Peoria County, Illinois - Chapter 13: War Record. ^, 1880 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 13: War Record. ^

Since Americans began to occupy the land of the Peorias in the Spring of 1819, three wars have disturbed the peaceful pursuits of the country - the Black Hawk war of 1832, the Mexican war in 1846-7, and the war of the rebellion, 1861-5. In each of these conflicts the sons of Peoria sustained a gallant and conspicuous part.

When, on the 6th day of April, 1832, Black Hawk and his followers invaded Illinois from Iowa, there were only seventy-five men in Peoria county, subject to military duty. When this work was commenced it was hoped that the names of the.se men could be obtained from the old muster rolls, but the hope was a vain one. There are no papers among the county records on which their names were preserved, and a letter of inquiry

* Mr. Van Pxtter was killed by the cars while crossing the railroad track at Fnrmirglon, Fulton county, wilh a wagon loaded with lumber, on the 6th day of January, 1871, and John Waugh, of Peoiia, was chosen to the vacant chairmanship for the balance of the year.

f Mr. McCoy was badly gored by a vicious bull on his farm in Millbroc-k alout ihe lolh of September, iS-g, and died from the effects of the wounds received, on the 13th of ihat month. His ability and popularity as a presiding officer is evidenced in the fact of his being elected to the chairmanship of the Beard so olien in succtssicn. Joseph Armstrong, of Princeville, was elected to fill the chair made vacant by his dtalh.

was addressed to the Adjutant-General of the State, at Springfield, and another tx) the Adjutant-General's office at Washington, and their names were not to be found on any records at either place.

Having thus exhausted all official sources of information, i-ecourse was had to the memory of Mr. John Stringer, of Kickapoo township, who was a corporal in the Peoria company that served for two months or sixty days in the second campaign against Black Hawk and his forces, who furnishes the following names from among the seventy-five subject to military duty at that time :

Out of the number of men liable to military duty, a company of fifty men was raised under the call of Governor Reynolds for troops to defend tiie State. As far as remembered, this company was officered as follows:

Aljner Eads, captain ; William Stewart, first lieutenant ; John W. Caldwell, second lieutenant ; John Hinkle, orderly sergeant ; John Stringer, corporal ; Stephen Carroll, flag bearer ; Asahel Langworthy, surgeon.

This company, a part of the time, was assigned to guard the country between Peoria and the Mississippi and Rock rivers. It was present at the Stillman's Run affair, and among the last to leave tliat field of disaster.

The men with horses and guns were allowed one dollar per day. They were mustered out in the early part of June, 1832, and were paid off in Januarv or February,

In The Mexican War

In 1846 the United States l)e('ame involved in a war witii Mexico. There had been nothing to disturb the tranquillity of the country since the Black Hawk troubles of 1832. Another generation of 3'oung men had come to the front, and the prospect of a brush with Mexico offered a little excitement and a change from tlie quiet routine of farm and shop life - an excitement peculiarly relishable to the average .\iiierican.

The army of ti)e West was organized under the administration of President Polk in 1846, with tlie object of contiuoring New Mexico an<l California. In organizing this army, a call was made on Illinois for - regiments. As in the call for six regiments under President Lincoln's proclamation for seventy-five thousand men for three months at the beginning of the great American rebellion, more men were offered than coidd be accepted. Colonel May, of tliis county, raised a company ami mustered in Peoria preparatory to starting for the place of rendezvous, but just before the hour fixed for leaving, he received notice that his company could not be accepted, so his men marched home again.

their influence to the encouragement of enlistments. And about the time Colonel Ma_v's company was advertised to muster at Peoria to start for Mexico, a number of them

D. C. Frazer, one of the present justices of the peace in Peoria, was then a young man, full of impetuosity and military ardor, and couldn't wait the movements of Colonel May's company organization. He hurried away to Pekin to join a company being raised in that county by Captain E. Jones, which was fortunate enough to be accepted. That company was mustered in as Company G, of (^olonel E. D. Baker's Fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Frazer enlisted in June, 1846 ; and was mustered out at New Orleans in June, 1847.

Mexican Veterans

There came with the tide of immigration to Peoria and vicinity, quite a number of men who had taken part in the Mexican war, and as year was added to year, these veterans fell in with each other, and it was only natural that a deep-seated and warmhearted friendship should spring up between them, notwithstanding they were sons of different States, had been members of different companies and different regiments and that they had never seen each other until their chance meetings at Peoria. In 1874 it was found there was quite a number of tliese heroes residing in Peoria county - almost enough of them to form a full regulation company - and it was determined to form themselves into a society to be known as the

Central Illinois Association Of Mexican Veterans

The first meeting of the members of this association was held at the Peoria courthouse, September 8, 1874. S. O. White presided, and D. C. Frazei' acted as scribe. Messrs. Bush, Frazer and Drury were ajipointed a committee on resolutions and to secure excursion rates for the delegates chosen by the veterans then in session to represent them in the State Convention of their old comrades at Bloomington on the 23d and 24th. Comrades Heinike, Burt, Drury, White, Frazer, Sheppard and Sullivan were appointed as such delegates.

Resolved, That the surviving soldiers and sailors, of the Mexican War residing in this and adjoining counties organize themselves into a society for further re-unions for social purposes and to consider their claims on the government for a pension.

The second meeting of which there is an}- record, was held on the 18th of Ma}', 1876, S. O. White presiding. At this meeting, on motion of R. W. Burt, the name of " Central Illinois Association of Veterans of the Mexican War," was adopted. Messrs. R. W. Burt, J. W. McKenzie and John Daily were appointed a committee to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the government of the association. The first permanent officers were :

Constitution

The report of the committee on constitution and bv-laws was submitted to a meeting of tiie association, June 15, 1876, whicli was read, amended and adopted.

Abticle 1. This organization shall he known as the "Central Illinois Association of Veterans of the Mexican War," and may include any honorably' discharged soldier or sailor who served in the Mexican war.

Art. 2. This a.ssociation shall hold its regular meetings on the first Thursday in January, April, July and October of each year ; and special meetings may be called at such times and ])laces a.s the President may deem necessary.

Art. 3. The object of this association shall be to gather the veterans of the Mexican war, in the central part of Illinois, into a fraternal brotherhood, for the promotion of pleasant intercourse and good fellowship, and to further the interests of it^i members.

Art. 5. The officers shall be chosen by a vote of the members present at the annual meetings in January, and continue in office one year, and until their successors are elected.

Art. 6. Any person ma}' become a member by giving the President and Secretary satisfactory evidence that he was a -soldier or sailor in the Mexican war. and was honorably discharged, on the payment of fifty cents admission fee, and twenty-five cents at each regular meeting.

Hon. James Shields

At a meeting of the association held at the office of D. C. Frazer on the 29th of June, 1876, a letter from General Shields was read, requesting recognition as an honorary member of the a.ssociation. The request was granted, and the name of th;»t hero of many a hotly contested battle-field, was added to the membership.

Flag Presentation

The Mexican veterans met at the Chamber of Commerce, July 4, 1876, on which occasion a fine United States flag was presented, with a few appropriate remarks, by Mrs. Hattie Miiliken, a sister of Comrade 1). C. Frazer. The presentation was responded to by Captain R. W. Hurt, who received the tlag in belialf of the assoeiation, alter which the veterans joined the Centennial celebration, in a large wagon drawn by four horses, and beautifully decorated with American and Mexican Hags, mottoes, portraits, etc.

Regular meetings of the association have been held at the times named in the constitution, and called or special meetings whenever the interest of the veterans demanded. Coniniiiiiieation is maintained with other organizations of the same kind in ilifferent parts of tin- State. Cun^res.>.nien and Senators are constantly reminded that there was a war with Mexico, and that the yurviving soldiers of that war are as deserving of pension recog- nition as the soldiers of any other war. Most of them are poor - many of them almost needy. As one of them expressed it to the writer, " there is hardly one of them that could buy a horse and buggy if needed." In some instances this association has had to provide for sick members, and in many other ways see to the wants of their comrades, all of which would be obviated if the government of the United States would deal justly by them and grant them that pension to which they feel they are justly entitled.

Grand Reunion

At a meeting of the association, April 18, 1878, it was resolved to have a grand public reunion at Peoria on the 23d of May, the arrangements for which were perfected under the management of a committee composed of Messrs. Henry Shofe, D. C. Frazer, W. F. Gardner, C. McKenzie, William Shroeder, Captain A. Stuber, of Chillicothe, and Major George A. Wilkins, of Dunlap Station.

The reunion was one of the most interesting gatherings ever witnessed in Central Illinois. Captain R. W. Burt, an Ohio soldier in the Mexican war, and President of the association, officiated as President of the day, and Captain Adam Stuber, an old veteran of the Fifteenth U. S. Regulars, acted as Chief Marshal.

An unexpectedly large number of veterans were present, and the citizens and volunteer soldiers of Peoria and vicinity united cordially in doing honor to the surviving soldiers of the struggle with Mexico. It was a source of regret that Gen. Sliields failed to arrive, as had been expected, on the previous day. A committee of reception, escorted by a band and Capt. Taylor's company (National Blues), with a large concourse of citizens, were present at the depot on the arrival of the train ; but the General, through an unfortunate combination of circumstances, failed to arrive. He did come, however, a few hours later, and was serenaded at his hotel, where he held a reception.

The morning of the 23d was stormy, but before noon, as if in recognition of the deserts of the veterans, the clouds dispersed and the afternoon was all that could be desired.

Hon. M. C. Quinn, on behalf of the Association and citizens of Peoria, delivered the address of welcome, and the honor could not have been delegated to any one more competent.

The committee of arrangements for this occasion has honored me by selecting me to extend a hearty greeting to all the representatives here of the heroes who upheld our flag upon foreign battle fields, and all others present, to do honor to the occasion, especially to one of the most distinguished of that warrior band, General James Shields. To you, one and all, survivors of the noble men who upheld our flag in Mexico, and the good men and true ,who fought under its folds to put down domestic violence, and to all the friends and admirers of such, I extend the most earnest and heartfelt welcome. I congratulate you upon this reunion of the survivors of the " Old Guards." And in expressing this welcome, I express not only the sentiments of the committee of arrangements, but also the sentiments of all the good people of this city and vicinity. This truth is clearly exemplified by the action of the public authorities on yesterday, by the mayor and council of this city, the board of supervisors and county officers, going in their official capacity, accompanied by our local soldiery, the " boys in blue." and thousands of our citizens to welcome our distinguished guest - a man whose name is a synonym for valor and patriotism - General Shields. If any thing more were wanting to express the feelings of our people in this regard, it has been furnished by the action of our courts, which have adjourned to be with us on this occasion, and to hear Judge Shields.

Survivors of the brave men who bore that flag from the Rio Grande to the City of Mexico, and planted it triumphantly over the halls of the Montezumas, you are worthy of this ovation ! Worthy - thrice worthy - are you of this ovation, noble hero and victim of Cerro Gordo ! Of all the men whom, to-day, we delight to honor, foremost stands the aged veteran who has laughed at death upon hundreds of battle fields, General Shields. He is not old enough, however, to " .Shoulder his crutch and show how fields are won," but young enough to gird on his sword at his country's call and shout forward, march, to victory! It is true that, like Cmcinnatus, he has converted his sword into a plow share, but at this moment, if liis country requires it, he is ready to turn that plow share into a sword, and wield it vigorously for the country for which he has so often given his blood.

General Shields is still on the muster rolls! He is ready for duty! He can not be retired as long as his heart is warm and hi, eye is bright, he can never retire from the service of his country, if that country needs his services.

Politicians may retire - aye, must retire - General Shields will not, can not retire, for no man Hiring has a larger place in the hearts of the people to-day than be. Despite the politicians the people w ill honor him, and in death bis memorj- will he lielH in benediction.

In conclusion, I extend to our distinguislied guest, to the veterans and citizens from abroad, to each and all who honor the occaision, a hearty welcome.

After these generous and eloquent words of welcome. General Leonard F. Ross, of Avon, Fulton count}', who had been selected for the occasion, spoke as follows :

It is now near the third of a century since the American soldiers gave their services lo their country in the war with Mex CO - since they encountered the trials and vicissitudes incident to army life in a foreign country, in an uncongenial and malarious climate. Since those services were rendered a full generation has entered upon and passed off the stage of action. And yet it seems but yesterday since we were electrified by the announcement that an armed foe had entered our territory and shed the "blood of American citizens on American soil" - since the brilliant victories of General Taylor on the Rio Grande floated o'er the wires. The details of the battles of Palo Alto and Kesaca de la Palma, and the gallant defense of Fort Brown were on every tongue. They occupied the minds of our entire people and filled all of the newspapers of the day. No event, probably, since the engagements at Lexington and Concord had so wrought up and agitated the American people.

At a time when at peac^ with all the world, before a collision was even expected by the mass of the country, we were precipitated into a war. The surprise, the astonishment at such an event, can at this distant day be scarcely imagined. And yet, perhaps, we should not have been taken so by suri>rise had we fully considered some preceding events in the history of the youngest member of our sisterhood of States - then the youngest and most feeble, but now the strong and vigorous, the rapidly growing young State of Texas. In this connection I deem it not inappropriate to refer cursorily to a few of the leading events that preceded the war between .\merican republics.

.\s early as 1835. Texas had revolted against the Mexican government and allempted independence. On the 2d of .March, 1836, Texas declared her independence, adopted a constitution and organized a Slate government. For nine years this independence was maintained by force of arms, and was acknowledged by the government and other leading powers. Twice during this time Mexico made attempts to re-conquer Tex.is, but both times her forces were driven from the .State. On the 1st of March, 1845. the United .States Congress passed a joint resolution declaring that certain territory therein named "rightfully belonged to the Republic of Texa,s," and that it might be erected into a State, called the State of Texas. On the 4th of July, 1845, Texas assented to the terms of this resolution, and became a State in the American Union.

During this time Mexico continued to i.s.sue her proclamations and pronunciamentos, and threatening lo conquer Texas. In order to protect this new State, General Taylor was ordered to move with his forces to the southern frontier of Texas. While thu< occupying the country, on the 24lh of April, 1S46, General .\rista crossed over the Rio Grande with a large Mexican force and surrounded a small detachment of sixty-three United States dragoons, killed about one-fourth, and took the balance prisoners.

Large bodies of .Mexican troops were soon after crossed over the Rio Grande, both above and below the encampment of General Taylor, threatening his depot supplies at Point Isabel and his communication therewith. In order to protect these and save his little army of 4,000 men from destruction, he met the Mexican army of 6,000 and defeated it in two pitched battles. Having left detached portions of his command for the defense of Fort Brown and Point Isabel, the battles of Palo Alto and Rcsaca de la Palma were fought with a force of 2.300, and the enemy in both instances selected the battlefield. These battles, fought on the 8th and qth of May, 1846, were the beginning of the war with Mexico.

On the I3lh of May, Congress declared that a slate of war existed "by the act of the Republic of Mexico." On the 23d of the same month, Mexico made an open declaration of war against the United States. Then came the call for 50,000 volunteers, which was answered by a tender of the services of over 300,000. Then followed the mustering in of troops, the hurrying forward of men and supplies, the collection of arms, ammunilinn, provi>ions. and transportation for a large army, and the excitement that ever attends the organization and equipment of military forces. On the Rio Grande, the Summer of 1846 was mostly spent in preparation, hut the fortified city of Monterey was assaulted and taken by fleneral Taylor in September, when dcfemled by troops doubling the number of the assailants. About the same time General Kearney hoisted the American flag in New Mexico, and established a new government.

The year 1846 was further signalized by the operations of Commodores Slont and .Stockton and Captain Fremont on the Pacific co.asl, the brilliant marches ol Colonel Doniphan and General kearney. the capture of Tampico by Commodore Perry, and its occupation by General Shields, and the occupation of Victoria ty Generals Taylor an<l Patterson. Cleneral Scott having arrived in Mexico lo lake command of the armies about in* isl of January, 1S47. the first movement of troops were those of flenerals Taylor and Patterson from Victoria ; the first northward to his old quarters at .Monterey, General Patterson south lo Tampico, lo join (icneral Scott in his operations against Vera Cruz; Taylor to gain fresh laurels at Huena Visia, and Patterson lo become second in command in the reduction of Vera Cruz and the castle of San Juan DT'Uoa, which, after two weeks" investment, surrendered to the ar'.iller)' of Gcncr.1l Scott and his subordinates with llie least possible loss.

Vera Cruz taken, now commences the march (or the interior, the " halls of the Monlezumas." from the same ttatling point, and over the saiui. luulc taken by Corlcz over three hundred years before. But this march was lo be no holiday aftair. The capital of the Mexican republic was not to be gained on " flowery beds of ease." Some severe fighting has first to be done. Santa .\nna, although defeated at Buena Vista, has had near two months to reorganize his army. Collecting a force of 15,000 men, he intrenches himself on the heights of Cerro Gordo, and prepares to dispute our passage. Bu' notwithstanding his defensive preparations, notwithstanding the numerous proclamations and pronunciamentos fulminated by him against the "Northern Barbarians" and the "ruthless invaders of Mexican homes," three weeks after the surrender of Vera Cruz with its 5,000 prisoners, 400 pieces of ordnance, its numerous forts and the renowned cattle of .San Juan D'Ulloa, three weeks after this valuable and most bloodless victory, the American army is pushed forward and hurled against the fortifications of Cerro Gordo, assaulting this stronghold in front, flank and rear at the same time. Before twelve o'clock the heights are taken, with 3,000 prisoners, 10,000 fugitives are in rapid retreat towards Jalapa, pursued by about 400 of General Shields' brigade, who, after the fall, and as was supposed the mortal wound of their commander (General Shields), were led by Colonel Baker half way to the gates of Jalapa, Cerro Gordo simply added one more to the list of continuous victories gained by our army since the beginning of hostilities.

Without following our army through its two years of marches and engagements with the enemy, and making mention of all the battles fought and victories gained - in a word, I may say that from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, in every engagement and battle, our army was victorious. It has, I believe, been truthfully said that no other army in the world's history ever fought so great a number of battles against such vastly superior numbers, and in every engagement, without exception, won a decided and brilliant victory.

And why was it so ? Why was the American army uniformly successful against such vast odds ? The Mexicans used to try to solve this question. Various theories were advanced on the subject. They always contended that their troops were better drilled and disciplined than ours, and why they did not at any time ever meet with success was a mystery they could not solve. Had the Mexicans known something of our system of education, our common schools, our free ballot, our complete self government, our perfect fieedom in religious opinions, they might perhaps have solved the question. Men of intelligence, possessed of perfect freedom of thought and action, having the right to elect their own rulers and law makers, and who are taught from childhood to yield obedience to law, have much of the material of which good and efficient soldiers are made.

Of such were the soldiers who bore our victorious flag under the scorching rays of a tropical sun on every battle field from Vera Cruz to the capital of Mexico.

Of that grand army that never knew a defeat, but very few are now among the living - fully one-fourth fell by Mexican bullets, or yielded to the diseases of the country, and now repose in graves in a foreign country, far from home and friends. Others more favored lived to reach their homes, but with health so shattered and constitution so enfeebled by sickness incurred in the service, that they, too, soon passed away. So that now, in this year, 187S, but about ten per cent, of that victorious army that astonished the world by its prowess and valor, remains with us. And time has begun to leave his marks upon them. The raven locks of former years are beginning to show the effect of the frosts of former Winters. They have been permitted by a kind Providence to live to see some of the results of their service and toil. They have seen State after .State created from 630,000 square miles of territory acquired by our Government, as the result of the war to which their best years were devoted.

They have lived to see the completion of the Pacific railroad, that great highway of the Nation, located on territory that would have belonged to a foreign country but for the strong arms and brave hearts of that gallant army of which they were a pan. They have lived to see their country increase in population and wealth, and her flag respected and honored on sea and land the world over. While it has been their happy privilege to live and see so much that gives joy to the heart of the patriot, it has been their sad lot to see their own country bleeding from civil strife ; to have looked upon their beloved Government while engaged in suppressing the terrible rebellion ; to have seen their own homes drenched in blood, and the Government they had labored and toiled to sustain - the best Government that ever existed - struggling with terrible desperation of life, for the right simply to exist as a Nation. But it has been their happy lot, thank God, to see that contest ended, and the great question decided, whether we are a Nation or a confederacy of States [Applause], a partnership simply that may be dissolved at the will of one or two of the partners, or a permanent Union.

There was a terrible loss of life and treasure before the decision was reached, but it came, and we are a Union - a grand Nation [Loud applause]. This meeting, to-day, is designed for a re-union of old comrades-in-arms ; its object, social enjoyment, for old friends long separated here to meet and join hands, and renew the ties of friendship formed in years long past by perilous service in a common cause ; to fight old battles over again, and to enjoy the few hours spent together as best you can. This is right and proper, and these re-unions should be, and, I trust, will be, of more frequent occurrence than in the past.

May a kind heaven grant you, my comrades, the largest allowance of peace and happiness to the close of life ; and may you all live to enjoy many such re-unions.

General Ross was followed by General M. S. Barnes, of Galesburg, another Mexican veteran, in an address full of appropriateness to the occasion. He reviewed the action of Congress in refusing or neglecting to grant a pension to the heroes of that war, and characterized it as a meanness unbecoming the boasted philanthrophy and justice of the people of the American republic. He reviewed the marches and counter-marches of the little army, and the happy results achieved for the country.

I am about to introduce to you a statesman whom two of the great States of the Union have honored wilh a seat in the United States Senate, and a soldier who has ser\ed his country with distinction, and received wounds in two wars - the first grand in its results, because it largely extended the area of freedom and greatly increased our national wealth ; and the last glorious, because it preserved the Union and made every man within its bounds a freeman. Litten to the burning eloquence of a man who almost gave his life to conquer a foreign foe, and who, when the Union was in danger of being rent asunder, knew what colored coat to wear, and wore it with honor and distinction. I have the honor to introduce to you the honored statesman and heroic soldier,

Majob-General James Shields

Tlie old hero was received with cheer after cheer. When quiet was restored, he said in response to the introductory remarks of Captain Burt and the greeting of the audience, that the crowd had heard so much eloquence that they would not care to listen to him. He was a little tired and had to speak in the evening, and besides, those cheers would have scared any body who could be scared at all. This was a glorious day for liim and for them. He had received a rousing ovation from the people, and his heart was too full for him to say much. He and his war-worn comrades before him had eaten, drank and slept together on the hostile plains of Mexico. They had been baptized in blood and fire together. No otlier occasion would have brought him here, for he was worn out with the labors of the past few weeks. He had wanted t(j look his old comrades in the face and take them by the hand, and it would be perliaps the last time they would meet until the long roll summoned them all together again in another world. He alluded to the sufferings of the veterans of the Mexican war, and the apathy of Congress in recognizing them. The people were with them, if the politicians were not.

In the evening a large audience assembled at Rouse's Hall to hear the speech of Gen. Shields upon the subject, " Reminiscences of the Mexican War." He entertained them well. His recollections of the war were abundant and well told. The General wiis an active participant in most of the scenes he described so vividl}-. Some of the incidents were heroic, others funny. The platform was filled with the veterans and their distinguished visitors from abroad. He was introduced to the audience, in a few appropriate remarks, by .John Warner, Esq., mayor of the city.

Intelligence of the death of General Shields was received in sorrow by the Associ tion, and at a meeting held on the 6th of .Tune, President Gardner in the chair, the following action was taken. Comrades Frazer and McKenzie were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sorrow of the Association, at his sudden and unexpected taking off. After a l)rief absence the committee submitted the preamble and resolutions here appended :

1. That the Society has, by his death, lost one who has always had the best interests of the society at heart, and who was always ready and willing to sacrifice his own comfort and interest in our behalf.

2. Tlu-it this nation and Slate, wherein he resided, have lost one of the purest and l>esl patriots and statesmen by his death; one who, in the discharge of every known duly, was incorruptible, prompt and untiring in the discharge of Ins duties lo his .i<)optcd country.

3. That the colors of the assDciaiiiin be lowered to half m.ist, and that the members of the association wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days from this date asa token of our esteem for his nobleness of character and sorrow and regret over the demise of our formci comrade.

4. That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family of our deceased comrade, and lo each of the city papers, with the request that they publish the sai.ie.

Letter From Mrs. Siiiklds

Esrp:F.MED Friends - Your letter of resolutions were received, and please to accept my heartfelt gratitude for your kindness in forwarding them to me, and rest assured, dear friends I will prize them and preserve them for my poor little fatherless children.

The Roll

The following register embraces the names of the members of the association and a list of the names of visiting veterans on the occasion of the Grand Reunion on the 23d of May, 1878, with the companies and regiments to which they respectively belonged :

Visiting Veterans In The War Of The Rebellion

If there is any one thing more than another of which the people of the Northern States have reason to be proud, it is of the record they made during the dark and bloody days of tiie War of the Rebellion. When the war was forced upon the countr}-, the people were quietly pursuing the even tenor of their ways, doing whatever their hands found to do - working the mines, making farms or cultivating those already made, erecting homes, founding cities and towns, building shops and manufactories - in short, the country was alive with industry and hopes for the future. The people were just recovering from the depression and losses incident to the financial panic of 1857. The future looked bright and promising, and the industrious and patriotic sons and daughters of the Free States were buoyant with hope. Immediately surrounded with peace and tranquillity, they paid hut little attention to the rumored plots and plans of those who lived and grew rich from the sweat and toil, and blood and flesh of others - aye, even traflBcked in the offspring of their own loins. Nevertheless, the war came, with all its attendant horroi-s.

While the people of the loyal and freedom-loving North were thus engaged, the Southern press, pulpit and rostrum were busy fomenting and disseminating sentiments of treason and disunion. Union sentiment, where it existed, was suj)pressed by violence. Proclamations of Governors, acts of Legislatures, ordinances of conventions, followed in rapid succession. Military companies were formed and drilled ; Southern members of Congress resigned and returned to their constituents, and State after State declared itself out of the Union.

In 1860 there were four candidates for President. Two of these candidates, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, came from Illinois. .Mr. Lincoln was the candidate of the Republican party, and Mr. Douglas the candidate of the National Democratic party. The other two candidates, John C. Breckinridge and John Bell, came from the Southern States. Mr. Breckinridge, of Kentucky, was the candidate of the pro-slavery interests, and Mr. Bell, of Tennessee, was the American or Know-Nothing candidate.

The contest was an exciting one, and resulted in the election of Mr. Lincoln, who received one hundred and eighty electoral votes. Mr. Breckinridge seventy-two, Mr. Bell thirty-nine, and Mr. Douglas twelve, giving Mr. Lincoln a majority of fifty-seven. Of the popular vote Mr. Lincoln had 1,857,610 ; Mr. Douglas, 1,365,976 ; Mr. Breckinridge, 847,1)53 ; Mr. Bell, 590,631. The election of Mr. Lincoln was the direct result of the refusal of the Southern States to support Mr. Douglas and of their factious support of Mr. Breckinridge.

Early in the campaign there were threats of secession and disunion in the event Mr. Lincoln was elected, but the people were so accustomed to Southern bravado that but little heed was given to the bluster.

On tlie "JOth of December, 1861, South Carolina, by a convention of delegates, declared " That the Union now existing between South Carolina and other States of North America is dissolved, and that the State of South Carolina has resumed her position among the nations of the earth, as a free, sovereign and independent State, with full power to levy war and conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and tilings which independent States may of right do." On the 24th, Governor Pickens issued a proclamation, declaring that -' Soutli Carolina is, and has a right to be, a free and independent State, and, as such, has a right to levy war, conclude peace, negotiate treaties, leagues and covenants, and to do all acts whatever that rightfully appertain to a free and independent State."

( )n ttie 26th, Major Anderson evacuated Fort Moultrie, and occupied Fort Sumter. Two days previously he wrote President Buchanan's Secretary of War, John B. Floyd, as follows : " When I inform you that my garrison consists of only ^ixty cft'ective men, and that we are in a very indiflerent work, the walls of which are only fourteen feet high, and that we have, within one iiundred and sixty yards of our walls, sand hills which command our works, and which afford admirable sites for butteries, and the finest covers for sharpshooters, and that, besides this, there arc numerous houses, some of them within pistol shot, you will at once see that, if attackeil in force, headed iiy any one but a simpleton, there is scarcely a possibility of uur being able to liohl out long enough for our friends to come to our succor." His appeal for reinforeements was seconded by General Scott, but unheeded by President Buchanan, and entirely ignored by John B. Floyd, the Secretary of War.

hoisted the Palmetto flag on tlie ramparts. On the -29th, John B. Floyd resigned his place in Buchanan's cabinet, charging that tlie President, by refusing to remove Major Anderson and the troops from Charleston harbor, designed to plunge the country into civil war, and added : "I can not consent to be the agent of such a calamity." On the same day the South Carolina Commissioners presented their official credentials at WashiHgton, which, on the next day, were declined. On the 2d day of January, 1861, Georgia declared for secession, and Georgia troops took possession of the United States arsenal in Augusta and Forts Pulaski and Jackson. Governor Ellis, of North Carolina, seized tlie forts at Beaufort and Wilmington, and the arsenal at Fayetteville. On tlie evening of the -Ith, the Alabama and Mississippi delegations in Congress telegraphed the conventions of their respective States to secede, telling them there was no prospect of a satisfactory adjustment. On the 7th, the conventions of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee met in secession conclave. On the 8th, Secretary Thompson resigned his seat in the cabinet on the ground that, contrary to promise, troops had been sent to Major Anderson. On the 9th, the Star of the West, carrying supplies and reinforcements to Major Anderson, was fired into from Morris Island, and turned homeward, leaving Fort Sumter and its gallant little band at the mercy of the rebels. On the same day the ordinance of secession passed the Mississippi convention. Florida*adopted an ordinance of secession on the lOtli, and Alabama on the 11th. The same da}' (the 11th), Thomas, Secretai-y of the Treasur}', resigned, and the rebels seized the arsenal at Baton Rouge, and Forts Jackson and St. Philiji at the mouth of the Mississippi river, and Fort Pike at the Lake Ponchartrain entrance. Pensacola Navy Yard and Fort Barrancas were surrendered to rebel troops by Colonel Armstrong on the 13th. Lieutenant Slemmer, who had withdrawn his command from Fort ]\IcRae to Fort Pickens defied Armstrong's orders, and announced his intention to " hold the fort " at all hazards. The Georgia convention adopted a secession ordinance on the 19th. On the 20th, Lieutenant Slemmer was besieged by a '"thousand allied troops" at Fort Pickens. Louisiana adopted an ordinance of secession on the 25th. On the 1st of February the rebels seized the United States mint and Custom House at New Orleans. The Peace convention assembled at Washington on the Ith, but adjourned without doing any thing to quiet the disturbed elements. On the 9th, a provisional constitution was adopted at Montgomery, Alabama, it being the constitution of tlie United States "reconstructed" to suit their purpose. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was chosen President, and Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, Vice-President of the " Confederate States of North America." Jeff. Davis was inaugurated on the 18th, and on the 2.5th it was learned that General Twiggs, commanding the department of Texas, had basely betrayed liis trust, and that he had surrendered all the military jjosts, munitions, arms, etc., to the authorities of Texas.

Abraliam Lincoln, the president elect, left his home at Springfield, in this State, on the 11th of February, 1861, and from that city to Baltimore was one long ovation. Advised and alarmed at the condition of affairs herein quoted, the loj'al people of the North were anxious for an outline of the policy the incoming president would pursue toward the disloj'al element of the South. At all of the principal cities - at Indianapolis, on the evening of the 11th ; at Cincinnati, on the 12th ; at New York, at Trenton, at Philadelphia - large crowds oi excited people were present to hear from his own lips some declaration that would give them courage to hope that no means delegated to him as President, b}' the constitution and the laws, would be spared to suppress the rebellion and maintain the Union in its integrity. And they were not disappointed. However cautiously and guardedly he spoke, he said enough to convince his hearers that they were not mistaken in their estimate of the man and his inflexible purpose to exhaust every means within the power of the constitution and the people to suppress the rebellion ; that, while he deprecated the shedding of blood and desired peace, he would maintain the unity of the States at any and every cost.

At Baltimore, he eluded the vigilance of scheming conspirators, and reached Washington oaSaturday inoniing, the 2-id - twelve days after he left Springfield - and in advance of all expectation. Tlireats had been made of a forcible prevention of his inauguration, but the thorough preparations of Lieutenant General Scott prevented any outbreak and secured the utmost quiet.

The inauguration ceremonies took place in front of the Capitol, and were witnessed* by a vast concourse of citizens. Before taking the oatli, Mr. Lincoln pronounced, in a clear, ringing voice, his inaugural address, to hear whicii there was an almost painful solicitude, to read wliicli the whole American people and the civilized world awaited with irrepressible anxiety. With that address and the administration of the oath of oflSce, the people were assured. All doubt, if any had previously existed, was removed. In the hands of Abraham Lincoln, the people's president, and himself of the people, the government was safe - peaceably if possible, forcibly if necessary.

Traitors were still busy plotting and planning. Troops were mustering in all the seceded States. Friday, April V2, the surrender of Fort Sumter, with its garrison of sixty effective men, was demanded and bravely refused by the gallant Major Anderson. Saturday morning, the l:3th, about four o'clock, fire was opened upon the helpless garrison by the rebel forces, numbered by thousands. Resistance was useless, and at last the National colors were hauled down and trailed in the dust. Sundav morning, tiie I4th, the news of the surrender was received in all tiie principal cities of the Union. That was all, but that was enough I

A day later, when the news was confirmed and spread tlirough the country, the patriot people of the North were startled from their dreams of the future - from undertakings half completed - and made to realize tliat behind tliat niol) there was a dark, deep and well organized purpose to destroy the government, rend the Union in twain, and out of its ruins erect a slave oligarchy, wherein no one would dare question their right to hold in bondage the sons and daughters of men whose skins were black, or who, perchance, through practices of lustful natures, were half or quarter removed from the color that God, in his wisdom, had given them. But they " reckoned without their host." Their dreams of liie future - their plans for the establishment of an independent confederacy - were doomed from their inception to sad and l)itter disappointment.

" Draw forth your million blades as one ; Complete the battle now begun I God FIGHTS WITH YE, and overhead Floats the dear banner of your dead. They and the glories of the I'asl, The Future, dawning dim and vast. And all the holiest hopes of Man, Are beaming triumph in your van.

" Slow to resolve, be swift to do ! Teach ye the False how hght the True ' How bucklered I'erfidy shall feel In her black heart, the I'al riot's steel; Mow sure tile boh that Justice wings; How weak the arm a traitor brings; How mighly they who steadfast siand For Freedom's Flag and Freedom's Land '"

Proclamation

Whereas, the laws of the United States have been for some time past and now are opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Alabama,

Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, b}- combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals : Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, in virtue of the power in me vested by the constitution and the laws, have thought to call forth, and hereby do call forth, the militia of the several States of the Union to the aggregate number of seve7ity-five thousand, in order to suppress said combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed.

The details for this subject will be immediately communicated to the State authorities through the War Department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and aid this eifort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and existence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs already long endured. I deem it proper to say that the first services assigned to the forces hereby called forth, will probably be to re-possess the forts, places and property, which have been seized from the Union ; and in every event the utmost care will be observed, consistently with the objects aforesaid, to avoid an}' devastation, any destruction of, or interference with, property, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country ; and I iiereby command the persons composing the combinations aforesaid, to disperse and retire peaceabl}' to their respective abodes, within twenty da3's from this date.

Deeming that the present condition of public affairs presents an extraordinary occasion, I do hereby, in virtue of the power in me vested by the constitution, convene both Houses of Congress. The Senators and Representatives are therefore, summoned to assemble at their respectative Chambers at twelve o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the fourth day of July next, then and there to consider and determine sucli, measures as, in their wisdom, the public safet}' and interest may seem to demand.

Done at the City of Washington, this fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the independence of the United States, the eighty-fifth. By the President,

The last word of this proclamation had scarcely been taken from the electric wires before the call was filled. Men and money were counted out by hundreds and thousands.' The people who loved their whole government could not give enough. Patriotism thrilled, and vibrated, and pulsated through every heart. The farm, the workshop, the office, the pulj^it, the bar, the bench, the college, the school-house - everj- calling offered its best men, their lives and fortunes in defense of the government's honor and unit}'. Party lines were, for the time, ignored. Bitter words, spoken in moments of political heat, were forgotten and forgiven, and, joining hands in a common cause, they repeated the oath of America's soldier statesman : " By the G-reat Eternal, the Union must and shall he preserved ! "

Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the rebellion. Nor were ten times that number. The war went on, and call followed call, until it began to look as if there would not be men enough in all the Free States to crush out and subdue the monstrous war traitors had inaugurated. But to every call, for either men or money, there was a willing and a ready response. And it is a boast of the people that, had the supply of men fallen short, there were women brave enough, daring enough, patriotic enough, to have offered themselves as sacrifices on their country's .altar.

The gauntlet thrown down by the traitors of the South was accepted - not, however, in the spirit with which insolence meets insolence - but with a firm, determined spii'it of patriotism and love of country. The duty of the President was plain under the constitution and the laws, and above and beyond all, the people from whom all political power is derived, demaiuleil tlie suppression of the rebellion, and stood i«ady to sustain the authority of their representative and executive officers to tiie utmost extremity.

Ill the apportionment of troops covered by President Lincol.i's proclamation, it was found that tlie quota of Illinois would be six regiments, of which fact Governor Yates was advised by telegraph under date of

The sentiments and position of Governor Yates were well known. His convictions were well settled, and there was no room to doubt that he would use every means to maintain the unity of tiie States. Immediately upon receipt of the above dispatch he issued the following proclamation :

" I. Richard Yates, Governor of the State of Illinois, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, hereby convene the Legislature of the State, and the members of the twenty-second session of the Cieneial Assembly are hereby required to be and appear in their respective places, at the Capitol, on Tuesday, the twentythird day of .April, A. 1).. 1S61, for the purpose of enacting such laws and adoptini^ such measures as may be deemed necessary, upon the following subjects ; The more perfect organization and equipment of the mditia of the Slate, and placing the same upon the best footing to render assistance to the Cleneral Government in preserving the Union, enforcing the laws and protecting the property and rights of the people ; also, the raising of such money and other means as may be required to carry rut the foregoing objects ; and also, to provide for the expenses of such session.

" In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed at the city of Springfield, the 15th day of April, A. D., 1S61. Riciiakd Yates.

Judge Allen C. Fuller, of Hoone county, was appointed Adjutant General. General Order No. 1 was isstied on the l.')tli, from head-quarters at Springlield, directing all commandants of divisions, brigades, regiments and companies to hold themselves ready for actual service ; and on the 10th, Order No. 2 [aovided for the immediate organization of the six regiments, and within ten days more than ten tiiousand men had offered their services ; and in addition to the force despatched to Cairo, more than the full quota was in camp at Springfield.

The readiness with which the first call was filled, together with the embarrassments that surrounded President Lincoln in the absence of sufficient laws to authorize liim to meet the unliol}', unluoked for and unexpected emergency - an emergency that had never been anticipated by the wisest and best of America's statesmen - together with an under-estiinute of the magnitude of the rebellion and a general lielicf that the war could not. and would not last more tlian three months, ciiecked, rather than encouraged, the patriotic ardor of liie people. Hut very few of the men, comparatively speaking, who volunteered in response to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers for three months, were accepted. But the time soon came when there was a place and a musket for every man. Call followed call in (luick succession, until the nuniljcr reachcil the grand total of 3,a3'.»,748, as follows : stirring and spirited addresses were made, and resolutions adopted that admitted of but one interpretation. Tiie spirit of the people in the earh' da3's of the war is clearly reflected in the following preamble and resolutions :

Whereas, It becomes American citizens to know no political law but their country's welfare; and whereas, the flag of our country has been insulted, and the laws set at defiance by formidably organized bands of lawless men, whose avowed purpose and overt acts are high treason against ihe government, therefore,

Resoked, That in the present endangered condition of the country, all true patriots will ignore all party differences and distinctions, and will unite in rendering all the aid within their power lo the Federal Executive in executing the laws and defending the honor of their national flag.

2. That we recognize the form of government formed by our fathers and baptized in their blood, the best ever ofTered in sacred cause, tlie birthright of citizens, and to be given up but with their lives.

The First War Meeting

There is some difficulty in fixing the date of the first war meeting in Peoria. The newspaper ofiices were consulted, but without result. The Transcript was the only daily newspaper published here at that time, and the file of that paper for the first six months of 1861 is not to be found in the office, and thus we are left to the memory of men.

As to the time and place of tlie first war meeting, accounts differ. Some assert that the first meeting was held at Rouse's Hall ; others, that it was held in tlie court-house. Mr. D. J. Calligan and others maintain that the first meeting was an impromptu one, and that it was held in the public square on Sunday, the l-3th day of April. These authorities say that as the news of the surrender of Fort Sumter spread through the city, the people came together by a common impulse. All accounts agree that the meeting was a large one, that the corner of the square and the streets adjacent were packed with men who were wild with excitement. Tliere was no formal organization, no recognized leader. The friends of the administration were confirmed in patriotism, and enthusiastic in their determination to stand by the Union, the constitution, the enforcement of the laws, and the administration in the suppression of the rebellion, cost what it might.

Those who were opposed to coercion, and they were not wanting in numbers in the early da3's of the rebellion, were equally determined and expressive in action, and personal collisions were momentarily imminent. It was a boisterous meeting, but happily for all, the better sentiments of the disturbed elements prevailed, and there were no serious breaches of the peace. As the war advanced the force of the anti-coercionists weakened in number, and before a year had passed there was scarcely a corporal's guard of them left. Prominent men, whose position was not positively known when the war commenced, wheeled into line, and almost as one man the people of Peoria county, without distinction of party, gave their support and offered their lives and their mone}' in defense of the Union.

The National Blues, an independent military organization dating from the 12th of July, 1856, besides contributing a large number of its members to the private ranks and furnishing some of the ablest officers known in the army, was an invaluable auxiliary in directing enlistments, organizing and equiping companies and hurrying them off to the front. In many other ways the Blues added largely to the success of war movements in the city and county of Peoria. In fact, tliis company was the nucleus of an army of nearly five thousand heroes that went from Peoria county in defense of tlie Union.

Backed and encouraged by this influence, it was not many hours after General Order No. 2 was issued from headquarters at Springfield till the formation of a company was commenced. John Wetzel, then fift3'-two years of age, as brave a man as ever shouldered a musket, and as good an officer as ever drew a sword or gave a word of command ; Charles E. Denison, who was true to the death ; Alex. Jackelfalusy, a countryman of Kossuth, and whose love of freedom and liberty was inspired by the teaching and example of that Hungarian patriot ; D. D. Snyder, Antony Rhoerig, Henry C. Pierce and Otto Funk, of the Blues, were among the very first to step to tlie front and pledge their lives in defense of freedom's holy cause. Others followed in quick succession, and almost before the fact was realized ninety-six men had enrolled their names and were ready to march to the fore.

The companv took the name of the National Blues, and commenced drilling daily and nightly with Lieutenant Wetzel as drill master. The arms of the parent Blues were turned over to the new organization, and the men made rapid headway in the manual of compan}- maneuvers.

The company left Peoria for Springfield, the place of rendezvous, by way of the S., P. and B. Railroad at U : 15 o'clock A. M., on Wednesday, April 24. T^liey were escorted to tile depot by Captain Norton's company of volunteers, the Zouave Cadets, and the Emmet (iuards and an immense concourse of citizens, the procession being led by the two Peoria bands. Want of time prevented any formal demonstrations at the depot. The boys were hurried into the cars, and amid loud huzzas, waving of handkerchiefs, etc., the train moved away from the depot and was soon beyond the sight and hearing of their homes and friends. The Tran»cript, of the 2oth, said: "The boys behaved excellently well at parting with their friends, who crowded about them, some in tears, but more with words of cheer and encouragement. The Cecilian Brass Band, J. J. Murray, leader, accompanied the volunteers to Springfield. A few miles this side of Washington, a hanger on the center car of the train broke, causing a delay of about an hour. At Washington, Cruger, Eureka and Secor, large crowds were gathered at the stations and lustily eh'-ered the volunteers as they passed. At El Paso the people turned out en

" The company took with them the cartridge-boxes and muskets of the National Blues, and a few rifles. The muskets are very good of the kind, being old flint-lock guns altered to percussion. A large number of the company also went provided with Colt's revolvers and bowie knives. Altogether, they were a fine-looking set of boys, and we doubt if Illinois produces a finer company out of her whole quota."

When the company came to be mustered in at Springfield on the 2oth of April, Captain Denison and Lieutenant Wetzel were advised by the mustering officer that only sixtv-four men would be recognized as a full company. This was a dampener on their order, for they knew the boys all wanted to go. How to avoid the contingency, tiiey scarcely knew. But, putting their heads together, they overhauled the list of ninety-six and set aside those they believed to be least fitted for active military duty. There were just thirty-two - half a company - more men than were wanted for a full company under the rule of the mustering officer, and that number was marked off. The following is a certified register of the company as sworn in ; together with the nativity and occupation of each member:

Nativity aod Occupation. Ireland. R. R. contractor. N. Hampshire, physician. France, cooper. Prussia, butcher. New York, dentist. Hesse Darmstadt, clerk, Switzerland, cigar maker. Prussia, printer. New York, cooper. Prussia, watch maker. Illinois, clerk. Illinois, student. Illinois, carpenter. Penn., cabinet maker, Prussia, clerk. Bavaria, printer. Illinois, farmer. Hesse Dam'tdt, hotel pro. Wirtemberg, painter. Connecticut, dentist. Baden, shoemaker. Saxony, carpenter. Tennessee, printer. New York, clerk. England, shoemaker. New York, student. Prussia, painter. Baden, cooper. Illinois, clerk. Bavaria, cooper. Prussia, wagon maker. Poland, clerk.

Nativity and Occupation. Illinois, clerk. Wirtemberg, farmer. Pennsylvania, clerk. Missouri, plasterer. Hesse Darmstadt, brewer. Prussia, clerk. Holstein, fresco painter. Prussia, sur. and engineer. Pennsylvania, printer. Missouri, miner, Prussia, druggist. Pennsylvania, agent. Austria, printer. Wirtemberg, clerk. .A-Ustria, clerk. Bavaria, tailor. Prussia, clerk. Prussia, druggist. France, shoemaker. Prussia, actor. Saxony, brewer. Hesse Darmstadt, printer. Illinois, farmer. New York, tinner. Illinois, clerk. Bohemia, clerk. Bohemia, barber. New York, farmer. Holstein, carpenter. Illinois, lawyer. Hesse Cassel, shoemaker. Prussia, clerk.

Other companies besides the Blues had a surplus of men, and when the organization of the Eighth was fully completed, enough men were left for nearly three other full companies, which were organized. Some of the rejected thirty-two from the Blues, as originally reported, joined these companies, and some others waited for another chance to " fall in " with the company with which they started out. A sketch of the history of the Eighth and of Company E will be found in the regimental history, published in connection herewith. Suffice it to say here, that not one of the men were killed, and that only one of them died while in the ninety day service. All but this one came home happy and jubilant as only brave soldiers can be, and ready to " pick the flint and try it again," which they did by re-enlisting when the Eighth was reorganized.

The Seventeenth Regiment of Illinois Infantry Volunteers was mustered into the United States service at Peoria, III., on the 24th day of May. 1861.

Left caihp on the 17th .June, for Alton. 111., for the purpose of more fully completing its organization and arming. Late in July it proceeded from Alton to St. Charles. Mo., remaining but one day; thence went to Warrenton, Mo., where It remained in camp about two weeks. Company A being fletailed as body guard to Gen. John Pope, with headquarters at St. Charles.

The regiment left Warrenton for >t. Louis, and embarked on transports for Bird's Point. Mo. Remained at Bird'.s Point some weeks, doing garrison duty; then proceeded to Sulphur Springs Landings; disembarking there, it proceeded, via Pilot Knob and Ironton. to Fredericktown. Mo., in pursuit of (ien. Jetf. Thompson, and joined Gen. B. M. Prentiss' command at Jackson, Mo.; thence proceeded to Kentucky and aided in the construction of Fort Holt; thence ordered to Kl lb it IN Mills; remained there a short time, and returned to Fcjrt HmU ; ibence to Capi* Girardeau, and, with other regiments, wen- sriii in pursuit of Gen. Jeff. Thompson's forces; participated in the engagement near Greenfield, lost one man killed and several wounded ; returned to Cape Girardeau, doing provost duty until early in February. 1862. when ordered to Fort Henry; participatecl in the engagement of Fort Donelson, losing several men killed, woun<led and taken prisoners. Then proceeded to M'-t il Landing, Tennessee River, and embarked for Savannah. Tenn.; from thence to Pittsburgh Landing, and was assigned to the First Division. Army of West Tennessee, under Gen. John A. Mc- Clernand; was engaged in the battles of the 6th and 7th of April; suffered great loss in killed and wounded; was with the advance to Corinth.

After the evacuation of Corinth marched to Purdy, Bethel and .lackson. Tenn.; remained there until the 17th of July, when the regiment was ordered to Bolivar, and was assigned to duty as Provost Guard. Remained at Bolivar until November, 1862, duriiiK which time it participated in the expedition to luka. to reinfftrce Gen. Rosecrans. Afterwarrl at the battle of Hatcbie. Returned again to Bolivar; remained there until the middle of November. Then ordered u* Lagrange, to report to Gen. .John A. L*ogan; were assigned to duty as Provost Guard, Col. Norton being assigned to the command at the post. Early In December marched to Holiy Springs; thence to AbbyvlUe, guarding railroads; thence to Oxford.

After the capture of Holly Springs, was assigned to the Sixth Division. Seventeenth Army Corp^. un<ler Maj.-Gen. Mcpherson: tbeii proceeded, via Moscow, to ColUervllle; from there to Mtrmphis. :ind was assigned to duty at the Navy Yard. Remained tUere until January 16. then embarked for VlCksburg: re-embarked and proceeded to Lake Providence. La., then the headquarters of the Seventeenth Army Corps, doing duty there until the investment of Vlcksburg commenced. Arriving at MUilken's Bend on or about May 1. commenced to march across the D.-lta to Perkins' Landing, on rhe Mississippi river; tliemc ti. thr crossing below Grand Gulf, advancing with Mrl'li TSnii's command, ria Raymond, Champion Hills. Jackson. Hig lilock, and to the final Investment of Vlcksburg. After the surrender of that city, remained there, doing garrison dutv and making incursions into the enemy's country as far east asMerldfan. west as far as Monroe, La. Returning to Vicksliurg, remained until May, 1864, the term of service of the regiment expiring on the 24tn M-.iy of that year.

The regiment was ordered to Springfield. 111., for muster out, and finallv discharged, when and where those of the original m i|aiiiz:iti>iii who did not re-enlist as veterans were mustered <nir ;iiid disiharged. A sufficient number not having re-enlisted to entitle them to retain their regimental organization, the veterans and recruits whose term of service had not expired were consolidated with the Eighth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, and were finally mustered out with that regiment and discharged in the Spring of 1866.

The Forty-Seventh Illlnol.i Infantry Volunteers was first organized and mustered Into the service of the United States at Peoria, 111., on the Ibth day of August, 1861.

On the 23d day of September, 1861, the regiment moved by rail, from Peoria to St. Louis. Mo., going Into quarters at Henton Barracks, near the city, where it was clothed and armed complete. Remained in Benton Barracks undergoing a thorough drilling dally until the 9th day of October, when It moved by

The enemy havluK evacuuteil New Madrid ou the iiiKht uf the 5:h of April the regiment marclH-<l, with the briRaile. up to New Madrid on the 7tli, and on the tith were paid four months' pay by Major Wlthrell.

On tlie inornlntf of .^prll 10 the regiment embarked on board the^teanier Aleck Sciiit and proceeded with the army down the rlver n>-;u'ly to Fort Pillow, returning on the morn! rig of the lUh and dls--niharkfd at TlpioiivlHe. Tenii.. twenty mde-* below New Madrid A|iril l*^th re-embarked and moved uii the river to Cairo, drew I'loihlng and took nii coal, and on the nii;ht of the 20th moved up the Tennu^see river, arriving at HamburK Landlug. Tenn.. on the morning of the22d of April, dlsembarlied and encamped near the river.

During the following nfteeii day^the regiment accompanied Gen. PopeS army in It^ advance In the dlre<;llon of the enemy's position arouiifl Corinth. A portion of the way It had to con- Blruct corduroy roads through extensive swamps. On the 9th day of May Wd.s engaged at Fiirmlnglon, Miss., In which engagement Lieutenant Colonel I>anlei L. Miles was killed. On the 28th day of Mav the regiment nartU-ipated In an engagement near Corinth, (tti the night of >iay '29th, the enemy eva<-ualed Corinth and the regiment ac<-omf»anled (ieneral PopeS armv In jiursult of their retreating forces as far as Itoouesville, Miss., returning to (_'amp Clear (reek, six miles Motitli of Corlntli, -lune II, I86"J. where. In a few day.s, the regiment received two months' pav from Major Ktllng.

On the 3d of July tlie regiment marched to Rlenzl. Ml^s.. renialneil there until the 180i day of .August, ou which day Colonel John hryner took leaveof the regiment - his resignation having been accepted, on accovint of ptior health.

August 18th broke Camp Kleiizl and marcheil to Tuscuuihla. Ala., rejoining the lirlgatle on the road, arriving there August 2-2d, ati'l on tae 24tli received two months* pay froiu Major Ileintistead.

Marched from Tuscumbla .September 8tli. nnd arrived at Camp Clear Creek Sepu-mlM-r I-lth. Left Clear Creek on the morning of the 18th, atid marched toward luka, .Mls^.; pariiclpatetl in the Itattle of luku ou the 19th. where the army unth-r General UopecraiiN defeated the enemy's fori-es undei- tieneral Kl*?rlliig Prb'e. In llil> engagement .Major. lohn Croinnell was taken prisoner. Followed the retreating army of the en -my one day and then retur imnI to Corinth, arriving iliere on the 'Ml of Oet(d>er, and look part In the battle of (Nirlntb. OefdnT ."id and 4th. In the engagement of the ;M the brave and huimre<l ('-doiiel William A Thrush was killed, while bravely leading hliirommaiid In a charge. 4'aptain David DeWolf of Company K, waKkilled. Captain Ilaiinan .Vndrewx was severely Mounded and taken prlsoinT. I'lie leiflnn-nt lost In Ihisengngement thirty killed and ovi-r one hundred wounded.

Januar) Hlh marched from Grand Junction, by way of Ibdlvar, Tenn., foi Corinth, wher< It arrived .lanuary 14th. Movetl by rail from Corinth Januat> '2ti. to Uldgeway Stailoii, t'eim., where the regiment renialned guarding the railroad, until .March 1'2. when It innrchi-d to .MenipbU, Tenn., and enibarke^l un board the Hteamer Km|>reiis. for the vb-inlly of VIcksburg. R4>malned near MebMia. Ark., ten da)H and again nurvetl ilowii the river, dlneniiiarklng on the liit da> of April at Durkport, twelve nillei nliovo Vli'kst-uri; Here the dutleN of the men Were itf various klnd> lo.iding and unloading day t>f .May I HUH. II p.irt >- ip a> .| in the eng;u(emen( which resulted In ifir ciipture of the rlly. «)n the morning of the Ihlh wa« rear guard. Ou leaving the city. Colonel Cromwell, thou

The regtmriii p.tr iicii'.ii«-d In the charge on the enemy's works at A'lcksburg, May 22d. b«<>lug twelve men killed and quite a number wuundrd. Durltig the siege of Vtck^burg, Major John D. McClure reri-lvrd a ftevere wound and carries the bullet In hiN bo^lv io-da\ .

On the 4 th of June the regiment nartlclpated with the brigade under command of General Juseph A. Muwer, In the defeat of a force of the enemy at Me< hanlcsvllle. Miss., thirty lullrs from Vlcksburg- near the Yazo.. river.

After the fall of Vbk^hurg. during the months of August, September and <»cioiier. the regiment eucaiuprd at Bear Creek, twenty miles east of VirkM'urg.

In the middle of November. 1863. the regiment moved up the river to Memphis. Tenn., and from thence to Lagrange. Tenn.. guarding ilie Meniphi> and Charleston line of rallmad. A portion of the time, houever. was occupied &<-ouilng after the rebel <»eneral ForresiS command.

February Int, embarked on buard steamer for Vlcksbiirr, where It arrived Feliruary :id, and weui Into camp at UlacK River Itrldge, twelve mllen from Vlck>biirg. Fehruar> 2.'id marched to Canton, Miss. Returned to Hiack River March 3d and lo Vickshuig March 7 h. w here It embarked. March lUtli. on board steamer Mars for the Ked River Kxpedltlou. Was present at theca\>ture of Fort DeKusst-y. Iji.. March 14ih.

PartlclputcHl in the battle of Pleasant Hill. La., April Bth. 1864. During tbl*t expedition the regiment was under Are Several limev and MitTere'l many very severe hard>hips.

On tile *22d of May the regiment arilved, with tieneral Smith's command, at \'lck>burg. having beeu for three months engaged In as tedli>us and fatiguing a caiupalgu as has ever fallen to the lot of any army to undergo.

June 5th, the regiment embarked for Memuhls. Moved up the river to Jjike Chicot, disembarked, moved Inland and came In contact with a force of the enemy, under General MarmaduKe. who WHS defeated and completely rtmied. Regltuwnt lost In this eiigageiiieiit eleven men kllbnt a-idi|Uitea number wounded. Major Miles received aluiost a fatal shot In the neck, and Captain HIser was killed

The regiment then proceedtHl to Memphis and accompanied General J, .\. Smith to Tupelo, Mi-s., w ith the exception ut the luen who had re-enllsied. numbering about one hundred, who left the regiment at Moscow, Tenn., and went to Illinois on veteran furlough.

The veterans returned to the regiment on the 8th day of August, anil uith the revlnieui a<-cunipanled General A. J. Smith's expedition to Oxford, MIss. Relurue<l to Memphis, August 27. 1864. The original term of service of the regiment having expired. It was onlered to sprlngHelil. 111., where It was flually discharged on the 1 1th of i>ciober. 1864.

The veterans and recruits of the regiment, iiumlterlng 196 men. left .Memphis Septenii>er 2d. 1st> 1. undt^-r the command of Lieutenants Kdnard liuutiatn and K<>>:il 0]m>[ead, acconipany - Ing General .Mower's exin-<lUhui up White river, to llrown»vllie. Ark., and from tlu re marciied north Inlt^i Missiturl after the rebel General Price's army, which wa^ rnidlng in that Stale.

While laying Ml front of Spanish Fort, six additional companics arrlvetl from Sprliii;litdd, III., making the organliatloii once more* iunjdele.

After the fall of Mobile, the regiment m.trclii>l with the Sixteenth Corps to MunigiMMery, .Via., where it arrived Atirll 85. 186y December 31. lHti5, the regiment was stationed at Senna. Ala.

Company

Nothing of anv interest transpired during the sojourn of the regiment in Kentucky - there heini? nr) force of the enemy In the Slate at that time"; ami the eampaign lliere was merely a march of about 150 miles into the interior and a march back again.

November 30th. 186-2. Hie regimenl embark i-d on steamer for Memphis. Tenu.. lu coni|iaiiy witli the whob- division, nnder the same commander. Arrived at latter place November 37tii.

Remained there until December '20th. The di\ Ision w as reorganized and reported for duty to Major Ceneral Sherman. Embarked at Memphis on ilie -^uili "f Heicinbt-r. and pr. needed down the river witli Sherman's arm\ for tin- of \'ioksburg. Disemliarked in the Ya/oo nvi-r nt-ai- chirkasitu IJayou on tlie 27rh. The Seveiuv-st-ventli <ircuiiied the extreme right of the line and participated in the attack on tlie rebel works. After four ilavs' fightlnjr. tlic attack was abatidioied. ami the army embarked on their boats and proceeded to Milliken's Bend, La.

At this place Major Gen. Mct.'iernand arriveit and assumed command of the army. He organized it into two corps - the Thirteenth and Fifteenth. The Sevrntv-scv-uth was assigned totlie Tenth Division. Thirteenth Arinv (nips. l)ivi3ion commanded by Gen. A. J. Smith, an<l i^'urps by (leneral MeClernand.

Left Milliken's Bemi January 5th. 1863. and arrived at Arkansas Post on the 10th. Inimeaiately disembarked, and on the following morning participated in the assault, .\frer a few hours' bard lighting, carried the piact- hy assault, cap'ni ing all it contained. The los-> nf th.- 1 1 ^,'nneiit lii-n- \\ as six lullrd and thirty- nine wounded - some of ttie latter moiial. Tln' reyimeiil In this battle behaved admiraiily, and was complimented by the commanding General for its gallant conduct.

January 14th. again emtjarked and proceeded to Young's Poini. La. Arrived there on the 2'-id and went into camp, remaining until tiie 9th of March, engaged in the digging on the canal across the point opposite Vicksburg. In March clirtnged camp to Milliken's Bend.

In the first partof April the Thirteenth Cor[is marched from MilUkeirs Bend for Grand Gulf. The Seveniy-seventh broke camp and moved forward about the middle of .\prit. Crossed the river below Grand Gulf on the last day of Ai)ril and matched all night, arriving at Port Gibson early on the morning of the 1st of Mav. and participated in the eiig.^genieni thei e dui ing the entire (lay. The regiment remained with Geueial Grant's army during the entire campaign around Vicksburg ami the siege of the latter place, until its surrender.

The regiment was engaged in the actions at Champion Hills. May 17th; Black river bridge, May IHth; first chai-e '»n Vicksburg. May 22 and 23. losing in ihi'si- tMigai^emenis twenty ktUett eighiv-six wounded ami twenty-six missing.

Vicksburg surrendered on the 4lh of Jnlj and the next day t the regiment marched for Jackson wiih the aruiy under Sherman. Arrived there July 9th and was under the fire of tli" enemy at that place until the 16th, when Jackson was evacuated and the Sevenlv-seventh returned to A'ieksbnrg. R'uiained in camp al Vicksburg until August 25tU, then emt)arkfd for New Orleans, wliere it remained in eamji nniil Ortoi>er yd. left New Orleans at that time for Western Louisiana. Marched up IJayou Techc through Franklin lo New Iberia, Louisiana. Camjietl there until Dfi tiiiber 6. 1863, when marched hack to New Orleans. Left New < >rleans on the 17th of December, on steam^'r, and disemliarked at I'.isoCavalo. Texas on the 20ih oi D.-cinber. Remained in camp until tlie last of Ft-i'iuary, rlo-n mi barked on vessels and were irauspurti-<l to Berwick Uay. Luuisiana. Krom thence marched through to Alexandria, Louisiana, with the array under General Banks bound for Sbrevr-port. I'l tini Alexandria marched up Red river, 'irlving the enem.\ until Salune Cross Roads was reached on the Stli of April, 1864, wliere it met the enemy in force and was immediatelv engaged.

The Seventy-seventh belonged to the division under command of General Ransom, which divi:>ion was first ordered forward to .support the advance cavalr> . Uefore llie army could be brought forward to rb ir suptiort. the wliole rebel army came down oil them aud overwhelmed the whole division. In this engagemi-nt the Seventv-seventh suffered terribly. Lleutenant- ('olonel Webb was kilbd instantly byamuskei ball through the brain, and one hundred and seventy-six ofllcers and men were killed, wounded and made prisoners, leaving only about one hundred and twenty-five men in the regiment for duty.

On the next day General A. J, SmitiiN corps came \ip and at Pleasant Hill another battle was fought <udiiig in the complete defeat of the reliels. The regimt-nt icniaine<l witli General Banks througlioiit his retreat down Red river and until he reacheil the >Ilssissipp|. Here it was ortlered into camp at Baton Rungf until tht^ first partof August. .\t tlKit time, with five or six other n-glinents, tt emharlced and was transported to Dauphlne's Island under the lomniand of Gt'in-ial (ioidtui Granger. Here assiste.l in the reduction of Forts (lalm-s and Morgan, and then returned to .Morganzit Uend on the Mississippi, lu October, regiment onit-red to New Orleans for provost duty, anil remained there until ihe first part of March. 1865 when It was assigned to the first brigade, third division, thirteenth armv corps and transported to Mobile Point, where it joined General Canbv's armv for the capture of Moliile. General Granger collected his Ihirteentli corps at tliis point and duringthe month of March moved up the [.fniiisula towards Spanish Fort. The regiment was with General Canby's army during the entire siege and capture i>f Spanish Fort, Blakely and Mobile, and was under fire during the nritire time.

The day following their entry into Mobile, the third division in which liie Seventy-seventh served, marched out of the city and proceeded up the Tontbigliee river in search of General Dick Tavlor's armv. It proceeded up the river about sixty miles when it was recalled to Mobile - the rebel forces throughout the country having surrendered.

Remained In camp in .Mobile until July 10. 1865. at which time it was mustered out of service and ordered to Springfield, Illinois, for final pavment and discharge, where It arrived July 23. 1865.

The Seventv-seventh Illinois during its term of service was engaged in sixteen battles and sieges, and in every one of them carried itself with honor and credit to the State.

Ilabcock James W. e. Feb 24. 64. Irans. ISOIh III. Inf. a« revd. Dunaldson Win. e. Feb. 2:1. b.V irans. 130th III. Inf. as revd. Iloughtallng Jas. e. Feb 31. US Irans. l.wth III. Inf. as revd.

The 85th Illinois Infantry Volunteers was organized at Peoria, 111., in August. 1862. by Col. Roberi S. Moore, and mustered into service Augu.<it 27. 1862.

Ordered to Louisville. Ky.. September 6. 1862. and assigned to brigade. 11th division, ;jd army corps. Col. D. McCook comiiiandiiig brigiide, Britr. Gen. P. H. Sheridan comnianding division and Major Gen. Gilbert commanding corps.

The 85th marched in pursuit of tiie enemy under General Bragg' October 1, 1862. and was engaged in the battle of Champion Hills at Perryville. Ky.. October 8th, and moved with the army to Nashville. Tenn.. arriving Novemt)er 7. 1862.

Regiment mustered out June 5. 1865. at Washington, D. C. , and arrived at Camp Butler, 111., June 11, 1865, where they received final payment and discharge.

:\Ioved for Loviisville and camped at Jo Hott. on tlie Indiana side. September 10, 1862. Was .issigned to 36th tnjpade. Col, D. McCook, with 52d Ohio and 85lli Illinois and 125th Illinois. 11th division. Brig. Gen. V. II. Sheridan commanding.

Brigade assigned to 2d division. 14tli arinv corps. Moved into Lookout Valley Otiober 29th. In llie night of November 23d crossed the river on a pontoon and camped at the foot of Missionary Ridge. Pursued the enemy on the 26th to Bingold

Engaged Iti the battle of Avery.sborn, March 16th. and of Be tonvlVle. 19th and aoth. and arrived at tioldsboro March 23rd. .Marched lo Ilalclgh April loih.

Moved to Alton. III., in July. 1861. Thence moved tost. Charles. Mo., with Gen. Pope, and then to Mexico, Mo. From tliis place sections were sent to di fferent parts of North Missouri, which were again united at J etferson Barracks, Mo., at which place the Battery was mustered into United States Service August 17, 1861.

Jloved to Jefferson City Mo., and October 1st to Boonville, Mo., and thence to Ottirville. Thence marclied in Kelton's Brigade, Pope's Division of Fremotit's armv, to Springfield Mo., and returned to Otterville. January 25. 1862, in Col. Julius White's Brigade, Brigadier Gen. Jeff. C. Davis' Division, moved to Lebanon and. with Curtis' army to Northwest Arkansas. Was engaged in the battle of Pea Kldge .March 7th and 8th. where It did faithful and brilliant service. A section of the Battery at Neosiio and Fayetteville. Moved to Helena, Ark., with Gen. Curtis' aiinv.

l.lrtlteliMlils. First, llenrv II. Plant, com. Dec. .11. '61. pro sen. Isl Lieut. First, lli'iiry ll I'lant, com April 7, '62, reslKunl May tt. '64 S*»coiid, Charles Mclionatd, com. .Maicli 1. "63. inn June 14. '62

Miscellaneous Organizations

The war ended and peace restored, the Union preserved in its integritj', the sons of Peoria who had volunteered their lives in defense of their Government, who were spai-ed to see the army of the Union victorious, returned to their homes to receive grand ovations and tributes of honor from friends and neighbors who had eagerly and jealously followed them wherever the fortunes of war called. Exclianging their soldiers' uniforms for citizens' dress, most of them fell back to their old avocations - on the farm, in the mines, at the forge, the bench, in the shop, and at whatever else their hands found to do. Some of them were called to higher honors, and their names have become as familiar to the people and governments of the Old World as their noble deeds in the hour of their country's peril are dear to the hearts of the people whom they so faitlifully served. Brave men are honorable always, and no class of citizens are entitled to greater respect than the volunteer soldiery of Peoria county', not alone because they were soldiers, but because in their associations with their fellow-men their walk is upright, and their honesty and character without reproach.

Their country first, their glory and their pride; Land of their hopes - land where their fathers died ; When in the right, they'll keep their honor bright ; When in the wrong, they'll die to set it right.

No grauder tribute can be offered to tlie soldiers of the Union in the War of the Rebellion, dead and living, than expressed by Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll at the banquet of the Societ}' of the Army of the Tennessee on the occasion of tlie thirteenth annual meeting of the Society at Chicago on the 13th of November, 187!^. In the regular order of toasts, the President of the Society, General Sherman, announced :

The volunteer soldiers of the Union army, whose valor and patriotism saved the world a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Response by Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll.

When the savagery of the lash, the barbarism of the clan, and the insanity of secession confronted the civilization of our century, the question, " Will the great Republic defend itself? " trembled on the lips of every lover of mankind.

The North filled with intelligence and wealth, children of liberty, marshaled her hosts and asked only for a leader. From civil life a man, silent, thoughtful, poised and calm, stepped forth, and with lips of victory voiced the nation's first and last demand: "Unconditional and immediate surrender." From that moment the end was known. That utterance was the first real declaration of war, and, in accordance with the dramatic unities of mighty events, the great soldier who made it, received the final reward of the rebellion.

The soldiers of the Republic were not seekers after vulgar glory. They were not animated by the hope of plunder or the love of conquest. They fought to preserve the blessings of liberty and that their children might have peace. They were the defenders of humanity, the destroyers of prejudice, the breaker of chains, and in the name of the future they slew the monsters of their time. They finished what the soldiers of the Revolution commenced. They relighted the torch that fell from their august hands and filled the world again with light. They blotted from the statute-books laws that had been passed by hypocrites at the instigation of robbers, and tore with indignant hands from the Constitution that infamous clause that made men the catchers of their fellow-men.

They broke the shackles from the limbs of slaves, from the souls of masters, and from the Northern brain. They kept our country on the map of the world, and our flag in heaven.

They rolled the stone from the sepulcher of progress, and found there two angels clad in the shining garments - Nationality and Liberty. The soldiers were the saviors of the nation ; they were the liberators of men. In writing the proclamation of independence, Lincoln, greatest of our mighty dead, whose memory is as gentle as the summer air when reapers sing amid the gathered sheaves, copied with the pen what Grant and his brave comrades wrote with swords.

Grander than the Greek, nobler than the Roman, the soldiers of the Republic, with patriotism as stainless as the air, battled for the rights of others, for the nobility of labor, fought that mothers might own their babes, that arrogant idleness should not scar the back of patient toil, and that our country should not be a many-headed monster made of warring States, but a nation, sovereign, great, and free.

Blood was water, money was leaves, and life was common air until one flag floated over a Republic without > master and without a slave. Then was asked a question : "Will a free people tax themselves to pay the nation's debt?"

The soldiers went home to their waiting wives, to their glad children, and to the girls they loved, they went back to the fields, the shops, and mines. They had not been (Temoralizcd. They had been ennobled. They were as honest in peace as they had been brave in war. Mocking at poverty, laughing at reverses, they made a friend of toil. They said : " We saved the nation's life, and what is life without honor? "

They worked and wrought with all of labor's sons that every pledge the nation gave should be redeemed. And their great leader, having put a shining band of fricnd.ship, a girdle of clasped and happy hands, around the globe, comes home and finds that every promise made in war has now the ring and gleam of gold.

There is another question still : " Will all the wounds of the war be healed ? " I answer, yes. The Southern people must submit, not tu the dictation of the North, but to the nation's will and to the verdict of mankind. They were wrong, and the time will come when they will say that they arc victors who have been vanquished by the right.

Freedom conquered them, and freedom will cultivate their fields, educate their children, weave for them the robes of wealth, execute their laws, and fill their land with happy homes.

The soldiers of the Union saved the South as well as the North. They made us a nation. Their victory made us free and rendered tyranny in every other land as insecure as snow upon a volcano's lips.

And now let us drink to the volunteers, to those who sleep in unknown, sunken graves, whose naroqp are only in the hearts of those they loved an<l left - of those who often hear in happy dreams the footstep of return.

Let us drink to those who died where lipless famine mocked at want, to all the maimed wtiiise scars give modesty a tongue, to all who dared, and gave to chance the care and keeping of their lives, to all the living and to all the dead, to Sherman, to .Sheridan, and to Grant, the foremost soldier of the world, and last, to Lincoln, whose loving life, like a bow of peace, spans and arches all the clouds of war.

Pretty .won after tlie close of the War of the Rebellion in the Spring of 1805, the people began talking about the erection of a monument to the memory of the soldiers from Peoria county who iiad fallen in defense of their country. No definite aetinn wivs taken, however, until Thursday, September 14, IHtJo, when, the Hoard of Supervisors being in

Whereas, Many of the soldiers of this county have died in defense of their country, and lie buried in distant places with nothing to mark the place of their burial, therefore, erected in the Court-house yard, upon which shall be inscribed the names of all the soldiers who have died from this county, with their company and regiment.

Tlie resolution was referred to a committee appointed by tlie chairman of the Board, composed of Messrs. Dr. Emery. Watson and Day, with instructions to procure plans, specifications and estimates, and report at the next meeting of the Board.

At the April meeting of the Board (1866), the committee reported that they had received several plans, specifications and bids, all of them at a cost of five thousand dollars. The contract was finally awarded to Mr. Robert Campbell, of Peoria.

The corner stone laying was attended with much pomp and ceremony. The monument was fully completed aud submitted to be dedicated on the 11th day of October, 1866.

Dedication Ceremonies

The largest assembly ever seen in Peoria was on the occasion of the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument, Thursday, October 11, 1866. it being estimated that fully thirty thousand people were present. The streets were filled, and the city was wild with excitement. Old men who liad stood side by side with Owen Lovejoy when he was waging a war against slavery and for the rights of man, and for which his life was sacrificed ; men who, because of their devotion to freedom and the inalienable right of their fellowmen to enjoy the fruits of their own labor and the protection of their own homes, had been politically ostracised and covered with odium, greeted and rejoiced witli each other; young men who had stood in the front of battle and aided in the suppression of the rebellion, met again, talked over their old campaigns, and crowded around their gallant leader. General Logan. All were present to participate in the dedication of amouument that would commemorate for all time the names of the heroic dead - of the men who gave their lives in defense of the Union and of human rights. They were all freemen, standing up for justice and for right, needing no leader but their God, no guide but their conscience.

The ilay was as fair as an October day could be. A soft haze overhung the sky and the atmosphere was in that condition when the slightest sound is readily and easily transmitted, so that the voices of the speakers were easily heard.

Early in the forenoon the streets began to fill up, and it was not long until the Peoria House was surrounded with a tumultuous tlirong hurrahing for Generals Butler and Logan. "Old Al)e," the veteran war eagle of the Eighth Wisconsin, iirought down by Captain A . R. McDonald, State Armorer of that State, and Major Angle G. Weissert, of the Eighth Wisconsin volunteers, was brought to the balcony, which was a signal for renewed huzzas. In the vast assemblage there were many men who had " been through the war" with that king of birds, and the sight of their old "pet" recalled many scenes of camp aud field and weary march.

The procession marched and countermarched along Adams street ; thence along some of the other principal streets, and then dehouched into the public square, wiiere the dedication exercises were to be observed. The Transcript of the 12th said:

" The square was crowded full. Directly in front of the speaker's stand the throng was so great that individuals could neither get in nor out. The speaker's stand was crowded to excess, and numbers crowded on the outside wherecver they could get a loothold. Others climbed the trees and swarmed in their branches, wherever the branches were long enough and large enough to support them. » * * - yht monument had been appropriately draped with wreaths and decked with flowers. An evergreen wreath wound up the shaft, and over the eagle was a cross of flowers. The efl^ect was exceedingly beautiful. The unsightly picket fence around it had been removed, and in its place were » reaths of evergreens and flowers. The throng, crowded as they were, respected the sacred enclosure, and not a flower or a sprig of gretii was touched. As the procession moved into the square, "Old Abe" was carried to the .-peaker's stand and placed in the front, where his presence was greeted with long continued applause.

The Pofm

After the puuni. Rev. Uifhanl Honey, of I'coria, ftirinally dcdicuU'il the monument. Tlie ceremony was simple, yet imi)ressively performed, and was listened to with profound attention.

Major-General Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachusetts, wa.s then introduced to tlie audience amid vociferous cheering, and it wa.s some momeius before tlie enthusiastic greetings waa sufficiently stilled to permit him to be heard. The speech is too lengthy to