Eau Claire County, Wisconsin - Chapter 10: Eau Claire County Training School, 1914 (part 2 of 4)

Having lost a valuable trooper, wounded and taken prisoner by what I considered a silly requirement, I was not in humor to receive complacently what followed the next day. We went into camp, roll call revealed the absence of Milton Tollfelmire of Menomonie, a Swede, and absolutely fearless. I learned from his comrades he had dropped out of the ranks, our company being in the rear, and had foraged a bundle of oats for his horse from a sliock by the road side and was there feeding his horse a short way back and out of sight. The circumstances were reported to Washburn by his orderly, and I was sent for and reprimanded by the colonel and told to dismount that man and that he should walk the next day and keep up with the command. I transmitted the order to ToUef elmire, and in the afternoon we had to cross a stream belly deep to our horses and ToUefelmire sat down on its bank and refused to wade the stream and said to his comrades he woTild die fighting the enemy before he would wade the stream. The circumstance Avas reported to me and I was as indignant over the sillyness of the order as ToUefelmire could be. I rode hastily to the front, related the facts to Washburn with some heat, giving my view of the fallacy of marching 300 miles with a relief train through the enemy's country followed by Guerillas ambiishing us every day and living off the country and me with sword sheathed and carrying the olive branch in our right hand and perhaps our train of supplies as well ; and an order against foraging (to the enemy). He said in reply, "Mount him and bring him over." When over I told him to take his place in the ranks. He did and rode the balance of the day. After going into camp I was told by the Colonel's orderly to report to headquarters. Washburn said to me, "Didn't I order you to dismount your man for the day?" I replied, "You certainly did." The only instance during my army experience where red tape and a strict compliance with the letter of the order brought justice and relief to an exhausted soldier. "I obeyed your order, he was dismounted and walked until he came to the river where he sat down and refused to come over. I reported the circumstance to you and you ordered him mounted and brought over." "And how come it that he has been riding this afternoon?" "Because you failed to order him dismounted again."

roads. We came to a small clearing, log house and an old couple. I was inteiTogating the old man whether he had seen any of the enemy that morning. He had not. I inquired how far to the next town, giving the name. He repeated it several times and replied: "I reckon he must have moved away 'fore I came." I had called in my flankers as I approached this clearing and we started ahead, intending to throw out the flankers as soon as we got through the clearing. As we got near the timber a half dozen shots came from the timber, one striking Lieutenant Ring of Co. I who was by ray side, in the left elbow and the bushwhackers fled, one horse wounded. Nothing of special interest occurred during the remainder of our march. The enemy continued their bushwhacking tactics but we arrived safely at our destination at Batesville. Of course we were graciously received by General Curtis and his troops who were much in need of the supplies we had brought. A day or two later we continued our march to Helena, Ark., which was our objective point. At Bayou Cache the enemy disputed our passage. The advance that day was led by the 11th Wisconsin Infantry. The Second Cavalry asked permission to assist the 11th and the request was granted. We were somewhat in the rear half of the column, and were marching over a corduroy road through a cypress swamp with the road in front of us densely packed with the infantry, artillery, wagon trains, etc., of our force. These were at a halt and as usual in such eases had spread out so that to pass through them was a difficult matter. Some of us attempted to get past by leaving the corduroy road and taking our chances in the mud and mire of the swamp. I killed my horse in the attempt, but we finally got to the front only to find that after a sharp engagement the 11th Infantry had driven the enemy before them, in such haste that they had not been able to destroy the bridge as intended.

We arrived at Helena at last, every man of the 2ud Cavalry in the saddle, in perfect condition, well hardened by the trip. We went into camp a short distance outside the city in a shady grove with a clear stream of water flowing through it. We thought we had an ideal camp. For the first four weeks we did very little scouting or other active service. A laughable incident occurred one day at drill. Colonel Stevens, of our regiment, was an Englishman with the proverbial English habit of handling his h's. He had been a member of the Queen's Guard, was sis feet tall, weighing two hundred forty pounds, a good sword man, and could fence with either hand. We were at regimental drill when the Colonel noted that Companies E and I were only fragments of companies, the details for pickets that day having been drawn from these companies. The Colonel conceived the idea of consolidating the two companies for the drill so gave the following order. It may be remarked that he had a peculiar way of ending his orders with a rising inflection to his voice, which peculiarity was well known to the troops. Turning to Lieutant-Colonel Eastman he said: "Colonel H-Eastman, you will h-observe for the h-operations of the day that Companies h-E and h-L will h-operate together. Co. h-L may go to h-E or Co. h-E may go to h-L.

During the remainder of the campaign our company was known in the regiment as "Company Hell." The regiment had not remained long in Helena before the health of the troops began to fail and in a few weeks scarcely a man was able to appear at drill. I was quartered at the house of a widow in the town and remarked to her about the sickness of our men. Said she: "You will all be dead if you stay in that camp long. We would not think of drinking that water as it seeps through from a cypress swamp." I reported her statement to our Colonel and the result was that the camp was moved to higher ground in a slashing made by the Confederates for the purpose of allowing better use of their artillery. Our water was brought from the Mississippi. Whether or not the woman's explanation of the poisonous nature of the water was correct, true it was that the health of the boys began immediately to improve and soon all were again fit for duty.

An expedition ordered to Clarendon was hailed with delight by Co. L. A pioneer corps was sent some days in advance to bridge a bayou. The command (cavalry) followed. We met the corps returning to Helena reporting there was not material enough available to bridge it. The command went on to the bayou for dinner, where we could find water for our horses. Lieutenant- Colonel Eastman dined with me and while at dinner we were discussing the disappointment of the expedition's failure. Especially the lumberjacks of Co. Hell were cursing mad, declaring they could swim it. I had been looking at a long row of slave quarters of flattened logs, about one foot in diameter. The cabins were in size about 14 by 18 and all alike, located upon an elevation of 15 or 20 feet above and parallel to the water and but a rod or so away. I told the colonel that was the best material in the world and plenty of it to bridge this stream and Co. Hell could do it in four hours, pointing to the row of cabins and the frame of an q}d grist mill, dismantled of its covering and machinery, lie immediately left me and went to the commanding officer and reported that there was a man in his regiment who says that this stream can be bridged in four hours. "Is he an engineer?" inquired the officer. "No." "Bring him up here, I have a curiosity to see the man who can bridge this stream after the pioneer failure." I went with the colonel and briefly explained the process of using the negro cabins by alternately using a long and then a short log side by side and about eight logs wide as a section and then intersecting section 2 with logs all the same length and so on for the entire length of the boom, except the last section, which should alternate lengths, with binder poles across the section joints and band splits and lock downs of wild grape vine, of Avhich there were miles in length along the banks, and water beech for poles. Tlie commander said he would spend the afternoon here and witness my creation and give me all the men I wanted. Inside of fifteen minutes twenty horsemen were seeking every auger, big and little, and every hatchet and ax within a radius of three miles and a continuous stream of timber was dashing down the banks bordering the stream. In ten minutes more there were a dozen augers being turned with all the energy the borers possessed and relays standing ready to grab those handles as soon as there were the least signs of lagging. Now, there were plenty of axes, hatchets and augers and the material consisting of holes, poles, bands, pins and grapevines was simply marvelous under the direction of members of Co. L as bosses.

At the end of four hours tlie 400 feet of eight timbers wide of boom with her down stream end fastened to the shore with a heavj^ grapevine and one fifty feet long plugged fast to the upper end to serve as cable to fasten to the opposite shore, she lay serene and self-assured at attention, awaiting orders. After a hasty inspection by Sergeant Lancaster, in the absence of pins in the lock-down holes, the order was given to shove her out and she was gracefully swung by the current to the opposite shore and cabled fast with the grapevine about 12 degrees diagonal from a right angle with the shore. And Co. Hell had the honor of first tramping slave quarters under their horses' feet. The command passed over dry shod and the lumber-jacks wore a smile all through a pelting snow iintil Ave reached Clarendon late at night. The little town was dark and silent, having been vacated several days before our arrival. This converted the smile of Co. L boys into a grim-visaged scowl, accentuated by some strong words by way of emphasis. I quartered my men in a billard room with a large old fashioned fireplace wide enough to reo^ve the legs of the tables as back logs and foresticks, and so we spent the night, speculating as to what would be the orders and move tomorrow.

On account of sickness in Captain Sherman's family his Civil War narrative closed very abruptly, with his company of the 2nd Cavalry located at Helena, Ark. This was in the fall of 1862. The 2nd Cavalry formed a part of a large force under 'command of General Hurlbut which went out from Helena to destroy the line of communications in the rear of General Pemberton who had marched out of Vicksburg with a part of his army. During the Hurlbut expedition Captain Sherman was detailed at the head of two companies of cavalry to destroy railroad bridges and tracks which was successfully accomplished. After returning to Helena and remaining there a short time the troops moved to Memphis, where on request of the citizens the 2nd cavalry was assigned to garrison the city. Feeling assured that they would remain for a considerable time in Memphis Captain Sherman, after consulting with some of his superior officers, sent to New York state for the young lady who had promised to be his wife. Accompanied by her father she came to Memphis, the wedding taking place in the home of a southerner, whose family insisted on taking charge of all the arrangements, which were on an elaborate scale, with the army officers present in full uniform.

Scarcely had the wedding taken place before an order was received from tlie war department that the 2nd Cavalry should proceed to Vicksburg to take part in the operations against that place.

For a considerable time a feud had existed between Colonel Stephens of the 2nd Cavalry and Lieutenant-Colonel Eastman. This had culminated in a personal encounter. Captain Sherman was one of the ofScers who had separated the combatants, and having taken sides with the Lieutenant-Colonel, he was not in the good graces of Colonel Stephens. Wishing, if possible, that his bride should accompany him to Vicksburg, Captain Sherman put in a petition to his superior officers to tliat effect. The Major and Lieutenant-Colonel gave their approval but when presented to Colonel Stephens that officer promptly handed it back with his disapproval attached to same. Feeling that under the circumstances his request was a reasonable one Captain Sherman decided to take the matter up to General Hurlbut. When the General saw the Colonel's disapproval he was very angry at Captain Sherman for presenting the petition to him, but when the matter was fully explained he wrote "approved" across the face of the petition, and signed his name. Armed with this precious document Captain Sherman made arrangements on the steamboat for his bride, and on the day set for departure rode up the gang plank onto the boat with her by his side. Colonel Stephens, wholly in ignorance of the action of General Hurlbut saw them come on the boat and angrily approached Captain Sherman, and said that his bride Avould be put off at the next wood lauding. The captain quietly took the petition from his pocket and held it up so that the Colonel could see General Hurlbut 's signature. The table had been turned.

In the fall of '64 Captain Sherman resigned his commission and was succeeded as captain by First Lieut. Jas. L. Leroy, who had enlisted in the company from Chippewa Falls. Captain Leroy continued at the head of the company until it was mustered out of service in the fall of 1865.

Among the names of the privates who went out in Co. L of the 2nd Cavalry will be found that of Leonard L. Lancaster, and Captain Sherman frequently mentions him in his narrative.

This man Lancaster was an experienced woods and river man and fearless to a degree. His soldierly qualities brought him well merited promotion, and by the spring of 1865 he had attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. It was in the summer of 1865 that Lieutenant Lancaster had one of the most thrilling experiences that fell to the lot of any soldier during the civil war. A friend of the Lancaster family has published the story in pamphlet form, of which only a brief outline can here be given.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dale was at this time at the head of the regiment, and by all accounts was wholly unfit for the position he held. While stationed at Alexandria, La., in July 1865 conditions under Dale had became so intolerable that some six or seven hundred privates and some fifteen commissioned ofScers signed a petition asking Dale to resign.

It became necessary for some one to present the petition and Lancaster volunteered for the task. It is hardly necessary to state that from a military point of view the signing and presenting of such a petition was a serious offense.

Lancaster was arrested and put in jail for violating the articles of war. The other officers were deprived of their insignia of rank, all hut four of whom made retraction and were restored to rank. One of these was tried and acquitted and the others never came to trial. It was upon Lancaster alone that the punishment fell. Refusing to retract he was court-martialed and sentenced to be shot, and his death warrant signed by General Custer. He was confined in a dungeon for some days and while there was offered an opportunity to escape but the offer was declined. On the evening of the 26th of July he was taken out with another man, a deserter, bound and seated on their coffins, to be shot. Just as the word "fire" was to be pronounced a reprieve was received, releasing him from the death sentence, but with a dishonorable discharge and sentenced to a military prison in the Dry Tortugas for a term of three years. Friends interceded for Lancaster and in February, 1866, he was released and after much hardship reached his home at Eau Claire. Through the infiuence of Congressman Michael Griffin and others an honorable discharge was secured, and now after fifty years have elapsed since Lieutenant Lancaster's terrible experience he is still with us although in feeble health. That he may be spared many years to come is the earnest desire of his old comrades and friends.

Camp And Field

"We have traced the formation and breaking up of the first, or Taylor Company, also the recruiting and departure of the Perkins Company, the Wheeler Company and Captain Sherman's Cavalry Company. Recruiting was kept up continually, both to fill up the thinning ranks of the companies that had gone out from Eau Claire, also for outside companies, whose recruiting officers found the Chippewa Valley a fruitful field for their labors. Before the war was over several more full companies were sent out from Eau Claire, but before considering these we will follow those already sent to the front, some of which were quickly in the thick of the fight.

As stated in the Sherman article, this cavalry company went into camp at Milwaukee. The infantry companies of Perkins and "Wheeler went to Madison where they were quartered at Camp Randall. It is unfortunate, but never the less true, that the "Wisconsin Historical Society itself has satisfactory histories of only a small proportion of the regiments which went out from this state. The eighth Wisconsin or Eagle Regiment is much more fortunate than the average of Wisconsin regiments in the matter of the preservation of its civil war history. Several books, of varying degrees of value covering all or part of its regimental history, have been published. In addition to these, which we will consider later, the company from Eau Claire had its own correspondent for a considerable time and we have his letters. In the A. R. Barnes' article he mentions a fellow printer, by the name of T. B. Coon, who also enlisted in the first company. Editor Porter chronicles his departure in the following manner.

"Free Press, September 19, 1861. Thos B. Coon, who has been connected with the mechanical department of this paper for nearly a year, left the place on Thursday last, to .join the 'Eau Claire Eagles' at Madison. Mr. Coon is a yoimg man of unqualified merit in every respect, sober, industrious and intelligent; these are the qualifications that have Avon him troops of friends in this place, whose best wishes go with him. He is a keen observer of men and things and a writer of no mean ability. The readers of the Free Press will be glad to know that his pen will be employed in giving them one letter per week from the 'Eighth Wisconsin' during his stay in the army. His intelligence and candor as an observer and writer will add an interesting feature to the paper."

As promised by Mr. Porter to his readers this T. B. Coon sent weekly letters from camp which were printed in the Free Press, over the signature "Quad," and from which extracts will be given later. P^'rom the beginning of the war until near its close, Captain Green, of Co. F of the 8th regiment, wrote some very interesting letters to his wife, describing passing events very fully, which were later published in book form, some extracts of which we take pleasure in quoting here. When we remember that the Eagle regiment almost without exception, during the entire war acted as a unit and that its total fighting strength Avas seldom over five or six hundred men, we can see that Captain Green's description of the services of Co. F would apply almost equally as well to our own Eau Claire company.

T. B. Coon's first letter to the Free Press read as follows: "Camp Randall, September 22, 1861. We have been considerably disappointed in not being assigned to the company at the right of the regiment. Being the heaviest company on the ground and taking the position for a week and a half after our arrival, we supposed we were to have it ' for good, ' but the person in author-

His next letter says: "Camp Randall, September 20. I was led into quite a serious error in my last in giving the position of our company in the regiment. Instead of being the second from the right, we are the center or Color company, of the regiment, a distinction which almost compensates us for the loss of the regimental right. Signed 'Quad.' "

Captain Green arrived at Camp Randall a few days before the Perkins Company arrived from Eau Claire. Prom the first he was a great admirer of "Old Abe," the war eagle, and frequently mentions him in letters to his wife. In view of the later fame of this eagle, some of Captain Green's comments, made at the time, seem almost prophetic. Prom one of his first letters after reaching Camp Randall, we quote the following:

"Camp Randall, September 10, 1861. We have a new recruit - a live eagle. Co. C, Captain Perkins brought him from Eau Claire, where they bought him of some Chippewa Indians. He is a fine specimen of our National bird, and the boys have named him 'Old Abe.' A perch is made with a shield and the bundle of darts underneath, and a perch on top on which 'Old Abe' is carried on a pole by a member of Co. C, next to the colors. If he stands it to go through the war, he will be a noted bird."

Another letter from Captain Green, dated "Camp Randall, September 30, 1861. We have just heard good news. Our regiment is ordered to Missouri. We will start in a few days. Greatest joy prevails in camp. The Governor goes with us to Chicago. He says the Eighth is the finest regiment he ever saw. I never could understand before this how a soldier became so attached, but now, even for the short time I have been here, I would not be willing to go into another regiment. We have a fine, gentle, manly set of officers, both regimental and company."

Captain Green writes from St. Louis. "Benton's Barracks, near St. Louis, October 14, 1861. We left Madison on the morning of the 12th. What a time we had getting on board the cars. Everybody's friends were on hand to see us off, and there were last embraces, kisses, tears and partings sad enough to witness. Gaily beat the drum as our columns marched to the depot. Handkerchiefs fluttered and voices broken with emotion, tearfully said 'Good-bye' to hundreds of our boys as the train moved off. It was a time to try to peer into the future - to try to see what it had in store for us. How long would it be before we would return 1 Will we come back with our ranks as full as they are now, or will there be some missing at final roll call? But I confess I had too many other things to think of to indulge in such thought. The way it looks now the fighting will be over before we get to the front. We had a nice run to Chicago, and a fine lunch spread by the good people of that city. Changed cars for St. Louis, where we arrived this morning.

"I must tell you of an exploit of Old Abe, our eagle. After we had disembarked and when the regiment was forming in line ready to march to Benton's Barracks, out in the suburbs of the cit}', the eagle somehow got loose from his perch, and literally soared aloft. We marched on up to the city, giving up Old Abe as lost ; but every square or so as we progressed, we noticed him flying over the housetops, and keeping his course along with ours. Sometimes he would take a wide circuit, and for the time disappear, but sooner or later he would return and hover over us, and when we reached the Barracks, the flew down to the ground and took his place in the center of the regiment in Co. C, by the colors. We gave him three hearty cheers, and he raised himself on his perch and flapped his wings. We all think Old Abe will make a good soldier."

Captain Green described the Eagle regiment's first appearance on the battlefield. "Predericktown, Mo., October 22, 1861. We have had our first fight. You will have heard before this reaches you of the battle of Frederiektown yesterday. The rebels were cleaned out.' AVe were in Benton's Barracks only one day when we had orders to move out to the Iron Mountain Railroad where Jeff Thompson had been destroying bridges. We marched to the depot and were put on board cattle cars. You ought to have heard the boys swear at the accommodations - as if 'Uncle Sam' ought to furnish parlor cars. Well, we went to Pilot Knob, and in the afternoon started on the mareli for Frederiektown. Our force consisted of two Illinois regiments, one Missouri and the 8th Wisconsin, and several companies of cavalry. Jeff Thompson was reported intrenched at Frederiektown with a force anywhere from three thousand to eight thousand. We marched all night. The roads were hilly and rocky, but smooth. The full moon made it light and the frosty air was as good as a tonic. Our knapsacks and overcoats in addition to forty rounds of ammunition, muskets and accoutrements and two days' rations in haversacks was no light load to carry, and when we reached here at nine o'clock yesterday, we were pretty nearly used up. The citizens said that Jeff Thompson had left the day before, going to Arkansas. So we stacked arms in the middle of the street and broke ranks to get dinner and rest. About two o'clock firing was heard in the outskirts of town, and the drums beat to 'fall in.' We fell into rank and marched double quick toward the firing. Our cavalry were out scouting and came upon the enemy's whole force posted in the corn field just out of town. The enemy opened fire on them and killed three and wounded a good many. Two Illinois regiments just coming from Cape Girardeau to form a junction with us arrived at the grounds at this moment and opened fire on the rebs with cannon and musketry, and had just charged them as the head of our regiment reached the line of battle. An aide galloped up to our colonel and ordered the 8th Wisconsin to hold itself in reserve at the courthouse. Some of the boys had already fired without orders, and were all excited and anxious to go into the fight. But we had to countermarch. The colonel's voice was husky with anger as he gave the order. So we stood in line of battle in the rear while the fighting was going on in front, almost in plain sight. The wounded were carried to the hospital through our lines. Some forty or fifty were brought in, of both sides. I cannot describe the feeling that comes over one when he sees the bleeding men carried from the battlefield on stretchers. It is a peculiar sensation. The musicians are expected to perform their duties, but we noticed several soldiers who had left the ranks to assist the wounded to the rear. The enemy broke and ran when they were charged, but made another stand, from which they were soon driven. They ran through a meadow, up a hill and broke for the woods, leaving three cannons, several horses and any number of old shotguns, muskets and squirrel rifles. At dark our troops camped all 'round town. I went over the battlefield early this morning ; the dead rebels were laying thick in places. They were small, skinny men, looking half starved, of all ages, dressed in the butternut colored clothes worn by the natives. The wounded had been take care of by our surgeons. Our forces here are under the command of Colonel Carlin of the regular army, those from Cape Girardeau under Colonel Plumber of an Illinois reginient, while the expedition which has proven so successful was planned by a brigadier general, U. S. Grant, Avho has charge of this department with his headquarters at Cape Girardeau."

We have followed the Perkin's Company of the 8th or Eagle regiment from Camp Randall to their first appearance on the battlefield at P^redericktown. We will now follow the fortunes of the Wheeler Company of the 16th regiment. Winter had set in before the Wheeler Company reached Camp Randall. Tlie 16th regiment did not remain long at Madison but were rushed South in early Spring and within a few weeks as raw troops they took a prominent part in the great battle of Pittsburg Landing.

The battle of Pittsburgh Landing or Shiloh, was fought on the 6th, 7th and 8th of April, 1862. The first name is taken from a landing on the Tennessee river near which the battle took place, and the name "Shiloh" from a log meeting house some two or three miles from the landing, and which formed the key of the position of the Union army. General Grant in an article on this battle says: "Shiloh was the severest battle fought in the west during the war, and but few in the east equaled it for hard, determined fighting. I saw an open field in our possession on the second day over which the confederates iiiade repeated charges the day before, so covered with dead that it would have been possible to walk across the clearing in any direction, stepping on dead bodies, without a foot touching the ground." He also says: "The confederate assaults were made with such disregard to human life that our line of tents soon fell in their hands. The national troops were compelled several times to take positions in the rear, nearer to Pittsburg Landing. In one of these backward moves, on the 6th, the division commanded by General Prentiss did not fall back with the others. This left his flank exposed and enabled the enemy to capture him with about 2,200 of his officers and men." Space will not allow any general review of this great battle. But I feel fortunate in being able to present an account of it, as given at the time by a member of Captain Wheeler's Company antl tlir Kith ifi;iment.

Pittsburg Laiidiug, April 16, 1862. Editor Free Press. I wish you to find room in the Free Press for a few lines from the "Chippewa Valley Guards" and the gallant sixteenth regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers. We arrived at Pittsburg Landing March 20, 1862, encamped on the river until the 23rd, when orders came to strike tents and move forward, which we did, and encamped on a beautiful slope about two miles from the river, southwest. On the 1st of April we received orders to strike tents and move forward on the frontier in General Prentiss' division - Colonel Peabody's Brigade. Saturday afternoon we were reviewed by General Prentiss and staff and he told the boys they composed as good a regiment of men as he ever saw. The general looked pleased, and his compliments filled the minds of the boys with such heroism as none but heroes can feel. But all this time we little thought that across this small field, in the thicket, stood the renowned Beauregard, Hardee and Bragg, watching our movements and looking up all the weak points in our line but nevertheless such was the case. Sunday morning our pickets encountered the enemy about one mile from our camp. The alarm was given - the long roll sounded and our boys fell into line in double quick. General Prentiss rode along our lines telling us to use all speed for God's sake, for the enemy were advancing in force. Accordingly we hastened forth to the sons of chivalry. We -crossed the field before mentioned, entered the woods for a few rods, and there beheld the foe advancing in columns, eight deep, and lines extending five miles; and behind this column came the second, third and fourth columns in battle array and behind this mass of human beings, came ten thousand more detailed to gather up the wounded and as fast as a man fell, to seize his gun and rush forward to battle. Our brigade struck bold and defiant as if inviting the enemy to come on. On they came, with overwhelming forces, determined to drive all before them and when within forty rods of our lines the 16th opened fire, which swept them down in great numbers. The second fire from the 16th killed their chief, S. A. Johnson, who rode a beautiful white charger in front of his men, accompanying them to what he supposed - victory. "We were not within supporting distance of any other regiment, but appeared to be fighting the whole southern army on our own account. When our colonel perceived that they were flanking us right and left, then came the order to fall back and take a new position. This was the time we suffered our first loss, William Archer, James Walker, John Francisco and Louis R. Belknap fell dead, pierced by rebel bullets; it was there M. E. O'Connell, James (Crawford, and John Jones fell badly wounded. In our retreat we brought off our woimded and drew up in line of battle in front of our tent. On they came, and in crossing the field before mentioned, we poured volley after volley into their midst that slaughtered them terribly. It was here that Oliver H. Browning and John Hanegan fell dead. At the same time, our Lieutenant-Colonel was badly wounded, shot through the thigh, and was carried off the field. Andrew Chambers and Thomas Gilfin were wounded here - shot through the legs; also Jason P. Long, who was shot through the knee. Poor fellow, I fear he will lose his leg. We then had orders to fall back again through our camp. On this third retreat it began to resemble an Indian fight. It was every man for himself - behind trees and logs - contesting the ground inch by inch against twenty times their numbers. Our regiment fought on the retrograde movement about one mile when we made another stand, which told fearfully on the enemies side with no loss to ourselves. When our colonel, who stood firm as a rock of adamant saw we were likely to be flanked, and in fact, we were in the enemy's cross fire - gave the orders to face back again. About this time there came reinforcements who had not yet been engaged - Avho took the enemy in hand and gave us a chance to fall back and rest for a time. In a short time we rallied again and went 'into the fight, refreshed by the short respite we had had. It was on this fourth and last stand that the battle raged the fiercest. All along our lines for two hours we were held in reserve engaged only a part of the time. This was a trying time, the bullets flying thick as hail - bombs bursting in all directions - grape and canister in profusion. Here we lost some of our best officers. Colonel Allen was shot through the arm and was obliged to leave the field. The command then fell on Major Thomas Reynolds - who, by-the-way, is as brave a man as ever drew a sword - who was ordered to fall back to the river bank to recruit, to give a chance to Buell's men who had began to arrive. Our line had been gradually driven toward the river up to the time of Buell's reinforcement, and would have been whipped and taken prisoners, had it not been for Buell. He was the Blucher of the day that saved us from defeat.

We encamped on the river bank for the night, supperless, in a drenching rain, without tents or blankets. Monday morning, after a hasty meal on hard bread, we took up our march for the enemy again. We felt disposed to settle a final account with them for driving us from our tents with nothing but what was on our backs. We tramped all day through the woods, held as reserve, first in one place and then in another, in sight of the battle, but could not get a chance to "go in." Buell was determined to do all, or as much of the fighting as possible with his own troops and only called on General Grant when much needed. About 3 o'clock the rebels began to fall back before the mudsills of the North and at 4 o 'clock were at full retreat towards Corinth. Then presented itself to view a most sublime sight that ever fell to the lot of man to see, it was about 8,000 of our cavalry that filed up through a large field and charged across into the woods upon the retreating foe. The shout that went up from our Union throats - say 50,000 of them - it must have been harsh music to the traitors' ears. We then were ordered back to the river to lay on our arms for the night, which we did in the midst of a drenching rain. Tuesday morning the fight being over and all quiet except an irregular fire from Buell's artillery, which sent Uuion compliments in the shape of twenty-four pound shot and shell toward Corinth, which our ungallant friends did not condescend to reply to. At 10 o'clock a. m. we received orders to march out and encamp on our old grounds. Then came the most trying part of the whole drama. The dead lay scattered around us - the groans of the wounded that had lain on the field through a most terrible rain, with no companions but the slain to cheer them through the lonely hours. We arrived on our old grounds at 10 o'clock p. m. and immediately commenced to work with mercy, removing our Avounded, many of whom had lain in the woods unable to arise or assist themselves in the least from Sunday morning until Tuesday noon without food or water. In some cases the rebels had brought our wounded into our tents, which they had left standing, and treated them as well as they could under the circumstances. The Alabama troops were especially very kind to our wounded. Beauregard honored some of the wounded of Company G with his presence and wished them in hell before they came to Tennessee. We have gathered the dead and buried them as well as circumstances will permit, friend and foe alike. We are now comfortably settled again and are receiving calls from friends and acquaintances. Governor Harvey was here yesterday and made a short and appropriate speech. He complimented the Sixteenth on the part they took in the att'air. He told us the proudest feeling he ever had was when he was in Savannah. He there found some of the wounded of the Sixteenth, conversed with them and found every man full of patriotism and ready for the fight as soon as they are able to take the field. He saj'S Wisconsin shall hear when he returns how her sons fought the proud foe and was instrumental in winning the most important victory of the whole campaign. I suppose it would be proper for me to mention a few of the brave heroes of the Chippewa Valley guards. We will head the list with Captain Wheeler, who was as cool as a cucumber and fought like a tiger. "Old Pap" was a host in himself; he took deliberate aim every time and when he pulled down went a secesh. Brave Kelly kept the Stars and Stripes floating in the thickest of tlie fight. Willard Bartlett,

M. MeGillin and scores of others were as cool and determined as men could be, and seemed to fight as if they rather liked the business. Our captain was slightly wounded and fell on his knees, but regained his feet and went at it stronger than ever. Now I have to relate what is worst of all : That is the accursed rebels stole the flag that was presented by the fair ladies of Eau Claire to our company. We may be favored with a chance to retake it before many days, or at least have a try for it. General Halleck has command in person. There will be no more surprise parties with us. We hear Governor Harvey wants the Sixteenth to go back to Madison and guard prisoners on account of the loss of officers and men, and the good reputation the regiment bore when in Camp Randall. It would suit the feeling of the regiment better to go forward to the little town called Corinth and see what they keep to sell. The casualties of our regiment will sum up three hundred or more. Beauregard in a speech to his men before the attack told them he would water his horse in the Tennessee river that night or he would M-ater him in hell, so the prisoners say that were captured.

We left Captain Perkins" company of the Eighth Wisconsin or Eagle regiment just after their first appearance on the battlefield at Frederiektown, October 21, 1861. They were kept in that vicinity for several months guarding railroads and bridges and kindred duties. Late in the fall Captain Green writes to his wife as follows: "November 22, 1861. As an offset to the discouraging news from the army of the Potomac comes news of the decisive victory gained by General Grant at Belmont on the 7th. It gives courage to every soldier in the west ; it shows that the western army is commanded bj' generals who are not afraid to fight. We are enthusiastic over the man Grant, and are glad we are in his district, for now Ave believe we shall have something to do."

Camp Curtis, Sulphur Springs, Mo., January 10, 1862. Dear Free Press: Company C is once more back in its old quarters here after two weeks' absence down the railroad doing duty, guarding bridges and learning the mysteries of the art of campaigning with comfort in the middle of a Dixie winter. The camp is full of rumor tonight of an immediate movement from here, but how soon it will take place, or whether it will be to Cairo, or to take part in the tilt against Columbus, or to Rolla to have a chase after the pugnacious Price, or still further west to accompany

P. S. - January 12, the destination of the regiment is now fixed as Cairo, and we shall start tomorrow or next day. Everytliiug is now all preparation for departure.

Early in 1862 Captain Green came in i^ersonal eontaet witli General Grant for the first time and reported to him. Because Grant did not show quite as much interest in the minor matters which Captain Green presented, as he thought proper for a time, there was a feeling of disappointment on the captain's part, but this soon passed ofl:', and we soon find Captain Green enthusiastic over General Grant.

Cairo, January 26, 1862. - General Grant has been in command here up to this time, but now he is gone, or about starting, with a corps up the Cumberland river. I reported to him as officer of the day. He did not impress me favorably; he apparently had no interest in giving me orders, and seemed to care very little about what was going on at the post, but referred me to a staff officer in the next room. I felt disappointed in him, for we had all formed a good opinion of him for his part in the battle of Predericktown, and for his victory at Belmont. Certain it is that he is the only general thus far who has shown that he knows how to handle men and is not afraid to fight.

Cairo, January 26, 1862. - Gen. W. T. Sherman was on the same boat. They say he is crazy and there is much about him to confirm that opiaiou. He is never still a moment. Talks rapidly, asks a dozen questions without waiting for an answer to any one. Walks back and forth on the boat, his sword dangling on the floor and his eyes scanning every object down stream. He has bright, piercing eyes that seem to look right through you. I was on deck watching him and looking around generally when he stopped in one of bis Avalks and began firing questions at me about as follows: "What command do you belong to?" "Who is yoixr colonel?" "How long have you been in the service?" "What fights have you been in?" "Do you know what to do in case this boat is attacked?" and several more questions without a pause. I kept track of them and replied: "Eighth Wisconsin." "Nearly six months." "Fredericktown. " "Colonel Murphy." "We would shoot back." He smiled very pleasantly and walked away. Another letter from Captain Green, dated New Madrid, Mo., April 10. - Island No. 10 was captured on the 8th. We were immediately ordered to this place. In a few hours we boarded transports and landed on the Tennessee side to cut off the retreat of tlie Island No. 10 forces, which we did, and took 3,000 prisoners without firing a shot. Yesterday we returned here with the prisoners. April 11. - Orders to cook four days' rations and start for Memphis. We have been brigaded. We are in the First brigade. Fifth division. General Pope's army. The brigade consists of the Eighth Wisconsin, Fifth Minnesota, Eleventh Missouri, Forty-seventh Illinois and Spoor's Second Iowa Battery, Colonel Plummer commanding. On board United States transport "Moses McClellan,"' flotilla of fifty boats, down the Mississippi, April 14. We are steaming down the Mississippi at the rate of twelve miles per hour. While I write we are far below Point Pleasant (the scene of rifle-pit experience), with Arkansas on one side and Tennessee on the other. Our flotilla numbers fifty steamboats, all loaded with troops, cannon, horses and stores. The gun and mortar boats are ahead of us. I suppose our destination is Memphis. The fleet is a grand sight, worth living an age to see. The river is a mile and a half wide, is full of boats as far up and down as we can see.

April 17. - Yesterday we received northern papers with an account of the battle of Shiloh. Important orders of some kind have come, judging from the movements of our fleet. Our boat is steaming down stream while others are going up stream. I suppose we are measuring red tape. It would not be strange if we were ordered up river.

April 19. - Verily the ways of the "milingtary" are past finding out. We are going up stream this morning. I never looked at a more magnificent sight then presented itself last night just before we rounded to and stopped. We were going round a bend in the river when one by one headlights of steamers became visible below us, increasing in number and rapidity as we cleared the point, until it seemed as if bj' magic a thousand red and white lights and a thousand bright furnace fires glittered and blazed on the water, making the darkness around us blacker than ever. All at once, as if to complete the scene, the bands and drum corps of the whole fleet struck up tattoo, filling the air with a perfect medley of music. Gradually the notes of the bugle could be distinguished, then of other iustrumeuts and soon the medley of an entire band would come over the water. Our men, noisy and rough as they are, ciuieted down, scarcely whispering, subdued and fairly entranced by the beautiful sight and the music from the darkness, for the boats themselves were invisible. The lights looked as if suspended on nothing in the air, but the spell was soon broken, for the fleet rounded to the shore and tied up for the night. The loud call of human voices, especially of steamboat captains and mates, has a coarseness that dispels fancy and makes reality as real and rough as it is.

New Madrid, Mo., April 19. - Just as I commence to Avrite our boat is putting out into the stream, bound up river. The orders now are, as popularly understood on board, though not definitely known, that we are to go up the Tennessee river to reinforce Grant's army. I hope it may be true. The reason of the failure of this down-river expedition is on account of the high water. The river is higher than it has been since 1844. Land forces cannot operate with any effect below. They say another battle is imminent at Corinth and that we shall be there.

Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 22. - Here we are at last on the battlefleld of the great struggle of the 7th. There are one hundred and twenty thousand troops here. Our camps are in a string six or seven miles up the Tennessee river. Governor Harvey was starting home with a cannon which the Fourteenth Wisconsin regiment captured from a New Orleans battery at Shiloh when he fell overboard and was drowned. I never felt so bad in my life over any news as I did at this. Governor Harvey was one of nature's noblemen. His death was as much a sacrifice on the altar of his country as if he had fallen on the field of battle.

Captain Green Describes Battle Of Farmington

May 10. - I am alive and Avell. I went through the battle of Farmington without being seriously hurt, but to an account of it : On the morning of the 8th, General Pope's corps marched out of camp and towards Corinth and formed in line of battle on the hills near Farmington, driving the enemy's pickets in and making a successful reconnoisance to within three miles of Corinth. At 8 o'clock in the evening our troops were ordered back to camp. Company A, Captain Redfield, and several other companies from the brigade were left at Farmington on picket. Our brigade was ordered to take up position about a mile in the rear of the pickets, to sleep on our arms. We laid down in the open air with one blanket each and slept soundly until daylight. At 6 o'clock in the morning - yesterday - we heard firing on the picket line, which was kept up steadily for two hours, when our pickets were driven in. A rebel battery in front and to the right of us began throwing shells. We were on the side of a hill out of sight. Their shells fell short of us. We knew we would soon be engaged for we saw the enemy advancing. They came forward in line of battle, their flags flying over them and their bayonets glittering in the sunshine. Hiscox's (Wisconsin) battery was right in front of ns and doing good execution, but the advance line of the enemy was now so near and their musket balls began to rain on the battery so fast that it rapidly limbered up and went to the rear. Seeing this the rebels gave one of their unearthly yells and started on the double quick. My heart was in my throat. Why don't we get orders? Where are field officers" "P^ire! Fire!" I gave orders to my men, and simultaneously General Loomis, riding, said at the top of his voice: "Now, Eighth boys, go in." With a grand hurrah our regiment advanced and poured a deadly volley, and another and another, in at the rebels, now within a hundred yards of us, which checked them. In a moment more they turned and fled. We started after them, firing as we ran. Just then a squad of our cavalry came up from the rear and charged ahead, passing around our right. They rode into a clump of timber and immediately were repulsed and sent back in all directions. The enemy's battery opened on us hotter than ever, and half a dozen regiments poured out of the timber on all sides of us, raking us with a cross fire. We retreated in good order to our first position, and there made a stand and delivered several volleys, but only for a few minutes, the order coming to fall back to the woods directly behind us. We fell back, keeping our line straight, loading and stopping to fire every few steps. By the time we reached the woods a rebel force had got on our right flank and poured the shot into us hot and heavy, which considerably hastened our retreat. During this time the Forty-seventh Illinois passed us in disorder to the rear, and the Twenty-seventh and Fifty-flrst Illinois, which had been sent as reinforcements, after making a charge similar to ours on the left and being repulsed, broke ranks and fled, apparently every man for himself. We were thus left the last regiment on the field and brought up the retreat in something like good order. This was due alone to the company ofiieers and men. The lieutenantcolonel in command had been disabled early in the action and the major was well on his way to camp. The company officers and men behaved with great coolness and bravery. There was naturally more or less confusion, owing to the lack of orders from the fields officers, but this never grew into anything like a panic. We carried ofi: the dead and also some wounded of other regiments. The enemy did not follow us into the woods, but shelled the woods fearfully. The bursting of the shells over our head and the crackling of the tree branches made a terrible noise. It was with an inexpressible feeling of relief tliat we finally struck the road leading to canap. There we found the whole corps in line of battle, Avith the officers chafing because they were not permitted to march out. But it was against Halleck's orders. He had forbidden the corps commanders to bring on a general engagement. But for this I verily believe that if Pope 's corps had been brought out today we could have whipped the rebels and taken Corinth. Our regiment had ten killed and forty wounded. Lieutenant- Colonel Robbins had his horse shot and was disabled. Your old friend, Captain Perkins, of Company C, was mortally wounded and has just died, since I commenced writing this letter ; Lieutenant Beamish, of Captain Britton's Company G, was killed. A rebel soldier gave himself up; he says he was in the Louisiana Zouave regiment that started to capture Hiscox's battery when the Eighth "Wisconsin repulsed them; that seventeen of his regiment fell dead at our first fire, seven killed in the color company. He saw our eagle and says the rebels did not know "what in thunder it meant." The eagle deserves special praise. He stood up on his perch, with his wings extended and flopping violently during the whole time. The noise excited him, and if he could have screamed I have no doubt we would have wakened the echoes. His bearer was wounded : so was the color bearer.

Death Of Capt. John Perkins

Free Press, May 22, 1862. - We are called upon to announce the death of Capt. John Perkins, of the Eau Claire Eagles, Eighth "Wisconsin regiment. The sad news reached this place on Tuesday by a private letter to Mrs. H. P. Graham by her brother, Benjamin P. Cowen, who was a member of Captain Perkiu"s company. lie died on the 11th, some fifteen miles from Pittsburg Landing, from the effects of a wound received in a fight on the 8th. His wound was in the hip, and we believe was caused by the explosion of a shell during a brisk engagement in which our forces under General Pope were repulsed by greatly superior numbers. Captain Perkins had been sick for a long time and confined to hospital quarters at Cairo, and immediately after joining his company the Eighth regiment formed a part of General Plummer's brigade in Pope's division, which constituted the left wing of the grand army under General Halleck. If we mistake not, the fight was the first time the Eau Claire Eagles had been brought under fire since they left this place in September last.

county, filling various position of public trust, until about six years ago, when he came west and settled in Bridge Creek, in this county. Here he lived a prominent and honored citizen of his town and county, until two years ago, \vhen he was appointed receiver of the United States land office, and he became a resident of this village. Last spring he was elected county judge,, but resigned, raised a company of volunteers, enlisted and was elected captain by a handsome vote. This company has given the Eighth regiment a national reputation. The noble eagle that accompanied the Eau Claire boys to the field of glory and whose perch is tlie staff that hears the Stars and Stripes has given the Eighth the name of the "Eagle Regiment" all over the country.

Captain Perkins was succeeded by First Lieutenant Victor Wolf, who had helped to recruit and drill the company. His practical military experience, both in Germany and in this country, had made him a valuable officer in the company and well fitted him to assume command. lie continued as captain of Company C until June, 1865, when he was succeeded by Lieut. Thomas 6. Butler, who continued at the head of the company until it was mustered out in September.

Eau Claire Jackson Guards, Free Press March 27, 1862. - Capt. Thomas Carmiehael and Lieut. J. F. McGrath have been engaged in getting up a company of volunteers for the Nineteenth (or Irish) regiment, and have now some forty names on the rolls. They have worked so modestly and efficiently, too, that this company is over half full, and but little has been said about it. We are assured that there is a prospect of filling it immediately, and Lieutenant McGrath has gone to Madison to make arrangements for the company. The men thus far are a hale and hearty set of fellows, wlio will never turn their backs to the foes of their country. We wish the company success.

Free Press April 3, 1862. - Captain Carmichael's company paraded the streets today under charge of James Robinson, ot North Eau Claire, who has been for some time instructing it in company drill. They are making fine progress under Mr. Robinson's instructions. The company is succeeding finely and is bound to fill its ranks.

Free Press April 10, 1862. - Lieutenant McGrath returned from Madison on Tuesday noon. He arranged to have the members of Carmichael's company enter Captain Beebe's Tenth Artillery company, now in St. Louis, and they are to start for Millis HISTORY OF EAU CLAIRE COUNTY

The first item in the Free Press states that some forty names had already been secured. All of these did not join the Tenth Battery, as the state roster of Wisconsin troops lists only eighteen who gave Eau Claire county as their place of residence, and three from Menomonie as their home. Among those from Eau Claire is the name of Thomas Carmichael, whose name appears in the Free Press article. He Avent out as a private in this artillery company, but was later promoted to the rank of first lieutenant and was assigned to Company H of the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry. I give below the names of those in the Tenth Battery who gave Eau Claire county or Menomonie as their residence. Those from Eau Claire are: John Craig, Charles Bohn, Thomas Carmichael, James Cronin, William Cronin, Burton Gray, John Gray, William H. Lemon, William F. Manning, Florence McCarty, Christopher Mormon, Daniel Murphy, Hiram Prescott, Levi Prescott. Horace Prescott, John Stanley, William Wherman, Thomas Yargan. Those from Menomonie : Frank Plean, Joseph Uuselt, Adam Wanzell.

You will note among the above the name of Florence McCarty. He lost his right arm at Red Oak Station, Georgia. He made his home in Eau Claire after the war, and very appropriately was chosen to fire the old brass cannon at Fourth of July celebrations here for many years.

The war meetings held at the commencement of the war were mostly for the purpose of getting recruits and were mostly local in the village. On August 7, 1862, a call was made for a county meeting for the purpose of raising funds to help the families of the soldiers who had enlisted or would later enlist. In the Free Press of August 14, 1862, we find the folloM'iug: "On Tuesday afternoon one of the largest and most enthusiastic meetings ever held in this county took place in the grove on the west side. Notwithstanding our farmers were in the midst of the harvest, that class of our citizens turned out nobly, and although only four days' notice had been given for the meeting, all parts of the county were fully represented. Mr. N. B. Boyden was chosen chairman, and set the ball in motion by a good speech. Rev. Bradley Phillips, of Chippewa Falls, and Mr. A. Meggett, of this place, then addressed the meeting at lengtli. Their speeches were able, eloquent, eminently patriotic and full of force. Many short talks were made during the afternoon by various gentlemen present, but the most encouraging and patriotic feature of the occasion was the liberal manner in which subscriptions were raised. Money was offered without stint or reserve. Everyone seemed desirous to contribute, and ahnost every one did contribute. A large fund was made up by voluntary subscriptions, which is to be appropriated as follows: Every volunteer is to receive a cash bonus of $10 on enrolling his name, the balance to be disbursed to the family of each volunteer at the rate of $5 per month ; and in case of wants and necessities of any family to require more a central committee will attend to them, and decide upon tlie additional amounts to meet the necessities of each particular case."

Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society

From Eau Claire Free Press, August 28, 1862. - "The Eau Claire Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society has been organized for the purpose of supplying, as far as possible, the wants of our sick and wounded soldiers. The articles most needed in the way of clothing are slippers, shirts, drawers, dressing gowns, woolen socks, towels, handkerchiefs, etc. In the way of eatables and delicacies the following articles are always useful: Dried fruits, fresh fruits, canned tomatoes, tomato catsup, canned fresh meat, beef tea in cakes, jellies, pickles, Indian meal, spices, especially capsicum, essence of ginger, onions, fresh butter (in small stone jars), etc. A liberal supply of these articles will save the lives of thousands of our brave soldiers. If we are to have an army of a million men we must make provision for at least one hundred and sixteen thousand sick. Shall we not do what we can in the benevolent and patriotic work of taking care of these sick and wounded ? Do they not deserve this at our hands ? Let each town and community organize at once a 'Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society' auxiliary to the county society, and as fast as articles are made or gathered together send them to the officers of the county society at Eau Claire, who will attend to their being packed and forwarded. We expect next week to send some boxes to the Eighth Wisconsin Regiment, and probably to the Sixteenth by Sergeant Schmidtmeyer. All articles intended for these boxes must be in before Saturday next. - Mrs. Charles Whipple, president ; Mrs. n. P. Graham, treasurer ; Miss Augusta Kidder, secretary."

Probably no company that went out from Eau Claire during the Civil War was recruited more quietly or quickly than the "Eau Claire Stars," which later became Company I of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Infantry. Three full companies had already left the village aud recruiting officers were constantly busy picking up recruits to fill up the ranks of earlier companies, making the task of making up a new company a more than usually difficult matter. The history of the "Eau Claire Stars" Avas different from that of the other companies from Eau Claire. Instead of being sent south to fight the Confederates they were sent up into the Dakotas to hold the Indians in check, who were threatening trouble. In the Free Press of August 28, 1862, was the following : "The new company is nearly full and it will be one of the best that ever went from this county. It contains men of muscle, will, talent and military experience. A few more men will be accepted if application is made immediately. Fill up the ranks." The Free Press of September 11, 1862, stated: "The election of officers in the new company, 'The Eau Claire Stars,' took place on Monday afternoon and resulted in the choice of N. B. Greer for captain, Charles Buckman for first lieutenant and J. H. Hutson second lieutenant. The two former were with General Scott all through r\L^ Mexico and are admirably calculated to command the esteem and confidence of the noble fellows of the company. The following are the names of the volunteers : Peter Anderson, August Back, Edward P. Buck, Norman L. Buck, William Bell, J. M. Bernis, wyr^ John A. Bride, Philo Baldwin, Charles Buckman, John L. Ball, (j Peter Berry, Ira G. Bills, Edwin Brown, Charles J. Branch, Ephraim Crockett, Sanders Cochran, Charles Coats, Almeron F. Ellis, Oilman Goodman, Charles Goodwin, Ira F. Goodwin, N. B. Greer, Michael Garland, J. S. Huston, Israel Ilerrill, John Honadel, Charles Hale, Ephraim Herrick, William Hanley, Henry W. Howard, George E. Jones, Aaron C. Hall, John Jones, James S. Jones, C. C. Knox, Thomas M. Kennedy, Michael Lawler, S. B. Luther, Erastus P. Livermore, Thomas N. McCauley, John W. Merrill, Richard Masters, W. F. Page, Philip Perry, Andrew M. Patrick, Isaac Palmer, Samuel Pitchard, Samuel Paul, George D. Olin, Ernest Roach, Lester Reynolds, William Ralph, Carl Roehrig, L. Howland, II. W. Roberts, William H. Rolf, R. L. Sumner, Thomas N. Sargent, Fred Sargent, Henry Spaulding, George Sibit, Stephen Skinner, Adrian Smith, Robert Winegar, Alexander Watson, Michael Weircle, John Yost."'

On the 22nd of September the ladies of the village presented a flag to this company at a meeting held in Reed's Hall. Each member of the company was given a copy of the New Testament. The flag presentation address was given by Miss Anna Wells, and was as follows :

"The ladies of Eau Claire present you this emblem of liberty, wrought by their own hands, as an evidence of the faith they cherish in your patriotism, your courage and your fidelity to your country, and of their confidence that when called upon to uphold and defend it upon the field of battle you will do it with a valor and heroism that will overwhelm with destruction and defeat any domestic or foreign foe who shall seek to trample it in the dust or overthrow the government of which it is the fit and historic insignia. Accept it, not as a trivial and meaningless compliment, but as a sacred gift, to be upheld and defended as you would j'our lives and your honor. Let it be the cynosure in the hottest moment of conflict and in the darkest hour of peril. Never let it fall before the foe. Should the fortunes of war require it let its graceful folds envelop the patriotic dead, and when the clouds of dissension shall have passed away we cherish the hope that you may be spared to bring it back in triumph, without one stripe erased or a star obscured. We bid you farewell and Godspeed."

The "Eau Claire Stars," sixty-three strong, with fifty-eight of tlie Chippewa Falls company left here October 11, 1862, on board the steamer Chippewa Falls, and reached Reed's Landing in time for supper. Here they boarded the steamer Key City and reached Prairie du Chien Monday morning. After reaching Madison, the company not being full, about the first of December Captain Greer came back to Eau Claire from Camp Randall to pick up some twenty more recruits. Although the Whipple company was being recruited at that time Captain Greer had no difficulty in getting the desired number and early in December took them back with him to Madison. The following are the names of the recruits Avho went to Madison with Captain Greer to join the "Eau Claire Stars": Alexander Andrews, Orin S. Blin, Alexander Boyer, David A. Boynton, Charles E. Brown, John W. Close, Frank Griffin, Clark B. Hadley, Horace S. Hadley, Henry F. Hadley. Elpha J. Horton, Friend H. Hull, Charles Johnson, John S. Rodd, Richard A. Reynolds, William L. Taylor, John A. Taylor, Andrew G. Thorp, George P. Vaux, Henry J. Way, William Merrick. The trip as far as Sparta was made by team. Among the recruits taken to Madison at this time we find that of C. E. Brown, who served as a private in the Greer company, and

Mr. Brown's Story. "I was twenty-three years of age at the time the Greer company was recruited. Had always been accustomed to lumbering operations and for several years had worked in the logging camps on the drives of the Chippewa Valley. I had planned to go into the woods again that winter, and well remember how strongly my old employer opposed my enlistment. At that time the felling of trees was done with an axe, and as head axeman it was my job to chop down the pine trees in such a way as to break them up the least, and also to be convenient for .skidding. Early in December we left Eau Claire for Camp Randall, at Madisou. The weather was extremely cold, that being the coldest winter ever known in the Chippewa Valley. We remained at Camp Randall until the spring of 1864, then left for St. Louis. While there it was decided that, our company should be sent up the Missouri river to Fort Union, in the extreme northeastern part of North Dakota. As soon as the water was high enough in the spring we started. There were two steamboats, our own, the Fort Union, and the Fort Benton, bound for the fort of that name still farther up the Missouri. There were about 100 soldiers on each, besides perhaps as many more other passengers, also supplies, etc.

"We were nearly six weeks on the trip. One week of this time was spent at Kansas City, building a flat boat or barge, as the steamboat was found to be overloaded. It was at this place that I had my first buffalo hunt. Two of us got permission to go out. The country was a succession of ridges and ravines, making it difficult for us to keep within sight of each other, and we soon separated. I had not hunted long before I saw three buffalo bulls some distance away, and making right toward me. They were so much bigger, and more savage looking than anything I had expected that I was thoroughly scared and started for the boat, and not content with the speed I was making I hurriedly pulled off' my heavy boots and ran in my stocking feet, regardless of the prickly pears which covered the ground. When I got to the boat and ventured to look around 1 saw the buffaloes leisurely going off in an opposite direction. My buffalo hunt made sport for the boys.

"As we went farther up the river buffalo became more plentiful. At one place a herd of perhaps five hundred stopped our steamboat for several hours. They filled the stream in front of the boat, and also got under the paddle wheels. The boys shot at thein from the steamer decks. They killed some. Occasionally they M'ould hit a big bull, who would start for the bank, and then, shaking his long mane, would charge back at the boat, but, of course, we were beyond their reach. At one point in the river the boat passed under some high overhanging cliffs. We were told that here the Indians were likely to heave rocks down on the boats. To guard against this we disembarked below the cliffs and marched to the summit. We found no Indians, but the ground was piled with the bones and skulls ol' those who had been killed there. It was an old Indian battle ground.

"Fort Union was situated on a high open ridge near the river. About a half mile up the river the ground was lower, and covered with small timber, cottonwoods, etc. A similar piece of timber, only larger and heavier, lay about a mile down the river, and there was also timber on the opposite bank. Close to the river the brush was so dense and thick one could see but a few feet ahead of him. Tliere were a number of Indian tribes near us, but only the Sioux M'ere troublesome. The Crows were especially friendly. Their camp was about sixty miles north, but some of them stayed around the fort or pitched their wigwams inside of the stockade. Some of our company were granted the privilege of visiting the Crows at their camp, spending several days with them, and we were treated with all the liospitality their means Avould allow. We also hunted buffalo wi1h tlicm. but none of us were experts, and our awkwardness in atteiiiptiiig to chase buffalo on their pones gave the Indians a great deal of amusement. The orders were that the men should only leave the fort to go any consideral)lc distauci' except in companies of ten or more. As weeks Mould pass without any signs of hostile Indians the men would becoiiic HKuc careless and would often go hunting singly. One day I took a light gun and went across the river in a skiff to hunt rabbits. I left the skiff and returning to it only a few minutes later found the tracks of a big grizzly bear by the skiff made in my absence. I lost no time in getting out of that vicinity.

"In our company were several of the boys who were just aching to run across a grizzly, and often told how they would fix him if opportunity offered. At last they got their chance. Under charge of First Sergeant Orrin S. Hall six of them went some distance from the fort for several days of elk hunting. One day they had shot two elk, had strung one up and, it being late, had left the other on the ground. In the morning they went to look for the one left on the ground but it had disappeared, and the tracks of a big grizzly showed what had become of it. Hall was a brave and fearless man, and I will have more to say of him later. With him in the lead the boys cautiously followed the grizzly's trail, and before long came upon him standing over the dead elk. Hall told the boys that the only show was to kill the grizzly at the first fire, otherwise some of the company would very likely be killed by the grizzly. Telling the boys to take careful aim and to fire when he counted three, the boys raised their guns, but their hands shook so that Hall told them to put down their guns. After a few moments he told them to try again, but their hands shook worse than ever. Seeing it would be foolhardy to allow them to shoot under the circumstances a retreat was ordered, and tlie grizzly was left in undisturbed possession of the field.

"Wolves were plentiful around the fort. We had in our company a man by the name of Blin, who made quite a business during the winter of poisoning the wolves, with the intention of skinning them later and selling the pelts. An old buifalo would be shot and while still warm poison would be put into it, which would spread throughout the carcass. The wolf pelts would bring only a dollar, and it was worth more than that to skin them. P>y spring there were a hundred carcasses piled up outside the fort, but Blin put otf the skinning job so long that warm weather struck him, the carcasses began to smell to high heaven and th.^ poor fellow had to tote them all to the river and throw them in.

"On New Year's day, 1865, we had a grand ball. Each of the boys had invited a squaw for a partner weeks in advance, and tlie way those squaws bought gay ribbons and finery for the occasion was a sight to see. We chipped in and paid our cook an extra ^2;") for preparing the spread, while we furnished the provisions. In the absence of large game we had a hundred rabbits for meat. Only the squaws came to the ball. Many of them were of mixed French and Indian blood and knew something of dancing, and the others were not slow to learn. It was a sight to note tlieir appetites and amusing to see them tucking away in their clothing the cake they were unable to eat.

"The Sioux Indians oceasionallj' came to tlie fort ready to waylay an individual or small company they might find. One day I Avas hunting rabbits in the thick brush across the river when I heard the crackling of brush not far back of me, then on one side and then on the other. I gave the call to which our boys and the Crows always responded, but received no reply. I realized that the sounds were made by Sioux Indians, so I made a break for the river bank, but the Indians did not show themselves this time. On another occasion I was about a mile below our fort near an old deserted log fort in a clearing. Three Sioux on horseback started for me, but I ran and got behind the logs of the old fort. They circled around me a number of times and tried to induce me to come out into the open, but I could not see it in that light. Finally they rode away and after waiting for a considerable time I made for the fort. On another occasion the Indians made a raid and captured every horse belonging to our company. The soldiers and friendly Crows started in pursuit. There was considerable confusion and delay in getting started ; then it was sometimes hard to tell Sioux from Crow Indians. We usually distinguished them by their horses. I was about to shoot at what I felt sure was a Sioux, when Captain Greer stopped me telling me that was a Crow. A little later this same Indian, who proved to be a Sioux, made for us. I fired, but had forgotten to remove the wooden plug or "Tompkins" which we kept in our guns to prevent rusting. The Indian kept right on, but was killed a few moments after by one of the Crows, and two pieces of ray Wooden plug were found imbedded in bis chest. The Crow scalped his victim, and the squaws, not content with this, later cut off the hands and feet of the corpse and otherwise mutilated it.

"The only loss of life to the company by the Indians occurred in April, 1865. Grizzly signs had been seen in a piece of timber less than a mile from the fort where some of the boys had been detailed to cut firewood. Early in the morning Sergeant Orrin S. Ilall, George Vaux and Erastus Livermore went out to see if they could get a shot at the grizzly. Soon Livermore came running back to the fort, stating that Hall and Vaux had both been killed by the Indians. Livermore had a hole shot through his coat, but was uninjured. He had seen the other two fall, but had managed to escape. The carti-idge had stuck in his gun, and being unable to shoot he had .jumped over the river bank and made his way back to the fort. We hurriedly made for the timber. It was scarcely light. We found Vaux badly wounded but alive. He had crawled into a thicket and later had crawled back to the trail so we would find him. A little further along we found poor Hall, dead, pierced with fourteen arrows and scalped. One Indian lay dead on the field and we could see where a wounded Indian had been taken away by friends. Vaux said that Ilall died like the brave man he was, continuing to shoot until he fell. The dead Indian was scalped and the scalp was brought back to Eau Claire by Alex. Watson, well known to old residents. Vaux recovered and returned to this county. We were at Fort Union just about one year. In the spring of 1865 we returned to Louisville, Ky. At that place I was taken sick and was sent home. That was in August. The company returned to St. Louis and from there went to Washington, taking part in the grand review, after which both of them returned to this section of the country."

Editor Daily Telegram: Several weeks ago an account was given of the battle of Parmington, with the death of Captain Perkins, of the Eagle company, and the promotion of Lieutenant Wolf to the head of the company. That was in May, 1862.

"Bivouac, South of Corinth, Miss., June 4, 1862. - The thing 'which was to have arroven have arrived.' Corinth is ours! Of course you have heard through the newspapers all about the evacuation, the fight with the rear guards, the destruction of property, etc. I only know that the enemy skedaddled; that a part of our army is in Corinth and that General Pope's corps has marched through and is now bivouacking three or four miles south of Corinth. It is said that 4,000 prisoners were taken, but I have not seen them. But now I will proceed to give you an account of our movements from the 27th of May to the present time ; first remarking that our regiment was in the front line and met the last charge of the enemy, repulsed them and drove the into their intrenchments. Our loss was small, only two killed and four wounded in Company I. On the 27th of May our regiment went on grand guard. Well, as I was saying, we had our sentinels posted by 9 o'clock of the 27th. The rebel guard was not over 500 yards in our front and the sentinels could see each other and even hold conversation ; but they did not talk much ; it is a serious breach of military discipline, and a violation of the rules of war. About 9 o'clock in the morning we expected to be relieved, not knowing that all the forces had left camp and were marching to the front. We soon found out, however, that we were to be relieved from picket duty only to go into more serious business, for in an hour or so a line of skirmishers came out in advance of our forces, passed beyond our guard lines and attacked the rebel pickets. They drove the rebel pickets in, after some sharp firing, and followed them closely. Our guards were called off post, canteens filled with fresh water, and then we started in search of our brigade. Found it about a mile to the right, and in advance of all the other forces, drawn up in line of battle in a little ravine running through an old cornfield with rising ground in front, from the top of which the land sloped down gradually four hundred yards to a creek, across which on another knoll was a rebel fort, one of the strongest of all the Corinth works, mounting twelve guns and defended by one or more brigades of infantry. The creek ran parallel with our line of battle and extended three hundred yards to our right, when it turned and ran at a right angle with our lines, heavily timbered on the opposite side. We had no sooner taken our position on the right of our brigade than the rebel battery commenced throwing shells at us. We got out of the ravine as quickly as we could and laid down on the side of the hill in front, which afforded protection against cannon shot and shell. The deep worn corn furrows comfortably hid a fellow. Our own batteries opened on the rebels immediately, firing over our heads as well as from our right and left ; a deafening, terrific cannonading was kept up for half an hour. It seemed as if hell had broke loose. All at once there was a cessation of the cannonading from the rebel battery and we began to cheer, supposing their guns had been dismounted. But the rising shout was soon drowned in the quick sharp reports of musketry on our left, which increased in a few moments to volleys. Up it came from left to right ; up to our feet we sprang and forward to the top of the hill. The left companies of our regiment were already engaged, and as soon as we reached the brow of the hill we saw the rebel infantry rushing toward us. Bang, bang, whiz, zip, zip, sang the rifle balls. The butternuts stood to give about three volleys, their colonel on a splendid looking white horse galloping between the two lines shouting, 'Forward my brave men! The battery is ours!' The horse an instant after rushed riderless through our ranks bleeding from one shoulder. Dust and smoke until you couldn't tell a man from a stump ten yards off. Forward we rushed, firing and shouting, officers giving orders to the tops of their voices, when a voice was heard crying: 'Look out to the right, men! Look out to the right!' And three men on horseback emerged into view from that direction, one of whom, a magnificent looking old soldier, we recognized as 'Old Rosy,' General Rosencrans, and at the same instant almost the rebels came out of the woods to our right and showered us with musket balls, but overshooting. With a yell. Company A and my company wheeled 'round to the right and dashed after them to the edge of the timber, but the rebels, not more than one or two companies, who had been deployed there as skirmishers, skedaddled fast, although we wounded eight or ten of them and captured their knapsacks, blankets and haversacks filled with five days' rations which they had laid in a pile before advancing. The fight lasted only twenty minutes. Thirty rebels were dead on the field in front of our regiment and a good many were picked up wounded. A few were taken prisoners. We lost only two killed and four wounded. The rebel charge was gallantly executed - they got so close to one of our batteries that the artillerymen shot some of them with revolvers. That night we threw up intrenchments and stayed there until the night of the twentyninth. The rebels left on that day.

"Bivouac, near Boonville, Miss., June 6, 1862. - We are 30 miles south of Corinth, chasing the rebels. Beauregard's evacuation of Corinth was not altogether successful. The road for 20 or 30 miles south of Corinth was strewn with discarded equipage, whole camps, tents, commissary and quartermaster's stores, sick and wounded soldiers, wagons, mules, etc., left or abandoned in the greatest haste, showing that we pressed hard after them. We found plenty of graves, in one of which was buried a 12-pound howitzer. It had a headboard marked 'W. C.,' with date, etc. They had not time to round up the grave before our advance came in sight.

"October 3. - We have completed the circle and now hail again from Corinth. We are in camp about five miles west of town. I am in a private house under the surgeon's care. The enemy, Price and Van Dorn's army, is all around us everywhere, but no one seems to know just where.

"Camp near Ripley, October 8. - I began this letter at Corinth, October 3, and had only gotten it fairly commenced when the surgeon came into my room greatly excited, saying the rebels were coming. There were but a few soldiers in town. Our brigade was marching from a point five or six miles southwest toward Corinth as rapidly as possible. About noon the report of cannon was heard in the near distance and our troops began pouring into town from different directions and forming into line of battle. I waited from 11 o'clock in the forenoon until the middle of the afternoon before our regiment put in its appearance. I tell j'ou it was a period of awful suspense, and I never was so glad in my life as I was to see the old Eagle regiment coming up the road. They had been on the run for several hours and were in a state of exhaustion. I joined my company and we went into the fight. We doubled-quicked through a field and ran directly into the enemy in the woods, who poured a deadly fire into our ranks while we were marching and before we could form in line of battle. The fight was hot for ten minutes or more, but the enemy were too strong for us. They had ten times our number. They made a charge, yelling like so many screech owls or devils. We stood our ground and fired volley after volley into them, but it seemed to make no impression on them whatever. Tliey came right on like a great wave, overwhelming everything in its progress. Catching sight of our eagle those in front of our regiment gave forth an unearthly yell and started to capture it. Old Abe, up to that time had behaved himself with great gallantry, but at this moment a bullet slightly wounded him under one wing and he hopped off his perch to the ground and ducked his head between his carrier's legs. All attempts to make him stay on his perch were useless. He was thoroughly demoralized, and the same feeling extended itself to the line and they broke and ran before the rebel charge, the carrier of the eagle picking him up and carrying him under his arm as fast as he could run. It was a new experience for us, for heretofore we had always been the victors. The regiment and brigade dissolved so quickly that it was impossible to see what had become of them. I found myself with Captain Wolf, of Company C, and the colors, with perhaps a dozen men. The color bearer was shot and the next man who picked them up was wounded. We brought them off the field with the enemy at our heels. We got back to Battery Robinette, which opened on the rebels and checked their advance and waited the next move. It was now dusk and the fight for that day was over. We laid on our arms all night, and as soon as morning broke the cannonading opened and Avas kept up with fearful energy. After this our advance skirmishers were driven in and we formed our lines and waited. We did not have long to wait. The rebel line of battle emerged from the woods and came forward to Battery Robinette through the abbatis formed by falling trees, with the greatest heroism and daring. All the guns of the fort and the musketry of our line of battle opened on them, but on they came, closing up their ranks-on, on, running, climbing, shooting, shouting and yelling - their leader, Colonel Rogers, mounted on a white horse, riding in advance waving his sword and looking as grand and noble as Mars himself. Oh, it was a terrible charge. Right up to the parapet of the battery they swarmed, their gallant leader and his horse being shot as he leaped the ditch. They swarmed over the parapet. Our line of battle gave way before them and fell back, perhaps, fifty yards, when General Rosecrans, bareheaded, waving his hat and sword, rushed along in front of the line and the men soon went forward and drove the rebels back. Some of the rebels actually got into the battery and were killed or captured by the gunners. Many surrendered rather than run the risk of being killed on the retreat. The ground in front was covered with their dead and wounded. Over 3,000 rebels were killed and wounded. Our loss was not so large, but was heavy enough. Our regiment had ninety men killed and wounded. The records of the world may be searched in vain, I verily believe, to find a more desperate, bloody and gallant charge than that made by the rebels. They had everything at stake. Everything depended on their winning the battle and they fought hard for it, but in vain. The two armies were about equal in numbers, but we had the heaviest artillery. As soon as the charge was over Ave waited for them to try it again. But they did not charge again. Again and again they formed their lines and advanced to the edge of the woods, but their men would go no further. Officers swore and- appealed to them to go in just once more, but they had had enough."

It was in the fall of 1862, soon after the battle of Corinth, that Coloney Murphy, of the Eighth Wisconsin, allowed the enemy to destroy an immense store of supplies at Holly Springs, which event had an important bearing on the Vicksburg campaign, making, as it did, impossible the carrying out of one of the earlier plans for the reduction of "Vicksburg.