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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Eighty-sixth Regiment,
+Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during its term of service, by John R. Kinnear
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: History of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during its term of service
+
+Author: John R. Kinnear
+
+Release Date: March 24, 2008 [EBook #24906]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive/American
+Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY
+
+OF THE
+
+EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
+
+ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
+
+DURING ITS TERM OF SERVICE.
+
+
+
+By J. R. KINNEAR,
+
+Cruger, Woodford County, Illinois.
+
+
+
+CHICAGO:
+TRIBUNE COMPANY'S BOOK AND JOB PRINTING OFFICE.
+
+1866.
+
+
+
+TO THE
+
+COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN
+
+OF THE
+
+EIGHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT
+
+ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
+
+_This volume is respectfully dedicated, by_
+
+THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The history of the Eighty-sixth Illinois was written in part while the
+regiment was yet in the service, merely for the gratification of a
+personal desire; but since its muster out, the author has been
+frequently urged by many of his friends to have it published, that they
+might share what he alone enjoyed. He complied with an earnest request
+from Colonel Fahnestock to meet himself, General Magee, Major Thomas,
+Dr. Guth, Captain Zinser and others at Peoria, to have the manuscript
+examined before publication. It was met by their hearty approval, and
+an eager desire on their part to have it published; at the same time
+giving the assurance that they would lend their whole influence in
+getting it before the public. For these reasons the author has been
+induced to present this little volume to his comrades and friends, in
+the hope that it will receive their hearty welcome.
+
+The history of the Eighty-sixth is also the history of the 85th, 125th
+and 110th Illinois, together with the 52nd Ohio and 22nd Indiana, all
+of the same brigade. Particular mention has been made of these
+regiments, for they were to the Eighty-sixth a band of faithful
+brothers.
+
+The author acknowledges himself indebted to Colonel Fahnestock, Major
+Thomas, Captain Major, and Acting Adjutant Loveland, for the kind
+assistance and encouragement they have given him in preparing this
+history for publication, and to them he attributes the merit of this
+work, if it possesses merit.
+
+THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+  ORGANIZATION AND MARCH TO NASHVILLE--ABOUT NASHVILLE           9-18
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+  MARCH TO CHATTANOOGA--THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA               19-28
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+  MISSION RIDGE AND KNOXVILLE                                   29-36
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+  ABOUT CHATTANOOGA                                             37-46
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+  CAMPAIGN AGAINST ATLANTA                                      47-71
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+  TO THE REAR                                                   72-78
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+  RAID TO THE SEA                                               79-91
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+  RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA--BATTLES OF AVERYSBORO
+  AND BENTONVILLE                                              92-108
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+  CAPTURE OF JOHNSTON'S ARMY                                  109-114
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+  HOMEWARD BOUND                                              115-125
+
+  REGIMENTAL ROSTER                                           126-128
+
+  CAPTAIN BURKHALTER'S ADVENTURE                              129-130
+
+  SOLDIERS' LETTERS                                           131-132
+
+  BATTLE                                                      133-134
+
+  FARMING IN THE SOUTH                                        135-137
+
+  REBEL LETTER                                                138-139
+
+
+
+
+HISTORY.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+ORGANIZATION, AND MARCH TO NASHVILLE--ABOUT NASHVILLE.
+
+
+The Eighty-sixth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry was organized
+at Peoria in the latter part of August, 1862. David D. Irons was made
+Colonel; David W. Magee, Lieutenant-Colonel; J. S. Bean, Major, and J.
+E. Prescott, Adjutant.
+
+On the 26th of August the captains of the several companies drew lots
+for the letters of their companies, and on the next day the regiment
+was mustered into the United States service for the period of three
+years or during the war. On the 29th of the same month it received one
+month's pay, amounting to thirteen dollars. Nothing more of importance
+occurred until the 6th of September, when the regiment drew its guns
+and its first suit of army blue. While at Peoria the Eighty-sixth was
+rendezvoused at Camp Lyon, a name given it by Colonel Irons. Time
+passed slowly, for all were anxious to move to the seat of war, and
+were not at rest till they did. Finally, orders came, and on the 7th of
+September the regiment boarded the cars for Louisville.
+
+Every member of the Eighty-sixth left Peoria with mingled feelings of
+pleasure and pain--pleasure, that they were about to participate in the
+great struggle for Union and Liberty--pain, that they were called upon
+to part with their nearest and dearest friends. It was on Sunday
+morning; beautiful and bright the sun shone upon its bristling armor as
+the regiment marched through the city with measured tread, bound for
+the "land of Dixie." The streets and balconies were filled with anxious
+friends, and fair hands waved us an affectionate adieu--hands which
+were not only true to us in our pride and strength, but also in the
+darkest hour of our trials and suffering. In long days after this, when
+men turned copperheads by scores, these same _fair ones_ proved true.
+"God bless the _fair_!" The regiment arrived in Jeffersonville,
+opposite Louisville, on the morning of the 9th, going into camp at Jo.
+Holt, on the Ohio river, across from the city of Louisville. At this
+camp the regiment first began to soldier, taking its first lessons in
+lying out in the open air. While at Jo. Holt it was drill, drill,
+almost constantly--the boys were not able to do enough drilling; but
+for all that, this camp became dear to us; especially in after times
+when water was scarce, memory would revert to the cool crystal waters
+of Jo. Holt.
+
+After getting a partial outfit for campaigning, the regiment quit the
+Indiana side of the river, and crossed over to Louisville on the 14th.
+It again took up camp two miles south of the city in a very unpleasant
+situation, now remaining about Louisville until the 1st of October.
+
+At one time, our brigade, which was formed on the 15th of September,
+and afterwards known as the 36th brigade of General Sheridan's division
+of Gilbert's corps, was marched through Louisville on grand review.
+This march was a severe one. The day was intensely hot and the roads
+dusty; then, the narrow streets made it doubly suffocating. Many fell
+powerless and died, and others received injuries for life. That day
+will long be remembered by those who were participators in its toils.
+The 85th and 125th Illinois, together with the 52nd Ohio regiment, were
+in the same brigade with the Eighty-sixth, and remained with it until
+all were discharged from the service at Washington City. The history of
+the Eighty-sixth Illinois is their history, and they were to each other
+as a band of brothers. Colonel Dan. McCook, of the 52nd Ohio, was
+placed in command of this newly formed brigade.
+
+Soon after the formation of our brigade it made two other marches over
+the dusty roads in the direction of Bardstown, nearly as severe as the
+first one. They were doubtless unnecessary, and for that reason harder
+to perform, amounting to nothing, only out in the country ten or twelve
+miles and back again--training, no doubt. After these marches, the
+command was put in the rifle-pits that encircled the city of
+Louisville, for the Confederate army under General Bragg was near at
+hand menacing it. There was great excitement about this time, as we
+were unaccustomed to the work, and it went odd. While remaining at
+Louisville, the Eighty-sixth went on picket for the first time. Its
+acts and thoughts on this occasion were certainly novel, and furnished
+a fund of great amusement in its after career. The regiment was just
+beginning to experience many of the roughs and cuffs incidental to the
+opening scenes of soldier life. Diarrhea became a plague to many, and a
+change of diet a source of discomfort to others, which, upon the whole,
+caused us to lead a rather gloomy life at first; then we were ignorant
+of the many advantages an old soldier has acquired by long experience,
+which advantages greatly modify the hardships and discomforts of
+out-door life.
+
+While the regiment lay at Louisville, a large army was being brought
+together in order to oppose the encroachments of the enemy under Bragg,
+which had advanced as far as Bardstown. The forces on our part were
+commanded by Major General Buell, a man of questionable loyalty, as
+future events determined.
+
+Finding that the enemy were not going to attack him, Gen. Buell issued
+orders for the advance of his whole command on the 1st day of October.
+Accordingly, the line of march was taken up at the time specified in
+the order, the 36th brigade being among the troops that went. As
+Buell's army advanced, the enemy retreated, taking with him large
+supplies from the country. Our forces followed rapidly for seven days,
+when Gen. McCook's command overtook a portion of Bragg's army at
+Chaplin Hills or Perryville. Here, on the next day, the 8th of October,
+was fought the desperate battle of Perryville.
+
+The 36th brigade was on the left of the division and had moved forward
+early in the morning, accompanied by Barnett's 2nd Illinois battery,
+and occupied its position. The 85th Illinois, Colonel Moore, was
+deployed upon the right, and the 52nd Ohio on the left. The 125th
+Illinois, Colonel Harmon, was held as a reserve, and the 86th Illinois
+was on the picket line. At an early hour the rebel skirmishers opened a
+sharp fire on the 86th, and although this was the first fight in which,
+it was ever engaged, it advanced steadily upon them and drove them back
+in confusion with severe loss. Irritated at the loss of their position,
+the rebels massed upon the right and left, and commenced a furious fire
+from their batteries upon the brigade.
+
+The firing continued for an hour, but the brigade resolutely held its
+ground. About this time Barnett's battery took position and silenced
+their guns. In the meantime, the 125th Illinois came to the support of
+the battery, and did its work splendidly, and the rebels retired,
+leaving the brigade in possession of the ground it had won.
+
+A cavalry force now advanced in the direction the rebels were
+retreating, and were soon furiously attacked. The situation became
+critical. The cavalry was hard pressed, but with the assistance of the
+2nd Missouri regiment, together with the 2nd Michigan and 15th
+Missouri, the enemy was completely routed at this point, making no
+other effort until 3 o'clock P.M., when General Bragg, in person, led
+his host against this position. After the most desperate fighting this
+last effort proved abortive.
+
+From the commencement of this battle it grew fiercer and fiercer as the
+day advanced, and the sun of that day went down in blood. This was the
+first contest in which the 36th brigade was called upon to take a part,
+and though it was not as active as many others, it did promptly all
+that was required. Colonel McCook paid it high compliment for the
+soldierly manner in which it did its duty. The loss of the Eighty-sixth
+in this engagement was one killed and thirteen wounded. The battle of
+Perryville was evenly contested by the opposing forces, neither side
+having gained material advantage, though if there was a balance due
+either party, it was in favor of the Federals.
+
+On the morning after the battle our brigade moved forward to the main
+portion of the battle-field, the enemy having retreated under cover of
+night, leaving his dead and wounded on the field. The brigade remained
+in its last position three days, when on the morning of the 12th the
+army took up the line of pursuit, passing through Danville and
+Lancaster, and arriving at Crab Orchard on the 16th. The pursuit was
+now no longer continued, the enemy being allowed to make good his
+escape with all his forage and plunder.
+
+Nashville now became Gen. Bragg's objective point, making it a race to
+see which army could reach it first. Accordingly, on the 20th of
+October the line of march was taken up for Nashville, the 36th brigade
+passing back through Lancaster and Danville, thence following the main
+road leading to Bowling Green. It remained a few days near Mammoth
+Cave, in order to recruit its strength, being sorely fatigued. Many of
+the Eighty-sixth took this opportunity to see that great natural
+wonder. On the 31st of the month we arrived in Bowling Green, where the
+brigade remained a few days to recruit and draw clothing, preparatory
+to its further march. Leaving this place, it followed the main road to
+Nashville, where it arrived on the 7th of November.
+
+The timely arrival of our army in Nashville relieved the anxious little
+garrison from further apprehensions of danger, and after so long a time
+the city was once more opened to communication. Here ended the arduous
+campaign against the forces of Gen. Bragg, the army being permitted to
+go into winter-quarters in and about Nashville.
+
+The campaign just ended was one that tried the bone and muscle of the
+new levy of troops that had just entered the field. Water was very
+scarce, it being impossible to procure a sufficient quantity for our
+real good, and even that was of the most inferior kind; it was, in
+fact, unfit for a beast, and enough to sicken and kill a human. Our
+mode of cooking and eating then seems now to be ridiculous indeed; it
+was every man for himself, boiling his coffee in a pint tin and
+roasting his meat on a stick. Being barbarously ignorant of the
+profession of a soldier, we would carry unnecessary loads which we were
+afterwards taught to discard; and undergoing toilsome marches over a
+rough and desolate country, under the scorching rays of a Southern sun,
+with not enough water to wash down the dust we were compelled to
+breathe. The men would readily push away the thick green scum from
+every stagnant pool and drink with a relish. Lazy swine were forced to
+leave their muddy beds to give place to the cup of the thirsty soldier.
+The Eighty-sixth Regiment in after times was wont to look back on this
+campaign--its first lesson in soldiering--with more commiseration and
+regret than any period of its subsequent career. It consumed
+thirty-eight days of the severest toils and privations, than which no
+other has surpassed, making a distance of over three hundred miles in
+pursuit of an exultant and defiant enemy.
+
+The regiment now remained in Edgefield from the 7th of November until
+the 23rd, when it was marched to Mill Creek and took up encampment at a
+place known as Camp Sheridan. At this camp, on the 4th of December, at
+12 o'clock M., the regiment having just returned from drill, was
+ordered to fall in and advance upon a force of the enemy's cavalry
+which was maneuvering in the vicinity of the camp.
+
+Company A and B were immediately thrown out as skirmishers; the
+remainder of the regiment kept back in reserve. The rebels were soon
+dispersed, and the regiment returned at night on the double-quick. On
+the 9th of December the command was marched to Nashville, taking up
+camp there, and put on duty about the city. About this time was led a
+sad and disagreeable life, even more so than at any other time. The
+boys were new in their profession and entirely ignorant as to what
+conveniences a soldier might have even under circumstances so trying,
+and in consequence, were compelled to render themselves most unhappy.
+Some twenty odd men would live in the same tent, cook from a camp
+kettle swung in the middle of it, make their beds on the damp ground,
+frequently without even straw or boards under them. Snow fell, and the
+cold, keen winds of winter whistled without, while the poor soldiers
+lay cold and damp within.
+
+Many were taken ill and died from this exposure; more died and were
+discharged during this winter than in all our previous and after term
+of service. The hospitals were yet without proper organization, the
+sick in them improperly cared for, for war was as yet a new thing,
+poorly understood and carried on. The Icelander, in his frigid and icy
+home of the far north, in his primeval ignorance, could not have lived
+in greater exposure than did the soldiers at this time. The regiment
+was called upon to do a great deal of duty, such as picketing about the
+city--a business that is anything but pleasant where there are a number
+of generals and other fancy officers to be looked after. While on duty
+at this place the battles of Stone River were fought. There was an
+exciting time in Nashville during this eventful period; everything was
+hurry and bustle. The wounded and skulkers came back in great numbers,
+each bearing his own report.
+
+During these battles the troops in and about the city had to be in line
+of battle at 3 o'clock in the morning; it mattered not what was the
+condition of the elements, it was all the same thing; and certainly, if
+anything would provoke a soldier to feelings of wrath, this kind of
+business would. The first one is to be heard from who ever got used to
+it.
+
+On the 25th of March, 1863, the Eighty-sixth was marched to Brentwood,
+where only a few hours before the garrison there was surprised and
+captured. On the first alarm the regiment was sent to its assistance,
+but it reached the fatal spot too late, the rebels having succeeded in
+their enterprise and made good their escape. After this reconnoissance
+to Brentwood, the regiment returned to Nashville, settling down again
+to its old business of picketing and guarding. Nearly two weeks after
+this, on the 8th of April, the brigade was sent to Brentwood, in
+supporting distance of Franklin. Brentwood was a fine situation for a
+camp, and as spring was at hand it was rendered more pleasant still.
+Comfortable quarters were readily made, and for the first time we began
+to live like men. It was here the boys began a happy reform in that
+respect; for instead of lying on the bare ground in the dirt and grass,
+they put up bunks, thus leading to their comfort. At this place the
+brigade built a fort called Fort Brentwood. It was triangular in form,
+having embrazures in the corners of the triangle for guns. Much time
+and labor was expended on this work, only to be completed that it might
+be demolished--a change in the situation of our army affairs compelling
+the evacuation of the fort. Details were made, and on the 3rd of June
+the work of demolition was consummated, and on the evening of the same
+day the brigade returned to Nashville.
+
+The Eighty-sixth Regiment now remained in Nashville until the first of
+July, when it, with the rest of the brigade, was marched to
+Murfreesboro. At this encampment the command spent much time and labor
+on its camp grounds, but did not remain to reap the fruits thereof, for
+in a few days it returned to Nashville, where it remained until the
+20th of August, 1863.
+
+About this time occurred a sad epoch in the history of the Eighty-sixth
+Regiment--the death of Colonel Irons. After a severe illness he
+departed this life on the 11th day of August, leaving behind him a band
+of faithful friends to mourn his loss. Colonel Irons had the
+qualifications of a good man--a brave and faithful heart. On the day
+after his death the brigade escorted his last remains to the depot,
+where they were put on the cars and taken to Peoria for burial.
+
+Soon after the death of Colonel Irons, Chaplain G. W. Brown offered his
+resignation, which was accepted on the 13th of October succeeding.
+Chaplain Brown gave his whole heart to the fulfillment of the duties
+incumbent on his office, by attending the sick and suffering of his
+regiment with a spirit and energy scarcely ever surpassed. He was
+indefatigable in his efforts to promote the happiness and welfare of
+his boys, and could always give inquiring friends from abroad the exact
+place and condition of the sick and suffering of the regiment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+MARCH TO CHATTANOOGA--BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.
+
+
+On the 20th of August, 1863, Colonel Dan. McCook's brigade, belonging
+to Steedman's division of Granger's reserves, marched from Nashville in
+a southerly direction. The design of this move was to repair the
+Nashville and Decatur railroad. On its route the brigade stopped a
+short time at Brentwood, where it had been encamped some two months
+previous. Summer had made a vast change in this place. Fruits were
+ripe, and we partook freely, on the score of old acquaintance.
+
+From Brentwood the brigade continued the march to Franklin, where it
+also remained a short time in order to complete the necessary
+arrangements to repair the railroad. Franklin is an old fashioned
+Southern town, and a place of much historic interest on account of the
+tragic scenes that have transpired there. Various battles have been
+fought there, and two notorious spies were hung. One regiment of the
+brigade was left at that place, and the rest strung along the road
+further down. The Eighty-sixth was stationed at West Harpeth, where it
+began getting out timber with which to repair a bridge. Details were at
+work every day chopping and hewing, but it was not long till it
+received orders to discontinue the work and prepare for a march. West
+Harpeth is situated some eight miles south from Franklin in a fine
+portion of the country. The regiment was there in the fruit season of
+the year, enjoying soldier life in the first degree, for plenty sat
+smiling on every hand. And here it celebrated its first anniversary,
+Mr. Millsaps, who was afterwards its Chaplain, delivering an address
+suitable to the occasion.
+
+From West Harpeth the Eighty-sixth took up the line of march for
+Columbia. On its route it passed through Spring Hill, a very noted
+place. It was here that Gen. Van Dorn, of the Confederate army, was
+shot for a gross insult extended to the wife of a prominent doctor.
+
+On the evening of the 28th of August the regiment reached Columbia,
+Tenn., where it joined the brigade which had arrived there a short time
+previous, taking up quarters in the outskirts of the town until the
+30th, when it was taken into it as a garrison. The remainder of the
+brigade continued the march in the direction of Huntsville, leaving the
+Eighty-sixth with orders to follow up as soon as relieved by a command
+of mounted infantry on its road from Kentucky. Columbia was a handsome
+place and of much interest. James K. Polk had lived there, and Gen.
+Pillow's plantation was not far distant from it. It had also several
+fine literary institutions, one of which continued in operation while
+the regiment was staying there. It was at Columbia Colonel Magee
+procured the famous whistle that ever afterwards remained with the
+regiment. By the mandates of this little instrument, in the hands of
+its successive commanders, the actions of the Eighty-sixth were
+controlled. It would advance, halt, retreat, lie down and get up, as
+designated by this tiny whistle. Other regiments have prided themselves
+in their eagles and pets, and the Eighty-sixth too, had long since
+concluded she "paid too dear for the whistle," not to cherish it in
+lasting remembrance. In years hence, when all things else will seem to
+have passed away, memory will not prove recreant to the faithful friend
+of all--the tiny whistle.
+
+The regimental officers held an election here, and voted Captain A. L.
+Fahnestock Major of the regiment, though it was a long time after this
+before he was commissioned. The desired relief came on the 3rd of
+September, and the 86th took up the march on the 4th, following up the
+brigade, which by this time had reached Huntsville. The 28th Kentucky
+mounted infantry relieved us.
+
+The weather was warm and the command marched slowly, feeling its way as
+it went. Colonel Magee did a good part by his men, always keeping their
+good and comfort in view; he would not compel them to overmarch
+themselves for personal gratification or that of his superiors, though
+always prompt in the execution of orders.
+
+The regiment was now alone, surrounded by all manner of enemies. The
+brigade, on its passage down, was fired upon from houses in the little
+village of Lynnville, it now becoming a question whether a single
+regiment could make the passage at all. For the purpose of warding off
+all danger, the regiment observed the following order of march: One
+company two hundred yards in advance of the main column, and two
+companies in rear of the regimental train. It passed through Lynnville,
+the scene of former disturbances, without molestation, and camped near
+it.
+
+Col. McCook had issued an order to the citizens, declaring that for
+every life taken by concealed enemies he would retaliate on the
+country. This order had a good effect, for afterwards a citizen would
+not harbor a guerrilla or bushwhacker.
+
+The members of the Eighty-sixth will not forget how they transcended
+the liberties of the Colonel, while camped at Lynnville, by killing
+hogs in camp, and raising "Ned" generally--the lecture they received in
+consequence will not be forgotten. He admonished them never to permit a
+rebel hog to be too insinuating without the proper chastisement, and at
+the same time not to be too noisy and reckless, thus exposing him to
+the reprimand of his superiors.
+
+The next place of encampment was at Pulaski, a small town that lay
+almost in ruins from some cause or other. A novel incident occurred
+here respecting a couple of doctors. The first one tried to elude the
+advance guard by riding off in break-neck style, but he was
+apprehended, brought before Colonel Magee, and examined. He declared
+his object to be to save his favorite pony and nothing more; he was of
+course released, but on further suspicion of being a spy, was searched
+for, but could not be found. The other doctor came into camp of his own
+accord, and going to the surgeon's tent, asked for a dose of morphine;
+whereupon, seeing a good opportunity, he stole the whole bottle, and
+putting it in his hat walked off. He was detected, arrested, and taken
+before the Colonel. He plead insanity and such like things to no
+purpose, but was tied up to a tree and made to suffer punishment. No
+one can rightly determine the object of these two men; they were
+doubtless enlisted sons of the Southern chivalry intent upon mischief.
+
+The march was continued the next day from Pulaski, crossing Elk river
+at a place known as Elktown, the boys dismantling themselves and
+wading, as the bridge had been destroyed. Four miles beyond this stream
+is the State line, the regiment marching there and camping for the
+night near a beautiful brook of water.
+
+On the 7th of September, it crossed the line and camped twelve miles
+south of it. The next day it reached Huntsville, and passing through,
+took up quarters in the outskirts. The Eighty-sixth was the only Union
+troops in the vicinity, the brigade having passed on, leaving orders
+for it to follow immediately. When night came on, the Colonel became
+uneasy, for citizens reported a force of the enemy near at hand. Upon
+this intelligence he moved his command into town, and took up position
+on the square. Companies were stationed in the different streets
+leading to it, in anticipation of a surprise. The night passed in
+suspense, but no enemy appeared.
+
+Huntsville was a beautiful town with a fine location. It was, before
+the war, the mart of Northern Alabama. There is a large and handsome
+spring there, well worth the visit of the tourist and passer-by. By its
+own force it runs machinery which pumps water for the whole town in
+sufficient quantity.
+
+The regiment greatly disliked to leave this place, and, in after times,
+when it was wont to wish itself in some pleasant abode, it would fondly
+revert to Huntsville. But, early on the morning of the 10th, it took up
+the line of march for Stevenson, Alabama, where it expected it would
+certainly join the brigade. It had not marched from Huntsville more
+than three miles when a soldier from Company H, Mr. Church by name,
+while walking in the woods near the road, espied a squad of concealed
+bushwhackers, whereupon he fired at them, and killed one. The dead body
+was brought to the road and left in plain view, being labeled with
+these words: "A bushwhacker." A great number of negroes--men, women and
+children, of every age and size, of every hue of the skin from yellow
+to concentrated blackness, followed out from Huntsville, presenting a
+jolly scene.
+
+The march to Bridgeport attaches nothing of much importance to it, only
+the usual occurring incidents. The sick and barefooted were left at
+Brownville, to be transported from thence to Stevenson on the cars,
+where they joined the command. The regiment reached Bridgeport on the
+14th, where it received a mail--the first since Columbia. The brigade
+had gone on from this place to Chattanooga, to join General Rosecrans'
+army, which was on the eve of battle with Bragg.
+
+On the morning of the 15th, the regiment left Bridgeport, and on the
+evening of the 16th, tired and worn out, it crossed Lookout mountain,
+and joined the brigade at Rossville, six miles south from Chattanooga.
+In this vicinity was collected a large army, and the great battles that
+succeeded were imminent. Here ended these hard marches after so long a
+time. The Eighty-sixth had been in the campaign nearly twenty-seven
+days, seventeen of which it formed its own company, having passed over
+the hostile country lying between Columbia and Chattanooga, which was
+infested with strong bands of guerrillas of the most desperate kind,
+without the loss of a man. It was now much fatigued and hoped to have a
+short respite from its labors--but not so, something of a more terrible
+nature was forthcoming--the bloody battle of Chickamauga. General Bragg
+turned on our forces under Rosecrans, on the 16th of September, on the
+17th, skirmishing began, and on the 18th, very hard skirmishing and
+some fighting came off. It was on the 18th that the brigade, under
+command of Colonel Dan. McCook, was sent out to the Chickamauga creek
+to burn a bridge, which it successfully accomplished. A force of the
+enemy came near capturing it, having nearly surrounded it. During the
+fight that ensued, it lost a good many men. On the evening of the 19th,
+the brigade returned to Rossville, afterwards moving out on the road
+leading to McAfee church, and took up position just inside the
+Rossville Gap. Here it remained in readiness for any emergency, all the
+night of the 19th.
+
+Our corps, commanded by General Gordon Granger, was held in reserve at
+this battle, and was not generally engaged on the 19th. The battle of
+the 19th was a hard contested one, and, when night came, the advantages
+were about equal. The enemy were vastly superior in numbers, in about
+the ratio of five to three, making him buoyant and desperate on this
+day and the next. On the next day, the 20th of September, the fate of
+Chickamauga was to be decided.
+
+The battle commenced at half-past eight A.M., the effort of the enemy
+being, as on the previous day, to turn the left flank of our army, and
+then gain access to the Lafayette and Chattanooga road. Thomas, who was
+in command at the left, was hard pressed from the start, and General
+Rosecrans directed him to hold on, assuring him that he should be
+reinforced if necessary, by the entire army. Our brigade was moved,
+early on the morning of the 20th, from its position of the night
+previous, and marched out on the left wing of the army to an old
+church, known as the McAfee church. Here it maneuvered about on the
+left flank of the army, taking different positions, in readiness for
+the expected advance of the enemy in that quarter. The battle continued
+to rage furiously on our right. From some misunderstanding, there was a
+gap left in the line of battle on the right centre of the army. The
+rebels instantly worked into this breach, striking our troops in flank
+and rear, throwing them into complete confusion, from which they never
+recovered till they reached Rossville. Seven brigades, or about
+one-fourth of our entire force, were thus swept away by this
+misfortune, and though the loss in killed and wounded was not very
+heavy, and that in prisoners less than would have been expected, they
+were effectually cut off from rendering further aid to the rest of the
+army during that day. Among those in this rout, were, without fault of
+their own, Major-Generals Rosecrans, McCook, and Crittenden. Each made
+repeated efforts to join the main body, but in vain, and finally fell
+back to Rossville, whence General Rosecrans sent his chief of staff,
+General Garfield, to ascertain how Thomas was succeeding in holding the
+rebels at bay, and himself, with Generals McCook and Crittenden, went
+on to Chattanooga, to secure the trains and put the city in a state of
+defense, if, as he feared, the army should be driven to retreat
+thither. The rout on the right wing took place about one o'clock P.M.
+Notwithstanding the break on the right, General Thomas, though opposed
+by a force at least five to two, stood grim and defiant, resisting the
+repeated assaults upon his lines with a persistency never surpassed.
+From two o'clock till sunset, a terrible battle raged along Thomas'
+line. About two in the afternoon, our brigade was ordered to the
+assistance of Thomas, it then being some three miles to his left, and
+going this distance on the double-quick. The General saw a cloud of
+dust in the direction we were coming, and, it is said, he was uneasy at
+first, not knowing whose forces they were, Confederate or Union. A
+messenger was sent to ascertain who they were and whence they came.
+When the brigade arrived and was taking up position, the enemy opened a
+furious fire upon it, and had it advanced a short distance further,
+would certainly have been captured. When the brigade got into position,
+Battery I, replied with spirit to the fire of the enemy, which, by this
+time, had got the right range on us. Our position now became fairly
+hideous; the woods roared and the very heavens quaked, while shot and
+shell filled the air with frightful sounds. The grass and woods between
+our brigade and the enemy had caught fire, which conspired to make our
+position more disagreeable than ever, though it doubtless saved us a
+hard fight, for the rebels would not advance through it.
+
+The other two brigades of our division, still on our right, led by
+General Steedman in person, rushed upon the enemy in a furious charge,
+which was passing through a low gap to the rear and flank of Brannan's
+position. The shock was terrible; and for a time, as the opposing
+forces met in a hand-to-hand fight, success swayed from side to side;
+in a few minutes more the enemy was repulsed, and dared not make the
+attempt again. A thousand of these brave men fell, killed or wounded,
+in that brief half hour's struggle; but they held the gap.
+
+When night came, the battle ceased, everything becoming still and
+hushed. The enemy now fell back, leaving the field of battle in
+possession of General Thomas; but finding the ammunition, food and
+water necessary for his men were exhausted, the General withdrew with
+his troops about midnight to Rossville, where they arrived in good
+order. McCook's brigade was the last that left the field, and the
+Eighty-sixth, the last regiment. It was after one o'clock at night when
+it passed the Rossville Gap and went into camp. There laid down to
+sleep that night a tired set of men, the fatigues of the day having
+almost overcome them. Many a brave comrade fell on the bloody field of
+Chickamauga; and another such would have ruined our army.
+
+On the next day, the 31st, our brigade took a position on the right of
+Rossville Gap. A strong force was left here to keep back the enemy till
+the army could fall back on Chattanooga. The rebels pushed buoyantly
+forward and opened on us a heavy cannonade. Our forces held the gap
+until night, when they abandoned it, and retreated on Chattanooga. Our
+brigade arrived in Chattanooga very late at night, and after much
+changing about, took up position and laid down to rest.
+
+Here ends the battle and the retreat, a stirring epoch in our history.
+During this battle, the regiment had the honor of conducting itself in
+a praiseworthy manner. There is but one exception, and that is
+personal. It was the case of Major O. Fountain, who conducted himself
+in a disrespectful manner by becoming intoxicated. On this account he
+was soon afterwards recommended for a discharge, which was duly
+furnished him. Major Fountain had many qualifications of a good
+soldier, and previous to this, had conducted himself in a proper
+manner.
+
+After the battle, our brigade remained in Chattanooga three days,
+during which time it was formed in line and held as a reserve. The
+enemy was hourly expected to pounce upon our forces and attempt to
+regain the place, for unless they did, no real advantages were gained
+by their successes at Chickamauga. Our troops were not disheartened or
+hopeless, but eager and determined to conquer in a second engagement.
+The enemy, however, was severely punished, otherwise he would have
+followed up his successes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+MISSION RIDGE AND KNOXVILLE.
+
+
+On the 24th of September, four days after the battle of Chickamauga,
+our regiment and brigade was ordered to the north side of the Tennessee
+river, to guard a ford near the mouth of North Chickamauga creek, some
+eight miles up the river from Chattanooga.
+
+On its way to this ford, the brigade remained a few days near another
+ford about equidistant from the upper one and Chattanooga, where it
+threw up works, and leaving the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois
+to guard them, went on to the upper ford, arriving there on the 27th,
+and taking up permanent quarters. This place was considered a prominent
+one in a military view, and was accordingly strongly protected. The
+boys now set to work building shanties for their comfort, as it was
+probable the command would make its winter-quarters there. They would
+fell trees, chop off large cuts and split them into slabs. Out of these
+rough slabs snug shanties were made, and to put on the finishing touch,
+fire-places were built in them. When cold, keen winds blew fierce
+without, the soldier sat comfortable within, and soon our North
+Chickamauga camp became a semi-paradise--a home in the woods. It was
+here the brigade suffered so much from hunger; famine was our ghost, it
+haunted us by day and by night.
+
+The troops were not supplied with half rations, for the transportation
+of the army was insufficient. It was impossible to procure adequate
+supplies for a large army by hauling them sixty miles over the horrible
+roads across the Cumberland and Walden ridges--roads in which six miles
+a day was all the distance a six-mule team could accomplish. This state
+of affairs could not last long.
+
+The Tennessee river is very crooked. Below Chattanooga it makes two
+bends; the first, eight miles in circuit, and only one and a half
+across; the other, thirty miles in circuit, and four miles across. If
+these two peninsulas could be gained, wagon transportation would be
+reduced to ten miles. To accomplish this, Hooker's command was ordered
+from Bridgeport through Shellmount to the Lookout valley, thence to
+Brown's ferry. While Hooker was doing this, a detail from Chattanooga,
+under command of General Hazen, proceeded down the river in pontoon
+boats to Brown's ferry, and succeeded in laying a pontoon bridge.
+
+From here there was a good road to Kelly's ferry, and loaded wagons
+could go from that point to Chattanooga in half a day.
+
+On the night of the 27th, General Geary's division of Hooker's command,
+pitched its camp in advance of the main force, near Wauhatchie in the
+Lookout valley, and was attacked at two o'clock on the morning of the
+28th.
+
+Geary held his ground, and Longstreet was defeated with severe loss.
+The night of this battle was clear, and the moon shone bright. The roar
+of artillery and rattle of musketry could be distinctly heard from our
+camp on the Chickamauga. Such an affair at the dead of night, when all
+else is calm and hushed, presents a thrill of emotions that can be
+experienced under no other circumstances.
+
+On the 29th of October, Colonel Dan. McCook received orders to despatch
+two of his regiments to the assistance of General Hooker, who was now
+in the Lookout valley. The Eighty-sixth Illinois and Fifty-second Ohio,
+were accordingly ordered to report to him. They crossed to the south
+side of the Tennessee on the pontoon bridge at Kelly's ferry, below
+Chattanooga. After crossing the river, the Eighty-sixth was sent to
+guard a pass in the Raccoon ridge, and passed there a most miserable
+night. It was perched on a hill-side, the rain falling in torrents, and
+every man being obliged to hold to a sapling to keep from going down.
+
+From this pass, the next day, the regiment went down the ridge to a
+position opposite Lookout mountain, where it relieved a brigade of
+Hooker's men. The enemy had a battery planted on the Lookout, at the
+Point of Rocks, whence he shelled us continually. The boys could tell
+when this battery would shoot, and dodge accordingly. It was here we
+had our first intercourse with Eastern troops. They had odd ways,
+peculiar to themselves, which the Western boys were unused to, and in
+consequence, many taunting words were passed, for either party was loth
+to take the jaw of the other. The Eighty-sixth and Fifty-second,
+remained in front of Lookout mountain five days, when they were
+relieved and sent back to North Chickamauga, arriving there on the
+evening of the 5th of November, after an absence of seven days.
+
+Again the boys set themselves to refitting their shanties, for it now
+seemed probable there would be no more moving for a long time. The
+weather was then disagreeably cold, and they must work or freeze--they
+worked.
+
+Most every mess soon had comfortable habitations, and some of them very
+neat ones indeed. But after all their pains, it became evident they
+would not remain long at this camp. Our army was beginning to
+strengthen, and everything indicated a move.
+
+About the 20th of November, pontoons were placed in the mouth of the
+North Chickamauga for some purpose, then unknown, but afterwards
+revealed. There were one hundred and sixteen pontoon boats in number,
+in which Giles A. Smith's brigade of the Fifteenth Corps embarked on
+the night of the 23rd, and entering the Tennessee, moved swiftly down
+three miles, closely hugging the right bank; then crossed, and landed a
+small force above the West Chickamauga, and the remainder just below
+it. Landing this force, the boats were dispatched to the opposite side
+for reinforcements. Two divisions were ferried over, and by noon, a
+pontoon bridge across the Tennessee, fourteen hundred feet long, and
+another across the West Chickamauga, two hundred feet long, were
+completed.
+
+Long before daylight on the morning of the 24th, our division under
+command of Jefferson C. Davis, was marched down the right bank of the
+Tennessee to a point opposite the mouth of the West Chickamauga, where
+the pontoon bridge was being constructed. At one P.M., the Fifteenth
+Corps, on the left bank of the river, advanced in three columns, and at
+half-past three were in possession of the Missionary Hills without
+loss. Our division crossed the pontoons late in the afternoon of the
+24th, in a drizzling rain, and after much maneuvering took up a
+position in a thick and swampy woods.
+
+The night of the 24th passed off with some fighting, as the enemy made
+an effort to regain his lost ground, but his effort proved abortive.
+During the battle of the 25th, our division was held as support to
+General Sherman, who was ordered to make a demonstration on Fort
+Buckner, on Tunnel Hill. When Sherman's persistence had drawn nearly
+one-half the force from Fort Bragg to Fort Buckner, six signal guns,
+fired at intervals of two seconds, told the advance of the Fourth Corps
+to the assault on Fort Bragg. This assault proved a complete success.
+The rebel works were captured, and with Hooker on their left flank and
+rear, and their centre broken, they were in a complete rout. Here ended
+the day, and under cover of night Bragg's army beat a hasty and
+disorderly retreat.
+
+During this battle our brigade was not engaged, but being held in close
+reserve, it could see things well done. The next thing on the programme
+was the pursuit. Our division was ordered to march at one o'clock A.M.,
+on the 26th, and crossing the Chickamauga by the pontoon at its mouth,
+pushed forward for the enemy's depot, and by eleven A.M. it appeared at
+the depot, just in time to see it in flames. Entering with one brigade,
+General Davis found the enemy occupying two hills partially entrenched,
+just beyond the depot. They were soon driven away. At this place was to
+be found all manner of things, burning and broken. Corn and corn-meal,
+wagons, caissons, guns, pontoons, balks, chesses, and the like, were
+lying around promiscuously.
+
+As the command advanced, every kind of plunder lined the road, the
+private soldier having even thrown away his provisions and clothing,
+being in the utmost confusion and excitement. When the division reached
+Shepherd's run, some two miles north of Grayville, it found the enemy's
+rear guard intending to camp, and showing a disposition for fight.
+Accordingly, General Davis ordered it into line and to charge the
+rebels away. It was not long in executing orders. After running a long
+distance, jumping fences, creeks and other obstacles, it found the
+enemy in strong skirmish force, which was made to give ground, but
+night drawing near, no decisive advantage was gained.
+
+Our division held its position until morning, when it was again set off
+on the pursuit, marching in supporting distance of General Hooker who
+was engaging the enemy at the Ringgold pass. After several charges,
+Hooker finally succeeded in dislodging the rebel force, and took
+possession, capturing three hundred prisoners. The loss of Hooker's
+command here was heavier than in the capture of Lookout mountain.
+
+The junction of Bragg and Longstreet was now no longer a possibility.
+In the meantime, the siege of Knoxville was pressed with ardor by the
+forces under Longstreet, and Burnside found himself in close quarters.
+Having disposed of Bragg, General Grant determined to send a force,
+under Sherman, to the relief of Knoxville. Our division formed a part
+of this force.
+
+Early on the 28th of November, bleak and cold, Sherman began his
+northern march through East Tennessee, to the assistance of the
+beleaguered city. On its route to Knoxville, our division passed near
+Cleveland on the 29th, and on December 1st, crossed the Hiawassee
+river. Marching on, it arrived at a point on the Little Tennessee
+opposite Morgantown, on the 4th, and crossing, marched up the river
+four miles when orders were countermanded; then, countermarching,
+recrossed the river at Morgantown--Longstreet having abandoned the
+siege, and hastily retreating towards Virginia.
+
+The object of the expedition now being accomplished, the army began its
+return march on the 7th of December. General Jeff. C. Davis had orders
+to march to Columbus by way of Madisonville. On its return, the
+division passed through Madisonville, on the first day's march, leaving
+the Eighty-sixth Illinois to garrison it during the night. The regiment
+lived well while here, nearly every family being set to work baking
+corn-bread, cakes, and such. It passed a pleasant night with the good
+folks of this inland village, only regretting that it could not remain
+longer and enjoy more of their forced hospitality.
+
+Leaving Madisonville, the regiment plod on after the division, marching
+the distance of twenty-five miles, through mud and rain, reaching the
+Conasauga Mills about ten o'clock on the night of the 8th, when the
+division was encamped. No Eighty-sixth man will be so recreant to the
+memories of the past as to forget this day's march. And no one will
+forget the manly action of our Colonel on this occasion, who, to
+encourage his men, trudged along through mud and rain, allowing his
+wearied boys to ride his horse by turns. The division remained encamped
+near these mills one week, living fat on corn-meal, molasses and pork.
+
+On the 15th, it again took up the march, bound for Chattanooga, and
+arrived there in the afternoon of the 18th, after a toilsome march. Our
+brigade was detained several hours, waiting to be ferried over the
+Tennessee. It was very late at night when the Eighty-sixth effected a
+crossing, and when once over, it camped for the remainder of the night,
+marching up to its old camping ground, on the morning of the 19th.
+
+Here ends the Knoxville campaign, and the Eighty-sixth back in its old
+camp on the North Chickamauga. This campaign consumed twenty-five days
+of the severest marching and suffering that ever soldiers experienced.
+Many returned barefooted and threadbare, in the chill month of
+December, leaving bloody tracks on the frozen ground. This march may be
+fairly numbered among the hardest of our hardships. No men ever bore up
+under so many ills with more fortitude than did the men in this arduous
+and difficult campaign to the relief of the besieged and almost
+subjugated Knoxville. On this trip we saw more loyal people than in all
+our previous service.
+
+Long live the good people of East Tennessee; may they live in peace and
+die in plenty!
+
+On this march Company G, of the Eighty-sixth, met with a sad misfortune
+near Louden; it was the accidental death of Sergeant Haynes. The column
+had just halted when one of his company carelessly threw down his gun,
+which going off, shot the sergeant in the head, killing him instantly.
+
+The boys now made free to stick close to their shanties and
+fire-places, for their clothing was scant and the weather extremely
+cold. The division did not remain at North Chickamauga long, for, on
+the 26th of December, it crossed the Tennessee, taking up camp at
+McAfee's church, on the left of the Chickamauga battle-field and six
+miles from Chattanooga.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ABOUT CHATTANOOGA.
+
+
+The beginning of the year 1864 found the Eighty-sixth regiment in camp
+at McAfee's church, busily engaged in building shanties and preparing
+for the winter, which was extremely cold and disagreeable. These rude
+habitations were soon made comfortable, and had we been well provided
+with provisions and clothing, everything would have passed off gay and
+lively. Eighteen hundred and sixty-three passed away, taking with it
+many fond recollections, and many, too, that were not pleasant. The
+hardships and privations we were called upon to endure, together with
+our successes and pleasures, seemed now to be nothing more than an
+apologue of which the moral is the only reliable feature. There was
+good cause for rejoicing, for success had attended our arms on land and
+sea. The Mississippi had been opened, and the enemy amazingly defeated
+at every point in the South-west.
+
+Our encampment on the Chickamauga battle-ground had a fine location,
+and possessed many advantages in wood and water. A deal of pains and
+labor was taken to make this camp comfortable and healthy. Green trees
+were set out in front of the company grounds, which beautified and made
+them enchanting.
+
+This vicinity of the South is noted for its grand natural scenery,
+nowhere to be surpassed. We read of the romantic scenery of the
+Oriental world--of the versatility of Italia's summer winds--of the
+magic charms of her hills, her rills, and dales; but the realities here
+presented are more enchanting than the probabilities of a might be in
+other parts of the world. From the heights of Lookout mountain the
+country around has the appearance of one vast field of ridges, tending
+in their direction from north to south. This mountain is 2,500 feet
+above the level of the Tennessee, and from the Point of Rocks, a man in
+the valley below appears to be no larger than one's thumb, and a train
+of cars gliding along at its base has the appearance of tiny toys.
+Chattanooga, a distance of more than five miles, seems to lie directly
+at its base. The first range of ridges to the eastward of Lookout range
+is known as Missionary Ridge. The next in succession are the Pea Vine,
+Pigeon, Taylor's, and Rocky Face.
+
+Missionary Ridge, the scene of Bragg's disaster, breaks off from its
+regular course at Rossville, in a curve to the eastward, striking the
+river some five miles above Chattanooga, thus forming on the south and
+south-east a perfect wall of natural defenses, upon which, for two
+months, lay the besieging forces of the Confederate army. To complete
+the semicircle of walls around Chattanooga on the south side of the
+river, Lookout mountain stands in its huge dimensions, a key to the
+South-west.
+
+In the Chickamauga valley, on the south-east side of Missionary Ridge,
+from McAfee's church to Lee and Gordon's Mills, is the site of the
+Chickamauga battle-field.
+
+That place, even when we went there to camp, more than three months
+after the battle, presented a repulsive sight. The enactment of that
+terrible conflict, when leaden rain fell thick and fast around us, when
+the dying were gasping in the last agonies of death, when wounded and
+dead men covered the gory field, and the terrible thought of immediate
+danger crowded our minds,--produced not half the emotions of human
+misery that were experienced nearly four months afterwards when we
+viewed the same field. Here and there could be seen the putrified form
+of a human creature in Union garb. Sometimes the skull and other
+members of the body were seen detached along the road-side or on a
+stump, having been taken from their peaceful repose by ruthful hands or
+hungry dogs.
+
+The entire field was yet cumbered with great numbers of our dead, and,
+in most cases, the flesh had fallen from the bones, leaving nothing but
+the mere skeleton. Years hence, children yet unborn will find, in their
+sports upon this field, a skull or a bone of these poor victims, and
+wonder and ask what it is; then, some grandfather will tell them of the
+great battle of Chickamauga.
+
+But to return to Camp McAfee. For awhile at first, the boys were
+obliged, in a measure, to furnish their own supplies. Every day, some
+one of each mess had to go six miles to mill and try his hand for
+flour, sometimes being extremely lucky, but more frequently, to return
+without a mite. These were, with propriety, called our "milling days."
+Thus our time dragged heavily on.
+
+On the evening of the 27th of January, our division received orders to
+march the next morning at daylight, with three days rations in their
+haversacks. Accordingly, on the morning of the 28th, it led out in the
+direction of Ringgold, still under the command of General Jeff. C.
+Davis. General Batie's brigade followed Morgan's, and Colonel McCook's
+brought up the rear. The evening of the same day the command camped at
+Ringgold, a distance of twelve miles. Here it remained until ten A.M.
+the next day, waiting the result of a reconnoissance which was being
+made in the direction of Tunnel Hill, when it returned to McAfee. The
+enemy was found in force at that place, and his strength tolerably well
+ascertained, which was the real object of the expedition. This
+reconnoissance resulted in the capture of forty prisoners, besides five
+killed and seventeen wounded.
+
+Again, on the 14th of February our brigade marched to Chickamauga
+Station to relieve the 1st brigade which was there on outpost duty. The
+weather was now cold and wet, and we were without shanties, but the
+boys, with their usual energy, set to work and soon constructed
+comfortable quarters. The houses in the vicinity of the camp were made
+to suffer badly; in many instances not even a nail was left to mark the
+spot where once stood a neat frame building. Colonel Magee returned to
+his regiment while it was here, having been home on furlough, every one
+being glad to see his familiar face. About the time we began to realize
+the benefit of our labors at this place, the brigade was ordered to
+march, having been there eight days. On Tuesday morning, the 23rd, the
+brigade received orders to march in one hour's time, it being reported
+that the lines would not advance further than Grayville, and there go
+into camp.
+
+In consequence of this understanding, almost every soldier carried a
+huge load of camp plunder; but they were sadly mistaken, since the
+column marched rapidly on Ringgold, a distance of sixteen miles, where
+the other two brigades of the division had previously arrived. Most of
+the command became so much fatigued under their burden that they were
+obliged to fall out and come up at their leisure.
+
+On the next day the division continued the march from Ringgold through
+Tunnel Hill on to Buzzard's Roost, a narrow defile in the Rocky Face
+Ridge, where it found the enemy in force and very defiant. On reaching
+the position of the enemy at this place, our brigade was drawn up in
+line of battle, advancing into position so as to cover the pass, during
+which time a heavy cannonade was opened on our lines, and continued
+until dark. General Morgan's brigade having taken up position on our
+left, pickets were now sent out, and comparative silence prevailed
+during the night.
+
+Companies E and H were detailed from the Eighty-sixth for picket duty
+on this occasion, company A being sent on the skirmish line the next
+day at 12 M.
+
+On the morning of the 25th the pass was enveloped in a dense fog, so
+much so that objects could not be distinguished at any great distance,
+it being impossible to discover a vestige of the enemy's lines until
+about ten A.M., when the fog had partially disappeared. About this
+time, however, skirmishing began along the line, resulting in a few
+serious casualties on our part.
+
+The main reason for delaying operations so long was in not knowing the
+exact situation of General Cruft, who had been sent round the left of
+Rocky Face Ridge in order to flank the enemy's position at Buzzard's
+Roost Gap. Cannon could be heard in that direction booming furiously,
+but nothing definite could be determined by that.
+
+It soon became evident, however, that he was advancing rapidly on their
+flank and rear, since the roar of the cannon and rattle of musketry
+became more and more distinct; but no news came respecting his progress
+until about ten A.M., when an orderly arrived with the desired
+information. Towards noon the fog disappeared, and the sun having risen
+high, made it more favorable for operations, since in the morning it
+shone in our eyes and blinded us. About one o'clock, Hotchkiss' 2nd
+Minnesota and Warren's 19th Indiana batteries moved into position in
+front of our brigade on a high eminence, from whence they began to feel
+for the position of the enemy, which was soon discovered strongly
+fortified on the adjacent hills. Soon after this the Eighty-sixth was
+ordered to advance over the hill on which these batteries were
+stationed, and attack the enemy's position. When it reached the crest
+of the hill, the rebels opened a furious fire upon it, but this did not
+derange the line one particle, it marching on with as much good order
+as if on battalion drill. The regiment advanced to the foot of a hill
+or ridge only a few hundred yards from the enemy's line of works, where
+it halted and lay down. Colonel McCook urged Magee to charge the works,
+but he would not until he got support on his right, as it was
+unprotected, and would have resulted in the utter ruin of the regiment.
+
+The 85th, it is true, was on the right of the Eighty-sixth, but not in
+supporting distance, having partially changed its direction and
+ascended the acclivity on the right too high. At the same time our
+brigade advanced on the right, General Morgan advanced on the left and
+made a desperate charge on the enemy's position; but he was repulsed in
+great disorder, the steep and rugged rocks affording a natural barrier
+against his assaulting force. The charge on the left having failed of
+success, the right was ordered to maintain its own, it being the
+design, however, to push forward the right had Morgan succeeded in his
+enterprise.
+
+The Eighty-sixth remained in its position until night, when it was
+relieved by other troops, and falling back to the rear, remained in
+comparative quiet during the night.
+
+On the morning of the 26th the Eighty-sixth was marched to a position
+covering the right flank of our forces in the gap. It was anticipated
+that a force of the enemy's cavalry would make a demonstration in that
+direction. Here the regiment built good breastworks in readiness for
+the expected attack; but no enemy came, though it remained until night,
+when it was withdrawn, taking up the line of march for Ringgold. Soon
+after this the whole force was put on the retreat, arriving in Ringgold
+late at night.
+
+Every Eighty-sixth man will remember the odd sight that occurred on
+this retreat as it entered Tunnel Hill. A large frame building had
+caught on fire and was in full blaze when we entered town. While
+descending a ridge in closed ranks, the light from the burning building
+was reflected from every face, presenting a multitude of bright,
+pleasing countenances, and as all else was dark, nothing could be seen
+but a moving field of shining faces. Our brigade was not generally
+engaged in the battle just recited, the Eighty-sixth and the 85th
+Illinois being the only regiments brought into action, though the rest
+were in close reserve. The Eighty-sixth loss was one killed and seven
+wounded, the company loss being as follows: Co. H, three; Co. G, one;
+Co. K, four. The reconnoissance was now ended, and its objects
+accomplished.
+
+The rebels had been sending troops to Mobile, but the movements of this
+expedition compelled them to bring them back. On the next day, the
+27th, the division was put on the march for Camp McAfee, where it
+arrived at dusk of the same day, having been absent thirteen days. But
+after all, we were destined to remain here only a short time. Just one
+week after the reconnoissance to Buzzard's Roost we were again put on
+the move.
+
+Our brigade received orders to march on Sunday, the 6th day of March,
+to Lee and Gordon's Mills, situated on the right of the Chickamauga
+battle-ground, about eight miles distant from the camps at McAfee. The
+command was sent here on account of this being a strategic point, and
+soon began to lay off a camp, which day by day it adorned and
+beautified until it became an enchanting place, the very prototype of
+the grand and beautiful, being situated on the banks of the South
+Chickamauga, a handsome stream of water.
+
+When good comfortable shanties had been erected, the boys began to
+ornament their grounds after the first order of things, for neither
+time nor labor was spared in this work, each soldier taking a pride in
+doing his part. All the companies of each regiment fabricated ornaments
+of every conceivable workmanship, differing one from another, and on
+the whole really handsome. These ornaments were made of pine and cedar
+boughs by the more dextrous and artistical of our comrades. You might
+see well-fashioned eagles, letters, figures and animals hung up in
+conspicuous places over a beautiful frame-work of gothic structure,
+astonishing and eliciting remark from passers by. Besides these, there
+were all kinds of machinery fluttering and struggling in the air on
+long poles. Flutter mills and gunboats could be seen making their hasty
+rounds; men wrestling and turning many kinds of machinery could be
+taken in at the same glance of the eye. Each regiment had a meeting
+house and bowers, weather-boarded and covered with pine and cedar
+boughs, presenting the very picture of enjoyment.
+
+This was the handsomest camp in the whole army, and drawings of it
+appeared in Harper's Weekly and Frank Leslie, as model camps. It was
+here the brigade enjoyed soldiering more than at any other time or
+place before or after, having learned to make its profession agreeable,
+and looking more particularly to its comfort and enjoyment. Then, there
+was added to the pleasures of this camp the noted springs, known as
+Crawfish Springs. A huge stream of bright clear water forces itself
+from the foot of the hill from whence it issues. They are a natural
+wonder, and have called forth the admiration of all who chanced to
+visit them. The slaveocracy of this portion of the South made them
+their constant summer resort, and the soldiers also enjoyed them as a
+pleasant retreat to drive dull time away.
+
+The 3rd brigade remained at Lee and Gordon's Mills two months wanting
+three days, during which time it contracted many fond attachments, and
+in after times the boys would revert to the memories of this camp with
+more than ordinary pleasure. It was while here that Colonel Magee came
+from Camp McAfee to bid the boys of his regiment good bye, having been
+unable to leave that place with his command. The Colonel's health for a
+long time had been very poor, and Surgeon Hooton assured him that he
+could not survive the service, nor do justice to himself and his
+command by continuing in it. For these reasons he was induced to offer
+the resignation of his command, which in due course of time was
+accepted. There was a universal feeling of sad regret with the boys of
+the Eighty-sixth at this event, a regret that their beloved Colonel no
+longer had the strength of body to remain with them through the trying
+events of the future, as he had been their pride through those of the
+past.
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel D. W. Magee was a man of humane and tender feeling.
+Having himself served in the ranks in the Mexican war, he was well
+qualified to appreciate the hardships and difficulties incident to a
+soldier's life. He was free to converse and associate with his men, at
+the same time commanding their highest esteem and most submissive
+obedience. With his gayest humor there mingled a settled air of
+resolution, which made those who approached him feel they must obey,
+and which infused love and confidence in those with whom he was
+surrounded. His manners ingenuous and open-hearted, concealed an
+imperturbable and calculating spirit. His dress--neither gaudy nor
+striking, but neat--was such as to set off his person to advantage.
+
+The Colonel took his departure from the regiment on Sunday, the 27th of
+March, with the consciousness of taking with him the hearty "God bless
+you" of all his men.
+
+Immediately after the resignation of Colonel Magee, the regimental and
+company officers held an election, and unanimously voted Major Allen L.
+Fahnestock Colonel of the regiment, who received his commission and was
+mustered in as such on the 13th of April, 1864, by Captain Cole, of the
+9th Indiana. Colonel Fahnestock entered upon the duties of his office
+with a spirit and resolution that characterized him through all the
+future events of the regimental history, worthy in every respect the
+honors of the position left vacant by his energetic predecessor.
+
+At the same time that Colonel Fahnestock was promoted, Captain J. F.
+Thomas, of Company C, was voted to the position of Major of the
+regiment.
+
+Major Thomas was a man of a kind and affable disposition, easy and
+dignified in his intercourse with others, and the real exemplification
+of the right man in the right place.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+CAMPAIGN AGAINST ATLANTA.
+
+
+Early on the morning of the 3rd of May, 1864, the Third Brigade of the
+Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, under command of Colonel Dan.
+McCook, left Lee and Gordon's Mills and arrived in Ringgold, a distance
+of twelve miles, in the afternoon of the same day, and there joined the
+other two brigades of the division. There was a large army camped in
+the vicinity of Ringgold, and the hills and valleys were covered with
+camps, and rung merrily with the voices of many soldiers. It now became
+evident that the indomitable Sherman was assembling his whole force to
+make a crushing effort to drive back the threatening rebels under Jo.
+Johnston.
+
+The few days we remained at Ringgold our army was continually
+augmenting, when by the 7th of the month it had assembled in force, and
+set in motion against the enemy at Tunnel Hill and Dalton.
+
+The grand army of the Mississippi, under the immediate command of
+Major-General Sherman, at the commencement of this campaign, numbered
+ninety-eight thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven effective men, and
+two hundred and fifty-four pieces of artillery, and was divided as
+follows:
+
+The Army of the Cumberland, Major-General Thomas commanding--infantry,
+fifty-four thousand five hundred and sixty-eight; artillery, two
+thousand three hundred and seventy-seven; cavalry, three thousand eight
+hundred and twenty-eight. Total, sixty thousand seven hundred and
+seventy-three; with one hundred and thirty guns. Army of the Tennessee,
+Major-General McPherson commanding--infantry, twenty-two thousand four
+hundred and thirty-seven; artillery, one thousand four hundred and
+four; cavalry, six hundred and twenty-four. Total, twenty-four thousand
+four hundred and sixty-five; with ninety-six guns. Army of the Ohio,
+Major-General Schofield commanding--infantry, eleven thousand one
+hundred and eighty-three; artillery, six hundred and seventy-nine;
+cavalry, one thousand six hundred and ninety-seven. Total, thirteen
+thousand five hundred and fifty-nine; with twenty-eight guns. These
+numbers continued relatively the same during the campaign, the losses
+in battle and from sickness being about compensated by recruits, and
+returns from furlough and hospitals.
+
+The Fourteenth Corps, to which our division belonged, was commanded by
+Major-General Palmer, and was assigned to a position under Thomas in
+the centre.
+
+In the move of the grand army on the 7th, our division reached Tunnel
+Hill at noon, where the enemy made a slight resistance, and while it
+was getting into position, a battery played upon it from an eminence
+near the village. This battery was soon dislodged and the enemy put to
+flight, retreating behind Rocky Face Ridge, where he took up position
+in Buzzard's Roost Gap, our forces following up rapidly, confronting
+his position, and throwing up works in case of an attack. The night of
+the 7th passed off with some skirmish firing in the gap at the Roost,
+and the next day, nothing was done, only the division changed its
+front.
+
+The command now held this front until the 12th, during which time there
+were various demonstrations made on the rebel's invincible position, to
+no advantage. While here, the Eighty-sixth was continually exposed to
+the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, who occupied a position on the
+highest and most abrupt portions of the Rocky Face Ridge, from whence
+they viewed us, on the far-spread plain below, as mere Lilliputians of
+a vile Yankee descent, and shooting among us, often did much injury.
+
+The regiment went on the skirmish line on the afternoon of the 10th,
+where it spent a most disagreeable night, not being allowed to pitch
+its tents. An almost continuous skirmish fire was kept up on the 11th,
+resulting in no very serious casualties to the Eighty-sixth, though the
+Fifty-second Ohio was made to suffer severely. On the evening of the
+11th, our command was relieved by General Cruft's division of the
+Fourth Army Corps.
+
+In this vicinity was passed a dolesome time, the country being wild and
+rugged, affording handsome scenery under different circumstances, but
+for us it had no enchantment. It was at this same gap we fought the
+enemy on the 25th of February of the same year. Companies H and K had
+each a man wounded at this place, being the only loss of the regiment.
+
+On the morning of the 12th of May, the Fourteenth Corps, including our
+division, marched to the right along Rocky Face Ridge, until it came to
+Snake Creek Gap, and passing through it with much difficulty at a late
+hour at night, camped on the south-east side of the ridge. Previous to
+this, General McPherson had taken possession of this gap, completely
+surprising a brigade of Confederate cavalry which was coming to watch
+and hold it.
+
+McPherson's and Hooker's commands had gone through before us, and
+Schofield's followed after us, the Fourth Corps having been left to
+attract the enemy's attention in front. Thus, the whole army, except
+Howard's Fourth Corps, moved through Snake Creek Gap, on Resaca.
+Major-General Thomas took up position on the left of the line, and
+McPherson and Schofield on his right, the enemy being completely
+flanked by this move, from his strong position at Buzzard's Roost and
+Dalton, and compelled to fall back on Resaca. At this place, they
+determined to give our forces a check, if possible, which moved on
+their position on the 13th.
+
+On the next day, the 14th, there was hard fighting, our division taking
+a position late in the afternoon, and building breastworks, the roar of
+artillery and musketry continuing furiously all the day.
+
+At dusk, on the evening of the 15th, the Eighty-sixth was sent on the
+skirmish line only a short distance from the rebel works. The enemy was
+very conversant on this occasion, as was usually the case when their
+forces took up the retreat, our boys telling them that they would wager
+their last red that they would be gone before morning; and sure enough,
+when morning came, every word of this prophecy was verified.
+
+Our commanders, suspecting the action of the rebels, ordered our
+batteries to play freely on their works. These batteries were stationed
+on the hills behind the regiment, the screaming missiles from them
+passing over it, presenting, in the darkness of night, a scene of
+magnificent grandeur.
+
+In the morning, the rebels had evacuated their works, falling back for
+a better position, which they never found. In this battle, the regiment
+lost five, in all; the company loss being as follows: Company C, three
+wounded; Company H, one wounded, and Company I, one missing. No sooner
+had the rebels evacuated Resaca than our skirmishers were aware of the
+fact, so that, by daylight on the 16th, we were in possession of their
+works, the pursuit being taken up at an early hour.
+
+On the evacuation of Resaca, the Third Brigade passed through it;
+thence, going back nearly to Snake Creek Gap, and from that place the
+division continuing along the west side of the Oostanaula river in the
+direction of Rome, arrived in the vicinity on the 17th, where it met
+and fought the enemy. The Eighty-sixth Illinois and Twenty-second
+Indiana were the only regiments generally engaged. These two regiments
+advancing on the left of the line over uneven and wooded ground, found
+the enemy and attacked him, a sharp fight ensuing of about twenty
+minutes in which the foe was worsted, falling back into his
+intrenchments; and our troops, holding the ground, built rail
+breastworks. The next morning the rebels were gone, burning the bridge
+over the Oostanaula after them.
+
+The loss of the Eighty-sixth in this battle, was, five killed and
+twelve wounded, the company loss being as follows:
+
+         KILLED.
+
+    Company F          2
+    Company D          1
+    Company I          1
+    Company E          1
+                      --
+      Total            5
+
+         WOUNDED.
+
+    Company A          3
+    Company H          1
+    Company D          4
+    Company F          2
+    Company I          2
+                      --
+      Total           12
+
+On the morning of the 18th, the Eighty-fifth Illinois crossed the river
+and took possession of the village of Rome, the remainder of the
+brigade following over in the evening, having to wait for the
+construction of a rickety pontoon. The people were very much frightened
+at the event of our entering their village, having formed the idea that
+the Yankees would extend them no mercy. They told us that they had
+heard much of Yankee inhumanity, and death was the most clement act
+they had expected--thus wagged the world with them.
+
+In the possession of Rome, General Jeff. C. Davis' division met with
+the most gratifying success, capturing its forts, with eight or ten
+heavy guns, valuable mills, foundries, and various railroad
+communications. Our brigade remained in Rome six days, the other two
+brigades of the division not yet having crossed the Oostanaula. During
+this time, Sherman had halted his whole army along the north side of
+the Etowah river, in order to rest his troops and complete
+communications as far as Kingston. This being accomplished, he supplied
+his wagons with twenty days' rations, and again set his army in motion
+toward Dallas, nearly south from Kingston, and fifteen miles west from
+Marietta.
+
+On the 24th day of May, General Davis' command took up the line of
+march from Rome, crossing the Oostanaula near its mouth, and marching
+in a southerly direction about twenty miles, camped in a heavy rain
+storm, the Sixteenth Corps passing it during the night. The next day
+the division made a forced march over rough and disagreeable roads
+without gaining much distance, when, late in the evening, distant
+cannonading could be heard at Dallas. On the 26th the command advanced
+a short distance beyond Dallas, and drawing up in battle line, built
+log breastworks, as the Confederate army was lying entrenched in a
+strong position near this place.
+
+Our lines were advanced still further on the 27th, throwing them into a
+gap, far in advance of the main line of the battle, and built
+breastworks, with the appearance of staying awhile.
+
+The enemy about this time made repeated charges on our lines, both to
+the right and left of us, and several on the lines of the First
+Brigade, but only one on the Third Brigade. These charges proved very
+disastrous to the enemy.
+
+The command remained in this position nearly six days without rest,
+being compelled to lie on its arms, not knowing what moment the enemy
+might come. This detour of the whole army from the Etowah in its
+circuit to the right, on Dallas, was made for the purpose of turning
+Altoona Pass which the rebels determined to hold at all hazards, and
+proved eminently successful.
+
+On the first of June, our forces began their move from Dallas to the
+left, in order to contract the lines, and the next position of our
+division was eight miles to the left of its former one, and still on
+the left of the Fourth Corps, remaining there two days, skirmishing
+continually with the enemy until it was relieved and marched further to
+the left, joining its corps, the Fourteenth; they having been separated
+since Resaca. Here the boys received a mail, the first for a long
+while. The corps remained in its position here one day after our
+division joined it, the enemy evacuating his works on the night of the
+5th of June, having been flanked therefrom.
+
+Our forces followed a short distance on the morning of the 6th, but
+before night took up position, and camped near Ackworth, on the
+railroad, until the 9th, when they were again set on the move.
+
+After its advance from Ackworth, our army was not long in finding the
+rebels in another entrenched position.
+
+About this time, General Blair arrived at Ackworth, with two divisions
+of the Seventeenth Corps and a brigade of cavalry--a reinforcement that
+amply compensated for our losses in battle, and troops left in garrison
+at Resaca, Rome, Kingston and Altoona.
+
+On the morning of the 9th, the entire army moved forward to Big Shanty,
+the next station on the railroad. Here, we found ourselves surrounded
+by scenery of peculiar and lofty beauty. To our left, and on the east
+of the railroad, were Sweet mountain and Black Jack, while to the
+westward, and nearly in front, rose the bold and striking Kenesaw. To
+the right was Pine mountain, and more distinctly to the right was Lost
+mountain.
+
+Here we found the rebel General Johnston, strongly fortified on the
+northern slopes of Pine, Kenesaw and Lost mountains. General Sherman
+says, in his official report: "The scene was enchanting; too beautiful
+to be disturbed by the harsh clamors of war; but the Chattahouchie lay
+beyond, and I had to reach it."
+
+At this place, our division took a position at right angles with the
+railroad and a few miles south of Big Shanty, where it threw up
+substantial breastworks, and remained until the 14th, when the lines
+were advanced and another line of works thrown up. In front of these
+works there was a deal of skirmishing carried on, creating undue
+excitement in the lines of battle, for it was thought the Johnnies
+would make a trial on our strength and position.
+
+About this time there was an incessant roar of artillery on the extreme
+right of our lines, despite the heavy rains that fell, which afterwards
+proved to be the operations of Sherman's "flanking machine."
+
+On Saturday, the 18th, our lines were again moved forward and other
+works constructed, the boys working with a vengeance all night to find
+the Johnnies gone in the morning; being flanked and obliged to evacuate
+their position for another. They were followed up at early dawn on the
+morning of the 19th, and chased to their next place of retreat. Their
+right was now found resting on the Marietta and Canton road, with their
+centre on Kenesaw mountain, and left, across the Lost mountain and
+Marietta road, behind Nose's creek, and covering the railroad back to
+the Chattahoochie. Our division under Davis, took its position directly
+in front of the Big Kenesaw and nearly up to its base.
+
+Several batteries of our artillery soon moved up in short range of the
+Kenesaw and opened a furious fire upon it, in order, if possible, to
+develop the whereabouts of the enemy's masked batteries. During this
+cannonade it seemed that the very heavens were in agitation and the
+earth in violent commotion, but no reply was received.
+
+The troops stood from behind their works in full view of the enemy,
+looking on in silent amazement, enjoying in their hearts the sublime
+grandeur of the scene. Finally, a locomotive was run up to the base of
+the mountain, when behold, a masked battery opened on it in all its
+fury, the engine immediately reversing its steam and running back.
+
+On the night of the 20th and 21st, the rebels constructed several
+strong forts on the summit of the Kenesaw, from whence they annoyed our
+position a great deal. On the 22nd and 23rd, interesting duels were
+fought between these batteries of the enemy and our own; and certainly
+there never was a more amusing and interesting scene portrayed than
+exhibited in these short, effective engagements.
+
+The scenes about Kenesaw will ever maintain a sacred spot on the
+tablets of our memory. During operations about this place it rained
+almost continually for three weeks, so that a general move was
+impossible.
+
+On the evening of the 25th of June our division was relieved from its
+position in front of Kenesaw by a division of the 15th Corps, and after
+much delay arrived at General Palmer's headquarters on the right centre
+of the army.
+
+The next day Sunday the 26th, it lay in the rear of the lines of
+battle, resting itself for the dreadful scenes of the morrow. The loss
+of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, from Dallas up to this time, was nine
+wounded and one killed; the company loss was as follows:
+
+    Company I, one killed.
+
+         WOUNDED.
+
+    Company A          1
+    Company I          1
+    Company E          1
+    Company F          1
+    Company D          2
+    Company K          1
+    Company B          2
+                      --
+      Total            9
+
+On the 24th of June, General Sherman ordered that two assaults should
+be made on the 27th, one by General McPherson's troops near Little
+Kenesaw, and another by General Thomas', about one mile further south.
+This came wholly unexpected to his troops, all believing that he would
+put "the flanking machine" in force whenever he made a demonstration on
+the enemy's position, but Sherman resolved to execute any plan that
+promised success. These two assaults were made at the time and manner
+prescribed in the order, and both failed.
+
+General Thomas chose the 2nd division of the 14th Corps to aid in the
+work along his line, and early on the morning of the 27th it was massed
+preparatory to a charge. The 3rd brigade, Colonel Dan. McCook
+commanding, was on the left of the division; the 2nd brigade, Colonel
+Mitchell commanding, was on the right, and the 1st brigade, General
+Morgan commanding, was held in the rear as reserves. The signal for the
+charge was given at 8 A.M., by the simultaneous discharge of a battery
+of guns; the lines advancing slow and steady, passing over our line of
+works, descending a hill over a small stream, then crossing an open
+field, ascended the acclivity on which the enemy's works were built,
+when a desperate rush was made upon them with all the fortitude and
+heroism of men under a most galling fire of cannon and musketry.
+
+The brigade on our right failing to come up, we had to receive the
+cross-fire of the enemy. It was too withering, the men falling before
+it as the grass before the scythe. When the works were reached by those
+who did not fall in the attack, they were too weak and too few in
+number to effect a breach in them, the men lying down in front of the
+works and up against them, until the order to fall back was given. When
+the order of retreat was given, it was hard to obey, being attended
+with a greater slaughter than the assault, the enemy having the chance
+of taking cool and deliberate aim. Thus our broken lines fell back,
+again taking position only thirty yards from the enemy, and in the most
+difficult manner threw up a line of works, at the same time hugging the
+ground for dear life, and where we remained in defiance of the exultant
+rebels. This was our darkest day of the war.
+
+The loss of the brigade on this occasion was truly severe. Colonel
+Daniel McCook fell mortally wounded, and Colonel Harmon succeeding him,
+survived his command but one moment, when he was carried off the field
+a corpse.
+
+The total loss of the regiment in this charge, in killed, wounded and
+missing, was ninety-six men.
+
+The company loss was as follows:
+
+         KILLED.
+
+    Company A          11
+    Company C           4
+    Company D           2
+    Company F           3
+    Company G           2
+    Company H           2
+    Company I           3
+    Company K           1
+                       --
+      Loss in killed   28
+
+         WOUNDED.
+
+    Company A           7
+    Company B           3
+    Company C           6
+    Company D           9
+    Company E           5
+    Company G           7
+    Company H          13
+    Company K           5
+                       --
+      Loss in wounded  55
+
+         MISSING.
+
+    Company A           6
+    Company D           2
+    Company F           1
+                       --
+    Loss in missing     9
+
+      Officers wounded  4
+
+Ninety-six men were lost from the Eighty-sixth on that fatal day. It
+was a loss to be remembered and remarked, for they were among our
+foremost and best men. They were as noble, as true and trusty men, as
+loving and as loyal as ever lived.
+
+May a just Heaven reward them as their merit deserves! May the earth
+rest light on their bones! Mourn them not; it was with them "_dulce et
+decorum, est pro patria mori_." How well these men have fought and
+with what heroism they have suffered, let the battles of Chickamauga,
+Mission Ridge and Kenesaw answer! They will be rewarded, for they have
+left their "footprints on the sands of time."
+
+It was now a busy time at the hospitals, for they were full of the most
+heart-rending cases. Among the physicians conspicuous there for energy
+and ability, were the indefatigable Hooton and Guth--men who justly
+deserved the confidence and respect of their boys. Among the most
+trying positions in the army, the Surgeon's is first. The minds and
+dispositions of soldiers are as varied as the colors of the
+kaleidoscope, and hard to comprehend even in a sound condition, but
+when fretted by ill health no one man could come out best with all of
+them. A good Surgeon, like the whimsical pages of Tristram Shandy, is
+pestily censured and admired alternately.
+
+The 3rd brigade held its position in close proximity to the enemy's
+works for six days, until the 3rd of July. It was a hard one indeed,
+for we were obliged to hug the works and keep concealed all the time,
+night and day. Bullets were continually buzzing round in threatening
+and unfriendly style. An interesting incident occurred, however, on the
+29th, that broke the monotony of our situation for a short time; it was
+an armistice of a few hours to bury our dead, the stench having become
+so offensive to both parties that it could be no longer endured.
+Details were sent from every company to perform the last office to the
+heroic dead. This having been done, and a headboard erected with the
+name of each upon it, to mark the spot where rests the sleeping brave,
+the armistice was concluded. Soon after the armistice our brigade, now
+under command of Colonel Dillworth, began a trench with the intention
+of undermining the enemy's works, and blowing them up, but suspecting
+something underhanded on our part, they threw turpentine balls between
+the lines, which would certainly have disclosed any outward movement,
+but the movement was inward, and their handsome fires availed them
+nothing. This experiment, however, was followed by another, more
+successful. By placing a drum on the solid ground and a marble on the
+head of it, they discovered a jar in the earth. This was sufficient,
+and gathering up their traps they evacuated early in the evening of the
+2nd of July, our forces following on the morning of the 3rd. If the
+rebels had not evacuated when they did, the 3rd brigade would have had
+a grand jubilee on the 4th, for by that time it would have succeeded in
+laying a magazine under their works, and setting it off would have
+raised their ideas.
+
+On the evening of the 3rd of July, our forces again came upon
+Johnston's army entrenched at Smyrna Church, five miles from Marietta,
+and forming our lines so as to confront his position, lay here until
+after the 4th.
+
+On the morning of the 5th, Johnston had fallen back to another line of
+entrenchments on the north side of the Chattahoochie, our lines
+advancing as usual until they came upon him. We were now in sight of
+the Gate City, its steeples and spires appearing in the distance. For
+the first time we beheld the object of our toils and marches, every
+heart rejoicing to behold the doomed Atlanta. General Sherman was not
+content, however, until every vestige of the Confederate army was upon
+the south side of the Chattahoochie. Accordingly, he ordered his
+"flanking machine," under command of General Schofield, to cross the
+river and operate on the enemy's flank.
+
+General Schofield crossed the Chattahoochie on the 7th of July,
+compelling an evacuation of the enemy's works on the 9th, their whole
+force crossing to the Atlanta side of the river and burning the bridge
+after them; and thus, on the morning of the 10th, Sherman's army held
+undisputed possession of the right bank of the Chattahoochie; one of
+the chief objects of his campaign was gained, and Atlanta lay before
+him only eight miles distant. It was too important a place in the hands
+of the enemy to be left undisturbed, with its magazines, stores,
+arsenals, work shops, founderies and converging railways. But the army
+had worked hard and needed rest. Therefore it was put in camp in
+favorable positions along the Chattahoochie, General Davis' division of
+Palmer's corps camping near the railroad and wagon bridge across the
+river. While we were encamped at this place, the adventuresome boys
+would go near the banks of the river and gather blackberries,
+notwithstanding the continuous fire of the rebel pickets on the
+opposite side, there being scarcely a soldier who would not risk his
+life for a blackberry.
+
+The 3rd brigade remained in this camp just eight days, when on the
+18th, it crossed the Chattahoochie river at Paice's ferry several miles
+above our camp, the other two brigades having preceded it on the same
+route.
+
+After crossing the river, the division advanced cautiously in line of
+battle, preparatory for any emergency. The advance was made over woody
+and uneven ground, although not to say very broken. Shortly before
+night, the command took up a position on favorable ground, the front
+lines building rail breastworks. During the night, there was some
+skirmish firing in our immediate front, though it was not sufficient to
+prevent the boys from gathering blackberries, which had to be had,
+Johnnies or no Johnnies.
+
+On the morning of the 19th, at ten o'clock A.M., the division was again
+put on the move, going further to the right and front. It halted a
+short time at Peach Tree creek until a crossing could be made over it.
+The Eighty-sixth and One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois were the
+last of the 3rd brigade to cross over this creek, the other regiments
+having made the passage and engaged the enemy in battle beyond the
+crest of the hills bordering on this stream, finding them almost an
+overmatch. At this juncture, Colonel Fahnestock was ordered to hasten
+his regiment to their assistance, for the left of the line was giving
+ground. In obedience to orders, the Eighty-sixth crossed the creek on a
+foot log, being greatly scattered by the time all were across. The
+scattered regiment formed at the foot of the hills on which our
+skirmishers were engaging the rebels, and then advanced to their
+support. Having taken up position, and thrown up a light line of works,
+the rebels in superior force charged on our skirmishers, driving them
+back pell-mell on the main line, which, after a desperate struggle,
+repulsed them with heavy loss. The enemy in this charge came near
+flanking the Eighty-sixth out of its position, the right giving back a
+short distance at first, but soon resumed it again. Despite the
+disadvantage in numbers, in this spirited engagement, our forces
+maintained their own, and when night came, good earthworks were thrown
+up in readiness for any emergency.
+
+The loss of the brigade in this battle was almost as great as was
+sustained in the charge on Kenesaw; the regiments on the skirmish line
+being all cut to pieces, and half their number killed and captured.
+Many a lifeless form was left unheralded on the field of battle, and
+the evening shades of the ever memorable 19th of July drew her mantle
+of darkness over a field of blood.
+
+The loss of the Eighty-sixth, in this battle, was comparatively light,
+being ten in all.
+
+The company loss was as follows:
+
+         KILLED.
+
+    Company D           2
+    Company B           1
+    Company H           1
+                       --
+      Total             4
+
+         WOUNDED.
+
+    Company B           1
+    Company D           2
+    Company C           1
+    Company F           1
+    Company I           1
+                       --
+      Total             6
+
+The next morning after the battle, at daylight, a rebel line of works
+could be seen about four hundred yards in our front. There was nothing
+in them, however, but a small skirmish force, the main body having
+withdrawn. The Eighty-sixth kept up a heavy skirmish fire on these
+works, not allowing a Johnny-reb to show his head except he got a
+volley of musketry. Four pieces of artillery were brought on the line
+and opened on these works, having great effect and causing them to be
+evacuated. When a rebel would turn his back to run, half a regiment
+would salute him, in its modest way. This was fun for the boys and they
+seemed to relish it.
+
+On the 21st, a reconnoitering expedition was sent out to ascertain the
+strength and whereabouts of the enemy, and after advancing one mile and
+a half found him in force, strongly intrenched, and then returned.
+
+There being now nothing to confront it, our division moved forward on
+the 22nd, and passing a line of intrenchments which were found
+evacuated, arrived and camped within three or four miles of
+Atlanta--the Gate City of the South. In this position, our brigade was
+left in reserve, the first time on the whole campaign, having, however,
+to keep a regiment on a hill, half a mile in advance of the main line
+of works, as a lookout. While on this eminence, the boys had some
+sociable times with the Johnnies, trading and exchanging with them as
+long as agreeable, there being an agreement that there should be no
+shooting while trafficking was going on.
+
+On the 22nd, the day on which General McPherson was killed, there was
+hard fighting on the left, Hood having massed his forces in the hope to
+crush it, but after the most desperate fighting of the campaign, his
+efforts were foiled, and he was compelled to withdraw with an
+overwhelming loss. Sherman's report of a few days after, gave the
+enemy's loss as six to our one.
+
+The Second Division of the Fourteenth Corps was moved from its position
+on the morning of the 28th, and marched to the right. It was now that
+General James D. Morgan took command of it, General Davis being
+indisposed. General Morgan was ordered to move his command by Turner's
+ferry and East Point and come in on the flank of General Howard's new
+line, so that, in case of an attack it would catch the attacking rebel
+force in flank or rear. This plan proved abortive by the sickness of
+General Davis and mistake of roads by General Morgan, who, by this
+mishap was greatly delayed. Meantime, Hardee and Lee sallied forth from
+Atlanta by the Bell's Ferry road, and formed their masses in the open
+fields behind a swell of ground, and after some heavy artillery firing,
+advanced in parallel lines against the Fifteenth Corps, expecting to
+catch it in air; but Sherman was prepared for this very contingency;
+our troops were expecting this attack and met it with a raking fire of
+musketry, which thinning the ranks of the enemy, compelled him to
+withdraw in confusion. After this, at some points, six or seven
+successive efforts were made to carry our works, but all of them proved
+futile.
+
+Had our division not been delayed by causes beyond control, what was
+simply a complete repulse of the enemy would have been a disastrous
+rout. The rebel slain in this day's fight was enormous. Dead men never
+lay in greater numbers on the same sized piece of ground. Our men
+buried 2,840, exclusive of those carried off by their own men.
+
+Late in the evening of the 28th, or rather, early on the morning of the
+29th, after a most fatiguing tramp, our division reached the main line.
+In the afternoon of the 29th, the division advanced the lines of battle
+and took position; and again, on the 30th, it moved to the right and
+advancing the lines took up position. On the 31st, it left its works
+and marched still further to the right, on a reconnoissance, returning
+to its works the same day. On this reconnoissance we got a fine
+ducking, having left our rubbers in camp.
+
+On the 4th of August, the division was again moved to the right, and
+advancing the lines at least one mile, after several halts, built works
+under a severe cannonade from the enemy's batteries. After some hard
+skirmishing and changing about, the 3rd division of the 14th Corps
+relieved General Morgan's command; it moved further to the right and
+front, on the 12th, relieving a command of raw troops of the 23rd
+Corps.
+
+Here we found breastworks and were not constrained to labor as much as
+usual on such occasions. The command remained in this last position
+without any unusual occurrences only the spirited bombardment of the
+city of Atlanta by our batteries of heavy guns, being kept up at
+regular intervals night and day. The skirmish firing was also kept up
+with animation on both sides and along the entire lines. Now and then
+the monotony was broken by a conversation or trade, but never to last a
+great while, the foe not allowing their men such liberties when it
+could be helped, for they would not unfrequently take advantage of
+these occasions to desert.
+
+However, on the 19th of August, our brigade was marched several miles
+to the right, in support of the 23rd Corps, as it was thought the enemy
+would charge its lines on that occasion, but the supposition did not
+prove a reality. The brigade returned the same day without adventure to
+its former camp. Then again, on the succeeding day, the division was
+moved off in the same direction of the day previous, but not stopping
+so soon as before. This time, we passed the right wing of the army
+entirely, and bearing south-east struck the Atlanta and Montgomery
+railroad not far distant from East Point. After injuring the railroad
+all that lay in its power, the division returned to camp, having
+enjoyed a drenching rain. Nothing more of interest passed off except
+the hum-drum picket firing, until the siege of the doomed Atlanta was
+raised.
+
+It was on the memorable 27th of August, that Sherman's entire force was
+withdrawn from about the beleaguered city, and the whole of it, except
+the 20th Army Corps, which moved to the fortifications at the railroad
+on the Chattahoochie, marched in the direction of the Macon railway for
+the purpose of severing the enemy's communications. Early on the
+morning of the 27th, all the troops on the left of our division having
+changed front the day previous, it moved from the breastworks, and
+during the day took its position on the new line.
+
+On the evening of this same day, the Eighty-sixth regiment held its
+second anniversary. It had been the intention had not the movement of
+the army interfered, to appropriate a part of the day for this purpose,
+but as the regiment was on the move all day it was under the necessity
+of taking the night.
+
+Accordingly, in the evening, the men were assembled on the color line
+and the objects of the meeting announced. A committee of three: Major
+Thomas, Captains Bogardus and French, were appointed to draft
+resolutions.
+
+The committee having retired, Chaplain Millsaps made a speech
+appropriate to the occasion, when the resolutions were called for and
+read. They were strong in favor of the administration and bitter
+against the copperheads. Though the regiment was not permitted to vote,
+it could, nevertheless, express its sentiments to its friends, and in
+behalf of the country. These resolutions were unanimously adopted,
+there being no dissenting voice, and ordered to be sent to the Chicago
+Tribune, Peoria Transcript and Peoria Mail. Speeches were then made by
+Surgeon Hooton, Colonel Dillworth, Major Thomas, Captain Bogardus and
+others, of a stirring and patriotic nature. This anniversary was, under
+the circumstances, highly interesting indeed, and all the surviving
+members who were there, will be duly wont to review it with feelings of
+pride.
+
+When Sherman's army had withdrawn from the siege of Atlanta, the enemy
+supposed he had taken up his line of retreat and abandoned the
+enterprise. While in this belief, they were destined to have a jubilant
+time; and to make it the merrier still, a mandate was sent out to the
+country about for all to come and partake of the fatted calf. Fair
+damsels flocked from the vicinity about to partake in the joy over
+victory; but lo! in the meantime, the Yankees cut the Macon railroad so
+that the birdies from the rural districts could not get to their homes,
+and aged mothers cried in vain for their affectionate daughters,
+wishing the Yankees many a curse for interfering in their jubilee. Ah!
+their day of rejoicing had too soon turned to one of tears, their
+unhappy city had been relieved from a siege only to be captured. O, the
+bitter disappointments that overtake short-sighted man! One hour he
+rejoices, the next he mourns! How varied the fortunes of war; to-day
+the city is impenetrable, to-morrow it has fallen! Poor, proud Atlanta
+reveled, rejoiced and wept the same day!
+
+After the siege of Atlanta was abandoned it was not long until our
+division, under General J. D. Morgan, arrived in the vicinity of
+Jonesboro, about twenty-two miles south of Atlanta. At this place, on
+the 1st of September, and at five o'clock P.M., our division was formed
+for a charge: the 2nd brigade on the right, the 3rd brigade in the
+centre, and the 1st brigade on the left, and advanced to the attack in
+two lines of battle. The Eighty-sixth regiment in this battle held a
+position in the second line. The enemy's works were handsomely carried,
+capturing a greater part of rebel General Gowan's brigade, including
+its commander, with two four-gun batteries. This brigade was among the
+choice men of the rebel army, having fought with a desperation worthy a
+better cause.
+
+This charge came like a flash upon the enemy, who were not aware of our
+coming until we pounced upon them like an avalanche, and though they
+fought obstinately, they were completely conquered.
+
+Our brigade was in the hottest of the fight, and among the first troops
+to scale the works and capture them.
+
+The loss of the Eighty-sixth Regiment in this battle was two killed and
+sixteen wounded. The company loss was as follows:
+
+         KILLED.
+
+    Company F          1
+    Company I          1
+                      --
+      Total            2
+
+         WOUNDED.
+
+    Company A          1
+    Company B          1
+    Company D          2
+    Company G          4
+    Company I          1
+    Company H          5
+    Company E          1
+    Company K          1
+                      --
+      Total           16
+
+The night after the battle of Jonesboro an explosion of a tremendous
+character was heard in the direction of Atlanta, for the enemy were
+evacuating it and burning their magazines.
+
+The disheartened and disorganized forces of the enemy now exerted all
+their energies to complete a successful withdrawal, and save themselves
+from utter annihilation. One wing of Hood's army fled precipitately
+down the Macon railroad, and the other retreated along the Augusta
+road.
+
+Thus was Atlanta evacuated on the night of the 1st of September, after
+so long a period of time. Remaining a few days in the vicinity of
+Jonesboro, the 3rd brigade was put in charge of the prisoners and sent
+with them to Atlanta on the 4th. It kept a jealous eye to its charge,
+conducting them to the desired place with undue rapidity. The day was
+hot and water scarce. Many of the boys under their heavy loads gave out
+and laid down to rest. Rebel and Yank laid down together, and as best
+they could followed up after they had become rested.
+
+The blame of this unmasterly march was laid to Colonel Langley, who was
+then in command of the brigade, Colonel Dillworth having been wounded
+in the late battle. When the command arrived in Atlanta, not more than
+one-half the men were with it, being left tired and worn out along the
+wayside. Many of the prisoners might have made their escape, for all
+were huddled and mixed up in all manner of ways.
+
+There was much sympathy expressed by the citizens of Atlanta towards
+these prisoners as they were marched and counter-marched through
+several of the principal streets of the city. Weeping and moaning and
+lamentation was the principal order of the occasion. The prisoners were
+finally put in the "bull-pen," and the brigade permitted to go into
+camp. We were now in the great city for the first time, that place for
+which we had so long fought and labored to possess. It had been much
+impaired by the bombardment, the effects of our heavy guns being
+discernible in various parts. Thus ended the great campaign against
+Atlanta--the Gate City of the South--after one hundred and twenty days
+of the most trying scenes through which an army ever passed. During
+this time we were under the almost continual fire of the enemy,
+amounting to little else than an incessant battle. The Eighty-sixth
+Regiment was in eight regular engagements of the most desperate and
+trying nature. Our dear comrades were daily falling around us and by
+us, but still we pressed on and finished the work in which they were so
+ardently enlisted.
+
+At the fall of Atlanta the hopes of the nation revived and the cause of
+the Union was materially aided. The great anaconda of secession was
+palsied and made to fade! A new-born nation rejoiced in the beginning
+dawn of peace and liberty! The heart of a free, loyal people was made
+to leap for joy!
+
+There were many thrilling and exciting incidents connected with this
+campaign, among which we will narrate the one respecting Captain Jo.
+Major. In the charge on Kenesaw, on the 27th of June, while only a few
+feet from the enemy's works, Captain Major was struck in the breast
+with a stone thrown by a rebel, which knocked him senseless for a time,
+and during this state the lines had fallen back, leaving him alone
+among the dead and dying. Regaining himself, by and by he ascertained
+his condition, but determining not to be a prisoner, he resolved to
+play the dying man. He lay, therefore, in a seemingly helpless state,
+closing his eyes and gasping as if the next breath was to be his last.
+Finally, a rebel came to where he lay, and took his sword and other
+valuables. The dying man made signs for water, and the rebel held a
+canteen to his mouth, but, poor man! he could not drink. After this,
+other rebels from their works shot at him, but he did not budge, and
+believing him really in the throes of death, they did not bother him
+any more. The day was extremely hot; it was one of those warm summer
+days peculiar to the South. He lay on his back in the burning sun--an
+impossible thing under other circumstances. Flies and ants swarmed his
+face, and bit and stung him, but he dared not move.
+
+He was kept in this position from 9 o'clock A.M. until after dark; but
+night coming on, he took leg-bail for our works, reaching them without
+further adventure. He came to his company hatless, swordless,
+moneyless, but sound as ever--the same old Jo.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+TO THE REAR.
+
+
+The casualties of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, on the long and arduous
+campaign against Atlanta, was one hundred and seventy-nine men in
+killed, wounded and missing.
+
+Besides this number, there were many who were taken sick and sent back
+to hospitals. Thus, when the campaign had ended, the regiment was
+materially reduced in numbers. It was now not much larger than two full
+companies; and then, the companies themselves were mere skeletons, some
+of them not exceeding a corporal's squad. These were certainly trying
+times with the soldiers, being attended with constant hardships,
+privations and adventures, from the beginning of the campaign to its
+end. But still, those who did pass the fiery ordeal, stood up to it
+like men, with fine spirits and light hearts, doing all that men could
+do.
+
+After some changing about, the brigade took up permanent quarters in
+the outskirts of the city on the south-west side near the railroad. The
+regiment now fixed up its camp in a substantial manner, and for a long
+time took the military world easy, spending most of its time in going
+to and from the city in pursuit of pleasure, and such.
+
+There was not a little trading going on about this time with those who
+had a disposition that way; in fact, it seemed that Sherman's whole
+army had been suddenly metamorphosed into tobacco traders and other
+kinds of merchants.
+
+Atlanta was overstocked with tobacco, held by private individuals,
+which was bought by the soldiers at low rates and peddled out with
+handsome profits. Thus passed the time right briskly, all seeming to
+have forgotten the past and to be living for the present only.
+
+Shortly after the occupation of Atlanta, General Sherman ordered all
+non-combatants to leave the city, going north or south as their
+inclinations and interests might lead them. This order fell on the ears
+of the inhabitants of Atlanta like a thunderbolt. Though they had lent
+all the moral and physical assistance in their power to the cause of
+the rebellion, they had begun to dream of the advent of the Federal
+troops as the commencement of an era of quiet. They had never imagined
+the war would reach Atlanta. Now that it had come, and kept its rough,
+hot hand upon them for so many days, they were beginning to look
+forward to a long period when they might enjoy at once the advantages
+of the protection of a just and powerful government, and the luxuries
+it would thus afford them. It was indeed a pitiful sight to see these
+reluctant people leave their homes and property, but such was the
+necessity in the case that it must be done.
+
+Such are the cruel mandates of war, and they were obliged to abide its
+consequences, having waged and maintained it.
+
+About the middle of September there was an armistice of some days to
+provide an exit south for these unfortunate people, and for the
+exchange of prisoners captured in the last campaign.
+
+General James D. Morgan's division remained in Atlanta at its ease
+until the 29th of September, when it boarded the cars and was
+transported, via Chattanooga and Huntsville, to near Athens, Alabama.
+From this place it was sent on an expedition against General Forrest,
+who had been making demonstrations on our railroads, having destroyed
+much of the Nashville and Decatur road.
+
+When the division arrived at Athens, Forrest was crossing the Tennessee
+at Florence, retreating out of our way as fast as possible. With rapid
+marches General Morgan reached Florence in two days, distant from
+Athens about forty-five miles. The creeks and rivers on the route were
+swollen, but he never stopped for them, for wading through, we went
+plodding on. The division arrived within a few miles of Florence on the
+evening of the 5th of October, and entered it on the 6th without
+opposition, the enemy having completed his crossing. The division could
+follow no further, and on the morning of the 10th began its return
+march, arriving back in Athens on the 12th, where it boarded the cars
+on its return to Chattanooga. The command arrived at Chattanooga in the
+night of the 14th, and went into camp where there was neither wood nor
+water. The march from Athens to Florence and back again was, under the
+circumstances, probably the severest the Eighty-sixth Regiment ever
+made; at least, it stands among the hardest. The rains fell in
+torrents, but notwithstanding, the command was rushed headlong on
+through the mad waters of Flint and Duck rivers, in many places up to
+the soldier's armpits.
+
+While the division remained in Chattanooga there was a deal of
+excitement and uncertainty respecting the movements of rebel General
+Hood, who was making a demonstration on our rear, the command being in
+readiness to march at a moment's notice.
+
+General Sherman, however, soon changed his course, so that Hood was
+obliged to take a circuitous route to the west and north. To follow
+Hood indefinitely, without much prospect of overtaking and overwhelming
+his army, would be for Sherman equivalent to being decoyed out of
+Georgia. To remain on the defensive, on the other hand, would be to
+lose the main effectiveness of his army. Sherman had previously
+proposed to General Grant to destroy the railway from Atlanta to
+Chattanooga, and strike out through Georgia.
+
+"By attempting to hold the roads," he wrote, "we will lose a thousand
+men monthly, and will gain no result." And again, "Hood may turn into
+Tennessee and Kentucky, but I believe he will be forced to follow me.
+Instead of being on the defensive I would be on the offensive. Instead
+of guessing at what he means, he would have to guess at my plans. I
+prefer to march through Georgia, smashing things, to the sea." And
+again, "When you hear I am off, have lookouts at Morris' Island, S.C.;
+Ossabaw Sound, Georgia; Pensacola and Mobile bays. I will turn up
+somewhere, and believe me I can take Macon, Milledgeville, Augusta, and
+Savannah, Georgia, and wind up with closing the neck back of
+Charleston, so that they will starve out. This movement is not purely
+military or strategic, but it will illustrate the vulnerability of the
+South."
+
+General Grant promptly authorized the proposed movement, indicating,
+however, his preference for Savannah as the objective, and fixing
+Dalton as the northern limit for the destruction of the railway.
+Preparations were immediately made for the execution of these plans.
+
+Early on the morning of the 18th, General Morgan marched his division
+to rejoin the Army of the Cumberland, which at this time lay in reserve
+at Galesville, Alabama, taking with him a large drove of cattle for
+army consumption. The division reached the army and joined its corps at
+11 A.M. on the 22nd.
+
+Sherman had issued orders for his army to subsist off the country,
+which it did with a good will, foragers being sent out from the
+different commands daily. The country round Galesville was wild and
+romantic, affording that beautiful scenery so peculiar to northern
+Georgia and Alabama.
+
+The army was soon again put on the move, part of it going with General
+Thomas, and the remainder, the 14th, 20th, 15th and 17th Corps, going
+with Sherman down the railway towards Atlanta.
+
+Morgan's division marched to Rome, where it remained a few days, after
+which it continued on to Kingston, where it arrived on the 1st of
+November. At Kingston the army received eight months pay, and a partial
+supply of clothing, having to wait until it arrived at Atlanta before a
+complete supply would be issued.
+
+While at Kingston, it will be remembered, the Eighty-sixth Regiment
+camped on a piece of ground covered with all manner of stones, from the
+minutest pebble to those that were large enough to make an uneven bed.
+Again, on the 8th of the month, the division marched on, passing
+through the ruined Cassville on to Cartersville, where it halted a few
+days, at one time going to guard the railroad, which did not last long
+enough to make it pay.
+
+Cartersville is noted for the most remarkable of the monumental remains
+in the United States. They are situated upon the right bank of the
+Etowah river near the railroad, some two miles south of the town, in
+the midst of a perfectly level alluvial bottom, towering above all
+surrounding objects, changeless amid the revolutions of centuries. On
+good testimony it has been urged that these mounds were built by a race
+of people preceding the Indian race. Who they were, and how great that
+population was, cannot now be determined. No historian has left the
+record of their manners, government and laws; no voice save that silent
+speaking testimony of these monuments, proclaims their past greatness.
+No reply is heard in definite response by those who knock at their
+tombs. The morning the Eighty-sixth left this place, Billy Longfellow
+issued rations on the summit of one of these mounds, and the regiment
+stacked arms along the road near them.
+
+On the morning of the 13th, the 2nd division of the 14th Corps was set
+in motion from Cartersville toward Atlanta, destroying the railway,
+founderies, mills, etc., on its route. In not a few instances private
+dwellings and private property were laid desolate. Previous to this,
+General Sherman had directed all surplus artillery, all baggage not
+needed for the contemplated march, all the sick and wounded, refugees
+and other encumbrances, to be sent back to Chattanooga. On its march to
+Atlanta the division passed over much of the old campaign ground, which
+had lost none of its familiarity, seeming as if there had been no lapse
+of time.
+
+The Kenesaw was natural, and the dreadful battlefield of the 27th of
+June, where so many of our slain comrades lie buried, and whose graves
+were yet fresh, had undergone no change except that the leaves had
+ripened and fallen to the ground. Even as the leaves wither and fall,
+so must man, and we were made sad in contemplating the fearful, bloody
+past.
+
+The division crossed the Chattahoochie river in the forenoon of the
+15th, and arrived in Atlanta in time to draw clothing, provisions,
+etc., preparatory to the uncertain actions of the morrow. Atlanta on
+this occasion seemed to be swallowed up in flames. Bright, lurid lights
+were seen springing up in every quarter. It seemed that the once proud
+and defiant city was bidding earth farewell! "But what is now to be
+done?" every one asks. "Has Sherman gone crazy, sure enough?" Thus
+people talked, the country over. They could not tell what Sherman was
+up to now. He moved out from Atlanta on the 16th of November into the
+darkness and wilderness of Dixie, leaving the good folks at home to
+wonder where Sherman had gone. But several weeks elapsed before the
+secret was divulged--before the lost hero rose up in the magic of his
+might on the great seaboard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+TO THE SEA.
+
+
+With this chapter begins the narrative of the great raid through
+Georgia down to the sea. Now was begun a military feat which when
+accomplished astonished the world, and proved false the maxim laid down
+by military geniuses of every notoriety and age, that no army could
+subsist any length of time without a permanent base of supplies. The
+undertaking of a raid of so great magnitude and daring was an act
+bearing the tint of insanity and reckless daring beyond the
+comprehension of learned critics and wire-cutters.
+
+For the purpose of this great march, Sherman had divided his army into
+two wings; the right commanded by Major General Oliver O. Howard,
+comprising the 15th and 17th Corps; the left under Major General Henry
+W. Slocum, comprising the 14th and 20th Corps. The 14th Corps, to which
+the Eighty-sixth Illinois belonged, was composed of three divisions,
+led by Brigadier Generals William P. Carlin, James D. Morgan and
+Absalom Baird. The 3rd brigade of General Morgan's division, to which
+the Eighty-sixth regiment more immediately belonged, was commanded on
+this great raid by Colonel Langley, of the 125th Illinois.
+
+About 12 M., on the 16th of November, 1864, General Morgan's command
+led out from Atlanta along the Augusta and Atlanta railroad, following
+and destroying it as far as Covington; here the division left it,
+marching through Shady Dale, near Edenton Factory, directly on to
+Milledgeville, the capital of the State, where it arrived late in the
+evening of the 22nd. Our march to the capital of Georgia was one of
+pleasure and plenty; plenty sat smiling on every hand, tauntingly
+inviting the Yankee boys on. The Eighty-sixth was now in the height of
+its glory, making itself free in every man's potato patch, poultry yard
+and smoke house, thus assuring the inhabitants of its sincere regard
+and thankfulness for their unswerving devotion as enemies. Thus the
+command passed merrily on in its wild paroxysms of frantic joy, living
+as sumptuously as kings are wont to live in their marble palaces and
+wanton luxuries. Time did not drag heavily with us, nor did the ghost
+of hunger haunt us in our dreams. We laid down at night on a bed of
+pine boughs with as much composure as if feathers had been at our
+command. We dared famine to look us in the face, and treated discontent
+with contempt.
+
+The commonest produce of the country so far was sweet potatoes or yams,
+and negro beans. These vegetables, with all kinds of meat, afforded
+high living, and in a plentiful manner. The boys were never under the
+necessity of carrying much provisions with them; in fact, they scarcely
+ever carried any in these parts, for when the column stopped for meals
+they would climb the fence for sweet potatoes, and shoot a shoat for
+meat. About half an hour before the troops went into camp, firing might
+be heard in every direction about the column, being caused by the boys
+shooting porkers and such, for their supper.
+
+There was a great caravan of negroes hanging on the rear of our column
+when it arrived in Milledgeville, like a sable cloud in the sky before
+a thunder storm or tornado. They thought it was freedom now or never,
+and would follow whether or no. It was really a ludicrous sight to see
+them trudging on after the army in promiscuous style and divers manner.
+Some in buggies of the most costly and glittering manufacture; some on
+horseback, the horses old and blind, and others on foot; all following
+up in right jolly mood, bound for the Elysium of ease and freedom. Let
+those who choose to curse the negro curse him; but one thing is true,
+despite the unworthiness they bear on many minds, that they were the
+only friends on whom we could rely for the sacred truth in the sunny
+land of Dixie. What they said might be relied on so far as they knew;
+and one thing more, they knew more and could tell more than most of the
+poor white population. Milledgeville was occupied by our forces without
+the slightest opposition on the part of the enemy, there being no enemy
+of material consequence to contend with, all having gone to Nashville,
+there to get a complete drubbing.
+
+On the morning of the 24th our division marched through Milledgeville,
+and passing on through Sandersville, crossed the Ogechee river and
+Rocky Comfort creek into Louisville, a county seat town, where it
+remained several days to let the right wing of the army come up on a
+line. Milledgeville is beautifully situated in the paradise portion of
+Georgia, the country around being rich, and on the whole, level and
+fertile. The city itself is laid off with much good taste, the streets
+being wide and handsome, and the buildings sparsely built along them.
+The private dwellings, for the most part, were framework, not costly
+and extravagant, but constructed in plain and wholesome style. The
+State House, however, was especially grand in its design and material.
+On leaving this place our forces destroyed many of the public
+buildings. The Oconee river, which flows along the east side of the
+capitol, is a narrow, deep stream, and very handsome. Over it was a
+good wagon bridge, left unhurt by the rebel fugitives. While crossing
+this bridge all pack animals over one to a company, were taken and
+appropriated to other use, for by general order only one was allowed to
+a company, but in spite of orders the boys would cling to their mules,
+one company having sometimes several span. These creatures were a great
+help to us in carrying our heavy plunder. On the march from
+Milledgeville to Sandersville the command was for the first time
+molested seriously by the cavalry of the enemy. About these times they
+captured many of our foragers, nineteen of whom it was said were hung
+on the spot.
+
+The day on which the command entered Sandersville it had its first
+encounter with the enemy's cavalry, under rebel General Wheeler, which
+had gotten in our front and attempted to arrest our progress.
+
+But there was no halting on Wheeler's account, for our troops made
+their way on, he and his getting out of the way. While the division was
+at Sandersville it gave the country around a healthy forage. A certain
+wealthy planter living near had five or six score of French or Spanish
+negroes, with a dwarfish stature and a gabble like so many geese. This
+planter lived in Savannah in high life, as most wealthy planters do.
+His possessions would seem changed when next he saw them; his cotton
+and out-houses, his presses and gins were burned up, his productions
+taken and plantation gleaned; but he is not alone in his misery, his
+neighbors are as bad off as himself.
+
+It was amusing to see the slouchy negroes obey the soldiers' orders,
+for they had to be obeyed. Twenty or thirty of them would run after the
+same chicken, heading and tripping each other as they went. These, like
+all negroes, were delighted to see the Yankees waltz in and make old
+massa "shell out." They would point out where things were concealed,
+and then! Oh, then! take a regular nigger laugh when the Yanks "went
+in." However, about noon on the 28th, the command having left
+Sandersville, arrived on the west bank of Rocky Comfort creek. The
+bridge over this stream being burnt, it was obliged to wait till late
+in the evening before a crossing could be effected into Louisville,
+where it went into camp one mile east of the town.
+
+At this camp, on the evening of the 29th, Colonel Fahnestock took his
+regiment on picket, and on the next day fought a force of the enemy's
+cavalry which was making a demonstration on our lines in several
+places, keeping the pickets on the maneuver most of the day.
+
+At the first alarm of the enemy on the lines of the Eighty-sixth, the
+Colonel ordered his men to advance to a line two hundred yards to his
+front and throw up a line of barricades for protection.
+
+While this was being done a constant fire was kept up on the rebels,
+whose course was soon turned, being compelled to withdraw in confusion
+across a large cornfield. When they reached the farther side of this
+field they formed their lines, and also threw up a line of barricades
+which they held until late in the afternoon, when the regiment charged
+them away and took possession, and following them up for more than a
+mile, returned. Though the casualties of the regiment in this day's
+skirmish were not great, the excitement, nevertheless, ran high. Its
+loss was four missing or captured. The company loss was as follows: Co.
+A, two; Co. F, one; Co. K, one.
+
+The foragers from our division on this occasion were made to suffer
+severely. The enemy came upon them so suddenly that they were unable to
+get back to the lines; not a few of them were killed and captured, and
+many of them, being overbalanced with wines, were shot in cold blood.
+
+On the first of December, the division moved from Louisville in the
+direction of Millen, and crossing on its route, Big, Dry and Spring
+creeks, camped a short distance to the east of the latter. It had the
+corps train in charge, while the other two divisions moved on the right
+and left to protect it.
+
+The next day a deflection was made in the line of march of our
+division, caused by the change of direction of the 20th Corps, its
+course being turned northward, crossing Buckhead and Rocky creeks, on
+pontoons laid for that purpose, and camping on the night of the 3rd at
+Lumpkin's on the railroad. On the next day Carlin's and Morgan's
+divisions, with the three corps trains, after destroying three miles of
+railway, moved in the direction of Jacksonboro, and camped thirteen
+miles beyond Lumpkin's Station. On this same day, Baird and Kilpatrick,
+after some fighting with Wheeler's cavalry, drove the enemy from
+Waynesboro and across Brier creek.
+
+The march was continued on the morning of the 5th, passing through
+Jacksonboro into the north-eastern edge of Effingham county, thence
+down the Savannah river, arriving in the vicinity of the city of
+Savannah on the 11th of December.
+
+Many new and exciting incidents occurred on the march from Louisville
+to Savannah. Larger caravans of negroes than before followed our
+war-path, frequently being cut off by the enemy's cavalry, but by
+circuitous routes and much hard marching, would make their appearance
+again.
+
+There was at once a laughable and pitiful sight occurred respecting
+these poor unfortunates, while the command was crossing the country in
+the vicinity of Buckhead and Rocky creeks. As soon as the troops
+crossed these streams the pontoons were taken up and the Africans left
+behind. This, however, did not have the effect to discourage them, for,
+after wandering up and down the banks for a time, in mad excitement,
+some sturdy fellow among the rest, ventured in and swam across. This
+was a signal for the rest, who followed like sheep in a drove. Many of
+the women, with the darling calamity of their bosom in their arms, were
+washed under by the swift current to rise no more.
+
+The inhabitants of Georgia, on this unexpected raid through their
+country, used many devices in the effort to hide their household
+affairs, horses, mules, wagons and all kinds of provisions from the
+invading Yankee army, but to no material purpose. The foragers would
+first go to the houses and inquire of the families where they kept
+their provisions, horses, mules and such, the answer invariably being
+that "we'ens have none, are poor people," etc. The boys could not be
+fooled out of a good thing by such talk as that, but proceeded
+immediately to an investigation of the matter. Drawing the rammers from
+their guns they would insert them in the ground at every suspicious
+place where fresh dirt might be seen, and if they should strike
+anything hard with them, the process of digging would be the next thing
+on the programme, and behold! various things of consecutive kinds would
+appear, probably the whole contents of a smoke-house or dwelling. The
+soldier, making this discovery, would take of the treasure what he
+wanted, and tell the next fellow he met, who, after satisfying his
+desires would do unto another as he was done by, fulfilling the moral
+rules. In this manner, the whole treasure would soon be absorbed in an
+arithmetical decreasing progression.
+
+While some soldiers were pursuing this plan for finding things, others
+were pursuing other plans. Calling a negro, they would inquire where
+his massa or missus had hid their mules, the reply being, "I don't
+know, massa." "But you do know, you black rascal, now out with it, or
+you'll hear a dead nigger fall," at the same time presenting a gun. It
+works like a charm, the negro begs and agrees to tell. A Yankee can't
+be foiled, for he has more ways than a centipede has legs.
+
+No sooner had our army reached the Savannah river than many of the
+foragers crossed it into South Carolina, on large flat-boats which they
+captured going down the river towards Savannah laden with the choicest
+treasures. There was also a small stern-wheel gun-boat plying along the
+river above Savannah, watching the movements of our forces, which
+General Morgan allowed his foragers would _gobble_ before his command
+reached Savannah.
+
+In going down the Savannah river, the division passed near old Ebenezer
+church which was built in 1739, nearly one hundred and twenty-seven
+years ago. It is the remains of the oldest church in the United States,
+and bears with it much of historical interest.
+
+On the afternoon of the 9th of December, when our column was within
+fourteen miles of Savannah, our passage was disputed by a rebel battery
+planted at the crossing of two roads.
+
+Two regiments of our brigade, the Eighty-sixth and 125th Illinois, were
+deployed as skirmishers, with orders to advance until they found the
+enemy's works. By the time these orders were executed, night drew on,
+and under its cover the rebels retreated. This battery was captured,
+however, having mistaken the roads and running into other of our
+forces.
+
+The Eighty-sixth regiment, in this skirmish, lost two men wounded. One
+from Company A, the other from H.
+
+After the skirmish, our division marched to the Ten-mile House and went
+into camp, giving the road to the 20th Corps.
+
+The next day, the command moved on to within three or four miles of
+Savannah, taking up position around it. The siege of this place may be
+said to have begun on the 11th of December.
+
+The forces under rebel General Hardee in the works around Savannah
+numbered about fifteen thousand men.
+
+The face of the country in this vicinity, was level and swampy, so that
+a large force well handled would make a formidable resistance.
+
+Our works were built close up to the enemy's, and constant skirmishing
+went on.
+
+On the 13th, two days after the siege began, the 2nd division of the
+15th Corps, charged on Fort McAllister and took it. This gained us
+communication with our fleet, and a short time after we eat hard tack
+from the great sea.
+
+During the siege, the Eighty-sixth did not go on the front lines, but
+remained in camp in the rear, spending most of its time pounding rice
+or seeing it well done by the natives.
+
+In the siege of Savannah, the 20th Corps held the left of our lines,
+resting on the Savannah river; the 14th Corps was on its right; the
+17th Corps next, and the 15th Corps on the extreme right, with its
+flank resting on the Gulf railway, at station No. 1. The army remained
+in this position until the 21st, ten days from the commencement of the
+siege. In the meantime there was a deal of foraging done, as the
+country began to fail to supply the demands made upon it.
+
+The last few days of the siege, the foragers were compelled to go a
+long distance to the rear in order to procure the necessary quota of
+rice, for this was eminently a rice country. The soldiers always had
+regular meals of rice and pork for breakfast, pork and rice for dinner,
+and _vice versa_ for supper.
+
+Up the Savannah river from the city of Savannah, and bordering on it
+upon either bank, were large and nourishing rice plantations,
+cultivated by great numbers of negroes of every hue of the skin and
+brogue of the tongue, some of them direct from Liberia, some from New
+Guinea, and others from the swamps of Florida. It was amusing to see
+the soldiers act the place of master and overseer over these deplorable
+creatures. One soldier would crowd together thirty or forty of them,
+and march around them at right-shoulder-shift arms, keeping them at
+work pounding rice with mortar and pestle. Great ricks of this precious
+produce, in every way resembling oats, were stacked on each plantation,
+and from ten to twenty thousand bushels in a single stackyard. Our army
+made use of it in various ways, much of it being threshed and hulled,
+and then used by the soldiers, but a greater part fed to mules.
+
+Thus, things passed merrily on, until the memorable 21st of December,
+when our forces marched proudly into the "Forest City," Hardee having
+evacuated it on the night of the 20th. Now, the whole army went into
+camp in and about it, being once more in communication with the outer
+world.
+
+Here ends the great raid to the sea.
+
+Immediately after the capture of Savannah, General Sherman sent the
+following brief note to President Lincoln: "I beg to present you, as a
+Christmas gift, the city of Savannah, with one hundred and fifty heavy
+guns and plenty of ammunition, and also about twenty-five thousand
+bales of cotton."
+
+On this raid, the army marched over three hundred miles directly
+through the heart of Georgia, living off the best of the land. No less
+than ten thousand negroes left the plantations of their former masters
+and accompanied the army when it reached Savannah, without taking note
+of thousands more who were left along the line of march. Over twenty
+thousand bales of cotton were burned, besides twenty-five thousand
+captured at Savannah. Thirteen thousand head of beef cattle, nine
+million five hundred thousand pounds of corn, and ten million five
+hundred thousand of fodder, were taken from the country and issued to
+the men and animals.
+
+Besides the history of this great raid, there are many other historical
+incidents connected with this portion of the country. Savannah itself
+was the first settlement in the State, being laid off in the year 1733.
+It was here where the great John Wesley first officiated as minister.
+And it was the scene of many revolutionary incidents; where General
+Lincoln fought the British in October, 1779; where Pulaski fell, and
+where Nathaniel Greene lies buried.
+
+Savannah is located in a low, level country, surrounded by almost
+impassable swamps of a very unhealthy nature. It has a canal running
+into it from the Ogechee, and three railroads radiating from it; and
+from its beautiful shade trees, it is appropriately called the "Forest
+City."
+
+Our great raid through Georgia, the Queen State of the Confederacy, was
+practically unobstructed by the enemy. True, they attempted to arrest
+our progress, but without the slightest success. Some of Wheeler's men,
+would, at times, make a stand behind an intrenchment and contest our
+advance. Our skirmishers would push forward, reinforced by the reserve,
+a charge would be sounded by the bugle, a rush follow--and amid the
+rattle of musketry and report of field pieces, the ground would be
+swept over by our boys, the works carried, and enemy routed. These
+little fights resulted in no check to our advancing columns. The head
+of the column would halt to let the rear close up, and before that was
+done, the advance guard would have cleared the way, and the column
+again set in motion.
+
+Such too, was the case when fallen trees or destroyed bridges
+obstructed the road. The pioneers had usually cleared away the
+impediments before the column had closed up, and no stoppage on this
+account was experienced. Notwithstanding this arduous march down to the
+great sea, the soldiers were not in the least dispirited. They wanted
+for nothing to eat or wear, and it seemed to them more of a gala day
+than one of fatigue.
+
+Before closing this chapter, we will give a summary of events from the
+time we left Lee and Gordon's Mills until the close of the year 1864.
+
+The total casualties of the Eighty-sixth Illinois, during this time,
+the most eventful period of its history, were:
+
+    Recruits                       16
+    Transferred by promotion        1
+    Transferred to other regiments 26
+    Discharged                      9
+    Ordinary deaths                 7
+    Killed in action               45
+    Missing                        25
+    Deserted                        6
+    Wounded in action             113
+    Wounded accidental              8
+    Died of wounds                 10
+    Surrendered from desertion      1
+                                 ----
+      Aggregate                   267
+
+The beginning of 1864 found us near Chattanooga with an army nearly
+equal to our own to contend with; the end of it found us in Savannah,
+snugly encamped near the great sea. The whole year had been resplendent
+with victory. Atlanta and Milledgeville and Savannah had fallen, and
+the anaconda of Yankee vengeance had almost extinguished the lights of
+rebellion. Success seemed mixed with doubt when the year began; when it
+closed, bright and buoyant was the hope of our armies on land and sea.
+
+Sherman had pushed from the mountain districts of the north to the
+level lowlands of the south; no army having ever met with more signal
+success than his. No difficulties had been more successfully overcome,
+at any time or age, than by his exultant army. With determined zeal and
+firm tread it marched from one victory to another.
+
+If it failed in driving the enemy at one or two or three trials, it was
+still fearless and determined. And he was a brave and mighty man who
+led this army through so many perils to lasting fame and achievements.
+It had been on an active campaign for eight long months, digging in the
+dirt and marching like the wind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+RAID THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA--BATTLES OF AVERYSBORO AND BENTONVILLE.
+
+
+At Savannah, General Sherman received instructions from the Lieutenant
+General to embark his army on transports, and hasten to the James
+river, to participate in the final destruction of the main army of the
+rebellion. However, upon Sherman's earnest representation of the
+difficulty of moving sixty thousand infantry, and ten thousand cavalry,
+with their due allowance of artillery, so great a distance by water,
+and on assurance that he could place his army at the desired place
+sooner, in better condition, and with more injury to the enemy, General
+Grant consented to this modification, and gave the necessary orders. A
+division was drawn from General Sheridan's army of the Shenandoah, and
+sent to Savannah as a garrison. This enabled Sherman to take with him
+the entire army with which he made the raid through Georgia. He
+determined to make the distance between Savannah and Goldsboro at one
+stride. Some time was consumed in preparation, and by the 15th of
+January, 1865, all was ready and the movement began.
+
+On the 20th of this month, the 2nd division of the 14th Corps, still
+under the command of James D. Morgan, moved out from Savannah eight
+miles in a north-western direction, camping near Tuly's Station, where
+the command lay wind-bound for four days.
+
+Just a short time prior to this move from Savannah, General Feering was
+placed in command of the 3rd brigade, under General Morgan, thus
+relieving Colonel Langley of that command.
+
+General Feering remained with his brigade, much beloved by all, until
+the battle of Bentonville, N.C., where he was wounded, being so
+disabled that he never afterwards resumed command of it. On the morning
+of the 25th, at seven A.M., the command resumed its march from Tuly's
+Station, the 14th Corps with Geary's division of the 20th, and Corse's
+division of the 15th Corps, marched up the west bank of the Savannah to
+Sister's ferry, where they crossed over to the South Carolina side, on
+the 5th of February, having been detained one week on account of high
+water at this ferry.
+
+On the 8th, the division again cut loose from communications, marching
+up the Savannah to a point opposite Barnwell, where it left the river
+road and going to Barnwell, crossed the Salkahatchie river on its
+route. From Barnwell it took a northern course, striking the Augusta
+and Charleston railway at a small place known as Williston, thence,
+continuing north, crossed the South and North Edisto rivers, and going
+within one and a half miles of Columbia, was headed off by other
+troops, being compelled to move back up the Saluda river, some eight
+miles from Columbia, where, on the 26th, it crossed it on a pontoon
+bridge, and thence marching north-east, round Columbia, crossed Broad
+river at Fursell's Ferry, some twenty miles nearly north of Columbia.
+Our division was ferried over this stream, as there were not enough
+pontoon boats to complete a bridge. Crossing the river in the afternoon
+of the 18th, it went into camp, building breastworks for a protection
+to our supply train, as it was reported that Hood was also crossing the
+river above us.
+
+Before going into camp, the eighty-sixth sent out a detail of foragers,
+under charge of Captain Hall, of Company H, to scour the rich country
+beyond the Broad river, meeting with more than ordinary success. This
+party had a skirmish with a squad of the enemy's videttes, driving them
+pell-mell.
+
+As the army remained here a few days, we will review the most
+interesting events of the march up to this period.
+
+The general features of the country over which the division passed, was
+that of a hilly, undulating plain, becoming more hilly and broken the
+farther north it went, until these undulations had gradually assumed
+the proportions of high hills. The country south of the North Edisto
+river, in Carolina, is far richer in its soil and yields a better crop
+than that north of this river.
+
+The plantations, too, are larger, and lie more in a body than in other
+parts of the State over which we passed; and it is a curious fact,
+often remarked, that there is no rock or gravel here. The soil is
+seldom black, but usually a yellow clay of a spongy texture. North of
+the North Edisto river, the country begins to assume a stony and
+gravelly appearance, and rises in ridges of hills until it becomes very
+broken indeed. There is a peculiarity in the soil of this part of the
+country which deserves remark. It is this: fields are sometimes seen
+covered over with a white sand, frequently an inch, and sometimes more,
+in depth. Off at a distance, a person unaccustomed to this peculiarity,
+would mistake this sand for a sheet of water. All soldiers are aware of
+this fact who have passed this portion of the country. There are places
+again where the sand seems to have been drifted like snow over the
+surface of a plain, and as much as one thing can resemble another,
+these drifts resemble snow, of a pure white color.
+
+The swamps in this State are very different from those of Georgia. They
+are not so difficult to travel through, and not near as numerous and
+large. In many of them, rice is extensively cultivated, and is far
+superior in quality to that raised on high lands.
+
+So far, the State furnished us an abundance of forage of every kind,
+and the very best.
+
+The boys lived sumptuously on flour, molasses, cured hams and many
+other of the staunch things of life--never fared better.
+
+They always ate to satiety, and quit with plenty left. From the very
+first they treated South Carolina as her acts of treason and atrocity
+deserved. Nearly every house all over the country was fed on the flames
+of Yankee vengeance. When their houses were burnt, the proud chivalry
+were obliged to seek refuge in negro shanties--an awful condescension,
+but scores of them have had their pride thus broken.
+
+To some, it may have seemed relentless barbarism to burn and devastate
+a country in the manner in which Carolina was served, but when they
+remember she was the main actor in the rebellion, fired the first gun,
+and led her sister States into a fratricidal war, and, moreover, prided
+herself in such acts of inhumanity, who then can pity her, or
+sympathize with her? She dared not ask sympathy, for multitudes of
+slain patriots answered, No sympathy for the venomous Carolina! There
+was no time in the day when looking around you there might not be seen
+liquid flames of fire lifting themselves in mad waves above the
+beautiful mansion, gin or fences; and even the hills and valleys for
+miles around were blue with smoke.
+
+These were truly the smoky days of Carolina! Such was the inveterate
+hatred our troops entertained towards this State, and such the freedom
+allowed, that seldom the least of things were spared. If there was more
+forage than was needed for army consumption, the dancing flames of
+Yankee vengeance eat it up.
+
+This portion of South Carolina was not thickly settled, owing to single
+persons owning very large tracts of land. On nearly all of these
+extensive plantations there was usually two fine dwellings: one for the
+lord, the other for the overseer. Round the overseer's dwelling there
+was a large number of negro shanties, frequently from ten to fifty,
+somewhat resembling a town. The lord's residence was invariably fixed
+off in gay colors, with its handsome yards, out-buildings to break the
+summer's sun, with high walls inclosing a square for hounds, besides
+many other things. Then inside the dwelling itself were the costliest
+and most beautiful decorations imaginable. The richest Turkey carpet
+covered the floor; the finest sofas, chairs, tables, and other
+decorations filled the rooms, and a large and extensive library was
+invariably to be found. But these gay ornaments vanished before the
+"vandal Yanks," as the dew-drops before the rising sun.
+
+The scenery from the high hills that border on the western bank of the
+Broad river, is grand in the extreme. Excepting that in the vicinity of
+Chattanooga, it surpasses anything of the kind that ever came under our
+observation. Looking eastward, you see the railroad and river winding
+their snake-like course along the high and hilly plain. And from the
+same view, as far as the eye can reach, one vast plain, undulating and
+broken, spreads itself before you, diversified with a green forest of
+pine, and fields covered with pure white sand, resembling high drifts
+of snow. Then around you, in whatever point of compass you should
+chance to look, thick volumes of smoke might be seen rising out of the
+valleys, over the tops of intervening hills, presenting a picturesque
+and novel scene.
+
+Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, some twenty miles south of our
+position on Broad river, was captured on the 17th of February, by the
+right wing of the army, under General Howard, the mayor making a formal
+surrender of the place to Colonel Stone, commander of a brigade of the
+15th Corps. This brigade was the first organized body to enter it. The
+city was fired by Wade Hampton's men before they left it, and nearly
+destroyed, notwithstanding the effort made by our troops to save it.
+While our division remained on the east side of the Broad river, it was
+engaged, for a time, in destroying the Spartansburg railway. It was a
+poor excuse for a road, the iron being old and worn out.
+
+From Broad river, our column took up the line of march at six o'clock
+on the morning of February 20th, moving in a north-eastern direction,
+crossing Little river, and striking the Charlotte and Columbia railway
+at White Oak Station, four miles north of Winnsboro; thence marching up
+the railway some six miles, crossed it at Blackstakes, and marching
+east, camped at twelve M. on the 22nd, giving the road to the 20th
+Corps.
+
+The march was resumed at eight A.M., on the 23rd, camping at night near
+Rocky Mount, on the Catawba river, in the north-eastern corner of
+Fairfield district. On the 24th, the Eighty-sixth Illinois was moved
+forward several miles, and camped on Rocky Mount, where it remained
+four days. The 14th Corps having crossed the Catawba river by the 28th,
+resumed the march. General Morgan's division now led the advance of the
+corps, and marching in a north-eastern course, crossed Flat, and the
+two Lyncher creeks, and passing through Hickory Head on its route,
+arrived on the Great Pedee, at a point eight miles above Cheraw, where
+it laid a pontoon bridge, and crossed over on the 7th of March.
+
+From the Great Pedee, the line of march was taken up in a direct course
+for Fayetteville, where the command arrived on the 11th of March.
+
+The country between the Broad and Catawba rivers is very broken indeed.
+One ridge of hills closely succeeds another, and they are high and
+steep. The scenery here is exceedingly wild and romantic. There has
+been a romance written of this part of the State, of the era of the
+Revolution, called the Black Riders of the Congaree, which was
+interesting to read while we were also acting a great drama there. This
+was also the campaign grounds in the times of the Revolution. Rocky
+Mount, Camden, Sander's Creek and Hanging Rock are places of
+Revolutionary fame.
+
+A great deal of trouble was experienced in completing a pontoon bridge
+across the Catawba, on account of heavy rains and high waters. By the
+time it would be nearly done the swift current would sweep it away. It
+was in consequence of this detention that General Sherman sent orders
+to General Davis, in case he could not get the pontoon bridge to hold
+by the morning of the 28th, to burn his trains, swim his mules, ferry
+his men and come on. But as good luck would have it, the bridge was
+finally made to stick, and on the 28th everything was landed safely on
+the other side.
+
+About midnight on the 27th, Colonel Fahnestock blew his whistle for the
+regiment to fall in and cross the river. The winds blew and the rains
+fell, but for all that the Eighty-sixth had to crawl out of its dry
+tents, do them up and go; and when it reached the pontoon it was not
+yet done, causing us to lay round enjoying the benefit of the rain till
+morning. The Eighty-sixth about this time thought it would get a
+permanent detail as train guards, get to ride and such; but like many
+other of its hopes and plans, it was all "in a horn."
+
+On the march from the Catawba there was a deal of corduroying to be
+done on the muddy roads, and by the time our long trains had passed
+over they were far worse than ever. Our corps train consisted of more
+than six hundred wagons, and when stretched out on the same road, as
+was very often the case, it would string out from six to seven miles,
+making bad roads for the rearmost wagons. General Davis was surprised
+at the rapidity with which General Morgan moved his command from the
+Catawba to the Great Pedee, and complimented him for it. General Morgan
+was, in every sense of the word, a go-ahead man; he was so kind and
+careful with his men that they would speak of him altogether by the
+sobriquet of "Uncle Jimmy Morgan." He was odd and peculiar in his
+manner; he stood in a position inclining forward, and when he walked he
+held his hands behind him, his eyes striking the ground at an angle of
+forty-five degrees. In conversation with others, he walked rapidly
+backwards and forwards as if in great mental excitement, doubtless, as
+Artemus Ward would say, "a way he has." He was plain and unostentatious
+in his dress, wearing a soldier's blouse, a soldier's hat, and
+soldier's shoes, being a private soldier out and out, the only
+distinction consisting in the little star upon either shoulder--the
+insignia of his rank.
+
+Those who did not know him would wonder what soldier that was using so
+much authority. General Morgan was not only common to and among his
+men, but, better than all, he was careful with them, and valued their
+lives as much as his own, never commanding them to go where he would
+not accompany them. Whenever there was a battle pending, you would see
+him on the skirmish line dodging round and looking about for himself;
+and when there was great danger, he would tell his boys to be very
+careful and not get hurt, seeming really to love them. Before the
+General entered the service he was said to have been a pork packer,
+though there was another report that he was a Methodist preacher. These
+reports were often the source of amusing incidents. Frequently on our
+long marches the boys would become tired and worn out, wanting to go
+into camp. By and by Uncle Jimmy would come along while they were in
+this mood, when some mischievous fellow would cry out--not to the
+General, but that he might hear it: "I'll be d----d if I sell Uncle
+Jimmy my hogs if he don't camp pretty soon." This strikes the nail on
+the head; the General laughs and goes ahead, jerking the reins as
+usual. Uncle Jimmy was certainly a man of the finest feelings and
+respect for others, and possessed a true, brave and loyal heart.
+
+In his order to his command, announcing the capture of Richmond, he
+said: "Let every true and loyal heart rejoice."
+
+There was a marked peculiarity in the country between the Catawba and
+Pedee, consisting in a great many rocks scattered here and there of an
+enormous size and peculiar shape. They were from eight to twelve feet
+in height, of an oval form, and covered with a thick green moss.
+
+These curious rocks excited the wonder of all. On one we saw there was
+a spring, with its bright waters trickling over its sides so beautiful
+and wonderful, and known as Hanging Rock of historic fame.
+
+The country between the Great Pedee and Cape Fear rivers is one vast,
+extensive pine forest. In this section there are but few plantations,
+and they are small. The general features are level, and the
+undulations, if any, are slight. Out of these forests, the inhabitants
+manufacture turpentine, rosin and tar in great quantities. They hew the
+bark from two sides of the tree, and near its roots cut a niche to
+receive the juice that does not gum on its sides. On nearly every
+stream there is a factory for the making of turpentine, rosin and tar.
+On our passage through, these factories were full, and when burning,
+made a huge fire and smoke, far surpassing in grandeur anything of the
+kind we ever saw, or ever expect to see. Among the curiosities of our
+march, the burning of these factories was the most curious. Just
+imagine one hundred barrels of rosin and as many of turpentine and tar
+to be thrown together and ignited. It is impossible for a person who
+has not witnessed such a scene, to form a proper idea of the real
+grandeur and sublimity of these dense volumes of black, agitated smoke,
+brightened betimes with lofty flames of liquid fire, that seem to lift
+themselves in the fury of their madness to the very skies.
+
+When our column was within twenty-four miles of Fayetteville, General
+Kilpatrick, who was several miles to the left of our division, was
+surprised by the enemy and routed, though he afterwards rallied his men
+and regained his camp.
+
+The army now entered Fayetteville without further opposition, remaining
+from the 11th of March until the 15th. During its stay several small
+steamers came up from Wilmington, bringing provisions and mail.
+
+The left wing of the army remained at Fayetteville the short space of
+four days, when it led out on the main road to Raleigh, which follows
+the right bank of the Cape Fear river some sixteen miles or more, and
+branching at Averysboro.
+
+The supply train of the 14th Corps was left behind in charge of the 3rd
+division, to intercept us by a nearer route whenever provisions enough
+arrived at Fayetteville to load it.
+
+On the morning of the 16th the left wing moved from its camp of the
+night previous and discovered the enemy with artillery, infantry and
+cavalry, in an entrenched position in front of the point where the road
+branches off towards Goldsboro through Bentonville. Hardee, in
+retreating from Fayetteville, had halted in the narrow swamp neck
+between Cape Fear and South rivers, in the hope of holding Sherman
+there, in order to save time for the concentration of Johnston's army
+at some point in his rear. Hardee's force was estimated at twenty
+thousand men. It was necessary to dislodge him, that our army might
+have the use of the Goldsboro road, as also to keep up the feint on
+Raleigh as long as possible. Slocum therefore advanced on his position,
+only difficult by reason of the nature of the ground, which was so soft
+that horses and men would sink everywhere and could scarcely make their
+way at all. The 20th Corps led the advance of Slocum's column, the 14th
+Corps following with Kilpatrick's cavalry in the entire advance.
+
+The 20th Corps, upon finding the enemy, drove him from his first line
+of works, and advancing, took position confronting his second line,
+which was more formidable than the first. Then the 14th Corps took
+position on the left of the 20th Corps, our division being on the
+extreme left of the line, with its left resting on the Cape Fear river.
+The whole line now advanced late in the afternoon, drove the enemy well
+within his works, and pressed him so hard that he retreated during the
+night in a hard storm over the worst of roads. From this position
+Hardee retreated on Smithfield.
+
+No member of the Eighty-sixth will forget with what difficulty it got
+its position in this battle, having to wade through creeks and swamps
+up to one's armpits. There was no chance to make a deflection to the
+right or left to shun a quagmire, right ahead being the only chance.
+The Eighty-sixth skirmishers in this engagement experienced a hard
+time; but the main body of the regiment was not brought into action.
+
+The loss of the regiment was two killed and three wounded. The killed
+were Captain John F. French, of Co. K, and Rileigh George, of Co. F.
+Captain French was a brave and accomplished officer, and beloved by all
+the regiment. Co. K lost two wounded, and Co. C one.
+
+As soon as Hardee was known to have retreated, our forces were again
+put on the move, taking the road leading to the right, built a bridge
+across the swollen South river, and marched on the Goldsboro road.
+
+Our wounded were taken with us from the battlefield of Averysboro, and
+as there were not enough ambulances for them, some were loaded in army
+wagons. The march was continued in the direction of Bentonville, over a
+country rich with forage of every kind except molasses--a luxury we
+were not often without. Meal and meat were to be had in abundance. No
+wanton destruction of property was tolerated in this section of the
+country, for there was too much loyalty and poverty for that, and
+soldiers are too magnanimous not to respect these; but where luxury and
+pomp abound, they are hyenas and wolves.
+
+On the night of the 18th, our division camped on the Goldsboro road,
+about five miles from Bentonville and twenty-seven from Goldsboro, at a
+point where the road from Clinton to Smithfield crosses the Goldsboro
+road.
+
+General Sherman had been with our wing of the army up to this time, and
+anticipating no more opposition in the occupation of Goldsboro, left
+General Slocum's column on the next morning to accompany Howard's
+advance into Goldsboro.
+
+Early on the morning of the 19th, the 14th Corps, being in advance of
+the 20th on the same road, marched directly on to Bentonville. On
+arriving at that place it soon discovered the enemy in force, strongly
+intrenched on the further side of a difficult swamp.
+
+The 1st division, driving back his cavalry and skirmishers, took a
+position on the left of the road, and the 2nd division to the right of
+the same. These divisions set to work and built log breastworks.
+
+As soon as General Slocum ascertained that the combined forces of Hoke,
+Hardee and Cheatham, all under command of rebel General Johnston, were
+massed in his front, he ordered the two divisions of the 20th Corps to
+form on the left of the 14th Corps, at the same time ordering up the
+two divisions that were back with the supply trains.
+
+Meantime the enemy sallied out on the left flank of the 1st division of
+the 14th Corps, driving it back pell-mell, then pushing forward, struck
+the flank and rear of the 2nd division.
+
+At this juncture our brigade was moved out from the works on the
+double-quick to cover its left flank. Before it got its lines formed
+the rebels were upon it, and in the battle and confusion that ensued it
+was driven back, but forming again it threw up logs and rails for
+protection, which it held against six or seven successive charges.
+
+The giving back of our brigade left exposed the rear of the other two
+brigades. These brigades were formed in two lines, and were now
+attacked furiously in front and rear. Therefore the rear line changed
+sides of its works, and thus the advance of the enemy was met from both
+ways. These brigades fought heroically, and after a most desperate
+engagement came out victors, severely chastising the enemy, and
+capturing over three hundred prisoners. It was about this stage of the
+game that the 20th Corps was brought up to our assistance, Johnston's
+forces driven back, and our lines mended. Our trains would certainly
+have been captured had it not been for the timely arrival of these
+fresh troops, for they were brought up close in the rear of the lines
+of battle, as there was no engagement with the enemy anticipated.
+
+Finally, when the battle began to rage in all its fury, there arose a
+panic among them far surpassing what had happened in the fight. The
+approaching storm of the battle seemed to them to be against us, and
+the conclusion was, there was no safety but in flight. Teamsters began
+to flee to the rear with their teams, and ambulance drivers with their
+ambulances. Each tried to outrun the rest, for all were eager to be
+foremost; consequently, in the jumble and excitement that ensued, no
+headway could be made. In trying to head each other off, they stuck
+fast in the swamp. The drivers did not try to extricate their vehicles,
+but mounting mules fled for a serener sky.
+
+There had certainly been a mixed time with the rear gentry as could be
+seen the next morning. From the time the enemy made his first attack
+until dark there was an incessant roar of artillery and musketry. It
+was the days of Chickamauga renewed. Our artillery did good execution,
+and its deafening roar was awful in that dismal swamp.
+
+Night ended this dreadful battle. It was fought in a low, difficult
+swamp, with mud and water over shoe mouth in depth, then it was densely
+covered with a thick growth of shrubs, briars and vines, closely
+interwoven. Judge the difficulty of such a place during a desperate
+engagement.
+
+When the 3rd brigade was thrown out on the flank of the division, the
+Eighty-sixth Illinois was met by the enemy before it had formed its
+lines, Colonel Fahnestock ordering it to lie down and maintain its own,
+which it succeeded in doing for about ten minutes when the enemy struck
+it in flank, forcing it back several hundred yards, where it formed
+again and threw up a slight protection by means of logs and rails, with
+its left resting on the main road. Here it remained, holding its own,
+during the desperate charges made by Johnston on our lines.
+
+In this day's fight, General Feering was wounded, and Colonel Langley
+took command of the brigade. Soon after the battle had ceased, the
+enemy fell back to his main line of works; our forces following up on
+the 20th, and taking position, built breastworks.
+
+On the night of the 21st, General Johnston evacuated his intrenchments
+at this point, and retreated with his main force on Smithfield.
+Accordingly, on the morning of the 22nd, the 14th Corps having no enemy
+to oppose it, marched, and crossing the Neuse river on a pontoon, eight
+miles above Goldsboro, camped at that place, late at night of the same
+day. A few days previous to this, Generals Schofield and Terry had
+opened a line of communication to this place from Newbern.
+
+The loss of the Eighty-sixth, in the battle of Bentonville, was, in
+all, two killed and twenty wounded.
+
+The company loss was as follows:
+
+         KILLED.
+
+    Company G          1
+    Company K          1
+                      --
+      Total            2
+
+         WOUNDED.
+
+    Company B          1
+    Company C          1
+    Company E          2
+    Company G          6
+    Company H          4
+    Company I          1
+    Company K          5
+                      --
+      Total           20
+
+Here ends the second great raid.
+
+The Eighty-sixth Illinois had traversed over five hundred miles,
+through all kinds of weather, country and scenery, and had consumed
+sixty-two days in doing it. Crossed no less than ten rivers, some of
+them at high water, and marched through the heart of South Carolina,
+leaving its mark behind it. Was engaged in several skirmishes and two
+battles, and lost twenty-seven men in battle and nine missing on the
+route, making thirty-six in all.
+
+When it arrived in Goldsboro it was fat, ragged and saucy, having
+wanted for nothing but shoes. To get refitted, cleaned up and rested,
+were treats after the first order of things.
+
+Before closing this chapter we will give an incident of the mode in
+which foraging was carried on during these great raids.
+
+On every day's march, a detail was made from each company in our
+division to go in advance of the main column and forage for it. These
+men might be seen stringing out of camps long before the column was set
+in motion, and were, of course, the first to visit the plantations. The
+first things they would make a rush for, were the mules and horses, in
+order to carry a load away with them. Then, going to the houses, they
+would secure what provisions they wanted, and loading them into a cart,
+would set a negro to work hitching up a horse or mule to it, then
+putting him on the load to drive, leave a soldier with him to see
+things well done. After this was done, some few of them would go back
+to the houses and rummage them from bottom to top, ransacking every
+nook and corner for all kinds of precious things. Trunks, boxes, beds
+and such, never escaped notice, their contents being thrown out on the
+floor and scattered to the four winds.
+
+The same was the case with the fine libraries: books that were not
+wanted, were sent whirling on the floor. It was a caution to see them
+go in, paying no respect for anybody or anything. Beautiful damsels and
+affectionate dames stood around with eyes suffused with tears, pleading
+in vain. Negro houses met the same fate, for they too were turned
+topsy-turvy from one room to another. There was always some mean enough
+to do it, in the hope to find a fortune, and often his hopes were
+fulfilled, as the whites sometimes hid their money with the negroes, in
+the belief it would not be disturbed. Out of one fine dwelling, on the
+Broad river, a soldier took eighteen thousand dollars in gold, and
+thinking that was all, set it on fire. After it had burned down and the
+fire died away, other curious soldiers took long poles and raking among
+the embers brought to light a large bucket of molten silver.
+
+Though nearly every house on the line of march was rummaged for gold
+and silver, it was done by a few unprincipled men, who must needs
+accompany an army under all circumstances, ready for any dirty work to
+which their evil propensities may lead them.
+
+After these foragers had collected what mules and horses they could
+find, and what provisions they wanted, they would travel on in the
+course the column was moving till near night, when they would halt
+until it came up, and all go into camp together.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+CAPTURE OF JOHNSTON'S ARMY.
+
+
+As soon as Sherman's army encamped at Goldsboro, it began to prepare
+for a new campaign. Nearly three weeks were required to refit and
+equip, and accumulate supplies necessary for the pursuit of Johnston's
+army, which was held well in hand about Smithfield.
+
+On the 9th of April, an order was read to our division, from General
+Grant to General Sherman, directing him to move on Johnston and press
+him. Prior to this, an order had also been read, announcing the capture
+of Richmond, which created universal joy. Accordingly, early on the
+morning of the 10th of April, the army was set in motion against
+Johnston, whose entire force was estimated at thirty-five thousand
+effective men.
+
+The 14th Corps marched up the eastern bank of the Neuse river, and
+arrived at Smithfield on the evening of the 11th. Johnston had rapidly
+retreated across the Neuse, and having his railway to lighten up his
+trains, could fall back faster than we could pursue. The rains had also
+set in, making the roads almost impassable, and rendering a deal of
+corduroying necessary.
+
+On the morning of the 12th, the announcement of the surrender of rebel
+General R. E. Lee's entire army, was made to our corps, causing
+feelings of inexpressible joy. To us, it was great, grand and glorious
+news.
+
+Upon this intelligence, General Sherman gave orders to drop all trains,
+and the army marched rapidly on to Raleigh where our division arrived
+in the afternoon of the 13th, Johnston's army having hastily retreated
+on the roads from Hillsboro to Greensboro. Remaining in Raleigh, over
+the night of the 13th, the 14th Corps, resumed the march on the 14th,
+moving south-west in the direction of Salisbury, Morgan's division
+arriving at Avon's Ferry on the Cape Fear river, on the afternoon of
+the 15th.
+
+Thus matters stood when General Sherman received a communication from
+General Johnston that arrested all hostile movements for the time
+being. Our division now took up camp to await the results of
+negotiations between the commanders of the two opposing armies, which
+finally resulted in the surrender of Johnston's entire force.
+
+The country between Goldsboro and Smithfield was usually low and
+swampy, affording good positions for the enemy's cavalry, which, in
+small force, and for a short time, would take advantage of them. On the
+contrary, however, the country between Smithfield and Raleigh was
+enchanting: we had not seen its equal in all the South. When our
+division was within fourteen miles of the city of Raleigh, a flag of
+truce train was sent to meet us, offering its surrender, which being
+accepted, the rest of the march was unobstructed according to
+conditions.
+
+Kilpatrick's command was the first to enter it, and while the General
+was riding at the head of his men, some reprobate had the audacity to
+shoot at him. The offender was caught and hung.
+
+The people of this place seemed glad that the "vandals" had come.
+Raleigh was the handsomest city in all famous Dixie, it being neat and
+clean, and its situation grand, the surrounding country affording an
+extensive view. Here was found many of the handsome feminine chivalry,
+who having fled before us from the line of our raids, finally concluded
+to meet face to face the "grim-visaged Yanks."
+
+Our division now remained at Avon's Ferry, on the Cape Fear, five miles
+below the confluence of the Haw and Deep rivers, for five days, in a
+sickly swamp. At this place, the Eighty-sixth Illinois set to work and
+put up comfortable quarters, after which the boys lay round in the
+shade, discussing the prospects of a speedy peace, when by and by, some
+one brought the dreadful rumor of the assassination of President
+Lincoln, which became confirmed on the evening of the 18th, Sherman's
+order to that effect being read to our division.
+
+This sad intelligence cast a deep gloom over their joy in the
+anticipations of peace. It was heard by every member of the regiment,
+and division, with feelings and expressions of the keenest sorrow.
+
+Finally, a memorandum or basis of agreement, was drawn up by General
+Sherman, which, for the time being, was satisfactory to General
+Johnston and all present as a proposition to be submitted to the
+President of the United States for ratification or rejection, it being
+sent to Washington with all possible haste.
+
+While these things were pending, our division was moved from the Cape
+Fear river to Holly Springs, on the 21st, that it might be nearer
+communications. When the memorandum between Sherman and Johnston was
+received by the cabinet at Washington, it was disapproved, and General
+Grant, with the following letter of instructions, was sent, in haste,
+to General Sherman:
+
+                                        "WAR DEPARTMENT,
+                              "_Washington City_, April 21, 1865.
+
+    "GENERAL: The memorandum or basis agreed upon between General
+    Sherman and General Johnston having been submitted to the
+    President, they are disapproved. You will give notice of the
+    disapproval to General Sherman, and direct him to resume
+    hostilities at the earliest moment.
+
+    "The instructions given to you by the late President, Abraham
+    Lincoln, on the 3rd of March, by my telegram of that date
+    addressed to you, express substantially the views of President
+    Andrew Johnson, and will be observed by General Sherman.
+
+    "A copy is herewith appended.
+
+    "The President desires that you proceed immediately to the
+    headquarters of General Sherman, and direct operations against
+    the enemy.
+
+                              Yours truly,
+
+                                   "EDWIN M. STANTON,
+                                        "_Secretary of War_.
+
+    "TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT."
+
+This dispatch was received on the morning of the 24th. General Sherman
+instantly gave notice to Gen. Johnston as follows: "I have replies from
+Washington to my communication of the 18th. I am instructed to limit my
+operations to your immediate command, and not attempt civil
+negotiations. I therefore demand the surrender of your army on the same
+terms as were given to General Lee at Appomattox, Va., on the 9th of
+April, instant, purely and simply."
+
+General Sherman now issued orders terminating the truce on the 26th, at
+12 o'clock M., and ordered all to be in readiness to march at that
+time.
+
+Again, on the 25th, General Johnston invited General Sherman to another
+conference, with a view to surrender. It now became the province of
+General Grant to take the lead in negotiations, but he preferred that
+Sherman should consummate the work. Nevertheless, General Johnston was
+afforded another interview. At this conference final terms were soon
+concluded, and the second grand army of the Confederacy was surrendered
+to Sherman on the following terms:
+
+    "All acts of war on the part of the troops under General Johnston's
+    command to cease from this date. All arms and public property to be
+    deposited at Greensboro, and delivered to an ordnance officer of
+    the United States Army. Rolls of all officers and men to be made in
+    duplicate, one copy to be retained by the commander of the troops,
+    and the other to be given to an officer to be designated by General
+    Sherman. Each officer and man to give his individual obligation in
+    writing not to take up arms against the Government of the United
+    States until properly released from this obligation. The side-arms
+    of officers, and their private horses and baggage to be retained by
+    them.
+
+    "This being done, all the officers and men will be permitted to
+    return to their homes, not to be disturbed by the United States
+    authorities so long as they observe their obligations and the law
+    in force where they may reside."
+
+Immediately on the conclusion of the definite cartel of surrender,
+General Sherman issued orders for the future movements of his army. Its
+work was done, and nothing remained for the greater portion of it not
+required to garrison the conquered country but to return home and
+disband.
+
+The real and genuine feelings felt and expressed by the soldiers of our
+army at the surrender of Johnston, the return of peace, and the fact of
+their immediate march towards the homes from which they had been so
+long absent, cannot be written. It caused a thrill of emotions in every
+heart beyond the reach of the pen to portray.
+
+The Eighty-sixth Illinois was still camped at Holly Springs when the
+glorious news of the fall of Johnston and the order for the homeward
+march was received. Every man was electrified with the great, grand and
+glorious news. Horrid visions of the past no longer possessed a single
+mind, but the hearty welcome, the joys and pleasures of a distant home,
+and the dear, beloved friends that made it home, crowded the mind of
+every one with inexpressible feelings of delight. Every man was more
+nimble, more talkative and more pleasant than ever before.
+
+Nothing could be more enlivening, more vivifying and more devoutly to
+be wished than the very position in which they stood. Long and tedious
+marches had lost their dread, and every one became anxious to be
+homeward bound.
+
+Bright visions of a future welcome at Peoria rose up before the minds
+of all--for there we would be met by the joys of our long absent
+friends, and the kind hospitality of the noble and generous-hearted
+ladies of the Women's National League--ladies who justly deserve our
+hearty thanks for their humane and loyal efforts to cheer and aid us in
+the field and at home. Their noble deeds will ever maintain a sacred
+spot on the tablets of our memory.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+HOMEWARD BOUND.
+
+
+General Morgan's division, of the 14th Corps, led out from its camp at
+Holly Springs at half past five o'clock on the morning of the 29th of
+April, and marching to the railroad camped near it, eight miles west of
+Raleigh, at Page's Station, where it procured supplies for its homeward
+march.
+
+Remaining at this place until the 1st of May, it took up the march for
+the city of Richmond, and crossing the Neuse river at Fisher's Dam,
+camped on the first night four miles north of this dam and twenty miles
+from Oxford, after a hard march of twenty-two miles.
+
+The column led out of camp the next morning at five o'clock A.M., and
+passing through Oxford, camped three miles north, marching twenty-three
+miles. Led out of camp on the morning of the 3rd, and being cut off by
+the 3rd division of the 20th Corps, made a forced march round it, and
+came in ahead of its advance, but Morgan gave the road; then continuing
+on, camped on the Roanoke river, four miles into Virginia, having
+marched about eighteen miles.
+
+Led out of camp on the 4th at half past three A.M., and crossing the
+Roanoke river at Faylor's Ferry, six miles above Huskington, on a
+pontoon bridge, marched through Boydton and camped on the Meherrin
+river. Marched twenty-three miles. Led out at five o'clock A.M. on the
+5th; crossed Little and Big Meherrin rivers, and marching through
+Lewiston, crossed Nottoway river and camped four miles from Nottoway
+C.H., having marched twenty-seven miles over bad roads. Resumed the
+march on the 6th at half past four o'clock, passing through Nottoway
+C.H. and Dennisville, camped late at night at Good's Bridge on the
+Appomattox river, having made a hard march of thirty miles under the
+pressure of a warm day.
+
+Crossed the Appomattox river on the 7th, and marching camped on Falling
+creek, five miles from Richmond. Made twenty-five miles. Now ended the
+march until the 11th.
+
+It was a race between the corps commanders of Slocum's wing. Sherman
+ordered his Generals not to march over fifteen miles per day, but
+instead, General Davis made from twenty-two to thirty. It was an
+imposition of the worst feature, for many a good soldier was killed
+that might not have been, all for a foot race.
+
+On this march the Eighty-sixth traveled one hundred and sixty-one miles
+over a beautiful country, in the latter part of spring, everything
+assuming a lovely aspect; and had the march been conducted as it was
+ordered to have been, it might have enjoyed the trip. All the
+inhabitants came out to see the Yankees; the old and young, the white
+and black, came from far and near to get a view. The regiment now set
+to work after its usual manner in the erection of comfortable quarters,
+which it had completed in a short time, and then took the world easy.
+It was encamped in a vicinity made renowned by the wars of the great
+rebellion, where the contending forces of the Rebel and Union armies
+had maneuvered for so long a time for the mastery.
+
+At this camp, it will be remembered, the commanding officers issued a
+deal of their surplus whisky to the division, which proved the
+harbinger of rows, riots, fights of a stirring and noisy kind, too
+numerous to mention. After four days rest, the division resumed its
+march for Washington City early on the morning of the 11th of May, and
+passing through Manchester, crossed the James river and entered the
+city of Richmond from the south-west. Now, for the first time, it
+beheld the once great Rebel Capital--the anaconda and boa-constrictor
+of rebel vengeance. When the command reached the north side of the
+James, the Libby prison could be seen on the right, where so many of
+our captured soldiers have languished and died under the cruel care of
+its keeper. Then, a short distance above the Libby, and on the same
+side of the street, stood Castle Thunder, also a place of infamous
+reputation. Passing on, it was met by hundreds of peddlers dealing out
+their pies, cakes, cheese, and such, by the wholesale. The city did not
+show the ravages of war as much as was expected; true, a part of it had
+been burnt on its evacuation, but aside from this there was nothing to
+show that it had been so long the theatre of war; neither racked nor
+ruined, but compact, neat and clean.
+
+All were surprised not to see huge entrenchments, high as the Chinese
+walls; but alas! there was nothing but an ordinary line of works around
+it, no stronger than the Eighty-sixth had often made on the Atlanta
+campaign in one night! "As strong as Richmond" had become a by-word. In
+front of Kenesaw, the Chattahoochie and Atlanta, may be found stronger
+works by far, thrown up in just one mortal night, than are to be seen
+on the south-west and north of Richmond.
+
+Jeff. Davis, in his Sodom and Gomorrah of the Confederacy, was not as
+secure as many were wont to think. Sherman would have snaked him out
+sooner than he did if he had had his "flanking machine" in operating
+distance. But time progressed, the world moved, and Richmond fell.
+
+Passing through Richmond, the command marching northward, camped four
+miles from Hanover C.H., making sixteen miles. Led out of camp at
+twelve o'clock M. on the 12th, and passing through Hanover C.H.,
+crossed the Pamunky at Little Page's Bridge, and camped four miles
+above it, making eight miles. The course of march on the 13th was
+north-west, crossing the railway at Chesterfield, and camped one mile
+beyond Childsburg, making eighteen miles.
+
+The march of the 14th was still north-west. The command camped on
+Plentiful creek by an old mill, having made an easy march of eighteen
+miles. Resuming the march on the 15th in a north-western direction, the
+command crossed the Rapidan river at Raccoon Ford, and camped for the
+night on the north bank, having marched seventeen miles. Led out of
+camp on the Rapidan at seven A.M. on the 16th, the Eighty-sixth
+Illinois being train guard and crossing the North Fork of the
+Rappahanock at Kellie's Ford, marched and camped near Catlet's Station,
+making twenty-two miles.
+
+Marched from Catlett's Station at half past four A.M. on the 17th, and
+following the railway, passed through Manassas Junction and camped on
+the Bull Run battlefield, having marched twenty-five miles under a hot
+sun.
+
+Resumed the march at five A.M. on the 18th, and passing through Fairfax
+C.H., camped within nine miles of Washington, having marched fifteen
+miles. Again, at nine A.M. on the 19th, the march was resumed, the
+command camping at a point equidistant from Washington and Alexandria,
+and four miles from each, having marched five miles. From its camp at
+this place the Eighty-sixth Illinois saw the distant dome of the
+Capitol for the first time.
+
+Soon again the regiment had comfortable quarters, and enjoyed them
+hugely after so long and arduous a march. It marched one hundred and
+forty-four miles on its journey from Richmond to Washington, consuming
+eight days in doing it. On this march all were surprised not to find
+the country cut up with all kinds of works incident to war, for such
+things were not to be seen to any formidable extent. At Manassas
+Junction there were a few old forts, then in ruins, that may have been
+at some time quite formidable, but never wonderful. At Bull Run was to
+be seen the strongest entrenchments on the line of march, which had
+been built and held by the rebel army.
+
+The following are the casualties of the regiment from the time it left
+Savannah until its muster out:
+
+    Recruits               6
+    Resigned               2
+    Transferred            5
+    Discharged            12
+    Ordinary deaths        4
+    Killed in action       3
+    Died of wounds         5
+    Missing in action      8
+    Wounded in action     20
+    Wounded, accidental    1
+                         ---
+      Aggregate           66
+
+Immediately upon the arrival of Sherman's army at Washington City,
+General Grant issued orders for the review of the Grand Army of the
+Potomac to take place on the 23rd, and that known as Sherman's army to
+take place on the 24th. Thousands of people flocked from all parts of
+the country to witness the grand pageant. The most ample preparations
+had been made for the occasion. The President was seated on an elevated
+stand, surrounded by his Cabinet officers, foreign ministers and
+distinguished strangers. Pennsylvania Avenue was lined on both sides
+from end to end with admiring people; every window presented its
+tableau of fair spectators; and the occasion was such as had never
+before been witnessed on the American continent. The daily papers all
+over the land soon flourished lively descriptions of the great and
+grand review; and according to them and the judgment of most of the
+spectators, the Army of the West bore off the palm; they described it
+as more graceful, more stalwart and more intelligent than the Grand
+Army of the Potomac.
+
+On the occasion of this grand review of Sherman's army, a certain New
+York paper, the _Independent_, paid our division a very high
+compliment. It said:
+
+    "The finest looking set of men in either army--they were also said
+    to be the best drilled--was the 2nd division of the 14th Corps,
+    composed of Western troops, and commanded by General James D.
+    Morgan, of Quincy, Illinois, one of the bravest of the brave, the
+    idol of his soldiers, and called by them 'Our Jimmy Morgan.'"
+
+But as for the soldiers themselves, grand pageantry in the line of
+reviews had "played out." What was charming to the assembled multitude
+was no joyous affair to them. Their good time came, however, when the
+attention of officials was turned to mustering out.
+
+On the morning of the review of Sherman's army, our division led out of
+its camp at an early hour, and by a slow and tiresome march it arrived
+at Washington and passed before the admiring crowd between one and
+three o'clock P.M., marching back to camp in the evening, where it
+arrived as much fatigued as if it had been pursuing rebels.
+
+At twelve o'clock M. on the day after the grand review, General Morgan
+moved his division across the long bridge over the Potomac into
+Washington City, and thence three miles north, where he camped it near
+the President's summer houses.
+
+While encamped here the boys were allowed many privileges in and around
+the Capitol; all the guards being taken off, they were allowed to run
+wild, though they did not run riot.
+
+Here also the Eighty-sixth Illinois, on the evening of the 6th of June,
+1865, was mustered out of the United States service, having been
+engaged in the service of its country as an organized body for three
+years wanting two months and twenty-two days.
+
+Immediately after this the boys of the regiment saluted each other as
+American citizens and not as soldiers, and though the metamorphosis was
+sudden, it seemed to have the force of a protracted transformation.
+
+The following are the casualties of the regiment from the time it left
+Lee and Gordon's Mills until its muster out:
+
+    Recruits                                6
+    Transferred by promotion                1
+    Transferred to other regiments         31
+    Discharged                             21
+    Ordinary deaths                        11
+    Killed in action                       48
+    Missing                                33
+    Deserted                                6
+    Wounded in action                     133
+    Wounded, accidental                     9
+    Died of wounds                         15
+    Resigned                                2
+    Surrendered from desertion              1
+                                         ----
+      Aggregate                           323
+
+The entire casualties of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, during its term of
+service, in killed and died, discharged, transferred and deserted, was
+four hundred and sixty-seven men, the company loss being as follows:
+
++-------------+------------+-------------+--------------+-----------+
+|             | Killed and | Discharged. | Transferred. | Deserted. |
+|             |   Died.    |             |              |           |
++-------------+------------+-------------+--------------+-----------+
+| Company A   |      29    |     16      |       9      |      1    |
+| Company B   |       5    |     21      |      12      |      3    |
+| Company C   |      11    |     25      |       7      |      8    |
+| Company D   |      16    |     19      |       9      |      3    |
+| Company E   |      15    |     25      |       6      |      2    |
+| Company F   |      15    |     26      |       4      |      3    |
+| Company G   |      16    |     10      |       6      |      1    |
+| Company H   |      12    |     22      |       8      |      0    |
+| Company I   |      22    |     18      |       7      |      8    |
+| Company K   |      20    |     20      |       5      |      2    |
++-------------+------------+-------------+--------------+-----------+
+|     Total   |     161    |    202      |      73      |     31    |
++-------------+------------+-------------+--------------+-----------+
+
+The regiment lost fifty-one men killed and one hundred and fifty-four
+wounded in battle, having participated in twenty-two engagements, not
+mentioning many others in which it rendered assistance by supporting,
+guarding flanks, or protecting rear. It marched thirty-five hundred and
+thirty miles, and was transported by railroad about two thousand miles,
+making a total distance of five thousand five hundred and thirty miles,
+besides a great deal of traveling about camps, on picket, etc., that is
+not taken into account.
+
+There were three hundred and seventy-nine men mustered out with the
+regiment; besides this number there were many absent at hospitals and
+on detail who could not be present at the muster-out. Two days after it
+was mustered out of the service, the regiment boarded the cars, at the
+depot in Washington City, on its way to Chicago, there to receive its
+pay, disband and go home.
+
+From Washington it passed through Baltimore _via_ Harrisburg and
+Pittsburgh to Chicago, where it arrived at twelve o'clock M., on the
+11th of June. Everywhere on its route it received expressions of the
+most cordial welcome. Every one seemed rejoiced that the soldier boys
+were coming home from the bloody wars, in every way showing their
+grateful feeling of warmest sympathy for the services they had rendered
+to Union and liberty.
+
+At Pittsburgh it received the kindest welcome of them all. More genuine
+sympathy was manifested there than the boys had yet experienced. In
+behalf of this people was engendered a feeling of the most profound
+regard. The regiment was escorted from the cars to the city hall by a
+band discoursing delightful music, where was prepared a dainty meal for
+all. After dinner, it was escorted back to the train, by the same band,
+amid the waving of handkerchiefs from the crowds that thronged the
+streets and balconies, and the "God bless you" from a thousand lips. So
+long as our minds can retrace the past, and so long as our hearts are
+capable of a generous emotion, will we continue to hold in sacred
+remembrance, the noble and generous-hearted people of Pittsburgh.
+
+Every one anticipated a hearty welcome at Chicago, inasmuch as it had
+been extended elsewhere on the route; but we were cruelly and sadly
+disappointed. No one met the regiment at the depot even to tell it
+where to go. Every window presented its tableaux of fair spectators,
+but no signal was made in token of welcome, no hearty "God bless you"
+emanated in audible words from a single heart, but they gazed as if
+upon a menagerie of southern wild beasts. The men were chagrined, and
+would exclaim, "This is Richmond, not Chicago!"
+
+The regiment finally found its way to Camp Fry and pitched its tents.
+Here it remained until the 21st, waiting impatiently for its pay and
+discharge.
+
+The good folks of Chicago, however, determined not to allow the boys to
+leave their city until they had assuaged their anger. Accordingly, the
+Eighty-sixth and 125th Illinois received an invitation to appear at the
+Sanitary Fair rooms, and partake of the fatted calf, where they
+received not only a substantial dinner, but also several stirring
+speeches, among which was one made by General Sherman.
+
+The General spoke as follows:
+
+    FELLOW SOLDIERS: I regret that it has fallen to my task to speak to
+    you, because, I would rather that others should do what is most
+    common to them, and less so to me. But, my fellow soldiers, it
+    gives me pleasure to assure you that what the President of this
+    Fair has told you just now is true--that a hearty welcome awaits
+    you wherever you go, not only in Chicago but everywhere. Many
+    people think you want bread and meat, but your faces and my
+    knowledge tell me that you prefer the waving of handkerchiefs and
+    the applause of the people to all the bread and meat that fill the
+    warehouses of Chicago. (Cheers.) Those soldiers who are now before
+    me know where bread and meat can and will be found. (Laughter.) All
+    we ask and all we have ever asked, is a silent and generous
+    acknowledgment of our services when rendered in the cause of our
+    country.
+
+    And, fellow soldiers, when you get home among those who will
+    interest you more than anything I can say, just call to mind where
+    you were twelve months ago. You remember the Kenesaw Peak and
+    Little Kenesaw. It is not a year since you stormed them, and lost
+    my old partner and friend, Dan. McCook. That was on the 27th June,
+    1864. In June, 1865, you stand in the midst of Chicago, surrounded
+    by bright colors, and ladies, and children. Then you were lying in
+    the mud, the rocks and the dirt, and you knew that there was an
+    enemy we had to fight with and conquer, and we did not exactly know
+    how to do it. (Laughter.) But we were patient; we reconnoitered--we
+    watched their flanks--we studied the ground--and in three days we
+    had Johnston and his whole army pinned; he retired, and we did not
+    give him a chance of stopping until he had put the Chattahoochie
+    between us and him. That is a lesson to you. Temporary defeat is
+    nothing when a man is determined to succeed. You are not
+    conquered--you never can be conquered when the mind is clear and
+    determined in its purpose; you must succeed--no temporary defeat
+    can cause failure.
+
+    You will remember that on the 4th of July we stood close to each
+    other, and we told them then that they would have to go farther
+    than Atlanta, for we should continue to go on. (Cheers.) You will
+    remember how their pickets told us they had reinforcements. Yes,
+    but what? They had one of our Corps--Schofield's. (Laughter.)
+    Before General Johnston knew, or dreamed of it, I had reinforced
+    his side of the Chattahoochie by General Schofield's 23rd Corps.
+
+    From this, my fellow soldiers I want you to learn the lesson, no
+    matter where you are, to-day or to-morrow, by keeping a purpose
+    close in your mind, in the end you will succeed, whether it be in
+    military, civil, social or family affairs. Let no difficulty appal
+    you--let no check alarm you--let your purpose in life be clear and
+    steadfast--keep in view the object and design of your life, and
+    just as sure as you are now before me in health and strength, you
+    will succeed.
+
+    You are now returned to your homes, and the task now allotted to
+    you is that of the future. The past is disposed of--it may soon be
+    forgotten; but the future is before you, and that future will be
+    more glorious than the past. Look at your own State of
+    Illinois--look at the city of Chicago. It is hardly as old as any
+    of you, for twenty-five years ago a little military garrison was
+    here--a two-company post; and now it is a city of palaces, of
+    streets, railroads, etc. You, the men of a city almost the second
+    in the United States of America, are to assist in directing the
+    affairs of this country. You have the patience and industry, and
+    more than that, you have organization, discipline and drill, and if
+    I have been instrumental in teaching you this--in maintaining
+    discipline, order and good government in the army which I have had
+    the honor to command, I am contented; for on this system, and on
+    the high tone of honor which pervades your minds, must be built the
+    empire of America. (Loud cheers.)
+
+    I did not wish to address you, but I believe that there are no
+    others here who desire to speak, and therefore I ask you to accept
+    what is given in heartiness--a full, joyous, welcome home to
+    Chicago. I know it is genuine, for I myself have experienced it.
+    Feel you are at home--and that there are no more rebels, no more
+    raking fire--no more shot; but that you have done with them all
+    forever. Good morning.
+
+On the afternoon of the 21st of June, having been in Chicago just ten
+days, every member of the Eighty-sixth received his pay and final
+discharge. Soon, the boys scattered to the four winds, bound for home
+and friends. Suddenly, the Eighty-sixth Illinois passed from existence!
+
+                     *      *      *      *      *
+
+Here ends the history of the good old Eighty-sixth Regiment of
+Volunteer Infantry, which had undergone so many days of hardships,
+perils and privations for the maintenance of home, union and liberty.
+
+There is no surviving member of the regiment, but will always pride
+himself in having belonged to that organization; he will never forget
+the sad and repulsive scenes of the past, in connection with the merry
+days of yore; he will ever cherish in lasting remembrance the many
+noble and heroic comrades who have fallen by his side--men with whom he
+has passed the most trying hours of his existence--men who knowing the
+rights of their friends, their country and homes, dared raise the
+strong right arm in defense. Ay! he will ever invoke a just Heaven to
+reward them as their merit deserves, and in his hours of sad
+reflection, he will drop a tear to their memory.
+
+
+
+
+REGIMENTAL ROSTER.
+
+REGIMENTAL STAFF.
+
+
+Colonel David D. Irons; August 27, 1862; died August 11, 1863, at
+Nashville, Tennessee.
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel David W. Magee; August 27, 1862; resigned March 25,
+1864, at Camp McAfee, Georgia.
+
+Lieutenant-Colonel Allen F. Fahnestock; April 13, 1864; mustered out
+with regiment at Washington City.
+
+Major J. S. Bean, August 27, 1862; resigned December 26, 1862, at
+Nashville, Tennessee.
+
+Major O. Fountain; December 26, 1862; resigned October 30, 1863, at
+North Chickamauga.
+
+Major J. F. Thomas; April 13, 1864; mustered out with regiment at
+Washington City.
+
+Surgeon M. M. Hooton; August 27, 1862; mustered out with regiment at
+Washington City.
+
+First Assistant Surgeon J. Gregory; August 27, 1862; transferred to
+U.S.C., December 15, 1863.
+
+Second Assistant Surgeon I. J. Guth; August 21, 1862; mustered out with
+regiment at Washington City.
+
+Adjutant J. E. Prescott; August 27, 1862; resigned December 26, 1862,
+at Nashville, Tennessee.
+
+Adjutant C. D. Irons; ----; resigned April 25, 1863, at North
+Chickamauga.
+
+Adjutant L. J. Dandy; ----; discharged April 25, 1865, per order War
+Department.
+
+Regimental Quartermaster C. H. Dean; August 27, 1862; promoted A.Q.M.,
+February 18, 1864.
+
+Regimental Quartermaster A. Bracken; February 18, 1864; mustered out
+with regiment at Washington City.
+
+Chaplain G. W. Brown; August 27, 1862; resigned October 13, 1863, at
+Nashville, Tennessee.
+
+Chaplain J. S. Millsaps; October 13, 1863; mustered out with regiment
+at Washington City.
+
+
+NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
+
+Sergeant-Major L. J. Dandy; promoted.
+
+Sergeant-Major D. E. Ward; mustered out with regiment.
+
+Quartermaster Sergeant J. Adams; died February 19, 1863.
+
+Quartermaster Sergeant C. Magee; mustered out with regiment.
+
+Commissary Sergeant T. A. McNorris; discharged.
+
+Commissary Sergeant W. J. Longfellow; mustered out with regiment.
+
+Hospital Steward Jo. Robinson; mustered out with regiment.
+
+Principal Musician A. Webber; mustered out with regiment.
+
+Principal Musician S. B. Silzell; mustered out with regiment.
+
+
+COMPANY OFFICERS.
+
+
+COMPANY A.
+
+Captain W. S. Magarity; August 27, 1862; resigned October 10, 1863.
+
+First Lieutenant Jo. Major; August 27, 1862; promoted Captain October
+10, 1863, and mustered out with regiment.
+
+Second Lieutenant S. T. Rogers; Aug. 27, 1862; promoted First
+Lieutenant October 10, 1863, and resigned from wounds received in
+battle, June 27, 1864. J. J. Jones, promoted First Lieutenant.
+
+
+COMPANY B.
+
+Captain E. C. Beasley; August 27, 1862; resigned January 28, 1863. J.
+P. Worrell, promoted Captain.
+
+First Lieutenant J. C. Kingsley; August 27, 1862; mustered out with
+regiment at Washington City.
+
+Second Lieutenant N. McVicker; August 27, 1862; resigned Jan. 17, 1863.
+P. W. Wycoff, promoted Second Lieutenant.
+
+
+COMPANY C.
+
+Captain J. F. Thomas; August 27, 1862; promoted Major, April 13, 1864,
+and mustered out with regiment. W. G. McDonald, promoted Captain.
+
+First Lieutenant J. H. Batchelder; August 27, 1862; Brigade Commissary,
+and mustered out with regiment.
+
+Second Lieutenant R. B. Beebe; August 27, 1862; resigned Feb. 1, 1863.
+
+
+COMPANY D.
+
+Captain Frank Hitchcock; August 27, 1862; mustered out with regiment at
+Washington City.
+
+First Lieutenant W. D. Faulkner; August 27, 1862; mustered out with
+regiment at Washington City.
+
+Second Lieutenant W. H. Hall; August 27, 1862; resigned Jan. 14, 1863.
+I. L. Gleares promoted Second Lieutenant.
+
+
+COMPANY E.
+
+Captain O. Fountain; August 27, 1862; promoted Major Dec. 26, 1862. J.
+F. Waldrof, Captain, resigned June 18, 1863. E. Van Antwerp, Captain,
+died July 15, 1864.
+
+First Lieutenant M. Grave; August 27, 1862; resigned January 13, 1863.
+
+Second Lieutenant S. W. Williams; August 27, 1862; resigned January 11,
+1863. H. W. Wilson promoted First Lieutenant.
+
+
+COMPANY F.
+
+Captain J. L. Burkhalter; August 27, 1862; mustered out with regiment
+at Washington City.
+
+First Lieutenant N. D. Combs; August 27, 1862; resigned January 11,
+1863.
+
+Second Lieutenant John Hall; August 27, 1862; promoted First
+Lieutenant, and mustered out with regiment at Washington City. A. P.
+Loveland promoted Second Lieutenant.
+
+
+COMPANY G.
+
+Captain W. B. Bogardus; August 27, 1862; died of wounds received in
+battle March 19, 1865.
+
+First Lieutenant S. L. Zinser; August 27, 1862; promoted Captain;
+mustered out with regiment.
+
+Second Lieutenant M. Kingman; August 27, 1862; promoted First
+Lieutenant; mustered out with regiment.
+
+
+COMPANY H.
+
+Captain J. H. Hall; August 27, 1862; mustered out with regiment at
+Washington City.
+
+First Lieutenant E. E. Peters; August 27, 1862; resigned July 12, 1863.
+W. F. Hodge promoted First Lieutenant.
+
+Second Lieutenant D. W. Merwin; August 27, 1862.
+
+
+COMPANY I.
+
+Captain A. L. Fahnestock; August 27, 1862; promoted Major January 31,
+1864.
+
+First Lieutenant A. A. Lee; August 27, 1862; promoted Captain Jan. 31,
+1864.
+
+Second Lieutenant J. L. Fahnestock; August 27, 1862; resigned Jan. 23,
+1863. R. W. Groninger promoted Second Lieutenant.
+
+
+COMPANY K.
+
+Captain J. F. French; August 27, 1862; killed March 16, 1865. L. A.
+Ross promoted Captain.
+
+First Lieutenant J. B. Pete; August 27, 1862; discharged Dec. 24, 1864.
+
+Second Lieutenant H. F. Irwin; August 27, 1862; dishonorably discharged
+Nov. 29, 1862. John Morrow promoted Second Lieutenant.
+
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN BURKHALTER'S ADVENTURE.
+
+
+On the morning of the 20th of August, 1864, while our army was
+besieging Atlanta, General James D. Morgan's division was ordered on a
+raid to cut the Montgomery and Atlanta Railroad. Our brigade, the 3rd,
+left its baggage in the rifle pits, leaving a sufficient guard with it.
+The skirmishers were also left on duty under the command of Capt.
+Burkhalter, the subject of our narrative.
+
+Sometime after the division had gone, the Captain became lonesome and
+anxious to know what the division was doing, so he attempted to follow
+and see the fun. He followed it very well until within three or four
+miles of the railroad, when a heavy rain overtook him; he stopped under
+the shelter of a large tree until the storm had somewhat subsided, then
+mounting his horse pursued what he supposed to be the right road, but
+the pelting rain had obliterated every vestige of our course, and he in
+consequence was in a dilemma as to what was best. It did not seem well
+to turn back after having gone so far, so he determined to follow in
+the probable course of the column until he found more evidence one way
+or the other. On he went in a musing mood, doubting as he went.
+
+Having now gone a long distance without any favorable signs, he had
+about concluded to return, when on a sudden a stalwart reb, armed to
+the teeth, stepped out from behind a tree and commanded the unwary
+Captain to surrender. A complete surprise. What could he do; he had
+left his sword and pistol in camp, not dreaming of this adventure.
+
+He stopped instanter, obeying the summons of his captor, for there was
+no other alternative; he was powerless. The next demand made of him was
+his watch and pocket book.
+
+The rebel, for a short distance, marched the Captain a few paces in
+front, following close in the rear with a cocked gun, and leading the
+horse by the reins; but this was not getting along fast enough, for the
+horse would not lead good. He now ordered the Captain on horseback,
+still walking close behind and directing the course of the prisoner by
+proper military commands.
+
+They had thus traveled about two miles when a horseman was heard to
+approach on a keen trot from the direction of their front. This
+horseman was supposed to be a rebel cavalryman, but on coming closer he
+was discovered to be a Yankee. The rebel leveled his gun on him and
+commanded his surrender; but saying nothing, the Yankee threw the reins
+loose on the horse's neck and approached to the rebel's gun as if to
+give up, but seizing it thrust it to one side, when off it went,
+hurting no one.
+
+The rebel was now at their mercy, if they could catch him, for he took
+leg-bail. Both the Yankees pursued and finally captured him. The
+Orderly--for the last character was the Captain's Orderly--tried to
+shoot the fugitive, but his pistol would not go off.
+
+Having captured the rebel, the Captain loaded his gun and demanded back
+all that had been taken from him. The Captain soon after found the
+column, bringing his captive with him, rejoicing--the rebel fighting
+mad.
+
+
+
+
+SOLDIERS' LETTERS.
+
+
+Letters are the soldier's tonic. They will strengthen and restore when
+army grub and other restoratives, duly proportioned, wholly fail. The
+blues and all kinds of contagious diseases to which mortals are heir,
+caused by idleness and the lack of proper diversion of the mind, are
+soon uprooted by a good interesting letter from a fellow's most
+affectionate. Give soldiers full rations and regular mail, then there
+can nowhere be found a more rational set of men than they. But letters
+are sometimes like our crackers and pork, unfit for use. Such letters
+do no good--they are no good. There is a sheet full of writing, to be
+sure, but it is about something that neither interests nor concerns us.
+Those letters that tell us about the little things of home; the farm,
+the horses, the cattle, the dogs and cats, their quality and
+disposition; also the parties and frolics, who is going to see who, and
+what people say about it, are the very letters that do all this good I
+have been telling about.
+
+The soldiers will always crowd around the ones who get such letters,
+make remarks and ludicrous suggestions which cause bursts of hearty
+laughter and strains of highest merriment, thus passing the tedious
+hours of camp life in a light and merry way.
+
+No one cares for a letter which is wholly devoted to the praise and
+admiration of one's patriotism and to the sacredness of the Union
+cause.
+
+Such letters bore to the very quick. It seems to them that the writer
+is taking that opportunity to speak a word of eulogy for himself. As
+for the true soldier, he never asks for words of flattery; he is not to
+be gulled with bland words and braggadocio. The letter for the soldier
+is the long, pithy one, full of little things, even down to gossip.
+_Gossip is better than eulogy_, especially when used in an egotistical
+manner.
+
+
+
+
+BATTLE.
+
+
+Much has been said and written about battle, the greater portion of
+which is an exaggeration of facts. Fireside writers and reporters have
+composed long manuscripts, beginning and ending in frantic agonies and
+seas of blood, exhausting the vocabulary of pathetic epithets. That
+battle is dreadful cannot be denied, but those who have passed through
+the fiery ordeal do not experience half the convulsions and agony of
+soul that is written. If a comrade falls, the column still moves on. No
+one, by the late rules of war, dare stop to bear off the wounded or
+sympathize with those in the throes of death. There are men detailed
+for that purpose, who follow up in the rear and give those in need due
+attention.
+
+A soldier in a pitched battle does not pretend to know who is hurt
+until the battle is ended; he must needs push ahead and do his part
+until he is no longer able. Many of your comrades fall around you; they
+show unmistakable symptoms of severe wounds, but your attention is too
+much engrossed to ever think to inquire the nature of their wounds. You
+are hardly conscious of any suffering around you. Excitement has borne
+you off so that you never think to look and see who is on your right or
+left, or whose spirit is winging its flight from the body over which
+you are walking. The soldier does not seem to feel pangs of sorrow when
+arms clash the loudest; he does not see danger and suffering and
+ghastly sights until all is over and quiet restored. Those who are
+unacquainted with the mental condition of the soldier in time of
+battle, wonder and ask why it is that those whom he knows so intimately
+are wounded and many times killed by his side without knowing the
+nature of their wounds or the circumstances of their death. The reason
+for this is manifest from what has already been said.
+
+There is oftentimes more horror in the idea and dread of battle than in
+the thing itself. The soldier becomes so accustomed to human butchery
+that it loses many, very many, of its horrors.
+
+After battle, when the clash of arms has ceased, is when the soldier's
+sympathy is tried. The solicitations of the maimed and dying raise a
+feeling of commiseration in the most obdurate heart; and still this
+feeling is of but short duration and of a mild character.
+
+
+
+
+FARMING IN THE SOUTH.
+
+
+Farming in the Southern States is carried on in a very simple and
+seeming ignorant style. One could not refrain from laughing at their
+oddity in agricultural pursuits. They are a great many years behind the
+North in this respect, as well as in many others.
+
+The whites and negroes are so sluggish, indolent and careless in their
+habits that their works are a fair prototype of themselves. There is a
+difference between a farm and a plantation, though they are carried on
+in nearly the same style; the main difference is that the one is gotten
+up on a larger scale than the other. What is usually called a farm is
+owned by a poor white man--while the plantation is owned by a wealthy
+planter, with his hundreds of negroes. The farm is known by its small
+area, by its improvements and its little old log house with its
+appendages; the plantation, by its vast area, its stately mansion and
+numerous negro shanties. The improvements are usually very poor, with
+but few conveniences. On every plantation you will see a cotton press
+and gin house, with the stable under the latter. The cotton press is
+the first thing you get your eyes on when you approach a plantation,
+and then the gin house next. And as for the farms or little
+plantations, you scarcely know anything about them until you have them
+suddenly spread before your view. There is hardly ever anything
+external to warn one of their presence.
+
+It is, as it were, a swath mown in the deep pine forest--the labor of a
+poor ignorant being, who, like the parrot, can talk and palaver with
+simple unmeaningness, but ignorant of the world beyond a radius of ten
+miles. The people, for the most part, break up their ground with one
+horse or ox, as the case may be, their plows being suited to the
+purpose.
+
+This small plow is made after the fashion of our large two-horse
+breaking plows, and is, as we are wont to say, right or left handed.
+Some farmers are too poor to afford a horse or mule; in this case they
+work an ox as if he were a horse, hitch him to the plow and drive him
+with ropes attached to his horns with as much precision as a horse or
+mule.
+
+The oxen here may be of a more docile breed than found in our parts,
+and certainly are, for it would be dangerous with us to hitch one to a
+plow and start him on a row through a cornfield, for he would likely
+jump the fence before he reached the other end.
+
+The rows of corn here are usually six feet apart, with a row of negro
+beans between. If one man can tend eight acres he thinks he is doing
+good business; the corn is hardly ever plowed, it being worked with the
+hoe for the most part.
+
+The women work in the field as well as the men, they being used to it.
+They will not believe us when we tell them that our women do not work
+in the field. When an acre of ground yields twelve bushels of corn it
+is thought to be a fine crop. They gape with wonder when we tell them
+we break our ground with two horses, plow our corn with a plow on which
+we can ride; that one man can tend forty acres and raise forty bushels
+to the acre. When we tell them about our reapers, our vast fields of
+wheat, oats, etc., etc., they gape, and wonder what we do with it all.
+If we tell them about our large prairies, rich soil and productive
+land, they wonder why they had not heard of that before.
+
+Their principal diet is corn bread, meat and negro beans. These nigger
+beans, by the way, are not so bad, just the thing for the soldier; many
+farmers raise them altogether, so to speak. It is a common thing to see
+cribs of these beans as you pass through the country; it takes them so
+short a time to cook, which adapts them to our use. Corn and beans are
+not their only productions, for they sometimes grow a little wheat,
+oats, tobacco and cotton. Many reap their grain with the sickle, not
+having known the existence of the cradle. There are no reapers to be
+seen, or if at all, but seldom.
+
+As a people, they have no enterprise; they live only to eat, and even
+that is done in a poor, unhandy style.
+
+There are a great many turpentine, rosin and tar factories in "the
+sunny land of Dixie." There are vast tracts of land here, covered with
+dense forests of pine, that can be put to no other use than the
+production of these things. In North Carolina these factories are most
+numerous. They are built on small streams of water, and for miles
+around the trees are hewn on two sides; the turpentine running out,
+gums on the tree where it is hewn. On our march we burned many of these
+factories; they made a grand, huge smoke, most sublime.
+
+It is impossible for a person who has not seen the like to form a
+proper idea of the real grandeur and sublimity of these dense volumes
+of black, agitated smoke, brightened betimes with lofty flames of
+liquid fire that seem to lift themselves in the fury of their madness
+to the very skies.
+
+
+
+
+REBEL LETTER.
+
+
+This letter, written by a rebel soldier, was found on the battle-ground
+at Bentonville, N. C.
+
+                                   BIVOUAC NEAR "RACCOON FORD," VA.,
+                                              September 25th, 1863.
+
+    DEAR COON--I have just received your kind favor of the 8th inst.,
+    and am very much gratified with its contents. I could not expect a
+    long letter from a soldier "in the field," and I suppose your time
+    was fully taken up reorganizing your company and regiment.
+
+    Since last writing you we had some little excitement ourselves.
+    The Yankee, Meade, has tried to take advantage of our supposed
+    decimated army, and has advanced across the Rappahannock river to
+    the banks of the Rapidan. We have here checked his advance and are
+    awaiting the attack which he is very slow about making. I think
+    both sides are awaiting the decision of the battle in Tennessee and
+    Georgia before a move is made.
+
+    We are daily in receipt of glorious news from Bragg, but there are
+    so many rumors without foundation that we hardly know what he has
+    done. I hope he will not rest until he has driven the foe across
+    the Ohio. You have our brag fighting general with you now, and I
+    know you will be victorious.
+
+    I have not heard a word from "Miss Mattie" since I left home, and
+    if the truth must be told, I never want to again. I have found a
+    new sweetheart, and I think the change is more agreeable, at least
+    to me. I suppose you know that Miss Katie Furlow's father is
+    running for Governor; of course you will support him.
+
+    You recollect that pretty little woman that I showed you in the
+    theatre in Augusta, the one I said was the belle of Augusta--Miss
+    Fannie Hatch. Well, I have been told by one who knows and believes,
+    that "Albert," who performed with the "Queen Sisters" that night,
+    has betrayed her. I can scarcely believe that so much loveliness
+    would have fallen so easily, yet they say 'tis true.
+
+    I shall anxiously wait to hear further from you in reference to the
+    lieutenancy. If you are successful in securing it for me (which I
+    hope and pray you may be,) I shall be ever grateful to you.
+
+    I have not seen Joe Holt since the reception of yours, his regiment
+    being on picket guard. I know he would send you his kind regards,
+    if he knew I was writing to you. Accept my best wishes, and believe
+    me to be
+
+                              Truly your Friend,
+
+                                   A. KENT BISEL.
+
+    P.S.--Please direct to Co. "K," 4th Georgia, Dole's Brigade,
+    Rhodes' Division, Ewell's Corps, A.N.V., and always to Richmond,
+    Virginia.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Eighty-sixth Regiment,
+Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during its term of service, by John R. Kinnear
+
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