who gave their lives for its protection, cannot but
give to the 112th a special place among its honored defenders.
"While rejoicing, my dear General, at the successful termi
nation of the war and the restoration of peace, and that you
and your gallant officers and men are soon to return to waiting
friends and homes, I part with you with regret. Be assured
that I shall ever think of you with pride of my having had the
honor to command such soldiers.
"Wishing you a "God-speed" on your homeward journey,
and that you may long live to enjoy the fruits of peace which
you and yours have so nobly helped to restore, I am, my dear

HOMEWARD BOUND. 331
General, with high considerations of personal esteem and re
spect, very truly, your friend, "S.P.Carter,
Brig. Gen'l Comdg."
The following extracts from a letter written by Gen. Cox, in
November, 1867, to Gen. Henderson, in response to an invita
tion to attend the reunion of the 112th, although written after
the close of the war, while General Cox was Governor of the
State of Ohio, may not be out of place in this connection ; and
the author feels sure that every member of the 112th recipro
cates the feelings of the General towards our regiment :
"State of Ohio, Executive Department,
Columbus, 5 November, 1867.
"My Dear General: — I wish with all my heart it were pos
sible for me to be at the reunion of the 112th, to which you So
kindly invite me, but my duties here will forbid.
* * Give my inost cordial good wishes and kindest
remembrances to the officers and men of that gallant regiment.
All of them, from their gallant Colonel down to the humblest
private, are very dear to me, for our comradeship was of a kind
not likely to grow duU in its influence upon us.
* * Give my special regards to Col. Dow,
when you meet him, and to Major Wells.
* Let me hear from you, and beheve me always sincere
ly, your friend, J. D. Cox.
To General Thomas J. Henderson."
On the 21st day of June the regiment embarked on the cars
at Greensboro for Chicago. On the 8th of October, 1862, the
regiment had embarked on the cars at Peoria for the field,
nine hundred and forty strong. It now numbered four hun
dred and thirty-eight officers and enlisted men, and some of
these were recruits whose terms of enlistment expired with the
regiment. Five hundred men who Avent out with the regiment
did not return with it. Some had been discharged, others
transferred, and some were absent, sick or wounded: but
many of them slept theh last sleep on the hill-sides and in the
valleys, in the forests and upon the plains of the South, where
they had fallen fighting the battles of their country. Upon

332 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
the National Flag and Colors of the regiment were inscribed :
"Kentucky," "Monticello," "East Tennessee," "CampbeU's Sta
tion," "Knorvillv," "Bean's Station," "Da ml ridge," "Atlanta,"
"Resaca," "Kenesaw," "Utoy Creek," "Nashville," "Columbia,"
"Franklin," "Wilmington," "Fort Anderson,-" and these inscrip
tions marked the places of their fall.
Many had died of wounds in Field or General Hospitals,
and others of disease ; while many others had died of disease
and starvation, of neglect and cruelty in Southern prison pens.
The dead of the regiment lie buried in Kentucky, Tennessee,
Georgia, North and South Carolina and Virginia— and in many
Northern cemeteries where they had died at hospitals. Peace
be to their ashes ! We shall never see them more, until we
meet them in that unknown, undiscovered country, that bourne
whence no traveler returns, where we shall greet them as long
absent friends, and recognize them as comrades of yore.
The regiment proceeded by rail, by Avay of Danville and Pe
tersburg, to City Point, on the James River, and embarked
there on the 23d, on the steamer "General Thomas," and sail
ed down the James River and up Chesapeake Bay to Balti-
more,..Md. Here the regiment again took cars and continued
the journey homeward by the Pensylvania Central railroad.
Near York, Pa., as Serg. William P. Ballentine, of Co. F,
Avas standing on a car, while the train was passing under a
Ioav bridge, his head struck the bridge and he was severely in
jured — the only accident that occurred on the journey home.
Serg. Ballentine was left in hospital at Harrisburg, but subse
quently recovered and returned home.
The regiment reached Pittsburg, Pa., at 6 o'clock in the af
ternoon, on Sunday the 25th. A bountiful supper had been
prepared, and the regiment was invited to march to a large hall
and partake of the city's hospitality. Speeches of welcome,
and congratulation upon the close of the war and triumph of
the Union cause Avere made, Avhich were responded to by Gen.
Henderson and others of the regiment. The galleries Avere
croAvded with ladies and gentlemen who welcomed the boys in
blue with smiles and cheers, and showered upon them beauti
ful bouquets ; and handsome ladies waited upon the tables.
It Avas a hearty welcome to "God's Country," by God's people.

ARRIVAL IN CHICAGd. 333
The 112th Illinois was not an exception ; but every regiment
which passed through Pittsburg was given the same hearty re
ception. All along the line of travel, in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indi
ana, the people flocked to the stations and along the line of
road and welcomed the returning soldiers with cheers and wav
ing handkerchiefs and bouquets of flowers ; and wherever the
train stopped they croAvded upon the platform to .shake hands
with the boys who had fought their battles and assisted in con
quering an everlasting peace.
The regiment arrived in Chicago at one o'clock in the morn
ing of the 27th of June ; landed near Camp Douglas, and
marched through the darkness to the barracks. Not a man
there to show the way ; not a man to bid them welcome. All
was dark, silent and indifferent. Many of the officers and
men went home the same day, and returned before the time'of
final discharge.
On the 6th of July, 1865 , the regiment was paid and finally dis
charged from the service, and that evening the men — no longer
soldiers — embarked on the cars and returned to their homes.
At Geneseo those who returned by that route Avere met ,by
the citizens and cordially Avelcomed ; and a banquet, such as
only the generous, loyal, patriotic people of Geneseo can pro
vide, was given to the returned soldiers ; and in every tovAni
and neighborhood the boys were received with open arms and
joyful hearts. The war was 0A7er. The enemies of the country
had been subdued, and peace restored to the Nation. All ov
er the North there was joy and happiness and thanksgiving.
A million Union soldiers doffed their blue uniforms, donned
citizens' clothing, and were soon lost to view in the busy work
shops, upon the farms, and in the various vocations of life.
The great Union armies disappeared as suddenly as they
had sprung into existence. Again the Avorld witnessed anoth
er scene it had never looked upon before. The Grand Army
of the Republic rapidly dissolved ; its veteran soldiers laid
aside the arms and accoutrements of war, returned to the
peaceful pursuits of civil life, and resumed their former places
in the communities where they resided as quietly and uncon
cernedly as if nothing unusual had occurred'.

REGIMENTAL ROSTER.

Organized at Galva, Henry County, 111., August 18, 1862.
Mustered into the United States service at Peoria, 111., Sept.
20, 1862.
Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C, June 20, 1865.
Final Discharge and Payment at Chicago, 111., July 6, 1865.
field and staff.
Present and Mustered out with the regiment, June 20, 1865.
Colonel and Brevet Brigadier General, Thomas J. Henderson.
Enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, and elected Captain of Co. F.—
Upon organization of the regiment unanimously elected
Colonel by vote of the commissioned officers and ofthe
enlisted men. Mustered in as Colonel of the regiment
Sept. 22, 1862. — Severely wounded in the battle of Re
saca, Ga., May 14, 1864, and absent by reason of wounds
until July 28, 1864.— Commanded 2nd Brigade, 2nd Di
vision, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Ohio, from Jan'y
15, to April 8, 1864. Commanded 3d Brigade, 3d Divis
ion, 23d Corps, Army of the Ohio, from Aug. 12, 1864,
until mustered out. Recommended for promotion to
Brigadier General by Major General Schofield, com
manding the Army of the Ohio, and by Major General
Cox, commanding the 23d Army Corps, for gallant
and meritorious service in the Georgia and Tennessee
campaigns, and especially at the battle of Franklin,
Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. Appointed Brigadier General,
by Brevet, by President Lincoln, Jan'y 6, 1865, to rank
from Nov. 30, 1864. Residence — Princeton, Bureau Co.,
Ulinois.
Lieut. Colonel Emery S. Bond. Enrolled Aug. 5, 1862, and
elect ed Captain of Co. C. Upon organization of the reg
imen t unanimously elected Lieutenant Colonel by a

ROSTER OF FIELD AND STAFF. 335
vote of the commissioned officers and of the enlisted
men. — Mustered in Sept. 22, 1862. — Commanded 2nd
Brig. 1st Div. Cavalry Corps, Army of the Ohio, from
Oct. 12, 1863, to Jan'y 15, 1864, and other times tempor
arUy. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta,
Ga., Aug. &,, 1864, and absent, by reason of wounds, un
til Oct. 30, 1864. Again wounded in the Battle of
Franklin, Tenn., No*7. 30, 1864, and absent, by reason
of wounds, until Jan'y 14,' 1865. Commanded the reg
iment from latter date until mustered out. Residence
¦ — No. 40 Carpenter St., Chicago, 111. Business address
—No. 245 S. Water St.
Major Tristram T. Dow. Enrolled Aug. 12, and mustered in as
Captain of Co. A, Sept. 20, 1862. Promoted to Major
March 22, to rank from Feb'y 1, 1863. Captured near
Winchester, Ky., Feb'y 23, 1863, and paroled next day.
Exchanged and rejoined regiment April 13, 1863.
Commanded the regiment in the East Tennessee cam
paign from Oct. 12, 1863, to Jan'y 15, 1864, and in the
Atlanta campaign from Aug. 6, 1864, to October
30, 1864. Acting Ass't Inspector General of 3d
Div. 23d Corps, Army of the Ohio, from Nov. 1, 1864,
until April 22, 1865, when he was appointed by the
President Ass't Inspector General of the 23d Army
Corps, with rank of Lieut. Colonel, and held that posi
tion until mustered out. Appointed by the President
Colonel, by Brevet, of United States Volunteers, July
12, 1865. A brave and gallant officer, beloved by every
man in the regiment. Died at Davenport, Iowa, Marcb
22, 1882. Widow's address— Mrs. Mary Doav, No. 425
E. Locust St., Davenport, la.
Adjutant Gilbert R. Woolsey. Enlisted Aug. 22, mustered in
Sept. 20, 1862, as Private of Co. D. Promoted to Cor
poral Oct. 13, 1862, and to First Serg. March 16,
1864. Promoted to First Lieut, and Adjutant May 10,
to rank from April 25, 1865. Residence — Normal, Mc
Lean county, Illinois.
Quarter Master George C. Alden. Enrolled and mustered in as
First Lieut, and Q. M. Sept. 10, 1862. Captured near
Cassville, Ga., May 24, 1864. Paroled at Wilmington,
N. C, Feb'y 28, 1865. Exchanged, and rejoined regi
ment at Greensboro, N. C, in May, 1865. Address —
Fort Collins, Colorado.
Surgeon Luther S. Milliken. Enrolled and mustered in Sept.
15, 1862, as First Assistant Surgeon, Avith rank of Cap
tain. Promoted to Surgeofi, with rank of Major, March
22, 1863. Brigade Surgeon a considerable portion of

336 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
the last year of the war. Remained in the South, and
resided there ever since the war. Address— Franklin-
ton, Franklin Co., North Carolina.
First Assistant Surgeon Charles DeHaven Jones. Enrolled and
mustered in May 4, 1863, as First Assistant Surgeon,
Avith rank of Captain. Died at Mariner's Harbor, Stat-
en Island, N. Y., Feb'y 22, 1876:"
Second Assistant Surgeon Wesley Phillips. EnrollecPand mus
tered in Jan'y ] 3, 1863, as Second Assistant Surgeon,
with rank of First Lieut. Address— Burnt Prairie,
White county,°IUinois. previously discharged.
Major James M. Hosford. Enrolled Aug. 11, 1862, and elected
Captain of Co. I. Upon organization of regiment
unanimously elected Major by a vote of the commis
sioned officers and of the enlisted men. Mustered in
as Major Sept. 22, 1862. Resigned at Lexington, Ky.,
by reason of disability, caused by fall of his horse pro
ducing hernia, Feb'y 1, 1863. Employed in Commis
sary Department at Camp Douglas, Chicago, UL, from
May, 1863 to Oct. 1, 1865. Residence — Geneseo, Hen
ry county, 111.
Surgeon John W. Spaulding. Enrolled and mustered in as
Surgeon, with rank of Major, Sept. 11, 1862. Re
signed at Lexington, Ky., byreason of ill-health, March
22, 1863. Died at Gale'sburg, IU., Feb'y 12, 1872.
Adjutant Henry W. Wells. Enrolled Aug. 9, 1862, at Cam
bridge, 111., in Co. D. Appointed Adjutant Sept. 20,
and mustered in Sept. 22, 1862, as First Lieut, and Ad
jutant. Mustered out Nov. 25, 1863, for promotion to
Major in 1st Tenn. Heavy Artillery. Was assigned
to cluty on Staff of Gen. Manson, during siege of Knox
ville ; and then on Staff of Gen. Cox ; and then as Chief
of Engineers and Artillery on Staff of Gen. Tillson, un
til April 29, 1864, when he was appointed Chief of Artil
lery of the 3d Div. 23d Corps, Army of the Ohio, and
held that position until the close of the war. Also serv
ed as A. A. A. G., 3d Div. 23d A. C, from June 4, to
July 27, 1864 ; and Judge Advocate of the division from
June 27, to the close of the Atlanta campaign, in addi-
• tion to other regular staff duties. Residence — Peoria,
Illinois.
Adjutant Bradford F. Thompson. Appointed Adjutant from
Co. B, March 7, 1864. Promoted to Captain of Co. B,
May 9, 1865. See Co. B.

Roster of the Notf-coMMissiotfED staff. 337
Chaplain Roswell N. Henderson. Enlisted Aug. 8, and mus
tered in as Private of Co. I, Sept. 20, 1862. Elected by
the officers of the regiment, and mustered as Chaplain,
with rank of Captain, Oct. 8, 1862. Resigned at the
written request of all the officers of the regiment, Oct.
26, 1864. non-commissioned staff.
Present and mustered out with the regiment June 20, 1865.
Commissary Sergeant Robert F. Steele. Enlisted Aug. 11,
mustered in Sept. 20, 1862, as First Sergeant of Co. I.
Appointed Com. Serg. of the regiment Oct. 3, 1862.
Residence — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Quarter Master Sergeant Albert Walton. Enlisted Aug. 9,
mustered in Sept. 20, 1862. as Private of Co. D. Act
ing Sergeant Major from June 13, to Sept. 12, 1864.
Appointed Quartermaster Sergeant of the regiment
Sept. 12, 1864. Residence — St. Paul, Minn. Business
address— 169 E. Third St.
Hospital Steward Joseph C. Johnson. Enlisted Aug. 12, and
mustered in Sept. 20, 1862, as Private of Co. I. Ap
pointed Hospital Steward Oct. 3, 1862. Captured on
the Saunders Raid into East Tennessee, in June, 1863.
Paroled at Richmond, Va., July 11 ; exchanged Sept.
10, and rejoined regiment a.t Bean's Station, in E. Tenn.,
Dec. 14, 1863. Died at Mason City, 111., Sept. 26, 1885.
Principal Musician Robert Ferman. Enlisted Aug. 9, and
mustered in Sept. 20, 1862, as Musician of Co. D. Ap
pointed Principal Musician Oct. 3, 1862. Member of Re
gimental Band from its organization, and Leader from
Feb'y 29, 1864, until mustered out. Address — Blairs-
town, Benton county, Iowa.
ABSENT.
Sergeant Major Joseph C. Baird. Enlisted Aug. 11, in Co. D,
and mustered in Sept. 20, 1862, as Private of Co. H.
Appointed Sergeant Major Oct. 3, 1862. Wounded in
action near Philadelphia, Tenn., Oct. 26, 1863. Absent
t n recruiting service from Jan'y 15, to April 13, 1864.
Absent sick from June 13, 1864. Discharged at U. S.
Gen. Hospital, Keokuk, Iowa, July 26, 1865. Address
— Dodge City, Ford county, Kansas.
died in the service.
Quarter Master Sergeant George Bernard. Enlisted Aug. 11,
in Co. D, and mustered in Sept. 20, 1862, as Private of
—22

338 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Co. H. Appointed Quarter Master Sergeant Oct. 3,
1862. Died of disease in hospital at Marietta, Ga.,
Aug. 24, and buried Aug. 25, 1864. Remains removed
and interred in the Natiorial Cemetery at Marietta, Ga.,
after- the Avar. No. of Grave 7,269, in Section G.
recapitulation.
Present and mustered out with the regiment, 12
Absent, 1
PreA'iously Discharged, 5
Died, 1
Total, 19

COMPANY A.
Enrolled at Annawan, Henry County, Illinois, August, 1862.
Organized August 12, 1862.
Date of all enlistments not otherwise stated, August 12, 1862.
Must3red into the United States service Sept. 20, 1862.
Present and mustered out with the company June 20, 1865 :
Captain John L. Doav. Enrolled Aug; 12, mustered in Sept.
20, 1862, as Second Lieut. . Promoted to First Lieut.
April 13, to rank from Feb'y 1, 1863. Promoted, to
Captain March 5, 1864, to rank from Nov. 18, 1863.
Wounded in action at Kelly's Ford, on the French
Broad River, in E. Tenn., Jan'y 28, 1864. Acting As
sistant Inspector General of 2nd Brig. 1st Div. Cavalry
Corps, Army of the Ohio, from July 15, 1863, to Jan'y 1,
1864 ; and also performed the duties of Provost Marshal
part of the same time. Provost Marshal of the 23d Army
Corps from April 3, 1865, until mustered out. One of
the commissioners appointed April 24, 1865, to carry
out the terms of the Military Convention entered into
between Major Gen. Sherman and Gen. Joseph E.
Johnston for the surrender of the Confederate army.
Residence — Davenport, Iowa.
Second Lieut. Thomas J. Williams. Mustered in as Sergeant.
Promoted to First Sergeant March 5, 1864; and to
Second Lieut. Sept. 20, to rank from Aug. 10, 1864.
Commissioned First Lieut., but not mustered. Slightly
Avounded in action at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga.,
Aug. 6, 1864. Address— Henry, Ray Co., Missouri.
First Sergeant Jesse Coble. Mustered in as Sergeant. Pro
moted Sept. 20, 1864. Commissioned Second Lieut.

ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 339
June 15, 1865, but not mustered. Wounded in action at
Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, 1864. Address, Beatrice,
Gage county, Nebraska.
Sergeant Harrison P. Large. Mustered iu as Corporal. Pro
mote.! April 13, 1863. Started for the Black Hills with
a company of explorers in 1873, and not since beard
from. The whole company supposed to have been kill
ed by Indians.
Sergeant Walter S. Younkin. Mustered in as Corporal.
Promoted Sept. 1, 1863. Died at Annawan, Henry Co.,
Ills., Dec. 19, 1868.
Sergeant William Troyer. Mustered in as Corporal. Pro
moted April 15, 1864. Address — Dorchester, Saline Co.,
Nebraska.
Sergeant Marvin Stewart. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted to Sergeant April 28, 1865. Address — Plum
Creek, Dawson Co., Nebraska.
Corporal Celsus Orton. Resides in Canada — P. 0. not known.
Corporal Willis H. Williams. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted Sept. 1, 1863. Address — PilotMound, Boone Co.,
Iowa.
Corporal John H. Batten. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted Sept. 15, 1864. Address — Pueblo, Pueblo Co.,
Colorado.
Corporal Thomas Dennis. Mustered in as Private. Promot
ed July 1, 1864. Address, Clay Center, Clay county,
Kansas.  , . .
Corporal James Slick. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
April 28, 1865. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, August 6, 1864. Died at Swede Point, Boone
county, Iowa, Nov. 26, 1880.
Corporal Henry H. Leonard. Mustered iu as Private. Pro
moted April 28, 1865. Slightly Avounded in action at.
Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, 1864.
Musician John A. Hart. Member of Regimental Band from
its organization until mustered out. Address,. Oska-
loosa, Jefferson county, Kansas.
Musician William B. McChesney. Member of Regimental
Band from its organization until mustered out. Ad
dress, Eureka, Greenwood county, Kansas.
Wagoner Henry J. McGath. Captured at Athens, Tenn.,
Sept. 27, 1863. Paroled April 30, and exchanged May
7, '64. Rejoined regiment Aug. 8, '64. Address, Clarks,
Merrick county, Nebraska.

340 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
privates.
Jacob Brenner. Address, Adair, Adair county, Iowa.
James S. Braden. Address, Goldfield, Wright county, Iowa.
John R. Buckley. Died at Albia, Henry county, 111., Nov. 28, '81.
Josiah B. Cope. Address, Humboldt, Richardson Co., Neb.
Martin Caughey. Addretss — Ctica, Seward Co., Nebraska.
Holbert Caughey. Address — Utica, Seward Co., Nebraska.
Patrick Cummings. Slightly wounded in action at Resaca, Ga.,
May 14, '64. Address — Massillon, Stark county, Ohio.
Edwin Demott. Captured near AVinchester, Ky., Feb. 23, '63.
Paroled next day ; exchanged Sept. 10, and rejoined
company at Bean's Station, in E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63.
Address — Beaver City, Furnas county, Nebraska.
Henry Fisher. Address — Menno, Hutchinson county, Dakota.
Michael Follett. Address — Walla Walla, Walla Walla county,
Washington Ter.
Stafford Godfrey. Wounded iu action at Bean's Station, E.
Tenn., Dec. 14,1863; and again at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, 1864. Reported "absent" on mus
ter out roll of company, but Avas discharged at Greens
boro, N. C, June 20, 1865. Address — Luverne, Kossuth
county, Iowa.
George W. Hayes. Address — Blandinsville, McDonough coun
ty, Illinois.
Henry H. Harris. Address — AnnaAvan, Henry county, 111.
Herman Hirschberger. Address — Annawan, Henry Co., 111.
Frederick Kukuk. Wounded in action at Knoxville, Tenn.,
Nov. 17, '63.
August Meiers. Regimental Bugler from Jan'y '63, until dis
charged. Mustered in as Corporal. Reduced at his
own request. Residence — Henry, Marshall county. 111.
Henry Moyer. Captured on Saunders Raid into East Tennes
see in June, '63. Paroled July 11 ; exchanged Sept. 10,
and rejoined company at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec.
14, '63.
Robert McDermond. Died at Annawan, Henry county, Ills.,
Nov. 24, '82.
Stephen T. Momeny. Address — Pipeston, Berrien Co., Mich.
WiUiam Patten. Wounded in action at Franklin, Tenn., Nov.
30, '64. Address — Cambridge, Henry county, Illinois.
WUliam K. Porter. Address — Huxley, Custer county, Neb.
Hiram Plummer. Residence — Des Moines, Iowa.

ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 341
Henry J. Richmond. Address— Manson, Calhoun county, la.
Henry Slick. Address — Tama, Tama county, Iowa.
Charles J. Smith. Address — ProphetstoAvn, Whiteside, coun
ty, Illinois.
Lewis W. Smith. Died at De Soto, Dallas county, Iowa-, Oct.
6, '85.
LeAvis Stagner. Captured at Athens, Tenn., Sept. 27, '63,
Avhile sick in hospital. Escaped and concealed him
self until Union troops reoccupied the town, Oct. 2, '63.
Address — Annawan, Henry county, Illinois.
John Willett. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near Atlan
ta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64 : and again, slightly, in the battle of
Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Address — Annawan,
Henry county, Illinois. absent.
Corporal James M. Bice. Whunded in action at KnoxviUe,
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Captured iu action 'at 4U toy Creek,
near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Paroled at Jacksonville,
Fia., April 16, '65. Not exchanged. Never rejoined
company. Discharged at Springfield, Ills., July 1, '65.
Discharge dated May 30. Address — Chirks, Merrick
county, Nebraska.
John W. Adair. Captured at Cassville, Ga., May 24, '64. Ex-
^_  changed at Wilmington, N. C, March 1, '65. Never re-
-M>w. joined company. Discharged June 20, '65. Residence,
Mendota, LaSalle county, Illinois.
Lawrence Dingman. Absent sick. Discharged July 1, '65.
Accidentally killed in Florida in '83.
Thomas E. Mathews. Enlisted Aug. 6, '62. Captured in
action at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Paroled at
Jacksonville, Fia., April 28, '65. Not exchanged. Never
rejoined company. Discharged at Springfield, 111., July
3, '65. Discharge dated June 1, but noi received until
July 3d. Address — Eagle Grove, Wright county, Iowa.
Alonzo Rockefeller. Captured in action at Franklin, Tenn.,
Nov. 30, '64. Paroled at Jacksonville, Fia., April 28, '65.
Not exchanged. Never rejoined company. Discharged
at Springfield, UL, July 1, '65. Address — Annawan,
Henry county, 111.
Joel Stillwell. Absent sick. Discharged at Nashville, Tenn.,
July 29, '65. In every battle of the regiment. Address
|— Eureka, Greenwood county, Kansas.

342 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
previously discharged.
Captain Tristram T. Dow. Enrolled Aug. 12, and mustered
in as Captain Sept. 20, '62 ; promoted to Major March
22, to rank from Feb. 1, '63. See Field and Staff.
First Lieut. James P. McChesney. Mustered in as First Ser
geant ; promoted to Second Lieut. April 13, to rank
from Feb: 1, '63, and to First Lieut. March 5, '64, to
rank from Nov. 18, '63, but not mustered as First Lieut.
Resigned near Atlanta, Ga., August 10, '64. Address
— New Richmond, St. Croix county, Wisconsin.
First Lieut. LeanderU. Browning. Mustered in as Sergeant ;
promoted to First Sergeant April 13, '63; to Second
Lieut. March 5, '64, to rank from Nov. 18, '63 ; and to
First Lieut Sept. 20, to rank from Aug. 10, '64. Wound
ed in action at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Resign
ed at Greensboro, N. C, May 20, '65. Residence —
Clinton, Clinton county, Iowa.
Corporal James M. Latimer. Discharged at Lexington, Ky.,
Feb., '63; disability. Address — Vandalia, Jasper coun
ty, Iowa. PRIVATES.
Isaac Bice. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., April, '63; disa
bility. Died at Annawan, Henry Co., UL, June 2, '73.
Elisha K. Brown. Discharged Jan. 28, '65. Address — York-
town, Bureau county, 111.
James R. Batten. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Discharged by reason of
wounds at U. S. General Hospital, Mound City, UL,
May 12, '65. Address — Annawan, Henry county, 111.
Jeffrey H. Browning. Discharged, at NashviUe,. Tenn., May
3, '65. Address — Annawan, Henry county, IU.
William Benson. Captured at Athens, Tenn., Sept. 27, '63.
Jumped from the cars and escaped on the way to Atlan
ta, and rejoined the company at Athens Oct. 5, '63.
Discharged at Beaufort, N. C, May 9, '65. Address —
Turner, Marion county, Oregon.
Joseph Dingman. Wounded in action at Philadelphia, Tenn.,
Oct. 26, '63. Discharged June 1, '65. Address — Pres-
cott, Adams county, Iowa.
Vester Goble. Captured in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov.
18, '63. Never rejoined company. Discharged June
2, '65. Address — Caldwell, Sumner county, Kansas.
Washington Gooding. Wounded in action at Bean's Station,
Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Discharged by reason of Avounds

ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 343
at Camp Nelson, Ky., Sept. 20, '64. Address— Dayton,
Webster county, Iowa.
James A. Irwin. Injured by fall while on guard at Lexington,
Ky., in the night, in March, '63; fractured bone in left
leg. Discharged at Quincy, 111., Feb. 4. '64. Address
— Stuart, Guthrie county, Iowa.
David J. King. Discharged May 15, '65. Died in Missouri
in '76.
Jerome 1\ Kepler. Wounded in action at Franklin, Tenn.,
Nov. 80, '64. Discharged by reason of wounds at Chi
cago, 111., May 20, '65. Address — Webster City, Ham
ilton county, Iowa.
John L. Lenhart. Left sick at Thompson's Station, Tenn.,
Nov. 12, '64. Discharged May 31,' '65 ; disabUity.
Addison C. Leonard. Captured on the Saunders', Raid into
E. Tenn., in June, '63. Paroled July 11 ; exchanged
Sept. 10, '63. Discharged AprU 18, '64; disability.
Philip Myers. Discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio, June 4,
'68 ; disability. Address — Grand Junction, Greene
county, Iowa.
Ephraim T. Woodruff. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., May
'68; disability. Died at home before muster out of
company.
Philip J. Wintz. Wounded in action at KnoxviUe, Tenn., Nov.
18, '63, and left on the field. Escaped through the en
emy's lines and rejoined the command in KnoxvUle.
Severely wounded in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14,
'64. Severely injured in ankle near Kinston, N, C,
while on his way to the regiment in Feb'y, '65. Dis
charged at Beaufort, N, C., June 14, '65. Address —
Annawan, Henry county, Illinois.
TRANSFERRED TO VETERAN RESERAM3 CORFS.
James H. Bradford. Transferred *in '68. Died at Annawan,
Henry county, 111., Feb'y 22, '74.
William J. Eyer. Transferred March 24, '65. Discharged at
Cleveland, Ohio, July 8. '65. Address — Kewanee, Hen
ry county, Illinois.
Joseph Johnson. Accidentally wounded at Lexington, Kv.,
Feb'y 6, '63. Transferred May 1, '65. Address— An
nawan, Henry county, Illinois.
John C. Trover. Wounded in action at Kelly's Ford, on the
French Broad River, inE. Tenn., Jan'y 28, '64. Trans
ferred by reason of wounds, March 15, '65. Discharged

344 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
at LouisviUe, Ky., Aug. 24, '65. Address— Dorchester,
Saline county, Nebraska.
KILLED AND DIED IN THE SERVICE.
Captain Asa A. Lee. Enrolled Aug. 12, and mustered in
Sept. 20, '62, as First Lieut. Promoted AprU 13,
to rank from Feb. 1, '63. Mortally Avounded in action
at KnoxvUle, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63, and died on the same
day. His remains removed and interred in the National
Cemetery at KnoxviUe, Jan'y 31, '64. No. of Grave 446.
Sergeant Lucius C. Niles. Drowned in Emery River, near
Kingston, Tenn., Aug. 31, '63. His remains recovered
and buried by moon-light near the place of his death.
Corporal Charles B. Valentine. Killed in action at KeUy's
Ford, on the French Broad River, in E. Tenn., Jan'y
28, '64. No record of burial.
Corporal John B. Heaps. Mustered in as Private : promoted
April 13, '63. KUled in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14,
'64, whtie on duty as Color Guard. No record of place
of burial. See note a.
Corporal Henry Caughey. Mustered in as Private : promoted
April 15, '63. Died near Fort Anderson, on the Cape
Fear River. N. C, Feb'y 20, '65. Said to have been
poisoned. No record of place of burial.
PRIVATES.
Milton Barton. Reported "missing" at the battle of Frank
lin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Killed in action; left on the
field, and buried by the enemy. Among the "unknoAvn"
in National Cemetery at Madison, near NashA'Ule. See
note b.
Lorenzo Brown. Kicked to death by a government mule near
Waynesburg, Ky., April 23, '64. Buried in the Nation
al Cemetery at MUl Springs, Ky. No. of GraAe, 707.
Joseph S. Baremore. Kille'd in action at Resaca, Ga., May
14, '64. No record of burial.
James Caughey. Mortally wounded in action at Franklin,
Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Died at NashvUle, Dec. 3, '64.
Buried in the National Cemetery at Madison, near
Nashville, Tenn. No. of Grave 2,792.
Nelson H. Cole. Captured at KnoxAille, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63.
Died in rebel prison at Andersonville, Ga.. Aug. 29. '64.
No. of GraA'e 7,212.
Andrew J. DaAis. Captured at KnoxviUe, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63.

Roster of company a. 345
lied in rebel prison at Andersonville, Ga., April 3. '64.
No. of Grave 356.
Bradley W. Diltz. Killed in action at Bean's Station, East
Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. No record of burial.
John H. Fuller. Died in NashviUe, Tenn., Jan'y 8, '65.
Buried in National Cemeterv at Madison, near Nash
ville. No. of Grave 9,548.
Salem B. Giles. Captured at KnoxviUe, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63.
Died in rebel prison at Andersoinille, Ga., Sept. 6, '64.
X umber of Grave 7,988.
Luther M. Harrington. Captured at KnoxviUe, Tenn., Nov.
18, '63. Died in rebel prison at Andersomille, Ga.,
June 29, '64. No. of Grave 2,633.
John Hords. Killed in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18,
'63. Left on the field and buried by the enemy.
Among the "unknown" in the National Cemetery at
KnoxviUe. See note c.
Patrick Kenney. Mortally Avounded in action at Franklin,
Tenn., Nov. 30, '64, and left on the field. Died in the
hands of the enemy, at Franklin, Dec. 6, '64. Buried
by the enemy. No record of grave.
William McMillan. Died in hospital at Lexington, Ky., Feb'y
'63. Buried in Government lot in Lexington Cemetery.
No. of Grave 312. See note d.
Jesse H. Morgan. Killed in action at Knoxville, Nov. 18, '63.
Left on the field and buried by the enemy.
Thomas Nowers. Killed in action at Knoxville, Nov. 18, '63.
Left on the field and buried by the enemy.
Squire S. Pope. Died in hospital at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 16,
'63. Buried on Government lot in Lexington Cemetery.
No. of Grave, 269.
Joseph Patten. Died in hospital at Stanford, Ky., May 19,
'63. No record of burial.
John Winters. Wounded in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov.
17, '63. Died of wounds at Nashville, Tenn., April 21,
'(•4. Buried in Natioual Cemetery at Madison, near
NashviUe. No. of Grave, 13990.
Truman A. Woodruff. Died in hospital at Lexington, Ky.,
Nov. 18, '62. Buried on Government Lot in Lexington
Cemetery. No. of Grave, 124.
Frederick A. Woodruff. Reported "missing" at the battle of
Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Killed in action ; left on
the field and buried by the enemy.
—23

346 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Sephen M. Esterbrook. Deserted at Peoria, UL, Oct. 4, '62.
privates —
Recruits, transferred to Co. F, 65th 111. Vols., (consolidated),
June 20, '65 ; mustered out at Greensboro, N. C, July 13, '65 :
Walter Barton. Enlisted and mustered in Dec. 21, '63, for
tbree years.
Stephen L. Blankinship. Enlisted Sept. 24, mustered in Nov.
15, '63, for three years. Wounded in action at Frank
lin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. A loyal Tennessean. Return
ed to that State after his discharge.
Edward Caughey. Enlisted March 18, mustered in AprU 25,
'63, Jer three years. Address- -Newton, Jasper Co., la.
Jacob Hock. Enlisted and mustered in Dec. 28, '63, for three
years.
Andrew Kopp. Enlisted and mustered in Dec. 28, '63, for
three years.
Philip Meyer. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 20, '64, for
three years.
Lorenzo D. Pope. Enlisted and mustered in March 1, '65,
for one year.
John Richmond. Enlisted March 12, mustered in AprU 25,
'64, for three years. Address — Manson, Calhoun coun
ty. IoAva. RECAPITULATION .
Present and mustered out Avith the regiment, 44
Absent, 6
Previously Discharged, 20
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 4
KUled and died in the service, 25
Deserted, 1
Recruits transferred to the 65th 111., 8
Total, • 108

ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 347
COMPANY F.
Enrolled at Toulon, Stark County, Illinois, August, 1862.
Organized, August 15, 1862.
Date <;f all enlistments not otherwise stated, Aug. 15, 1862
Mustered into the United States service, Sept. 20, 1862.
Present and mastered out wi th the company, June 20, 1865 :
Captain James G. Armstrong. Enlisted Aug. 22, and muster
ed in Sept. 20, 1862, as First Sergeant. Promoted to
Second Lieut. March 10, to rank from March 5, 1863;
to First Lieut. Aug. 5, to rank from Jurfe 16. 1863, anti
to Captain Sept. 11, to rank from June 24, 1864. A. A.
Q. M. of 2nd Brig. 1st Div. ('av. Corps, Army of Ohio,
from March 5, to April 8, 1864. He and two of bis sons
were killed by lightning, in Greene countv, Iowa, Aug.
31, 1881.
First Lieut. BiiHhrod Tapp. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62, and mus
tered in as Sergeant. Promoted to First Serg. April 1,
1864, and to First Lieut. Dec. 10, to rank from June 24,
'64. Slightly wounded in action at Bean's Station, Ii,
Tenn., Dec. 16, '63, and at Kelly's Ford, on the French
Broad River, E. Term., Jan'y 28, '64. Address— Wy
oming, Stark county, 111.
First Serg. Henry B. Perry. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62, and mus
tered in as Corporal. Promoted to Sergeant March 10,
'63 and to First Serg. Jan'y 1, '65. Commissioned Sec
ond Lieut. June 15, '65, but not mustered. Address —
Toulon. Stark county, 111.
Sergeant Andrew Harty. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
to Corporal Aug. 5, '63, and to Sergeant Sept. 1, 1864.
Wounded in action near Philadelphia, Tenn., Oct. 26,
'63. Address — Bradford, Stark county, 111.
Sergeant James R. Gelvin. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62, and mus
tered in as Private. Promoted to Corporal Feb'y 26.
'64, and to Sergeant Sept. 1, '64. Slightly wounded in
action at Knoxville, Tenn., No*-*. 18, '63. Address —
Duncan, Stark county, 111.
Sergeant William P. Ballentine. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62, and
mustered in as Private. Promoted to Corporal April 1,
'61, and to Sergeant Jan'y 1, '65. Seriously injured on
the road home after muster out — standing on a car as
the train passed urider a low bridge, and his head struck
the bridge — near York, Penn. Was left in hospital at
Harrisburg, but recovered and returned home. Address
— Bloomington, Osborne county, Kansas.

348 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Sergeant William H. Ely. Mustered in as Private. Promot
ed to Sergeant Sept. 1, '64. Address — Webster City,
Hamilton county, Iowa.
Corporal Levi Silliman. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Wounded in
action at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Residence — Tou
lon, Staik county, 111.
Corporal Milton Trickle. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Address —
Atkinson, Henry county, 111.
Corporal James E. Finley. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted Feb'y 26, '64. Wounded in action near Atlanta,
Ga., July 21, '64. Address — Perry, Dallas county, la.
Corporal George G. Stone. Mustered in as Private. Promot
ed Sept. 1, '64. Wounded inaction at Knoxville, Tenn.,
Nov. 18, '63, and again at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64.
Address — Plainview, Pierce county, Nebraska.
Corporal James Hughes. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
Sept. 1, '64. Address — Srearville, Ford county, Kan.
Corpcral Andrew Kamerer. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted Sept. 1, '64. Captured on the Saunders Raid, at
Knoxville, Tenn., June 20, '63. Paroled at Richmond,
Va., July 11; exchanged Sept. 10, and rejoined the
company at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63.
Address— West Jersey, Stark county, 111.
Corporal Samuel M. Adams. ' Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Muster
ed in as Private Promoted Jan'y 1, '65. Residence —
Toulon, Stark county, 111.
Corporal Jacob Vulgamott. Enlisted Aug. 19, '62. Mustered
in as Private. Promoted June 1, '65. Residence —
Denver, Colorado. PRIVATES.
Henry C. Aekley. Captured near Winchester, Ky., Feb'y 23,
'63. Paroled Feb'y 24 ; exchanged Sept. 10, and rejoin
ed the company at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14,
'63. Address — Gilman, Marshall county, Iowa.
Alfred C. Ballentine. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Wounded in ac
tion at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Address— Eu
gene, Ringgold county, Iowa.
George Boyd. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Address— Grafton, Fill
more county, Nebraska.
Edwin Butler. Enlisted Aug. 1] , '62. Mustered in as Ser
geant ; promoted to First Sergeant Aug. 5, '63. Detail
ed to work on the "Athens Union Post," at Athens,
Tenn., and when the Union troops retreated was cap-
tuied, in the night of Sept. 26, '63, Reduced to the

ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 349
ranks AprU 1, '64, whUe a prisoner of war, without
cause or excuse, except to create a A'acancy for the ap
pointment of another First Sergeant of the company.
Residence — Toulon, Stark county, 111.
Samuel M. Eldridge. Enhsted Aug. 11, '62. Detailed as
Regimental Postmaster Oct. 3, '62, and served as P. M.
of the regiment or brigade until mustered out. Resi
dence — Galva, Ida county, Iowa.
John D. Essex. Address — Valparaiso, Saunders county, Neb.
Milton Headley. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Residence — Toulon,
Stark county, IU.
James P. Headley. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. DetaUed as musi
cian, and was a member of the Regimental Band from
its organization untU mustered out. Residence — Tou
lon, Stark county, IU.
WUliam Himes. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Slightly wounded in
action at Utoy Creek, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address — LeAv
is, Cass county, Iowa.
Austin C. Himes. Enhsted Aug. 14, '62. .Address — LaFay-
ette, Stark county, 111.
Peter C. Johnson. Enlisted in Co. F, but mustered in as of
Co. H. Transferred back to Co. F, Nov. 1, '62. Ad
dress — Hinsdale, DuPage county, Ul.
George W. Johnson. Slightly Avounded in action at Utoy
Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64.
Timothy Kenely. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Reported dead.
Royal Lafferty. Address — Emporia, Lyon county, Kansas.
Job C. Mahaffey. Enlisted lug. 14, '62. Wounded in action
at Kelly's Ford, on the French Broad RiA'er, in E. Tenn.,
Jan'y 28, '64. Address — Henderson, Knox county, 111,
Robert Makings. Enlisted Aug. 21, '62. Died at West Jersey,
Stark county, IU., Dec. 15, '73.
Theodore McDaniel. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Address — Wy
oming, Stark county. 111.
Charles McComsey. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62, in Co. F, but mus
tered in as of Co. H. Transferred back to Co. F, Nov.
1, '62. Residence — Toulon, Stark county, IU.
Hiram G. Parrish. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. On detached duty
as teamster in 23d Corps train from Feb'y 1, 64, until
mustered out. Address — Afton, Union county, Iowa.
Jacob Stauffer. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62 Address — East Lynne,
Cass county, Missouri.
Frank A- Stone. Enlisted Aug, 11, '62, in Co. F, but muster-

350 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
ed in as of Co. H. Transferred back to Co. F, Nov. 1,
'62. Residence — Westboro, Mass.
Ephraim W. Smith. On detached service in Division Com
missary Department. Enemy attacked herd of cattle
in his charge, at Thompson's Station, jTenn., Nov. 30,
'64, killed his horse, and captured fifty head of cattle.
Address — Toulon, Stark county, 111.
Ira Scrantou. On detached serAice, as teamster in 23d Corps
train, from Sept. 19, '64, until mustered out.
Presley Tyrrell. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Address— West Jersey,
Stark county, Ul.
Benjamin W. Todd. Enlisted Aug, 22, '62. Address— Ida
Grove, Ida county, Iowa.
William Vulgamott. Address — Burlington Junction, Noda
way county, Missouri.
DaAid Webster. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Address — West Jer
sey, Stark county, 111. ABSENT.
James McShurry. Enlisted Aug. 19, '62. Captured at Col
umbia, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64; paroled April 15, '65, Not
exchanged. NeA'er rejoined company. Discharged at
Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., June 20, '65. Address
— Castleton, Stark county, Illinois.
Zarah H. Newton. Captured, while driving ambulance, near
Pine Mt., Ga., June 6, '64. Paroled prisoner of Avar at
Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo. Not exchanged ; dis
charged at St. Louis, July 15, '65. Address — Yolo, Yo
lo county, California.
Jesse B. Taylor. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62, in Co. F, but muster
ed in as of Co. H. Transferred back to Co. F, Nov. 1,
'62; captured at Columbia, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64; parol
ed April 15, '65 ; not exchanged ; nexrer rejoined com
pany. Discharged at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo.,
June 20, '65. PREVIOUSLY DISCHARGED.
First Lieut. Jackson Lorance. Enrolled Aug. 11, and mus
tered in Sept. 20, '62, as First Lieut. Resigned, by
reason of ill-health, at Lexington, Ky., March 5, '63.
Address — Burlington Junction, Nodaway Co., Missouri.
Second Lieut. George C. Maxfield. Mustered in as Sergeant.
Promoted to First Sergeant March 10, '63, and to Sec
ond Lieut. Aug. 5, to rank from June 16, 63- Wound
ed in action at KnoxAille, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Resign-

ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 351
ed at Decatur, Ga., [Sept. 11, '64. Residence, Fair
mont, Fillmore county, Nebraska.
Sergeant John F. Rhodes. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62, and mus
tered in as Corporal. Promoted Feb. 26, '64. Severely
wounded iu action at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Dis
charged, by reason of wounds, at Chicago, UL, July 28,
'64. Address — Toulon, Stark county, 111.
Corporal William Rounds. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Discharg
ed at Camp Nelson, Ky., Mav 18, '64 — disability. Died
at Toulon, Stark county, 111.", March 11, 1873.
Corporal DaA'id Tinlin. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62, and mustered
in as Private. Promoted March 10, '63. Discharged
at Lexington, Ky., May 24, '65 — disability. Residence,
Toalon, Stark county, 111.
PRIVATES.
William H. Barton. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. SeA'erely Avound
ed in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Discharged,
by reason of wounds, at Quincy, UL, Feb. 24, '65. Ad
dress — Walkerville, Page county, Iowa.
WUliam Boyd. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Discharged at Beau
fort, N. C, May 29, '65. Died at Toulon, Stark coun
ty, 111., May 7, '75.
Nathaniel Crabtree. Wounded in action at KnoxviUe, Tenn.,
Nov. 18, '63 — left leg amputated. Discharged at Chica
go, UL, July 23, '64.
James N. DaA'ison. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 12,
'63. Address — Corydon, Wayne county, Iowa,
Henry Garner. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62 Discharged at Lexing
ton, Ky., Jan. 12, '63 — disability. Address — Unionville,
Putnam county, Missouri.
George Graen. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Absent sick from Dec.
12, '64. Discharged at Chester, Penn., June 2, '65 — dis
ability. Residence, Toulon, Stark county, 111.
William H. Harris. Absent sick at Camp Nelson, Ky., from
April 17, '64. Discharged at Camp Nelson, May 20,
'65 — disability. Married and remained in Kentucky.
Address — Milledgeville, Ky.
Josiah Minor. Enlisted Aug. 19, '62. On detached service
from July 28, '64. Discharged June 12, '65.
William B. Price. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 13,
'63 — disability. Address — Spirit Lake, Dickinson coun
ty, Iowa.
Thomas Proctor. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Discharged at Camp

352 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Nelson, Ky., Sept. 20, '64— disability. Died at Daven
port, Iowa, since the close of the war.
Robert G. Stowe. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Discharged at Ma
rine Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. '62— disability.
Address — Shenandoah, Page county, Iowa.
William A. Stowe. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. SeA'erely wounded
in action at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64.
Discharged, by reason of wounds, at Benton Barracks,
St. Louis, Mo., April 9, '65. Died at Beaver City, Fur
nas county, Nebraska, from the effects of wounds,|May
1, '84.
William T. Shore. Recruit. Enlisted Feb. 14, mustered in
June 6, '63, for three years. Discharged at KnoxAille,
Tenn., May 13, '65— disability. Address— Tarkio, Page
county, Iowa.
Henry S. Stone. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62, in Co. F, but muster
ed in as of Co. H. Transferred back to Co. F Nov. 1,
'62. SeAerely wounded in action Fat Franklin, Tenn.,
Nov. 30, '64 — right arm amputated. Discharged, by
reason of wounds, at Chicago, UL, March 5, '65. Ad
dress — Republic City, Republican county, Kansas.
Carlos B. Thorpe. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62 in Co., F, but mus
tered in as of Co. H ; transferred back to Co. F, Nov. 1,
'62. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., March '63, disabili
ty. Died at Perry, Dallas county, Iowa, April 3, '85.
Curtis Wright. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. On detached service
in Commissary Department, at Knoxville, Tenn., from
May 11, '64. Discharged at Knoxville, by reason of the
close of the war, June 17, '65. Residence — Connersville,
Fayette county, Indiana.
Olof N. Youngquist. Enlisted in Co. F, but mustered in as of
Co. H ; transferred back to Co. F, Nov. 1, '62. Dis
charged in hospital at Quincy, UL, May 5, '65.
TRANSFERRED TO VETERAN RESERVE CORPS.
Darius Demunt. Enlisted Aug, 12, '62. Transferred at Camp
Nelson, Ky., Aug. 30, '63. Discharged at Madison,
Wisconsin, July 5, '65. Address— Toulon, Stark coun
ty, UL
George Ely. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Transferred Sept. 11, '63.
Discharged at Madison, Wis., July 5, '65. Address-
Webster City, Hamilton county. Iowa.
Havilah B. Johnson. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Transferred
April 30, '64. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., May 17,

ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 853
'65. Died at Peoria, 111., Oct, 26, '81 ; buried at Toulon.
Jesse Likens. Transferred Sept. 11, '63. Discharged at Camp
Nelson, Ky., Nov. 17, '64. Address — Rolla, Phelps Co.,
Missouri.
George Rockwell. Enlisted Aug. 20, '62. Absent sick at
KnoxvUle, Tenn., since May 7, '64, and transferred.
Discharged at Knoxville, July 12, '65. Killed in Neb.,
since the Avar.
KILLED AND DIED IN THE SERVICE.
Captain William W. Wright. Enrolled Aug. 13, '62, and
elected First Lieut, of Co. F. When Capt. Henderson
Avas elected Colonel of the regiment, he Avas elected, and
mustered in, Sept. 20, '62, as Captain. Wounded in the
battle of Resaca, Ga., May, 14, '64, right arm amputat
ed at the shoulder — and died of wounds at NashviUe,
Tenn., Jnne 24, '64. His remains brought home and
interred in the cemetery at Toulon. Widow's address —
Mrs. Anne M. Wright, Champaign, Illinois.
First Lieut. Robert E. Westfall. Enrolled Aug. 15, and mus
tered in Sept. 20, '62, as Second Lieut. Promoted
March 10, to rank from March 5, '63. Died at Somer
set, Ky., June 16, '63 — the first death of a commission
ed officer in the regiment. His remains brought home
and interred in the cemetery at Wyoming.
Sergt. William I'. Fhfley. Killed in action at KnoxAille.
Temi., Nov. 18, '63. Left on the field and buried by
the enemy. Among the "unknown" in the National
Cemetery at Knoxville. See note c.
Sergeant John H. Lane. Enlisted Aug. 11, and mustered in as
Corporal Oct. 7, '62 — sick when company mustered in.
Promoted Aug. 5, '63. Killed in action at Utoy Creek,
near Atlanta, Ga.. Aug. 6, '64. Remains removed and
interred in the National Cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
No. of Grave 5,317, in Section F.
Sergeant AndreAv G. Pike. Mustered in as Corporal. Pro
moted April 1, '64. Killed in action at Utoy Creek,
rear Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Remains removed and
ii erred iu the National Cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
No. of Grave 5,318, in Section F.
Corporal William C. Bell. Enlisted Aug. 1C62. Killed in
action at KnoxAille, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Buried in the
National Cemetery at KnoxAille. No. of Grave 450.
Corporal Robert M. DeAvey. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Muster
ed in as private ; promoted Jan'y 1, '64. KUled in ac-
—24

354 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
tion at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Re
mains removed and interred in the National Cemetery
at Marietta, Ga. No. of Grave 5,304, in Section F.
PRIVATES.
John L. Adams. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Died of typhoid fev
er, at Lexington, Ky., Dec. 17, '62. Remains sent home
and buried in the cemetery at Toulon.
Elrdore Barnhill. Wounded in action at Knoxville, Tenn.,
Nov. 18, '63 — right arm amputated ; died of Avound, at
Knoxville, Jan'y 2, '64. Buried in the National Ceme
tery at Knoxville. No. of Grave 354.
William M. Creighton. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Died of heart
disease at Lexington, Ky., Feb'y 14, '63. Buried on
Government Lot in the Lexington Cemetery. No. of
Grave 277. See note d.
John W. Curfman. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Wounded in ac
tion at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Mortally wound
ed and left on the field at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64.
Died of Avounds in rebel hospital at Franklin Dec. 10,
'64. No record of burial. See note b.
James Essex. Wounded in action at KnoxviUe, Tenn., Nov.
18, '63. Mortally wounded in action at Utoy Creek,
near Atlanta, Ga,, Aug. 6, '64. Died in Field Hospital
Aug* 7, '64. Remains removed and interred in National
Cemetery at Marietta, Ga. No. of Grave 5,306, Sec. F.
William T. Essex. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Wounded in ac
tion at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Died of wounds at
Springfield, 111., Sept, 18, '64. Buried in the cemetery
at Camp Butler. No. of Grave 534.
Olaus Forss. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62 Mortally wounded in ac
tion at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '68, and left on the
field. Died in the hands of the enemy Nov. 19, '63.
No record of burial — among the "unknoAvn".. in the Na
tional Cemetery at Knoxville.
Henry C. Hall. Recruit. Enlisted and mustered in Feb'y 1,
'64, for three years. Wounded in action at Resaca, Ga.,
May 14, '64. Died of wounds in hospital at Cbattanoo-
ga, Tenn., May 24, '64. Buried in the National Ceme
tery at Chaitanooga. No. of Grave 12,29-1, in Section D.
Joseph Hoppock. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Captured in action
at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Died in reb
el prison at Andersonville, Ga., July 15, '64. No. of
Grave 3,255.
John Kendall. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Killed in action at

ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 355
Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, ,63. Left on the field and
buried by the enemy. Remains recovered and interred
in the National Cemeterv at Knoxville, as "John Kim
ball" of Co. E, 112th 111. " No. of Grave 442.
Omer Leek. Recruit. Enlisted Feb'y 14," '63. No record of
muster-in. Never joined company. Was ordered on
duty at Lexington, by Provost Marshal, and died there,
of measles, April 2, '63. Buried on Government Lot in
Lexington Cemetery. No. of Grave, 341.
George Miller-. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Died of typhoid
fever at Lexington, Ky., Nov. 26, '62. Buried on Gov
ernment Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No. of Grave 120.
Jeremiah D. Madden. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Died at Knox
ville, Tenn., March 4, '64. Buried in National Ceme
tery at KnoxviUe. No. of Grave 941.
Isaac Messenger. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Wounded in action
at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Died of
wounds at Marietta, Ga., Sept. 2, '64. Buried in the
National Cemetery at Marietta. No. of Grave, 8,016,
in Section G.
John F. Negus. Died in hospital at Cincinnati, Ohio, Oct.
17, '62. The first death in the regiment. No record of
place of burial.
George W. Oziah. Died at Lexington, Ky., March 14,
'63. Buried on Government Lot in Lexington Ceme
tery. No. of Grave, 231.
George W. Rhodes. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Captured near
Winchester, Ky., Feb'y 23, '63. Paroled Feb'y 24, and
sent to Parole Camp at St, Louis, Mo. Exchanged
Sept. 10, and rejoined company at Bean's Station, E.
Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Killed in action at Utoy Creek,
near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Remains remoA'ed and
interred in the National Cemetery at Marietta, Ga..
No. of Grave, 5,305, in Section F.
Aaron Ridle. Enlisted in Co. F ; mustered in as of Co. H.
Transferred back to Co. F, Nov. 1, '62. Severely Avound
ed and missing in action at Knoxville. Tenn., Nov. 18,
'63. Died in the hands of the enemy. No record of
date or place of death.
Thomas T. White. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Drowned cross
ing Clinch River, on the Saunders Raid^in E. Tenn.,
June 18, '63.
John W.VWhitten. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Mortally wound
ed near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 7, and died in Field Hospital
Aug. 9, '64. Remains removed and interred in National

356 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Cemetery at Marietta, Ga. No. of Grave 9,852, Sec. J.
DESERTED
Daniel Haselton. Enlisted Aug. 21, '62. Went to New Jer
sey — his native State — from Milledgeville, Ky. April 19,
'63, on a thirty days furlough, and never returned.
Milton Stephens. Deserted in the face of the enemy, with his
L arms and accoutrements, at Lesaca, Ga., May 14, '64.
PRIVATES —
Recruits, transferred to Co. F, 65th 111. Vols, (consolidated),
June 20, '65 ; mustered out at Greensboro, N. C, July 13, '65 :
Joseph H. Burwick. Enlisted Nov. 17, mustered in Nov. 27,
'63, for three years.
Zachariah T. Brown. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 17, '65,
for one year. Address — Peoria, 111.
Luther Graham. Enlisted Nov. 21, mustered in Nov. 27, '63,
for three years.
William J. Hamilton. Enlisted Feb. 10, mustered in June 6,
'63, for three yea-s. Absent sick at Washington, D. C.
Discharged at MoAver U. S. Hospital July 1, '65. Ad
dress — LaFayette, Stark county, ill.
Martin Hickman. Enlisted April 1, mustered in June 6, '63,
for three years.
Jacob W. McDaniel. Enlisted March 28, mustered in April
28, '64, for three years. Address — Wyoming, Stark
county, 111.
Thomas Patterson. Enlisted and mustered in Dec. 2, '63, for
three years.
George W. Pate. Enlisted and mustered in Dec. 4, '63, for
thiee years. Address — McCook, Red Willow Co., Neb.
Elisha E. Taylor. Enlisted and mustered in March 23, '64,
for three years. Injured in side, unloading rations
from railroad car, at Greensboro, N. C, June 18, '65.
Address — Camden, Lyons county, Minnesota.
RECAPITULATION.
Present and mustered out with the company 42
Absent, 8
Previously Discharged, . 22
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 5
Killed and died in the service, 27
Deserted, 2
Recruits transferred to the 65th UL, 9
Total, 110

ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 357
Note— Patrick Flynn and John H. Haskins enlisted in this
company, in Kentucky, March 1, '63, and were mustered in
for tnree years. It was afterwards learned that they properly
belonged to the 21st Ohio Artillery; and by order of Major
Gen. Schofield, commanding the department, they were trans
ferred to that organization.

COMPANY D.
Enrolled at Cambridge, Henry county, Illinois, August, 1862.
Organized August 9, 1862.
Date of all enlistments not otherwise stated, August 9, 1862.
Mustered into the United States service, Sept. 20, 1862.
Present and mustered out with the company, June 20, 1865 :
Captain Augustus A. Dunn. Enrolled July 8, and mustered
in as Captain Sept. 20, '62. Commanded a detachment
of 200 men of the 112th on the Saunders Raid into E.
Tennessee, in June, '63, and frequently commanded oth
er detachments on long and dangerous expeditions.
Commanded the regiment temporarily at many differ
ent times, and was often acting Field Officer of the re
giment. Wounded in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov.
18, '63, while assisting Major Dow in the command of
the regiment. Again wounded, severely, in action at
Kelly's Ford, on the French Broad River, in E. Tenn.,
Jan'y 28, '64, and absent by reason of wounds, until
May, '64. Slightly wounded at the battle of Resaca,
Ga.. May 14, '64. Severelv wounded in the head, by a
shell at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64, and
absent by reason of wounds untU March, '65, when he
rejoined the regiment at Wilmington, N. C. Died of the
wouud received at Franklin, at Chicago, Ills., March 3,
'69. Widow's address— Mrs. Ellen M. Dunn, 521 Wash
ington Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y.
First Lieut. Henry G. Griffin. Enrolled Aug. 11, mustered in
as First Lieut., Sept. 20, '62. In command of the com
pany in defense of Knoxville, until captured, Nov. 18, '63
in an effort to support the 45th Ohio. Taken to Atlan
ta, Ga., thence, via Augusta, to Richmond, and incar
cerated in Libby Prison Dec. 1, '63. Remained in Lib
by until May 7, '64, when he Avas transferred to Macon,
Ga., and thence, in the following August, to Charleston,
S. C, and from there to Columbia. Sent to Charlotte,

858 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
N. C, Feb. 17, '65, and from there to Raleigh, and thence
to Goldsboro. Paroled in March, '65, and sent to Wil
mington, where he met the regiment. He was then or
dered to Annapolis, Md., where he Avas exchanged April
26, '65, and rejoined the regiment at Greensboro, N. C,
in May. Address— Cambridge. Henry county, Illinois.
Second Lieut. James H. Clark. Enlisted July 12, '62, and
mustered in as Sergeant. Promoted Aug. 14, to rank
from June J7, '63. SeA'erely Avounded in action at Utoy
Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address— Excel
sior, Hennepin county, Minnesota.
First Sergeant AnclreAv B. Lafferty. Enlisted July 16, '62.
Mustered in as Sergeant. Promoted June 1, '65. Act
ing Sergeant Major of the regiment from Sept. 12, '64
to the spring of '65. Wounded in action at Knoxville,
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. And at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta,
Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Residence — Cambridge, Henry coun
ty, Illinois.
Sergeant David H. Payton. Mustered in as Corporal. Pro
moted May 2, '63. Severely wounded in action at Kel
ly's Ford on the French Broad River, in E. Tenn., Jan.
28, '64. Address — Clarinda, Page county, IoAva.
Sergeant William W. Hinman. Mustered in as Corporal.
Promoted Aug. 14, '63. Address — Cambridge, Henry
county, 111.
Sergeant John S. Farnham. Enlisted Aug. 10, '62. Muster
ed in as Corporal. Promoted Aug. 14, '63. Severely
injured — thrown from bridge with box of "hard tack"
on his shoulder — at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. fc Ad
dress — Atkinson, Henry county, 111.
Sergeant Leander Woodruff. Mustered in as Corporal. Pro
moted June 1, '65. Captured near Winchester, Ky.,
Feb. 23, '63 ; paroled the next day ; exchanged Sept. 10,
and rejoined the company at Bean's Station, E. Tenn.,
Dec, 14, '63. Address- — Cambridge, Henry county, 111,
Corporal Stephen B. Otis. Mustered in as Private. Promot
ed March 1, '63. Wounded and captured near Lexing
ton, Ky., Feb. 23, and paroled next day; exchanged
Sept. 10, and rejoined the company at Bean's Station,
E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63.
Corporal James Stitt. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
Aug. 14, '63. Slightly wounded in action at Knoxville,
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Severely wounded in action near
Fort Anderson, on the Cape Fear River, N. C, Feb. 18,
'65. Address — Woodhull, Henry County, 111.

ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 359
Corporal Franklin Buckley. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Muster
ed in as Private. Promoted June 2, '64. Capturednear
Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23, '63 ; paroled next day; ex
changed Sept. 10, and rejoined tho company at Bean's
Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Severely wounded in
action at Kelly's Ford, on the French Broad River, in
E. Tenn., Jan. 28, '64, and left in the hands of the ene
my. Recovered and escaped March 10, '64, and rejoin
ed tho company, Reported that he is iioav dead.
Corporal Allen Stackhouse. Enlisted Aug. 7, '62. Mustered
in as Private. Promoted June 2, '64. Address- -Tilton,
Poweshiek county, Iowa.
Corporal David M. Ridenour. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted June 1; '65. Address — Yorktown, Page county, la.
Corporal Charles II. VV. Payne. Mustered in as Private.
Promoted June 1, '65. Wounded in action at Knoxville,
Tenn., Nov. 17, '63. Address-- Adel, Dallas county, la.
Corporal Andrew M. Gustafson. Mustered in.as Private.
Promoted .hinc 1, '65. Wounded iu action at Utoy
Creek, near Atlanta, G a., Aug. 6, 64. Married at the
regimental reunioirat Cambridge, Aug. 18, 'HI, to Miss
Clara E. Morris. Died in Lynn, Henry county, Ills, in
1882.
Musician Asa L. Haydon. Appointed Drum Major of the re
giment Oct. 3, '62, and served as such until organization
of band. Member of baud until mustered out. Address
— Blairstowu, Benton county, Iowa.
Wagoner Joseph Hardy. Teamster during his whole term of
service. Died at Woodhull, Henry county, 111., Jan. 4,^'8°

PRIVATES.

d by exploding shell

Jabez Bath. Inj ured by concussion cause
at Town Creek, near Wilmington, N. C, Feb. 20, '65.
Address— 79 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Alexander Beath. Enlisted July 18, '62. Severely wounded
in action and left on the field, in the hands of the enemy
at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Exchanged Nov. 29,
'63, after the assault on Fort Saunders. Recovered and
rejoined the company. Address -Thayer, Union coun
ty Iowa.
Francis M. Beightel. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Clerk a consid
erable time at brigade, division and corps headquarters.
Address — James' Crossing, Jackson county, Kansas.
Adam Body. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Severely Avounded at
Kellv's Ford, on the French Broad River, in E. Tenn.,

360 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Jan. 28, '64. Address— Shedahl, Story county, Iowa.
Edwin W. Brown. Captured near Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23,
'63; paroled next day; exchanged Sept. 10, and rejoin
ed company at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63.
Address — Clyde, Cloud county, Kansas.
James B. Brown. Died in Burns Tp.,' Henry county, UL,
Oct. 28, '85.
George A. Chatfield. Reported that he is now dead.
Peter W. Cline. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Accidentally wound
ed — thumb and first finger of left hand cut off with ax
— at Lexington, Ky., Dec, '62. Died at Cambridge,
Henry county, 111., since the war.
Robert M. Creighton.
George M. Dunkle. Wounded in action at Resaca, Ga., May
14, '64. Address — Palmyra, Otoe county, Nebraska.
Charles H. Eaton.
George H. Penis. Wounded on the skirmish line, on Pine
Mt., Ga., June 13, '64. Address — Norwich, Page county
Iowa.
Carlton M. Fast. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62.
John D. Flansburg. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Wounded in ac
tion at Resaca, Ga., May, 14, '64. Address— Ulah,
Henry county, 111.
Lewis W. Jacks. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Wounded in action
at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64.
Charles D. Knapp. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Severely wounded
in action at Kelly's Ford, on the French Broad River,
E. Tenn., Jan. 28, '64, and left in the hands of the ene
my. Escaped and floated down the river in a canoe,
to KnoxAille, and rejoined the company May 22, '64.
Residence— Greenfield, Adair county, Iowa.
Thomas N. Lowry. Died at Woodhull, Henry county, UL,
John A. Lyons. Address— Orr, Grand Forks Co., Dakota T.
Hiram Newton. Wounded in action near New Hope Church,
Ga., Jnne 2, '64.
Edward O'Brien. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Captured near Win
chester, Ky., Feb. 23, '63; paroled next day; ex
changed Sept. 10, and rejoined the company at Bean's
Station, E. Tenn., Dec, 14, '63. Again captured at Kel
ly's Ford, on the French Broad River, E. Tenn., Jan.
29, '64. Escaped Dec. 27, '64, and joined Sherman's
army at Savannah, and marched with his army to
Goldsboro, N. C, where he rejoined the company. Ad-
dress—Marston, Mercer county, Dlinois.

ROSTER OF COMPANY D. B61
James Patten. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Wounded by rebel
"bushwhackers," near Ball's Gap, Tenn., in June, '68,
while on the Saunders Raid. Address— Cambridge,
Henry county, 111.
Stephen Roberts. Captured in Powell's Valley, Tenn., June
22, '68, while on the Saunders Raid. Paroled July 11 ;
exchanged Sept. 10, and rejoined the company at Bean's
Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Address — Cromwell,
Union county, Iowa.
Homer T. Schofield. Address — Greenfield, Adair county, la.
Gamaliel B. Scott. Not absent from the company an hour
during his whole term of service.
James Walton. Address — Clarinda, Page county, Iowa.
Jeruel B. Whitney. Captured near Rogers' Gap, Tenn., June
22, '68, on the Saunders Raid. Paroled July 11 ; ex
changed Sept. 10, and rejoined company at Bean's
Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '68. Address — Kewance,
Henry county, 111.
John A. Widney. Mustered in as Corporal. Reduced at his
own request. Detailed as musician, and member of
regimental band from its organization until mustered
out. Residence — Woodhull, Henry county, 111.
Eben G. Woodward. Severely wounded in action at Knox
ville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '68, and left on the field in the
hands of the enemy. Exchanged Nov. 29, '68, after the
assault on Fort Saunders. Recovered and rejoined
company. Address — Stuart, Guthrie county, Iowa.
Private H. Page Wycoff. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Detailed as
brigade teamster. Address — Curlew, Palo Alto Co., la.
absent.
Whitfield D. Matthews. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Absent sick.
Discharged at Y'ork, Pa., July 11, '65. Residence —
Elmwood, Peoria county, 111.
Henry S. Sohofield. Absent on detached service.
PREVIOUSLY DISCHARGED.
Second Lieut. Samuel L. Patterson. Enrolled Aug. 11, '62,
and mustered in as Second Lieut. Resigned at Somer
set, Ky., June 17, '68.
First Serg. Gilbert R. Woolsey. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Mus
tered in as Private. Promoted to Corporal Oct. 81, '62,
and to First Serg. March 16, '64. Discharged May 9,
— 25

362 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
'65, for promotion to First Lieut, and Adjutant. . See
Field and Staff.
Corporal Oswin Cahow. Enlisted Aug- 11, '62. Captured
near^Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23, '63. Paroled next day;
exchanged Sept. 10, and rejoined company at Bean's
Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Discharged at New
bern, N. C, May 13, '65. Address— Menlo, Guthrie
county, Iowa.
Corporal James M. Baird. Mustered in as Private. Prdmot-
ed June 2, 1864. Slightly wounded in action at Knox
viUe, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Address — Stuart, Holt coun
ty, Nebraska. PRIVATES.
Ezra Adkins. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Wounded in action at
Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63 — right arm amputated.
Discharged at Quincy, UL, April 20, '64. Address —
Newton, Jasper county, Iowa.
James A. Chase. Captured near Lexington, Ky., Feb. 23, '63.
Paroled next day; exchanged Sept. 10, and rejoined
company at Bean's Station, East Tenn., Dec. 14, '63.
Wounded in action near Fort Anderson, N. C, Feb. 17,
'65. Discharged by reason of wounds, June 14, '65.
Address — Marshalltown, Marshall county, Iowa.
William H. Hale. Accidentally Avounded on picket at Lexing
ton, Ky., Nov, '62. Discharged by reason of wounds,
at Lexington, Dec. 18, '62.
Joseph A. Laird. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Transferred to V.
R. C ; and returned to company Sept. 10, '64. Discharg
ed June 9, '65 — disability. Address — North Henderson,
Mercer county, 111.
David E. Mallory. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Severely wounded
in action at KnoxAille, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Discharged
by reason of wounds, at Chicago, 111., Aug. 2, '64. Ad
dress — Baker, Brown county, Kansas.
Lemuel F. Matthews. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Severely
wounded in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Dis
charged by reason of wounds, at Camp Butler, Spring
field, 111., Aug. 26, '64. Address — Elmwood, Peoria
county, 111.
Harvey 0. Sleighter. Discharged Oct. 13, '64 — disability.
Address — Jewell City, Jewell county, Kansas.
Holmes N. Tillson. Captured in action at Knoxville, Tenn.,
Nov. 18, '63. Exchanged Dec. 11, '64. Discharged at
Annapolis, McL, June 6, '65. Address — Sabetha, Nema
ha county, Kansas.

ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 363
Edward Woolever. Severely Avounded in action at Franklin,
Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Discharged by reason of wounds,
at Qumcy, UL. May, 10, '65. Address— Atkinson, Hen
ry county, 111. TRANSFERRED.
Musician Robert Ferman. Appointed Principal Musician
Oct. 3, '62. See Non-commissioned Staff.
Private Albert Walton. Promoted to Q. M. Sergeant Sept.
12, '64. See Non-commissioned Staff.
TRANSFERRED TO A'ETERAN RESERVE CORPS.
Sergeant Sanford L. Lves. Enlisted July 16, '62. Accident
ally wounded in left hand, on picket at Stanford, Ky.,
June, '63. Transferred Jan. 1, '64. Discharged at
Rock Island Barracks, on Surgeon's Certificate of Dis
ability, Nov. 1, '64. Address— Mound City, Linn Co.,
Kansas. PRIVATES.
0. S. Bryant. Absent sick at Cincinnati, 0.
William Eastman. Captured near Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23,
'63. Paroled next clay, ' exchanged Sept. 10, '63. Ad
dress — (last known) Chicago, 111.
William 0. Gamble. Transferred Jan. 22, '64, by General Or
der No. 27. Promoted to Sergeant in V. R. C. Oct. 1,
'64. Discharged at Milwaukee, Wis., July 24, '65. Ad
dress — Wayne, Wayne county, Nebraska.
Martin R. Lowry. Severely wounded in action at Knoxville,
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Transferred by reason of wounds.
Address — Bedford, Taylor county, Iowa.
Henry Miller. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Injured by his horse
falling through a bridge at KnoxAille, Tenn. Transferr
ed May 15, '65. Discharged at St. Louis, Mo., June
17, '65.
Jeremiah G. McE own. Enlisted. Aug. 11, '62. On duty at
Lexington, Ky. Transferred March 13, '65. Address —
Aylmer, Ontario, Canada.
Jesse B. Roberts. Died in Linn county, Kansas, Dec. 4, '80.
John T. Simpkinson. Detailed as nurse at Mt. Vernon, Ky.,
June 14, '63.
Levi Smith. Transferred May 1, '64, on account of rheuma
tism contracted during the siege of Knoxville. Dis
charged at Burlington, Vermont, July, 10, '65. Ad
dress—Grant City, Worth county, Missouri.

364 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Joseph Weaver. Wounded in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14,
'64. Transferred by reason of wounds.
KILLED AND DIED IN THE SERVICE.
First Sergeant Amos C. Holden. Drowned in crossing Clinch
River, on the Saunders Raid in E. Tenn., June 18, '63.
His commission as Second Lieut, bearing date June 17,
'63, received at regimental headquarters a few days af
ter his death.
First Serg. John T. Smith. Mustered in as Sergeant. Pro
moted Aug. 14, '63. Died at Knoxville, Tenn., of chron
ic diarrhea, Jan. 23, '64. No record of burial. Prob
ably among the "unknown" in the National Cemetery
at Knoxville.
Corporal Edwin F. Hunt. Drowned in crossing Clinch River,
on the Saunders Raid in E. Tenn., June 18, '63.
Corporal Henry Carl. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Mustered in as
Private and promoted. Killed in action at Knoxville,
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63, and left on the field. No record of
burial. See note c.
Corporal Cyrus S. Foot. Mustered in as Private and promot
ed. Killed in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63,
and left on tbe field. No record of buriaL
PEIVATES.
Watson L. Andrew. Killed in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14,
'64. Remains removed and interred in the National
Cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn. No. of Grave 9,274,
in Section L.
Benjamin Brown. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Killed in action at
Kelly's Ford on the French Broad River, E. Tenn.,
Jan. 28, '64. No record of place of burial.
Vachel W. Brown. Died at Knoxville, Tenn., of chronic di
arrhea, Aug. 14, '64. Buried in the National Cemetery
at Knoxville. No. of Grave 1,146.
Andrew Body. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Died at Lexington,
Ky., of typhoid fever, March 22, '63. Remains sent
home April 8, '63.
Reuben Cahow. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Killed in action at
Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63, and left on the field. No
record of burial.
Martin V. Cole. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Mortally wounded in ac
tion at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Died of wounds
Nov. 29, '63. Remains interred in the National Cem
etery at Knoxville, March 2, '64. No. of Grave, 825
William H, Collier. Killed in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14,

ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 365
'64. Remains removed and interred in the National
Cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn. No. of Grave, 9,288,
in Section L.
WUliam W. Cowden. Captured on the Saunders Raid in E.
Tenn., in June, 1863. Paroled July 11; exchanged
Sept. 10, and rejoined the company at Bean's Station,
E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '64. KUled in action at Resaca, Ga.^
May 14, '64. No record of burial. Remains not found
or among the "unknoAATi" in the National Cemetery at
Chattanooga. See note a.
Joel Fry. Died at Somerset, Ky., of typhoid fever, June 6,
'63. No record of place of burial.
Patrick Griffin. KUled in action at KnoxvUle, Tenn., Nov. 18,
'63. and left on the field. No record of burial.
Thomas H. Kibly. Drowned in crossing Clinch River, on the
Saunders Raid in E. Tenn., June 18, '63.
Paul G. Kibly. MortaUy Avounded in action at KeUy's Ford,
on the French Broad River, in E. Tenn. Jan. 28, '64,
and left in care of citizens near the field of action. Cap
tured by the enemy, but permitted to remain with the
family taking care of him. Died of Avounds, at same
place, March 11. '64. No record of burial.
James Lindsay. DetaUed as Quartermaster's Clerk. Cap
tured at CassviUe. Ga., May 21, '64. Shot by a rebel
guard, whUe a prisoner of war, at Florence, S. C, in
Jan., '65 — a willful and malicious murder. No record
of burial. See note e.
Peter H. Lohnns. Killed in action at Utoy Creek, near At
lanta, Ga,, Aug. 6. '64. Remains removed and interred
in the National Cemetery at Marietta, Ga. No. of
Grave 5,303, in Section F.
Stephen A. Lowry. Recruit ; enlisted and mustered in Dec.
24, '63. for three years. Died of typhoid fever, at Mt.
Sterling, Ky., March 15, "64. No record of burial.
John W. Mahon. Died of typhoid fever, at Lexington, Ky.,
March 29. '63. Buried on Government Lot in Lexing
ton Cemetery. No. of Grave 381. See note d.
WiUiam A. A. Martin. Enhsted Aug. 11, '62. KiUed in ac
tion at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63, and left on the
field. No record of burial.
Thomas L. Matthews. Injured on head by faU — caused ery
sipelas — and died at KnoxvUle, Tenn., Dec. 25, '63. No
record of burial.
Joseph E. Patterson. Enhsted Aug. 11, '62. Captm-ed near
Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23, '63. Paroled the next day,

366 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
and sent to Parole Camp, at Benton Barracks, St. Lou
is, Mo., where he died July 2, '63. No record of grave.
Theodore M. Penny. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. KUled in action
at KnoxAille, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63, and left on the field.
No record of burial.
Jonas S. Rogers. Mortally Avounded in action at KnoxAille,
Tenn., Nov. 17, '63. Died of wounds next day. No
record of burial.
Tiras Starnes. Enlisted Aug, 7, '62. Killed in action near
Philadelphia, E. Tenn., Oct. 26, '63. Norecord of burial.
Chorodon E. Wheeler. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Died of typhoid
fever, at Lexington, Ky., Nov. 10, '62. Buried on Gov
ernment Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No. of Grave 112.
PRIVATES —
Recruits, transferred to Co. F, 65th 111. Vols, (consolidated),
June 20, '65 ; mustered out at Greensboro, N, C, July 13, '65 :
Kimball Avery. Enlisted and mustered in Dec. 24, '63, for
three years.
Ancil W. Chase. Enlisted Feb. 9, mustered in Feb. 10, '65,
for one year.
David L. CoAvden. Enlisted Feb. 9, mustered in Feb. 10, '65,
for one year. Address — Hawley, Henry county, 111.
Abram C. Frick. Enlisted Feb. 9, mustered in Feb. 10, '65,
for one year.
Martin Hammond. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 5, '64, for
three years.
Walter N. Jones. Enlisted and mustered in March 31, '64, for
three years. Absent at muster out of 65th III. Dis
charged at Springfield, 111., Oct. 2, '65.
George Knapp. Slightly Avounded in action at Utoy Creek,
near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Reported "absent sick"
upon muster-out of 65th 111. ¦
Nehemiah Kmpple. Enlisted Feb'y 9, mustered in Feb'y 10,
'65, for one year. Residence — Buda, Bureau Co., IU.
Albertis Malcolm. Enlisted and musterd in Feb'y 18, '64, for
three years. Address — Tilton, Poweshiek county, Iowa.
Peter M. Moodle. Enlisted and mu&tered in Jan. 5, '64, for
three years. Appointed Sergeant of Co. F, 65th 111.
BaUey C. Ogden. Enlisted and mustered in March 9, '64, for
three years. Address — Lyons, Rice county, Kansas.
Francis E. Ogden. Enlisted Feb. 9, mustered in Feb. 10, '65,
for one year.
George H. Palmer. EnUsted and mustered in March 22, '64,

ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 367
for three years. Address — Cambridge, Henry Co., 111.
Charlies E. Palmer. Enlisted and mustered in March 22, '64,
for three years. Reported "absent sick" at muster out
of 65th 111. Address — Gilman, Marshall county, Iowa.
Jacob W. Payton. Enlisted and mustered in Dec. 24, '63, for
three years. Wounded in action near NeAvHope Church,
Ga., June 2, '64. Reported "absent sick" at muster
out of 65th IU. Address — Clarinda, Page county, Iowa.
Henry Stackhouse. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 25, '64, for
three years. Address — Villisca, Montgomery Co., Iowa.
Luther Streight. Enlisted and mustered in Feb. 17, '64, for
three years. Appointed Corporal of Co. F, 65th Bis.
Residence — Kansas City, Missouri.
L. Wellington Talbot. Enlisted and mustered in Feb. 17, '64,
for three years. Reported "absent sick" at muster out
of 65th 111. Address — Cambridge, Henry county, 111.
Stephen Talbot. Enlisted and mustered in April 10, '64, for
three years. Reported "absent sick" at muster out of
65th Ul. Address — Cambridge, Henry county, 111.
Jesse P. Wing. Enlisted and mustered in Nov. 27, '63, for
three years. Wounded in action at Uioy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address — NeAvton, Jasper
county, IoAva. RECAPITULATION.
Present and mustered out Avith the company 46
Absent, 2
Previously Discharged, , 13
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 11
Transferred to Non-commissioned Staff, 2
KUled and died in the service, 28
Recruits transferred to the 65th 111., 20

Total, 122

COMPANY I.
Enrolled at Geneseo, Henry county, UL, in August, 1862.
Organized August 11, 1862.
Date of all enlistments not otherwise stated, Aug. 11, 1862.
Mustered into the United States service, Sept. 20, 1862.
[This company Avas not actually mustered in until Sept. 22?

368 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
but the roUs were dated Sept. 20, and the company was mus
tered as of that date"
Present and mustered out with the company, June 20, 1865 :
Captain James E. WUkins. EnroUed July 14, mustered in
Sept. 20, '62, as Captain. Captured at RiceviUe, Tenn.,
Sept. 26, '63. Esoaped from Libby Prison— tunnelled
out— in the night of Feb. 9, '64, but recaptured in the
Chickahominy swamps, six days after, and confined in
the Libby dungeon. Escaped from the ears, in the
night time, en route from Richmond, Va., to Macon, Ga.,
in May, '64, and entered the Union lines at Dalton, Ga.,
June 5, '64. Rejoined the regiment near Atlanta, Ga.,
Aug. 5, '64. Residence, Des Moines, Iowa ; business
address, 333 East Fifth St.
First Lieut. George W. Lawrence. EnroUed Aug. 11, muster
ed in Sept. 20, '62, as First Lieut. Ass't Provost Mar
shal at Lexington, Ky., a short time in '63. Topo
graphical Engineer and Ordnance Officer of brigade,
from Aug. 14, '63, to Feb. 6, '64. Commanded compa
ny on Atlanta campaign until Aug.. 5, '64. Acting Q.
M. of regiment from Nov. 3, '64, to May, '65. Ass't
Provost Marshal of 23d A. C. from May 30 to June 20,
'65, AA'hen mustered out. Residence, Geneseo, Henry
county, 111.
Second Lieut. Harry Fones. Mustered in as Sergeant. . Pro
moted to Second Lieut. Sept. 14, '64, to rank from June
7, '63. Commanded company as Sergeant from Sept.
26, 63, to Feb. 6, '64. Hit by musket ball at long range
— company acting as provost guard — in the action at
KnoxviUe, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63, and knocked down — baU
struck company roll book in his pocket, which saved his
life. Residence, Lyons, Rice county, Kansas.
First Sergeant Albert P. Lanphere. Enlisted Aug. 6. '62. Mus
tered in as Corporal. Promoted to Sergeant Oct. 3, '62 ;
to First Sergeant March 1, '64. Residence, Prairie
City, MeDonough county, Bl.
Sergeant John Gustus. Address, Momence, Fillmore county,
Nebraska.
Sergeant George B. Ramsey. Enlisted; Aug. 8, '62. Mustered
in as Private. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Returned to company for
duty Sept. 27, '64, and promoted to Sergeant for brave
ry and good conduct on the field of battle.
Sergeant Thomas J. Welch. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted to Corporal Dec. 31, '64 ; to Sergeant March 1, '65.

ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 369
Sergeant Cephas B. Hunt. Enlisted Aug. 8. '62. Mustered
in as Private. Promoted to Corporal July 1, '64; to
Sergeant March 1, '65. Injured near RiceA'ille, Tenn.,
Sept. 26, '63, by his horse falling ; carried to the hospit
al at Athens, and captured there, Sept. 27 ; escaped,
and was concealed in a private house by Union citizens
until the National troops re-occupied the toAvn, Oct. 3,
'63. Residence— Greenfield, Adair county, Iowa.
Corporal Charles R. .Munson. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted — Clerk at Division and Corps H'd Qr's nearly his
Avhole term of service. Residence — Brooklyn, N. Y.
Corporal Alanson D. Thomas. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62. Mus
tered in as Private. Promoted Dec. 31, '64. Slightly
Avounded in action at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga.,
Aug. 6, '64. Address — Advalon, Livingston Co., Mo.
Corporal William Shattuck. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted March 1, '65.
Corporal Joseph M. Welch. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted March 1, '65. Address — Grafton, Fillmore Co.,
Nebraska.
Corporal Samuel Long. Enlisted Aug. 5, '62. Mustered in
as Private. Promoted March 1, '65. Wounded in ac
tion at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 15, '63.
Corporal Sanford W. Remington. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62.
Mustered in as Private. Promoted April 1, '65. Ad
dress — Shell Rock, Butler county, Iowa.
Musician Milo D. Daily. Enlisted Aug. 29, '62. Member of
Regimental Band from its organization until mustered
out. Address — Coon Rapids, Carroll county, Iowa.
PRIVATES.
Judson M. Atwood. Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept. 26,
'63. Exchanged at Savannah. Ga., Nov. 20, '64. In
hospital 40 days — home on furlough 30 days. Reioined
company near Kinston, N. C, March 20, '65. Address
— Cambridge, Henry county, 111.
George Bunnell. Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63.
Exchanged and rejoined company the next year. Ad
dress — Philomath, Benton county, Oregon.
Rulandus Brown. Address — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Joshua Cain. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Detailed as Teamster.
Address — Jetmore, Hodgeman county, Kansas.
Orric Cole. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Slightly wounded in ac-
—26

370 HISTORY OE THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
tion at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Ad
dress — Boise City, Ada county, Idaho.
Robert Gay. Wounded in action at Bean's Station, E. Tenn.,
Dec. 15, '68. Address — Highmore, Hyde Co., Dakota,
Charles T. Goss. Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63.
Escaped from AndersoiivUle Prison, after tAvo unsuc
cessful attempts, and rejoined company near Atlanta,
Ga., July 26, '64. Wounded, slightly, in action at Uioy
Creek, near Atlanta, Aug. 6, '64. Residence — New
York City. Address — 241 Broadway.
John Hamilton. Captured near Winchester, Ky., Feb'y 23,
'63, and paroled next day. Exchanged Sept. 10, and
rejoined company at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14,
1863.
Lewis E.Hill. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62. Address — Kansas Cen
tre, Rice county, Kansas.
Sylvester Kimball. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62.
James MeClung. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Address — Fairmont,
Fillmore county, Nebraska,
William D. McGaffee, Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. The best for
ager and cook in the regiment.
Joseph Mitchell. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62. Promoted to Corpor
al Oct, 15, '62. Reducetl to ranks April 1, '65. Wound
ed in action at Flat Creek Gap, in East Tenn., Jan.
26, '64.
John M. Poor. Enlisted Aug. 12. '62. Address— 704 Chest
nut St., DesMoines, Iowa.
James M. Price. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62.
Thomas J. Reynolds. Wounded in action near Atlanta, Ga.,
Aug. 10, ,64.
Peter B. Shafer. Address — Concordia, Cloud county, Kansas.
Marvin Welton. Residence- -Geneseo, Henry county, Illinois.
John G. White. Severely Avounded in action at Resaca, Ga.,
May 14, '64. In hospital and at home on furlough, by
reason of wounds, until about March 1, '65, when he
rejoined the company at Wilmington, N. C, and was
discharged Avith the company. Address — Pittsburg,
Crawford county, Kansas. ABSENT.
Corporal DaA'id Vader. Enlisted Aug. 6, '62. Captured at
Riceville, Tenn., Sept, 26, '63. Exchanged April 1, '65,
on Black River, near Vicksburg. Never rejoined com
pany. Discharged at Springfield, UL, July 1, '65. Dis-

ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 371
charge dated May 30, '65, Address — State Centre,
Marshall county, Iowa.
Corporal Richard D. Hoffman. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. Mus
tered in as Private. Promoted Oct, 15, '62. Absent
sick, at Camp Dennison, Ohio. Killed by railroad cars,
near Mendota, UL, June, 1885.
Musician Henry C. Lanphere. Enlisted Aug. 6, '62. Sent to
hospital at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 5, '64, sick Avith ty
phoid fever; removed to Alexandria, Va., and thence
to Philadelphia, Avhere he Avas discharged -July 3. '65.
Member of Regimental Band from its organization until
his discharge. Address — Palo, York county, Nebraska.
PRIVATES.
Charles W. Eastman. Enlisted Aug. 6, '62. Absent sick, at
Camp Dennison, Ohio. Discharged Sept. 22, '65.
Wesley NeisAvender. Enlisted Aug. 1, '62. Captuted at Rice
ville, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63. Exchanged at Wilmington,
N. C, March 1, '65. Never rejoined company. Dis
charged at Springfield, UL, Julyl, '65. Discharge dat
ed May 30, '65. Residence — Idaho Springs, Colorado.
John C. Rockwell. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Sent to KnoxAille
sick, from Mossy Creek, Tenn., Jan. 14, 'til. Appoint
ed Hospital Steward in General Hospital at KnoxvUle,
in the summer of '64, and remained there until muster
ed out of the service at Knoxville, Julv 8, '65 Address
—Box 1,237, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
August H. Schrader. Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept. 26,
'63. Exchanged the next year. Never rejoined com
pany. Discharged July 1, '65.
Randolph M. States* Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Captured near
Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23, and paroled next day: ex
changed Sept. 10, and rejoined company at Bean's Sta
tion, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Captured at Columbia,
Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Paroled April 15, '65, and entered
Union lines near Vicksburg. Not exchanged. Never
rejoined company. Discharged at Springfield, 111.,
May 81, '65, Address — Hortons, Indiana Co., Penn.
PREVIOUSLY 1 IISC'HARGED.
Second Lieut. Henry S. Comstock. Enrolled Aug. 11, '62,
and mustered in as Second Lieut. Resigned at Somer
set, Ky., June 7, '63. Residence — Davenport, Iowa,
First Serg. George L. Shafer. Mustered in as Sergeant,
Promoted Oct. 8, '62. Discharged at Camp Nelson,

372 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Ky., Nov. 5, '63, by reason of disability. Residence—
LaGrange, LaGrange county, Indiana.
Corporal Wilber F. Broughton. Mustered in as PriA'ate. Pro
moted March 1, '64. Severely wounded in action at
Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Discharg
ed by reason of Avounds. at Davenport, Iowa, Nov. 25,
'64. Residence — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
PRIVATES.
Thomas G. Blish. Discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio,
June 30, '63. Address — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Jacob Bainhart. Severely wounded in action at Franklin,
Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Discharged at General Hospital,
LouisviUe, Ky., May 20, '65. Died at Geneseo, 111.,
Feb. 19, '71. '
Frederick Baker. Wounded in action at Resaca, Ga., May
14, '64. Discharged by reason of wounds at Daven
port, Iowa, Feb. 24, '65. Residence — Geneseo, Henry
county, 111,
Louis Deem. Enlisted Aug. 12, 'D2. Detailed as "Brigade
Carpenter." Had charge of Government Barracks at
KnoxAille, Tenn., 20 months. Discharged at KnoxvUle,
May 12, 'yS, by order of Sec'y of War. Died at Cleve
land, Henry county, 111., April 21, '74.
Myron Dillenbeck. Enlisted Aug. 12, 'g'2. Discharged at
Lexington, Ky., March 14, '58, by reason of disability.
Address — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Joseph H. Gleason. Mustered in as Corporal. Discharged
Sept, 22, '(j4.
Calvin H. Howe. Enlisted July 31, '(-2. Captured near New
Hope Church, Ga., June 17, 'c,4. Exchanged at Wil
mington, N. 0., March 1, '55. Never rejoined company.
Discharged June 2, '(;5.
Swan Linquist. Discharged at Lexington, Ky.
William Mitchell. Enlisted Aug. 5, '(-2. Discharged at Lex
ington, Ky.. Feb. 18, c,4 — disability. Reported dead.
John C. Marshall. Enlisted Aug. 5, '(;2. Discharged at
Chicago, 111.
George C. Mowry. Enlisted Aug. 12, (-2. Mustered in as
Corporal. Discharged at Lexington, Ky. Address —
Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Hugh Pound. Mustered in as Private. Promoted to Corpor
al July, 'g3 ; to Sergeant June 28, Jg4. Wounded in
action at Resaca, Ga,, May 14, '64. Reduced to ranks
because absent, to make room for other promotions,

ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 373
March 1, '65. Discharged June 5, qS. Address —
Scranton, Greene county, Iowa.
Henry L. Powell. Recruit. Enlisted and mustered in Jan.
5, '64, for three years. Wounded in action at Utoy
Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Discharged May
29, '65. Died in Iowa.
Marcellus E. Preston. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Detailed for
serAice in hospital at Lexington, Ky. Discharged at
Lexington, May 11, '65.
Daniel Roberts. Injured near Bean's Station, E. Tenn,, Dec.
16, '63 — horse fell over cliff at Highland Creek and Rob-
' erts' thigh broken. Discharged by reason of injury at
Madison, Indiana, June 8, '64. Residence, Geneseo,
Henry county, 111.
John Shattuck. Severely wounded and captured near Rice
ville, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63, and placed in hospital at
Athens. Recaptured Avhen Union troops re-occupied
the toAvn, Oct. 3, '63, #nd sent to Knoxville. Discharg
ed by reason of wounds, June 21, '64.
Ellerton W. Smith. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 28
'63 — disability. Resides in Crawford county, Kansas.'
Thomas Van Buskirk. On detached service at Knoxville — at
work with construction corps during the siege and eight
een months after. Discharged at KnoxAille, Tenu., May
28, '65. Address — 3203 Lindley Avenue, Minneapolis,
Minn.
John Welch. Enlisted Aug. 6, '62. Mustered in as Cor
poral. Sent to rear sick from Pine Mt. Ga., in June,
'64. Discharged at Mound City, 111., Sept. 22, '64. Ad
dress — Alexandria, Dakota .
LleAvellyn Worthly. Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept. 26,
'fi3 — Exchanged the next year. Never rejoined company
Discharged June 19, '65. Died at Lexington, Ky., since
the war. TRANSFERRED.
First Sergeant Robert F. Steele. Mustered in as First Ser
geant. Appointed Commissary Sergeant of the regi
ment, Oct. 3, '62. See Non-commissioned Staff.
Sergeant Edward Cragin. Mustered in as Corporal. Pro
moted Oct. 3, '62. Transferred to the Navy June 28,' 64.
Discharged at Cairo, UL, July 17, '65. Residence, Gen
eseo, Henry county, 111.
Roswell N. Henderson. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. Elected Chap
lain of the regiment Oct. 8, '62. See Field and Staff.

374 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Joseph C. Johnson. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Appointed Hos
pital Steward of the regiment Oct. 3, '62. See Non
commissioned Staff.
TRANSFERRED TO VETERAN RESERVE CORrS.
Henry M. Richards. Wounded in action near Pine Mt., Ga.,
June 12, '64. Transferred by reason of wounds, Feb.
4. 65. Discharged at Milwaukee, Wis., 'July 3, .'65.
Address — Maquon, Knox county, 111.
KILLED AND DIED IN THE SERVICE.
Sergeant John Liken. Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept.
26, '63. Died in AiidersonvUle Prison, Aug. 19, '64.
No. of Grave 6,295.
Corporal George W. Hatton. Enlisted Aug. 6, '62. Captur
ed at Riceville, Tenn., Sept, 26, '63. Died in rebel pris
on at Florence, S. C, Feb»20, '65. No record of grave.
See note e.
Corporal Gyrus B. Lord. Captured at Riceville, Tenn. Sept.
26, '63. Died in Andersonville Prison Sept. 15, '64.
No. of Grave 10, 405.
Corporal Charles F. Barber. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted Oct. 27, '62. Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept.
26, '63. Died in Andersonville Prison Aug. 16, '64. No.
of Grave 5,848. PRIVATES.
Samuel L. Barnhart. Died at Lexington, Ky., Dec. 24, '62.
Buried on Government Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No.
of Grave 175. See note d.
LeAvis R. Colby. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Captured at Rice
ville, Tenn. Sept. 26, '63. Died in rebel prison at Dan-
A'ille, Va,, Jan. 27. '64. No. of Grave in National Cem
etery at Danville, 68.
Peter Coyle. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Captured at Riceville,
Tenn., Sept. 26, '63. Died in rebel prison at Danville,
Va., March 26, '64. No. of Grave in National Cemetery
at DanviUe, 808.
Orton A. Clifton. Recruit. Enlisted March 30, mustered in
April 25, '64, for three years. Died at LouisA'ille, Ky.,
July 20, '64. No record of grave.
Thomas H. Daring. Enlisteil Aug. 12, '62. Captured at Rice
ville, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63. Died in Andersonville Fris
son Oct. 10, '64. No. Grave 10,961-

ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 375
James W. Dowd. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Captured at Rice
ville, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63. Died in AndersoiiAille Prison
Oct, 1, '64. No. of Grave 10,143.
John Doyle. Enlisted Aug. 12-, '62. Captured at Riceville,
Tenn., Sept, 26, '63. Died in Andersonville, Prison
Jan. 17, '65. No. of Grave 12,476.
Watson B. Ford. Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63.
Reported as having died in prison at Danville, Va.,
Dec. 25, '64, but his name does not appear on the prison
records, and I can find no record of his death or burial.
Frank Gurstung. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. Captured at Rice
ville, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63. Died in prison at Danville,
Va., Dec. 1, '63. No. of Grave in National Cemetery
at Damille, 686.
La Fayette Gearhart. Recruit. Enlisted March 24, muster
ed in April 25, '64, for three years. Captured at Co
lumbia, Tenn., Nov. 30. '64. Paroled about April 1, and
died on Hospital Boat April 7, '65.
James Hart. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. Captured at Riceville,
Tenn., Sept. 26, '63. Died in Andersonville Prison
Sept. 20, '64. No. of Grave unknown. See note h.
Edward D. Hunt. Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63.
Died in prison at Florence, S. C, Jan. 5, ,65. No re
cord of grave. See note e.
Herman Hinkle. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. Died at Lexington,
Ky. Buried on Goverment lot in Lexington Cemetery.
No. of grave 413. See note d.
William Miller. Recruit. Enlisted March 25, mustered in
May 18, '64, for three years. Died at KnoxAille, Tenn.,
Aug. 3 '64. Buried in the National Cemetery at Knox
ville. No. of grave 1125.
Jolm]B. Peterson* Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63.
Died in Andersonville Prison Nov. 27, '64. No. of grave
12179.
Henry M. Philips. Captured at Athens, Tenn. while sick in
hospital. Sept. 27, '63. Recaptured on return of Union
troops, Oct. 3, '63. Died in hospital at Knoxville, Tenn.,
Nov. 15, '63. Remains removed and interred in the
National Cemetery at Knoxville Feb'y 1, '64. No. of
Grave 449.
Daniel R. Riggs. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62. Captured at Athens,
Tenn., while sick in hospital, Sept. 27, '63. Recaptured
' on return of Union troops Oct. 3, '63. Died at Geneseo,
UL, Avhile at home on furlough.

376 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Elias- RoUin. Died at Somerset, Ky., June 26 '63. No record
of place of burial.
Robert 0. Serene. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62/ Captured at Rice-
Aille, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63. Died in Andersonville Pris
on Aug. 5, '64. No. of Grave 4,872.
Jefferson S. Snyder. Captured at Riceville, Tenn., Sept. 2q,
'63. Died in rebel prison at Danville, Va., Feb. 8, 6-4.
No. of Grave in National Cemetery at DanviUe, 333.
Ira White. Recruit. Enlisted March 22, mustered in April
25, '64, for three years. Died at Decatur, Ga., Sept,
28, '64. Remains remoA'ed and interred in the National
Cemetery at Marietta, Ga. No. of Grave 5,197, Sec. F.
DESERTED
Wagoner William G. Griffin. Deserted at Lexington, Ky.
William C. Goshorn. Enlisted Aug. 6, '&?•• Deserted at Lex
ington, Ky.
James Pierce. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Deserted at Lexing
ton, Ky.
Recruits, transferred to Co. F, 65th 111. Vols, (consolidated),
June 20, '65 ; mustered out at Greensboro, N. C, July 13, '65 :
Corporal John R. Beveridge. Enlisted March 30, mustered-
in April 25, '64, for three years. Promoted to Corporal
Nov. 23, '64. Appointed Sergeant of Co. F, 65th 111.
Address — Fremont, Dodge county, Nebraska.
PRIVATES
Allen Adams. Enlisted and mustered in March 29, '65, for
one year.
George W. Bracken. Enlisted and mustered in March 23,
'65, for one year. Address — Corning, Dakota.
James R, Berton. Enlisted Jan. 12, mustered in Jan. 13, '65,
for one year.
Byron Coe. Enlisted March 30, mustered in April 25, '64, for
three years. Address — Geneseo, Henry county, 111. #
Almon B. Coe. Enlisted March 30, mustered in April 25, '64,
for three years. Address — Glen Elder, Mitchell county,
Kansas.
Bruce Grain. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 24, '65, for one
year. Address — Geneseo, Henry county, IUinois.
Hugh Doyle. Enlisted Jan. 12, mustered in Jan. 13, '65, for
one year.

ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 377
, rOohnW. Goss. Enlisted Jan. 19, mustered in Jan. 20, '65,
'-"¦" 4 for one year. Address — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
t , ..William Godfrey. Enlisted March 30, mustered in April 25, '64,
ji ¦.•--- •"- ' -- for three years. Appointed First Sergeant Co. F, 65th
111. Commissioned Second Lieut., but riot mustered.
uxo iof. ¦¦"¦ •¦-¦¦ Address — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
James H... Keyser, Enhsted and mustered in March 30, '64,
..-¦iq;A ..;- -'"-:- lor "three years. Address^Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
].: ¦^-•^'J'tfamesi A.' Little. Enlisted March 28, mustered in April 25,
^64, for three years. Severely wounded in action at
Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. ; Appointed
Sergeant of Co. F, 65th 111. Address — Hastings, Da-
'*''¦ kota county, Minnesota.
.'Raines H. Low. Enlisted Jan. 19, mustered in Jarij 20, '65,
''" for one year.
Henry May bee. Enlisted Jan. 12, mustered in Jan. 13, '65,
.':.. c;Jor one year.
•Albert H. Miles. Enlisted and mustered in March 23, '65, for
oneyear. Appointed Corporal of Co. F, 65th 111. Res
idence — DesMoines, Iowa.
Clarence R. Miles. Enlisted and mustered in March 23, '65,
for one year. Reported "absent sick," at muster out of
65th Illinois.
William H. Rankin. Enlisted March 22, mustered in April
25, '64, f5r three years. Slightly wounded in action at
Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga.,-Aug. 6, '64.
'.icjoi'. JohnRichey. ¦ Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 24, '65, for one
year. Reported "absent sick," at muster out of '65th
111. Address — Kansas City, Missouri.
;.¦&¦;. Treniont W. Rickell. Enlisted March 18, mustered- in March
¦.;•:.:-.. . ,20, '65, for orie year. Reported "absent sick,/' at mus-
. . ter out pL65th IUinois.
"'¦'"" Henry Robinsori. Enhsted Jan. 19, vand mustered in Jan. 20,
.:,.. :>/3. j."-.. .'-65, for one year.
¦ti ,'Franeis;H. Secord.. ..Enlisted March 14, musteredin April 25,
?)':''¦'¦¦¦ : J Ti4, for three years. Address — Miles City, Custer Co.,
Montana-Territory, ,
¦'¦•'- Charles Seyler, -Enhsted Jan. 12, mustered in Jan. 13, '65,
for one year. Address — Atkinson, Henry county, 111.

m.

-27

378 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
address— Mrs. Emma Westerfield, 1,809 Park Avenue,
St. Louis, Missouri".
Isaac N. Welch. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 24, '65, fcr
one year.
Louis Welch. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 24, '65, for one
year. Residence — DesMoines, Iowa.
Jacob Zimmerman. Enlisted March 24, mustered jnJAjp*di
25, '64, for three years. Slightly wounded in action at
Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64."
RECAPITULATION.
Present and mustered out with the company 34.
Absent, 9
PreA'iously Discharged, 2$
Transferred, 4
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, I
KUled and died in the service, (16 in rebel prisons) 25
Deserted, 8
Recruits transferred to the 65th UL, 26

Total, 125

CCMPANY C.
Enrolled at Cambridge, Henry County, 111., in August, 1862.
Organized August 9, 1862.
Date of all enlistments not otherwise stated, Aug. 9, 1862.
Mustered into the United States serAice, Sept. 20, 1862.
Present and mustered out with the company, June 20, 1862.
Captain John B. Mitchell. Enrolled Aug. 9 ;. mustered fa
Sept. 20, '62, as First Lieut. Promoted QictV 17. to
rank from Aug. 9, '63. Wounded in action tit Knosville^
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63, in the head and left leg. Slightly
wounded in action at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64.
Address — Ogalalla, Keith county, Nebraska.
Fiist Lieut. Alexander P. Petrie. Enrolled Aug. 8; musferect
in Sept. .20, '62, as Second Lieutenant. Promoted;
Dec. 17 (when commission received), to rank from AugT
9, '63. Acting Adjutant of the regiment from. Oct. 20,
to Nov. 24, '63.. Severely wounded in action at KeUy'g
Ford, on tbe French Broad River, E. Tenn., Jan. 28,

ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 879
'64. Again wounded, on skirmish line, at Mud Creek,
near New Hope Church, Ga., June 17, '64. Residence
-—New Windsor, Mercer county, 111.
First Sergeant Elijah Foster Benedict. Mustered in as Ser
geant ; promoted Oct. 17, '63. Address — Blue Rapids,
Marshall county, Kansas.
Sergeant William J. Gillespie. Enlisted Aug. 7, '62. Com
missioned Second Lieut. June 15, '65, but not mustered.
Address' — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Sergeant Reuben Maxwell. Address — Golden, Adams Co., 111.
Sergeant George W. Buck. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. DetaUed
in Q. M. Dep't, as Wagon Master, from April. '63, until
/mustered out. Address— Coal Valley, Rook Island Co.,
Illinois.
Sergeant Lincoln. S. Baugh. Mustered in as Corporal ; pro
moted Oct. 17, '63. Address — Arkansas City, Cowley
county, Kansas.
Corporal John Boyd Jr. Address — Cambridge, Henry Co., 111.
Corporal Joseph L. Knox. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. Died at
Manson, Webster Co., Iow'a, Nov. 12, '75.
Corporal John D. Hill. Enlisted Aug. 15, 62. Mustered in
--—"as Private; promoted Oct. 17, '63. Detailed as Color
Guard, arid carried the Regimental Banner, from May,
- '63, to May 6, '64, when he was appointed Color Serg
eant, and served as such until mustered out. The flag
was riddled with bullets at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30,
'64, and frequently hit at other times while in his hands.
Slightly wounded in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov.
18, '63. Address — Geneseo, Henry county, Illinois.
Corporal George Pearce. Mustered in as Private ; promoted
ih '63. Address — Orion, Henry county, 111.
Corporal Martin L. Vincent. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Muster
ed in as" Private ; promoted m '63. Wounded in action
at Kelly's Ford, on the French Broad River, E. Tenn.,
Jan. 28, '64. Address — Cambridge, Henry county, IU.
Corporal William H. H. Smith. Mustered in as Private ;
promoted in 1864.
Corporal Allen Woods. Enlisted Aug. 4, '62. Mustered in as
'Private; promoted in '65. Severely wounded in action
at Richmond, K'y., July 28, '63; and slightly wounded
in action at Campbell's Station, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63.
Address — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Wagoner Shrieon D. Vermule. On duty in Q. M. Dep't. as

: teamster, his whole term of service,

380 HISTORY OF THE 112TH. ILLINOIS.
PRIA'ATES.
William Anderson. Slightly wounded in action at Bean's '*
Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 15, '63; again Avounded in.ac*-
tion at I'toy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga,, Aug, 6,. '64.
Address— Orion, Henry county, 111. : -.„ .
Thomas Anderson. Captured near Winchester,, Ky., Feb.. 23,^.
'63. Paroled next clay; exchanged Sept. . 10, and re-r
ioined the. company at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec.
14, '63. Address — Orion, Henry county, 111. . ....-.-:,.
James E. Ayers. Slightly Avounded in action at Franklin,
Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Residence — Cambridge, Henry'
co mty, Ulinois. ,'. ¦ _¦.,,
Benjamin P. Bennett. Address — Delphi, Ringgold Co., la,
Myron H. Berry. Address — Beatrice, Gage Co., Nebraska, ;
Emanuel C. BetcheU. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Wounded and;
captured in action at Richmond. Ky., July 28. '63, and"
paroled ou the ground. Absent 4 months. Parolejs.»ot'
recognized. Reported to company for duty, without
exchange, by order of Department Commander. " Ad
dress — Orion, Henry county, IU. ...
John Boyd Sr. Died at Cambridge, UL, Feb. 2, '77.
George M. Clark. .. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address — Osborne, Osborne.'
county, Kansas. ;
William P. Decker. Enlisted Aug. 6, '62. .Captured near
Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23, '62. Paraled next day; ex
changed Sept. 10, and rejoined -company near Beau's
Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 9, '63. Residence, Cambridge,
Henry county, 111.
George W. Decker. Enlisted Aug. 5. Address— ^Burr Oak,
Jewell county, Kansas. ,-••.• . :
James F. Duncan, Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near '
Atlanta, Ga,, Aug. 6, '64.. Address — Valley Falls, Jeff- '
erson county, ¦ Kansas. . ;
John J. Davis. : '
William H. H. Dilley. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Address-^Mi**- !
Ian, Rock Island county, 111. r :
Henry H. Firkins. Wounded in action near Philadelphia, E.
Tenn., Oct. 26, '63. Residence, Minneapolis, Minn. ."
Egbert Firkins. Address — Dexter, Dallas county, IpwaJ "'*/
Dewitt C. Godfrey. '''
Benton W. Godfrey* Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Slightly wound.-
ed in action at KnoxA-ille^Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Died

;. ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 381
from injuries received in a cyclone, at Davenport, Iowa,
about May 1, '84.
Thomas J. Henderson. Enhsted Aug. 15, '62. Address —
Orion, Henry, county. 111.
Noah Hampton, i Captured at Richmond, Ky.. July 28. '63,
and paroled.!' on the ground. Paroles not recognized.
Rehu-nedn^feo. duty, Avithout exchange, by order of De
partment-Commander.
Charles J. Hayden.
Aaron Hill. Address — NeAvton, Jasper county, Iowa.
George Horton.;,/.'. •-- -
Francis Hamilton. Reported dead.
WiUiam N . Johnson,
George Kelton. Captured at Richmond, Ky.. July 28, '63.
and paroled bri the ground. Paroles not recognized.
Returned * to . chmpaiiy fbr duty, without exchange, by
order of Department Commander. Address — Orion,
Henry couhtyC HI.
George B. Lower? -Captured near Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23.
'63. and paroled next day. Exchanged Sept. 10, and
rejoined company at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14,
'63. AddressH^4erieseo, Henry county. IU.
Thomas T. Mclvor. Address — Coin, Page county, Iowa.
Ransom Reed. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Address — Reno, Cass
county, Iowa.
Benjamin P. ScoAiUe. Wounded in action at Franklin, Tenn.,
Nov. 30, '64.- - Address— St. LaAvrence, Hand county,
Dakota. -""-"" ""
WUliam F. Smith.y -Captured at Richmond, Ky., July 28, '63,
and paroled" on. the ground. Paroles not recognized.
Returned tc+ "company for .duty, without exchange, by
order of Dej^rtmeilt Commander. Address — Bishop
HiU, Henry isounty, TU.
Leonard Smith. .-Enlisted Aug/ 15, '62. Address — Briar
Bluff, Henry bounty, 111.
James L. Stratton.-^EiUisted Aug- 22, 62. Address— Tontog-
any, Wood county, Ohio.
Alfred J. Tarbox. *, '^listed: Aug. 5, '62. Address— Cam
bridge, Henryljiaunty, IU.
Samuel WUliams. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Reported dead.
ABSENT.
Corporal Ithamer P. MiUer. Captured at Columbia, Tenn.,

382 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Nov. 30, '64. Paroled in April, '65. Not exchanged.
Never rejoined company. Discharged Feb. 20, '66, to
date from June 20, '65. Address— Kewanee, Henry
county, 111.
Wesley Crigler. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Captured at Rich
mond, Ky., July 28, '63, and paroled on the ground.
Paroles not recognized, and reported to company for du
ty by order of Department Commander. Again captur
ed at KnoxAille, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63, sent to'Anderson-
Aille, and thence to Florence, S. C. Escaped and enter-J
ed Sherman's lines near Savannah, Ga., and marched;
Avith Sherman's army to Goldsboro, N. C, where he re-
• joined the company March 23, '65. Absent sick in hos
pital. Discharged July 1, '65. Address — Middle River,
Madison county, Iowa.
Thomas Duncan. Wounded in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14,
'64. Absent by reason of wounds until Feb. 14, '65,
when he started to rejoin the regiment in North Caroli
na. At New York Avas placed on garrison duty at Fort
Wood, and remained there until discharged. Never lost
an hour's duty until Avounded. Discharged at New York
City, July 5, '65. Address — Republican City, Harlan
county, Nebraska.
Griffith Shreck. Severely Avounded in action at Knoxville,
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Absent in hospital. Discharged at
Springfield, UL, July 25, '65. Address — Cherryvale,
Montgomery county, Kansas.
PREVIOUSLY DISCHARGED.
Captain John J. Biggs. Enrolled Aug. 11, '62, and mustered
in as Captain. Resigned at Stanford, Ky/, Aug. '9, '63.
Second Lieut. Homer Sherbondy. Enrolled Aug. .9, ''62, and
mustered in as First Sergeant. Promoted Dec. 17,.
(when commission received), to rank from Aug. "9, '63.
Severely wounded, in arm and side, in action near-
Pumpkinvine Creek, Ga., May 30, '64. Captured at
Columbia, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Paroled at Vicksburg;"
Miss., March 31, '65, and sent to Parole Camp, at St.
Louis, Mo., and placed in command of a company-oi;
paroled men. Not exchanged. Discharged at St. Louis,
May 3, '65, under General Order No. 63 of ^ar DepV
proAiding that paroled officers shouldbe mustered out
upon application . Address — What Cheer, Keokuk coun
ty, Iowa.
Corporal Hanford Q. Edwards. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. Wound-

ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 383
ed in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64 — shot through
the lungs; Discharged by reason of wounds, at Quin
cy, 111., March 29, '65. Died from effect of wounds at
ChUlicothe, Mo., Feb. 19, '82.
Corporal Sylvester Rockwell. Enlisted Aug. 20, '62. Mus
tered in as Private. Promoted in '63. Discharged
May 9, '64, to accept a commission as Lieutenant in
the 4th Ky. Inft. Died at Cambridge, UL, since the wr.
Musician George W. Benedict. Left in Alexandria, Va., in
Queen St, Hospital, Feb. 4, '65, sick ; and since absent.
Discharged at Slough General Hospital, Alexandria,
June 14, '65. Address — Atkinson, Henry county, 111.
PRIA'ATES.
Thomas. J. Atwater. Wounded in action at Knoxville, Tenn.,
Nov. 18, '63, and left on the field and captured by the
enemy. Exchanged Nov. 29, '63, after the assault on
Fort Saunders. Left leg amputated by rebel surgeons.
Discharged at Chicago, 111., Feb., '64. Died at his
home in Henry countv, 111., from the effects of wound,
Jan. 23, '72.
Samuel Berry. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Discharged at Lex
ington, Ky., Feb., '68 — disability.
Hiram Crossley. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Feb. '68 —
disabUity. Address — Osco, Henry county, Illinois.
JamesM. Dean. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Feb. '68, —
/,. . disability.
Pearley H- Elwell. Mustered in as Corporal. Absent sick,
and reduced to ranks. Discharged at Chicago, UL, in
'63, by reason of disability.
Ira.H. Frisbie. Discharged April 13, '65.
John M. Henderson. Severely injured — foot broken by fall of
horse — and captured in action at Richmond, Ky., July
28, '63, and pajoled on the ground. Discharged by rea
son of injury, at Chicago, 111., June 9, '64. Address —
Monticello, Johnson county, Kansas. \
Henry C. Morris.. Wounded in action at KnoxvUle, Tenni,
Nov. 17,, '63— lost left arm. Diseharged. by Special Or-
;  der, of. Sec'y of War, at Chicago, 111., July 2, '64.
George Thomas. Discharged June 14, '65. Address — Orion,
Henry county, UL
David Tyler. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. Discharged at New York
City, May 26, '65, by reason of disability. Address —
Middle River, Madison county, Iowa,

384 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Hiram T. Williamson. Injured by concussion of exploding
shell in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Discharg
ed by reason of injury, at Knoxville;, Tenn., May 26,
'65. ' Address— Aurora, Hamilton county, Nebraska.
TRANSFERRED. ' •"'*'-•
WUliam B. Tranmer. Transferred to Navy, JuriV&i, '64.
TRANSFERRED TO VETERAN RESERVE CORPS.
Robert W. Condit. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Tranf'd. Agril 1, '65.
George Maconnel. Slightly wounded in action at Knoxville,
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63, and again at. Resaca, Ga., May 14,
'64; and transferred to V. R. C. '
Rufus H. Pratt. Transferred March 15, '65. Died at Gah'a,
Henry county, UL, Sept. 6, '77.
KILLED AND DIED IN THE SERVICE. • -:"J J
Corporal WiUiam E. Thompson. Died at Lexington, Ky.,
AprU 13, '63, of pneumonia'. Buried oh Government
Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No. of Grave 388. See
note d.
Corporal George McCausland. Killed in action at KnoxviUe,
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Remains removed and interred in
the National Cemetery at KnoxvUle, Jan. 31, "'64. No.
of Grave "443.
Corporal Joel C, Smith. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Musteredin
as Private, and promoted. Mortally wounded in action
at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Died in hospital, and
buried in National Cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn.,
June 24, '64. No. of Grave 11,317, in Section* B.-'
Musician John Davis. Mortally Avounded in action at Knox
ville, Tenn., Nov. 18, died Nov. 19, '63. Remains re
moved Jan. 31, '64, and interred in the National 'Ceme
tery at KnoxAille. No. of GraA'e 447. .::¦.-
PRIA'ATES.
John F. Barney. Enlisted Aug. 10, '62. Captured at Rich
mond, Ky., July 28, '63, and paroled on .the ground.
Paroles not recognized and returned to his. company
for duty, without exchange, by order of Dep't Com
mander. Killed in action at Resaca, Ga,,. May 14, '64.
Remains not found, or among the "unlmoAvn" hx;the
National Cemetery at Chattanooga. See note "a.
Daniel F. Bennett. Died in hospital at Springfield, Ul. in

ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 385
April, '65. Buried in Cemetery at Camp Butler. No of
Grave 235.
William H. Buchanan. Captured near NeAv Market, E. Tenn.,
Dec. 29, '63. Exchanged,' aud died in hospital at Bal
timore, McL, Feb. 20, '64. No record of burial.
Erastiis Davis. Died of malarial fever, at Kinston, N. C,
March 26, '65. No record of burial.
Lorenzo Draper. Died of typhoid fever, at Knoxville, Tenn.,
. Feb. 28, '64. Buriedin National Cemetery at KnoxAille:
' No of Grave 493. ,
William FoUett. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Killed in action at
Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Remains removed and inter
red in the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn. No
of Grave 9276, in Section L.
WiUiam J. Hill. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Killed in action, on
the skirmish line, at Mud Creek, near New Hope Church,
Ga., June 17, '64. Remains removed and interred in
the National Cemetery at Marietta, Ga. No. of Grave,
¦;.- 5,256, in Section F.
Joseph J. Hoover. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Died of typhoid
fever,- at Lexington, Ky., Dec, '62. Buried on the Gov-
- ernment Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No. of Grave 107.
Ira E. Higgins. Recruit. Enlisted and mustered in Nov. 27,
"-•-* '63> for three years. Died at Knoxville, Tenn., Sept.
,-¦ ; 15., '64. Buried in the National Cemetery at Knoxville.
No. of Grave, 1,218.
James J. Inglis. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Killed in action at
Knoxville, Tenn., Avhile acting as Color Guard, Nov. 17,
.'63. Remains removed, Jan. 30. '64, and interred in
, . i the. National Cemetery at KnoxvUle. No. of Grave 445.
William L. Jordan. Killed in action at Utoy Creek, near At-
'-•¦ lanta,- Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Remains removed and interred
¦¦¦ in the National Cemetery at Marietta, Ga. No. of
. .Grave 5,316, in Section F.
Edward Miller. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Wounded in action
: near Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 15, '63. Mortally
wounded on skirinish line at Mud Creek, near New
Hope Church, Ga., June 17, '64. Died in hospital at
Kingston, Ga., July 1, '64. Buried in the National
(. emetery at Marietta, Ga., No. of Grave 506, in Sec. A.
Oscar xA.Middaugh. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Died at Camp
Burnside, Milledgeville, * Ky., of typhoid fever, May 14,
'63. No record of place of burial.
Edward R. Petrie. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. Killed in action at

386 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Remains carried off
the field and sent home, and interred in the cemetery
at New Windsor, Mercer county, IU.
Henry J. Roberts. Accidentally Avounded by explosion of a
" quantity of gunpoAvder in a building at Lebanon, Ky.,
July 9, and died July 12, '63. Buried in the National-
Cemetery at Lebanon. No. of Grave, 510.
John N. Sellers. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Died at Lexington;
Ky., Nov. 6, '62. Buried on Government Lot in Lex
ington Cemetery. No. of Grave 84.
Joseph S. Waters. Died at Lexington, Ky., March, '63. Bur
ied on Government Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No.
of Grave 241.
George C. Wood. -Drowned in crossing Clinch River, on the
Saunders Raid, in E. Tenn., June 18, '63.
DESERTED
Lewis EdAvards. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Deserted at Lexing
ton, Ky., Jan. 1, '63 (Henry Co. Records— Feb. 14, '63.
George W. Frisbie. Deserted at Quincy, 111., Feb. 4, '65.
Henry H. Murdock. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. On detached
sjiwice. Deserted at Loudon, Tenn., Nov. 1, '63.
Joseph Nicholson. Deserted atLexington, Ky., March 29, '63.
Herman C. Welton. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Deserted at Lex
ington, Ky., Jan. 18, '63.
PRIVATES.
Recruits, transferred to Co. F, 65th 111. Vols, (consolidated),
June 20, '65. Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C, July 18, '65.
Harry H. Baldwin. Enlisted and mustered in Feb. 19, '64, for
three years. Address — Fort Dodge, Webster Co., Iowa.
John W. Cox. Enlisted and mustered in March 23, '64, for
three years. Slightly wounded in action at UtoyGreek,
near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Appointed Corporal in
Co. F, 65th 111. Address — Clarinda, Page county, Iowa.
Stephen Chapel. Enlisted and mustered in Nov. 27, '63, for
three years.
John C. Gardner. Enlisted and mustered in March 23, '64,
for three years. Address — Viola, Mercer county, IU.
Augustus Johnson. Enlisted arid mustered in March 23, '64,
for three years. Captured at Columbia, Tenn., Nov.
30, '64. Paroled about April 1, '65. Not exchanged.
Never rejoined company. (One report states that he

ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 387
died while a prisoner of Avar.) Reported "absent sick"
at muster-out of 65th Ul.
James W. Kessler. Enlisted and mustered in Feb. 18. '64,
for three years. Reported "absent sick" at muster-out
of 65th El. Address— Cambridge, Henry county, 111.
James T. Longshore. Enlisted and mustered in Feb. 18, '64,
for three years. Address — Monmouth, Warren Co. 111.
George W. Petty. Enlisted and mustered in Nov. 27, '63, for
three years. RECAPITULATION.
Present and mustered out with the company 49
Absent, 4
Previously Discharged, 16
Transferred to Navy, 1
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 3
Killed and died in the service. 22
Deserted, 5
Recruits transferred to the 65th 111., 8

Total, 108

COMPANY H.
EnroUed at Cambridge, Henry County, UL, in August, 1862.
Organized August 15, 1862.
Date of aU enlistments not otherwise stated, Aug. 15, 1862.
-Mustered into the United States service, Sept. 20, 1862.
(Actually mustered Sept. 22 ; but rolls dated Sept. 20, 1862,
and recorded in the Adj't Gen's Office as haAing been muster
ed on that date).
Present and mustered out with the company, June 20, 1865 :
Captain George W. Sroufe. Enrolled Aug. 11, '62. Mustered
in as Captain. Severely wounded in action at Utoy
Creek,. near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Residence. Lar-
ned, Pawnee county, Kansas.
First Lieut. Thomas F. Davenport. Enrolled Aug. 14, '62.
Acting Ass't Com. of Subsistence 2d Brig. 1st Division
Cav. Corp, Army of the Ohio, from Aug. 14, '63, to
April 8, '64. A. A, C, S. of Detachment on march from

388 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Camp Nelson. Ky., to KnoxAille, Tenn., April 14 to May
2, '64. A. A. 0. M., 3d Brig. 3d Div. 23d A. C, Army
of the Ohio, from Dec. 31, '64, until mustered out." Ad
dress — Cambridge,' Henry county, IU.
Second Lieut. Jesse Newman. Enrolled Aug. 22, '62. Mus
tered in as First- Sergeant, Promoted March 31, '63.
Wounded in action at Kelly's Ford, on French Broad
. RiA'er, E. Tenn., Jan. 28, '64; and severely Avounded in
the battle of Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Residence,
450 West 14th St., NeAv York City. Business address,
32 Ganesvoort St.
Sergeant Lewis Norton. Captured near Winchester, Ky.,
Feb. 23, '68. Paroled next day; exchanged Sept. 10,
and rejoined company at Pean's - Station, in E. 'Tenn.,
Dec. 14, '63. Residence, Andover, Henry county, Ul. ...
Serjeant John H. MattheAvs. Mustered in as Corporal.. Pro
moted March 31, 63. Captured in action at Richmond,
Ky., July 28, '63, and paroled on. the field-,-, Paroles.not
recognized,, and he returned to compariy for duty.
Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near xAtlanta, Ga.,
Aug. 6, '64. Died at Cambridge, Henrv county, UL,
Sept. 8, 1876.
Sergeant John L. Jennings. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted to Serg. Nov. 18, '63. Color Bearer from muster
in to April 6, '64, when he Avas relieved at his OAvn re
quest. Wounded by shell in action at KnoxAille, Tenn.,
Nov. 18, '63. Also Avounded in action at -Utoy Creek,
near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64, and in the battle of
Frank'in, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Address — Cambridge,
Henry county, 111.
Sergeant Frederick C. Fritz. Enlisted Aug. 22, .'62. Muster
ed in as Corporal. Promoted May 14, '64, Address —
Stuart, Guthrie county, Iowa.
Corporal Amos Julien. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
April 30, '63. Address— Webster City, Hamilton county,
IoAva.
Corporal Abner Norman. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62, mustered in
as Private. Promoted Jan, '63. Wounded in action at
KnoxAille, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Address — Defiance,
Worth county, Missouri.
Corporal John W. WTadsAvorth. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Mus
tered in as Private. Promoted Jan. '63.
Corporal Thomas F. Meer. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Mustered
in as Private. Promoted April 30; 63. Address— Green
River, Henry county, 111.

ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 389
Corporal AndreAV J. Sible. Mustered in as Private. Promot
ed April 30, '63. Address — Hawk Eye, Fayette county,
Iowa.
Corporal David V. Plants. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Mustered
in as Private. Wounded in action at Resaca, Ga., May
14, '64, and promoted on the field for braAery. Address
^-Long Lake, Hennepin county, Minnesota.
Corporal James Waterman. Mustered in as Private, and
promoted. '¦.
Musician Cyrus H. Boyd. Member of Regimental Band from
its organization until his discharge. Best drummer in
the corps. Residence, Peoria, 111.
PRIVATES.
Andrew T. Allen. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62, Wounded in action
near Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 23. '64. Now 'dead.
Oloff Anderson. Address — Cambridge, Henry county; 111.
John D. Bennett. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Captured near
Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23, '63. Paroled next day. ';*.' ex
changed Sept. 10, and rejoined company at Bean's Sta
tion, in E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Slightly wounded in
action at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64.
Address — Atkinson, Henry county, 111. >-,-",
John Bull. Address — Clarinda, Page county, Iowa. '"*•-"*'¦ •'-
David Burger. Enlisted Aug. 21, '62. Address — Altoona,
Blair county, Penri. y '¦¦ °«:
James W. Byers. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62.
John Curch. Address — Atkinson, Henry county, IUinoisi ' '
Edward Garrett. Wounded in action at Bean's Station, E.
. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63.
Andrew Johnson. Enlisted Aug. 22, ' 62. Address— Friend,
¦ Saline county, Nebraska.
Martin F. Knapper. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Captured near
Athens, Tenn., Sept. 27, '63. Escaped from Anderson
ville, but recaptured AAith blood hounds. Paroled near
Vicksburg, Miss., April 8, '65. Never exchanged. Re
joined company at Chicago, and discharged with his
company July 6. '65. Discharge dated June 20, '65 as
at Greensboro, N. C. Address — Warren, Marshall coun
ty, Minnesota.
Jeremiah Murphy. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62, Address— Huinboldt
Allen county, Kansas.
Adelbert NeAvman. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Wounded in ac-

390 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
tion near Kenesaw Mt., Ga., June 27, '64. Address —
Clear Water, Antelope county, Nebraska.
LaFayette' Piatt. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Address— Green-
vale, Dallas county, IoAva,
Robert Piatt. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Address — Greenvale,
Dallas county, Iowa.
Charles Pierce. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62.
John Peterson. Address — Grand Junction, Greene Co., Iowa.
George Ritchie. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62. Accidentally wounded
at Lexington, Ky., Dec. 27, '62 — slipped and fell, while
on guard, gun Avas discharged, and lost finger. Cap
tured near Strawberry Plains, Tenn., on the Saunders
Raid, in June, '63. Paroled July 11, at Richmond, Va. ;
exchanged Sept. 10, and rejoined company at Bean's
Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Residence, Marysville,
Nodaway county, Missouri.
Charles Smith. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62. Brigade Blacksmith
while regiment Avas mounted. Address — Galva, Henry
county, 111.
August T. Sniggs. Enlisted Avhen only 15 years old* and wr s
in eA'ery battle and skirmish of the regiment. Wound
ed in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Address —
McPherson, McPherson county, Kansas.
James Stearne3. Enlisted Aug. 7, '62.
Alfred Swanson. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Address — Orion,
Henry county, 111.
George Sutch. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Address — MorristoAvn,
Henry county, 111.
George Terry. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62.
Joseph Tomlinson. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62.
Amos Thompson. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Captured near
Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23, '63. Paroled next day; ex
changed Sept. 10, and rejoined company at Bean's Sta
tion, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Address— Redfield, Dal
las, county, Iowa.
Richard M. Thompson. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Address-
Cambridge, Henry county, 111.
John Wade. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62. Address— Wrayville,
Rock Island county, 111. ABSENT.
First Sergeant William K. Wight. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62.
Mustered in as Sergeant. Promoted March 31, '63.
Severely wounded in action at Kelly's Ford, on French

ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 391
Broad River, E. Tenn., Jan. 28, '64. Discharged at
hospital in Quincy, UL, by reason of Avounds, June. 22,
'65. Walked Avith crutches three years after wounded.
Address — Cambridge, Henry county, Illinois.
Private John Gattlander. Enlisted Aug. 22,. '62.- Captured
while sick in hospital at Danville, Ky., March 24, '63.
Paroled and sent to Benton Barracks, at St. Louis,
Mo. — Absent sick. Discharged at Indianapolis, Ind-^
June 30, '65. Died since the war.
PREVIOUSLY DISCHARGED.
Second Lieutenant Elisha Atwater. EnroUed Aug. 14, '62.
Mustered in as Second Lieut. Resigned at Lexington,
Ky., March 80, '63, by reason of disability. Died in
Munson, Henry county, UL, Jan. 15, '84.
Sergeant Simon N. Smith. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Discharg
ed at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 15, '63 — disability. Address
— Redfield, Dallas county, Iowa.
Sergeant John P. Conrad. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Mustered
in as Corporal. Promoted Jan. 16, '63. Discharged
at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 22. '63 — disability. Died at
Green River. Henry county, 111., soon after discharged.
Corporal John H. Nye. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Nov.
10, '62 — disability. Died at Cambridge, Henry county,
111., Feb. 15, '64.
Corporal AndreAv T. W. Chalmers. Enlisted Aug. 21, '62.
Wounded in action at KnoxAille, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63;
and again at Resaca, Ga., May 14. '64. Discharged
June 14, '65.
Corporal Joseph L. Sible. Discharged at LouisviUe, Ky.,
Julie 10, '65. Died of disease contracted in the service
at Harrisburg, Pa., April, 1874.
Musician Robert Olmstead. Discharged at Lexington, Ky.,
May 11, '65 — disability. Address — Gen3seo, Hemy
county, Illinois. PRIVATES
John M. Ericson. Wounded in action at Resaca, Ga., May
14, '64. Discharged at Philadelphia, Pa,, June 6, '65,
Residence — Chicago, Illinois.
Peter Hoist. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Discharged June 8, '65.
Murdered at Orion, Henry county, 111., Oct: 17, '67.
Charles H. Harris. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Feb. '63—
disability.

392 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
John C. Johnson. Enlisted Aug. 18, '62. Discharged June
9, '65. Returned to Sweden.
Peter Johnson. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., April, '63 —
* •" disability. Address — Victoria, Knox county, 111.
Dennis S. Lewis. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Discharged at
Lexington, Ky., Jan. 15, '63. Address — Moline, Rock
Island county, 111.
Daniel Middaugh. Enlisted in Co. C, Aug. 15 ; mustered in
Co. H. Discharged at Camp Burnside, MiUedgeviUe,
Ky., April, '63 — disability. Afterwards employed as
teamster at brigade headquarters. Died at Cambridge,
Henry county, UL, Feb., '65.
Robert Stackhouse. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 15,
'63 — disability. Diefl at Ulah, Henry county, 111., since
the war.
Robert H. Vining. Recruit. Enlisted and mustered in March
. . 19, '64, for three years. Joined the company on Pine
Mt., Ga., June 16, '64. Wounded on the morning of
June 17, '64 — minnie ball through leg — leg amputated
— and discharged Feb. 19, '65. Residence — Clyde,
Cloud county, Kansas. TRANSFERRED.
Joseph C. Baird. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62, in Co. D. Mustered
in as Private of Co. H. Appointed Sergeant Major of
the Regiment Oct. 3, '62. See Non-commissioned Staff.
George Bernard. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62, in Co. D. Mustered
in as Private of Co. H. Appointed Q. M. Sergeant of
the Regiment Oct, 3, '62. See Non-commissioned Staff.
James A. Small. Enlisted Aug. 21, '62, in Co. K. Mustered
in as of Co. H and transferred back to K, Nov. 1, '62.
.See Co. K. '
Privates, Peter C. Johnson, Charles McComsey, Aaron Ridle,
Henry S. Stone, Frank A. Stone, Jesse B. Taylor,
Carlos B. Thorpe, Olof N. Younquist, enlisted in Co.
F. Mustered in as of Co. H, and transferred back to
F, Nov. 1, '62. See Co. F.
TRANSFERRED TO VETERAN RESERVE CORPS. '
John Like. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Transferred Nov., '64.
Address— Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
KILLED AND DIED IN THE SERVICE.
Sergeant Abel M. Randall. KUled in action at Resaca, Ga.,
May 14, '64. No record of burial. See note a.

ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 393
Sergeant Alonzo B. Stetson. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Muster
ed in as Corporal. Promoted March 31, '63. Killed in
action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. On duty as
Color Guard when killed. No record of burial. See
note c.
Wagoner Charles Rothwerler. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Died
at Knoxville, Tenn., Aug. 15, '64. Buried in the Na
tional Cemetery at KnoxviUe. No. of Grave 1,150.
John A. Alexander. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. . Died at Nashville,
Tenn., Jan. 4, '64. Buried in National Cemetery at
Madison, near Nashville. No. of Grave 7,401.
Thomas J. Bennett. Recruit ; enlisted and mustered in March
3, '65, for one year. Died at Greensboro, N. C, June
15, '65. No record of burial.
Hans Carnutson.. Enlisted Aug. 21, '62. Died at Lexington,
Ky., Nov., '62. Buried on Government Lot in Lexing
ton Cemetery. No. of Grave 141. See note d.
Noah B. Denton. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62. Died at KnoxviUe,
Tenn., Nov. 22, '63. One report states that he was dis
charged a few days before his death. Remains removed
and interred in the National Cemetery at Knoxville,
Feb. 1, '64. No. of Grave 452.
Alfred Hamilton. Captured near Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23,
'63. Paroled next day, and sent to Benton Barracks,
St. Louis, Mo., where he died April 10, '63. No record
of number of grave. ..:;:.
Peter Hoen. Enlisted Aug. 22. Captured in action at Knoxr
ville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Died in Andersonville Prison
Aug. 19, '64. No. of Grave 6,117.
Lorenzo P. Howard. Enlisted Aug. 22. Died in Field Hos*.. ;
pital near Dallas, Ga., June 6, '64. No record of place
of burial.
John Johnson. Enlisted Aug. 14. Run oyer by railroad cars
at Washington, D, C, Jan. 25, '65 — right arm amputat- ,¦_¦
ed. Died in hospital at Washington, Feb. 16, '65. No
record of place of burial.
Henry C. Lewis. Died at Lexington, Ky., April, '63. Buried
on Government Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No. of
Grave, 404.
George H. McKee. Enlisted Aug. 22. Wounded in action at...
Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Died of wounds at Nash
ville, Tenn., June 10, '64. No record of burial.
—29

394 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Nels Nelson. Died at Lexington, Ky., Nov. '62. Remains re
moved to Henry county, 111,, Dec. 4, '62.
Gustav Olson. Killed — fell from an army wagon, which ran
over and crushed his head — near Camp Nelson, Ky.,
April 9, .'64. No record of burial.
Albert J. Remour. Captured near Athens, Tenn., Sept. 27,
'63. Died in Andersonville Prison June 8, '64. No. of
Giave 1,729.
Enoch Ross. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta,
Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Died of wounds at Marietta, Ga.,
Aug. 24, '64. Buried in National Cemetery at Marietta.
No. of Grave 7,463, in Section G.

DESERTED
Corporal Peter A. Dean. Deserted at Lexington, Ky., March
22, 1863.
Private William G. Kelly. Deserted at Camp Nelson, Ka'.,
July 29, '63.
Private WiUiam R. Thomas. Absent on furlough dated May
3, '64 — never returned.

PEIA'ATES 
Recruits transferred to Co. F, 65th Reg. 111. Vols, (consolidat
ed) June 20, 1865.
Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C, July 13,1865.
Henry C. Cooper. Enlisted and mustered in March 3, '65,
for one year. Appointed Corporal of Co. F, 65th Bl.
John H. Cunningham. Enlisted and mustered in March 3,
'65, for one year.
Thomas J. Martin. Enlisted and mustered in May 23, '64,
for three years. Conscript in rebel army — deserted and
joined the Union army — Appointed Corporal of Co. F,
65th 111. Newspaper editor in Arkansas.
James Piatt. Enlisted and mustered in March 9, '64, for
three years. Address — Greenvale, Dallas county, Iowa.
Benjamin Roach. Enlisted and mustered in May 23, '64, for
three years. Conscript in rebel army — deserted and
joined the Union army— Mustered out of 65th UL, to
date May 18, '65.

ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 395
RECAPITULATION.
Present and mustered out with the company, 42
Absent, 2
Previously Discharged, 16
Transferred to Non-com. staff and other companies, 11
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 1
Killed and died in the service, 17
Deserted, 8
Recruits transferred to the 65th 111., 5

Total, 97

COMPANY E.
Enrolled at Wyoming, Stark County, 111., in August, 1862.
Organized August 12, 1862.
Date of all enlistments not otherwise stated, Aug. 12, 1862.
Mustered into the United States service, Sept. 20, 1862.
Present and mustered out with the company, June 20, 1865 :
Captain Sylvester F. Otman. Enrolled Aug. 11, and muster
ed in Sept. 20, '62, as Captain. Commanded the regi
ment on the march from Knoxville, Tenn., to Mt. Ster
ling, Ky.. in Feb. '64. Also commanded the regiment,
after Lieut. Col. Bond Avas wounded, in the battle of
Franklin, Tenn., and in the two days battle of Nash
ville, and until Jan. 14, '65. Acting Assistant Inspect
or General of 3d Brig. 3d Div. 23d Corps. Army of the
Ohio, on Gen. Henderson's staff, from Jan. 30, '65-, un
til mustered out. Residence, Wyoming, Stark county,
Illinois.
First Lieut. Cranmer W.Brown. Enrolled Aug. 12. and mus
tered in Sept. 20, '62, as First Lieut. Acting Adjutant
of the regiment from Nov. 24, '63. to March 7, '64. Was
offered the adjutancy permanently but declined it.
Commanded the company from Nov. 80, '64, until mus
tered out. Address — Castletou, Stark county, 111.
First Sergeant Henry Graves. Mustered in as Sergeant. Pro
moted April 1, '63. Commissioned Second Lieut. June
15, '65, but not mustered. Wounded in action near
Philadelphia, E. Tenn., Oct, 26, '63; and again at Utoy

396 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address— Oak
land, Pottawattamie county, Iowa.
Sergeant Peter M. Swords. Mustered in as Corporal. Pro
moted April 1, '63. Died in April, '67.
Sergeant James D. Bloomer. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted to Corporal Nov. 10, '63 ; to Sergeant AprU 1,
'64. Addiess— Hebron, Thayer county. Nebraska.
Serjeant Michael Hire. .Mustered in as Private. Promoted
to Corporal Oct. 31, '62 : to Sergeant Nov. 19, '64. Ad
dress — Baraboc*, Sauk county, Wisconsin.
Corporal Douglas M. Crone. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted April 1, '63. Address— Wyoming, Stark county,
Illinois.
Corporal Cyrus C. Snare. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Mustered
in as Private. Promoted ApriL.1, '64. Wounded in ac
tion at Resaca, Ga,, May 14, '64. Address — Delavan,
Fari-bault county, Minnesota.
Corporal Sidney D. Butler. Mustered in as Private. Promot
ed Nov. 19, '64. Slightly wounded in action at Resaca,
Ga., May 14, '64; and again at Utoy Creek, near Atlan
ta, Aug. 6, '64. Address— Eisex, Page county, Iowa.
Corporal John Oldaker. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
Dee. 25, '64. Severely wounded in action at KnoxviUe,
Tenn., Nov. 17, '63, and seven months in hospital. Re
sides in Cherokee county, Iowa,
Corporal Andrew J. Fantz. Mustered in as Private, and pro
moted. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Holston RiA'
er,* E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Exchanged and rejoined
company in the summer of '64. Address — Duncan
Stark county, 111.
Corporal Ananias Timmons. Mustered in as Private, and
promoted. Address — Wyoming, Stark county, 111.
Corporal David S. Miller. Mustered in as Private and pro
moted. Reported dead.
Corporal Charles H. Hall. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Mustered
in as Private and promoted. PRIVATES
Timothy BaUey.. Mustered in as Corporal. Reduced to tie
ranks Oct. 31, '62, at his own request. Address — Bay
Center, Pacific county, Washington Terr.
Gershom A. Bunnell. Address— Osceola, Clark county, Iowa.
James E. Bush. Residence— Beatrice,'Gage county, Neb.

ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 397
Elijah Cox. Enlisted Aug. 20, '62. Address— OdeU, Page
county, Nebraska.
Absalom J. Cooper. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Address — Maroa,
Macon county, Illinois.
John Dawson. Address — Stark, Stark county, Illinois.
Newton Dollison. Address — Milo, Warren county, Iowa.
Wallace W. Emanuel. Enlisted Aug. 21, '62. Address— Craw-
fordsville, Montgomery county, Indiana.
Eugene Hunt. Address — Kewanee, Henry county, Illinois.
William Holgate. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Captured at Park's
Ferry, on the Holston River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63.
Exchanged at City Point, Va., April 15, '64. Rejoined
the company near Atlanta, Ga., July 28, '64. Severely
wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga.,
Aug. 6, '64. Absent, by reason of Avounds, until Dec. 1,
'64, when rejoined company at NashviUe, Tenn. Resi
dence — Wyoming, Stark county, Illinois.
Curwin A. McCoy.
Jonas Stronburg. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Slightly wounded in
action at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64.
Address — LaFayette, Stark county, Illinois.
Henry Soper. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Died Sept. 9. '78.
Philip M. Trapp. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Address— Palmyra,
Otoe county, Nebraska.
Josiah F. Umbaugh. Address — Ottumwa, Wapello Co., Iowa.
Ancil H. Woodcock. Address — Wyoming, Stark county, Ul.
ABSENT.
Jonathan GraA'es. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Holston
River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Escaped from rebel prig-
on at Florence, S. C, in Feb. '65, and entered the Union
lines at Newbern, N. C. Never rejoined company. Dis
charged at Chicago, 111., July 10, '65. Address — Quit
man, NodaAvay county, Missouri.
Stephen W. Green. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Hols
ton River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Exchanged in Feb.,
'65. Never rejoined company. Discharged at Spring
field, 111., July 7, '65. Address — Panora, Guthrie county,
Iowa.
David Kerns. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Holston RiA'
er, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Exchanged at Aiken's Land
ing, on the James RiA'er, Va., in Feb. '65. Never re
joined company. Discharged at Springfield, 111., July
7, '65. _ Address — Plainville, Rooks county, Kansas.

398 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
Calvin B. Lashells. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. On detached ser
vice in General Hospital at Lexington, Ky. Address-
Biggs, Butte county, California.
William J. Morgan. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Reported "ab
sent sick."
William H. Morgan. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Captured at
Park's Ferry, on the Holston Hiver, E. Tenn., Nov. 16,
'63. Exchanged March 1, '65. Never rejoined compa
ny. Discharged at Springfield, UL, July 1, '65.
George W. Nicholas. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Hols
ton River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Escaped near Wilming
ton, N. C, Feb. 22, '65. Never rejoined company. Dis
charged at Springfield, 111., July 1, '65. Address—
Quitman, Nodaway county, Missouri.
Joseph Sparks. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Wounded in action
at Kelly's Ford, on the French Broad River, E. Tenn.,
Jan. 28, '64, and again at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta,
Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Discharged at Quincy, UL, June 22,
'65. Died in Harrison county, Missouri.
PEEA'IOUSLY DISCHARGED.
First Sergeant Henry J. Otman. " Discharged at Lexington,
Ky., April 1, '63, by reason of disability. Killed by his
team running away at Toulon, in Jan., '67.
Sergeant John E. Gharrett. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Slightly
Avounded in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63.
Discharged in March, '64, to accept commission as
Captain in First Regt. U. S. Heavy Artillery. Address
— Missoula, Missoula county, Montana' Terr.
Sergeant John B. Pettit. Mustered in as Corporal. Promot-
. ed April 1, '63. Discharged at Springfield, UL, Feb. 17,
'65. Address — Blair, Washington county, Nebraska.
Sergeant Carey G. Colburn. Mustered in as Corporal. Pro
moted Aug., '63. Captured at Athens, Tenn., Sept. 27,
'63. Exchanged March 1, '65. Never rejoined compa
ny. Discharged at Springfield, UL, May 26, '65. Re
sidence, Wyimirg, Staik ccuirly, 111.
Corpora] James B. Blackmore. Discharged at KnoxviUe,
Tenn., May 17, '65. Address — Spring Hill, Johnson
county, Kansas.
Corporal DaA'id Fast. Discharged at Springfield, 111., Oct. 29,
'64 — disability. Address — Irwin, Barton county, Mo.
Wagoner John D. Martin. Discharged at Springfield, 111.,
May 29, '65. Address — Page Center, Page county, IoAva.

ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 399

PRIVATES.
Michael Alderman. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 15,
'63 — disability. Address — Duncan, Stark county, 111.
Alfred B. Armstrong. Enlisted Aug. 22, '62. Discharged at
Lexington, Ky., Jan. 21. '63, — disability. Address —
Wyoming, Stark county, 111.
Jerry H. Bailey. Captured at Danville, Ky., while sick in hos
pital, March 23, '63 ; paroled, and afterAvards exchang
ed. Wounded in action at Resaca, Ga,, May 14, '64.
Discharged at St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 4, '65, — disability.
William T. Carter. Discharged at DaA'id's Island, N. Y., May
31, '65, — disability. Address — Rome, Peoria county, 111.
William Colwell. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., April 18, '63,
— disability. Died one week af er h.s return home.
William A. Ellis. Discharge d-at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 23, '63t
— disability. Address — OdeU, Gage county, Nebraska^
Shepard Green. Discharged at Camp Butler, Springfield, UL,
May 12, '65. Address — Orient, Adair county, Iowa.
John Harvey. Discharged at Camp Nelson, Ky., Sept. 19, '64,
— disability. Address — VvTyoming, Stark county, 111.
Charles W. Hart. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Captured at Park's
Ferry, on the Holston River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63.
Exchanged March 1, '65. Never rejoined company.
' Discharged at Springfield, 111., June 5, '65.
Riley Maranville. Wounded in action at Mud Creek, near
New Hope Church, Ga,, June 17, '64. Discharged by
reason of wounds, May 30, '65.
John McCoy. Discharged at Camp Nelson, Ky., April 22, '64,
disability.
Sylvester H. Stofer. Wounded at Harrodsburg, Ky., July 20,
'63. Discharged by reason of wounds, at Camp Nelson,
Ky., Nov. '63.
Thaddeus S. Thurston. Wounded in action at Resaca, Ga.,
May 14, '64. Discharged on account of wounds, at
Quincy, UL, Dec. 16, '64. Died in Harrison county,
Missouri. TRANSFERRED.
Second Lieut. Elmer A. Sage. Enrolled Aug. 12, '62, and
mustered in as Second Lieut. Absent from regiment
from June, '64, to May, '65. Transferred to Co. F, 65.th
Reg. 111. Vol. Inf't (consolidated) June .20, '65, and. pro-

400 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
moted to First Lieut. Mustered out at Greensboro, N.
C, July 13, '65.
Joel Cox. Transferred to V. R. C. Died in Cass county,
Nebraska, since the war.
David Dawson. Transferred to V. R. C, Sept. 11, '63. Dis
charged in June, '65. Died at Dayton, Webster county,
Iowa, Oct. 9, '84.
KILLED AND DIED IN THE SERVICE.
Sergeant Solomon Dixon. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the
Holston River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Died in rebel
prison at Richmond, Va., March 1, '64. No record of
place of burial. See note f.
Sergeant Charles B. Hitchcock. KUled in action at Utoy
Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Remains re
moved and interred in the National Cemetery at Mari
etta, Ga. No. of Grave, 5,307, in Section F.
Corporal William G. Wilkinson. Died at Lexington, Ky.,
Nov. 8, '62. Remains sent home for burial by the com
pany.
Corporal William W. McMillen. Captured at Athens, Tenn.,
Sept. 27, '63. Died in rebel prison at AndersonviUe,
Ga., May 24, '64. No. of Grave 1,337.
PRIA'ATES.
David Barrett. Died at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 7, '63. Buried
on Government Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No. of
Grave 239. See note d.
William B. Barr. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Holston
River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Died in rebel prison at
, AndersonvUle, April 13, '64. No. of Grave 526.
John Cole. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Holston River,
E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Died in rebel prison at Ander
sonville, April 2, '64. No. of Grave 300.
Thomas Colwell. Died at Lexington, Ky., of typhoid pneu
monia, Jan. 9, '63. Buried on Government Lot in Lex
ington Cemetery. No. of Grave 204.
Charles B. Davis. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Holston
River, E. Tenn.. Nov. 16, '63. Died in rebel prison at
AndersonvUle, Sept. 12, '64. No. of Grave 8,553.
James Elston. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Captured at Park's
Ferry,, on the Holston River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63.
Died in AndersonvUle Prison, June 21, '64. No. of
Grave 2,249.
Whitfield Evans. Captured in Kentucky in the summer of '63,
and paroled. Parole not recognized, and returned to

ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 401
his company for duty, by order of Dept. Commander,
without being exchanged. Again captured at Athens,
Tenn., Sept. 27, '63, and fearing he might be accused
of having violated his former parole, gave the name of
"John Robinson," and avms knoAvn by the rebels by that
name. Died in rebel prison at Danville, Va., March
21, .'64, and his death recorded as that of John Robin
son. Buried in the National Cemetery at Danville.
No. of Grave 646.
Noah Fantz. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Holston RiA'
er, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Adj't Gen's Reports report
him as haA'ing died in rebel prison at Andersonville,
April 18, '64. Trie Supt. of National Cemetery at An
dersonville reports that he cannot find this name on
prison records. He reports "Thomas Jones of Co. E,
112th 111— died AprU 20, '64; No. of Grave 644." As
there was no "Thomas Jones" in the regiment it may
be that Fantz assumed the name of Jones when captur
ed, and that No. 644 is his grave.
Madiras Hoover. Died at Lexington, Ky., April, '63. Bur
ied on Government Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No.
of Grave 382.
William Herridge. Enlisted Aug. 19, '62. Mortally wounded
by explosion of gunpowder at Lebanon, Ky., July 9, '63.
Died July 15, '63, and buried in the National Cemetery
at Lebanon. No. of Grave 175.
George 0. Marlatt. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Captured at
Park's Ferry," on the Holston River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16,
'63. Reported as having died in rebel prison at Rich-
niond, Feb. 18, '64 ; but the Supt. of National Cemetery
at Richmond reports that he cannot find this name on
the prison' records. See note f.
Simon Ray. Enlisted Aug. 20, '62. Captured at Park's Fer
ry, on the Holston River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Died
in rebel prison at Richmond, Va., April 12. '64. See
note f.
James Ray. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Holston River,
E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Died in rebel prison at Rich
mond, Va., March 11, '64. See note f.
William Ray. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Holston
River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Exchanged and died a
few days after in hospital at Baltimore, Md., June 30,
'64. No record of burial.
John W. Rateliffe. Died of typhoid fever at Lexington, Ky.,
—30

402 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Jan. 7, '63. Buried on Government Lot in Lexington
Cemetery. No. of Grave 203.
William E. L. Smith. Died at Lexington, Ky , Nov. 22, '62.
Buried on Government Lot in Lexington Cemetery.
No. of Grave 114.
Michael Springer. Captured at Park's Ferry, on the Holston
River, E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Died in Andersonville
prison June 6, '64. No. of Grave 1,667.
John D. Swaim. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Captured at
Park's Ferry, on the Holston RiA'er, E. Tenn., Nov. 16,
'63. Died in rebel prison at Richmond, Ya., March 7,
'64. No record of place of burial. See note f.
Francis M. Soliars. Recruit ; enlisted and mustered in March
31, '64, for three years. Died at Springfield, UL, June
18, '64. No record of place of burial.
David P. Wandling. Mortally wounded — shot through hips—
in action at KnoxvUle, Tenn., Nov. 17, '63, died next
day. Remains removed and interred in the National
Cemetery at Knoxville, Feb. 1, 64. No. of Grave 451.
Russell White. Died at Lexington, Ky., Dec. 7, '62. Buried
on Government Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No. of
Grave 166. DESERTED
Musician William Cassett. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Deserted
at Danville, Ky., July 15, '63.
Private Henry Greenewald. Deserted, while on detached du
ty Avorking in Government blacksmith shop, at Lexing
ton, Ky., in May, '63.
PrivateLeAvis Hiback. Deserted at DamiUe, Ky., July 15, '63.
Private Frank Pioss. Deserted at DanviUe, Ky., July 15, '63.
PRIA'ATES 
Recruits transferred to Co. F, 65th Peg. Ul. Vol. Inf't (consol
idated) June 20, 1865.
Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C, July 13, 1865.
William W. Copley. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 24, '65,
for one year. Reported "absent sick" at muster-out of
65th. Address — Walnut, Patterson county, Iowa.
Daniel Colbran. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 24, '65, for
one year. Address— Aledo, Mercer county, Illinois'.
G ord an H. Edgerton. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 24, '65,
for one year. Reported "absent sick" at muster-out of
65th. Address— Ayr, Adams county, Nebraska.

ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 403
James L. Fox. Enlisted and mustered in March 21. '64, for
three years.
Morris C. Lampson. A'eteran ; enlisted and mustered in Dec,
24, '63, for three years. Wounded in action at Flat
Creek, in E. Tenn., Jan. 26, '64. Reported "absent"
at muster-out of 65th. Mysteriously disappeared from
his home in Wyoming, EL, several years ago, and not
since heard from.
Adam Rush. Veteran; enlisted and mustered in March 81,
'64, for three years.
George Rush. Enlisted March 25, mustered in March 31,
'64, for three years.
Jacob Stoves. Enlisted and mustered in March 21, '64, for
three years. Address — Hopkins, Nodaway Co., Mc.
James M. Taskett. Enlisted and mustered in Apiil 25, '64,
for three years. Address — Pulaski, Davis county, la,
Anson Tanner. Enlisted and mustered in April 25, '64, for
three years. Froze to death in '71.
HECAPITULATION.
Present and mustered out Avith the company, 30
Absent, 8
Previously Discharged, 20
Transferred, 3
Killed and died in the service, (13 in rebel prisons) 25
Deserted, 4
Recruits transferred to the 65th 111., 10

Total, 100

COMPANY K.
Enrolled at Geneseo, Henry County, 111., in August, 1862.
Organized August 14, 1862.
Date of all enlistments not otherwise stated, Aug. 14, 1862.
Mustered into the United States service, Sept. 2d, 1862.
Present and mustered out with the company, June 20, 1865 :
Captain Edward H. Colcord. Enrolled Aug. 19, and muster
ed in as Second Lieut. Sept. 20, '62. Promoted to First

404 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Lieut. Jan. 31, and to Captain AprU 12, '63. Wounded
in bowels, severely, and in hand slightly, in action at
Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Always in
command of company except while disabled by wounds.
Residence, Vinton, Benton county, Iowa.
First Lieut. Jacob Bush. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62, and muster
ed in as First Sergeant. Promoted to Second Lieut.
Jan. 31, and to First Lieut. April 12, '63. Wounded in
action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Acting Q. M.
of regiment from May 25 to Nov. 3, '64. Aid-de-camp
on Gen. Henderson's staff, 2d Brig. 1st Div. Cav. Corps,
Army of the vhio, from March 5 to April 8, '64. Resi
dence, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Second Lieut. Samuel W. Weaver. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62,
and mustered in as Sergeant. Promoted to Second
Lieut June 29, to rank from April 12, '63. Wounded in
action at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63. Ad
dress — Marcus, Cherokee county, IoAva.
First Sergeant Edward S. Persons. Mustered in as Sergeant.
Promoted April 12, '63. Severely wounded in action at
Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address-
Sycamore, De Kalb county, 111.
Sergeant Milton Hill. Address — Lyons, Rice county, Kansas.
Sergeant George S. Brackey. Mustered m as Corporal. Pro
moted April 12, '63. Residence, St. Joseph.-Missouri.
Sergeant Charles Paum. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
1o Corporal hr March, and to Sergeant Sept. 1, '64.
Address — Colona, Henry county, Ul.
Corporal Thomas Cherry. EnlistedAug.il. '62. Injured by
fall of his horse April, '63. Address — Geneseo, Henry
county, 111.
Corporal Martin Bartlett. Enlistel Aug. 11, '62. Mustered
in as Private. Promoted Jan. 31, '63.
C irporal Henry H. Joles. Enlisted Aug. 26, '62. Mustered in
as Private. Promoted Jan. 31, '63. Address — Pink
Prairie, Henry county, 111.
Corporal Abram Neiswender. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Muster
ed in as Private. Promoted Sept. 1, '64.
Corporal George Harbaugh. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted Sept. 1, '64. Died at Geneseo, UL, June 17, '69.
Corporal Michael Delhanity. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted Sept. 1, '64.
Corporal LeAvis H. Detterman. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Mus
tered in as Private. Promoted Jan. 25, '65. Captured

ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 405
at Richmond, Ky., July 28, '63, and paroled on the field.
Paroles not recognized, and returned to company for
duty, without exchange,' by order of Dept. Commander.
Address — Tecumseh. Johnson county, Nebraska.
Wagoner Henry S. Humphrey. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62, and
mustered in as wagoner. Relieved, and reported to
company for duty in the ranks. Ruptured in right side,
building breast-works on the Atlanta campaign, and
returned to duty as teamster. Address — Corinth, Alle
gan county, Michigan. PRIVATES.
John Adams. EnUsted Aug. 15, '62. Wounded in action at
Franklin, Tenni, Nov. 3d, '64. Address — Waterloo, ,
Black Hawk county, Iowa.
Job Bartlett. Wounded in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov.
18, and again at Bean's Station, Tenn., Dec. 14, '68.:
Address — Stella, Richardson county, Nebraska.
Fred. Bach. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Accidentally wounded in
hand, while handling a shell, in April, '63. Address —
Morristown, Henry county, 111.
Robert Burrows. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near At-
t^^^ lanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address— Colona, Henry
county, 111.
John M. Blade. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Wounded in action
at Richmond, Ky., July 28, '63. Address— Alpha, Hen-
i ''"" ry county, 111.
Michael Crile. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Address— Tecumseh,
Johnson county, Nebraska,
Joseph Clough. Wounded in action at Richmond, Ky., July
28, '63. and again at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64.
" Uncle Joe" was gray when he enlisted, and colored his.
hair and whiskers from fear of being rejected. Tough'
as iron, hale and hearty. Died June 13, '80.
John P. Cooper. Reported dead.
Albert A. Colbert. Detailed as teamster nearly his whole term
of service. Address— Spring Hill, Whiteside Co., Ul.
George Collis. Address— Cleveland, Henry county, 111.
Abraham A. Christ. Detailed as teamster at division head
quarters. Reported dead.
Francis M. Duncan. Enlisted Aug. 20, '62. Address— Alex- *
andria, Dakota.
James Fones. Enlisted Aug.J.5, '62. ^Accidentally wounded

406 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
April 18, '64. Address — Council Grove, Morris county,
Kansas.
William Harbaugh. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Received "prize
furlough" at General Inspection at Somerset. Ky.,
June, '63, for best arms and accoutrements and soldier
ly appearance. Residence, Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Robert N. Hanna. Mustered in as Corporal. Reduced to the
ranks at his own request. Reported dead.
William Hilker.
Adam Heninger. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62.
William T. Hoyt. Detailed as teamster. Accidentally Avound
ed near Atlanta, Ga,, Aug. 24, '64. Died at Geneseo,
111., in '83.
Isaac P. Joles. Enlisted Aug. 26, '62. Address— The Dalles,
Wasco county, Oregon.
James Kenney. Slightly wounded in action at Utoy Creek,
near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address — Lyons, Rice
county, Kansas.
Mason C. Long. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Regimental "Bank
er." Won his deposits at "chuck-a-luck" and poker.
Since reformed, and doing good work in the cause of
temperance, morality and religion. Residence, Fort
Wf yne, Indiana.
Joel W. Livermore. Residence, Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Stephen Martin. Mustered in as Corporal. Reduced to ranks
Dee. 8, '63.
Abner Mason. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Address — Plattsmouth,
Cass county, Nebraska.
Charles B. Merriman. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Address —
Blairstown, Benton county, Iowa.
Adam Miller. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Reported dead.
WUUam Miller. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near At
lanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64.
Thomas J. McHenry. Enlisted Aug* 20, '62. Address — Pink
Prairie, Henry county, Illinois.
Gunne Opplecust. Captured at Richmond, Ky., July 28, '63,
and paroled on the field. Paroles not recognized, and
returned to company for duty, without exchange, by ol
der of Dept. Commander.
Adam H. Raser. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Detailed as teams
ter. Injured in left leg. Address — Tecumseh, Johnson
county, Nebraska.
Frank H. Rickel. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Detailed as compa
ny clerk.

ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 407
Samuel Strouse. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Address— Tecum
seh, Johnson county, Nebraska.
Conrad E. Smith. Wounded in a Ition near Philadelphia, Tenn.,
Oct. 26, '63; again at rvnoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63,
and again at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6,
'64. Address — Perry, Dallas county, Iowa.
Michael Sweeney. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address— Moine, Rock
Island county, 111.
Daniel D Shellhamer. Wounded in action at Nickajack
Creek, near Kenesaw Mt., Ga., June 23, '61. Residence,
Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Moses St. Mary. Captured near Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23,
'63, and paroled next day. Exchanged Sept. 10, and
rejoined company at Bean's Station, E. Tenn., Dec. 14,
'63. Address — Trenton, Grundy county, Missouri.
John Severs. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Address— North Bend,
Dodge county, Nebraska.
Conrad Stanover. Enlisted Aug. 20, '62.
James A. Small. Enlisted in Co. K, Aug. 21, '62. Mustered
in as of Co. H. Transferred back to K, Nov. 1, '62.
Died at Caimonsburg, Pa., April 26, '84.
William A. Soderstrom. Recruit; enlisted and musteredin
Sept. 22, '64, for one year. Discharged with company
under G. 0. No. 73.
Delos Taylor. Wounded in action at Richmond, Ky., July 28, '63.
Senter Vader.
James H. Van Winkle. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Address-
Stewart, Guthrie county, IoAva.
John H. Wahl. Wounded in action at KnoxviUe, Tenn., Nov.
18, '63. Address — Gowrie, Webster county, IoAva.
John H. Whitehead. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62.
Beder Wood. Recruit. Enlisted and mustered in Sept. 22,
'64, for one A'ear. Discharged with company under G.
0., No. 73. ' ABSENT.
Sergeant William C. Schull. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62, and mus
tered in as Private. Promoted to Sergeant April 12, '63.
Captured at Columbia, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Escaped
at Okolona, Miss., Feb. 16, '65, and reached the Union
lines. ReceiAed furlough home. Never rejoined com
pany. Discharged at Springfield, Illinois, July 1, '65.
Corporal John R. Renner. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Mustered

408 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
in as Private. Promoted March, '64/ Captured at Col
umbia, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Paroled in April, '65. Not
exchanged. Never rejoined company. Discharged at
Springfield, UL, July 1, '65. Address— North Bend,
Dodge county, Nebraska,
Private William C. Biggs. Captured at Danville, Ky., March
24, '63, and paroled. Exchanged and rejoined company.
Again captured at Columbia, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Pa
roled in April, '65. Not exchanged. Never returned to
company. Discharged at Springfield, UL, July 1, '65.
Private Jackson Biggs. Enlisted Aug. 20, '62. Captured at
. Columbia, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Paroled in April, '65. Not
exchanged. Never returned to company. Discharged
at Springfield, UL, July 1, '65. Died Sept, 29, '80.
AndreAv Peterson. Captured, Avhile sick in hospital, at Dan-
A'ille, Ky., March 24, '63, and paroled. Sent to Camp
Dennison, Ohio. Never returned to company.
PREVIOUSLY DISCHARGED.
Captain Joseph Wesley. Enrolled Aug. 15, and mustered in
Sept. 20, '62, as Captain. Accidentally wounded at Lex
ington, Ky., and resigned April 12, '63.
First Lieut. Christian G. Gearhart. Enrolled Aug. 11, and
mustered in Sept. 20, '62, as First Lieut. Resigned at
Lexington, Ky., Jan. 31, '63, by reason of disability.
Musician Welcome B. French. Enlisted Aug. 20, '62. Cap
tured at Cassville, Ga., May 24, '64. Was sent from
Andersonville to Florence, S. C, Sept. 17, '64, where he
was detailed as nurse, and sent to Charleston to take
care of Union soldiers. From Charleston was sent to
Savannah, on same duty, and thence to Columbia, and
then to Raleigh, N. C, to keep him out of the way of
Sherman. At Raleigh made his escape and started for
Wilmington, on foot. Boarded a train of Union soldiers
being sent to Wilmington for exchange, in the night
time, and was taken to Wilmington, and was exchang
ed March 4, '65. After a visit to the regiment was
sent north. Never rejoined the company for duty. Dis
charged at Springfield, 111., June 5, '65. Address — Mc-
Coulsburg, Story county, IoAva.
PRIA'ATES.
Charles Crommett. Severely wounded in action at KnoxAille,
Tenri., Nov. 18, '63 — left leg amputated. Was sick on
the field and had permission to go to the rear, but re-

ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 409
fused to leave his post in the face of the enemy. Dis
charged Feb. 16, '64.
John W. Kenyon. Enlisted Aug. 15, and discharged at Lex
ington, Ky., Dec. '62.
Frederick C. Lober. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Left sick at Camp
Nelson, Ky., April '64. Discharged at Lexington, Ky.,
May 20, '65. Address— Fort Dodge, Webster Co., Iowa.
William B. Moody. Recruit ; enlisted and mustered in Feb.
25, '65, for one year. Discharged May 3, '65.
Albert B. McNickle. Mustered in as Musician — drummer.
Severely wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near Atlan
ta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Never rejoined company. Dis
charged at Knoxville, Tenn., May 24, '65, by order of
War Dep't. Address — Cortland, Gage Co., Nebraska.
Lewis Peters. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 3, '63
— disability.
Elijah A. Pinnell. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 5, '63
— disability.
James S. Riggs. Enlisted Aug. 20, '62. Mustered in as Cor
poral. Reduced to the ranks at his own reqnest. Cap
tured on the Saunders Raid in E. Tennessee, June '63 ; •.
paroled July 11 ; exchanged Sept. 10, and rejoined com
pany at Bean's Station, Dec. 14, '63. Discharged May
29, '65.
Absalom Renshaw. Discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio,
March 10,/63— disability.
Joseph Sneller. Wounded in action at Knoxville, Tennessee,
Nov. 18, '63. Discharged by reason of Avounds at Chi
cago, BL, Sept. '64. Died Dec. 27, '76.
TRANSFERRED TO VETERAN RESERVE CORPS.
Corporal Adam Dunlap. Transferred Oct., '64. Discharged
at Madison, Wis., July 5, '65. Address — Geneseo, Hen
ry county, Illinois.
Corporal Nathan Smith. Slightly wounded in action at Knox
viUe, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. 'Transferred March 15, '64.
PRIVATES
James Ague. Enlisted Aug. 20, '62. Wounded and captured
in action at Richmond, Ky., July 88, '63. Paroled, af
ter having his pockets picked by the rebels, and sent
into the Union lines. Transferred to V. R. C, by reas
on of wounds, at Lexington, Ky., in March, '64. Dis
charged at hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., by order of
—31

410 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
President Lincoln, made upon the request of Mrs. Ague,
Dec. 7, '64. Still carries a rebel ball in his hip. Res
idence — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
Henry L. Detterman. Recruit; enlisted March 30. mustered
in April 25, '64, for three years. Transferred ; and dis
charged at Alexandria, Va., Feb. 2, '65, under G. 0.
No. 17, dated at Washington, D. C, Jan. 11, '65. Ad
dress — Tecumseh, Johnson county, Nebraska.
David Grant. Enlisted Aug. 25, '62. Transferred May 8, '65.
Oran Ingram. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Captured at Richmond,
Ky., July 28, '63, and paroled on the field. Parole not
recognized, and returned to company for duty, without
exchange, by order of Dep't Commander. Transferred
Dec. '63 Discharged at Indianapolis, Ind., July 8, '65.
Address — Indianola, Red Willow county, Nebraska.
Jesse B. Kilgore. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Captured at Dan
ville, Ky., March 24, '63, while sick in hospital, and
paroled. Exchanged at Parole Camp, St. Louis, Mo.,
Oct, 1, '63 but kept on duty at St. Louis, until Nov. 1,
'63, wheiijhe was sent to Indianapolis, Ind., and trans
ferred to the V. R, C, and put on duty guarding rebel
prisoners, and as guard at the Soldiers' Home. Dis
charged at Indianapolis, June 30, '65. Address — Indi
anola, Red WUIoav county, Nebraska,
Michael Leddy. Enlisted Aug. 30, '62. Left at Camp Nel
son, Ky., sick, in April, '64. Transferred Oct. '64.
* KILLED AND DIED IN THE SERVICE.
Sergeant Jacob G. Rowland. Mortally wounded in action at
Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Died in
hospital at Marietta, Ga., Aug. 29, '64. Remains interr
ed in the National Cemetery at Marietta. No. of Grave
8,005, in Section G.
Corporal John Murry. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Mortally wound
ed in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Died in
hospital at Knoxville, Nov. 26, '63. Remains removed
and interred in the National Cemetery at Knoxville,
Feb. 1, '64. No. of Grave 453.
Corporal Henry J. Buckols. Musteredin as Private ; promot
ed Nov. 1, '6i$. Died of typhoid fever at Lexington,
Ky., Nov. 18, '62. Remains sent home Dec. 2, '62.
Corporal Cornelius G. Fike. Mustered in as Private ; pro
moted April 12, '63. Mortally wounded in action at
Nickajack Creek, near Kenesaw Mt., Ga., June 26, '64.
Died in Field Hospital June 27, '64, and buried in the
front yard of the farm-house of a Mr. Dobbs. His re^

ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 411
mains brought to his father's home, near Franklin
Grove, Lee county, 111., in '66, and interred in the cem
etery near the German Baptist Church.
PRIA'ATES.
Moses Bensinger. Enlisted Aug. 11, -62. Died of typhoid
fever at Lexington, Ky., Dec. 11, '62. Buried on Gov
ernment Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No. of Grave
121. See note d.
William M. McHenry. Killed in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, 464. Remains removed and in
terred in the National Cemetery at Marietta, Ga. No.
of GraA-e 5,313, in Section F.
Peter John Olson. Captured at Athens, Tenn., Sept, 27, '63.
Died in rebel prison at Andersonville, Sept. 27, '64. No.
of Grave 9,885.
Peter Shoe. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Killed in action at Utoy
Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Remains remov
ed and interred in tbe National Cemetery at Marietta,
Ga. No. of Grave 5,315, in Section F.
Henry Sprinkle. Recruit ; enlisted and mustered in Feb. 25,
'65, for one year. Never joined the company. Died in
hospital at Pittsburg, Pa., April 3, '65. No record of
grave.
Amos Timmerman. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Killed in action
at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. His last
words were "Come on boys — Cap's ahead — let's give
'em  " when he was-struck in the head by a musket
ball and instantly killed. Remains removed and interr
ed in the National Cemetery at Marietta, Ga. No. of
Grave 5,314, in Section F.
Adam Whitehead. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Died at Lexington,
Ky., March 14, '63. Buried on Government Lot in
Lexington Cemetery. No. of Grave 227.
James Wilson. Died at Lexington, Ky., Dec. 25, '62. Buried
on Government Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No. of
Grave 157. DESERTED
Private George W. Buffum. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. Desert
ed at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 2, '63.
Private William Summers. Deserted at Lexington, Ky., April
8, '64.
Private William A. Taylor. Enlisted Aug. 15, '62. De
serted at Somerset, Ky., in August, '63.

412 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
PRIVATES—
Recruits transferred to the 65th Reg. 111. Vol. Inf't (consol
idated) June 20, 1865. Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C,
July 13, 1865. TRANSFERRED TO COMPANY D.
Ephraim P. Beers. Enlisted March 30, mustered in April 30,
'64, for three years. Reported "absent sick" at muster-
out of 65th.
Harrison M. Benson. Enlisted and mustered in March 22,
'65, for one year.
Joseph E. Clifton. Enlisted Oct. 14, mustered in Oct. 19, '64,
for one year.
August Cschiesche. Enlisted Oct. 14, mustered in Oct. 19,
'64, for one vear. Reported "absent sick" at muster-
out of 65th. *
John S. Evans. Enlisted and mustered in March 22, '65, for
one year.
George Fcnes. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 5, '64, for three
years.
Michael Musser. Enlisted Oct. 14, mustered in Oct. 19, '64,
for one year. TRANSFERRED TO COMPANY A.
William J. Humphrey. Veteran ; enlisted and mustered in
Jan. 20, '64, for three years. Address — New Bedford,
Bureau county Illinois.
Ebenezer Johnson. Enlisted and mustered in March 22, '65,
for one year.
Leonard May. Enlisted and mustered in March 22, '65, for
one year.
Samuel H. Nieswender. Veteran. Enlisted and mustered
in Jan. 5, '64, for three years.
William Nolte. Enlisted and mustered in Oct. 8, '64, for one
year.
John T. G. Pingree. Enlisted and mustered in March 22,
'65, for one year.
Edward H. Riley. Enlisted and mustered in Oct, 8', '64, for
one year.
Wiley B. Robinson. Enlisted Oct. 14, mustered in Oct. 19,
'64, for one year.
Harry Robinson. Enlisted Jan. 19, mustered in Jan, 20, '65,
for one year.

ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 413
William Sanders. Enlisted and mustered in March 22, '65,
for one year.
Charles Taylor. Enlisted Jan. 12, mustered in Jan 13, '65,
for one year.
Nathan WiUiams.. Enlisted and mustered in Feb. 25, '65 for
one year.
Thomas M. Wilson. Enlisted and mustered in Feb. 25, '65,
for one year.
Andrew Wisce. Enlisted Oct. 14, mustered in Oct. 19, '64,
for one year.
John W. Withrow. Enlisted and mustered in March 22, '65,
for one year. Address— Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
William Withrow. Enlisted and mustered in March 22, '65,
for one year. RECAPITULATION.
Present and mustered out with the company, 61
Absent, 5
Previously Discharged, 13
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 8
Killed and died in the service, 12
Deserted, 3
Recruits transferred to the 65th 111., 23

Total, 125

COMPANY G.
Enrolled at Galva, Henry County, 111., in August, 1862.
Organized August 15, 1862.
Date of all enlistments not otherwise stated, Aug. 15, 1862.
Mustered into the United States service, Sept. 20, 1862.
(This company was actually mustered in Sept. 12, but was
reported and recorded in the Adjutant General's office as hav
ing been mustered in on same day as the other companies —
September 20th.)
Present and mustered out Avith the company, June 20, 1865 :

414 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Captain James McCartney. Enrolled Aug. 12. Mustered.in
as First Lieut. ; promoted April 10, to rank from March
80, '63. Acting Ass't Adj't Gen'l of Brigade from Aug.
14, '63 to April 8, '64. Judge Advocate of Court Mar
tial of 3d Division 23d A. C, from May 13, to July 27,
'64. Commanded company from April 8, '64, until mus
tered out. Residence — Springfield, 111.
First Sergeant Eli K. Mauck. Mustered in as Sergeant ; pro
moted .April 10, '63. Captured at Richmond, Ky., July
28, '63, and paroled on the field. Paroles not recogniz
ed and returned to company for duty. Commissioned
First Lieut, June 15, '65, but not mustered. 'Address —
Boonesboro, Boone county, IoAva.
Sergeant Thomas J. ToAvnsend. Wounded in action at Knox
ville, Tenn., Nov. 18, "63. Commissioned Second Lieut.
June 15, '65, but not mustered. Address — Altona,
Knox county, 111.
Sergeant Ira G. Foster. Enlisted Aug. 14. '62. Mustered in
as Private. Promoted from the ranks Feb. 11, '63.
Residence — LaFayette, Stark county, 111.
Sergeant Edward P. Wright. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Mus
tered in as Corporal. Promoted June 1, '63. Slightly
Avounded in action at NashviUe, Tenn., Dec. 16, (14.
Address — Tingley, Ringgold county, Iowa.
Sergeant William 0. Shurtleff. Mustered in as Private ; pro
moted to Corporal April 1, '64 ; to Sergeant Aug. 8,
'64. Captured at Richmond, Ky., July 28, '63, and pa
roled on the ground. Paroles not recognized and re
turned to company for duty. Slightly Avounded in ac
tion at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 16, '64. Address — Gal
va, Henry county, 111.
Corporal AYilliam Watterson. Wounded in action at Resaca,
Ga., May 14, '64. Address — Cropsey, McLean Co., 111.
Corporal James Gaster. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Residence —
Galva, Henry county, 111.
Corporal James D. Blood. Wounded in action near Atlanta,
Ga., Aug. 12, '64. Address — Brookfield, Linn Co., Mo.
Corporal Alvin G. Bruce. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Mustered
in as Private. Promoted Aug. 1, '64. Address — East
SaginaAv, SaginaAv county, Michigan.
Corporal Ezra Litten. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
Aug. 8, '64. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address— Nekoma, Henry
county, 111.
Corporal John S. Hite. Mustered in as Private. Promoted

¦ I It >.

ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 415
Sept. 1, '64. Captured at Richmond, Ky., July 28, '63.
Paroled on the ground. Paroles not recognized, and
returned to company for duty. Address — Gilman,
Marshall county, Iowa.
Corporal Solomon 0. Hubbard. Mustered in as Private.
Promoted Sept. 1, '64. Address — Exeter, Fillmore
county, Nebraska.
Musician John F. Emery. Enlisted Aug. 9, '62. Served
Avhole term as musician. Address — Big Springs, Chey
enne county, Nebraska. PRIA'ATES.
William J. Allen. Enlisted Aug, 13, '62.
William Bowen. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Detailed Sept. 22,
'62, and served his Avhole term in Hospital Dept. One
of the best men in the regiment. Address — Atkinson,
Holt county, Nebraska.
Samuel Byers. Address — Clarinda, Page county, IoAva.
William H. Cotteral. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Residence — Denver, Colorado.
William Elkins. Wounded in actiomon Pine Mt. Ga., June 11,
'64. Died, from the effects of tlie wound, at Galva,
Henry county, 111.
George W. Holmes. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62.
Harry C. Johnson. Address — LaCygne, Linn county, Kansas.
Robert Kapple. Address — Clarinda, Page county, IoAva.
Thomas Kearns. Address — Council Bluffs, Iowa.
John Looney. Address — Kempton, Ford county, 111.
George Milbourn.
Andrew Mealman. Address — Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., Iowa.
Robert R. McMillan. Residence— Galva, Henry county, IU.
Peter Peterson.
John K. Pangburn. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62.
Christopher C. Palmer. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Address—
Texarkana, Arkansas.
AndreAV J. Rosenbaum. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Address-
New Windsor, Mercer county, 111.
George W. Roberts. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62.
Isaiah Seybert. Address— Ottumwa, Wapello county, Iowa.
Thomas D. Swan. Address — Hopkins, NodaAvay Co.. Mo.
William W. Starboard. Wounded and captured at Lenoir,
in E. Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Exchanged Nov. 20, '64.

416 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
Rejoined company at Raleigh, N. C, April 21, '65.
Address — Winterset, Madison county, Iowa.
Joshua Sausser. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62.
James West. Address — Clarinda, Page county, Iowa.
ABSENT.
Corporal John Corkhill. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
Feb. 2, '64. Captured at Columbia, Tenn., Nov. 30,
'64. Paroled April 15, '65, and entered Union lines at
Black River, near Vicksburg. Never exchanged. Re
joined the company at Chicago, and was discharged
with the company July 6, '65. Address — Galva, Ida
county, Iowa.
Private Joseph Berry. Detailed as Bugler at Camp Nelson,
Ky., Aug., '63. Absent sick.
Private Philip Cromain. Captured at Columbia, Tenn., Nov.
30, '64. Paroled April 15. '65. Not exchanged. Never
rejoined company. Discharged at Springfield, UL, July
1, '65. Died at West Jersey, Stark Co., UL, Feb. 9, '79.
Private John Crowe. Wounded in action at Resaca, Ga.,
May 14, '64. Captured at Columbia, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64.
Paroled April 15, '65. Not exchanged. Never rejoined
company. Discharged at Springfield, 111. , July 1, '65.
Died at Galva, Henry county, 111., March 23, '85.
Private Marquis V. French. Address — Afton, Union Co., la.
Private Peter S. Horn. Absent sick. Discharged at David's
Island, N. Y., June 30, '65, by order of War Dept.
Address — Palmer, Washmgton county, Kansas.
Private John A. Tarble. Address — Stromsburg, Polk Co., Neb.
PREVIOUSLY DISCHARGED.
Captain Alexander W. Albro. Enrolled Aug. 14. Mustered
in as Captain. Resigned at Lexington, Ky., March 30,
'63. Residence — Galva, Henry county, HI.
Corporal John. Humphrey. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Wounded
in action at Kelly's Ford, on the French Broad River,
E. Tenn., Jan. 28, '64. Discharged by reason of wounds
at Lexington, Ky., Sept. 20, '64. Address— Iowa Cen
ter, Story county, Iowa.
Corporal Thomas J. McCleUan. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Mus
tered in as Private. Promoted June 1, '63. Wounded
in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Discharged
by reason of wounds, at Lexington, Ky., Aug. 17, '64.
Address— Oakland, Coles county, IUinois.

ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 417
Musician John Corlett. Discharged at Quincy, UL, April 4,
'64 — disability. Died since the Avar.
PRIA'ATE.S
William Avery. Discharged at Quincy, 111., May 25, '64— dis
ability. •
Hiram W. Hubbard. Captured at Richmond, Ky.. July 28,
'63, and paroled on the field. Paroles not recognized,
and returned to the company for duty. Slightly wound
ed in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Dis
charged June 5, '65. Died since the Avar.
Philip Kelley. Mustered in as Corporal. Absent sick, and
reduced Aug. 1, '64, to make room for a corporal. Dis
charged at Knoxville, Tenn., June 17, '65. Address—
Aledo, Mercer county, 111.
John A. Larson. Severely Avounded in action at Utoy Creek,
near Atlanta, Ga.. Aug. 6, '64. Discharged by reason
of wounds, at NashA'ille, Tenn., June 8, '65. Address —
Nekoma, Henry county, 111.
Elmer H. Mauck. Discharged in hospital at Camp Dennison,
Ohio, June 18, '63 — disability. Address — Lerado, Re
no county, Kansas.
Lewis E. Morton. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., April 15,
'63. Address — Galva, Henry county, 111.
Cassel E. McCoy. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Discharged at Lex
ington, Ky., April 10, '63.
James C. McElhaney. Discharged at Mound City, UL, April
21, '65 — disability. Died at Cambridge, Henry county,
UL, in 1881.
Lewis P. Peterson. Captured near Cassville, Ga., May 24,
'64. Exchanged at Wilmington, N. C, March 1, '65.
Never rejoined company. Discharged at Springfield,
111., May 25, '65. Address— Pilot Mound, Boone Co.,
Iowa.
Shubal M. Shattuck. Enlist'ed Aug. 13, '62. Discharged at
KnoxA'iUe, Tenn., May 15, '65, by order of WTar Dep't.
Residence — Greenfield, Adair county, Iowa.
Cyrus Sweet. Enlisted Aug. 11, '62. Mustered in as Serg
eant. Reduced to the ranks June 1, '63, by reason of
absence. Discharged May 17, '65. Residence — Lin
coln, Nebraska.
Myron Walters. Recruit. Enlisted and mustered in March
23, '64, for three years. Discharged at Dallas, Ga.,
—32

418 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Nov. 4, '64— disability. Address — Wyoming, Stark Co.,
Illinois. TRANSFERRED.
First Lieut. Thomas E. MUchrist. Enrolled Aug. 12, '62.
Mustered m as Second Lieut. Promoted April 10, to
rank from March 30, '63. Aid-de-camp on brigade staff
(Col. Runkle's), and division staff (Gen. Carter's), in
Kentucky campaign of '63. In command of company
in E. Tenn., campaign. Detailed as aid-de-camp on
Gen. ReUly's staff, May 14, '64, and was on staff duty
with different commanders until June, '65, when he was
transferred to, and promoted to Capt. of Co. F, 65th
Reg. 111. Vols, (consolidated). Mustered out at Greens
boro, N. C, July 13, '65. Residence — Galva, Henry
county, 111.
Private Orrin M. Gross. Enlisted Aug. 8, '62. Mustered in
as Sergeant. Absent on detached service, and reduced
to the ranks Feb. 12, '63. Transferred and promoted
to Captain of Co. E, 1st Reg. U. S. Col. Art., at Knox
viUe, Tenn., April 20, '64. Address — Grenola, Butler
county, Kansas.
TRANSFERRED TO VETERAN RESERVE CORTS.
Private Daniel J. Hansell. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Transferr
ed at Camp Nelson, Ky., May 15, '64. Reported dead.
Private Charles Keyser. Enlisted Aug. 13, '62. Transferred
at Camp Nelson, Ky., Oct. 15, '63. Address — Manson,
Webster county, Iowa.
Private Benjamin Masters. Transferred at Quincy, 111., June
15, '64.
Private Moses B. Robinson. Enlisted Aug. 12, '62. Trans
ferred at Camp Nelson, Ky., Oct. 15, '63. Discharged
at Camp Nelson, Ky., March 25, '64. Address — Dublin,
Barton county, Missouri.
Private Charles Riley. Recruit. Enlisted and mustered in
April 24, '64, for three years. Wounded in action near
Kenesaw, Mt,, Ga., June 27, '64, and sent to General
Hospital at KnoxviUe, Tenn. Transferred by reason
of wounds April 1, '65. Discharged at Knoxville, Sept.
2, '65. Residence — Geneseo, Henry county, 111.
KILLED AND DIED IN THE SERVICE.
Second Lieut. William L. Spaulding. Mustered in as First
Serg. Promoted April 10, to rank from March 30, '63.
Mortally Avounded near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 9, '64.
Died at Jeffersonville, Ind., Aug. 25, '64, while being

ROSTER, OF COMPANY G. 419
taken home by his father. Buried at Galesburg, 111.
Corporal John Groo. Died at Camp Nelson, Ky., Sept. 12,
'63. No record of place of burial.
Corporal Robert Corkhill. EnUsted Aug. 14, '62. Killed in
action near Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 17, '63. Remains
removed and interred in the National Cemetery at
Knoxville. No. of Grave 241.
PRIVATES.
Theodore BroAvn. Died at Willett's Point, N. Y., April 17,
'65. No record of burial. See note c.
Enos Byers. Recruit. Enlisted and mustered in March 14,
'65, for one year. Died at Smitlmlle, N. C, May 2,
'65* No record of burial.
Daniel Corlett. Died at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 19, '63. Buried
on GoA'ernmefit Lot in the Lexington Cemetery. No.
of GraA'e 216. Soe note d.
Thomas Corlett. Died at Milledgeville, Ky., April 17, '63.
No record of burial.
Andrew P. Folk. Captured at Lenoir, in E. Tenn., Nov. 16,
'63. Died in Andersonville Prison, Feb. 2, '64. No.
of Grave 161.
Ransom D. Foster. Recruit. Enlisted and mustered in
Feb. 7, '63, for three years. Captured at Lenoir, E.
Tenn., Nov. 16, '63. Died in Andersonville Prison
.Sept. 2, '64. No. of Grave 7,720.
Jacob B. Gaster. Died at Lexington, Ky., April 11, '63. Bur
ied on Government Lot in the Lexington Cemetery.
No. of Grave 354.
Alfred Hubbs. Enlisted Aug. 14, '62. Died at Stanford, Ky.,
April 9, '63. No record of grave.
George W. Hempstead. Slightly wounded in action at Knox
ville, Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Mortally Avounded in action
on Pine Mt., Ga,, June 11, '64. Died in Field Hospital
June 14, '64. Remains transferred to National Ceme
tery at Marietta, Ga., after the war. No. of Grave
8,708, in Section H.
James B."Henrietta. Killed in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Buried in National Ceme
tery at Marietta, Ga. No. of Grave 6,201, in Sec. E.
Michael Millen. Died at Lexington, Ky., March 20, '63.
Buried on Government Lot in Lexington Cemetery.
No. of Grave 242.
John W. McMillan. Wounded at Lenoir, E. Tenn., Nov. 16,
'63. Died of wounds at KnoxviUe, Tenn., Jan. 9, '64.

420 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Buried in the National Cemetery at Knoxville. No. of
Grave 297. '
Jesse McQueen. Died at Lexington, Ky., April 4, '63. Bur
ied on Government Lot in the Lexington Cemetery.
No. of Grave 330.
Edward McKeon. Mortally Avounded in action at Utoy Creek,
near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, and died in Field Hospital
Aug. 8, '64. Buried in National Cemetery at Marietta,
Ga. No. of Grave 5,300, in Section F.
Michael Nugent. Killed in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov.
18, '63. Remains left on the field and buried by the
enemy. See note c.
Simon P. Smith. Died at Wyandotte, Ohio, June 8^ '63. No
record of burial.
Samuel Seybert. Died at Nashville, Tenn., March 25, 65.
Buried in National Cemetery at Madison, near Nash
ville. No. of Grave 14,314.
William J. Whitney. Died at Somerset, Ky., May 13, '63.
No rejord cf burial. DESERTED
Privates: Frank Murray. Deserted at Covington, Ky., Oct.
12, '62.
Patrick McDonald. Deserted at Peoria", UL, Sept. 28, '62.
Edward L. Short. Deserted at; Peoria, 111., Oct. 8, '62.
Orville A. Simpson. Deserted at Peoria, 111., Oct. 8, '62.
John Spoor. Deserted at Milledgeville, Ky., May 18, '63.
PRIA'ATES 
Recruits transferred to the 65th Reg. 111. Vol. Inf't (consol
idated) June 20, 1865. Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C,
July 13, 1865.
William A. Brown. Enlisted and mustered in Dec. 2, '63, for
three years. *
John Braddon. Enlisted Dec. 14, '63, mustered in March 23,
'64, for three years. •
Francis Griffin. Enlisted and mustered in March 29, '64, for
three years. Promoted to Serg. of Co. F, 65th 111.
Andrew Jackson. Enlisted March 28, and mustered in April
25, '64, for three years. Address — La Fayette, Stark
county, 111.
Byron D. Kennedy. Enlisted Feb. 18, mustered in March 18,
'64, for three years.

ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 421
Charles Keyser. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 23, '65, for
one year. Orderly at Div. H'dqrs. from April 4, '65. S.
0. No. 38.
Samuel Smith. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 23, '65, for
one year.
George W. Smith. Enlisted and mustered in Jan. 23, '65, for
one year.
Frank A. Yale. Enlisted March 28. mustered in April 25,
'64, for three years. Promoted to Corpi of Co. F, 65th
Bl. Address — Coon Creek, Barton county, Missouri.
RECAPITULATION.
Present- and mustered out with the company, 37
Absent, 7
Previously Discharged, 16
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 5
Transferred to other commands, 2
Killed and died in the service, 21
Deserted, 5
Recruits transferred to the 65th 111., 9

Total, 102

COMPANY B.
Enrolled at Bradford, Stark County, 111., in August, 1862.
Organized August 12, 1862.
Date of all enlistments not otherwise stated, Aug. 12, 1862.
Mustered into the United States service, Sept. 20, 1862.
Present and mustered out Avith the company, June 20, 1865 :
Captain Bradford F. Thompson. Mustered in as First Ser
geant. Promoted to Second Lieut. April 10, to rank
from March 31, '63. Promoted to First Lieut. Jan. 17,
'64, to rank from Sept. 18, '63. Appointed Adjutant of
the Regiment March 7, '64, to rank from Nov. 25, 63.
Promoted to Captain May 9, to rank from April 25, 65.
Slightly wounded in action at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 64,
and in the battle of Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Re
sidence, Toulon, Stark county, 111.

422 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS,
First Lieut. William H. Doyle. Mustered in as Sergeant.
Promoted to First Lieut. Sept. 30, '64, to rank from
Nov. 25, '63. Commanded the company as Sergeant
and Lieutenant from Aug. 6, '64, to May 9, '65. Resi
dence, Meridon, Adams county, 111. Address — Rico,
Colorado.
First Sergeant Charles B. Foster. Mustered in as Sergeant.
Promoted April 10, '63. Commissioned Second Lieut.
June 15, '65, but not mustered. Residence, Bradford,
Stark county, 111.
Sergeant Willard B. Foster. Mustered in as Serg. Regimen
tal "Ambulance Sergeant" from June, '64, until muster
ed out. Residence — Little River, Rice county, Kan.
Sergeant Augustus S. Thompson. Mustered in as Corporal.
Promoted to Sergeant Aug. 31, '64. Regimental "Ord
nance Sergeant" from Nov. '64, until mustered out. Re
sidence — Bradford, Stark county, Illinois.
Sergeant George W. Reed. Mustered in as Corporal. Promo
ted to Sergeant Aug. 31, '64. Captured at Lancaster,
Ky., July 28, '63 — made bis escape the same day. Res^
idence — Bradford, Stark county, Illinois.
Sergeant John R. Jones. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
to Sergeant Oct. 1, '64. Slightly wounded by splinters
from "head-log" struck by solid shot, May 27, '64, and
in action at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64.
Residence — Bradford, Stark county, Illinois.
Corporal John Olenburg. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
June 18, '63. Wounded in action at Kelly's Ford, on
the French Broad River, E. Tenn., Jan. 28, '64. Ad
dress — Zearing, Story county, Iowa.
Corporal James A. Long.- Mustered in as Private. Promoted
Aug. 31, '64. Address — Bradford, Stark county, 111.
Corporal Levi White Jones. Mustered in as Private Oct. 7,
'62. Sick when company mustered in. Promoted Sept.
15, '64. Mustered out with company by order of Maj.
Gen. Schofield. Address — Glasco, Cloud county, Kan.
Corporal John D. Keagle. Mustered in as Private. Promot
ed Oct. 1, '64. Accidentally shot in knee, by Co. H
man, at Milledgeville, Ky., April, '63. AccidentaUy
wounded at Mossy Creek, E. Tenn., Jan. 1, '64.
Corporal F. Louis Heinke. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted March 15, '65. Wounded in action at Cleveland,
Tenn., Sept. 18, '63. Address — Spokane Falls, Spokane
county, Washington Terr.

ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 423
Corporal Charles N. Crook. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted March 15, '65. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn.,
Sept. 18, '63. Exchanged Nov. 26, '64. Rejoined com
pany in the spring of '65. Address— Goodrich, Linn
county, Kansas.
Musician Henry S. Hayden. Mustered in as Musician. Mem
ber of the Regimental Band from its organization untU
mustered out. Address — Creighton, Knox county, Neb.
Wagoner John McLaughlin. Mustered in as Wagoner. Teams
ter during his whole term of service. AccidentaUy kill
ed, moving a building, at Bradford, Stark county. 111.,
Dec. 29, 71.

PRIVATES.
William H. Conibear. Residence— Morton, Tazewell Co., 111.
Thomas E. Delany. Address — Zearing, Story county, Iowa.
William D. Freeman. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn., Sept.
18, '63. Escaped from Andersonville, May 24, '64 ; en
tered the lines of Sherman's army on the Etowah River,
Ga., June 13, '64. Received furlough, after which re
joined company. Address — Eureka, Greenwood coun
ty, Kansas.
Samuel B. Francis.
Joseph Fleming. Slightly wounded in action at Knoxville,
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. Address — Toulon, Stark county, 111.
James A. Goodrich. Injured in head by concussion of explod
ing shell, at Resaca, Ga., May 14, '64. Residence,
Goodrich, Linn county, Kansas.
Newton J. Green. Mustered in as Corporal. Captured at
Cleveland, Tenn., Sept. 18, '63. Exchanged March 21,
'64. Rejoined company on Pine Mt., Ga., June 16, '64.
Address — Linn Creek, Camden county, Missouri.
William Hanley. Absent on furlough. Rejoined and dis
charged with company at Chicago, July 6, '65. Address
— Scranton, Greene county, IoAva.
Charles H. Hanley. Residence, Omaha, Nebraska. Busi
ness address, 818 S. Tenth St.
John Hall. Address — Bradford, Stark county, 111.
Nicholas Hill. Mustered in as Corporal. Reduced June 2,
'64. Captured near Winchester, Ky., Feb. 23, '63. Pa
roled next clay. Exchanged Sept. 10; rejoined compa
ny at Bean's Station, in E. Tenn., Dec. 14, '63.
George Jennings. Address— Cherokee, CraAvford county, Kan.

424 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Francis J. Liggett. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn,., Sept. 18,
'63. Confined on Belle Isle, Va., until March 10, '64,
then transferred to Andersonville. Escaped^from An-
dersonviUe May 24, '64 ; entered lines of Sherman's ar
my on the Etowah River, Ga., June 13, '64; received
thirty clays furlough, then rejoined company. Resi
dence, Bradford, Stark county, 111.
John C. Leighton. Injured in head by concussion of explod
ing sbell, at Resaca, Ga,, May 14, '64. Address — Gil
man, Iroquois county, 111.
Charles Leighton. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn., Sept. 18,
'63. Exchanged March 21, and rejoined company June
16, '64. Died nearModena. Stark county, UL, May, 76.
Wilham C. Lopeman. Enlisted Aug. 21 '62. Slightly wounded
in action at Flat Creek, in E. Tenn., Jan. 26, '64. Ad
dress — Henry, Marshall county, 111.
Orman M. Miller. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn., Sept. 18, '63;
exchanged March 21, and rejoined company June 16,
'64. Address — Hoopeston, VermUlion county, 111.
Lewis Osborn. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn., Sept. 18, '63;
exchanged March 21, and rejoined company June 16,
'64. Address — Modena, Stark county, 111.
Irvin Oxberger. Slightly wounded by shell, at Calhoun,
Tenn., Sept. 26, '63. Address— Bradford, Stark Co., 111.
Jacob H. Pirkey. Enlisted when only 15 years of age. Serv
ed faithfully and well to the end ; under 18 when dis
charged. Address — Eliot, Ford county, 111.
Ira Porter. Died in Stark county, April 21, 73.
Ephraim N. Pardee. Enlisted Aug. 21, '62. Mustered in as
Corporal. Detailed in Law's Battery, and reduced to
make room for another corporal. Address — Galva,
Henry county, Illinois.
Samuel Redding. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn., Sept. 18. '63 ;
exchanged March 21, '64; rejoined company on Pine
Mt.,Ga., June 14, '64. Address— Goodrich, Linn coun
ty, Kansas.
Alva W. Sturtevant. Severely wounded by rebel sharpshoot
ers near Atlanta, Ga,, Aug. 9, '64. Address— Dexter,
Dallas county, Iowa.
John Sturm. Address— Oak Dale, Shelby county, Missouri.
Charles R, Thompson. Slightly wounded in action at Utoy
Creek, near Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Residence-
Bradford, Stark county, Illinois.
Joseph Taylor.

ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 425
John Wallace. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn., Sept. 18, '63;
exchanged May 1, '64; rejoined company June 16,
'64. Slightly wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 6, '64. Address— Coon Rapids, Car
roll county, Iowa. APSENT.
Corporal Edward T. Riley. Captured at CleA'eland, Tenn.,
Sept. 18, '63. Exchanged at Wilmington, N. C, March
1, '65. Never rejoined company. Absent sick. Dis
charged at Springfield, 111., Sept. 26, '65. Residence-
Byron, Nebraska.
Corporal Hiram P. Mallory. Mustered in as Private. Pro
moted April 10, '63. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn.,
Sept. 18, '63. Exchanged at Wilmington, N. C, March
1, '65. Never rejoined company. Absent sick. Dis
charged July 1, '65. Residence — Buda, Bureau Co., 111.
Private John H. Baldwin. Recruit ; enlisted and mustered in
July 9, '63, at Camp Nelson, Ky., for three years. Re
ported "absent sick in hospital since Oct., '63," on mus
ter-out roll. In all probability he was then dead, and
that he is one of the ''unknown" reported by the Supt.
of the National Cemetery at Marietta. See note g.
Private Ira F. Hayden. Recruit; enlisted Feb. 29, mustered
in March 1, '64, for three years. Captured at Colum
bia, Tenn., Nov. 30, '64. Paroled April 15, '65, and
entered Union lines at Black River, near Vicksburg.
Never exchanged. Discharged at Springfield, IU., July
1, '65; and rejoined company at LaSalle, 111., in the
night of July 6, '65, on railway train, coming home.
Residence — Bradford, Stark county, 111.
Private Horace Morrison. Captured at CleA'eland, Tenn.,
Sept. 18, '63. Paroled and exchanged March 21. '64.
Never rejoined company. Address — Osceola, Stark
county, Illinois. PREVIOUSLY DISCHARGED.
Captain James B. Doyle. Enrolled Aug. 12, and mustered
in as Captain Sept. 20, '62. Resigned at Lexington,
Ky.. March 31, '63. Residence — Bradford, Stark coun
ty, Illinois.
Captain John Gudgel. Enrolled Aug. 12, and mustered in as
Second Lieut., Sept. 20, '62. Promoted to First Lieut,
April #0, to rank from March 31, '63. Promoted to
Captain Jan. 17, '64, to rank from Sept. 18, '63. Wound-
—33

426 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
ed in action at Utoy Creek, near Athnta. Ga., Aug. 6,
'64. Never rejoined company. Discharged by reason
of wounds, March 27, "65. Died at Red Wing. Minn.,
A-ihile there on business, July 27, 76. Widow's resi
dence — Tiskihva. Bureau county, Illinois.
PRIA'ATES
George Barber. Accidentally shot off right fore-finger, wlrile.
on guard, at Lexington, Kv. Discharged at Lexington,
March. 1863.
UriahDunn. Discharged at Camp Denni-.cn. Ohio. June. '63
— disability. Address— Quincy. Adams county, Iowa.
Isaac N. Dalrvmple. Wounded and captiued at Cleveland,
Tenn., Sept. 18, '63. Exchanged March 1, '65. Never
rejoined company. Discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio,
May 31, '65. Address — Simpson, Mitchell Co., Kansas.
Morris FoAvler. Discharged at Camp Nelson, Ky., Oct, 11,
'64 — disability. Residence — Bradford. S;ark Co., 111.
Enoch W. Foster. Discharged at Evansville, Ind., May 1,
'65 — disability. Residence — Brimfield. Peoria Co., 111.
John P. Freeman. Captured at Cleveland. Tenn., Sept. 18,
'63. Exchanged March 1, '65. Never rejoined com
pany. Discharged at Springfield, III., May 25. '65
Washington Garside. Captured at Cleveland. Tenn., Sept.
IM, '(i3. Exchanged March 21, '64, Rejoined compa
ny near Pine Mt., Ga., June 12, 'iii. Discharged at
hospital in NeAvark, N. J., June 14, ti") — di-ability, con
tracted in rebel prison. Died at Bloomimiron, Illinois,
Aug. 16, '66.
Hiram P. Geer. "Discharged at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 10, '63
— disability. Address — Rockwell, Cerro (im do county,
Iowa.
Stephen Gudgel. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., April, '63 —
disability. Reported dead.
James Hare. Discharged at Lexington, Ky., March '63 —
disability. Address — Ten Mile. Summit Co., Colorado.
Edwin Holmes. Severely wounded and captured at CleA'e
land, Tenn., Sept. 18, '63. Exchanged Nov. 27, '64.
Never rejoined company. Discharge,! at Springfield,
¦ 111., June 17, '65. Address— Bradford, Stark Co., 111.
William H. Johnson. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn., Sept.
18, '63. Exchanged at Wilmington, N. C# March 1,
'65. Never rejoined company. Discharge:) at Little
York, Penn., June 14, '65. Address— Valley Brook,
Osage county, Kansas.

ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 427
Daniel Kane. Captured at Calhoun, Tenn., Sept. 26, '63.
Reported on muster-out roll "Paroled prisoner of Avar at
Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo." Reported in Adju
tant General's Reports, "Discharged June lil, '65." As
he never returned home, both reports are probably in
correct. He probably died Avhile a prisoner. See note g.
Henry McKibbons. Discharged at Lexington. Ky., Jan., '63
—disability. Died at Denver, Colorado, Feb. 22, '82.
James Partridge. Discharged at Quincy, 111. , July, Iii— disa
bility. Now dead.
Henry Slump. Discharged at Lexington, Kv., Jan., '63 — dis
ability.
Clark M. Svnrtevsmt. Discharged at Mt. Sterling. Ky., March,
'64 — disability. Address — Houghton, King county,
Washington Terr.
Nathan D. SteAvard. Discharged at Quincy, UL. Feb. 8, '65
— disability. Address — Bradford, Stark coun'y, 111.
Dennis Speilman. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn.. Sept. 18, '63.
Exchanged March 21, '64. Never rejoined company.
Discharged at General Hospital, Benton Barracks, St.
Louis, Mo., '.day 30, '65. Address — Henry, Marshall
county, Illinois.
Henry Stacy. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn., Sept. 18, '63.
Escaped from AndersonvUle May 24, '64; was taken
sick and recaptured. Again escaped, and Avas again re
captured, and attached to a 60 pound ball and chain
until exchanged, March 1, '65. Never rejoined company.
Discharged at Springfield, 111., May 26, '65. Address —
Lucas, Lucas county, IoAva.
TRANSFERRED TO VETERAN RESERATH CORPS.
AndreAv J. Erode. Severely Avounded in action at Knoxville,
Tenn., Nov. 18, '63. ' Transferred to V. R. C, March 30,
'64, by reason of wounds, and employed as mustering
clerk. Discharged at LouisviUe, Ky., Aug. 25, "65. Res
idence — BuJa, Bureau county, Illinois.
Peter limes. Cut off a toe, splitting wood, at Lexington, Ky.,
Nov. 18, '62 : and accidentally shot himself through
wrist, at same place, Jan. 15, 'i>3, and Avas transferred
to V. R. C. Died near Bradford, Stark county, Illinois,
since the war.
Eber S. Osborn. Transferred iu '64— disability. Address—
Montpelier, Blackford county, Indiana.
George W. Scott. Transferred in '64— disability. Died since
the Avar.

428 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Isaac Sturm. Transferred in '64— disability. Residence,
Bradford. Stark county. 111.
KILLED AND DIED IN THE SERVICE.
Captain Jonathan C. Dickerson. Enrolled Aug. 12, and mus
tered in Sept. 20, '62, as First Lieut. Promoted to
Captain April 10, to rank from March 31, '68. Com
missioned, borne on the rolls and performed the duties
of Captain, but was not mustered as such. Killed in
action at CleA'eland, Tenn., Sept. 18, '63, just a year, to
an hour, from the time he left home. Buried in the
CleA'eland Cemetery, anil a suitable monument erected
to his memory by his Avidow.
Sergeant John H. Bunnell. Mustered in as Sergeant. Wound
ed in action near Dallas, Ga., May 31, '64. Left leg
amputated at Cumberland Hospital, NashvUle, July 27,
. '64. Died of wounds at Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 12, '64.
Remains brought home and interred in the Snare Cem-
eteiy, in Penn, Stark county, 111., March 8, '65.
Sergeant Eli C. Jones. Mustered in as Corporal. Promoted
April 10, '63. Was Color Guard in the E. Tenn. cam
paign, and Color Bearer from April 6, to May 6, '64.
Wounded in action at Utoy Creek near Atlanta, Ga.,
Aug. 6, '64. Died of Avounds at Marietta, Ga., Aug. 19,
'64. Remains brought home in the fall of '65, and in
terred in the Cemetery at Kewanee, Illinois.
Corporal Abram Deyo. Captured at CleA'eland, Tenn., Sept.
18, '63. Died in Andersonville Prison, Ga., July 18, '64.
No. of Grave, 4172.
Corporal Orlin Bevier. Mustered in as Private. Promoted
April 10, '63. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn., Sept. 18,
'63. Died iri Andersonville Prison, Ga,, July 22, '64.
No. of Grave 6519. PRIVATES.
Robert Alexander. Wounded in action at Flat Creek Gap, E.
Tenn., Jan. 26, '64. Died of wounds at KnoxviUe, -Tenn.,
May 16, '64. Buried in the National Cemetery at Knox
ville. No. of Grave 782.
Charles H. Barber. Wounded in action at Utoy Creek, near
Atlanta, Ga,, Sept. 6, '64. Died of wounds at Marietta,
Ga., Sept. 15, '64. Buried in National Cemetery at
Marietta. No. of Grave 8113, in Section G.
Spencer Elston. Died of disease at Lexington, Ky., Dec. 9, '62.
Buried on Government Lot in Lexington Cemetery. No.
of Grave 160. See note d.

ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 429
George Ludlum. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn.. Sept. 18. '63.
Exchanged Dec. IS. and died Dec. 26, '64, in hospital
at Annapolis, Md.. of disease contracted m Confederate
prisons. No record of burial.
Elias MUler. Killed in action at Franklin, Tenn.. Nov. 30.
'64. No record of burial. See note b.
Joseph B. Philips. Recruit. Enlisted and mustered in Feb.
29, "64. for three years. Died of disease at Chattanoo
ga, Tenn., July 22. '64. Buried in National Cemetery
at Chattanooga. No. of Grave 11.320, in Section E.
Jeremiah Sargent. Died of disease at Lexington, Ky.. Jan.
17. '63. Buried on Government Lot in Lexington Cem
etery. No. of Grave 251.
Cyrus Sturm. Captured at CleA'eland. Tenn., Sept. 18, '63.
Exchanged, and rejoined company June 16. '64. Wound
ed in action at Utoy Creek, near Atlanta, Ga.. Aug. 6,
'6.4. Died of wounds at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 10, '6o.
No record of number of grave.
WUliam P. WUson. Died of disease at Lexington, Ky.. Dec.
9. '62. Buried on Government Lot in Lexington Cem
etery. No. of Grave 162.
DESERTED
Privates: Ephraim Giidden. Deserted at Lexington, Ky.,
Jan. 18, '63. Went to Canada.
George M. Stone. Detailed for service in LaAv's Battery, and
deserted from the battery at Lexington, Ky., Feb., '63.
PRIA'ATES —
Recruits transferred to the 65th Reg. 111. Vol. Inf't (consol
idated) June 20, 1865. Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C,
July 13, 1865 :
George A. BroAvn. Enlisted July 9. mustered in July 23, '63,
for three vears. Captured at Cleveland, Tenn.. Sept.
18, '63. Exchanged April 16, and rejoined company on
Pine Mt., Ga,, June 16, '64. Reported "absent sick"
at muster-out of 65th 111. Address— North Lewisburg,
Champaign county, Ohio.
Michael Dardis. Enlisied and mustered in Jan. 24. '65, for
one year.
Melvin Gace. Enlisted Feb. 29, mustered in March 1, '64, for
three vears. Sliehtly wounded in action at Utoy Creek,
near Atlanta, Ga.. Aug. 6, '64. Residence, Bradford,
Stark county, 111.

430 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
WUliam J. Lamper. Enlisted March 28, mustered in May
24, '64, for three years. Residence, Laramie City, Wy
oming Terr.
John Lee. Enlisted March 11, mustered in March 13, '65, for
one year. Reported "absent sick" at muster-out of
65th ill.
Solomon Leighton. Enlisted and mustered in March 13, '65,
for one year. Address— Carbon, Adams county, Iowa.
Isaac Luce. Enlisted and mustered in March 13. '65, for one
year. RECAPITULATION.
Present and mustered out Avith the company, 43
Absent, °
Previously Discharged, 22
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 5
Killed and died in the service, 14
Deserted, 2
Recruits transferred to the 65th 111., 7

Total, 98

GRAND RECAPITULATION.
Present and discharged with the regiment, 440
Ahsent, ;"'l
Previously discharged from the service, 181
Transferred to Staff, 10
Transferred from H to other companies, 9
Transferred to other organizations, 7
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 45
KUled and died in the service, 217
Deserted, 31
Recruits transferred to 65th UL, 122

Total, 1,113

Note a. After the close of the Avar the remains of all the
Union killed at the battle of Resaca that could be found Avere
removed and interred in the National Cemetery at Chattanoo
ga. Many of them could not be found and still lie where they
were originally buried. The head-boards, or other marks, of

NOTES. 431
many others had fallen doAvn, or been destroyed, or become
obliterated, so the remains could not be identified, and the
graAes of these are marked "unknown."
Note b. The Union kiUed at Franklin, and the mortally
wounded who were left on the field and died in the hands of
the enemy, were buried by the enemy in trenches, Avithout any
designation except their blue uniforms. They were removed
and their remains interred in the National Cemetery at Mad
ison, near NashvUle, and their graves marked "unknown."
Note c. The men of the 112th avIio were killed at Knoxville
before the final charge of the enemy, on the 18th of November,
1863, were carried off the field and buried, and nearly all of
these Avere afterwards identified ; but those Avho were killed in
the last charge, or mortally Avounded and left on the field,
were buried by the enemy, and their remains could not be
identified. They sleep among the "unknoAvn" in the Nation
al Cemetery at Knoxville.
The Supt. of the cemetery reports the following whose names
are not on the rolls of the regiment :
James Roberson Co. D, 112th 111. — No. of Grave 448.
Thomas Mattis Co. I, 112th 111.— No. of Grave 133.
Marion Brown Co. G, 112th 111. — No. of Grave 243.
He also reports John Kimball of Co. E, Avhich is undoubt
edly intended for John Kendall of Co. F.
Note d. There is no National Cemetery at Lexington, but the
Government oaviis a large lot in the Lexington Cemetery, on
which nearly one thousand Union soldiers are buried. It is
underthechargeofMr.C.S. Bell, Supt. of the Lexington
Cemetery Company, and the lot and graves receive the same
care and attention as others in the cemetery.
Note e The Confederate officers seem to have kept no rec
ord of the names of Union soldiers avIio died at Florence.
Very feAv of them are knoAvn, and among them not a man of
the 112th 111. can be found.
Note f. The Supt. of the National Cemetery at Richmond
reports that most of the Union prisoners who died in Confed
erate prisons were first buried in other cemeteries in the city,
and no record kept of the names or dates of death. In 186.6,

432 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
when the National Cemetery was established, their remains
were removed aud interred in the National Cemetery and the
graves of nearly all marked "unknown." The only names of
112th men found upon the prison records are Serg. Solomon
Dixon, James Ray, Simon Ray and JohnD. Swaim, all of Co.
E/sand the date of death of each, but no record of the num
bers of their graves.
Note g. The Supt. of the National Cemetery at Marietta,
Ga., reports an unknown man of Co. B, 112th 111., buried in
that cemetery who died in prison in Alabama. He also re
ports an unknoAvn man of same company at Cahaba Cemetery,
Ala. Died Feb. 23, '65. No. of Grave 3,404, in Section L.
Note h. The Supt. of the National Cemetery at Anderson
ville reports that he examined 13,701 names in making a list
of the 112th 111. men interred there, for the author's use. There
are 14,622 graves of Union soldiers there, of which 921 are
marked "unknown."

ERRATA.
In the middle of page 314, for "Capt. D. K. Hall, our brig
ade Quartermaster," read Capt. D. K. Hall, our brigade Com
missary. In the recapitulation of Co. I, on page 378, for "Absent 9,"
read absent 8; for "total 125," read total 124.
In head lines of Co. C, on page 378, for "Present and mus
tered out June 20, 1862," read Present and mustered out June
20, 1865.

SAUNDEBS BAID INTO EAST TENNESSEE.

By Capt. James McCartney.

About the first of June, 1863, the 112th Illinois Mounted In
fantry, then stationed at Somerset, Kentucky, received orders
from General A. E. Burnside, commanding the Department
of the Ohio, directing that two hundred of the strongest and
best horses and the same number of the healthiest men in the
regiment be kept in camp and from general ami detail duty
until further orders. In compliance with this order the men
and horses were selected, and the horses carefully groomed,
fed and shod.
On the morning of June 10, 1863, the men selected Avere or
dered to report to Col. Saunders, — General Burnside's chief of
staff, — a brave, kind and able officer, who afterward fell brave
ly fighting with the 112th at the siege of KnoxviUe. I had the
honor to be one selected to accompany the detail from the
112th, under the command of Major T. T. Dow.
When we reached the place where Ave were ordered to re
port, we found assembled four companies of the 2nd Ohio cav
alry, two companies of the 7th Ohio cavalry, two companies of
the 1st Kentucky cavalry, four companies of the 44th Ohio
mounted infantry, six companies of the 1st Tennessee mount
ed infantry, one section ofthe 4th Ohio light artillery, consist
ing of two ten-pound rifled guns, — in all about fifteen hund
red men.
We fell into line and began our march, under command of
Col. Saunders, and on the 11th of June reached Mt. Ver-
uon, Kentucky, and camped for the night. On the 12th Ave
marched twenty-six miles to London, and about twelve o'clock
at night camped in the woods near the town. On the 13th we
—34

434 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
reached Williamsburg, Kentucky, on the Cumberland River,
and camped again. This river was then the dividing line be
tAveen the Union and Confederate forces. General Burnside
commanded the Union forces north of the riA'er and General
Simon Buckner the Confederate forces south of- it. Buckner
was said to have forty thousand men under his command
guarding East Tennessee.
At Williamsburg all the teams, and all men who showed
signs of fatigue or ill health, with the poorest horses and all
our baggage Avere sent back to Somerset. A few days rations
for ourselves, and eight hundred rounds of ammunition for our
cannon, were loaded upon pack mules. Forty rounds of car
tridges were put in our cartridge boxes, and forty rounds more
and a neAv pair of horse shoes into our saddle bags. WTe slung
ten days rations for ourselves around our necks, in sacks. We
placed in our pockets the picture of a mother, Avife, or sweet
heart, and bidding good-bye to friends, with a last look to
ward the north, we plunged our horses into the Cumberland
River and Avaded and swam to its southern shore.
From this point the command numbered about thirteen
hundred men. Col. Gilbert, of one of the Ohio regiments,, with
eight hundred men, followed over the river and struck off to
our left, to engage the attention of the enemy until we could
slip through the lines. The Cumberland range of mountains
begin here, about twenty miles from the river.
On the 14th of June, after crossing the river, Ave made our
way quietly by by-Avays and narrow paths through the country
toward the mountains, and on that night camped in a lonely
valley at the foot of the mountains.
We had with us seven of the best guides in the army, who
were thoroughly acquainted with the mountains and the coun
try beyond. Only the fore wheels of our cannon were taken,
and .paths were cut when necessary, through the timber, but
it was scarcely ever necessary, as it seemed as if the guns
could go wherever a horse or mule could travel. We started
before sunrise on the 15th, and Avent up and down hUls
through the Avoods all day. Of course Ave knew nothing of
where Ave were going or Avhat Ave were going to do, but obser
vation told us that we were going through the lines of the en-

THE SAUNDERS RAID INTO E. TENNESSEE. 435
emy toward the south upon some desperate enterprise. About
five o'clock on the 15th we • heard distant firing to our left,
where Col. Gilbert was skirmishing with the enemy at Big
Creek in the mountains, for the purpose of leading the enemy
to believe that we were trying to break through that gap. The
sequel proved that they were thoroughly deceived. We made
a gap of our own through the mountains.
The night of the 16th Ave did not camp, but at 11 o'clock at
night we halted in a beautiful meadow in the mountains, and
holding our horses by their bridles, let them feed on the grass
until 1 o'clock in the morning of the 16th, when Ave mounted
and away again. This day we crossed the line into Tennessee,
and at about 11 o'clock in the morning reached a small town
called Montgomery. Here Ave rode up to and captured one
hundred and one rebel soldiers. They were so much astonish
ed at seeing us that they forgot tlieir guns, and we todk them
prisoners without firing a gun. They just opened tlieir mouths
and stared at us while we took their guns and equipments
away from them. These were destroyed, the men paroled not
to take up arms against the United States untU exchanged,
and off we went again before they seemed to realize the situa
tion. We stopped here less than an hour, as the citizens told
us the rebel General Pegram was expected Avith three thousand
men and eight pieces of artillery every minute. I was here or
dered to take ninety men of the 112th and form a rear guard,
and to keep well in the rear and to resist any force that might
come. All this night long we moved on, without rest or sleep,
being the second night we had spent in the saddle. On the
17th we cleared the mountains and came into PoAvell's Valley,
a most beautiful country, covered with ripening wheat and
waving corn. We continued on all day the 17th and all through
the following night. We ate our hard tack and took our nap3
in our saddles. We got off our saddles occasionally, put a few
oats from sacks behind our saddles into the nose-sacks slung
around our horses' necks, pulled the sacks over their noses and
let them eat as Ave mounted and marched on. Horses and men
often slept soundly as they traveled along the road. At night
especially, after a longer than usual halt, I have often gone
forward along the line and found a file of men and horses

436 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
sound asleep, stopping the whole column in the rear, while
those in front Avere perhaps miles in advance. We Avould AAake
them up and then gallop our horses untU the column in front
was overtaken. This experience had to be often repeated du
ring the trip. We finally adopted the plan that Avhen an order
was giAen it should be repeated in a Ioav A'oice by every com
missioned and non-commissioned officer to the end ofthe line,
and when a halt Avas made, not preceded by an order, Ave sim
ply sent a man forward to wake up the sleeping files.
Often did 1 see on this march man and horse go to sleep,
and at some obstruction in the road fall cIoavh broadside. The
horse Avould groan and the man SAvear, his comrades would
laugh, but up he would mount and off, probably to go to sleep
again within ten minutes. We marched vei y quietly and cau
tiously, for we knew that at every step, on eveiy side, were re
bel spies and scouts, ready at all times to take advantage of
us. /
On the 18th of June we reached the vicinity of and marched
straight tcnvard the toAvn of Kingston, Tennessee, a considera
ble town at the junction of the Clinch and Tennessee Rivers.
The rebels Avere here in strong force, Avith artillery planted and
ready to resist our advance. When Avithin three miles of the
toAvn, hoAvever, Ave turned short off to our left and made
straight for the nearest point on the railroad running from
Chattanooga through Knoxville and East Tennessee to Rich
mond, Va., to destroy which Avas the real object of the raid.
One of the periodical attempts of the Army of the Potomac
to capture Richmond was about to be made, and Ave Avere sent
to destroy this railroad, that Lee's army might not be reinforc
ed from the southwest. We performed our part of the pro
gram but the Army of the Potomac did not, that time.
At about 10 o'clock in the night of the 18th the rear guard
reached the north bank of Clinch River, the main body having
crosseel some hours before. We found here Iavo men on the
bank, in blue uniforms, Avho said they were left to guide us
across. Instead of doing so, however, they told us the Avater
Avas only knee-deep to our horses, and to go straight across —
that there was no danger, and they would follow us. The riv
er appeared to be about a quarter of a mile wide. We waded

THE SAUNDERS RAID INTO E. TENNESSEE. 437
our horses in, Sergeant Mauck and I being in advance, and
with about sixty men following us, composing at that time the
rear guard. When, we had reached about the middle of the
river our horses suddenly plunged into water at least twenty
feet deep, the Avhole line of men and horses following close af
ter us. Instantly the water was filled with plunging horses
and struggling men. We had some seven or eight day's ra
tions of hard tack slung in sacks around our necks, besides
ammunition, guns, horse-feed and many other Aveighty arti
cles. My brave little gray mare, on whose back I had crossed
so many rivers, carried me safely toward the shore, until just
before Ave reached it her fore foot struck a tree lying length -
Avise in the river. This threw her over on her back with me
underneath ; but I threw my arms around her neck and she
soon righted herself and carried me safely out. I dismount
ed, and looking around in the dark saAv a round form crawl
ing out on the bank that looked like an immense mud turtle.
After coughing, blowing, sneezing and swearing aAvhile, I found
that it was tough, reliable, brave Jack Loony, Avhose horse
had struck the same obstacle that mine had ; but Jack had
lost his hold and fallen off ; with the weight of ammunition.
gun and other things he had slung to him, he went straight to
the bottom — some fifteen feet doAvn. However, as he knew
the direction he had been going, he just walked ahead along
the bottom ofthe river and came out all right, but very mad.
Jack never liked to get out of ammunition, and he always did
an immense amount of shooting in every engagement. I think
he probably had a double alloAvance of cartridges about him
and had picked up a few other things as he went along,
Soon, from all points along the bank struggled ashore horses
and men. But three of the brave boys of Co. D, one from Co.
C and one from Co. F, never answered roll-call again on earth,
and their bleaching bones lie to-day beneath the murky wa
ters of Clinch RiA'er, victims to the murderous hatred of Union
soldiers by the miserable, cowardly bushwhackers of the South.
When we joined the main body of our forces we found that no
guides had, in fact, been left for us, Col. Saunders believing
that we were immediately in rear of the column and aa ould
follow it over. The men who had directed us into the dan-

438 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
gerous waters of the river were rebels who, no doubt, believed
that, most of us would be drowned in crossing.
We only stopped long enough on the bank of the river to
pour the water out of our boots, when Ave mounted and away
again to overtake the main column. We soon joined it, and
marched on all night, only halting for our horses to feed an
hour in a field of Avheat about one o'clock in the morning.
About daylight on the morning of the 19th, we found our
selves near the great railroad bridge over the Tennessee River
at Loudon. Eut we found this bridge too heavily guarded
with men, artillery and forts to risk an attack with our small
force. We, therefore, struck off to the left again and at about
10 o'clock suddenly turning to our right, in a few minutes
reached Lenoir Station, a small toAvn on the railroad. Here
Ave captured about forty rebels with four cannon. We found
the railroad depot here almost filled with ammunition for can
non and small arms.* We set the whole concern on fire, and
destroying the cannon and small arms captured, our prisoners
were paroled amid the smoke of bursting shells, and schrapnel
and musket cartridges in the depot building ; and after burn
ing Lenoir's cloth and thread factory and five hundred bales
of rebel cotton, Ave started up the railroad toAvards KnoxAille.
We kept in the vicinity of the railroad, tearing it up and de
stroying the telegraph wires, all that day. At about 5 o'clock
Ave reached the vicinity of Knoxville. Knoxville Avas then the
headquarters of the Confederate Army of East Tennessee. As
Ave neared this point a Dr. Baker, a noted rebel of East
Tennessee, came around his house, a short distance from the
road, and deliberately raising his rifle, fired at the column
then quietly passing along the public road. He fired at the
wrong time, for it was a detachment of the 1st Tennessee
mounted infantry upon which he had fired, many of whom
knew Dr. Baker of old, and kneAv him to be a man who had
done more, perhaps, than any other citizen of East Tennessee
to urge on the demons and blood hounds who were scouting
the whole country, hanging and whipping and murdering old
men and Avomen, the fathers, mothers, sisters and wives of
Union men, trying to force them to reveal the hiding places
of their fathers, brothers, and sons. There were many men

THE SAUNDERS RAID INTO E. TENNESSEE. 439
in the ranks of the 1st Tennessee whose mothers and relatives
had been driven from their homes into the mountains, or mur
dered, because theyAvould not tell where the men were, that
they might be conscripted into the Confederate army. Dr.
Baker had shown his deA'otion to the Confederacy by being the
leading spirit in all these outrages, and he made a great mis
take when he fired upon these men as they passed quietly by
his house. Before the smoke had fairly cleared away from the
muzzle of his gun, he was surrounded by at least fifty men,
and twenty musket balls had passed through his body.
About a year afterward, being then Acting Assistant Adjut
ant General, 011 the staff of Col. Byrd, at Post Oak Springs,
I received a letter directed to Col. Byrd, sent in under a flag
of truce, and signed by Major General Simon Buckner, de
manding the surrender of the men Avho had so "foully murder
ed" Dr. Baker; otherwise the vengeance of the Avhole South
ern Confederacy would fall upon the heads of all the men and
officers of Col. Byrd's command.
The Colonel Avas absent from the headquarters when the
letter came, but I ansAveied it in his name, saying to General
Buckner that the men Avho shot Dr. Baker were still Avith us,
enjoying reasonably good health, but that we were too busy
just then to send them to him ; but that if he would call and
get them he might have them. Simon never called.
We remained quietly in the vicinity of Knoxville until after
dark. The whole detachment of the 112th, under Major Dow,
was placed along the road upon which we had just come to
hold it against any force coming from the rear, Avhile the main
body passed around the opposite side of the city. At about
midnight, finding that no force was following us, Ave started to
join the main body, but coming to where the road forked Avere
unable in the darkness to tell which fork of the road the mam
body had taken. We finally took the road to the right, and in
a few minutes came upon a rebel picket who fired several shots
at us and then retreated. We became suspicious that we were
on the wrong road, and seeing an open grove to the left of our
road went into it, formed a line of battle, dismounted, and
holding the bridles of our horses, lay down on the ground and
in five minutes were all fast asleep. I woke up, hearing a

440 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
drum beating near us, and could just see a gray tinge of light
in the east. We knew it must be a rebel drum beating, as we
had none with us, and reconnoitering a little, we found we
were in the suburbs of KnoxAille, far within the rebel lines,
and within tAvo hundred yards ofthe rebel hospital. We had
not been discovered, however, the rebels supposing that Ave
were at least twenty miles away and that the alarm of their
pickets the night before was a mere scare. But we very quiet
ly mounted our horses and backed out of our rather unsafe
position. One of the boys of Co. B, I think it Avas, missed his horse
when he Avoke up and, being very sleepy, started to find him.
He took the road into toAvn however, and meeting several men
in the gray of the morning, asked each one of them if he had
seen a stray horse. None of them had seen any, and he fin
ally came to a fire where several men were standing. Coming
to the light, he suddenly became A'ery Avide aAvake, when he
saw they were all dressed in gray, and he at once realized his
clanger. Walking up to the one farthest from the light, he
asked him for a chew of tobacco, and getting it, he turned
and quietly walked out the way he came, and soon joined us
AAith his horse, or another just as good.
We reached the main body about sunrise, when we were at
once formed in line of battle and, dismounting, were marched
straight upon the town with our two pieces of artUlery in
front of us. We got within gun-shot of the rebel works at
about 9 o'clock in the morning, Avhen they opened fire upon
us with artillery, to which ours replied. The first shot the
rebels fired passed over the 112th and crashed through a
house behind us. We heard women scream, and afterward
found that the house was filled with women and children ; that
the ball had killed a babe and had torn part of the dress off a
Avoman. We pushed forward toward the heart of the city, and as we
afterward learned, the rebels were about to surrender, when
Ave were suddenly ordered to fall back to our horses and
mount. We mounted our horses and away went our whole force to
the east again. Before leaving KnoxviUe, however, we cap-

THE SAUNDERS RAID INTO E. TENNESSEE. 441
tured oA'er two hundred prisoners, and as we were about to
leave, paroled them. Our object in attacking Knoxville, it
seems, was not to capture the town, but to draw all tbe rebel
forces to it, so they might not interfere with our operations in
other places.
We moved rapidly east from here, having thoroughly deceiv
ed the rebels. We could hear them still firing at the place
where we had been until we Avere more than twelve miles away.
Eight miles from KnoxvUle, we struck the railroad again and
tore it up for about tAvo miles. We here captured tweh'e men
guarding a bridge over a stream. We burned the raUroad
bridge here, and also the Avagon bridge over the stream, pa
roled our prisoners, and on again we Avent toward the east.
At about 2 o'clock this day (June 20th,) Ave reached Strawber
ry Plains. At this place was the longest and most important
'bridge on the road betAveen KnoxAille and Richmond. It had
been strongly guarded, but our attack upon Knoxville had
drawn most of the guarding force in that direction. We im
mediately opened fire with our artillery and formed our lines
and charged them. But before we reached them the Avhite
flag was raised, and we captured over one hundred men and *
five pieces of artillery. We destroyed the artillery captured,
paroled the men, and then set fire to and burned the railroad
bridge, seven hundred and tAventy yards long, over the Hol
ston River. The destruction of this bridge was the principal
object of our raid, and to accomplish which the government
could well afford to risk the loss of the small force sent. We
also captured and destroyed a large quantity of ammunition,
small arms and stores belonging to the rebel armies.
[__We remained here all night — slept in line along the side of
the road, our horses' hitched to the fences by our side. This
is the orily sleep we had lying down, except an hour or two at
KnoxvUle, since the night after we crossed the Cumberland
River, five days before. We had neither bedding nor covering.
My place in the line brought me to a large rock, upon which
I had the best night's sleep I ever enjoyed. We slept with our
guns in our hands and our horses within reach, and could
have been ready for a fight or a flight at a moment's warning.
We were up and away with the morning light on the 21st,

442 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
and about 10 o'clock reached the small village of Mossy Creek.
Here we captured and destroyed a locomotive and train of
cars, and a large amount of corn and tobacco in store for the
use of the rebel army. Here the boys loaded themselves and
horses with tobacco to carry back to their comrades in camp,
but for several reasons very little of it was ever delivered to
them. We stopped this day and cooked our dinners, being the only
warm food or coffee we had seen since crossing the Cumber
land River eight days before. Those of us who had got into
the Clinch River on the night of the 18th, had been compelled
to eat hardtack soaked with water and then soured in the hot
sun, until a change had become somewhat of a necessity.
Our sugar and salt had melted and mixed, and these, mingled
with our soaked and soured hardtack; with the mold and
worms naturally belonging to the hardtack, made living upon
it for any great length of time somewhat monotonous.
After dinner we moved forward again, now changing our
direction to the north and moving toward the Cumberland
Mountains. We had not gone far until we saw a woman come
out of a house, some distance from the road, Avaving her sun-
bonnet and calling for us to stop. She came to us and told us
that a brigade of rebels was* formed across the road just in
front of us waiting for us to come up. We noticed a fork in
the road not far in adA'ance. The Avoman told us the enemy
were formed upon the left hand road, as that was the one
leading towards the mountains. We took the right hand road,
and riding quietly past the rebel line, struck across toAvard
the other road and Avent on our way. One of our men search
ing for a horse to replace one given out, came too near their
line, was discovered and chased, and of course made his way
to us. The rebels then discovered for the first time that Ave
had passed them.
They followed, but their infantry could not overtake us, and
their cavalry dare not attack.
About sundown this day we came to a valley which Ave had
to cross. We saw a line of rebel infantry in the valley, reach
ing as far as we could see. Selecting the thinnest place in the
line, we formed and charged upon them in a gallop. The reb-

THE SAtWDERS RAID INTO E. TENNESSEE. 443
els ran in every direction to get out of the way, forgetting to
fire a gun untU after we had passed through their lines. They
then fired but did no harm. We reached a road and going a
short distance along it, a woman at a house told us that
about four thousand rebels had passed along the road in the
same direction we were going about an hour before.
We went along this road cautiously and at about 10 in the
evening overtook several wagons. Making inquiries we found
they were the baggage wagons of the force in front. We pa
roled the men with them, and as the wagons were very dry,
made a bonfire of them in the road. The Avagons contained
the baggage of one of the rebel generals, and a paymaster Avith
his outfit. We placed the paymaster in good shape to settle
his accounts with his gOA'ernment by borrowing his funds, so
he could account for all he was out as having been captured
. by the enemy. The boys distributed a million or two of Con
federate money among themselves, and I stuffed ninety-odd
thousand dollars of it into my horse's empty nose sack.
We soon took another road from the gentlemen in front of
us, and were now doing our best to get out of Tennessee. We
had the whole rebel army of forty thousand men behind, be
fore and all around us. We knew they had sworn vengeance
upon us, and we believed that capture would be certain and
speedy death. We doubted whether the acts we had clone
Avere authorized by the laws of civilized warfare, and therefore
none of us intended to be taken prisoners.
At about 11 o'clock at night, while riding very quietly along,
suddenly a volley of musketry came from a grove of timber to
our right, and the musket balls Avhistled thickly over our heads.
We were startled, but paid no more attention to it and went
quietly on. We heard no more from it, and never knew who
it was that fired upon us. -We did not return a shot.
We continued on all night and all day the 23d without see- '
ing or hearing further of the enemy, keeping on by-roads
mostly, until about 5 o'clock, while riding along a ridge on
a wood road, we suddenly came to the edge of Powell's Valley
again. On the other side of this valley were the Cumberland
Mountains, and if Ave could once get into them we were safe.
But as we went along Ave heard loud voices giA'ing commands

444 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
in the valley, beloAV us. We knew every gap in the mountains
Avas blockaded, 'and that the whole rebel army of Tennessee
was in this valley, determined to cut off and destroy us. Go
ing to the edge of the timber on the ridge, we saw that the val
ley was filled Avith men, artillery and cavalry, moving' about in
all directions. There was but one thing to do. We took axes
and cut the spokes out of our artillery Avheels and let the guns
fall to the ground.. We then spiked the guns, turned our extra
mules and horses loose, after mounting the artillerymen, tight
ened, our belts around us, and formed in line.
Powell's VaUey was here about a mile Avide, andjust across
it, opposite where Ave were, Avas a very high, steep and rugged
mountain, covered with timber and immense ledges of rock.
We rode down the ridge toward fhe valley quietly, in line of
battle. We reached the foot of the ridge, and rode out into
the plain at a Avalk toward a line of rebel infantry and caval
ry a feAv hundred-yards in front of us. When Avithin a couple
of hundred yards of them they seemed to haAe discovered for
the first time who we were. A feAv scattered shots werefiied
at us, when Ave gave them a solid volley, and driving the spurs
into the sides of our horses, Aye charged, helter-skelter, upon
and over them, and struck straight for the side of the moun
tain in front. We started*up its side, and the rebel forces by
thousands closed in around its foot, and bringing their artil
lery, shelled us as we went up.
The mountain side was so rough and ragged that we could
not ride, and dismounting, we hauled and lifted and pushed
the horses over rocks, ravines and fallen timber, until it be
came dark. It Avas a very hot night, and -our throats Avere
parched with thirst and filled with dust. -Of course our lines
were broken and every man was acting for himself. Most of
the I12th men kept together, however, and helped each other
along, but it so happened that Ave got into the worst part of
the mountain and our progress Avas slow. The other portion
*>f our force, therefore, reached the top of the mountain long
before we did. We did not reach the top until about midnight,
and when we did reach it the remainder of the force had long
before passed on, taking all the guides vrith them, and we knew
not in what direction or where to go.

THE SAUNDERS RAID INTO E. TENNESSEE. 445
But the worst of all Avas, that Ave found that the rebels were
amongst us. We heard men Avhisperimg ami conferring to
gether near us, and sometimes in the starlight we could see
men with white rebel blankets around them, moving around
ainor.g the trees. We were still in too strong force for them to
attempt our capture, but they probably thought they had us
safe anyhow We here held a council as to Avhat Ave should do.
We concluded that our only hope of safety was to wait until
moonlight or daylight, and then try to find our Avay out. We
did not dare fellow anyone, for we might be following a rebel
right into their line-. Many times persons would call to us
to come that way or this Avay ; but Ave, at least, believed them
to be rebels and did not dare follow them. We were suffering
terribly from thirst, and concluded first to search for water.
None had been seen since Ave came up the mountain side, and
the only hope Ave had of getting any Avas by digging for it.
It was so dark that Ave could not see a favorable place to dig,
so Ave tied our horses to trees and went along feeling Avith our
feet for places-in the ground where we would be most likely to
find water. I had my naked sword in my hand and was using
it to part the bushes and discover any obstacle in the dark.
Presently I thought I felt a depression in the ground, and the
dead leaves under my feet rustled as if they Avere someAvhat
damp. I said to the men near me, in a loud Avhisper — which
was the Avay we communicated Avith each other — that I believ
ed I had found a good place to get water. Tiny came toward
me, but as I was about to get down on my knees to dig with
my bauds, suddenly there sounded at my very feet the loud
rattle of a rattlesnake, and instantly it seemed as if a hundred
snakes were rattling on every side of us. We knew at once
thai Ave were in-a rattlesnake den. We expected every minute
to feel their fangs piercing our flesh, which then and there
AA-ouLl have been certain death, as we had no antidote nor
physician to assist us. But we stood perfectly still and after
a minute or two of continuous rattling it gradually ceased,
an: I Ave could hear the reptiles craAvling in the leaves. I then
took my SAvord, and after striking it around me in every di
rection, to drive aAvay those near us, we turned around, and

446 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
step by step slowly walked out until we reached a fallen tree,
and getting on that were safely out of the den.
But we got no water. We concluded then that we would lie
down and rest until it became light enough to see where we
were going. We, seven men of Co. G, lay down together, and
the next thing I remember was feeling a pain in my side, and
suddenly waking up I saw that it was daylight, and that it was
Tom Townsend's elbow that was giving me the pain. Tom
whispered to me that two men clothed in gray uniforms had
come to where Ave were, looked at us, whispered together for a
minute or two, pointed down the mountain toward Avhere the
rebels Avere, and had just that moment gone aAvay.
We woke up all the men at once, and fortunately finding our
horses near us, started away to the north. We had gone only
a feAV steps when we found Lieut. Brown, of Co. E, and quite
a number of other men of the 112th who had also been left on
the mountain. We all got away from there, however, as fast
as we could, finding some of our men as we went along, com
ing out from behind trees and rocks as they saw who we were.
Finally we found that we Avere going down the north side of
the mountain, and Ave soon heard the sound of Avater in front
of us, and instantly men and horses, all together, made a rush
in the direction of the sound. We were in a sort of path, like
a deer trail, among the rocks, and as we got near the water
the trail became narrower and narrower, until finally it be
came so narrow between the ledges of rock that a horse could
not squeeze through. We then abandoned our horses, and
climbing the rocks, made our way to the water, and lying
down, some in and some on the bank of the small mountain
rivulet, we enjoyed a drink of pure mountain water.
When we had satisfied our thirst we began to consider what
Avas the best to do. About forty of us were together. We
concluded that every outlet from the mountains must by this
time be guarded, and that our best chance would be to aban
don our horses and try to steal our way through the moun
tains. We concluded that it would be hopeless to try to fight,
as that would only delay us and bring the whole rebel force
upon our track. We therefore broke up and destroyed our
guns, revolvers and swords, that they might not be of use to

THE SAUNDERS RAID INTO E. TENNESSEE. 447
the enemy ; cut up our saddles and bridles, threw away all
surplus clothing and divested ourselves of everything that
would delay or retard us. I had to part with my little gray
mare that had carried me over every obstacle that I had en
countered, that had eaten hardtack out of my hand when I
had nothing else to give her, and that I had always found by
my side when I wanted her. She had become a pet and was
as dear to me as any friend I ever had. I was not the only-
one, however, of our party who shed tears when parting for
ever from our noble horses. I had about a quart of corn meal
in a sack, which I divided, taking about a pint in my pants
pocket — I had torn up and thrown away my coat — and gave
the remainder to my horse.
We started from here toward the north in Indian file, three
of the men with us keeping tlieir guns and some ammunition.
At about ten o'clock in the morning we came in sight of a
clearing on the side of the mountain we were climbing over.
We had had nothing to eat since the day before, and conclud
ed to reconnoiter the place and see if we could find some
thing. By gathering a piece here and there from one and an
other, we finally secured a suit of citizen's clothing, and select
ing one of the longest haired, lankest and most awkward look
ing soldier in the squad, we dressed him up as a Tennessee
mountaineer, as near as Ave could, and sent him to the house
in the clearing. We watched him go in, and in a few minutes
he came out and motioned to us. A few of us went down to the
house, and there Ave found Major Dow and Capt. John L.Doav
with more of our men. We also found hid in the house a gen
uine Tennessee mountaineer, whom we at once pressed into
sendee as a guide. We doubted his loyalty to the Union, but
we placed him in front, and two men with guns immediately
behind him, and instructed the men in his hearing that at the
first sign of danger to at once shoot the guide. We then told
him to guide us by the most unfrequented paths to the Cum
berland River.
Butwe found nothing whatever to eat, as the people in these
mountains seemed to be poorer than the rocks themselves.
We started on our long journey and marched all the first day,
occasionally finding some of our men scattered along our route.

448 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
The evening of the first day we had two hundred men, but
with only nine guns among the whole number. We placed two
men with guns in advance' and seven in the rear. We could
not hope to fight any force we might meet in front, but the
guns in the rear might check any force in that direction until
we could scatter and some of us, perhaps, escape. We kept
on all the first night, the night of June 23d. At daylight we
lay down in the woods and slept untfl about nine o'clock, Avhen
we got up and away again.
At about 11 o'clock we came to a little cabin in the mount
ains, occupied by a woman and two or three children, and
searched it for something to eat ; but found nothing. We fin
ally saw aHittle fenced in lot near the house, and going there
. found a bed of young cabbages with a few small leaves on.
We made for them, and in less than two minutes the cabbage
lot was a bleak and desolate plain. I got one small plant for
my share and ate it, root, branch, dirt and all.
We traveled on all day the. 24th and about two o'clock in
the afternoon we came to another mountain cabin occupied by
two Avomen and some children, but here they did not have ev
en a few cabbage plants to eat. We finally convinced them
that we Avere Union soldiers trying to escape, when they told
us that their husbands had gone through to Kentucky and
were then in the Union army. They then brought out from a
bedrtick a peek of corn meal and offered it to us, but assured
us that it Avas everything they had in the world to eat, and as
we saAv five or six children around the house, hungry as Ave
Avere, we refused to touch their meal. They told us that tAvo
separate companies of rebel cavalry had been at theh house
that day inquiring for "Yanks", and saying that a lot of them
Avere lost in the mountains somewhere. They told the women
they were going to catch and hang them as soon as found, for
these "Yanks" had been murdering people and burning houses
all through East Tennessee. The Avomen cautioned us to be
very careful, 'as the mountains were filled with rebels. They
gave our guide full instructions as to the best route to take,
and wishing us all sorts of good fortune, sent us on.
Near sundown this day we suddenly came to a well traveled
highway, crossing our path at right angles. There was no

, THE SAUNDERS RAID INTO E. TENNESSEE. 449
way to avoid crossing it, but it was a dangerous point, as we
believed, every place along tlus road must be guarded. We
finally found a dense thicket of low bushes extending up to the
side of, the road, ,,We got into this thicket and arranged that
one man.at a time should cross the road as rapidly as possi
ble,, .at the same time looking up anil down the road and giv
ing warning, if anyone Avas seen, .when all would scatter and
do the bust they could to save, themselves. About sundenvn
Ave .were all, safely across, Avithout discovery. We felt almost
safe after crossing this road ; and going a couple of hundred
yards into the, woods we concluded to camp, as Ave were utterly
worn out, A party was sent out to quietly reconnoiter, and
about, nine o'clock at night came in with a side of bacon. We
divided this up as well as we could, but it did not go far with
two hundred men. I got a piece of pure fat an inch long and
about. as large around as my tore finger. We ate our meat
raAv, in the dark ; and this was the first and only bite of food
of any kind any of us had had since four clays before, except
the handful of meal I had in my pocket, which I divided with
some of my comrades. Wo lay down on the dry leaves and
soon-, forgot our troubles and dangers in sweet and refreshing
sleep. I remember of waking suddenly about midnight, with a
terrible. fear creeping over me, I was wide awake in a second,
and my first thought was that something terrible was about to
spring upon me as I lay upon the ground. I scarcely breath
ed. The night, was dark, the leaves were thick upon the trees,
and a;star here and there in the skyAvas all that could be seen.
A very slight breeze now, and then stirred the leaves above us
a little; but the night was so quiet and still that it
seemed as if the stillness could almost be felt. It did not
seem, tiiat the danger, was from any living thing, but as if some
thing ghostly or supernatural was near me.
Presently I heard a rustling in the. dead leaves near me. I
thought at once that some wild animals were among us. But
in a.momentl heard the leaves rustling , in several -directions.
I then , thought that the enemy were among us at last, and
thalwe would-be captured, just, as w.e. began to think there Avas
some hope of our escape. Perhaps they were quietly num-
—85

450 HISTORY, OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
bering our men in their heavy sleep, as they found them.
I was about to creep away and escape, when I thought I
recognized Major Dow's whisper by my side. I reached my
hand out and touched him and whispered very low, "Is this
you, Major?" He replied, "Yes, but don't niove or speak yet."
He took my hand and led me quietly off some distance, where
Ave found Capt. Dow and some other officers. The Major then
Avhispered, "Here is a little girl, fourteen years old, who lives
at the house Avhere we found the women this afternoon. She
says that very soon after we left the house fifteen hundred reb
el cavalry came to the house on our trail, swearing vengeance
against us." They asked the women which way we had gone,
Iioav many there were of us, and swore they were going to hang
us whenever they found us.. The women told them we had
gone in a different direction from the one we really took, but
the rebels did not believe them, and were then on our track.
The girl said the rebels were at the house about sundown, and
were then following us. She also said the women, one of
Avhom Avas her mother, got her out and told her to take through
the mountains ahead of the rebels, and warn us of the danger.
The little girl had come on this dark night over seven mUes
through the rough wild mountains, fiUed with savage animals
and poisonous serpents, to tell us of our danger. WhUe she
Avas Avhispering this to us we heard the clank of sabers on the
road near us. It was rebel cavalry passing along the road.
We listened, but they passed by without discovering us.
We asked the little girl, small of her age and but a chUd,
Avhat Ave could do for her. She told us that she wanted noth
ing, and now that she had found and told- us, she would go
back heme. We offered to send a guard back with her, but
she said she was not afraid and wanted no guard. The Maj
or lighted a match and found that it was one o'clock in the
morning. The Major asked if any of us had any money, and
everyone contributed all the money he had, and we thus raised
seven dollars and a few cents and gave it to the girl. It was
all we could do. She refused the money, and seemed astonish
ed that Ave thought she had done anything worthy of thanks
eA'en. But we Anally forced the money upon her, and each
one pressed her hand and thanked her for what she had done

THE SAUNDERS RAID INTO E. T.ENNESSEE. 451
for us. We took up our lonely walk again, leaA'ing her to
make the best of her way home through the lonely mountains.
We neA'er heard of her afterwards.
AU this occupied but a feAV minutes, and Ave were soon on
our route away from the danger that menaced us. I have no
doubt the courage and loyalty of that little girl saved many,
if not aU, of our lives ; and no one Avho remembers that peril
ous night can ever forget the little girl who warned us of our
danger. She gave us her name, but I am sorry to say I have
forgotten it. How I should like to see aud thank again that
brave loyal little mountain girl, for her brave act.
We marched all that night and the day foUoAving, and the
next evening reached the settlements at the foot of the moun
tains, near the Cumberland River. We were stUl inside the
enemy's Unes, but felt eomparatiA*eIy safe, and as we Avere suffer
ing from hunger we separated to search for food. The men of
Co. G remained together, and finding a farm house Ave got a
good supper and safe place to sleep. The next day Ave crossed
the river and four days afterward joined our forces.
We found that the main body of our force had fouud its way
out the night Ave Avere driven up the mountain, and they all es
caped with theh horses and Avithout trouble. In Powell's Val
ley four men belonging to our hospital were captured, but as
they were non-combatants they were paroled and released soon
after. In fact the five men drowned in Clinch River were the
only men Ave really lost during the Avhole trip. We had two
or three wounded, but none seriously.
Too much can never be said of the loyalty and devotion to
the Union shown by the people, and especially the Avomen of
East Tennessee. At the risk of their lives they aided us in
every way in their power. Utter strangers though we Avere,
and engaged in raiding and destroying property in their coun
try, yet we found them always ready to gh'e us invaluable in
formation and assistance.
East of Knoxville we found women standing by the roadside
with buckets of water, to give us as Ave passed along ; and at
New Market, especiaUy, we found young ladies, well dressed
and beautiful, standing at the gates of the residences, with
platters loaded with pie and cake for each soldier. This part

452 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
of our raid Avas more like a pic-nic than Avar. Word had some
how been conveyed to the loyal people that we would be there
about a certain time, and they had cooked provisions and pre
pared purposely for us, but not a whisper was conveyed to the
enemy. Justice has never yet been done by historians to the bravery
and loyalty of the people of East Tennessee and the moun
taineers of the Cumberland and Smoky ranges. It was at the
hazard not only of property, but of life itself, that they dared
to express any love for the Union or the old flag. Yet there
were men and Avomen, and children, too, in Tennessee, who
daily took all tbe chances when there was anythingthey could-
do for tin; Union or Union men. No soldier, Avho was on the
Saunders Raid, at least, can ever forget the loyalty of the East
Tennesseans, or of the mountaineers of Kentucky.
The foregoing are some of the incidents of the Saunders
Raid. One of the first, and in its results and the little loss
sustained, the most successful raid during tbe Avar. I have
never seen any report of it in any history of the Avar, and
many of the incidents connected with it I had forgotten, until
1 found among some old papers a letter I had written to my
wife just after our return to Kentucky, giving her a history of
it. From this, and after refreshing my recollection when
meeting with comrades who were through it with me, I have
compiled the foregoing narrative, which 1 think wiU be found
substantially correct.

F.SOAI'H Ob' OIlAHLbJS T. GOSS
FROM TUN I'lilSON AT A N />/<: h'SOWlM H.
(Compiled by lb I'' Thompson from a letter wrillen by Goss.'

Charles T. Goss, 61' Co, l, 1121b Illinois, was captured with
('apt, Wilkins ami many others of Ibe same company, at lliee-
villo, in Musi Tennessee, on I lu> 261 h of September, 1S63.
They were sent to Richmond. Ym.. and there confined in an
old tobacco factory near Libby Prison. Aller remaining there
a few weeks they were loaded on freight cars and sent lo Dan
ville, Va, During Ihe itighl, while the Irain slipped Ml a sta
tion, Gosh eluded Ihe guards, escaped from tbe car and con-
Coaled himself anion;;- some Irees and underbrush al Ihe fool
nf a hill near a stream of water.
As the train pulled out he heard a- few shols lired and (he
guards shouting, and feared his absence had been discovered,
and that search would be made for him. Hut the (rain mov
ed off, and (loss struck out inlo Ihe country. He called al a.
few negro cabins for something lo eaf , which was cheerfully
furnished him, and was making' good progress out of the Con
federacy when he was attacked with a fever and compelled to

454 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
seek rest in a haystack. Here he was discovered by a farmer,
Avhile asleep one morning ; and with gun in hand the farmer
marched him to the nearest raUway station and he was sent
to Danville. In the spring the prisoners were sent to Ander-
sonAille. Goss Avas constantly studying some plan of escape.
One day he was one of a squad of prisoners sent outside the
stockade to gather wood.
Watching his opportunity, he dodged behind some trees out
of sight of the guards, and again made an effort to escape.
He traveled all day and the following night ; but just at day
break the next morning he heard the baying and yelping of
blood-hounds, and rightly conjecturing that they were upon
his track, turned into the yard of a farm house near by. With
the assistance of a woman at the house, he succeeded in keep
ing the dogs off until two men, aaIio were foUoAving them on
horseback, came up, and he was again a prisoner. The wo
man gave him a lunch ; and he was then taken in a buggy
through the g) een fields and forests back to Andersonville.
Here Goss and some others who had been recaptured in other
directions were taken before Wirtz, who eyed them sharply,
and remarking, "Dese tarn Yankees give me so much trouble I
don't know what to do mit em," ordered them into the prison
without punishment — contrary to his usual practice.
Goss then feigned sickness, to get to the hospital, Avhere he
thought he might more easily escape. On the morning of the
3d of June, 1864, the prison surgeons Avere examining sick
prisoners at one of the gates of the stockade. This gate Avas
double — an inner gate, then an open space, and then the out
er gate. The prisoners .passed through the inner gate, then
turned to the right and passed doAvn to the surgeons' stand.
Two guards, with fixed bayonets, Avere stationed at each of
the gates, while other guards, in charge of sergeants and cor
porals, were stationed above and around the prisoners.
Goss passed through the inside gate and doAvn toward the'
surgeons' stand, Avhen, suddenly, and without previous
reflection, he hastily retraced his steps, and taking a piece of
Avriting paper from his pocket, straightened up, and walked'
boldly out between the guards at the outside gate, avIio sup
posed the paper Avas his parole and that he was going out to

_ ESCAPE FROM ANDERSONVILLE. 455
work. He walked to the line of prisoners Avho were waiting to
be sent to the hospital, displayed his paper and said a few
words to them, thence to a squad of guards and paroled pris
oners who were buying pies of a woman, and then to the cook
house, where some of the prisoners were at work. One of
these advised him to go to the tents of the 1st Kentucky cav
ahy (Col. Wolford's regiment) near by. He did so, and found
them friendly. They were on parole, and employed to cut
wood outside the lines. They gave him some provisions, put
the parole mark on him, placed an ax on his shoulder, and all
marched out through the picket lines into the woods. Here
he shook bands with the Kentuckians and parted from them.
The day- was misty, followed by several rainy days, Avhich
probably prevented the dogs from following him. He was so
weak he could hardly walk— staggered like a drunken man.
He traveled fifteenmiles south and then took a westerly course
into Alabama. Until he reached the mountainous regions of
Alabama he traveled at night, and slept in the day-time ; but
once in the mountains he traveled by daylight and slept at
night. He slept in gin-houses, barns, unoccupied sheds and
negro cabins. One night he slept under -a tree, and as he
awoke at day-break a huge snake glided aAvay from him. He
traveled one whole day in the forest, and at night came to the
place from where he had started in the morning — having un
consciously walked in a circle. He was supplied Avith provi
sions by the negroes— who were ever faithful friends — until he
reached Alabama, where he found many Union Avhite people,
who assisted him, supplied him with provisions, and directed
him on his way.
He crossed from Georgia into Alabama at Columbus, on
the Chattahoochee River, and then proceeding north, reached
the Union lines at Rome, Ga., on the 4th of July, 1864 ; and
his persistent determination to escape from the rebels Avas fi
nally rewarded with success. He endured many hardships,
suffered many times with hunger and fatigue ; but freedom
from rebel cruelties and the restraints of prison life more than
repaid him ; and then the satisfaction of having successfully
eluded the vigilance of the officers and guards Avas alone worth
many days of hunger and weary wandering in the mountains.

GAP TUBE, P BISON. LIFE AND ESCAPE
OF
GEORGE. W. NICHOLAS, . -,
OF COMPANY E, 112TH ILLINOIS.

[Written by himself. Edited' by B. F. Thompsos.] .

On tbe 15th of November, 1863, while the'li'2th Uliriois vvas
resting at Lenoir, in East Tennessee, and discussing the prob
ability of going into "winter , quarters,"— on the .strength of
¦which the orderly sergeant of my company and I'had'built a
log cabin, and part of the 9th Army Corps had torn cloAvri a
church and used the lumber in the erection" of shanties,— one
of the pickets stationed at Park's Ferry, on the Holston River,
came into camjr sick, and I aveis detailed to take his place ; so
I saddled my little sorrel horse, and taking my trusty Enfield,
started for the picket'p'bst, — glad to get aAvay. from camp,— es
pecially as I had been informed there Avas excellent foraging
in the country near the river.
Little did I think, as I left camp, that fifteen long months
would elapse before I should again see the officers .arid com
rades of my company, but such was. the case.
The picket post was about four miles south east of Camp
bell's Station, AA'here the battle with LongstreeW'as fotight'the
next day. There were tAventy pickets, divided into two squads
of ten men each — one occupying a log cabin on the north bank
of the Holston, and. one another cabin about, forty rods north,
on the road to Campbell's Station— both in command of Serg.
Solomon Dixon, of Co. E, of the. 112th.
The picket post was in a bend of tbe river.; and Ave Were pr-
dered by Capt. Otman, officer of the guard, to hold the position
until relieved or driven back by the rebels. We were relieved

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE. 457
sooner than we expected. We were enjoying ourselves hugely,
shooting squirrels and pigs, and digging potatoes, and had
made arrangements to go up the river, the second night af ter
I joined the pickets, to kill "Aunt Susie's" pet bear, and have
a general feast. But the fortunes of war changed our plans.
Before night came some of Longstreet's Texans made their
appearance on the opposite side of the river, and claimed the
bear, and told us Ave had better "git out of thar," or we would
be captured. We didn't dispute their title to the bear, but we
refused to "git." One very intelligent rebel came down to the
water's edge and held a lengthy conversation with us. He said
he had formerly lived in Illinois, and had a cousin in the 112th
Illinois by the name of Thompson, and was anxious to leam
something about him. He said Ave would all be on our Ava'yto
Atlanta the next day if Ave didn't leaA'e there, and advised us
to get aAvay while we could. But Ave did not leave, all the
same. Our sergeant said his orders were to remain there un
til relieved by Union soldiers, or driven back, and he proposed
to obey orders Avhatever might be the consequences. He didn't
intend to be relieved by a rebel detail, nor to fall back Until
compelled to. During the day the Union forces retired from
Lenoir. They made a stand at Campbell's Station, but by
night were above Concord, and Ave were doing picket duty in
rear of the rebel army.
Serg. Dixon encouraged us by saying Ave would soon be re
lieved, and he sent two' men up towards Concord to see what
the rebels were doing, Before they returned our relief squad
came. It consisted of one hundred men of the 5th Georgia
cavalry. They said we were wanted at Concord. They inust
have placed a high estimate upon our fighting qualities (as
they knew4our numbers, and had a trusty guide) to send one
hundred inen to capture twenty "high privates." While re
turning from the Saunders Raid into East Tennessee, in the
preceding summer, the Union force was surrounded ; and this
same 5th Georgia cavalry formed in line of battle between the
detachment of the 112th and the foot of the mountain to pre
vent us from reackirig the mountain road ; and we charged
upon them and put them to flight, — so we found ourselves
among old acquaintances. They were very clever and soeia-

458 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
ble boys, treated us respectfully and permitted us to ride our
horses to Concord. On the road a rebel soldier heard the tick
of William Barr's Avateh, and requested Barr to hand it over
to him, but they took no clothing nor money from us. We
reached camp about four o'clock in the morning, and were al
lowed to sit by a good fire until daylight. By sunrise the
camp was astir and the troops making hurried preparations to
follow Burnside. They said they had burnt his sides in Virginia
and they would burn them again at Knoxville. We replied
that they would have lots of dead "Johnnies" to bury before
they got into Knoxville. They ate their breakfast, replenish
ed their cartridge boxes, and pulled out — but they did not in
vite us to eat with them.
We saw no more of our horses, but were marched on foot
to Campbell's Station. Here we saw some of the effects of
the battle the day before. A shell had exploded in the second
story of a dwelling house and tom it to pieces, and feathers
from beds, clothing, and numerous other articles' were scatter
ed over the yard. An old barn in the vicinity was completely
riddled. We saw a number of dead Union soldiers lying
about, unburied, but recognized none of them until we came
to a boy lying in a fence corner, stripped of his clothing, whom
we all identified as Robert Piatt, of Co. H, of the 112th, — but
we learned afterward that we were mistaken.
Our guards wanted to turn us over to another regiment, but
they refused to receive us. They then inquired of a colonel
who was passing Avhat they should do with us, and he replied,
"Take the d  Yankee s  of b  out in the timber and
shoot them."
They finaUy marched us towards Knoxville. About sunset
we came to a crib containing a few bushels of ear corn, and
were told to take enough for our supper and breakfast. We
were then marched to an old straAV stack and ordered to lie
there untU morning. Having -no mill to grind our corn, nor
pot to boil it in, we ate it raw. I did not sleep that night. I
made up my mind to escape and go to KnoxviUe, before morn
ing, but the guard was too A'igilant for my purpose, and I was
compelled to give it up.
In the morning we ate the remainder of our corn and start-

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE. 459
ed early towards Knoxville. In reply to our inquiry as to why
they were taking us in that direction, the guards said they ex
pected to capture the whole of Burnside's army, and they
would then have us all together. We reached a large brick
dwelling house where Dr. Baker had lived, and were halted
arid rested some time. A division of Longstreet's infantry was
here, — Texas troops, I believe, — ragged, barefooted and dirty.
Dr. Baker had been killed by 'Union troops during the Saun
ders raid, and some of our boys unguardedly mentioned the
fact that they were among the raiders who had killed hiur.
This brought upon us a storm of abuse and curses. One of
ficer especially, cursed loud and deep, and heaped all manner
of vile epithets upon the heads of the "d  blue b  d Yan
kees," for killing "the best citizen in East Tennessee." After
they had exhausted their vocabulary of oaths, a rebel captain
jumped up and said, "Fall into line, |you G  d  Yankee
s  of b — — ." We fell in, and dressed in line, and he gave
the order, "To the rear, ten paces, march!" We began to
think that meant business ; that they intended to shoot us,
then and there, in retaliation for the kiUing of Dr. Baker. I
felt my hair raising, and began to think of the dear ones at
home. We could die in battle, if necessary, without complain
ing — that would be an honorable death ; but to be shot down
like dogs, while prisoners of war — murdered — that was terri
ble. But we were soon relieved of suspense. The next order
came, "Pull off your boots!" and in three minutes his dirty,
ragged Texans were Avearing our boots.
We were about-faced and started back toward Campbell's
Station. We marched until night, and slept in a straw stack,
without -dinner or supper, and tbe next day continued our
march, without breakfast or dinner, to Loudon, where Ave ar
rived at dark, and Avere placed in an old livery stable. We met
many stragglers from Longstreet's army on the road, hard-
looking customers, who insulted and jeered at us as they pass
ed. Our guards were fearful of meeting Col. Byrd's regiment
— the 1st East Tennessee— which they understood was at
Kingstoti, and might attempt to recapture us ; andT heard
the sergeant instruct his men, in case they were attacked, to
shoot the prisoners and then run. We Avould have been glad

460 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
to meet the 1st East Tennessee and run our chances of being
shot. The rebels had captured a deserter the night before, and
had him confined, closely guarded, in a separate stall in the
stable. He had been in both armies, and deserted from both,
and was captured at home. He said he Avould be shot in the
rnorning, and gave us his money, saying it could do him no
good and might benefit us. We, lay down on the hard floor,
weary and supperless, to meditate upon our unhappy fate,
and, perchance, to sleep. The next morning Ave receiA-ed a
little raAv beef and flour — the first rations issued to us since
our capture — not more than enough for one meal, if AveU cook
ed ; but as we had no cooking utensils, and could not eat raAv
beef and flour, Ave made a light breakfast, and were then hur
ried on the train bound for Atlanta. We passed down through
Athens, and caught a glimpse of our old camp, and a A'iew of
the hill where Capt. Otman and I lay concealed, after we Avere
cut off at Calhoun, on the 26th of September, while the old
negro, "Uncle George," supplied us with provisions, and Avhere
the 112th Band gave us the first signal of the approach of Un
ion troops ; and as 1 looked, I involuntarily listened for strains
of music, and peered through the cracks of the old box car to
see if the 112th Avere not again marching into the town. But,
alas ! I could hear no music, could see no soldiers in blue, and
I turned aAvay home-sick, heart-sick and despondent.
, The train stopped at CleA'eland, a short time, and Ave trad
ed our beef and flour to an old lady for pies and cake. This
A'as the first decent food we had after our capture. We arriv
ed at Dalton at night, and were guarded in an old church, or
school house, and received a feAv "hard tack" for supper,. The
next clay proceeded to Atlanta, Avhere we arrived in. the even
ing. Our car was immediately surrounded by a curious c.roAvd
of wretched looking Georgia "crackers, ".whose hair had never
seen comb nor scissors, whose faces, were, strangers to soap
and water, whose clothes were dirty, ragged and "slouchy,"
and whose manners, were.Avorse than all the rest. We Avere
marched to the outskirts of the city and turned into a pen
called a "military prison." It contamed one small shed, Avhich
was already full to overflowing,. and we .slept on the ground

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE. 461
outside. On the way out to the pen, one of the guards, who
seemed an honest, clever fellow, told me our blankets and ov
ercoats would be taken from us Avhen Ave left there, and he of
fered to buy mine. I sold him my blanket for five dollars,
Confederate money — worth seventy-five cents — and that night
I nearly froze. In the morning they issued to the prisoners
some -corn meal and meat, AAith only one old broken pot and
part of an old skillet for over tAvo hundred men to cook in.
Here we first saAv the ball and chain ; seA'eral prisoners Avere
Avearing them for attempting to escape.
We remained here only tAvo days. Seven day's rations were
issued to the prisoners, and Ave Avere informed that we would
start for Richmond. Our commissary was a captain of an
Ohio regiment, and in distributing the ratiohs he gave his own
men the major part, and the rest very little. That company
occupied a car by themselves and Ave could not get to them, or
there Avould have been trouble.
As we marched out Ave passed through the" stripjiing squad,"
Avhich relieved the boys of blankets and overcoats. This caus
ed a great deal of SAvearing among our men; but the "strip
pers" said they could not help it, that they were acting under
orders and had to obey, whether they liked to do so or not.
We were loaded in box cars, and proceeded to Augusta. Here
Ave changed cars, and, in marching through town to another
depot, some of our men Avere attacked by citizens with knives,
but the prisoners were protected by the guards. Here we saw
the finest company of militia "home guards" I ever looked up
on. The men Avere all of the same height — about 'five feet, —
and four feet through — and all wore high plug hats. They be
longed to the ''aristocracy, sah." In passing a grocery store
we asked the proprietor to sell us some apples. He swore we
might starve before he would sell us anything. But Augusta
contained some noble kind-hearted women, Avho secretly sup
plied the prisoners with pies, cakes and other eatables. Leav
ing Augusta, Ave crossed the river and struck into the swampy
country of South Carolina. We ran out to Branchville, and
stopped there an hour or two.
One of our guards Avent out and got a basket of corn-bread
and sweet potatoes, but refused to seU any until the train had

462 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
started. We were out of rations and hungry, but Ave could not
prevail on him to sell. Before the train started, however, he
fell asleep, and when he awoke his baskets were empty. He
was very angry. He said that he had paid sixty-five dollars
for the bread and potatoes, and we might go to  before he
would get any more.
From here Ave ran to Wilmington, crossed the Cape Fear
River on a ferry boat, and stood for hours on the bank of the
river, shivering with cold, waiting for the train. They at last
made up a train of graA-el cars, and loaded us on them, lt
Avas windy and cold ; the train ran rapidly, and we nearly per
ished — the wind pierced us through and through. We begged
the guard to stop the train, and allow us to build fires. This
they did ; and we piled on earth and wood and built two or
three fires on each car, which made us more comfortable.
That night we were put into box cars in which cattle had been
shipped, and the cars not cleaned. They were very dirty, but
preferable to the open flat cars. After six days of starvation
and freezing we were dumped out on Belle Isle, where there
were already about five hundred prisoners. The prison camp
was on a level, flat, sand-bar, on the lower end of the island,
opposite Richmond, in the James River, and contained about
five acres, enclosed by a small earthwork thrown up all around
it. We were turned in here, on the last day of November,
barefooted, with no blankets, overcoats or tents — nothing but
the cold sand to sleep on, and no wood for fires. Part of the
prisoners already there had some kind of tents, but there were
about one hundred who had neither tents nor clothing. They
dug holes in the sand and craAvled into them to keep warm,
and nearly all of them froze to death. Our Co. E boys were
exceedingly lucky ; for the second day there they drew a good
wedge tent. It was a tight fit for twenty men, but we man
aged to wedge in. We slept "spoon-fashion," and when we
wanted to turn over the command Avould be given, "right
spoon," or "left spoon," and aU turned at the same time.
For a time the rebels gave us com bread, meat soup, and
occasionally raw turnips; but this did not last long. In a
short time we were fed upon corn bread alone, and for eight
weeks we had not a mouthful to eat except cold corn bread,

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE. 463
and very little of that. The weather was bitter cold, but in all
that time Ave had not a stick of wood nor a spark of fire. Dur
ing the winter the Rev. D. L. Moody, the great EvangeUst, vis
ited us, and distributed clothing, and shoes and socks, and a
blanket or cn-ercoat to each man — goods furnished by the loy
al. Christian people of the North ; but some of the boys Aveie
so nearly starved they traded theh clothing for something to
eat. We were driven out of camp every feAv days and compeU
ed to stand in line until we were nearly frozen. AvhUe the rebel
officers counted the prisoners. Some wild onions grew on the
island which Ave wanted to puU, but the request was denied
with many loud and blood-curdling oaths. Five of our com
pany, Serg. Solomon Dixon, James Ray, Snnon Ray, George
0. Marlatt and John D. Swaim, died from exposure and star
vation.
About the middle of March Ave were ordered out and marched
over to the city, and informed that Ave were to be exchanged.
We were so Aveak from hunger and cold and lack of exercise
that Ave could hardly walk, but the boys were in high glee, as
they expected to be exchanged.
We were placed in a buUding nearly opposite Libby Prison,
and remained there untU nearly morning, when we were or
dered out to be marched, as we supposed down to the river for
exchange. But Avhen the head of the column filed right and
marched west towards the raihoad, our hearts began to sink.
We then realized that we had been deceived. We were order
ed into the cars, and the train puUed out, south. Tbe train
stopped some time at Petersburg, and again our hopes revived
— we might be sent down to City Point, for exchange — but
again we were sadly disappointed. The train again started
south, and about the first of April we were landed at Ameri-
cus, Ga., and thence marched, between a strong line of guards
on either side, to the notorious slaughter-house caUed Ander-
sonviRe. The large gate swung open, we marched in, the gate
closed, and we were in a heU upon earth, the torments of
which have never been equaUed in this world, and cannot be
surpassed in the next. It was dark, and we were weary, hun
gry and sleepy ; and we spread our blankets and lay doAvn on
the httle parcel of ground aUotted to us. and were soon asleep.

464 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
Thenext morning we took a survey of the camp. It contained
about sixteen acres, with a small creek running through it
from west to east, on each side of which was a miry swamp,
so soft and shaky one could not Avalk across it. On each side
of this the sand hills sloped upward, to the north and south.
There Avere no trees standing except two pines on the east
side. There were no barracks, no tents— not even a hospital
tent — in the enclosure.
I think there were about a thousand prisoners confined there
when we arrived— the hardest looking lot of men I ever saw-
poor, ragged, dirty, covered with vermin, and as black as ne
groes—smoked by the pitch pine fires. The prison was en
closed with pine logs set close together on end in the ground
four or five feet, and about sixteen feet above ground. Near
the top were the sentry boxes, Avhere the guards stood ; and
about fifteen feet inside of the stockade Avas the dead line.
This had been made by driving down stakes and nailing poles
on top of them ; and woe be to the poor felloAV who approached
too near this line. The young boys on guard frequently shot
prisoners Avho were not near the dead line, "just for fun."
I will not attempt to depict the character of the inhuman
rhonster who was in command of the prison. Abler pens than
mine have failed to do the subject justice; no language can
express his unfeeling cruelty, his brutal, cowardly and barbar
ous treatment of the unfortunate men Avhom the chances of
war had throAvn in his power. His face denoted the true char
acter of the man, and the rebel authorities selected wisely when
they detailed him as the tool to do their cruel work.
I have seen this miserable Avretch place men in the stocks
or chain gang, for no offense whatever, and leaA-e them in the '
hot sun until they died, and their comrades were poAverless to
aid them ; in fact, to offer aid, or even to express sympathy for
them, would have subjected any man to the same torture.
The rations issued to the men were of the poorest quality,
and in small quantities. I have seen bacon issued that was
alive with maggots. The corn bread was burned to a black
crust ori the outside and was raw inside. • Sometimes they is
sued "mush." This they hauled in in a wagon, and threw out
with a scoop, as Ulinois farmers throw out corn to then* hogs.

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE. 465
For want of dishes the men used old boot legs, or old shoes,
or a drawer or pants leg, made into a bag, or tlieir hats or
caps, if they had any, to keep their food in, and to eat from.
We had not been there a very long time until several Co. E
boys were doAvn with diarrhea, and began to die. The first to
go was Noah Fantz — as good a soldier as ever carried a gun.
We did all Ave could to save him, but our efforts were in vain.
He died under a brush shed, called a "hospital," with a stick of
wood under his head for a pilloAV.
The rebels then put up some brush sheds outside for "hospit
als," and the rest of the boys who died were in them, and Ave
could not see them. The next to go was John Cole, then Wil
liam B. Barr, then William W. McMillen, Charles B. DaA'is,
Michael Springer and James Elston — as noble boys and good
soldiers as ever shouldered a gun. (The Confederate records
showed that Cole-died first, then Barr).
I waited upon one poor fellow who lay on the ground near
our quarters, with no shelter over him, until he died. All' the
clothing he had on was part of a shirt and part of a pair of
drawers. EA'ery day I had to clean maggots out of his mouth,
nose, eyes and ears, and from betAveen his fingers and toes.
The ground was alive with them, on account of the filth. I
mention this only as an illustration of thousands like it.
Some days during the summer months as many as seventy-
five died inside the stockake. This does not include those in
the "hospitals" outside. We had no means of knoAving the
number that died there, but Ave did know that very few indeed
who entered the "hospitals" came out alive,
I was very fortunate. I was determined that I would not
die in a rebel prison. I exercised as much as possible, bathed
eAery night, kept my mind occupied with occurrences in camp,
and endeavored not to think of home or the loved ones there.
I well kneAV that if J allowed myself to become homesick, I
should surely die, like my comrades around me. It Avas a ter
rible experience. I had my childrens' photographs with me,
but I could not name them ; and it Avas some time after, before
I could distinguish one from another. They were like strang
ers to me. I forgot home, friends, country, God, — everything.
—36

466 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
I had but one rational object in my mind— to keep myself
alive until I could get out of. there. I could write a volume
upon the terrible sufferings of the men in that heU on earth,
but this must suffice.
About the middle of September orders were received for all who
could walk to the depot to get ready to leave at once ; and if
any started and gave out on the road, the guards were ordered
to bayonet them. Charles Davis, of Co. E, was nearly gone.
We carried him to* the "hospital,." and bade him a final "good
bye." He died a few hours after. Jonathan Graves was so
weak he could riot walk alone, and two of us helped him along.
We embarked on the ears and ran to Savannah, and from
there to Charleston, S. C. Here we came in AieAv of the Union
fleet off the harbor, Avith the Stars and Stripes floating proud
ly in the air, and. Oh ! how our hearts ached to go out to them.
We seemed so near, and yet were so far away.
We were marched into the ruined part of the city, upon a
vacant lot, and kept a day and a night under fire from the
Union gunboats. Several shells burst in the air over our
heads, but no one of us was injured.
From here Ave were marched out to, and quartered in, the
fair-grounds. We received the best fare there that Ave receiv
ed anywhere in the Confederacy. Our rations Avere tolerably
good, and were made up of a greater variety than Ave were ac
customed to.
The good Sisters of Charity visited us every day, and
brought substantial articles of food for the well, and many ht
tle delicacies for the sick, which they distributed with kindly
hands and words of comfort to all. We learned that our good
treatment here was not voluntary on the part of the rebels,
but was caused by threats of retaliation upon rebel prisoners,
if Ave were not weU treated.
While here the rebel officers endeavored by every means pos
sible to induce us to enlist in the Confederate army. They
promised us good clothing, which we were sadly in need of,
and made many other flattering promises ; but we invariably
answered that we would die by inches, and rot in prison, be
fore we would take up arms against our government. After
remaining here a week or ten days we were removed to Flor-

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE. 467
ence S. C. On our way there a man in the car next to ours
jumped out of the door, just as the train passed through a
covered bridge, and rolled down the embankment to the wat
er's edge in the river. Several shots were fired at him by the
guards, but the train did not stop, and we never knew whether
he was hit or not.
The prison at Florence was similar to that at Andersonville.
It had the same miry swamp, but had a furrow for a dead line.
There was some wood here ; and being among the first arriv
als, Jonathan Graves, Charles Hart, Henry Morgan and I pro
cured an old, dull axe, by paying twenty-five cents an hour for
its use, and built a nice little log hut, about six by se^en feet>
and four feet high, and covered it with earth. We then cut a
lot of pitch-pine wood, and buried it in the ground by the side
of our cabin. We were then "fixed" for winter. But our
"house" was so near the dead line that we Avere in constant
danger of being shot, if Ave stepped outside after dark, which
deteriorated someAvhat from the comforts of our "house."
This reminds me of a case of cold-blooded murder which oc
curred there. A man named James Lindsay, of our own reg
iment — Co. D — Avas very sick ; 'and one bright moonlight night,
while he was sitting on the ground, fifteen feet from the dead
line, the guard shot him in the back, killing him instantly.
The inhuman murderer offered no excuse for his crime, and
was not even reprimanded by the officers. (He Avas promot
ed.) One evening, as I was going after water, and Avas not
within fifteen feet of the dead line, I heard the click of a gun,
and looking up quickly saw the guard Avith his gun levelled on
me. "HeUo, Mister," said I, "there is the dead line," pointing
to it. He recovered arms, wheeled about and Avalked on,
without speaking. Had I not spoken I would have been shot.
The officer in charge of the prison was a fiend incarnate by
the name of Barrett — a lieutenant. If possible he exceeded
Wirtz in downright brutality. I have seen him come into the
prison and walk up to a group of men and empty his revolver
right into the crowd : and I have seen him knock down pris
oners with clubs, and beat them, and break iron ramrods over
their backs ; and many an oath was registered to kiU him
when the war was over.

468 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
I was fortunate enough to be detailed, AAith about one hun
dred others, to chop wood outside, for the camp and smaU-pox
hospitals, and for other purposes. We were require 1 to take
an oath not to undertake to escape, and worked without a
git aid; but a. ere counted every night when turned inside the
prison. We Avere privileged to go anywhere Ave pleased with
in a mile from camp ; but were strictly forbidden to trade AAith
any of the citizens or soldiers, and were searched every night,
Avhen Ave entered the prison, to see if we had any ''contraband
goods" about us. I became acquainted Avith the sergeant
whose duty it was to search the prisoners, and he told me to
trade for anything I wished to, and he would pass me in. I
tied strings around the bottom of my drawer legs, sewed up
tie front, an 1 poured in about a half-bushel of beans ; put
f mr large plugs of tobacco in my bosom, and concealed four
pounds of heel steak in my cap. I Avas loaded so heaA'ily that
1 Avalked very awkwardly. The sergeant felt all over me, gave
me a knowing wink, and said, "Go in, Nicholas, you're all
r.uhi. ' This was but one of the many times I returned to
camp similarly loaded, and always passed. Some of the boys
at erupted to tunnel out,, but I tliink none made their escape
in that manner. If the rebels suspected anything of that kind,
they shut off the rations until it was reported. At one time
they starved us forty-eight hours, until somebody "squealed.
(Jonathan Graves, of Co. E. made his escape from Florence,
and succeeded in reaching the Union lines.)
Here, again, the rebel officers endeavored to induce us to
enlist in the Confederate army ; to fight Sherman : and they
succeeded in raising one or two .companies. But they sooii
learned that this was but a ruse of the boys, to get to the front
Avhere" they could go over to Sherman's army : and turned
them back into the prison.
The sick received much better treatment here than at An
dersonville. The camp Avas more cleanly and the weather
cooler, and there Avas less suffering; but even here it Avas too
terrible to attempt to describe. They had a dungeon, in which
prisoners were confined for very slight offences. If one was
caught trading with citizens he was sure to go to the dungeon.
The officer in command was as brutal, as inhuman, as cruel

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE. 4(19.
and barbarous as Wirtz of Andersonville ; but the prisoners
suffered less by reason of the cooler weather and more favor
able camp.
About the middle of February the rebel authorities were
fearful that Sherman would release us, and began to ship us
north. Our train ran to Wilmington, N. .C, then -to Golds
boro, Avhere we camped in the "woods- north of toAvn one day,:-
and then Avere ordered to Saulsbury, but before the train
started they were ordered to send us baek to Wilmington .to, bcr
exchanged. This was in the night ; and we unloaded from
the cars and stood in the streets until another train was made
up to take us to Wilmington. We were not guarded closely
after the order to exchange, and might have made our escape ;
but we had no motive then to undertake it. We preferred to
be exchanged. We finally reached Wilmington, where we
waited a night and a day for the "truce boats," very loosely
guarded, and with nothing to eat.
About tAvo o'clock one afternoon the long-looked for "truce-
boats," as Ave supposed, arrived; but instead, they proved to
be "gun-boats," and opened fire upon the town.
When the captain in charge of the prisoners heard the fir
ing, he came back among us crying, — great tsars, rolling clown
his cheeks, — and informed us there could be no exchange, and
he must take us north again. They had cars for only one-half
of the prisoners and the rest, myself among them, marched on' .
foot. We had not proceeded far until we saw dense clouds -ot-
smoke rising from the town. The rebels had set fire to the
cotton and other property, to prevent it from falling into tlie '.'
hands of the "Yankees."
That night T made up my mind to escape or die-in the at
tempt. We were guarded by cavalry, old soldiers, avIio ap
peared to be fine fellows. Just after dark we were crossing a .
pond of water, which extended on both sides of- the road, and
the prisoners crossed, in-single file, on foot-logs, en either side,
placed there for foot-men to cross on. When I was about half
way across, I stepped quickly off the log into the brush, unob
served by the guards, and lay down in the water. This was
the night of February 20th, 1865. I lay there iri tte Avater,
within six or -eight -feet -of, the foot-log, until after midnight^

470 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
while the rebel army — infantry and artillery — retreating from
Wilmington, was passing. I could hear distinctly all they
said. Their conversation was mostly about the "  Yank
ees," and the "  gun-boats." They talked as if
the war was about ended and the Southern Confederacy
"busted," which was cheerful neAvs to the listener in the water.
The last squad that passed stopped at the edge of the water,
about thirty feet from me, set fire to an old, dry stump, and
swore they Avere going to rest. The light of the fire shone on
me as bright as day. My heart beat loud and rapidly — I was
afraid they would hear it — but they did not discover me. It
was amusing to hear them curse the "Yankee gun-boats" and
the"  nigger troops." They rested half an. hour — which
seemed to me a week— and then moved on.
I crawled out, listened, found the road clear, and made my
way west to the Cape Fear Biver, and lay there all the next
day and night. This made three days that I had been without
food. On the 22nd of February several squads of deserters
from the rebel army passed, and one came to me. He gaA'e
me some bread and meat. On the 21st there had been con
siderable skirmishing on the road I had left, between the ad
vance of the Union troops and the rebel rear guard ; and on
the 22nd heavy cannonading was heard at Wilmington. We
could not understand the meaning of it, as we supposed the
rebel troops had all moved away. We finally determined to
go to the city, and had not proceeded tAvo hundred yards when
we were halted by Union pickets. We told them our story,
and were permitted to pass on, — the deserter surrendering his
gun and accoutrements.
We here learned the cause of the cannonading. The navy
was firing a salute in celebration of Washington's birthday.
We traveled about a mile and stopped.at a large farm house
for supper. We felt safe inside the Union pickets, but were
surprised when the door opened and a rebel captain, in full
uniform, stood before us. He invited us in, talked very kind
ly, informed us that he had given up the Southern cause as
lost and left the army, gave us a good supper, and invited us
to stay all night. The rebel deserter remained, but I declined
his hospitality and continued on my way toward the eity until

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE. 471
I came to a negro cabin, and remained there all night. On
the 23d I arrived at Wilmington, and great was my astonish
ment and joy to find my own regiment, the good old 112th, in
camp there, on the west side of the river. It was a great sur
prise. I had not heard from the regiment for fifteen long
months, and supposed it was in the West. That was the hap
piest day of my life. I was glad to meet the boys once more ;
and they were glad to see me, and for hours plied me with
questions as to my prison life and escape, and made many
anxious inquiries about their comrades still in prison. This
ended my prison life ; and it has undoubtedly shortened my
natural life many years.
On the 24th I visited brigade headquarters, and there found
Gen. Henderson and Capt. Otman, who were glad to see me
and to hear from their captured men. Dr. Milliken, of the
ll'2th, then Brigade Surgeon, advised me to go home as quick
ly as possible. I took the first boat for Annapolis ; arrived
there sick, and lay in hospital three days ; then Avas sent to
Baltimore, Avhere I remained in hospital three Aveeks. I then
received a thirty days furlough, and in seven days was at
home — saved from the horrible fate of many of my comrades ;
and ever since that time I have felt like one risen from the
dead.

BELLE ISLE AND ANDEBSONVILLE.
F. J. LIGGETT,
OF COMPANY B, 112TH ILLINOIS.
[Edited by B. F. Thompson.]
At daylight on the morning of September 18, 1863, Co. B, of
the 112th UL, — part of the detachment at Cleveland, Tenn.,
— saddled up, and moved out on a reconnoissance. Capt.
Dickerson, with the right of the company, went out on the
Dalton road, and Lieut. Gudgel, with the "ponies," took the
Chattanooga road. I was with Capt. Dickerson. We met the
enemy just outside of town, and immediately opened fire. We
had fired eight or ten shots each when Capt. Dickerson was
killed. His last words were, "I am shot, boys, give 'em h  ,"

472 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
and he fell to the ground, dead. Edwin Holmes was shot — I
thought killed, but he was only Avounded, and yet lives. We
dismounted and stood behind our horses, and every horse was
Avounded, some were hit several times. Being entirely sur
rounded, and there being no means of escape, Ave threw down
our arms and surrendered. We were marched into town, to
the court house, and there, beneath the dome of the Temple of
Justice, Ave were robbed of all our valuables — Avatches, pocket-
knives, money, and hats and boots.
At 7 o'clock Ave started, under guard, for Dalton, Ga,, and
arrived there at 8 o'clock the same evening — having marched
the whole distance, thirty miles, on foot, without breakfast or
dinner. At Dalton a little flour and water -were issued to the
prisoners, aud one little, old, three-legged, iron "spicier" was
given us in which to cook supper for twenty men. We had no
salt, saleratus or "rising" of any kind — nothing but flour, Ava
ter and a skillet. On the 19th Ave Avere loaded into box cars,
as farmers load tlieir hogs, and shipped to Atlanta, Avhere Ave
arrived in the evening and were put into the stockade — the
bare ground for a bed and the heaA'ensfor a covering. On the
morning of the 20th Ave were shipped by rail to Richmond, the
Capital of the Confederacy, where Ave arrived on the 25th, and
registered at the "Libby House." Here Ave were informed that
the rules of the house required us to deposit our money and
valuables AAith the proprietors. If we surrendered them a-o1-
untarily, Ave would be "credited" AAith the amount ; but if we
refused to surrender them, and any Avere found upon us, the
same AA'ould be confiscated to the Confederacy — that is, to the
rebel officers in charge. They had already stolen all they
could find upon our persons ; but they now ordered us to
"strip." We Avere divested of every article of clothing, and ev
ery piece Avas carefully inspected — the hems, cuffs, linings
and waistbands closely scrutinized, in search of greenbacks
that might be concealed in them. We were then marched up
stairs to the second floor, and there invested of what we had
been diAested — clothed again.
On the 26th of September Ave were moved to Belle Isle. The
camp was enclosed by • earthworks, the guards outside, and
contained about Ave acres. At that time about one thousand

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE . 473
prisoners Avere confined there. The ground was literally alive
with vermin— "graybacks" — and the prisoners Avere engaged
in a constant Avarfare against them. It was all we could do to
keep them from eating us up. Our rations were one-fourth of
a pound of baker's bread to each man, and twelve pounds of
beef — a large proportion bone — for one hundred men ; and we.
were glad to get even the bones.
Sometime in January a prisoner stole a guard's blanket.
The guard shot at, but missed him, and wounded four other
men. Tobacco cheAvers had great difficulty in obtaining a supply
of the Aveed, and every "cud" was saved and rechewed several
times. The prisoners suffered terribly for food; and the
means used to obtain it, and the kind of food eaten, are too
horrible to put in print. I have seen men eat dog-meat and
other things far worse.
The dead bodies of prisoners Avere sometimes left lying on
the ground, outside their tents, tAvo weeks, until they turned
as black as coal.
W. D. Freeman, I. N. Dalrymple and I, and a man of an
other Illinois regiment, AA'hose name I haA*e forgotten, bribed
one of the guards, AAith twenty dollars, to let us escape, Dal
rymple was to go ahead and pay the money. The guard took
the money — and Dalrymple, too, — and the rest of us skipped
back into camp. We did not see Dalrymple again for two
months. They confined him in a room adjoining the bread-
house ; and he cut a hole in the partition wall, fitted in a
block, and had access to all the bread he wanted. His scheme
was not discovered, and when released he was as fat as a pig.
On the 10th of March, 1864, John P. Freeman and I bought
our way out of Belle Isle, and were kept in the Pemberton
building in Richmond over night, and the next day started on
a journey, in a box'car, we knew not where ; but on the 18th
we found ourselves inside the stockade at AndersonA'ille.
There were about five thousand prisoners in camp,
and not a dozen tents, except blankets put up on poles, for
shelter from storms and the hot sun.
In my judgment Wirtz was a much better man than the
brute in charge of the prison camp at Belle Isle. I know he

474 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
shot some of the prisoners for no earthly reason than to grati
fy his hatred to Union soldiers, and he certainly ought to have
been hung by the government.,
In about a week Orlin Bevier, Abram Deyo, Henry Stacy,
W. D. Freeman and George Ludlum arrived from Belle Isle,
and we were all quartered together.
The death-rate at Andersonville was terrible— never less
than twelve to fifteen a day, and frequently one hundred. The
camp contained about ten acres— one-third of it a spongy
marsh, through which ran a creek, Avhich constituted the only
supply of water. Our bread was made of corn meal, ground
cob and all, shipped in cars and shoveUed out, and cooked,
mixed only with water, with husks and dirt for seasoning.
Our bread ration consisted of six ounces of this stuff tAvice a
day. On a dark and rainy night in April a man came to our
quarters and inquired if there were any Co. B boys, of the
112th UL, there. We admitted him, and he proA'ed to be Ed.
Holmes, Avhom Ave supposed had been killed at Cleveland, avIio
had just arrived.
Sometime in May, 1864, the stockade was enlarged, to ac
commodate the increasing number. The rebel officers solicit
ed recruits for the Confederate army, and there Avas not a day
when the stronger men could not have walked out by taking
an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy and enlisting in their
army. I never knew one to accept the offer. The boys would
yell and hoot at them wheneverthe proposition was made.
An organization was formed to stampede at the gates and
escape. The rebel officers discovered the plan and planted ar
tillery at each corner, loaded with grape and canister, and
threatened to mow the camp clean of every living thing if the
attempt was made.
I wfll not attempt to describe the sufferings of the men in
this prison. No pen can describe it, no tongue can relate it.
Cold chills run over me whenever I think of it. Of all that
has been written and spoken, not one-half has been told. On
the 23d of May, 1864, I was detailed, with about one hundred
others, to roll logs to make a bridge to the cook-house, or
kitchen. For this service we were given an extra ration at

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE. 475
noon. After eating- our dinner I went into the swamp to cut
some poles to take into camp. I soon found myself out of sight
of the guard. At once I thought of escape. I knew not what
to do. I went one-fourth of a mile into the SAvamp, turned
about, and went back to camp — for the last time. I whispered
to John P. Freeman what I had done, and suggested that we go
out the next day and make our escape ; but he was too ill to
undertake it. Freeman told his brother, William D. Free
man, and Henry Stacy, and they proposed to go with me. I
thought three too many, but we agreed to try it. The next
morning we took our haversacks with a few rations and Avent
out to work. At noon we Avent into the swamp "to cut poles,"
and were soon out of sight of the guard. As soon as we Avere
out of sight we "skipped" as rapidly as our feet would carry
us. We had been gone about thirty minutes before Ave were
missed by the guard. He immediately reported our escape to
Wirtz ; but he was engaged in receiving about two thousand
new prisoners, and dividing them into squads of one hundred,
and did not hurry. He thought he could catch us, at any rate,
with his blood-hounds. He got out his hounds ; but a terri
ble storm came up — it thundered and lightened, and the wind
blew a gale, and the rain poured downin torrents— and that
saved us ; the hounds could not follow.
Henry Stacy was taken sick, on the third day, and Ave were
compelled to leaA'e him. We parted with him in sorrow and
tears, in a deep forest, but within sight of a planter's house,
where he promised to go and seek admission ; but he was not
to tell, under any circumstances, of the other escaped prison
ers. Stacy went to the house and was well received. The
planter was an old man and devoted to the Union. He kept
Stacy several days, until he was better, and then carried him,
in the night-time, to the house of another Union man, and he
to another, and so on until he was within ten miles of the Un
ion lines. He was left alone, the Union citizens not daring to
venture further, and with a hearty God-speed they gave him
the directions to the Union army and returned to their homes.
The first thing Stacy did, when left alone, was to run upon
a rebel picket ; and he Avas recaptured and sent to Columbus,
Ga., on the Chattahoochee River. Here he was confined, with
two conscripts, iri' an iron cell, made of wagon-tire iron riveted
together. They bribed a negro to furnish them a knife, and a
boat and'provisions, and sawed off the bars, and floated down
the river, "concealing themselves in the daytime, until one
night, in passing under a bridge, they were halted by Confed
erate guards, and at the same instant one of the conscripts
was shot, a musket ball passing through one thigh. They
were captured, and Stacy was sent back to AndersonvUle,

476 HISTORY OF THE 112TH ILLINOIS.
where he was condemned to wear a ball and chain — the usual
penalty imposed upon prisoners for attempting to escape. A
clasp was riveted around his ankle, to -which was attached a
sixty-pound ball ; but he lived through it and is how a farmer
in Iowa.
We had learned from newly arrived prisoners at Anderson
ville the position of Sherman's army, and, after we left Stacy,
Freeman and I traveled a northwesterly course to go around
the left of the rebel army and reach Sherman's lines.
We had an ax and a heavy hickory cane for weapons. One
day Freeman threw the ax at a rabbit and killedit, and Ave
skinned it and ate the meat raw. We also caught two geese
and ate them raAv. We did not dare to build a fire, as the
smoke would reveal to the rebels the fact that escaped prison
ers or deserters were in the Avoods, and they would start the
blood hounds after us. We lived thirteen days on the rabbit,
tAvo geese, and a little corn bread in our haA'ersacks, and ber
ries that Ave gathered iri the mountains. The raw geese made
mighty tough food, but Ave managed to down them, lt was
much better than nothing. On the 6th or 7th of June we put
our drawers outside our pants, and our faded dirty shirts out
side our blue coats, and, thus disguised, went to a farm house
and asked for dinner. We offered to pay for our dinners, in
Confederate money, of course, but Avere informed that they
charged soldiers nothing; that as Ave Avere fighting for the
rights of the South, they considered it both a duty and a pleas
ure to give us something to eat.
One day we came to a railroad, where a gang of men Avere
at work, and we moved up the road out of sight, and crossed
through a culvert. Freeman was ahead, and as he reached
the opposite end there, within six feet, lay an enormous snake.
It otarted for the culvert, but Freeman broke its back with the
ax, and that gave me time to climb up out of danger, for I
was still in the culvert. The snake craAvled through, snapping
and biting as he went. Tbe sickly, poisonous smell of the rep
tile made me sick, and I came near fainting ; and for tAvo or
three days after I was so Aveak I could walk but a short dis
tance without resting. We continued on our weary way, sel
dom seeing a human being, traveling through the' forests by
night and day, shunning public highways, and never crossing
a plantation in the day time, until the 13th of June. We fre
quently saw rebel cavalry — scouting parties — in the valleys
below us, and one day, as Ave crossed a road, met a lebel sol
dier on his way home. He had his gun and accoutrements,
but was too sick to talk, even, and we were willing to excuse
him. We saw a number of deer in the mountains, but had no
gun to shoot, and would not haA-e dared to fire a shot even if
Ave had been supplied with arms. On the 10th of June we

NARRATIVE OF PRISON LIFE. 477
reached the Chattahoochee River. It was bank full and at least
a fourth of a mile wide. Freeman could not swim. We con
structed a rude raft and set sail across the rapid current. It
was doubtful Avhether our raft Avould safely carry two, so I doff
ed my clothing and prepared to swim and give Freeman the
raft, in case it became necessary to do so. But we reached
the opposite shore in safety, and continued on our journey.
Both armies had occupied that part of the country and it was
stripped bare ; but, luckily, we found a box of meat and a box
of wheat concealed in the mountains and Ave filled our haver
sacks. On the 12th of June we met a man driving a yoke of
oxen hitched to a cart. He inquired if we were going OA'er to
the "Yanks," and we informed him that Ave were, and asked
him to go with us. He said he had been thinking of going
over, but would Avait a few days. In reply to our questions,
he informed us that "our" (the rebel) pickets were about a
mile from us, and that it was six or seven miles to the "Yank
ee" camp. That night Ave could see hundreds of army camp
fires, but could not determine Avhether they were of the Union
or rebel army. We concealed ourselves among the rocks in
the mountains, and Avaited impatiently for daylight. In the
morning we made one mountain top after another until Ave
were near enough to distinguish the blue uniform of the. Union
soldiers and knew we were safe.
We went in and surrendered ourselves — for'Ave still wore our
underclothing outside, and our appearance was more like rebel
than Union- soldiers. The troops proved to be the 3d Iowa
regiment, guarding the railroad bridge across the Etowah Riv
er. We were taken to the colonel's headquarters and there
we told our story. He ordered dinner for us, and for the first
time since our capture Ave tasted sugar and coffee, pork and
beans and crackers, and saw and used soap. After dinner the
colonel sent us down to Gen. Sherman's headquarters, at Big
Shanty. Sherman asked us innumerable questions, all of which
Avere satisfactorily answered, when he told ustogo down to the
regiment and see the boys, and then we should have a furlough
and go home. We reached the regiment on the 13th, and it
is unnecessary to state that Ave met with a hearty welcome.
On the 14th Ave started north, and reached home on the 27th
of June, on a thirty days furlough, after the expiration of
which we rejoined our company and served until the end of
the Avar.
Of the twenty-four men of Co. B captured at Cleveland, only
two— Orlin Bevier and Abram Deyo— died in rebel prison, and
one — George Ludlum — died a few days after he was exchang
ed ; and I have yet to learn of so few deaths among the same
number of men of any other company in the service.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. Organization ofthe Regiment. Ordered
to the front  5
CHAPTER II. The march from Covington to Lexington.
Camp Ella Bishop. Sickness and death Of
men. Resignation of officers  16
CHAPTER III. Our first campaign. Pegram's raid into
Central Kentucky  24
CHAPTER IV. Mounted Infantry. To Somerset and
Monticello  35
CHAPTER V. The Saunders Raid into East Tennessee.
Major Dow's Report  42
CHAPTER VI. Guarding the Cumberland. Expeditions
to Harrodsburg and Lebanon. Capt. Dunn's
Report  '.'..'  51
CHAPTER VII. The fight at Richmond, Ky. The Scott
Raid. An exciting chase  61
CHAPTER VIII. Over the Mountains. The march to
East Tennessee. Reception and Union meet
ing at Athens  69
CHAPTER IX. Army Correspondence. Clippings from
the "Athens Union Post"  81
CHAPTER X. Opening of the campaign in East Tennes
see. Advance and retreat  93
CHAPTER XI. Longstreet's invasion of East Tennessee.
Marches and countermarches. The charge at
Philadelphia. Across the Tennessee. Retreat
to Campbell's Station  117
CHAPTER XII. The Battle of Campbell's Station. Re
treat to Knoxville. Severe fighting in front of
KnoxvUle. One-third of the 112th killed,
wounded and missing  183

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 479
CHAPTER XIII. The Siege of Knoxville. Assault on
Fort Saunders. ReUef of the Garrison  150
CHAPTER XIV. In pursuit of Longstreet. Scouting
and skirmishing. The 112th dismounted. The
march to Mt. Sterling, Ky. Reorganization of
Brigade  "  169
CHAPTER XV. March back to KnoxviUe. Ordered to
Georgia. Preparing for the Atlanta Campaign.
The 112th joins Col. Reilly's brigade  191
CHAPTER XVI. The Atlanta Campaign. From Dalton
to New Hope Church. The battle of Resaca.
Across the Oostanaula and the Etowah. The
fiist month's work  202
CHAPTER XVII. The Atlanta Campaign continued.
Erom Dallas to the Chattahoochee. Pine Mt.,
KenesaA\ . Marietta  214
CHAPTER XVIII. The Atlanta -Campaign continued.
Across the Chattahoochee. Peachtree Creek.
The Charge at Utoy Creek. The kUled and
wounded  224
CHAPTER XIX. The Atlanta Campaign continued.
A neAv brigade. Col . Henderson in command.
The 112th IUinois the first to reach the Macon
Railway. Jonesboro. Atlanta "Fairly Avon."
In camp at Decatur .  236
CHAPTER XX. Hood marches north and strikes Sher
man's line of communications. A Avild-goose
chase. Allatoona. Rome. Resaca. Gayles-
viUe. Sherman's March to the Sea. The 23d
Corps at Pulaski, watching Hood  246
CHAPTER XXT. Hood crosses the Tennessee. Sthofield's
retreat to ""Columbia. Across Duck River.
Spring HUl. Hood Napping. Forced night
march to Franklin. Preparation for bat le. . . 255
CHAPTER XXII. The Battle of Franklin. Hood's as
sault upon the National lines. Repulsed AAith
great loss. Sanguinary and.desperate conflict.
The Battle from a Confederate stand-point... 266
CHAPTER XXIII. The Battle pf NashviUe. A great
Union A'ietory. Hood's Army defeated, routed
and destroyed. The pursuit. The 23d Corps
marches to Clifton, on the Tennessee River. . -> 282

480 TABLE OF- CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIV. A new base of operations. Transferred
to North Carolina. The journey to the East.
. At sea in a storm. Land at Fort Fisher  293
CHAPTER XXV. The Campaign in North Carolina. Cap
ture of Fort Anderson. The fall of Wilming
ton. The march to Goldsboro. Reunited with
Sherman's Army. Preparations for a final
campaign. Beginning of the end  299
CHAPTER XXVI. The fall of Richmond. A jolly cele
bration. The march to Raleigh. Another ju-
/ bilee. News of the assassination of President
Lincoln. Surrender of Johnston. Occupation
of Greensboro. The war ended. Preparing
for muster-out  313
CHAPTER XXVII. Mustered out. Gen. Henderson's
Farewell Order. Gen. Carter's letter. Extracts
from Gen. Cox's letter. HomeAvard bound. Re
ception at Pittsburg. Arrival at Chicago. Fi
nal discharge. Return home. Banquet at
Gerfeseo  323

BEGIMENTAL BOSTEB.
Rostek of Field and Staff  334
Company A . .  338
Company F  . . 347
Company D . .  357
Company I,  ,  367
Company C  378
Company II   387
Company E  "  . . 395
Company K  403
Company G  413
Company B  , . . . . 421
The Saunders Raid into East Tennessee. By Capt. James McCartney.
Escape from the Prison at Andersonville. Charles T. Goss.
Capture, Prison Life and Escape. George W. Nicholas.
BeUe Isle and Andersonville. Escape from Andersonville.
Francis J. Liggett.