DeKalb County, Illinois - Chapter 7: The Resurrectionists (2 of 2 so headed), 1868 (part 1 of 8)

Chapter 7: The Resurrectionists

During the years 1847 and 1848, the inhabitants of the village of St. Charles, in Kane County, and of that section of the country which surrounded it, were kept in an unpleasant state of excitement by a suspicion that the graves of their friends, whose remains they had buried, were being invaded and robbed by the faculty and students of a medical institute located at that place, which was under the charge of one Dr. Richards. Two or three graves of honored citizens of that place had been examined, and discovered to be emptied of their precious contents. Many who had recently lost friends commenced the painful task of examining their newly made graves, while many others only refrained from it lest they should find their fears realized and that the outrage so hopeless of redress had been consummated. To the gloom and terrors which surround every death-bed were added the dread surmise, that even the grave was no secure resting place for the sacred remains of the dead. The restlessness, the irritation, the indignation that was caused by this feeling may readily be imagined.

But until the spring of 1849 it was not known, nor generally suspected, that the reckless grave robbers extended their depredations beyond the near vicinity of the hated institute.

It was one gloomy afternoon in March of that year, that three young men, driving a pair of horses attached to a large spring-wagon, stopped for supper at the well-known tavern kept by Mr. James Lovell, on the Sycamore and St. Charles road, near Ohio Grove. A few words of the conversation between the party caught the quick car of the landlord's daughter, who waited on the table, and startled her with the suspicion that the party were body-snatchers, designing to rob some grave in that vicinity. She communicated her suspicions to her father, who at first paid no attention to them, but on second thought sent out a boy, quietly, to search their wagon. The lad returned and reported that, concealed beneath the buffalo robe in the bottom of the wagon, were a couple of spades, ropes, hoops, etc. - all the tools required for that ghastly trade. This left no room for doubt about their intentions, and landlord Lovell at once determined to set means at work to defeat their purpose, and capture them in the guilty act if possible.

Pie dispatched one of his boys out on the west road to Mr. II. A. Joslyn's and Mr. Levias Dow's, notifying them that the resurrectionists were coming that way, and asking them to follow and watch the rascals. He thought over the names and locations of those who had been buried in that section of country within the space of a few Aveeks. Among the healthy, hardy pioneers who then inhabited the country, a death was a rare occurrence, and none were consigned to mother earth without the knowledge, and, indeed, the presence, of most of the inhabitants for miles around.

Two bodies had been interred within a short period. One was that of a friendless German, who had been buried in that South Burying Ground in the village of Sycamore, from which the bodies have this year been removed. The other was the corpse of the fair young bride of Mr. George M. Ivinyon, which but a few days before had been conveyed to the grave-yard of the Baptist Church, near Ohio Grove, in the present town of Cortland.

Leaving his friendly neighbor Josyln, to look out for raids upon the Sycamore grave-yard, he made his own way down to Mr. David Churchill, the father of the late Mrs. Kinyon, and Avarned him to guard the sane tity of her grave.

They made some considerable delay in the village, which delay Mr. Josyln employed in rousing some of his neighbors from their slumbers, and in watching and arranging them. Mr. Herman Furners, a constable, was made leader of the party, to which was added Lorenzo Whittmore, John A. Waterman, E. P. Young, and one or two others.

When the wagon had turned down Soonmank street and stopped near the grave-yard, this party of detectives, divided into three squads and so posted as to enable them to cut off all chance of escape, were lying down in the grass and awaiting developments. Four men got out of the wagon and clambered into the burying ground. One, after a moment's delay there, Avas seen making his way back to the village. The watchers thought that they recognized in this person the figure of a resident physician of the village, and imagined that he came to point out the location of the grave, but the obscure light may have deceived them - they may have been mistaken.

Unfortunately, at this critical juncture, one of the hidden watchers was seized with an uncontrollable fit of coughing. The noise startled the guilty party, who ran for their wagon, and were jumping into it, when Constable Furness seized the horses and demanded a surrender. They were thoroughly alarmed, and their fright was not lessened by Waterman answering their question as to what would be done with them, by the promise to shoot them in the morning.

Thoroughly cowed, they were taken back to the village tavern, and were there recognized as students from Dr. Richards' Medical School. One was a son of the Doctor, another a charity student by the name of Rude, who it was reported paid for his medical education by furnishing bodies for dissection. The name of the third was unknown.

Meantime the Churchills and Kinyons had spent the night in watching the grave of the lost daughter and wife, but all was quiet there. Morning came, and they examined it closely. There was no visible evidence of its having been disturbed. Tavo of her girlish friends, uneasy at the stories about grave robbers which had been circulated through the country, had, with tender thoughtfulness, laid a twine over it which they fastened on each side as a means of detection. This was still in its position. But something made the friends still uncertain and uneasy. They determined to dig down and assure themselves, if possible, that the sanctity of her last restingplace had, indeed, not been invaded. The excavation had proceeded but a couple of feet, when their fears were confirmed by finding in the soil the comb with which her hair had been confined. The father and husband were excited almost to frenzy by the discovery, and, dropping their spades, ran round like madmen, with heartrending groans and bitter tears. Reaching the coffin at last, it was found emptied of its precious contents, the grave-clothes alone remaining within it.

around. Mr. David Churchill was a noble old man, honored and loved by the whole community, and the grief and indignation which tortured him and the relatives were shared by the entire community. It was certain that this grave had been desecrated. No one knew how many more in this region had also been violated. A party of twelve of the relatives and neighbors was speedily made up, to go to the Medical College and demand the return of the body. They went without delay, and on arriving there a search warrant was procured, and they proceeded to examine the premises. But they were an hour too late. When they entered the town they saw there a horse belonging to a physician of their own neighborhood. It was splashed with mud and foaming with perspiration. It was evident that its owner, who had formerly been a student of Richards' Institute, had heard of their intention, and ridden post-haste, to warn his medical associates of the danger of their detection. They had spirited away the body, and it could nowhere be found. In the laro;e stone building, formerly a barn, which served as a lecture and dissecting room, they found fragments of human bodies, and in the loft above a half decayed skeleton was hung up to dry ; but none of them were recognized as parts of that dear form which these distressed relatives sought.

The fruitless search was nearly completed, when the quick eye of the bereaved husband discerned upon the stone flagging of the floor, a lock of golden hair. It was the precise, peculiar shade of his lost wife's hair, and he knew it in an instant. It was not evidence enough to convince a jury, perhaps, but it satisfied him. If he had any doubts before, they were all gone now. lie begged piteously for the return of what might be left of the remains of his wife. But Richard?, who seems to have been a coarse and brutal fellow, treated the party with anger and contempt.

Discouraged and disheartened, the party went back to their homes. They knew that the body was there ; they thought with horror of the dear form of their loved and lost one carved and gashed, and made the sport of a mob of heartless medical butchers. But, alas, they saw no hope of securing it - no prospect of redress.

To their neighbors they told the story of their reception ; they showed the lock of hair. Their indignation was universal. Some of them taunted the young widower with a lack of courage, because he had not, upon the spot, taken the life of the villain, who, to tin- injury he had done him by the robbery, had added the insult of such coarse, brutal, taunting language. With one accord, the people pledged themselves to go back next day with them, in a body too strong to be resisted, and to force the rascals to yield up their prey.

About nine o'clock next morning forty stalwart men, the best citizens of the country around, armed with guns, pistols and clubs, gathered together in the village of Sycamore, and starts 1 again on the journey of twenty miles, to rescue the remains of the lost child of their neighbor and friend. As their wagons passed in procession along the road, the neighboring farmers in both counties, learning the purpose of the expedition, joined it with determined good will, and before they reached St. Charles, its numbers had quadrupled. As they n eared the town they halted and gathered together, selected a committee of five of their party to go forward and demand the return of the body, and give the inmates of the Institute fair warning that the consecpuence of a further refusal would be the destruction of their buildings, if not of the lives of the inmates.

The Committee consisted of Esquire Currier of St. Charles, John C. Wateriman, Willam Fordham, Lorenzo Whittemore and Kimball Dow, of Sycamore.

Backed up by most of the party, the Committee proceeded to the house. Richards met them at the door, and within were his family and some dozen or more of his students. Pistols were seen in his side pocket, and behind the door were a number of guns. He was still heartless, impudent and defiant. He denied any knowledge about the body they sought for, but said perhaps his students could account for it.

A good deal of angry conversation passed between the parties. Rude, the student, who had been detected in the crime at Sycamore, was particularly active, and Kinyon, although he had never before seen him and did not know him to be that one, yet took an instinctive aversion to him, and could hardly be restrained from shooting him upon the spot.

Kinyon was determined to recover the corpse of* his wife, or make a corpse of him who robbed her grave. They resolved to capture the place by storm, seize Richards and take him into Fox River, then hold him under water until he would reveal the place where the body was concealed. In the meantime some Germans had been found who said that on the Sunday previous, a German friend who had worked for Richards had shown them, in the dissecting room, the corpse of a golden-haired young woman, whose appearance perfectly corresponded with the description of Mrs. Kinyon. This added to their confidence that the brutal Richards was still in possession of her remains, and they were sure that nothing but violence would induce him to restore them. Headed by David Churchill, the noble old father of the deceased, and Kinyon, the youthful widower, a party of thirty marched up to the building and made a rush upon the door, and as the pressure forced it partly open, the muzzle of a gun was thrust out and fired. It would have proved fatal to some of the party had not Churchill forced down the barrel so that the bullet struck the stone pavement and bounded over their heads. This first act of war was followed by a shot from Kinyon, who raised his gun and fired blindly through the door. Fate directed, his bullet to the death of the man who had really been the robber of the grave. Rude was pierced through the hips, and was borne away fatally wounded. A number of shots followed on both sides, and those of the crowd outside, who had no guns, hurled stones from the street till every glass and sash in the house was shivered to atoms. Old Gilman Smith, of Sycamore, who had been a soldier of the war of 1812, was conspicuous for his coolness. He loaded and fired, whenever he saw any part of a person exposed, with as much coolness and deliberation as if he was shooting at squirrels. It is said that he put two bullets through Richards, one through his lungs and another in his leg. During a pause in the battle, Richards, now thoroughly cowed and bloody with his terrible wounds, came out to appeal for mercy.

Soon after, the students were seen escaping from the rear of the building, and Henry Thrall rather cruelly poured a charge of small shot into the rear of one of them as lie clambered over a wall. The assaulting party now crowded into the house. They found it fearfully riddled, and occupied only by the two wounded men. Small mercy they gave to their misfortunes.

But Richards still refused to give up the body, and as it seemed impossible to get any satisfaction, and as warrants were out to arrest the party as rioters, they retreated in an orderly manner across the river. As they passed through the town the ladies cheered them from their windows, with waving handkerchiefs and encouraging words. The popular indignation at the outrages of the men of the Institute was nowhere greater than in their own town.

Night now came on and another - a night attack - was expected by the occupants of the establishment. The bridge across the river had been carried away, and only a temporary foot-bridge accommodated passengers, while teams crossed at the fords. The town's people and the friends of Richards established guards at three points and halted every person who attempted to cross. They did also what was more effectual. They sent to Napervillc for William D. Barry (a St. Charles laAvyer then temporarily absent), who knew Churchill, the leader of the invaders, and upon whom he would place confidence. Barry arrived late at night, and as soon as he learned the situation crossed over to the little hotel on the west side, which was the headquarters of the invading party. After a long pacific conversation he urged them all to go home in the morning, promising upon his honor, that the body should be speedily returned to them it' it was in existence " You can cross the river again and kill some more of them," said lie, "and some of you will as certainly be killed also, but what good will all that do ? You can never get the body in that way. Take my word for it, the body shall be given up to you."

. They took his word for it and next morning they went, but left word that if the promise was not fulfilled, they would come again and destroy the entire establishment.

Barry had promised more than he was quite authorized to promise, but he now took measures to redeem his word. lie summoned John F. Farnsworth, a lawyer of the town, Dr. Hard, who was a brother-in-law of Farnsworth, and had some acquaintance with the affairs of the College, to a secret consultation at his office. Contrary to his expectations, Dr. Hard could tell nothing about the body, but after a long talk the Doctor sallied out to see if he could not find some one who could. He brought back a young medical student named Harvey, who, it seemed, alone knew the exact spot where the corpse was concealed, and after a multitude of pledges of secrecy, he promised to reveal to Barry, alone, the place of its concealment on the following night.

In the gloom of that night the two started out on the search and, after some miles of travel through the woods, they came to a spot upon the banks of the Fox River, within a few rods of tin; village of Geneva, which Harvey pointed out as the grave of Mrs. Kinyon. Harvey, who had now revealed enough knowledge of the affair to make him liable to arrest, and at least to subject him to the vengeance of the relatives, if they ever discovered his connection with it, now told Barry that he would leave the country forever. He bid him goodbye, started out in the darkness, and was never more seen in this section of country.

Barry then went to Geneva, roused from his slumbers Mr. Danforth, who then kept a kind of cabinet shop there, and ordered a coffin to be ready next night at midnight, specify- ing no purpose for which it was to be used, but enjoined the closest secrecy. Determined that no person should be known as having been connected with the affair, he now contrived a plan for returning it to the relatives, without their knowing whence or through whom it came.

Old Mr. Prescott, of St. Charles, who was a distant relative of the Churchills, and had been active in an effort to aid the recovery of the remains, found next day upon his door step an anonymous note, very cautiously worded, but giving him to understand, that if he would go alone with a Avagon, at a certain hour on the following morning, to a designated spot in the' woods, on the west of the river, he would find the body.

It was the midnight following, that Mi-. Barn', accompanied by a. young man named Nelson, stopped at Danforth's, took the rude coffin which had been prepared for him, and drove back again to the spot where the body was buried. Nelson, who was sworn to secrecy, as to ail that might transpire that night, was still uninformed about what his companion's strange actions meant and was in a tremor of terror as, digging down a couple of feet, they came to the body of the fair young woman. It Avas wrapped in an old horse blanket, and still undecayed. The two drew it down to the river, Avashed oh1' the earth that had adhered to it, and then Nelson, unwilling that it should lie coffined entirely nude, drew off his own underclothing and placed it on the corpse, then drove back up the river.

Prescott next morning repaired to the place to which he had been directed, lie found there the coffin, and opening its lid recognized the corpse of his niece. Without communicating with any person, he placed it in his own wagon ami starting back to Sycamore restored it to the husband, lie received it with hysterical delight - laughed and Avept, and raved by turns. Never Avas there gathered at any one funeral before, so large a concourse of people as met on that next Sabbath day, to consign a second time to the grave the body which had caused such an excitement in all the country round. A new grave was duo- close under the husband's window, and there the long lost body was at last consigned to await the resurrection only of the last great day.

Undoubtedly many other graves had been robbed before this time in this same section of country, but it is believed that there were none since.

The medical school was broken up. Rude, the student, died a few days after. Richards, the principal, partially recovered, moved away to Missouri, but never fully recovered his health, and died about three years after.

Indictments were found against Kinyon and Churchill in the Courts of Kane County and they were arrested, but released on bail. Indictments were also found in one Court of DeKalb County, against the body-snatchers. Neither were ever brought to trial. Public opinion seemed satisfied that the crime had been duly expiated and that nothing was to be gained by further prosecution of the matter, on either side.

Wae Of The Great Rebellion

Decidedly the most interesting, most honorable and most eventful portion of the history of the County of DeKalb, is that which relates the gallant deeds of her brave sons, their sacrifices and sufferings in that tremendous struggle for the life of the nation - the war of the Great Rebellion.

How do the excitements of its earlier settlement, its claim wars, its county-seat wrangles, its contests with the banditti, its war upon the grave-robbers, its political and social excitements, all pale and lose their interest when compared with the story of the grand heroism displayed by her sons upon an hundred battle-fields ; and of the no less devoted patriotism which led two thousand of her brave boys to cheerfully endure the toils, the sufferings, the labors of the grand marches, the terrors of rebel prisons, privation, destitution, death itself, that they might help to save their country from destruction, and o-ive to the world a re-united nation. In the four vears of the great civil war is comprised more of its real history, more of true heroism, more adventure, more romance, more of gallantry, valor, everything that dignifies and ennobles the character of its people, than in all the remaining portion of its career. If, then, a larger portion of this work be devoted to this portion of the history than to any other, it will not be more than its importance demands.

to espouse, with more than ordinary fervor, the cause of the government in its struggle with the slave-holders' rebellion. From the first settlement of the County, it had been the home of a strong, active, zealous party of anti-slavery men ; men who were avowed abolitionists, who gloried in that name when it was a term of reproach ; who not only voted for, but labored and expended their money for the freedom of the slave. Scattered here and there over the whole county, were numerous well-known stations on the "under-ground railroad;" homes of thrifty, hard-working, God-fearing haters of oppression, in which, it was well understood, the panting fugitive escaping from Southern Slavery, would be sure of finding rest, refreshment, a safe shelter, a warm welcome, and means to help him on to other stations on the route to what was then his only safe-guard, the flag of England on Canadian soil. The homes of the Beveridges and the Hubbards of Somonauk, of the Townsends of May field, David West's of Sycamore, and E. S. Gregory at Genoa, were well known as homes and places of refuge for the fugitive negroes ; and many an interesting story of their experience in aiding and secreting these oppressed people, are now told with a freedom, that before the downfall of American Slavery would have been dangerous. Long before the formation of the Republican party, whose corner-stone was hostility to slavery extension, the majority of the voters of the County were of that class who made hatred of slavery the cardinal principle of their political creed. It was natural that when the devotees of the slave system sought to rend in twain the Union of the States, in order to protect their institution, and with fratricidal hand attacked the defenders of the flag of their country, these men should rally to its defense with earnest enthusiasm. But their zeal for the defence of the country was only more fervent than that of their political opponents. Inspired by the noble utterances of their great leader, Stephen A. Douglas, whose patriotic devotion to his imperiled country burst the bonds of party, and shed over the last months of his too short life a sublime eternal radiance, the great mass of the Democratic party in the country, with some noted exceptions, rallied at the first outbreak of the war to the defense of the country, gave their support to the government, enlisted for their country's defense or encouraged the enlistments, and gave their services, with patriotic sincerity to the work of preserving the Union.

The echoes of the first guns that were fired upon Fort Sumter had scarcely died away, when in the principal towns of DeKalb county hundreds of her sons sprang to arms, began drilling and preparing for service, and earnestly demanded the privilege of being led to battle against the rebel foe. Their earnestness was constantly repressed by the government, which, embarrassed by the want of suitable laws to meet such an unlooked-for emergency, and apparently failing to appreciate the real magnitude of the contest, hesitated and drew back from the impending conflict, refused to call out a sufficient number of troops, and checked, instead of encouraging, the patriotic ardor of the people.

When, at last, two companies of volunteers from this county gained permission to serve in her armies against the rebellion, their privilege was at a premium. Some of those who had been'accepted, but from various causes found it difficult to disentangle themselves from the ties that bound them to their homes, sold out their places in the ranks, to others whose eagerness could not be repressed. But, as the conflict broadened and deepened, as our armies met the enemy and failed to conquer their legions, the government found use for all the men who were willing; to serve her. The calls of the President for troops were as follows :

It must ever be a source of pride to the County of DeKalb that each successive demand made during the first three years of the war, was promptly filled by volunteers. The summer of 1862 - how memorable and exciting ! In the July previous, a half million of men were called out, and DeKalb County promptly met the call. In August, 1862, 600,000 more were asked for. It was in the midst of the busy harvest season. The County had already been drained of more than fifteen hundred of its able-bodied men, and was suffering for help to gather its bountiful harvest ; yet without a murmur, six hundred of the very best men of the County sprang into the ranks of the 105th regiment, and perhaps half as many more into other organizations. It was not until July, 1864, that a draft was finally required in this County, to fill the repeated and exhausting demands of the service.

What gallant and honorable service these citizen soldiers performed for their country, let this too brief and contracted record of the campaigns of the various regiments partially relate. Not one of the great battles of that long and bloody war Avas fought in which the loyal sons of DeKalb did not bear a most honorable part. The history of their campaigns is a history of the war. DeKalb County boys opened the first battle in the seven days fight on the Virginian Peninsula, and were the first to attack Lee's rebel host at Gettysburgh. Some loaded their guns for the first time while under the fire of Fort Donelson. They swept with the great Sherman on the grand march to the sea. They were the heroes of the day on the first assault upon Vicksburg. They bore a most honorable part in its final capture. They saved by a gallant charge, the defeated army of Banks' on Red River. They were first at the capture of Mobile. In the campaigns in

Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and indeed wherever a rebel army was to be found, there were men of DeKalb County to meet them in the deadly conflict.

Volumes could hardly do full justice to the story of their exploits. It has been found necessary in this work to condense the history of most of them down to the dry record of their principal movements. To the One Hundred and Fifth volunteers more space has been given, partly because that regiment contained three times as many of DeKalb County men as any other regiment, and partly because the history of the movements of one regiment in that great campaign is substantially the history of all others who participated in it, and will serve to tell their story.

To the Eighth Illinois Cavalry has also been given an unusually full record because they alone of all our regiments participated in the movements of rhe Virginia campaigns and their history is the history of the great, long- enduring, oft baffled, but finally triumphant Army of the Potomac, and with that of the other regiments, really completes the description of all of the great campaigns of the war. This record gives the history of allof the full Companies formed in the County. Hundreds of men however, enlisted in other companies and did service no less gallant and praise-worthy.

United States Service, In 1865

SKETCH OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, FROM ITS ORGANIZATION IN THE FALL OF 1862, UNTIL ITS FINAL DISCHARGE FROM THE UNITED STATES SERVICE, IN 1865.

In response to the call of President Lincoln, for six hundred thousand more men, to aid in putting down armed rebellion against the National Government, the One Hundred and Fifth Regiment, Illinois Infantry Volunteers was formed, embracing ten Companies, of which six were composed of volunteers from DeKalb, and four from DuPage Counties respectively.

The men were enlisted in July and August, 1862, and went into camp at Dixon, 111., on the 29th day of the latter month, where they rendezvoused until the preliminaries incident to effective organization were (rone throurrh with. All the line officers were elected by the unanimous vote of the respective Companies, and each of the field and staff officers received every vote in the entire regiment.

The Regiment was mustered into service September 2d, 1862, with 954 men, Col. Daniel Dustin having been by its wisdom and with enthusiasm, elected and welcomed as its commanding officer. The Colonel entered the service in August, 1861, in the 8th Illinois Cavalry, as Captain of Company L, which was raised in DeKalb County. He had been promoted Major, and served with his regiment in the campaign on the peninsular.

For Lieut-Col. and Major the 105th selected Henry F. Vallette. of DuPage County, and Everell F. Dutton, of De Kalb, the latter having been 1st Lieutenant of Company F. in the 13th Illinois Infantry, volunteers, which Company was also recruited in DeKalb County, in April 1861. He had been promoted Captain of his Company in August, 1861, and was with the 13th in all the severe marches through Missouri and into Arkansas, under General Curtis. Lieut. -Col. Vallete had not before been in the service. Lieut. -Colonel Vallete and Major Dutton are in stature something over five and six feet, respectively ; the former of light frame, the latter large and commanding. Both are active in their movements, the Major being particularly noted for those qualities characteristic of the dashing soldier.

The regiment was mustered in by Captain Barri, of the regular army, at Dixon, as before indicated. Companies A, C, E, G, H, and K, being recruited from DeKalb county, and companies B, D, F and I from DuPage. The following were the officers mustered at the time of organization : Field and Staff.

The One Hundred And Fifth

About the time the boys began to experience the sensations peculiar to raw recruits, just entering on a change of life and diet, the regiment was ordered to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where, from the 8th to the last of September, it was busily engaged in securing clothing, camp and garrison equipage. While at Camp Douglas the regiment was numerously visited by its friends, who came to see how the boys looked " in camp," and to exchange a few more words of parting.

The regiment was presented with a beautiful stand of colors, by Hons. T. B. Bryan and II. C. Childs, of DuPage, upon whose folds were inscribed, in golden letters, " Strike togetJier" - words destined to become actualized in the conduct of the men before the enemy.

On the 30th of September, 1(862, under orders from the Governor of Illinois, the regiment left Chicago for Louisville, arriving there October 2d. At Jeffersonville, Indiana, the men were armed with the "Austrian rifled musket," an inferior weapon. Reporting to General Dumont, the regiment was attached to a division then under his command, and to a brigade under the command of Brigadier-General W. T. Ward.

At this point the trials and hardships of active soldiering began, as the boys of the new regiment were immediately called upon to execute a forced march to Shelbyville, Ky., carrying knapsacks heavily stuffed, four days rations in haversacks, musket in hand, and sixty rounds of ammunition. Leaving Louisville on the day following their arrival at that point, the regiment arrived at Shelbyville on the 4th of October, having marched about thirty-six miles in twenty-four hours. For green troops who had never inarched a day or an hour before, this was a hard beginning. Although onlv the first, it was the last march of some of the men. Left Shelbyville on the 8th and entered Frankfort at 4 A. M. on the 9th. The movement was made with the entire division.

The 105th (and the division) remained at Frankfort seventeen days, during which time it was engaged in guard and picket duty, with occasional slight skirmishing with the enemy, performing drill duty daily,1 and executing a counter raid upon John Morgan and his command, marching to Lawrenceburg and returniug to Frankfort, a distance of about twentyeight miles, in about twenty hours.

Frankfort, the capital of Kentucky, was an interesting point to the soldiers who were so fortunate as to rest there. It is situated on the east bank of the Kentucky river, sixty miles above its entrance into the Ohio. The site of the town is a deep valley, surrounded by precipitous hills. The river flows in deep limestone banks, the quarries of which yield a fine stone, or marble, of which many of the houses are built. It contains a State-house, Court-house, and other official buildings, with many handsome private dwellings, and a population of some three or four thousand. In the beautiful Cemetery, near the city, are the graves of many of Kentucky's prominent dead ; many soldiers of the Mexican war, and the tomb of Daniel Boone, the old pioneer.

Here the regiment became thinned out somewhat by diseases peculiar to camp life. Many had to be left behind when the regiment moved on for Bowling Green, which it did, together with the division, on the 26tn of October, arriving at that point November 4th. The boys still unused to millitary duty, and poorly prepared to endure a forced march of so great length, were, nevertheless, rushed through on foot - as from Louisville to Shelbyville, with heavy loads - a distance of 154 miles, in ten days. The weather was warm and the roads dusty during the latter part of the march, which added greatly to its trials. Think of a column of troops, already jaded, with exhausted and chafed bodies, literally enveloped in dust, so that one man could not see three ranks ahead of him, much less distinguish one comrade from another !

pulling down of tents and the packing of camp equipage in the morning, a cold and cheerless task. The troops left Frankfort in three inches of snow, but with confidence in their ability to endure any hardships after undergoing the severities of the forced march from Louisville to Shelbyville. Leaving Frankfort on the 26th, as before mentioned, the command moved about twenty miles and camped at Salt River. On the 27th, passed through a small place called "Dogwalk." On the 28th, passed through Johnsonville, and Chaplin Hill, camping at Sugar Grove. Passed through Bloomfield and Bardstown on the 29th, camping one mile beyond the latter place. Reached New Haven on the 30th, and on the 31st passed near Hodgkinsville, and the birth-place of Abraham Lincoln. November 1st, reached Bacon Creek Station, on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, leaving the sick and sore to be sent forward by rail. November 2d, passed through Mumfordsville and crossed Green River, campni gat Horse Cave. The Cave was numerously visited by the soldiers and pronounced a very interesting natural curiosity. It lies deep down in the bowels of the earth, with a round entrance like the mouth of Jonah's Whale. In its interior is a stream - a deep, small, silent vein of pure water, coursing beyond the vision of the seers of Horse Cave village. On the 3d, passed near the famous Mammoth Cave, camping within a day's march of Bowling Green. Arrived at Bowling Green on the 4th, camping at Lost River, several miles southwest of the town. A small stream, losing itself in the broad mouth of another of Kentucky's underground passages, was the scene of this encampment.

As already indicated, this was a hard march. The officers and men endured it with commendable patience, arriving at their destination exhausted and footsore.

Here the regiment remained one Aveek, drilling daily. On the 9th, the division was reviewed by Major-General Rosecrance. Riding up to the 105th during the review, the General, after being saluted, said : " Men of the 105th: When you go into battle, fire deliberately and aim low. Remember, that if each one of you hits a man you will kill and cripple a great many. It is a short lesson, and I hope you will remember it."

The boys enjoyed the brief rest at this point, and under direction of their good Colonel and faithful officers, rapidly improved in the school of the soldier.

Here we had an opportunity of entering and exploring Lost River Cave. One day a party, equipped with candles and matches, penetrated far into the interior, crawling through circular openings to its series of chambers, or tracing the meandering passage which holds in everlasting embrace the little river that is "Lost." The chambers near the entrance to the Cave are oblong, with arched ceilings, and barely admitiing a man in upright posture. They are empty and unornamented. But the passage in which the stream flows is broad, and high enough to admit the tallest man, the ceiling in dome-like form, rising in many places so high as to render its outlines scarcely visible withont the aid of strong lights. For two hundred yards the party picked their way, now and then climbing over rocky places, and on bare ground treading the narrow shore. The sound of voices vibrated with thrilling effect in the deep recesses of the dark cavern.

The pleasant encampment at Lost River ended on the mornino; of November 11th, the division having been ordered to Scottsville, the county seat of Allen county, a small town of about two hundred inhabitants. The regiment arrived on the evening of the 12th, and camped near the town. Until the 25th, the regiment remained at this point, engaged in drill and guard duty. Here the troops were required to turn out at ") o'clock in the morning and stand at arms until sunrise. This was a precautionary practice.

The boys by this time spent nearly all the money they had received on entering the service, and were compelled to use postage-stamps as currency. In trading with the most ignorant of the natives about Scottsville, they passed old stamps and labels for money. For instance, a "one cent" Pain killer label, from a bottle of Perry Davis' or anybody else's specific, would pass quite readily for a "- one dollar." Thus many secured the luxuries of the country thereabouts, such as pies, cakes, eggs, or anything else eatable.

While here, the 105th, together with a section of a battery, executed a sort of mock battle, the former manoeuvering and char ging before the latter while firing blank cartridges. The battle was spirited, and admirably conducted by Colonel Dustin and the commanding officers of the battery.

Captain Horace Austin, Company K, of DeKalb, resigned November 2(5 th, First Lieutenant Nithan S. Greenwood, of Clinton, succeeding as Captain.

Second Lieutenant Robert D. Lord, of Geneva, Company A, resigned December 17, Sergeant Wrilliam R. Thomas, of Sycamore, succeeding as Second Lieutenant.

First Lieutenant Richard It. Woodruff, Company G, of Sycamore, resigned December 21, Second Lieutenant John M. Smith, of Burlington, Kane county, succeeding as First Lieutenant.

Captain Enos Jones, Company I, of Milton, DuPage, resigned December 17, First Lieutenant William 0. Lock, of Addison, succeeding as Captain.

The brigade to which the regiment was attached embraced the following regiments: 70th Indiana, 105th, 102d, 120th Illinois and 70th Ohio. About the 10th of December, the brigade was ordered into winter quarters at Gallatin, except the 105th, which on the 11th moved to South Tunnel, six miles north of Gallatin, relieving an entire brigade of Ohio troops, under command of General Steadman. Here the regiment remained until the 1st of February, 1803, except Company A, Captain Brown, which was stationed during the winter at a Railway bridge half-way between the tunnel and Gallatin, during which time constant scouting duty was performed. Much sickness prevailed, and many deaths occurred. The camp was located on high, but soft ground, near the mouth of the tunnel - really on the side of a mountain, whose lofty summit overlooked the camp and railway station to the north. This position was the scene of much suffering, and varied and wearisome duties. The regimental Surgeon II. S. Potter, and Assistant Surgeon George W. Boggs, though among the best medical officers of the department, could hardly stem the tide of disease, which seemed to sweep through the camp at times with the fatality of an epedemic. The chief Surgeon himself narrowly escaped death by disease.

First Assistant Surgeon Alfred Waterman had been assigned to the small-pox hospital, at Bowling Green, immediately after the arrival of the regiment at that point. This was the scene of his own severe illness, as well as important service. Remaimed there until about the 18th of February, I860, when he returned to the regiment, then at Gallatin. He escaped the horrors of South Tunnel, but not the horrors of Bowling Green, which seemed to be all hospital and nothing else. The regiment lost a few men there.

the 105th, and the Assistant Surgeons, that in the exigencies of every situation they were found to be men of sterling integrity and large capacity. Surgeon Potter was a gentleman of fine sensibilities, and on all occasions manifested a willingness to go to the end of his powers of endurance in order that nothing it was possible for him to do might be left undone.

First Assistant Surgeon Waterman, an officer of stronger physical powers and great activity, afterward became chief Surgeon, filling up the measure of his duties in whatever sphere he was called to act.

Second Assistant Surgeon - afterward First Assistant - George W. Boggs, a young officer of decided skill, filled his position in the most creditable manner.

Grim death bore away from that mountain height at South Tunnel many a gallant soldier, and some friends visiting the regiment from homes in the North, arrived after their boys had been buried. Henry S. Kingsley, an honorable and talented young member of Company F, Captain Daniels' Company, died of typhoid fever. His father, Rev. Mr. Kingsley, hearing of his sickness, came all the way from Cook County, 111., to Gallatin, Tcnn., only to learn that his boy was dead and buried some hours before his arrival.

The regiment was ordered back to Gallatin, February 1st, 1863, where it remained with the brigade until the last of May. On the 14th day of March, Companies D, F, II and G were detailed as provost guard, and performed that duty creditably, making friends of the citizens of Gallatin by their steady habits and good behavior.

Up to this period - May 1863 - the regiment had lost 205 men, died and discharged on account of disability. But for the exposure and the severe marches it had undergone, the larger portion of those who died and those discharged, would

During the six months stop at Gallatin and the Tunnel, ending the 1st of Juno, 1868, the regiment performed a great amount of hard labor, constructing earthworks, scouting, clearing the country of bushwhackers, gathering forage, horses, etc., and capturing rebels. Major Dutton had charge of all the scouts - fifty from each regiment of the post - riding night and day for weeks through the country, at one time (May 19), making quite a capture of prisoners on the south side of the Cumberland river, attended with a skirmish, during which a Lieutenant Record, of the 70th Indiana, was wounded. At another time the Major captured, and brought in, seventy-eight bales of cotton, from across the river, fifty horses and mules, and several rebel's.

The Gallatin printing office was placed in charge of Private Ogdon Whitlock of Company F, 105th, by Major Scarritt, Provost Marshal under General Paine, Post Commander. Private Whitlock acted as Post printer, turning out a large amount of Government printing in the shape of job work, and together with Sergeant J. E. Harroun, of the 102d Illinois, as senior editor, and Privates Bell and Patrick, of the 102d, and Company A, 105th, respectively, published a wellfilled and Avell-edited six-column weekly paper called the Courier, which enjoyed a circulation of 1200, having many northern exchanges, and receiving complimentary notices from such papers as the Indianapolis Daily Journal, Gazette, Weekly Chicago Covenant, Sycamore Republican, Whcaton Illinoian, Nashville, Tenn., Daily Union, Elgin, 111., Gazette, Salem, O., Republican, Alcdo, 111., Record, and many other prints ; also a sarcastic notice from the Louisville Journal.

We have not yet mentioned the fact of the dissolution of Gen. Dumont's division to which the regiment was assigned at Louisville. On the 7th day of December 1862, the 39th brigade, which was in the division, and commanded by Colonel Moore, of the 104th Illinois volunteers, was captured at

Hartsville, Tenn. This event seemed to disgrace, or at least, was disastrous to the division, as immediately thereafter, one brigade - the 40th - was assigned to Gen. Reynolds, and Ward's brigade assigned to Gen. E. A. Paine, commander of Post at Gallatin.

Lieut. -Colonel Vallette filled the position of Provost Marshal for some time at Gallatin, and Captain A. C. Graves, of Co. D, had charge of Provost guard.

Many of the officers and men received leave of absence from that point, visiting their homes and returning to the regiment, bearing letters and packages to those who remained with the command.

Second Lieutenant Win. R. Thomas, promoted from 1st Scrgant, Company A, was assigned to the position of A. A. G., on stan of General W. T. Ward, commanding the brigade, then called the 8th, a position which he filled with credit to himself, reflecting honor on the 105th. He was afterward confirmed as a staff officer by authority of the President of the United States, which position he retained during the remainder of his term of service.

First Lieutenant L. B. Church, promoted from Second Lieutenant Company B - afterwards promoted to Captain - was detailed on the staff of General Ward as A. D. C, and subsequently on the staff of General Paine, as A. J). G, which position he assumed to the entire satisfaction of the commanding officers in particular and the command in general. Lieutenant Church was an officer and gentleman of more than usual popularity, on account of his uniform conviviality and his wonderful talent for singing. He has charmed the senses of thousands in and out of the army by his magic voice. To the 105th he was a tower of strength ; as a natural born singer, he possessed in ample measure the power to soothe and thrill with concordant sounds the spirits of its every member. Stand him on a barrel in the streets of Gallatin or in any of the camps, and he would bring every regiment and every detachment within the radius of a mile inside the circle of his song vibrations. " The Sword of Bunker Hill," " Red, White and Blue," " Old Shady," and other popular airs were rendered with great energy and effect.

The 105th was distinguished for its musical characters - perhaps more than any other regiment in the whole Department. Colonel Dustin, Lieutenant Colonel Vallette, Major Dutton, Assistant Surgeon Waterman, and Lieutenant Heath, of Company A, were singers, also. They participated in the exercises of a grand concert given at Gallatin by a combination of singers and musicians of the 8th Brigade, on the evening of 22d April, 1863. The entertainment was a splendid affair, and had to be repeated the second evening following. The Gallatin Courier in making an extended notice of the concert of the 22d, said : " The entertainment was a highly successful one in all respects, and will be remembered as one of the brightest incidents in the army, long after the scenes through which we are passing have flown." Among the line officers and enlisted men there were also many singers, and good musicians.

The Regimental Band, with Drum-Major Morrel Fuller and Fife-Major Walter Van Velzer at its head, became justly noted in the army for clever manipulations on the drum and fife. Being expert performers on the violin, also, these gentlemen added its charms to the list of "regimental blessings." By means of industrious application during their term of service, they advanced to a stage of development which gave them decided character as individuals and made the regiment proud of them as its principal musicians. The entire company of musicians attained to a high degree of efficiency, the Band as a whole being excelled by none, and above the average in all respects of most regimental bands in the army.

Private Luther L. Hiatt, Company F, the prescription clerk in regimental hospital, a most exemplary young soldier, and a veritable musician, frequently furnished a guitar accompaniment to the violins and fifes, the whole making up an excellent combination, fully deserving the title of the "105th Illinois String Band."

Under the able management of Colonel Dustin, the regiment rapidly attained to a degree of efficiency in drill and discipline. In the manual of arms the 105th already began to excel, and in the drill grounds the men were readily wielded in the school of battalion. The Colonel early taught the rules of health in his advisory speeches to the regiment, and fully set forth the duty and great advantages of education in all things pertaining to the service. Few regiments perhaps were organized with such entire unanimity of feeling as existed in the 105th, and that continued to prevail from this time to the end of the Avar.

About the time the regiment returned to Gallatin from the Tunnel, Surgeon Potter was detailed to act as Brigade Surgeon, 1st Assistant Surgeon Waterman shortly afterward taking his place in the regiment as Acting Chief Surgeon.

Captain Alexander L. Warner, Company C, of Sycamore, resigned February 17th, 1863 ; First Lieutenant George W. Field, Sycamore, succeeding as captain. Captain Field afterward resigned July 11th, 1803 ; First Lieutenant Charles G. Culver, of Company II, being promoted to the captaincy of company C. Captain Thomas S. Terry, Company E, of Shabbona, resigned March 10th ; First Lieutenant Marvin V. Allen, Shabbona, succeeding as captain. Second Lieut. Porter Warner, Company F, York, DuPage, resigned April 17th ; First Sergeant Wm. M. Tirtlot succeeding as Second Lieutenant.

On the 9th of April 1803, while acting as Provost guard, Private Isaac Elsie, Company C, Captain A. C. Graves, was accidentally shot dead by a pistol in the hands of a comrade. This was one of the saddest occurrences that happened to the Provost guards at Gallatin.

The regiment was paid off about the middle of April, at which time the bojs Avere ready to fully appreciate those fine greenbacks, having not so favorable an opportunity of passing old pain-killer labels and postage stamps as at Scottsville.

Captain J. S. Forsythe, Company II, added a Mr. Samuel Taylor, citizen of Sumner county, Tenn., to his gallant family of boys, being probably the only regular enlistment in the regiment "from a quarter least expected," during its campaigning in the enemy's country.

Colored inhabitants in the country about Gallatin - then called " contrabands" by the soldiers, came in daily to the Post, many of whom were employed in the hospitals, and on the streets and alleys, cleansing the town. Colonel B. J. Sweet, commanding at Fort Thomas, near the railway depot, employed a number at the fort ; and when too many accumulated they were shipped to the front and set to work there.

There were periods of gloom among the people generally while the brigade was lying at Gallatin, the military situation East and West being unsatisfactory, and reported disaffection in the North gave rise to the painful reflection that a "fire in the rear" was about to be threatened. But to fighting men the prospect had no terrors, as they were anxious to finish disloyalty in front or rear, never counting the cost. It was this spirit, gaining ascendency among the troops of the West, which finally manifested itself in the bold movement that resulted, together with the master strokes in the East, in the complete triumph of the national arms. Notwithstanding the dark times, more or less intensified since the starting out of the 10,3th in 1862, the spirit of the troops, although depressed, never despaired, and the first of May, 1868, brought new victories East and West, when depression gave way to revivifying hope. This was the beginning of the end.

Among the happiest of mortals were the poor, humble " contrabands." Apparently oblivious to effects which made the heart of the soldier sad, they enjoyed their sports, their dances, their out-door gambols. They rejoiced in perpetual youth ; neither looking forward nor backward, but living in the hour - ready for any fate. Verily, the very eloquence of life abode in the bosom of the blacks.

The garrison at Gallatin was subject to alarms from John Morgan's raiders, occasionally, when the army wagons would be quickly interlocked in the streets, forming a barricade. But John never came near enough to see these formidable obstructions. An offended Tennessee poetess, and a hater of the Provost Marshal - Major Scarritt, really a wonderfully austere man - made the following allusion to these alarms, in a parody on "Maryland, my Maryland : "

On the 1st of June, 1863, the regiment and brigade were transferred from Gallatin to Lavergne, by railroad, a point about twenty miles south-east of Nashville, on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. Here the regiment was engaged in guarding and drilling. Early one dark morning the camp was alarmed, and the 105th sprang to their guns at the call of Colonel Dustin, Avhose voice sounded out clearly through the darkness, "One hundred and fifth ! fall in ! quick But the alarm proved false, and the troops were ordered to their quarters.

The regiment, after stopping at Lavergne one month, was ordered to Murfreesboro, but returned to Lavergne the last of July, and from thence to the city of Nashville, on the 19tli day of August, relieving a brigade of troops under command of General Morgan. Here the 105th was placed in charge of Fort Negley, being quartered inside the works. The regiment was on constant duty here until its final departure from Nashville, guarding the city and Fort Negley, and being under a system of daily drill.

Brevet Brig.Gen' E. F. Dutton

Destined to remain at Nashville about six months (arriving there, as above stated, August 19th, 1863, and remaining until February 24th, 18G4), the regiment had time to perfect itself in drill, and make many acquaintances in the city. It was its good fortune to exchange the inferior Austrian musket, with which it had been armed, for the Springfield r iflcd musket, a nicer and more serviceable weapon.

Many officers and men were detailed from the regiment for special duty. Major Dutton was detailed by order from Washington, on the Board to examine applicants for positions as officers in colored regiments, remaining on that Board from October or November, 1863, until the opening of the Atlanta campaign, May, 1864. As an evidence that the 105th Avas well drilled, some thirty-three of its members passed a satisfactory examination, and most of them were commissioned and did good service as officers in colored regiments.

Lieutenant-Colonel Vallettc was detailed on court-martail for some time ; also Captain A. C. Graves, Co. D, and Captain John B. Nash, Co. G. Captain S. F. Daniels had previously been detailed as Acting Commissary of Subsistence at brigade eadquarters. Acting Surgeon A. Waterman was detailed in a small-pox hospital.

The following changes occurred among commissioned officers : First Lieutenant Henry B. Mason, of Sycamore, Co. C, resigned, September 6th, 1863, Second Lieutenant John W. Burst, of Franklin, succeeding as First Lieutenant. Second Lieutenant Hiram S. Harrington, of Franklin, Co. G, resigned August 2nd, 1863, while the regiment was stationed at Lavergne, and died soon after his return home, Sergeant James S. Hasburgh being brcvetted Second Lieutenant; June 7th, 1865.

While at Nashville the regiment was numerously visited by its friends from the north, several of the officers' wives, and the wives of some of the enlisted men, being among the guests of the regiment. While visiting at this point in company with her mother, a little daughter of Chief Surgeon (Acting Brigade Surgeon) H. S. Potter, died. Colonel Dustin and staff, the line officers and many soldiers of the 105th, together with a regular escort, attended the funeral, accompanying the remains to cemetery and depositing them in a vault. She was a child of some twelve summers, of almost angelic brightness, the pride of a father's and mother's heart. Said she, shortly before the moment of dissolution : "If I die will I see anybody :" to which question the hearts of those around her intuitively answered, "yes." The attendant circumstances; the time, place, manner of services, interment ; the character of the mourners and sympathizers, - all together made the occasion one of peculiar interest, and long to be remembered for its intensified sadness. How much is wrapped up in the human heart may be estimated by those who participated in the solemnities of that occasion, and through their sympathetic relations with the near bereaved were made to feel the uses of adversity. Perhaps the recollection of similar bereavements, more directly concerning themselves, gave a finer point to the pains of the heart.

Among the sober experiences in the military school at Nashville was that of brigade drill. The evolutions of a brigade arc similar in detail to those of a battalion, a much larger plat of ground being required in the execution of the movements of the former. In these movements General Ward's brigade presented a scene of considerable activity and interest, on the flats in the south-eastern suburbs of the city. It was a pleasure, oftentimes, for the regiments to drill together ; to receive instruction with each other from the same teacher, and perfect themselves by united practice. Never were men more agreeably associated in any cause.

short and chubby Kentuckian of fifty years, quite unprepossessing, yet it appears not without some qualifications that made him popular and respected throughout his command. As a speaker he made up for the lack in looks by his singular suavity and eloquence ; and it is said he displayed fine sensibilities in the care for his command. Many of the boys of the brigade declared that the General was an old granny ; but he was generally called "Old Pap Ward," or "Pappy Ward." To many he was a grim-looking old General.

At a general meeting in the capitol at Nashville, largely attended by citizens and soldiers, on the night of the 8th of January, in honor of the battle of New Orleans, Governor Andrew Johnson, Colonel Dustin and others, made appropriate speeches. The gentlemen named were the principal speakers ; their eloquent consideration of the gallant repulse of the British by the Americans under General Jackson, supplemented by patriotic and touching allusions to the crisis of the hour, stirring up the hearts of the people to a sense of the importance of preserving our national life. Expressive resolutions were adopted.

A distressing occurrence on the night of the 14th February, sent a thrill of excitement through the camp on the following morning as it awoke to a knowledge of the shocking details. Sergeant Taylor of Company E, Captain M. V. Allen, commander, had been found in the railroad cut, dead, appearances indicating that he was the victim of a most foul murder.

On the 23d of February, 1864, orders were received at regimental headquarters to be ready to march the following morning. So, at four o'clock the regiment arose at the sound of drums and fifes, took a last breakfast at its pleasant old camp at Fort Negley, bid farewell to Nashville at eight o'clock, and with General Ward at the head of the brigade and Col. Dustin at the head of the regiment, the march for Wauhatchie Valley was commenced, the column moving out of town on the Murfreesboro pike. The following is a brief diary account of the march :

February 24th. - Moved about ten miles, the weather being pleasant, marching agreeable. Turned into camp about three o'clock, afternoon. Boys had lively time catching rabbits. The numerous camp fires of the brigade made a cheering evening sight.

25th. Started at early dawn. Arrived at Stewart's Creek where part of the 102d regiment, of the brigade, was stationed. Camped here at one o'clock, marching about ten miles.

27th. Moved about thirteen miles, camping at one o'clock afternoon. After the tents were pitched, Private 0. Whitlock, Company F, while resting before the fire at regimental head quarters, by chance espied a sack of coined silver, on the surface of the ground immediately between his feet. It had been partially worn away from long exposure to the elements, leaving the treasure bared to attract the passerby. The lot embraced twenty-five dollars American money, induing one spurious half-dollar. It was distributed among the officers and men of the regiment.

28th. Moved about seventeen miles, passing through Shelbyville at noon, and camping five miles beyond at half-past two o'clock. The people of Shelbyville seemed glad to see the " Yankees."

29th. Moved about fourteen miles, through alternate rain showers, turning into camp near Tullahoma at three o'clock. This day's march was very severe on account of rain mud and cold. In the evening the rains turned into the consistency of sleet, making it very difficult to start fires, the country being bare of fences, the soldier's favorite fuel. Great logs had to be cut, and tree tops used for kindling, and some "comparative freezing" was endured before the camp was made comfortable. The men slept hard, or hardly slept, this night.

March 1st. Weather wet and cold - march not continued. A portion of the division train stuck in the mud during the storm - considerable suffering - some of the boys sick.

4th. Ascended the mountains, and after proceeding several miles on the wrong road, the column was turned and marched down a deep ravine to the right one. Reached Tautalou three o'clock, afternoon, a point on the railroad ninety-four miles from Nashville. Heavy rain fell in the night.

5th. Owing to the failure of the teams to reach camp last night, consequent on the blunder of starting on the wrong road yesterday, the march was not continued until noon. Distance made, four miles.

6th Moved at early dawn. Pleasant weather, good roads. Distance about twelve miles. Arrived near Stevenson, Ala., at two o'clock. Troops received their mail matter.

7th. Passed through Stevenson, proceeded to a point within sight of Bridgeport, Ala., and camped. Distance twelve miles, turning in at twelve o'clock.

9th. Resumed the march at day-light, passing through Bridgeport and across Tennessee river, reaching Shell Mound, at noon. Took dinner near the mouth of Nick O'Jack Cave, one of the outcropping curiosities of nature. The boys briefly explored the interior of the cave entrance. It was found to exceed Lost River Cave at Bowling Green in the spaciousness and grandeur of its passages. During the Avar the Lafayette Courier gave the following account of the rather thrilling experience of two Indiana soldiers in this cave :

" While General Joe Reynolds' division was encamped near Nick O'Jack Cave - about ten miles from Bridgeport, on the Tennessee river - two of the boys of the 72d Indiana regiment who entered the cave on a " reconnoitering expedition," lost their way in the mazes of the cavern and were unable to get out. They remained in the cavern two days and nights, and were finally rescued from a horrible death by means of a brass band playing through the long ventilated chambers. The lost men hearing the music, were enabled to find their way with some difficulty to their companions. During their wanderings they had stumbled upon the bodies of two men, who were afterwards searched for and brought forth from what had been a living tomb. They proved to be two rebel soldiers in uniform, one wearing that of a lieutenant, the other in a private's dress. They appeared to have been dead some time, yet their bodies were in a most complete state of preservation."

10th. Continued this march at nine o'clock. Weather warm after a night of rain. -Roads very rough and hilly, the marching rapid and exhausting. Passed Whiteside Station and Sand Mountain. Distance about sixteen miles, passing through romantic country, arriving in Wauhatchie Valley and at the end of the tedious march. Major-General 0. 0. Howard came out and met the brigade.

The next day, (March 11th,) the regiment was assigned a position on a hill-slope in Lookout Valley, near Wauhatchie Station, there to rest and make ready for a grand movement against the Confederate ai my under General Joe Johnston.

The grounds of the 105th at that point was laid out with nice precision, and the camp tastefully ornamented with evergreen boughs throughout. The individual members of the regiment visited the lofty heights of Lookout Mountain, from the highest point of which the territory of seven States can be seen. The eye rests upon a landscape to the north embracing the Cumberland Mountain range, stretching from the left of the Valley to the northeast, until its outlines blend with the color of the far horizon ; the waters of the Tennessee next from the foot of Lookout, closely hugging the great range, winding along for many miles, is finally lost among its spurs ; then further cast is presented an expanse of diversified scenery, including Chattanooga city, fields, hills, valleys, and woods, the smoke of distant towns rising above the country at various points. On the whole the view is one of indescribable grandeur.

The brigade - now called the first - had been transferred to the 11th A. C, under General Howard, as before stated, and was reviewed in the valley by General's Howard and Hooker on the 19th of March.

On the 22d of March a rare effect in the shape of a snow storm, was produced by nature's untiring forces. Commencinjz in the night the fall of snow continued until noon of the following day, covering the ground to the depth of one foot. For the time and place this was something extraordinary. Sometimes the weather was quite cold, at others disagreeable.

Adjutant David D. Chandler, one of the most energetic and best looking in the Eleventh Corps, having been on duty constantly, here received the favor of a detail for the purpose of repairing to the north to secure instruments for the Brigade Band. He performed the duty, not failing to return to the regiment in time to enter on the Atlanta campaign. In every battle and under the harrassing daily skirmish fire of the opposing forces, during that campaign, this officer proved himself to be one of the best to endure and to dare. Second Lieutenant A. II. Fisher, of Company I, Captain J. 0. Locke, filled the Adjutant's office until the return of the Adjutant, on the first of May.

One of the thrilling incidents connected with the camp in the valley, was that of a large forest tree blowing down during the prevalence of high winds in the evening of March 28th. The tree fell across several of the tents of Companies D and I, crushing them to the ground. Beyond the smashing of a few simple articles of furniture, no further damage

While in the valley drill duty, inspection and reviewing Avas the order of the day. On the loth of April the regiment was visited by Major-General Joe Hooker, and during the night Colonel Dustin and the regiment were serenaded by the 79th Ohio regimental band. Major-General George II. Thomas reviewed the brigade the following day.

About the middle of April the military designation was changed, and from that time until the close of the war the command was known as the Fisrt Brigade, Third Division, 20th Army Corps, then under General Hooker. On the 18th of April Major-General George H. Thomas, commander Army of the Cumberland, embracing Hooker's corps, honored the camp of the 105th with his presence. The regiment participated for the first time in division drill on the 21st.

On the 22d the band of the 33d Massachusetts regiment of the division, very friendly to the 105th, paid the camp a visit and treated it to some excellent music. The 105th officers visited the 33d on the 26th of April.

Among the officers sick or disabled at this point were Colonel Dustin, Acting Brigade Surgeon Potter, Captain T. S. Rogers, Company B, and Captain S. F. Daniels, Company F, the latter having accidently broken his leg below the knee, while engaged in a game of ball. The Captain, although anxious to enter with his company on the approaching campaign, was prevented from doing so in consequence of the severity of his wound. He was sent to Camp Dennison at Columbus, Ohio, where, as soon as his condition would allow, he was detailed for duty as Post Commissary, Ave believe, remaining at Columbus during the balance of his term of service.

Peaslce, Naperville, succeeding as first lieutenant. Lieutenant Jeffers resigned in order to take a position as Major in a colored regiment.

Second Lieutenant John II. Swift, Company D, resigned March 10th, Sergeant Jacob Ostrander, of Paw Paw, being breveted as Second Lieutenant, June 7th, 18(35.

First Lieutenant Samuel Adams, Company F, Wayne, l)u Page, resigned April 13th, Second Lieutenant William M. Tirtlot, Milton, succeeding as first lieutantant.

Captain John B. Nash, Company G, Franklin, resigned July 17th, 1864. First Lieutenant John M. Smith, Burlington, was promoted captain but not mustered.

The regiment and brigade again participated in division drill, near General Hooker's headquarters, April 28th, going through the motions as a battle, firing blank cartridges.

Received marching orders on the 1st, and on the 2d of May, 1864, the march for the immediate front commenced. Here was the opening of one of the boldest and most remarkable campaigns ever engaged in by any army, and whose end resulted in the complete, great, glorious triumph of the national arms.

Some of the Confederates are reported as afterwards declaring that " Old Sherman ascended Point Lookout and gave the command, attention - creation ! by kingdoms right wheel - march!" And then it was reported that after General Johnston had followed his retreating policy, during the campaign, the Confederates declared " that their army was commanded by ' Old Billy Sherman,' that they invariably moved when Sherman gave the command, and Johnston only superintended the details of the movement.

On the 3d of May the entire regiment was detailed for picket duty, the command remaining at this point until the following morning, when the march was resumed; proceeding about twelve miles, camped near Ringgold, Ga., within a few miles of rebel pickets. Remained in camp on the 5th. On the 6th marched a number of miles, camping near where the rebels captured and murdered a number of national pickets belonging to the 92d Illinois regiment.

On the 7th, marched rapidly and a considerable distance. Passed through Nick O'Jack Gape, driving the enemy's pickets. Camped in the woods in line of battle, southeast of Taylor's Ridge, a precipitous range of hills. Remained in camp on the 8th. Considerable skirmishing in front, at Rocky Face or Buzzard's Roost. Brigade still quiet on the 9th, ready for battle. The roar of cannon and rattle of musketry heard, and the wounded of General Geary's division being brought to the rear. Advanced four miles on the 10th, camping at cross-roads. Here visited by a hard rain.

On the 11th the corps, or the greater portion of it, arrived at Snake Creek Gap, halted and built a double road several miles long, in about as many hours, the regiment assisting in this work. While this was being done several members of the 10th made a detour upon the top of the high ridge which shut in the command on the right as it passed into the long, deep gap. The sight from so lofty a point, of the country, Avas only rivalled by a similar one which they had witnessed at Point Lookout. On the 13th and 14th of May the army moved forward slowly, skirmishing heavily and fighting considerable on the latter date, the enemy making a stand in and around Resaca. On the 15th the first brigade, supported by the balance of the division, made a fierce and determined charge upon a peculiarly strong position of the enemy, near Resaca, capturing four pieces of artillery with caissons complete. The pieces were marked, "Atlanta and Augusta Arsenal," and weighed about 1200 pounds each.

The battle was especially terrific, the rebels having a crossfire upon our force of grape, canister and musketry. Captain T. S. Rogers, with Co. B, were deployed as skirmishers, covering the front of the brigade. The battle commenced about midday and lasted till late in the afternoon. The regiment entered this fight on the "double-quick," with fixed bayonets and a prolonged shout. The battle-line was deliberately formed behind the brow of a hill, beyond which intervened a sort of irregular ravine, next the slope of the commanding hills or ridges, on whose summits, well fortified, the enemy was thickly arrayed. Colonel Dustin led his men right into the spirit of the conflict, and notwithstanding it was the first time the regiment had been under fire, the officers and men bore themselves bravely and well. It was a dreadful day's work. The number of casualties was about fifty in the regiment ere it came out of the strife. The names of the killed and Avounded will be founded appended to this sketch. Lieutenant Colonel Vallette Avas severely disabled by a bursting shell, which necessitated his retirement from the service. Captain W. 0. Locke, of Company I, and First Lieutenant W. M. Tirtlot, of Company F, Avere Avounded. Young Arthur P. Rice, of Company F, the bravest of the brave, fell inside the rebel fort. He Avas the first boy in Wheaton to mount the stand at the call of Captain Daniels for the service of his country.

"At a time AYhcn for several hours so terrible a shoAver of musketry, shot and shell Avas being poured upon us from the rebel forts and rifle-pits, the coolness and bravery of the officers in repeating commands, correcting imperfections in the lines and pressing it forward Avas observed by me with great pride and satisfaction, and Avas only equaled by the splendid manner in Avhich the men overcame all obstacles, obeyed promptly all orders, and at last gallantly threAv themselves high up into and under the rebel fortifications."

The brigade stood at arms during most of the nigtit, prepared to repel a night attack. An attack being made, as anticipated, it was successfully repulsed.

During the night the rebel army retreated hastily, leaving their exceedingly strong works at Kesaca. On the morning of the 1 6th the army started in pursuit ; the first brigade being left behind to bury their dead, did not follow until evening, marched about twelve miles after dark, coming up to the balance of the division late in the night. On the 17th, marched about twelve miles, crossing Coosawater river. On the 18th, moved to within four miles of Cassville, on the Adairsville and Cassville road, the advance of the Third Division driving the rebel rear guard before it a distance of five miles.

" On the morning of the 19th our brigade was ordered forward on the Cassville road supported by other troops. The 105th was ordered to take the advance. Companies H and I were deployed as skirmishers under Captain Forsythe ; one company under Captain M. V. Allen being left in charge of the ammunition train. The balance of the regiment constituted a support to the skirmish line. Thus formed, our brigade moved rapidly forward and the skirmishers were soon encountered and by a rapid skirmish fire they were driven beyond Two Run Creek and to within one mile and a half of Cassville, during which time the utmost regularity and good order was observed both by our skirmishers and reserves. At this point was developed a large force of rebel cavalry, and we were ordered to halt. Very soon the enemy opened a battery upon us in our front from which we were under a severe fire for some two hours. We were then ordered to move further to the right, connecting with our third brigade in whose front the enemy seemed to be massing troops preparatory to a general engagement. But our artillery just at this time opened with deadly effect, scattering the rebels in all directions. This was followed up immediately by v» grand advance of the entire Twentieth Corps. The grand column moved forward in excellent order, with colors flying, through large, open fields, crossing Two Run Creek and then ascending a thickly wooded hill. On reaching the top of the hill the artillery again took position and opened fire in good order, and thus the region of Kingston and Cassville was effectually cleared of rebel soldiery and the day's work for the 19th was

The Major-General commanding feels it a duty, as well as a pleasure, to congratulate the Division upon its achievements yesterday. The gallant assault and charge of the First Brigade, capturing four guns in the enemy's fort ; the brave support of the assault by a portion of the Second Brigade on the left, with the glorious repulse it gave twice its force, proves the Division Avorthy a high name and fame. Let every one endeavor by attention to duty, obedience to orders, devotion and courage, to make our record in the future as in the past, such that the army and the country will be proud of us. By command of Major General Butterfield,

" Nothing saved Johnston's army at Reseca, but the impracticable nature of the country, which made the passage of troops across the valley almost impossible. This fact enabled his army to reach Reseca from Dalton, along the comparatively good roads constructed beforehand, partly from the topographical nature of the country, and partly from the foresight of the rebel chief. At all events, on the 14th of May, we found the rebel army in a strong position, behind Camp Creek, occupying the forts at Reseca, and his right on some high chestnut hills to the north of the town. I at once ordered a pontoon bridge to be laid across the Oostenaula at Lay's Ferry, in the direction of Calhoun, a division of the Sixteenth Corps, commanded by General Sweeney to cross and threaten Calhoun ; also, the cavalry division of General Garrard to move from its position at Villanow, down towards Home, to cross the Oostanaula and break the railroad below Calhoun and above Kingston if possible, and with the main army I pressed against Reseca at all points. Gen. McPherson got across Camp Creek near its mouth, and made a lodgment close up to the enemy's works, on hills that commanded, with short range artillery, the railroad and trestle bridges, and General Thomas pressing close along Camp Creek Valley, threw General Hooker's Corps across the head of the Creek, to the main Dalton road and down to it close on Reseca.

" General Schofield came up on his left, and a heavy battle ensued during the afternoon and evening of the 15th, during which General Hooker drove the enemy from several strong hills, captured a four-gun battery and many prisoners. That night Johnston escaped retreating south across the Oostanaula. "

The following letter was written by the Captain of the rebel battery, which the 105th assisted in capturing at Reseca. It appears the Captain designed sending it to his wife by a wounded rebel, but the latter was taken prisoner, and the letter fell into the hands of a member of the 105th. We dve it verbatim et literatim :

John Thompson is going home to Cassville wounded I thought I would drop you a line by him The Yankees charged on my battery this P M and captured 2 sections of it many of our men and attendants were wounded

I tell you and will to stow away every thing of value fearing we shall have to fall back from here if we do the yankees will get everything in reach.

They all wore a star. If we hold our ground here I will see you ere long. I want you to send sis and James to grand Pas and you go to uncle Johns Take all the things you can I must close as the train will leave immediately your husband Unto Death w w c

The term, "Ward's Ducks," originated from the Captain's allusion to the men of the First Brigade in the fourth paragraph, " throwing themselves into the front as unconscious of danger as ducks into a pond."

After two days' rest near Kingston, the advance was resumed on the 23d, proceeded some eight or ten miles, crossing the Etowah and bivouacking in the woods beyond. Ou the 24th, marched to and beyond Burnt Hickory, threw up breastworks and bivouacked. On the 25th, marched back through Burnt Hickory and changed course somewhat, but still advancing. At about three o'clock, the division met the enemy in considerable force, and a sharp engagement occurred - the Second and Third brigades formed the first line, and the First brigade the second. The 105th3 together with the brigade, being thus under fire, from close proximity to the front line, although not actively engaged, suffered severely, the number of casualties being fourteen wounded. First Lieutenant J. W. Burst of Company C, had his right leg shot away by a rebel shell, lie was a good officer, and his loss was regretted by his company and the regiment. Adjutant Chandler was also stunned, being grazed by a shell or grape shot, on the neck, and shoulder.

On the 26th the regiment and brigade laid behind breastworks under fire. On the 27th, the brigade was ordered to advance a few rods in front of the breastworks and throw up another line of works. This was done under a severe fire from the rebel sharp-shooters. The casualties in the 105th amounted to fourteen including two commanding officers, several of the men being killed. On the 28th they lay behind the new works which had cost the regiment so much to build the day before. On the 20th, the brigade was relieved and moved ba k out of range, after being under fire for nearly four days. But the 105th was not to rest long. The major portion of the regiment was detailed for skirmish duty on the 31st. On the first of June skirmishers and regiment were relieved and ordered to march and overtake the brigade, which had moved around on the left of the lines. A five mile march after dark brought the tired and worn men of the 105th up with the brigade, when the men laid down on their arms. On the following day, June 2d, took up a position, after moving several miles, preparatory as was thought, to a general engagement - covering the flank and supporting the left of the twenty-third Corps under General Schofield About dusk, the 105th regiment was thrown out on the extreme left as flankers, and Avas furiously shelled while performing this duty. Two companies were thrown out from the regiment as pickets and skirmishers under Major Dutton. Here the regiment lost its able and greatly esteemed chief surgeon, Horace S. Potter, then acting Brigade Surgeon. He was struck by a shell on the head, the frontal bone being crushed in or torn from the skull. Surgeon Pottor was selecting; grounds for a field hospital, when the missile of death took effect. Quartermaster Timothy Wells, who was with him at the time, had the remains immediately taken off' the field and carried to the rear. S. W. Saylor, leader of the Brigade Band, and a kinsman of Surgeon Potter's, secured a leave of absence and took the body home. On Sunday the >r)th, Chaplain Champlin preached a sermon in memory of Surgeon Potter. The entire regiment listened attentively to the Chaplain's well-chosen words, and all felt more or less keenly a loss which could never be fully repaired in the person of any other medical officer.

Horace S. Potter was born in Chatauqua County, New York, about 1834, and came to Illinois in 1838, his family having settled in Warrenville, Du Page County, remained there until 1867, studying medicine with Dr. L. Q. Newton, a prominent physician of that place, - and graduated at Iowa State University. From Warrenville, moved to Danby, same County, in 1851, practicing medicine until May, 1856, when he moved to Chicago, where he was engaged in his profession, previous to entering the public service as Chief Surgeon of the 105th rejnnient.

Contrary to anticipations, no general engagement came oft* on the 2d, and on the 3d the Twentieth Corps moved around and beyond the enemy's right, and camped about three miles from Ackworth, remaining until the 6th, when the command moved forward, passing on the right of Big Shanty to near Golgotha Church, where the entire Corps took up a prominent position in line of battle and immediately threw up intrenchments.

On the 10th, the Fourth Corps took position in front of the breastworks, moving aWay the next morning when the First division of the Twentieth Corps moved up and occupied their place. "While here a heavy rain, commencing in the night on the 8th and continuing until the 14th, gave the troops a severe drenching. On the 12th heavy cannonading was heard on the right and left.

On the 15th broke up camp and moved together with the Corps beyond Golgotha Church, encountering the enemy in a very strong position. The command marched up in line of battle, the 105th under Major Dutton was thrown forward to support the skirmishers which covered the front of the brigade. The skirmishers, with the 105th close behind, advanced promptly, soon followed by the other regiments of the brigade in line of battle, when they were crowded forward until the enemy's intrcnchments were in full view, and his skirmishers driven back close to their main works. A spirited engagement was going on, the hardest of the fighting occurring; on the right and left of the line. The regiment, however, was under a terrible skirmish fire, which amounted to little less than an engagement. Brisk firing was kept up until dark, when light lines of works were thrown up. On the 16th, the brigade advanced and constructed strong breastworks, in the face of the enemy's sharpshooters, suffering a loss of nine, and one killed. The enemy shelled the regiments after dark, after which the brigade was relieved and ordered behind a second line of works to the rear. During the night the enemy retired, leaving the strongest line of fortifications the boys had yet seen. The casualties of the 105th on the 15th and 16th, were nineteen.

The division moved about two miles, entering a large, open field, when it was formed into two lines and plunged into a thick wood on the right, moving along until it came in contact with the Twenty-third Corps, still further to the right. Being then moved to the left, emerged into the open field, where the division was massed. Here the regiment camped.

On the 18th the cannoniers kept up a heavy firing. The enemy moved back and took up a strong position on the top of Kcnesaw mountain, near Marietta, extending his lines about due North and South. Our army followed him up,

From the 18th to the 21st inclusive, the troops received a thorough drenching from a series of heavy showers. Remained encamped on the 18th. On the 19th moved forward through rain and mud, crossing two fords, the men getting thoroughly wet to the knees. Rain came down in torrents during the passage of the first stream. In the evening went into line between the Fourth Corps on the left and the Twenty-third Corps on the right. On the 20th and 21st, severe skirmish firing was kept up while perfecting the lines. On the 22d, the brigade, in conjunction with other troops, advanced the lines and built breastworks under a brisk fire. The regiment suffered a loss of ten, - one commissioned officer accidentally wounded, two men killed, and seven severely wounded. Regiment was relieved in the evening ; moved some distance to the right, and bivouacked for the night.

The division on the 23d was again placed in the front line on the right of the Corps, connecting with the left of the 23d Corps. The regiment was assigned a position very near the battle ground, and where they were burying rebel dead Avho fell before the works the day before. Very heavy cannonading was heard on Kenesaw Mountain. On the 24th, the brigade lay behind a third line of works, at rest, and remained there until the night of the 26th, when it was moved to the front line of works, relieving Colonel Coburn's Second brigade, of the Third division. Here the works of the opposing forces were within short musket range, and the men were obliged to keep their heads down to save them from perforation. It was thought the enemy was meditating an attack at this point, but on the night of the 3d of July he fell back, yielding up his whole position around Marietta, and on the commanding bights of Kenesaw.

The First brigade was relieved on the night of the 29th, (June,) by the Third brigade of the division, and moved back from the front line of works. In the evening of July 1st, the First brigade relieved the Second brigade behind the second line of works. Nothing of moment occurred until the 3d of July, when, leading the van, the First brigade, headed by Brigadier General Ward, commanding division in absence of Major General Butterfield, and Colonel Ben Harrison of the 70th Indiana, commanding brigade, advanced into the strongworks of the enemy, the latter having retreated during the night, as mentioned above. The Third division advanced on the Marietta road in the direction of the town, the head of the column encountering the rebel rear near that place, who opened vigorously with shot and shell. A section of artillery was immediately detached from Captain Smith's battery, under his charge. The First brigade supported the guns while the gallant Captain silenced the rebel artillery. The 105th being posted immediately in rear of the battery, was exposed to a perfect storm of shot and shell from the enemy's guns, but escaped with only one man killed, and twoAvounded. Several of the battery boys Avere badly mangled by rebel shells. The division left the main pike and advanced in the direction of the Chattahoochee river, scouring the woods in a rather zigzag manner until sundown. The 4th of July found the regiment and division encamped about four miles from Marietta, on a high open field, in sight of rebels and rebel works. Here, rested until afternoon, unfurling the national colors in honor of the day. After dinner a march through woods and fields brought the command to a deserted farm, well shaded and supplied with water. Fortunately, the 105th was assigned a camping ground contiguous to an apple orchard, the trees of which were hanging full of fruit. The harvest was not long suffered to remain ungarnered, and the humble collations of the boys were materially improved that night, with what they were pleased to call " applejack." 0 n the 5th, moved about six miles, arriving within two miles of Chattahoochee river and meeting the enemy's pickets. Regiment shifted its position on the 6th and went into camp. An order was issued for the command to rest as much as possible during the time it might remain quiet. The entire corps rested until the afternoon of the 17th, when orders were received to cross the river. It was late in the night before the corps bivauocked on the other side. The 105th was immediately detailed for picket duty - a severe task to perform after a tedious march of some ten miles.

Daring the temporary rest enjoyed by the 105th, as above indicated, Colonel Dustin received a leave of absence for twenty days, starting for his home in Sycamore on the 13th. Major E. F. Dutton succeeded Colonel Dustin in the command of the regiment, and senior Captain H. D. Brown, of Company A, assumed the duties of the Major.