Historical Memoranda.
COMPANY "C,"
73D REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.
BY W. H. NEWLIN.
Enlistments in the company dated from July 12, 1862, to April 11, 1864. One hundred and four names appear on the company roll. All members who enlisted on or before July 23, 1862, were sworn in, the first time, by John Newlin, J. P., in West's pasture, village of Georgetown, Vermillion County, Ill. On the same day, July 23d, Patterson McNutt, Mark D. Hawes, and Richard N. Davies, were elected captain, first and second lieutenants respectively.
July 24th, company transported in wagons from Georgetown to the "Y," a point on the T. W. & W. R. R., near the site of Tilton. Taking the cars at the "Y," company reached Camp Butler early next morning.
By August 1st company organization was completed, by appointment of the following named as sergeants: Tilmon D. Kyger, first sergeant; Wm. R. Lawrence, second sergeant; David A. Smith, third sergeant; Wm. H. Newlin, fourth sergeant; Robert B. Drake, fifth sergeant; and by the following named as corporals, in their order: David McDonald, John W. Smith, Carey A. Savage, Wm. M. Sheets, Samuel W. Sigler, Wm. O. Underwood, John V. Don Carlos, William Henderson. Pleasant B. Huffman, fifer; William B. Cowan, drummer; and Amacy M. Hasty, teamster.
Time, at Camp Butler, was spent in drilling, guarding prisoners, and other duty. Some pay and an installment of bounty was received by each member of the company. Twenty-five dollars bounty was paid by Vermillion County to each married man and ten dollars to each unmarried man. To hasten the muster in of regiment, Company C loaned to Company E—also enlisted in Vermillion County—fourteen men, all but three of whom were re-transferred to C. Regiment was mustered into United States service August 21, 1862.
August 24th, left camp Butler, going by rail via Danville, Ill., Lafayette Junction, Indianapolis, and Seymour, Ind., to Louisville, Ky. Went into quarters at Camp Jaquess—named for our colonel—south-west of the city. At this camp some guard duty was done, without arms, other than clubs and revolvers; all the clubs and nearly all the revolvers being soon discarded.
About August 30th regiment was supplied with muskets—Austrian or Belgium pattern—and ammunition for same. Muskets were of the kicking kind. From July 24th company had been in receipt of government rations, and was becoming inured to service in this respect.
September 1st or 2d moved to Camp Yates, three or four miles south-east of the city. Other regiments were at this camp, and a Division was formed, the Seventy-third and One Hundreth Illinois, and Seventy-ninth and Eighty-eighth Indiana Regiments making one brigade, commanded by Colonel Kirk. Lieutenant Hawes and Sergeant Lawrence were detailed for duty at Kirk's head-quarters, and a very ludicrous mistake was made, in supposing there were two vacancies created. Accordingly there was an advance along the line; Davies being promoted first lieutenant, as was thought; Orderly Kyger to second lieutenant; D. A. Smith to orderly, and Corporal John W. Smith to second sergeant, the latter being promoted over the writer. The joke fell heaviest on Kyger, as he incurred the expense of the purchase of sword, belt and straps. J. W. Smith resumed his place as corporal, much to the gratification of the writer, who did not like the idea of being "jumped."
Before the middle of September an inspection was ordered, requiring the command to march to Louisville, taking all luggage, accompanied also by wagon-train. The number and variety of articles thrown out of knapsacks and train was amazing to the old soldiers. This inspection was for the purpose of reducing luggage and baggage to articles of necessity. Directly after this the defeat of Union forces at Richmond, Ky., occurred. A rapid advance of a day's march was made by the command to assist in covering the retreat of those forces. Following this defeat came the invasion by Kirby Smith's Confederate forces, menacing Cincinnati and Covington. To meet this emergency the command was ordered at once to the latter place, going via Jeffersonville and Seymour, Ind., and Cincinnati, Ohio. The marching of the Seventy-third in the streets of Cincinnati excited comment, and inquiry was made if it was an old regiment. There was a fine engraving produced about this time representing the regiment, marching in column, on to the pontoon bridge.
Fears of invasion subsiding, the command was ordered back to Louisville, returning via Indianapolis. Buell's army having reached Louisville, a general reorganization of all forces—old and new—took place. The Forty-fourth and Seventy-third Illinois, and Second and Fifteenth Missouri Regiments formed the Thirty-fifth Brigade, Eleventh Division of reorganized army.
Bragg's army, which had followed Buell's into Kentucky, was gathering much strength and material in its march in the interior, and on October 1st the Union army was put in motion and started in pursuit. A dozen or more members of the company were left sick at Louisville. Army caught up with the enemy October 8th. Regiment was placed in and withdrawn from an exposed position, just in the "nick of time," a position within easy range of Confederate battery. Being withdrawn, as above, and resuming position in main line, regiment was actively engaged in battle of Perryville, nearly two hours, the casualties to Company C being as follows:
| Josiah Cooper, wounded, | Died Oct. 31, 1862. |
| Samuel Boen, wounded, | |
| David W. Doop, wounded, | Discharged Feb. 9, 1863. |
| John S. Long, wounded, | Discharged Jan. 13, 1863, died. |
| Francis M. Stevens, wounded, | Discharged Dec. 5, 1862. |
| Zimri Thornton, wounded, | Died Oct. 30, 1862. |
| James E. Moore, wounded, | Discharged March 17, 1863, lost foot. |
| John Murdock, Co. E, wounded, | Died, Oct. 9, 1862. |
The last named enlisted in C, but had been one of the fourteen men "loaned," as before mentioned. Several members of Company C, who had been left at Louisville, came up Oct. 9th and 10th.
Followed to Crab Orchard, marching from there, via Danville, Lebanon, Bowling Green, and Mitchellsville, to Nashville, Tenn. At Bowling Green, Rosecrans relieved Buell. Arrived at Nashville Nov. 7, 1862, encamping first at Edgefield, then at Mill Creek. Nov. 20, 1862, Second Lieutenant Richard N. Davies, resigned. Nov. 28th, First Lieutenant Mark D. Hawes resigned. These resignations, the losses resulting from the action at Perryville, the loss by death of the following named members: Samuel W. Blackburn, John C. Sheets, Thomas Millholland, Israel H. Morgan, John and Alex. Gerrard, and William Henderson; and the following named discharged for disability: Thos. T. Ashmore, John Trimble, and Wm. O. Underwood, discharged, Oct. 9, 1862, made a total loss to company by Jan. 1, 1863, of eighteen men. Three of these, viz: David W. Doop, John S. Long, and James E. Moore, were discharged after Jan. 1st, on Feb. 9th, Jan. 13th, and March 17th, 1863, respectively. Nov. 25, 1862, Kyger was mustered in as first lieutenant, and Dec. 6, 1862, Lawrence was mustered in as second lieutenant.
Dec. 26, 1862, started on movement to Stone River. Regiment not engaged until Dec. 31st, was then engaged fully one-third, and under fire two-thirds of the day. Seventy-third was in Second Brigade, of Sheridan's (Third) Division, Twentieth A. C., and associated with the same regiments as before. The change in number of Brigade and Division occurred when Rosecrans assumed command. At Stone River Company C suffered casualties as follows: John Dye and James Yoho, killed; John J. Halsted, wounded, discharged Feb. 23, 1863; three or four others very slightly wounded, and Lieutenant Lawrence and Daniel Suycott, captured. Lawrence and Suycott were exchanged in the following Spring, returning to the Company in May. About Jan. 7, 1863, a detail from company, Lieutenant Kyger in charge, sought the bodies of Dye and Yoho and buried them. The writer saw both these men expire; they were near together, and died at about the same time.[A]
Were in two different camps at Murfreesboro, first Bradley, then Shafer—named for our brigade commander killed at Stone River. From Jan. 1st to June 30th, 1863, inclusive, the company lost members as follows, in addition to the three already noted, viz:
| John W. Smith, | Discharged, Jan. 3, 1863, disability. |
| Carey A. Savage, | Discharged, Feb. 6, 1863, disability. |
| John V. Don Carlos, | Discharged, May 10, 1863, disability. |
| Enoch Braselton, | Discharged, March 12, 1863, disability. |
| William Cook, | Discharged, Jan. 28, 1863, disability. |
| Robert W. Cowan, | Discharged, Feb. 9, 1863, disability. |
| Lawrence Dye, | Discharged, Jan. 28, 1863, disability. |
| Benj. F. Edmonds, | Discharged, Feb. 10, 1863, disability. |
| Wright Madden, | Transferred to gun-boat service, April 16, 1863. |
| Jacob Martin, | Died at Murfreesboro, Feb. 21, 1863. |
| William McEntyre, | Died at Nashville, Jan. 15, 1863. |
| Thomas Elwood Madden, | Discharged, Feb. 20, 1863, disability. |
| Joshua T. Nicholson, | Died at Nashville, Jan. 18, 1863. |
| Christopher C. Shires, | Discharged, May 28, 1863, disability. |
| John M. Thompson, | Discharged, Feb. 20, 1863, disability. |
| James F. Williams, | Discharged, March 26, 1863, disability. |
| George Miley, | Died at Nashville, Feb. 3, 1863. |
| Robert B. Drake, | Discharged, June 30, 1863, disability. |
In all, twenty-one men, making a total loss to July 1, 1863, of thirty-nine men.
Started June 23, 1863, on Chattanooga campaign. First injury to member of Company was the wounding of Alex. C. Nicholson, at Fairfield.
Followed on, passing Manchester and Estill Springs, wading Elk River, and passing through Winchester to Cowan's Station. Halted at latter place, July 3, 1863, hearing next day the news of Gettysburg and Vicksburg.
A few days later passed through Cumberland Tunnel, and on to Stevenson, Alabama. At Stevenson there was a delay until Sept. 2d, when the command pushed on to the Tennessee River, at Bridgeport, crossing on the 3d, and going over Sand Mountain, and on down to Alpine, Georgia. When company left Stevenson I remained, with others, in consequence of chills, having had medicine prescribed for breaking same about August 30th.
Captain Patterson McNutt resigned July 29, 1863, and First Lieutenant Tilmon D. Kyger was mustered in as captain of company, Sept. 4th, following.[B]
The movement to Alpine, by Thomas' and McCook's corps, having forced Bragg out of Chattanooga, next came the hard marching necessary to concentrate the Union forces, before the reinforced enemy should turn and crush Crittenden's corps.
Arrived in vicinity of Chickamauga battlefield, late September 18th. Got nearer next day; was under fire, but not engaged.
Saturday night, September 19th, company furnished a corporal, R. J. Hasty, and two or three guards for duty at Sheridan's head-quarters. McCook, Crittenden, and other generals, were at head-quarters in course of the night. Sheridan was restless and dissatisfied, and altogether indications, as interpreted by our corporal and guards, were unfavorable as to our prospects for to-morrow. Bradley's brigade (Sheridan's third), had been very roughly used in the afternoon, and his first and second brigades would probably "catch it" to-morrow. We were in the second (Laibold's brigade.) The night was dark, the weather was cool, and fire was forbidden. Our position was in heavy woods; the noise and racket in our front, whether made by the enemy or by our own troops, sounded and resounded terribly ominous in our ears. Daybreak came, and with it orders to move; we were out of rations, or nearly so, and not allowed time to draw a supply. Lytle persisted in drawing rations for his (the first) brigade, notwithstanding orders to move immediately. Moved two miles or more to the left; took position, and awaited further orders.
Before noon orders came, and we "went in." Of this memorable battle history tells; it has been "fought over," and "wrote up," many times. As within an hour from "going in," we had, with others, surrendered, and passed to the rear of five lines, two ranks each, of Confederate troops, we will not attempt a description of the small part of the battle we witnessed. For the first time we viewed the situation amid and to rear of the enemy. Doubt and uncertainty seemed to have place among the Confederates, although they were advancing. Officers were busy gathering up stragglers and hurrying them forward. Too many wanted to guard prisoners. Swords were drawn, and wildly flourished, and much ado made, probably because of the presence of so many "Yankees." Rope lines and traces, and other rope rigging to artillery, and sorghum stalks, sticking in haversacks of Bragg's men, attracted our attention. We saw Gen. Longstreet with an immense escort following him. We saw Gen. Hood lying under the fly of a tent, wounded; later he had his leg taken off. After one o'clock enemy's right fell back, and our left advanced. We saw several solid shot, skipping over the ground, which had been sent by Crittenden's batteries. We had many companions in our new and strange experience, and formed many new acquaintances, most of them of short duration. Some fourteen hundred of Gen. Sheridan's division, and many from other commands, had been collected in one place. Hesser and North, of Company A, and Brown and myself, of Company C, were one little squad of the Seventy-third that did not scatter much. We encountered no other members of our regiment until reaching Richmond.
Up to this point we have given facts, in the history of the company, of which we had personal knowledge. What few incidents or accidents in its history, from Chickamauga up to opening of Atlanta campaign here given are vouched for, my information touching the same being derived from reliable sources. The losses sustained by company in battle of Chickamauga were as follows: David A. Smith, Enoch Smith, and Artemas Terrell, killed; Wm. R. Lawrence, John R. Burk, Henderson Goodwin, Nathaniel Henderson, Henry C. Henderson, Austin Henderson, Jehu Lewis (color bearer), and John Bostwick (discharged May 27, 1864), wounded; and all the following named were captured, viz: Enoch P. Brown, Wm. H. Newlin, John R. Burk, Wm. F. Ellis, Austin Henderson, and John Thornton. Of those that were captured, Burk and Lewis were soon exchanged, being seriously wounded; Burk, however, went to Richmond; losing an arm, he was discharged June 9, 1864. Lewis was exchanged on battlefield. Austin Henderson was exchanged late in 1864. John Thornton, Enoch P. Brown, and William F. Ellis, died in Andersonville prison, in order named: September 16th, 20th, and 23d, 1864, respectively. Number of Brown's grave, 9,350; Ellis', 9,703. Number of Thornton's grave not given. Wm. H. Newlin was never either paroled or exchanged. Nearly every member of company was struck by balls, or fragments of shell, or trees, in some part of the body, accoutrements, or clothing. At nightfall only three of the company were present at call of the captain. During the night a dozen or more others rallied upon this feeble remnant. Chickamauga was a dreadful strain upon the strength and powers of endurance of the soldier, and September 20, 1863, is, and will ever be, a memorable day in our country's history. By September 22d, some twenty or more of the company had reached Chattanooga, and were beginning to assume at least a defensive attitude. Early in September commissions for Lawrence and Smith, as first and second lieutenants, respectively, were sent for, but neither were ever mustered in on them; Lawrence resigning, November 24, 1863, as second lieutenant, and Smith having met his fate as already noted.
Following Chickamauga came the siege of Chattanooga, and with it very scant supplies, and hard picket and forage duty. The "cracker line" being often disturbed, and foraging not yielding, or "panning out" very heavily, the supply of rations, provender, for man and beast, was far short of ordinary demands. November 25th the battle of Missionary Ridge occurred, in which Company C fortunately suffered very few casualties, the most serious one being the wounding of Stephen Newlin. After Missionary Ridge company and command went to the relief of Burnside at Knoxville. On this winter campaign much hard marching and great fatigue were endured. Some one or two, or more, of the company, not starting with the command, followed up later with squads and detachments. In one or more instances the enemy's cavalry attempted to "gobble up" these squads. During its stay in East Tennessee, regiment encamped for a time at Haworth's Mill, near New Market, and also at Lenoir's Station. From latter place, it is said, some members of company made frequent visits in the country east of river, and it is further alleged, one or more of them got married. Dandridge, I believe, was the farthest point eastward to which command penetrated in the Knoxville campaign. Capt. Kyger was very sick at Knoxville, in course of winter, and on recovering sufficiently was granted leave of absence.
Winter breaking, and time for opening of the Atlanta campaign approaching, the regiment returned to vicinity of Chattanooga, encamping at Cleveland, at which point we rejoined it, on our return from prison. April 11, 1864, Wm. R. Cook was mustered in, as a recruit to company, being last name entered on company roll.[C]
From June 30, 1863, to July 1, 1864, the total loss to company, from all causes, was fourteen men, including Amos Bogue. Transferred to Invalid corps, August 1, 1863; Clark B. Brant, discharged November 12, 1863; Merida Thornton and Aaron Willison, transferred to Invalid corps, January 15th and February 1, 1864; James T. Slaughter, transferred to V. R. C., May 1, 1864; Charles W. Cook, permanently detached as blacksmith to Bat. G., First Mo. Art., August 26, 1863; and James W. Trimble, transferred to V. R. C., April 10, 1864, the other seven already noted; making a total loss to date of fifty-three men.
Moved from Cleveland, May 3, 1864, with command, first brigade, second division, fourth army corps. Under fire first time, on Atlanta campaign, in the vicinity of Catoosa Springs, May 5. At Rocky Faced Ridge, May 9th, was again under fire, but not engaged. Sharpshooters from the regiment did good work here; Company C being represented by John P. Jones, Alex. C. Nicholson, and James T. Maudlin. Was engaged at Resaca, May 14th. Wm. D. Bales struck by piece of shell. Was engaged at Adairsville, May 17th. Up to, and including Adairsville, Company C was in my charge, there being no commissioned officer present. On this date Capt. Kyger arrived at the front and took command of company. At Kingston there was a delay of three or four days. Pursuant to orders, all vacancies in line, and non-commissioned officers were filled, or selections made with that object in view. May 22d, Company C attended to this duty. The company was entitled to a lieutenant, and an election was held. Candidates were voted for, for orderly sergeant, with the understanding that the successful candidate should be commissioned first lieutenant. Election resulted in my favor by a small majority—four votes, I believe—which, considering all the circumstances, my long absence, and the fact that my competitor had been present all the time, was a No. 1 soldier, none better, I regarded as extremely flattering, and was therefore very thankful for the advancement.
My commission was sent for; it bears date June 9, 1864. The list of non-commissioned officers being filled, stood as follows:
| Wm. M. Sheets, | orderly sergeant. |
| James T. Maudlin, | second sergeant. |
| Jehu Lewis, | third sergeant. |
| Robert J. Hasty, | fourth sergeant. |
| Alex. C. Nicholson, | fifth sergeant. |
| Wesley Bishop, | first corporal. |
| Jonathan Ellis, | second corporal. |
| Austin Henderson, | third corporal. |
| Samuel Hewitt, | fourth corporal. |
| Alfred E. Lewis, | fifth corporal. |
| George W. Martin, | sixth corporal. |
| Stephen Newlin, | seventh corporal. |
| Geo. Hollingsworth, | eighth corporal. |
It was at this time and place that A. E. Lewis notified Ellis of his appointment as corporal; adding, "and your commission has gone on to Washington for approval." All of the above were mustered out June 12, 1865. The list does not contain one of the original sergeants or corporals; except that Orderly Sheets was one of the first corporals.
Recommenced active operations about May 25th. June 18th John Braselton was wounded. By June 25th the actions at Pine and Lost Mountains, Dallas, New Hope Church, and preliminary battles before Kenesaw Mountain had taken place, without inflicting serious damage to company. Capt. Kyger was sick, a week or more, up to and including June 27th, the day of the assault on Kenesaw. This assault was the first heavy battle occurring after my muster in as lieutenant, and owing to the formation of each regiment preparatory to the assault, and the absence of my seniors, I was placed in command of two companies, C and H, forming the third or middle division of regiment. Two lines, of two ranks each, were in front of, and two lines, of two ranks each, were in rear of companies C and H. Owing to nature of ground these companies came off well, suffered less than any of the others. From point of starting in, the ground sloped considerably to line immediately without, or in front of the very elaborate, systematic obstructions in front of enemy's works, and from this same line the ground covered by these obstructions was gradually ascending to line of fortifications. Pending the heaviest fire of enemy, companies C and H were on the lowest ground, all the other companies, whether in front or rear, being on higher ground, so that fire of enemy was comparatively harmless to C and H, there being only four or five slight wounds received in the two companies, and these inflicted while getting back to position from which they started. Of the regiment, three were killed, and some twelve or fifteen wounded. There were several cases of overheating, the weather being extremely hot, and the assault, from some cause, not being made as early as intended. The casualties to regiment, seeming so few, in an assault of such magnitude, it is proper to state that number of men in regiment that day, present for duty, did not exceed three hundred. In our front, too, were very heavy earth-works, feebly manned; but for the arrival of reinforcements we could have effected, at least, a temporary breach in the enemy's line.
Early July 3d it was found that the enemy had fallen back. Followed up immediately; regiment lost one man, killed, July 4th. There was a delay of a week at the Chattahoochie River. Command took position, near river, above Vining's Station. July 9th division marched to Roswell; destroyed some mills or factories, and crossed and recrossed the Chattahoochie while gone, returning on the 12th. Writer was not with company on Roswell trip; but owing to depletion of strength was favored; left behind in charge of regimental camp, and those who had been excused from duty. July 13th, crossed Chattahoochie River on pontoon bridge. While crossing, writer was taken sick, and was obliged to drop behind soon after getting across the river. In attempting to reach the upland and overtake company, was prostrated, the result of over-heating or partial sun-stroke, and have no recollection whatever of events occurring after the crossing of the Chattahoochie, up to the crossing of Nance's Creek, July 18. There had, however, been a delay at Buck's Head, and also a general inspection. Late on the 19th there were two or three severe skirmishes along the line of Peach Tree Creek, one of which approached the dignity of a battle, and several prisoners, including a general officer, were captured by our forces. Crossed Peach Tree Creek at ten o'clock, P. M., of the 19th.
About noon, on the 20th, brigade was assigned position in line, and hastily built slight breast-works of logs, limbs, and rails. This done, was ordered to make reconnoisance to front. In execution of this order, the enemy was found in force, and we came back at a double-quick, to find our temporary works occupied by other troops. Took another position, further to right, the Seventy-third holding the extreme right of fourth corps. There was a gap of two hundred yards or more, between right of fourth and left of twentieth corps; so the right of Seventy-third was retired, swung back a little in order to cover this gap. The battle immediately opened, giving no time for construction of works, however slight, and continued about an hour, with two casualties to Company C—William Martin and the writer, wounded. Sampson McCool, of Company E, was also wounded. Sampson and William McCool, and John Murdock, the latter killed at Perryville, being the three loaned by Company C to Company E, that were never retransferred to C. Of regiment, one man was killed, and several others wounded. My wound, being slight, healed entirely by August 1st, but I was detained at division field hospital until August 16th, on account of general physical debility, resulting from the sunstroke of 13th. Command was not in the battles of July 22d and 28th, so my hospital and prison experience, covering in all eight months, deprived me of participation in only one battle—Missionary Ridge—and one campaign—the East Tennessee—in which the company engaged.
The latter part of August, started on the flanking movement to Jonesboro and Lovejoy station. September 1st, engaged in tearing up railroad, burning the ties, and twisting the heated rails around trees. Arrived at Jonesboro too late to accomplish more than the capture of a hospital and a few hundred prisoners, as the battle there was closing. Night of September 1st, Company C stood picket out north-east of Jonesboro, and toward morning the rumble of Hood's artillery and trains could be heard, as they were passing hurriedly on a road still further eastward, retreating from Atlanta. Later, the explosions at Atlanta were distinctly heard. Followed on to Lovejoy's. Were under fire, but had no good opportunity of returning it. Withdrew from enemy's front at Lovejoy's the night of September 5th or 6th, returning to Atlanta, arriving on the 8th. Went into quarters with some expectation of remaining inactive for a longer time than we did. Writer, however, saw the exterior of the barracks, the interior of which he had seen, as a prisoner, just a year before.
About September 26th to 28th, were ordered to Chattanooga, going by railway; and from thence marched down into Alpine valley again, about October 18th, returning the latter part of October, via Chickamauga battle-ground, to Chattanooga. On this return march from Alpine, quite a number of recruits of Fifty-first Illinois fell behind, "straggled," and no wonder, as most of them wore overcoats, and carried knapsacks packed full; one of them carried his bayonet fixed, instead of in scabbard, whereupon Corporal Lewis (who had just awakened from a short sleep at roadside, where company was resting) cried out, "Halt, halt, you Fifty-firster; I want to know WHERE YOU GOT YOUR GUN SHARPENED."
About November 1, 1864, went by rail to Huntsville, Alabama, and from there marched to Athens, and from thence, via Lynnville and Pulaski, to Columbia, Tenn. Here a part of twenty-third corps met, and reinforced the fourth corps. Hood's rebel army was becoming very troublesome and apparently impatient for large results, and was pressing ours very closely. Considerable skirmishing took place about Columbia, in which Company C bore its full share. Under pressure of enemy our forces crossed Duck River the night of November 28th, the Seventy-third standing picket the balance of that night on north bank of river. Next morning, the pressure being great, there was no time to relieve us, and being already deployed, we fell back, first as flankers, then as skirmishers, in the direction of Spring Hill, arriving there about four o'clock in afternoon of 29th. We were to the right, or south-east of Pike and of Spring Hill. The part of the Seventy-third in the action at Spring Hill was to assist in resisting a cavalry dash by enemy, just before sunset. To do this we were only compelled to shorten our line a little, and deliver a brisk fire for the space of about ten minutes. Heavy fighting was going on near us, in which enemy's infantry was engaged, pending which, night fall ended the contest, luckily for our forces. There was great confusion, one result of which was, our being compelled to stand picket all night, as on the preceding night. We must have been VERY CLOSE indeed to enemy's pickets, though we did not see or hear them; but could distinctly see the enemy at a little distance around his camp-fires. Our trains were hustling the whole night through, and got well on the way before morning toward Franklin.
Daylight of November 30th came, and we were still on the picket line. By sunrise we began falling back, deployed as skirmishers, and skirmishing began, and was kept up with more or less severity to within one mile of Franklin, when our brigade was relieved. Very soon after skirmishing began in the morning we crossed to the left of the road, and when but little more than half way to Franklin, Capt. Kyger being sick, was unable to remain longer with company, and was taken in charge by Surgeon Pond, and we saw him no more until arriving at Nashville. Being relieved, as before mentioned, by passing within, and to rear, of skirmish line, which had been thrown out, the brigade, Opedycke's first brigade, second division, fourth army corps, formed and marched in column, with little delay, to Franklin, passing on the way a brigade which must have been the third brigade of our division, posted some distance in front of a temporary line of breastworks, which had been hastily built, extending from a point above to another point on the river below the town. These works, scarcely a mile in length, semi-circular in form, and covering, not only Franklin, but also the bridge across the Harpeth, were filled with troops; so our brigade passed on to the rear, and took position behind Carter's Hill. This was at about 3:30 o'clock, P. M. The men at once set about preparing coffee and something to eat, being greatly fatigued from loss of sleep, and almost constant duty since evening of 28th, on crossing Duck River. All the trains, and the first division of the fourth corps, were north of the Harpeth.
Dinner over once, we should probably have followed and taken the advance, having assisted two days in covering the retreat. But no; not all of us were permitted to finish dinner before Hood had martialed his forces, swept up suddenly, driving in the brigade, posted in front, as before stated, in its wake, and under cover of same crushing in, making a fearful breach in our main line. Heavy firing began, clouds of dust and smoke arose, hundreds of rebel troops were thrust into the breach which they had made, and beyond; singly, and in squads, small and great, our men began flying from the front, throwing away their guns; pieces of artillery and cassions, with horses attached, came thundering down; confusion and consternation indescribable had been wrought in five minutes or less time.
The Thirty-sixth, Forty-fourth, and Seventy-third Illinois, and Twenty-fourth Wisconsin, and One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Ohio, five regiments, composing Opedycke's brigade, were instantly on their feet, anticipating orders, seizing their guns, which had been stacked on one line, made a simultaneous, irresistible rush to the front, carrying every thing before them at the point of the bayonet, capturing thirteen battle-flags, nearly one thousand prisoners, and restoring and strengthening our line, so that it was broken no more. Stung to desperation at this sudden turning of the scales in this important battle, the infuriated enemy charged, and CHARGED again and AGAIN, carrying his reckless resistance right up to, yes on to, our slight works, to the very muzzles of our guns. But we were there to stay, at least until getting ready to leave of our own accord; but it took work, HARD WORK, PERSISTENT, UNFLAGGING and UNFLINCHING WORK, to maintain our position. How it was done I can scarcely hope to describe.
On arriving at the point from whence our forces had been driven, there were too many troops to operate to advantage, and afford all a semblance of protection. Fortunately, the ground, beginning at the works, was gradually declining to the rear. Company C, with a few soldiers of other companies, was posted between, and to the front of, two pieces of artillery. All were either lying on the ground or in a low, stooping posture. Immediately at the works was a strong line of men, with barely elbow room, who did nothing but fire; in rear of this line were two or three tiers of men, who were busy loading pieces and passing them forward; to rear of these were still others, who were cleaning guns, breaking open boxes of ammunition, and distributing cartridges to the loaders; others still further back, carried up the boxes of ammunition from a point where left by ammunition wagons. There was work for all, and all WORKED. There was a full half hour of desperate fighting, perhaps equalled at some time and place, but scarcely ever, if ever, surpassed. For several fearful minutes, as a result of combined, sturdy, heroic effort on the part of all, from end to end of our line, the small arms volleyed; there was no determining of intervals between volleys; it was as one. The cannon thundered; the shell shrieked; the smoke rolled; the earth trembled; the heroic, reckless, desperate, enemy surged, and surged again and AGAIN, right up to our line, and recoiled as often, recoiling last, before the merciless tempest of death.
Darkness came on, and shrouded the scene; there was a lull in the fight; a great calm after a great storm. Many of our soldiers had been slain, but for each one, from three to five of the rebels had bitten the dust. Very many on both sides were wounded, the few mortally, the many slightly. Did those who had not finished dinner, now finish it? No. Was supper prepared? No. Was there time for coffee? Not much. The foe, threatening and defiant, was right there, within sixty feet, waiting to pounce upon us. Guns were put in order, ammunition in abundance was got ready at hand, and all precautions taken. Nor had we long to wait until the first night assault was made; right up to our works they charged, coming within space measured by the flashes from our rifles. But before our galling fire the enemy quailed and fell back. Our fire slackened some; but within an hour two or more assaults were made, with like result.
After the last assault we kept up a heavy fire for some minutes, until some person, some officer perhaps, between the lines, but nearest ours, yelled out: "Cease firing, cease firing;" repeating the command several times. Amid the smoke and darkness it could not be told who or what he was, whether Union or rebel. In a few minutes the firing did, in a great measure, cease; later it ceased almost entirely. At same time a burning building in the suburbs of Franklin fell in, making a great light, by which we saw several, as many as a dozen, standards raise along enemy's line. He was preparing, no doubt, for a last desperate effort to break our front. Brisk firing immediately opened from our side, increasing in volume and ceasing not until every battle-flag on enemy's front was laid low. This ended the contest; quiet succeeded; and by midnight our weary forces had withdrawn from the field; crossed the Harpeth, and were slowly wending their way to Nashville.
The loss to Seventy-third, in this battle, was nine killed and two wounded that died soon afterward; one of the former being Adjt. Wilmer, and one of the latter being Major Motherspaw; the loss to Company C being one killed, Zenas Fulton, and one wounded, Joseph A. Allison, who died in enemy's hands. There were three or four others of company wounded, including the writer; and there were several others of the regiment wounded; but nearly all of these were slight wounds, excepting that of Captain Jonas Jones, and one or two others. Some two or three years ago writer saw a statement from Gen. D. S. Stanley, who commanded the fourth corps, until wounded, in this battle; which statement, published in a Philadelphia paper, asserted that the fourth corps used ninety wagon loads of ammunition the afternoon and night of November 30, 1864. It is reasonable to suppose that much of this ammunition was destroyed; wasted in other ways than in "wild firing," the enemy's losses, all told, being about five thousand five hundred, or three times our own.
Col. Opedycke was breveted brigadier-general, and merited praise was bestowed in congratulatory orders, for the part borne by his brigade in the battle of Franklin. Any other brigade that was there would probably have done as well, under the same circumstances; but as three-fifths of the brigade were Illinoisians we take a pardonable pride in making this imperfect record of its most conspicuous achievement.
Arrived at Nashville at one o'clock, P. M., December 1, 1864. We were a very tired, sorely-taxed, and dirty lot of soldiers. Sleep was imperatively demanded; and most of us, as soon as halted, or assigned camping space, dropped on the ground and slept until sunset; by which time Capt. Kyger had found us, and was anxiously ascertaining how we had fared. Hood followed up immediately, taking position in our front; and on December 3d, James Ashmore, of Company C, a faithful soldier, was shot dead while standing picket. His body was buried in the cemetery at Nashville. This was the last loss which befell Company C, except in case of two or three members who were mustered out a few days in advance of the regiment at hospitals, and one recruit—Wm. R. Cook—transferred to the Forty-fourth Illinois. About this time we received notification of the death of three members of the company in Andersonville prison, as before noted, viz.: Brown, Ellis, and Thornton, with whom the writer had spent three months as a prisoner. How fortunate had we been, not only in escaping prison, but in passing comparatively unharmed through twelve battles, since separating from prison comrades, and standing now upon the threshold of the thirteenth, destined to pass safely through that. Fortunate indeed we were, and thankful, very thankful we are, and ought to be.
On December 15th and 16th, 1864, occurred the battles of Nashville, in which command performed the part assigned it both days; in the afternoon of the 16th joining in the grand, majestic charge, which was the finishing stroke to the rebellion in the west. Casualties to Company C, none to speak of, and to regiment very few, only one man killed, and probably a dozen wounded. Enemy hugged his works so closely that his fire passed above our heads. On our reaching the works, those of the enemy who did not surrender fled with precipitated haste. With utmost enthusiasm our troops pursued the flying enemy, until darkness closed the race. Started early on the 17th, but our cavalry took the job off our hands, pursuing Hood so closely that he crossed the Tennessee River, with only a few shattered and broken fragments of his late offensive army. We followed to Pulaski, Tenn., at which point, a day or two before Christmas, we heard, for the last time, the whiz of an enemy's bullet.
Leaving Pulaski we took up our line of march for Huntsville, Ala., arriving January 5, 1865. Here we remained until March 28th; then going by rail to Blue Springs, East Tennessee. While at Blue Springs the war closed; Lee and Johnston surrendered, and Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. News of the latter produced the wildest frenzy among our troops. The latter part of April were ordered to Nashville. Going by rail, we arrived in due course. Hostilities having ceased, the excitement incident thereto having subsided, we led a quiet camp life up to middle of June. The regiment was mustered out June 12, 1865, starting a day or two later for Springfield, Ill., to receive final payment and to disband.
We give name of each member of Company C that was present for muster out June 12th, except where already noted; see list of sergeants and corporals and remarks below on page 126, which with the fifty-three men dropped from the roll by July 1, 1864, and the following dropped since, or mustered out in advance of the regiment, make the one hundred and four men, with which company entered the service: N. Brady and I. W. Ward, transferred to United States engineer corps, July 20th and August 21st, 1864; E. P. Brown, Wm. F. Ellis, and John Thornton, died at Andersonville; James A. Allison and Zenas Fulton, killed at Franklin; James Ashmore, killed at Nashville; Nathaniel Henderson, mustered out May 4th; William B. Cowan, May 17th, John Braselton, June 2d, and Daniel Suycott, June 8, 1865; Samuel W. Sigler, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, January 10, 1865, and William R. Cook, transferred to Forty-fourth Illinois, June 12, 1865, fourteen in all.
| Tilmon D. Kyger, deceased. |
| William H. Newlin. |
| David McDonald. |
| Pleasant B. Huffman. |
| Samuel J. Boen. |
| David Branson,[D] deceased. |
| William D. Bales. |
| John Doop. |
| Henderson Goodwin. |
| Amacy M. Hasty. |
| Henry C. Henderson. |
| George J. Harrier. |
| John P. Jones. |
| Thomas Judd. |
| Abraham Jones. |
| Claiborne Madden. |
| William Martin. |
| James S. Peck, deceased. |
| Harland H. Reagon. |
| Joseph W. Reagon. |
| Walter Scott. |
| Isaac H. Thompson.[D] |
| Benjamin Purdum. |
| Isaac R. Thornton. |
| In all, | 24 |
| Add five sergeants and eight corporals, | 13 |
| Previously dropped from all causes as indicated, | 67 |
| Total, | 104 |
Danville, Ill., September 4, 1886.