Adams County, Illinois - Chapter 9, 1879

Chapter 9

The Civil War - Cairo Expedition Col. B. M. Prentiss takes Command - Ten Regiments of Infantry and Cavalry - Cavalry - Independent Regiments - New Call - General Call - Recruiting again Stopped - Recruiting for Old Regiments - Excitement in May - Last Calls* - Appointments and Promotions.

In 1795, Congress provided that whenever the laws of the United States should be opposed bj combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, &c., &c., that the President should call forth the militia of such State, or any other State or States, to suppress such combinations, and cause the laws to be executed. It was further provided that the militia should be subjected to the same roles and articles of war as the troops of the United States, and that no officer or private should be compelled to serve more than three months after his araival at the place of rendezvous, in any one year, nor more than his due rotation with every other able bodied man of the same rank, in the battalion to which he belongs.

On the same day. President Lincoln issued his proclamation and called for seventy-five thousand militia, which made the quota of Illinois to be 4,683, being 225 officers and 4,458 men, to be " detached from the militia." This pre-supposed the existence of an organized militia, effectual for immediate service. Such, however, was not the condition in Illiiiois. The Adjutant General, Allen C. Fuller, from whose reports we have made extracts and compilations, says that the pa]iers of his office showed only twenty-five bonds for return of arms, issued to militia companies in 1857, '58, '59 and '60, and, during the same time, but thirty-seven certificates of the election of company officers.

"It will further appear," he says, " from the report of the Quartermaster General, who, until about the 1st of April, 1862, had charge of the Ordnance Department, there were but three hundred and sixty-two L^nited

States altered muskets, one hundred and five Harper's Ferrj and Diniger's rifles; but one liundred and thirty-three musketoons and two hundred and ninety-sev^en liorse-pistols in the arsenel.

"A few hundred unserviceable arms and accoutrements were scattered throughout the State, principally in the possession of these militia companies. In fact, there were no available, efficient armed and organized militia companies the State, and it is doubted whether there were thirty companies with any regular organizations. It is trne there were in our principal cities and towns, several independent militia companies, composed principally of active and enterprising young men, whose occasional meetings for drill were held more for exercise and amusement than from any sense of duty to the State. Many of these companies formed the nucleus of splendid companies, which came promptly forward and have rendered excellent service to their State and country."

On the 15th of April, 1861, also. Governor Yates issued a proclamation, convening the Legislature on the 23d, to make some provision for oro-anizing and equipping the militia of the State, and kindred objects. A general order from the Adjutant General was also issued at that time, to all commandants of divisions, brigades, regiments and companies, to hold themselves ready for service, and General Order 'No. 2, for the immediate organization of six regiments.

The reception of the proclamation and orders above alluded to occasioned intense excitement in all the communities of the State, accessible by telegraph and daily mails.

The entire population of the State, by the census of 1860, and the total number of able-bodied men, between the ages of eighteen and fortyfive, the number then in service and those liable to military duty, as enrolled in 1862, was as follows:

Counties. Total Enrollment. Number In Liable To Service. Service

Note. - Enrollment lists of the counties of Saline and Warren not received. The figures given opposite each are in the proportion returned from other counties of same population.

In ten days from the first call over ten thousand had tendered their services, and in addition to a part of the force sent to Cairo, more than our full quota was in camp at Springfield.

There being no serviceable arms in the arsenal at Springfield, an unsuccessful application was made to Brigadier General Harney, at the arsenal at St. Louis. Application was also made, on the 19th, at the arsenal in New York, and a messenger dispatched to Washington to obtain them. As these troops were to be mustered into the service of the United States on the 19th, more than our full quota having been tendered, application was also made for a mustering oflicer, and, on the22d. Captain Pope arrived to perform that service. There were volunteers enough and a surplus on that eventful 19th of April, 1861, but the want of arms had become painful and alarming.

Cairo Expedition

As soon as enough of your troops is mustered into service, send a Brigadier General with four regiments, at or near Grand Cairo. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War.

As quick as possible have as strong a force as you can raise, armed and equipped with ammunition and accoutrements, and a company of artillery, ready to march at a moment's warning. A messenger will start to Chicago to-night.

At eleven (11) o'clock on the 21st, only forty-eight hours after this dispatch was delivered, Gen. Swift left Chicago with a force of 595 men and four six-pounder pieces of artillery. Capt. Iloughtaling's battery, of Ottaway; Capt. Hawley's, of Lockport; Capt. McAllister's, of Plainfield, and Capt. Carr's, of Sandwich, did not arrive in Chicago in

This expedition, indifferently armed with rifles, shot-guns, muskets and carbines, hastily gathered from stores and shops in Chicago, arrived at Big Muddy bridge, on the Illinois Central Railroad, at five o'clock, a. m., April 22d, and detaching Capt. Harding's compan}^ at that point, arrived at Cairo at eight o'clock the following morning. The batteries were unprovided with shell or canister, but shigs hurriedly prepared - and some of which were subsequently used at a critical time, and with terrible effect, by one of these batteries at Fort Donelson - answered the purpose of all.

Col. B. M. Prentiss Takes Command

This command was reinforced, on the 24th, by seven companies from Springfield, under the command of Col. Prentiss, who relieved Gen, Swift, except as to that portion - who did not desire to muster into the United States service - commanded by Captains Harding, Hayden and Clyborne, who returned to Springfield on the second of May, to join a reo-iment organizing here. These last companies, however, arrived too late, and were mustered out of the State service, with allowance of one month's pay, under an act of the Legislature then in session.

The importance of an early occupation, by our forces, of Cairo, was not over-estimated. Situated at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and commanding the navigation of these waters, its possession in a strategical point of view, was absolutely necessary to our safety. The Sta<"e governments of Missouri, Tennessee and Kentucky, were controlled by disloyal men. Gov, Magoffin had, on the 16th of April, said to the president, in reply to his call on that State for troops: "Your dispatch is received. In answer, I say emphatically, Kentucky will furnish no troops for the wicked purpose of subduing her sister Southern states," Gov. Harris, of Tennessee, on the ISth, in reply to the call upon his State, said, "Tennessee will not furnish a single man for coercion;" and on the same day Gov. Jackson, of Missouri, said, " Requisition is illegal, unconstitutional, revolutionary, inhuman, diabolical, and cannot be complied with."

By taking possession of this point, at so early a date, our forces were enabled to prevent a traffic with the rebellious States in contraband property. This traffic was being actively carried on between Galena and St. Louis, with towns on the Mississippi below Cairo. The execution of the following telegraphic order was the first arrest made to this traffic:

The steaniers C. E. Hillraan and .John D. Perry are about to leave St. Louis, with arms and munitions. Stop said boats, and seize all the arms and munitions.

On the evening of the 24tli and morning of the 25th, as th^se boats, bound for southern ports, neared Cairo, Col. Prentiss directed Capt. Smith, of the Chicago Light Artillery, and Capt. Scott, of the Chicago Zouaves, to board them and bring them to the wharf. His orders were executed, and large quantities of arms and munitions of war were seized and confiscated. Though this seizure was not expressly authorized by the War Department, the act of seizure and subsequent confiscation was approved. Further shipments were all forbidden, soon after, as appears from the following dispatch:

The Legislature having met on the 23d of April, proceeded at once to provide for the organization of these six regiments, and, on the 25th, an " act to organize six regiments of volunteers from the State of Illinois and provide for the election of regimental officers and of a brigadier general," was approved and became a law. Under the old militia laws of the State a company of infantry consisted of one captain, one first, one second, and one third lieutenant, four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, and not less than forty-six nor more than one hundred and sixteen rank and file. A regiment consisted of one colonel, one, two or three majors (as the case might be) the senior to be lieutenant colonel, with a regimental staff, to be appointed by the colonel, to consist of one adjutant, who should act as regimental judge advocate, one quartermaster, one paymaster, to rank as captains, respectively; one surgeon and surgeon's mate, one sergeant major, one quartermaster sergeant, one drum major and one fife major.

The regulations of the Secretary of War for organizing these regiments required each regiment to consist of one colonel, one lieutenant colonel, one major, one adjutant, (a lieutenant,) one regimental quartermaster, (a lieutenant,) one surgeon, one surgeon's mate, one sergeant major; one drum major, one fife major, ten captains, ten lieutenants, ten ensigns, forty ser-

The law provided that "in token of respect to the Illinois rei^iments in Mexico," these regiments should be numbered seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven and twelve; and that when organized they should be known as the " First Brigade Illinois Volunteers." CTnder the provisions of this law they were organized and mustered into service and ordered to duty as follows:

On the completion of the organization of these regiments several hundred volunteers were left unprovided for. Most of the companies arrived in camp with over one hundred men. Seven hundred and eighty, rank and file, was the maxirnnm allowed by the War Department, and, among the most touching and painful incidents, indicating the patriotic fervor of our people at that time, noticed in the preparation of these troops for the field, was the rejecting from their companies these surplus volunteers. Strong men, who had left their homes at an hour's notice to enter the service of their country, wept at the disappointment of being refused admission to their companies on muster day. Provision was made of one month's pay for them, and they filed their rolls and were mustered out of service of the State.

In anticipation of a call for more troops by the General Government, and in addition to liberal appropriation bills to enable the State to be placed on a war footing, the Legislature, at the same session, authorized the acceptance, for State service, ten regiments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and one battalion of light artillery.

The third section of that law provided that one of such regiments might be raised out of volunteer companies then in Springfield, and one regiment from each of the nine Congressional districts theretofore established in this State. The fourth section provided that all persons voluntarily enlisting in said regiments or battalion, before being tendered or accepted as a company, or in regiments, should severally pledge themselves, if called upon, to tender their services to the General Government.

The fifth section provided that, as soon as arms could be provided, they should be put into encampments, by regiments, at their regimental headquarters, within the Congressional district in which they were raised, and should be held in camp for thirty days, for the purpose of instruction and discipline, unless sooner demanded by the United States for actual duty.

The tenth section provided that, as soon as ten companies should be formed into a regiment, an election should be ordered for regimental officers.

This act took effect May 2d, and on the next day the president issued his proclamation, calling for 42,032 volunteers, to serve for three years, unless sooner discharged.

Over two hundred companies immediately tendered their services. The messenger who had left Washington with an order for arms in the St. Louis arsenal had arrived, and, notwithstanding the arsenal was closely watched by secessionists in St. Louis, a jplan was secretly adopted and executed, and on the morning of the 26th of April a steamboat from St. Louis arrived at Alton, with about twenty-one thousand stand of arms on board, which were forwarded to Springfield the same day.

May 6tli controversies about tenders were settled and regiments ordered into camp. The regiment from the first Congressional district was ordered to rendezvous at Freeport, May 11; the regiment from second at Dixon, May 9; the regiment from third at Joliet, May 11; the regiment from fuurth at Peoria, May 13; the regiment from fifth at Quincy, May 9; the regiment from sixth at Jacksonville, May 11; the regiment from seventh at Mattoon, May 9; the regiment from eighth at Belleville, May 11; and the regiment from the ninth at Anna, May 16. The regiment from the State at large, composed in part of companies in Springfield, were, on the lltli of June, ordered into camp at Chicago on the 13tli of June.

In reply to yours of the 2d, I am again obliged, at the solicitation of Gen. Scott, to decline acceptance of cavalry. AdjutanT; General Thomas is clear in his opinion that they cannot be of service adequate to the expense incurred by accepting them.

The quota of troops from your State, for three years or during the Avar, under the second call of the president, is six regiments. The plan of organization contained in Order No. l."), has already been forwarded you by mail. As soon as the regiments are ready the mustering ollicer sent to your State will muster them into service, who has already been instructed to do so. Simon Cameron,

It is important to reduce rather than increase this number, and in no event to exceed it. Let me earnestly recommend to you, therefore, to call for no more than twelve regiments, of which six only are to serve for three years or during the war, and if more are already called for, to reduce the number by discharge.

A messenger was immediately dispatched to "Washington to urge npon the Secretary of War the importance of accepting the other four regiments - as they were all raised and the most of them actually in camp - and also to conclude an arrangement which had previously been suggested by the Secretary of War, of re-organizing the six three months' regiments for three years' service. The result was that the other four regiments were accepted, and on the 28th of May an arrangement was made that the three months' regiments might be mustered into service for three years, immediately, provided four-iifths of them were willing, and if the remaining fifth declined they were to be immediately mustered out of service. This proposition was declined at that time by the three months' regiments. A change of climate, bad water and poor clothing had sent many to the hospital, and the result was that out of 4,680 who enlisted in the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12tli regiments, but about 2,000 subsequently reenlisted at the expiration of their term of service in July following.

The 13th regiment was mustered at Dixon, July 24th, under Col. Wyman; the 14th at Jacksonville on the 25th, under Col. Palmer; the 15th at Freeport, May 24t]i, under Col. Turner; the 16th at Quincy, May 24th, under Col. Smith; the 17th at Peoria, May 24th, under Col. Poss; the 18th at Anna, May 28th, under Col. Lawler; the 19th at Chica^^o, June 17th, under Col. Turchin; the 20th at Joliet, June 13th, under Col. Marsh; the 21st at Mattoon, June 15th, under Col. Grant; and the 22d at Belleville, June 25th, under Col. Dougherty.

The refusal on the part of the Secretary of War to authorize the governor to accept more troops caused several thousand of our best and impatient volunteers to leave their State in Maj', June and July, and enlist elsewhere. Denied the privilege of serving their country in regiments from their own State, they sought other lields of usefulness. Many whole companies entered Missouri regiments. It is estimated by those whose opinion is entitled to credit that more than ten thousand lUinoisans left their own State and enlisted in regiments of other States.

In several cases application was made to the governor to have regiments, a large majority of which consisted of Illinoisans, recognized as Illinois regiments. To provide for these cases the War Department on the

21st of February decided that " whenever a regiment is composed of companies from different States it will be considered as belonging to the State from which the greatest number of companies was furnished for that regiment." Under this order the 59tli regiment, formerly 9tli Missonri, and the 66th, formerly known as " Birge's sharp-shooters," were reclaimed, and there are other similar instances.

The " Plan of Organization," referred to in the dispatch of the 15th, was promulgated in Greneral Order No. 15 of the War Department, May 15, 1861, and provided for raising thirty-nine additional regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry, making a minimum aggregate of 31,506 officers and enlisted men, and a maximum aggregate of 42,031: officers and enlisted men, as heretofore stated. Each regiment of infantry was to consist of one colonel, one lieutenant colonel, one major, one adjutant, one quartermaster, one surgeon, one assistant surgeon, one sergeant major, one quartermaster sergeant, one commissary sergeant, one hospital steward, two principal musicians and twentj^-ibur musicians for band. Each company to consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, one first sergeant, four sergeants, eight corporals, two musicians, one wagoner, and not less than sixty four nor more than eightytwo privates - a minimum company being eighty-three, and maximum one hundred and one.

Cavalry

The cavalry regiment authorized by the law of the special session, May 3, 1861, was formed by the acceptance of companies as provided by the law.

The companies reported at Camp i'ates previous to the passage of the law and known as the " Chicago Dragoons" and "Washington Light Cavalry," commanded respectively by Capts. Charles W. Barker and Frederick Schambeck, were immediately organized and mustered into the State service; and subsequently, on the 10th day of May, three companies were accepted from that portion of the State lying south of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, viz: Capt. Orlando Burrell, "White County Cavalry;" Capt. James Foster's "Gallatin County Cavalry;" and the " Centralia Cavalry," commanded by Capt. R. D. ISToleman.

In view of the great expense of this arm of the service and the further fact that the State did not need more than five companies for its own defense, the governor declined organizing the full regiment until the services of the same should be required by the Government.

The five additional companies were, however, designated in compliance with law, and mentioned in special order of May 16, 1861, raised at points named, by the following ofiicers: Capt. John McNulta, Bloomington; Capt. A. C. Harding, Monmouth; Capt. John Burnap, Springfield; Capt. J. B. Smith, Knoxville; Capt. Paul Walters, Hillsboro.

Oil tlie 21st da}' of June, 1S61, the president accepted the services of ten companies of cavalry for three years' service, unless sooner discharged, and the companies previously accepted hy the governor were assigned to form the "First Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Cavalry," and under direction of tlie War Department were equipped and mustered into tlie United States service.

The Chicago Dragoons, Capt. Barker, were first ordered to Cairo, and thence, by order of Gen. McClellan, transferred to his command in Western Virginia, but, upon declining to enter the three years' service, Avere ordered back to Chicago and mastered out of service in the month of September, 1861.

Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, commanded by Capts. McKulta, Foster, Mitchell, Smith, Walters. Burnap and Palmer, were ^vith the 23d, Col. Mulligan, engaged at the siege of Lexington, Missouri, and with other United States forces taken prisoners of war on the 20th of September, 1861.

Bv order of Major General John C. Fremont, then commanding the Department of the West, the enlisted 7nen of these seven companies were mustered out of service on the 8th day of October, 1861, but by order of the president were reinstated and declared as continuously in service, and by order of the War Department, dated December 21, 1861, the regiment was reoro-anized at Benton barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, during the month of December, 1861, but only continued in service a short time because of difficulties arising in relation to large numbers of its members not having been properly exchanged.

Capt. Oscar Huntley's cavalry company, raised in Winnebago county, under authority of General Fremont, was assigned to this regiment at the time of its re-organization at Benton Barracks, but not mustered out of service, as it was not involved in the affair at Lexington.

Tlie battalion of artillery, authorized by the law of May 2d, was not oro-anized as such. Company " A," Chicago Artillery, Capt. Smith, (afterwards Capt. Williards,) Capt. Iloughtaling's Artillery, and Capt. McAllister's Plainfield Artillery, formed a part of General's Swift's expedition to Cairo, in April. Capt. Hopkins' Springfield Artillery was also ordered to Cairo, in April, and all remained in the service. They were first mustered into the three months' service, and afterwards into the three years' service. Capt. Houghtaling's battery was first mustered into the three months' service, as Company "F," lOtli regiment; Capt. McAllister's, as Company ''K," same regiment, three months' service, and Capt. Hopkins', as Company "I," in same regiment. Company " B," Capt. Taylor, Chicago Artillery; Capt. Davidson, Peoria Artillery; Capt. Madison's battery, and Company "A," Chicago Artillery, re-organized under Capt. Willard, were accepted under this law as batteries. These seven batteries nd Capt. Campb dl't Ottawa battery, were mustered into service, and their

Independent Regiments

These regiments of infantry, to-wit: Nos. 7 to 22, inclusive, which the Governor had been authorized to raise, were, in June, either full or nearly so. In May, June and Juh% the following regiments of infantry were authorized by the Secretary of War: 23d, Col. Mulligan ; 2tl:th, Col. Hecker; 25th, Col. Coler; 33d, Col. Hovey; 3tl:th, Col. Kirk; 35th, Col. Smith; 36th, Col. Greusel; 3Tth, Col. White; 39th, Col. Light; 40th, Col. Hicks; 41st, Col. Pugh; 42d, Col. Webb; 44th, Col. Knobelsdorf; 45th, Col. Smith; 47th, Col. Bryner; 52d, Col. Wilson; 55th, Col. Stuart; 4th cavalry, Col. Dickey; 8th cavalry. Col. Fariisworth; 9th cavalry. Col. Brackett, and the 11th cavalry, Col. Ingersoll, by General Fremont.

War Department, July 16, 1861. Sir: - No more troops will be accepted by this Department till authorized by Congress. Your ofier will be filed, and receive attention at the proper time.

New Call

On the 21st of July, the memorable battle of Bull Run was fought and lost, and on the next day Congress authorized the President to call into service five hundred thousand troops.

Sir: - Being advised that you are receiving tenders of additional troops, I desire to tender you, for Illinois, thirteen additional regiments of infantry, most of them now ready to rendezvous; three additional regiments of cavalry, and one additional battalion of light artillery. Illinois demands the right to do her full share in the work of preserving our glorious Union from the assaults oi" high handed rebellion, and I insist that you respond favorably to the tender I have made. Richard Yates.

I have telegraphed to-day, accepting your patriotic offer of thirteen additional regiments of infantry, three additional regiments of cavalry, and one additional battery of artillery, advising you that, if you so desire, you can provide for and equip them, if you can do so with advantage, as respects economy and dispatch.

It is absolutely necessary that the officers should be capable and reliable men; and to this end the department wishes it distinctly understood that it will revoke the commissions of all ofiicers who may be found incompetent for command.

You will please telegrajjli immediately to the Adjutant General, at Washington, where and when these troops will be ready to be mustered into the service, in order that an officer may be detailed for that duty, without delay.

I appreciiite the patriotic spirit of your people, as evinced ia your noble offer, and doubt not that the}^ will prove equal to every demand that may be made upon them in behalf of the preservation of our glorious Union.

Under this authority the 2Gth, Col. Loomis; 27th, Coh Buford; 28th, Col Johnson; 29th, Coh Reardon; 30th, Coh Fonke; 31st, Coh John Logan; 32, Coh John A. Logan; 3Sth, Coh Carlin; 43d, Coh Eaith; 46th, Coh Davis; 4Sth, Coh Haynie; 49tli, Coh Morrison; 50th, Coh Bane, were raised. Also, the 3d cavalry, Coh Carr; 7tli cavalry, Coh Kellogg, and the 6th cavalry, Coh Cavanangh.

General Call

August 13, 1861, another application was made to the Secretary of War, to accept more troops, and, on the 14th, all restriction was removed, and all infantry regiments were authorized to be accepted, who were willing to enter the service.

On the 27th of the same month, authority was given to accept the 5th cavalry. Col. UpdegrafF, and, on the 5tli of September, to accept the 10th, Col. Barrett.

On the 28th of September, the Governor was also authorized to accept the 12th, Col. Yoss, and on the 27th of November, the 13th, Coh Bell. The last two regiments of cavalry were, however, limited to two battalions, of four companies each; and. in the latter case, a battalion, authorized some months before by the War Department, and raised by Lieut. Coh Hartman, was to constitute a part.

In addition to the thirteen regiments of cavalry, authorized in 1861, Capt. Marx recruited a company, under the auspices of Gen. Smith, for Thielman's battalion, and Major Thielman was commissioned as Major, with rank from November 1, 1861. His command consisted of his companj^, nominally attached to the 1st cavalry, and now commanded by Capt. Marshner, and Capt. Marx's company.

Capt. Warren Stewart also raised a company, under authority of Gen. Fremont, of August 3, 1861. Four companies were also raised in connection with the 27th, 29th, 30th, and 31st regiments (Gen. McClernand's brigade), commanded by Capts. Hutchens, Carmikel, O'ilarnett, and Dollins. These four companies, and Capt. Stewart's, were subsequently organized as a battalion, and Capt. Stewart commissioned Major, with rank from February 1, 1862.

Another company was raised by Capt. Naughton, under authority from Gen. Fremont, to be attached to the 23d regiment, in September, 1861; but, after the battle of Lexington, was transferred, by the Governor of Missouri, and attached to a Missouri regiment, known as the "Curtis Horse," commanded by Col. Lowe.

A com])any, known as the Kane County Cavalry, Capt. Doclson, was also raised. This company was raised for the 2d cavalry, but was never assigned to it. It was subsequently assigned to the 15th cavalry.

The company known as " Chicago Liglit Dragoons," commanded by Capt. Barker, was re-organized under the command of Capt. Shearer, and another company recruited, and have since been known as the " McClellan Dragoons." They were temporarily attached to a regiment of regulars. These companies were subsequently assigned to the 12th cavalry, Col, Yoss.

Under the general permission of Secretary of War, of August 14th 1861, the following regiments of infantry were authorized: the 56th, Col. Kirkham; the 61st, Col. Fry; the 64th, Lieut. Col. Williams, being a battalion of six companies, known as "Yates' Sharp Shooters;" the 65th, Col. Cameron, verbally in November, and confirmed by War Department in December; 51st, Col. Cummings, September 20th; the 53d, Col. Cushman, including squadron ot cavalry and battery of artillery, September 16th; the 58th, Col. Lynch, September 25th; the 57th, Col. Baldwin, August 14th; the 54th, Col. Harris; the 60th, Col. Toler; 62d, Col. True, and the 63d, Col, Moro, known as the " Kentucky Brigade," were authorized by the War Department, subject to the governor's approval, October 3, 1861.

In the summer of 1861, an informal permission had been given to raise an additional regiment of artillery. The most of the companies had been raised, and the authority was formally recognized atid approved by the Secretary of War, January 2, 1862.

Kecbuiting Again Stopped

On the third of December all recruiting, except for regiments then organizing and for old regiments, was suspended by General Order ]^o. 105, of War Department. Parts I. and II. of that order are as follows:

I. No more regiments, batteries, or independent companies will be raised by the governors of states, except upon tlie special requisition of the War Department.

Those now forming in the various states will be completed, under direction of the respective governors thereof, unless it be deemed more advantageous to the service to assign the men already raised to regiments, batteries, or independent companies now in the field, in order to fill up their organizations to the maximum standard prescribed by law.

II. The recruiting service in the various states for the volunteer forces already in service, and for those that may hereafter be received, is placed under charge of general superintendents for those states, respectively, with general depots for the collection and instruction of recruits.

At that time, beside the six regiments of three months' men, the State had sent to the field over forty-three tliousand men, and had then in camps of instruction in the State over seventeen thousand.

squads and parts of ret^iments were consolidated, and the -iSth, 46th, 49th and 57th were organized and mustered into service. The only incomplete regiments ot" infantry in the State, December 31st, were the 51st, Col. Cummings, at Camp Douglas; the 53d, Col. Cushman, at Ottawa; the 58th, Col. Lynch, at Camp Douglas; the 23d, Col. Mulligan, at Camp Douglas, reorganizing, and four regiments at Jonesboro', 54th, COth, 62d and 63d.

On the first of January, 1862, it seemed probable that Illinois, having at that time furnished about fifteen thousand more than her proportion of troops in the field, would not be called upon or permitted to raise more, except to fill up the regiments last named, and such as might enlist in old regiments. The exciting scenes of the year just closed had taught a sad experience, and showed how unfounded were first expectations. The State, instead of being able to rest with the satisfaction of having done her whole duty to the country, was soon called upon to redouble her energies for new and exciting and more eventful realities.

In January, the 32d regiment, Col. John Logan ; the 45tli regiment, Ool. John E. Smith, and the 64tli regiment, Lieut. CoJ. D. D. Williams, infantry, and the lOtli cavalry regiment, Col. J. A. Barrett, were ordered to the field. In February, the 46th, Col. John A. Davis ; 49th, Col. Wm. R. Morrison; 5Tth, Col. Silas D. Baldwin; 58th, Col. Wm. F. Lynch, and 61st, Col. Jacob Fry, infantry; and 5th cavalry. Col. Wilson; 9th cavalry, Col. Brackett, and 13th cavalry, Col. Bell ; and seven splendid batteries of light artillery followed, commanded by Captains Sparstrom, Steinbeck, Keith, Rogers, Waterhouse, Silversparre and Bouton. The most of these troops reached the field in time to join the old regiments, and with them to participate in the battle of Fort Donelson, on the 15th and 16tli of February.

Immediately after the battle of Fort Donelson, over ten thousand prisoners of war were sent to Camp Douglas and Camp Butler, and the State was called upon to guard them with such troops as were then at these camps. The 23d and 65th regiments of infantry, and the 12th cavalry regiment, and two or three artillery companies, \vere at Camp Douglas; the 53d infantry at Ottawa, and two companies of artillery at Camp Butler. Neither of these regiments were full. The 12tli cavalry was ordered to Camp Butler, and the 53d infantry to Camp Douglas.

In March, the 53d, 56th and GOtli regiments of infantry and three more batteries of artillery, commanded by Captains Bolton, Cheeney and Coggswell; and in April, the 62d and 63d infantry took the field, leaving in the State only the 65th (fully organized); the 23d (fully re-organized); Phillip's battery, and 12th cavalry; all doing guard duty at these camps.

Recruiting For Old Regiments

On the 3d of April, the War Department directed a discontinuance of the recruiting service, as established December 3d. The officers detached on that service were ordered to rejoin their regiments, and superintendents directed to disband their recruiting parties and close their offices. Tlie State having been directed, in December, to suspend recruiting, except to complete corps then commenced, and such corps having been filled, the entire recruiting in the State may be said to have closed on the 3d of April, 1862.

The system of recruiting for old regiments, nnder the State Superintendent, appointed by the War Department, was in operation during January, February and March; and with a large detail ot recruiting officers, bnt three hundred and fifty-one recruits were enlisted. At first it was supposed that want of success was on account of recruits not being allowed to enlist for particular regimeiits; but this objection was retnoved on the lltli of January, and yet these officers met with but, little success. I On the 1st of May, the following order of the War Department was

Upon requisitions made by commanders of armies in tlie field, authority will be given by the War Department to the governors of the respective states, to recruit' regiments now in service.

Many of them have been reduced, by disease and recent battles, very far below the minimum standard. A detail from such regiments will soon be sent to you for recruiting service, and it is hoped that you will give the matter your immediate attention. Very respectfully your ob'dt serv't,

On the 6th of June, however, the plan of December 3d was reinstated by the War Department, and invalid or disabled officers, necessarily absent from their regiments, M'ere directed to be detailed for that duty whenever they were able to perform it.

A communication from Colonel Morrison, superintendent for this State, shows, that from the 5th of July to the 22d ultimo, two hundred and four officers had reported to him, and during that time 2,753 recruits had been enlisted and forwarded to their regiments, making an aggregate, from January 1st to December 22d, 1862, of 3,121. More than sixty j^er cent, of these recruits were enlisted durino^ the excitement in Auo-ust and September.

Excitement In May

Intelligence from various sources leaves no doubt that the enemy, in great force, are advancing on Washington. You will please organize and forward immediate!}' all the volunteer and militia ft)rce in your State.

In two weeks the 67th, Col. Hough, tlie 68th, Col. Stuart, the 69th, Col. Tucker, the TUth, Col. Reeves, the 71st, Col. Gilbert - infantry, for three months service, were in camp. The 23d, Col. Mulligan, and Rourke's battery, left for Annapolis, June 12th; the 65th, Col. Cameron, June 21st; the 12th cavalry, June 27th; the 6Sth, July 6th; Phillips' battery, July 12th, and the 71st, for Columbus, July 27th. The 67th, Col. Hough, and the 69th, Col. Tucker, were assigned to duty at Camp Douglas, and the 70th, Col. Reeves, at Camp Butler.

Last Calls

On the 17tli of May a regiment was called for, for particular service, and on the 30th the Secretary of War informed the governor he would accept all three years' men who wished to enlist, and all volunteers and militia for three months who had before then offered their services, and who had so far perfected their organization as to be able to report for orders at certain places named, by the 10th of June.

On the 6th of July another call of three hundred thousand was made by the President. It was at first intended to credit on this call those States for any surplus which they had furnished. It was not known at the time what our surplus was. On the next daj^ the Secretary of War called upon Illinois for nine more regiments, "being a part of your [our] quota under the call of the President." Before these regiments were filled, however, and on the 17th of July, Congress enacted that whenever the President should "call forth the militia of the States, to be employed in the service of the United States," he should specify in his call the period for M'liich said service should be required, not exceeding nine months, and the militia so called should be mustered in and continue to serve during the period so specified. The fourth section of the act authorized the president, for the purpose of filling up old regiments, to accept the services of one hundred thousand volunteers, for a period not exceeding one year.

Three hundred thousand militia, to serve for a period of nine months, unless sooner discharged, were called for August 5th. The order of the Secretary of War, making the call upon this State, assumed that a draft would be necessary; and, in anticipation that the States would not be able to contribute their quotas of the call in July for three years' service, announced that if any State should not by the ISth of August furnish its quota of the three years' vohmteers, the deficiency would be made up by a special draft from the militia. Two days after this order, to-wit., August 7th, notice was given tliat unless the enrollment of the militia had been commenced, to have it done immediately, at the expense of the general government.

These vigorous measures gave hope of a speedy termination of this terrible war. The people of the State received tlie announcement with the wildest excitement and most unbounded satisfaction. Messengers and committees from every portion of the State hastened to the Capital, demanding that, as they were ready to perform their share of the work of saving the government, that they should not be drafted so long as they were willing to volunteer. This condition of things was promptly communicated to the War Department, and the assignment of our quota, under both calls, urgently requested. The next day it was announced that our quota, under each call, would be 26,148, but as Illinois had furnished 16,978 in excess of her quota of those in the field, the total quotas under both calls was 35,320. Application was made hourly from the different counties in the State, to ascertain what their quota was, and immediately on ascertaining from the War Department what it was, the announcement was made through the public press. Still, in the minds of some, there appeared a question as to whether volunteers for three years would be accepted in lieu of militia. This was quickly settled, however, by a telegram on the 8th, from the War Department, that all volunteers would be accepted until the 15th of August, for new regiments, and all after that time for filling up old regiments, and that all volunteers enlisted before the draft (August 18th), would be credited on those calls.

On the 9tli of August, from returns made to the adjutant general of Illinois, he informed the public that there would be no draft. This was upon the strength of the dispatch from Washington that our quota was 35,320. The records now on file show that the announcement thus made was not prem^ature, and that the information thus communicated was correct. On the evening of that day, however, the Assistant Adjutant Oen. U. S. A. telegraphed that it had been decided, in fixing the quota of volunteers, not to regard those in the field hefore the call, leaving our quota, under both calls, at 52,296, notwithstanding our previous excess of 16,978.

To raise either 52,296, or 35,320 volunteers (with perhaps the exception of one thousand who had enlisted between July 7 and August 5), hut thirteen days were allowed. The floating population of the State who would enlist had already done so. These new volunteers must come, if come at all, from the farmers and mechanics of the State. Farmers were in the midst of their harvests, and it is no exaggeration to say, that inspired by a holy zeal, animated by a common purpose, and firmly resolved on rescuing this government from the very brink of ruin, and restoring it to the condition our fathers left it, over fifty thousand of them left their harvests ungathered - their tools on their henclies - the ploughs in the furrows, and turned their backs upon home and loved ones, and before eleven days

FILLED I ! Proud indeed was the day to all Illinosians when this extraordinary announcement was made that the enlistment rolls were full. And when the historian writes the record of these eventful days of August, 1862, no prouder record can be erected to the honor and memory of a free people than a plain, full narrative of actual realities.

It is not our province to bestow fulsome praise, or write glowing eulogies, but when we remember what we all witnessed in those days - when we remember the unselfish and patriotic impulse which animated every soul - and the universal liberality of those who were either too young or too old to enlist, to aid those who were eager to join their brethren in the field - when we remember the holy ardor which aged mothers and fair daughters infused into husbands, sons and brothers - we say when we remember these things we cannot but feel justified in departing from the dull routine of statistics, and bestow upon the subject this passing notice.

On the 14th of August the time was extended for filling up new regiments from the ISth to the 22d, and for old regiments to the first of September. The extension for this State was not necessary, for the musterrolls show that before the 19th of August our quotas, as last established, were filled. Yet on this same day, August 11th, the War Department, by General Order No. 105, announced that unless old regiments should be filled by the 1st of September, a special draft would be ordered on that day, and the governor informed that it required 31,719 to fill up those regiments. In view of this state of things it was determined that if the War Department should insist that Illinois should be required to raise this additional force of 34,719 to fill up old regiments, it would be useless to attempt to raise them by volunteer enlistments. On the 21st of August, therefore, General Militia Order No. 1 was issued, directing an enrollment of the entire militia of the State. This was deemed necessary to meet any contingencies that might arise, and be prepared for a draft in case one should be still demanded.

Immediately after the call for nine regiments in July, nine camps were established, one in each of the old Congressional districts of the State, for the temporary rendezvous of those regiments, but with the intention of removing them, as soon as they should be full, into the principal camps of instruction at Chicago and Springfield for permanent organization and instruction.

There was, however, in the State, barely enough camp and garrison equipage for these regiments, and consequently an additional embarrassment presented itself to provide for those called August 5th. The State was Boon full of volunteers. All had left their business and some of them were without homes. The general government was unable to supply tents, and there was not time to erect barracks to accommodate half of them. Such, therefore, as were not supplied were directed to remain at home or seek temporary quarters as best thej could, and await orders.

And still another difficulty grew out of the want of clothing, and especially blankets. All the resources of the government were taxed to supply the immense army organizing throughout tlie country, and, considering the immense amount of supplies required, and the suddenness ot the emergency which had called out these volunteers, their wants were met with very commendable promptness. In most of the counties of the State there were fair grounds at the county seats. In many counties the sheds on these county fair grounds were repaired and occupied by companies and regiments until quarters could be prepared for them at the general camps of instruction. Several regiments, however, who were unable to obtain quarters at the principal camps, moved from these neighborhood rendezvous directly to the field.

Six of these new regiments were organized, mustered, armed and clothed, and sent into the field in August; twenty- two and Board of Trade battery, Capt. Stokes, and Miller's battery, in September; thirteen in October; fifteen, beside the Springfield light artillery, Capt. Vaughn, and Mercantile battery, Capt. Cooley, in November, and three in December, making an aggregate of fifty-nine regiments of infantry and four batteries, consisting of 53,819 officers and enlisted men. Beside this, 2,753 were, during about the same time, enlisted and sent to old regiments under the direction of Col. Morrison, U. S. A. State Superintendent. Add to these 1,083, llth cavalry; 386, Camp Butler; 156, Elgin battery, Capt. Eenwick; 135, Henshaw's battery, and 83, Capt. Adams, cavalry company of the IStli regiment, makes the grand total under the last calls, 58,416, or 6,119 more than our quotas under the last calls. The excess furnished by this State, as reported by the Secretary of War, August 8th, was 16,978, which, added to the surplus under the last calls of 6,119, makes the total excess, as officially ascertained, 23,097.

Appointments And Promotions

The 10th section of the law of April 25, 1861, provides for the organization of the first six regiments, declares that at all elections for company and regimental officers, every enrolled man of the company or regiment should be entitled to vote, and none others; and that at the election for brigadier general for said brigade, all commissioned officers should be entitled to vote, and none others; and that all elections should be by written or printed ballots.

These six regiments were organized and officers elected and commissioned, as therein provided. It was organized by the State and accepted by the general government as an Illinois brigade. Col. Benjamin M. Prentiss was elected brigadier general, commissioned by Governor Yates, and mustered into the United States service May 18, 18G1, with rank from May 8, 1861.

The next ten regiments, which were acce])ted in pursuance of the act of the Legislature of May 2d, were organized as therein directed. The 15th section of the act provided that as soon as ten companies should be formed in a regiment, the adjutant general should order an election for regimental officers for the said regiments. These regim en ts^were mustered into the service of the State for thirty days, as 'contemplated by that law; but before the expiration of that time they were called upon to enter the service of the United States, and were mustered into its service in the latter part of May and early in June.

The second section provided that the companies should be " officered in manner as should be provided by the general militia law of the State."

The law of May 3d, authorizing tlie acceptance of a regiment of cavalry, did not declare how the officers were to be selected. The line officers were elected and the field and staff officers were appointed.

"With the exception of the first sixteen regiments of infantry, one of cavalry and one battalion of artillery, authorized to be raised and organized by the several laws of this State, the volunteer forces of this State were raised either under authority directly from the War Department to individuals, or under authority given by the Secretary of War to the governor.