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.