Monroe County, Wisconsin - Chapter 15: Henry W. Cressy Post No. 42, G. A. R by E. M. Cowles, Adj, 1912

Chapter 15: Henry W. Cressy Post No. 42, G. A. R by E. M. Cowles, Adj

In the summer of 1882 some fifteen or more of the ex-soldiers made application to Grand Army headquarters, department of AYisconsin, to muster a post of the G. A. R. at Tomah, Monroe county, Wisconsin.

The department commander approving of such application the mustering officer detailed Commander James Davidson, of John W. Lynn post of Sparta, to go to Tomah with such comrades as he needed and muster Henry W. Cressy Post No. 42. Commander Davidson detailed Comrade J. E. Perry as officer of the day ; Comrade Kerrigan, as S. V. ; C. AVhetstein, as J. V. C. All of said comrades being members of John W. Lynn post of the G. A. R.

Said detail visited Tomah on the afternoon of August 26, 1882, and at 7:30 o'clock, at the Fireman's hall, proceeded to muster Henry W. Cressy post with the following conn^ades charter members:

C. J. Alden, A. W. Alderman. C. A. Crawford, A. 1). Benjamin. .\. Cary, G. II. Dobbins. I. Fitzsinger. II. Fish, AVilliam Garland, Charles Gilson, H. Getman. A. Getnuin, II. Galloway, S. H. Griswold, R. P. Hitchcock, R. King, E. G. Kinnie, C. Bohn,

Present Officers

The post has a present membership of forty, and as the years roll on its members are growing steadily less, and the value of its associations greater to the comrades.

Albert E. Hollister

"I was born ]\lay 26, 184."), in the county of Livingston, state of New York. My parents moved to Cass county, Alichigan, when I was three years old. 1 lived on a lanii until 1 enlisted. In August, 1862, I enlisted in Company A, Nineteenth Alichigan Infantry. Being only seventeen, my lather demanded my release of the captain wlio enlisted me, which was readily granted. Among the mnnber of our neighborhood was a cousin whom I will call Frank. AVe had been brought up together and had enlisted together, and T did not want to go honu> unless Frank did. So, rather than go home, I hired out to work on a farm. After working for a few days I took a 'lay-off' to visit camp and see the boys. After thinking the matter over 1 came to the conclusion that I was not to blame for being too young, and as I was older than Frank was, I would not stay at home and let him go. After staying around camp awhile, I offered myself, but the captain who enlisted me before, and in whose company Frank was, would not take me again. We soon found a lieutenant whose company was not full and I offered myself. He asked my age and I told him eighteen. He told me to go with him up to the captain's office. The first inquiry of the captain was, 'How old are you?' 'Eighteen, sir,' was my answer. 'When will you be eighteen." was his next question. 'Last IMay, sir,' was my reply. "I don't believe it, ' he said. Here Frank thought he would help me a little and said to the captain, 'He is older than I am.' 'AYere you there when he was born?' asked the captain. As I was ten weeks older than Frank he had to admit he was not there.

"After a short consultation with the lieutenant, he concluded to take me, and accordingly I was enlisted in Company H and assigned to quarters. The only incident for some time in which I was in any way more interested than the rest of the boys happened about two weeks after my enlistment. An acquaintance of mine came into camp one day and picked up my gun. After looking at it a moment he made a motion as if to stick the bayonet into my foot. I thought he would not strike and stood still. He thought T would .jump and struck. Then I jumped. I was mad and he was badly frightened. 'My G - I' he exclaimed, 'I thought you would jump. Take off your shoe.' Taking off my shoe I found my foot bleeding, but not seriously injured. My father, hearing that I had been gone for some time from where he supposed I was. came to camp to look for me, but after finding that I had enlisted as eighteen, and as he thought that I was unwilling to leave, went home and left me. In a few days we were mustered into the United States service.

"After we broke ranks and went to our (piarters I went to see Frank. He was but seventeen and could not be mustered. I was in a fix. I did not want to go unless Frank Avent. He tried another company but they would not take him. What would I do? I thought of a number of ways to get out, but did not want to be laughed at. All Frank could do was to go home. All I could do was to stay. I thought I would stick to it as it was my fault that I was so old. That night I could not sleep. The next day I did not see anything around camp to interest me. I felt pretty sober. In a week I did not have a grain of sand left. The first time my father came to see me I told him I would go home with him if he could get me out. He went to the colonel and was referred to the mustering of^cer. That official said they could not hold me if my parents objected to my going. The colonel swore at me for making so much trouble until the mustering officer told him to stop, as hundreds of boys were doing that every day. ]\k'ii were inori' Avilling to enlist at that time than a year or so later, or I could not have got out of my scrape as easily as I did. 1 went liome. I luid been a soldier long enough, so I thought at that time.

"I stayed at home about a year. ]My regiment, or tlic regiment in which I had enlistinl, had all been captured, and wc would occasionally hear whei'e they Avere. They finally brought up in Libby prison. Soon thej' were paroled and some of them came on what they called 'French furlough.' After listening to their accounts of the battle in which they Avere captured and bidding them good-bye as they started back after lieing exchanged, I began to feel more patriotic. Soon the Xintli ]\Iicliigan cavalry began recruiting in our neighborhood. I concluded to go. I went to see Frank. He Avould go. but not in the cavalry. He said if I would go as a recruit in the Nineteenth, himself. Deacon Grinnell and Kev. Gilbert would go with me. In February, 1864, we all enlisted and Avere sent to Camp Blair, at Jackson, ]\Iichigan. Here Frank had the measles, Avhich Avas the cause of his never doing any active service. "While there I, among others, Avas detailed to cook for the men in barracks No. 4. AVhile acting in that capacity the Rca'. Gill)ert and myself, through a misunderstanding of facts on the part of the ofificer of the day, Avere arrested and confined in the guard-house, leaving no one to get supper for the boys. By morning there had been men detailed to take our places, and about 10:00 o'clock they brought us our breakfast. About noon Ave Avere taken out under guard and y)ut to Avork scrub])ing offices and privies until about 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon, Avhen avc Avere released and returned to our quarters.

'']\[ay 13 Ave Avere sent South. On our Avay avc made shoi-f stops at Louisville, Nashville, Chattanooga and Kingston. From Chattanooga to Kingston avc Avere obliged to ride on top of box cars. At llu' latter ])lace Ave found everything in confusion. The rebel General "Wheeler had made a raid and killed several negroes and one or two soldiers. ^My three companions Avere sick and lay doA\ n in an old barn. 1 Avas ordered to assist in haiding a couple of pieces of artillery to an elevation north of foAvn. Keturuing to my companions I found them as I had left them. ToAvard night Frank Avent Avith the other two to the hospital. Just after dark he returned and said he Avould go to the regiment if he did not live a day after he got there; l)ut by the next morning he Avas sick enough to go to the hospital Avithont being urged. He had eaught cold and the measles had settled on his lungs. I Avas alone again. I had to go on further South and they returned North. I was in excellent health and spirits and did not get homesick again. When I started for the front I had a knapsack well filled with A\hat I supposed were necessary articles. I had not marched more than half a day when I threw away my overcoat. Before night 1 left my blacking-brush, looking-glass, etc., on the corner of the fence. The next morning I changed underclothing, and threw away what I took off. Before noon we heard the boom of artillery, and it Avas not the Fourtli of July either. In the afternoon we could hear the musketry. Soon we came to a hospital and here I found one of Company K. of my regiment, who was Avounded in tlie calf of the leg. I gave him my blanket and went on. The artillery was pounding away, but infantry was quiet most of the time. I got to the regiment just before night. Soon the 'Johnnies' made a charge, l)ut were repulsed. Here I was, on my nineteenth birthday, under fire for the first time. Comrades, most of you know how I felt. AVe were lying behind the line of light earthworks. During the night the enemy made another assault but were repulsed. I was asleep when the first volley was fired. Which side fired first I do not know. I sprang to my feet and looked around. To the left was one continuous blaze. Around me I could hear the zip and whizz of bullets. I could see the smallest twigs on the trees. I was so confounded or frightened I did not know enough to li(^ down. It was not long before I could lie down as close to the ground as anyone, and lie down quick. I would rather lie down a half dozen times when it was not necessary than to nnss once when it was. I never could get over the habit of dodging when I heard the Avliizz of a ball.

"June 15 found us near Lost Mountain, Georgia. Just after noon we were ordered to support the First Brigade, Third Division, Twentieth Corps, in an assault upon the enemy's works. The First brigade made the attack just as we moved out across a field. They were in the woods. The heavy clouds of smoke Avere rolling up among the trees and as Ave advanced the Avounded began to come to the rear. It seemed as though the smoke Avas full of Avounded men. There Avas no Avind and the smoke did not move off. Soon avc Avere in the Avoods. There Avas a battery in front of us that had been firing all the forenoon, and as Ave Avere to support a brigade I concluded Ave were moving to the support of the battery. AVe Avere ordered to lie doAvn. By this time it Avas dark. After lying doAvn for a short time Ave Avere ordered forAvard. Imagine my feelings as we came into an opening and found we were in front instead of the rear of the hattery. AVe could look iuto l!ic inoutlis of those guns at every discharge, and by the flash Ave could see their infantry standing behind llie Avorks. I was a recruit and not well posted in nioxcnu'nts, bnt i don't thiidv tbey knew where we were, for they were throwing their shells over our line and into a ravine some distance in our rear. AVe Avere not uuire than one-third the distance from them to where their shells were dropping. AVe lay down again in the rear of the First brigade. In a short time the line in our front rose upon their knees and Avaited until the discharge from the battery and all fin-d full at the gunners. Their infantry replied immediately but tlie artillery Avaited some iilth- time. Their musketry made it luipleasant for us. The line in front of us rose up and Avent to the rear double quick. AVe had to take it. They had got our position. They poured shell and canister or grape (don't knoAv Avhicli it Avas) into us. Our major Avas killed, the ball striking him in tiie breast. 'Oh. my Avife and l)oysI' Avere his only Avords. Several ])rivates Avere Avounded. 1 could hear their comrades telling them to keep still and not let the 'sons of

I and tore the limbs from the l^odies of tAvo sergeants, one of them dying in a fcAv moments. I heard the other moaning and saying. 'Boys, I knoAv it is no use to make a fuss, but I can't help it. Give me some Avater. Good-bye, boys. Kiss me, George. Goodbye.' All this time Ave Avere merely lying there for them to shoot at, Ave making no reply. It uuist have been midnight or after Avhen things l)egan to be more quiet and Ave Avere ord(>red to the left and rear, the order being given in a Avhisper. Soon Ave Avent to building Avorks and Avere busy until it began to grow liglit. I had three pretty close calls Avithin less ihan five minutes. Soon a comrade Avas shot by my side. When 1 heard tlie ball strike I looked up and saAv him begin to reel and trend)] e. 1 tln"(>Av my arms around him and hi'lped him to lie down. Then Ave got a stretcher and undertook to carry him to a ])lace of safety. AVe had not gone far ])efore one of the men iielping carry him Avas shot. AVe got behind some trei's and Avent back. Soon one of my nu^ssmates Avas killed. Then Ave lost our lieutenant. The day before our company had thirteen men: noAv Ave had only nine. AVe Averc^ ordered to the rear and sent to guard supply trains. Our first ti-ip Avas to Big Shanty, Georgia. AVe stayed three or four days and as avc moved out Avitli loaded Avagons to return to camp Ave saAv a division crossing tlu^ open IcA'el plain betAvcHMi Big Shanty and KenesaAv mountain. They adA-niu-ed in s])lendid order for some time. Occasionally a man would fall and be left behind. Soon they began to stoop forward and quicken their pace, and finally began to double-quick for the woods.

"About July 15 were were relieved by a detachment to the Thirty-third ^Massachusetts. Found our regiment on picket along the Chattahooche river. That night we moved with Sherman's advance and crossed the river on pontoons. We marched until near morning before we were permitted to lie down. It did not seem as though I could take another step. Some of the boys made coffee, but I spread my blanket and lay down.

"July 20 found us near Peach Tree creek, with things looking a little strange. We were called up about 2:00 o'clock and got ready to move. "We would go a short distance and halt and then move on again. I noticed a number of orderlies in our front riding in every direction. I asked one of the boys of my company what was up. His reply w^as, 'We are going to catch h bef or night ; if your gun is not loaded you had better load it. ' As we came to a halt again I noticed that about half of the men were loading their guns. As we came into an open field I could see the right of the Fourth corps already across the creek, and to their right the Twenty-second Wisconsin deployed as skirmishers. We crossed the creek, built shades and made coffee. Just as our dinner was about ready there was brisk firing in our front and our skirmishers fell back on the main line. We were ordered forward and just as Mi^jor Baker gave the order he clutched his thigh v\'ith both hands, threw up his leg and called Captain Anderson to take command. Before he let go of his leg the blood began to run between his fingers. It was but a flesh Avound, but I never saw him again. 'Guide left, guide left,' was the order as we moved across the open field. As we came to the top of a ridge the 'Johnnies' opened on us from the ridge beyond. Several men went down close to me. My knees began to feel weak. Soon one of Company G was shot and tried to start for the rear, but fell in front of me. As he fell he gave one of the most blood-curdling shrieks I ever heard. It made my hair stand on end. I could feel the wind blow on top of my head, under my hat. ]\Iy back was cold as ice ; I shook all over. How I kept up I don't know, Init as soon as we fired the first volley I had no more fear. I could see some of the boys turn their guns and club them. We would break them and they would reform and charge again. For some time all I could see of them were their legs below the smoke. I think it must have been at least two hours before they began to fall back as though they had got enough of it. The conirade wlio told iiic in tlie inoriiiiig what we were going to eatc'h before night swung his hat and said, 'Let's go for them; come on I' Gaining the top of the ridge we eonld sec them something like a half-mile away, forming as if to charge again. They would move out from the timber and then go back again. We could see the otficers riding in front, but they did not come near us again, not even to look after their woundcnl. The next )norning I took a look over the tield. In three i)laces I saw fifty-one, twenty-seven and thirty-two Confederate dead. Guns, sabers, cartridge boxes, canteens, etc., were scattered in every direction. Now let me describe scenes that would move the most hardened to tears. The first is a colonel Avith his horse lying near liini. Next, a man Avith a gaping wound in his forehead, still alive. t!ie brains oozing out and lying doAvn over his eyes. Next, a dead man with a letter in his hand - the last kind words he Avill ever receive from the loved ones in his far-away home in ^lississippi. Then several with Bibles in their hands. Knowing their hour had come, they had sought to obtain consolation and relief from their suffering from the word of God. The next was lying on his back, his cartridge-box under his head. In iiis hands he was holding tile ])liotograph of a womnn and child. He had died gazing on the features of those who were as dear to him. and he to them, as any from our Xoi'thern homes. Th'" tliought Avould come to my mind: Did T fir;' the fatal shot that made a widow and an or]>lian .' Perhaps: but this is war. This was tlu^ last b;it11f in whi'-h 1 was actively engaged.

I asked him Avherc Tlicy told me 1 had been shot clear thro\igh. I began to feel faint and thought surely 1 Avas going to die. I Avanted Avater every fcAV miniTtes. T gave my watch to one of my comrades and asked him to send it home if he could. An ambulance came and I bade the boys good-bye, as I had heard nmny do before. I certainly ncA'er expected to see them or my home again. T Avas taken to the field liospital. The first question of the doctor Avas. 'Have aou bled fr^elv!' Tf a'ou liaA'c there is a fight- ing- ehanee for you. If you have bled internally I can't save you.' He called several men to his assistance and dressed my wound. Next morning- as I w^oke up alive I began to have some hopes. The next day I felt quite encouraged, and, thanks to kind nurses, a strong" constitution and good morals, after running the chances of gangrene and small-pox (both of which I was exposed to), and after having a run of lung fever, T am thankful to meet you, my cpmrades, here today."

Recollections Of The War

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE WAR. By Fred Noth. I was born INIarch 6, 1889, State of Lippe, Germany. At the age of twenty I emigrated to New Orleans in the fall of '59. Shortly after the election of Abraham Lincoln, preparations commenced for the war. Not willing to fight for slavery, I took passage on a steamboat to St. Louis. During May and June I served in a company of militia in St. Charles county to guard railroad bridges. On the 21st day of July, 1861, I enlisted in Company E. second Missouri Volunteer Infantry. I was appointed a sergeant and color bearer of the regiment. Part of our regiment was ordered to Potosie to gimrd the Iron Mountain Railroad, returning to St. Louis for mustering in September. The regiment in October was ordered to Jefferson City, Tipton and Sedalia. Returning to Tipton, preparations were made for a march to Springfield, ^lo. Arriving at Springfield, tlie Fremont Hussars having the lead, they encountered the enemy, about 2.000 strong, and made a brilliant charge, scattering the enemy in all directions. Late in the fall Ave marched to Rolla, a station on the Pacific branch, for winter quarters. Early in February, '62, our march was again for Springfield. Two new two-pounder howitzers mounted on mules and used on the enemy's flank caused a great deal of fun. After a lively skirmish. General Price vacated Springfield and retreated to Fort Smith. Our army followed close after him, into Arkansas, going into cam]) at a place called Pea Ridge. Being 240 miles from railroad communication, our provision train failed to come in time. One ear of corn was issued for a ration for a day ; next day orders for foraging were given. A place where about 500 bushels of apples were piled was found, and before night came none were left. My regiment was ordered to a flour mill in the corner of Indian Territory, or the so-called Oklahoma. Taking possession of the mill, we found about 400 bushels of good winter wheat and ten ])arrels of lard in a store.

About ton days later, one night at eleven o'clock, the l)uo:le sounded, tents down, marching orders. The advance of the enemy was reported within one-half mile of our camp, ^[arching during the night we reached General Sigel at noon, at Bentonville, where we waited the approach of the rebels. Our regiment was ordered one mile further, there to await his orders, when all at once about 2,000 Texas Rangers stepped in between us and cut General Sigel oflf. Tlie Rangers made an attack on my regiment, killing captain of Company A and a number of men. General Sigel with a battalion of Benton Hussars cut a gap through the Rangers and we all marched to the main part of the army, the rebels following close behind. Arriving at Sugar Creek valley, the rebel army was about 30,000 in numl)er and was commanded by Generals INIcCollough and Mcintosh. The battle of Pea Ridge began next morning. Our army, numbering about 14,000, was commanded by Generals Curtis, Sigel. Arboth and JeflP. C. Davis. The fighting on the 7th was mostly with musketry. The rebels had about 2,000 Indians on their side who were led on to a l)attery, but they soon retreated, yelling "Huh! hull I big gun." On the 8th at daybreak, our artillery commenced the fire. General Sigel was ordered to report to the Department of the Potomac. About three weeks later we came marching over the Ozark mountains to Cape Girardeau, crossing the Corinth and AVhite rivers. Three and Five Forks and some other rivers. About half-way, on Sunday, we had a day of rest. An officer and some recruits had arrived and presented a ncAv silk flag to my regiment from the German ladies of St. Louis. From this place part of our troops marched south in the direction of Island Xo. 10, while our brigade marched to Cape Girardeau. About a week later we embarked on steamboats down the ^Mississippi, up the Ohio and Tennessee rivers and landed at Pittsburg Landing. In marching over the battlefield of Shiloh to Corinth, General IL^lleck had a well organized army. After a little skirmish a few days later, the rebels during one night vacated Corinth. From there our brigade marched to Riance, JMiss.. where we remained during the summer. Early in September, 1862, we received orders to go to Cincinnati. Arriving at Cincinnati we marched to ^Market Hall. About a Aveek later we embarked on steamboats for Louisville, wliere our army was reorganized by General Buell, and Pliilip Siieridan was assigned to the command of our First Division, Fourteenth Corps.

the morning' of the 8th, my regiment was ordered to make a charge on some Arkansas troops in double quick, and after about an hour of hard fighting, the rebels retreated. My regiment had lost twenty-three killed, including our major, and fifty-six wounded. In the afternoon General Hardy made an attack on our division, formed in line on a ridge in a half circle. The rebels were badly beaten in this fight. The most of them were left dead or wounded on the field. The next day General Bragg evacuated Perryville. As we marched on to Perryville we passed a stack of arms about a mile long. It appeared as if half of General Bragg 's men had left for home. From here we marched to Nashville, passing Mammoth Cave. Fourteen miles south of Nashville we went into camp. Being on picket duty one day, thirty volunteers were called, officers and non-commissioned to ascertain the position of the rebel pickets three miles off. AVe reached them just at dark. A sergeant from my camp shot the rebel sentinel and at the same time he received a shot through the lungs and died the next morning. Some days later my regiment and a battery was ordered out on a scouting expedition. We encountered the enemy about five miles from camp. After a little skirmish the rebels retreated. In the latter part of December we marched for Murfreesboro. On the last day of December, early in the morning, when our artillery had taken their horses to water. General Longstreet unexpectedly attacked our Fourteenth Corps. Our right wing was entirely repulsed, hard fighting going on all day. As soon as we reached the railroad embankment Longstreet 's forces were checked. The colonel commanding our brigade at this place was shot through the throat and died. The next day, January 1st, General Rosecrans pushed his left wing, the Twenty-first Corps, across Stone river and the rebels commenced to evacuate Murfreesboro. At the place where the fighting had commenced eighty comrades of our division were buried in one grave.

During the spring of 1863 ]\Iurfreesboro was fortified. A pioneer brigade had been organized, and I was detached to the Second Battalion, called the Pontoon Battalion. On the 25th day of June, 1863, our army commenced to march to the Tennessee river. General Rosecrans from here moved on to Chattanooga, remaining at Bridgeport some time. In October we moved on to Chattanooga over the Cumberland mountains. Just before we reached the mountain General AVheeler had destroyed a supply train of about 150 wagons. Arriving at Chattanooga we constructed another pontoon bridge. One da}^ the rebel artillery sent

;i til'ly-|i()iiii(l shell iiitu oni' cami) i'roiii Lookout mountain, but it, exploded higli in ihe aii'. October 16th General Koseerans was rplieved of his conuuand. and Gen. U. S. Grant took command. On the (n-enino; of Novembei' 22nd we were ordered to march on the north side ol' the Teiuiessee river, a distance of three miles. During' the night we passed a bi i^ade of Sherman's troops across the river. P'arly in the nu)rning a i)ontoon Ijridge was laid for General Sherman to cross the Tennessee. About 10 o'clock the bridge was coinjiK'ted and the signal sergeant signaled to hoadf|uarters. General Shernuin uu)ved over the i)ontoon ])ridge and an(»ther corps from the Tennessee army started from Chattanooga and .ioined General Sherman in the afternoon. We returned to Chattanooga. In the evening a division of General Hooker's corps was moved di»\vn. ])artly on boats, to storm Lookout mountain during the night 1).\ moonlight. About 12 o'clock the firing ceased and Lookout was taken next day. General Sherman on the left. General Hooker on the right, and General Thomas in the center, the army of the Ciunberland made a charge on ^Mission Ridge, and before night .Mission, was taken. Sixty-eiglit ])ieces of artillery and 11,000 prisoners, including two brigadier generals, were captured. Next day the rebel prisoners marched over the pontoon bridge to go north. xVs they formed into line on the north side of the river one of our l)ands of nuisic i)layed the "Star Spangled Banner." A hurrah for the Union followed from all the camps near by.

In Deceiubei- I and sixty other mechanics were sent to Nashville to make new canvas pontoon boats, returning to Chattanooga in IMarrli. On ]May 5, 1864, our army started for Dalton. On the (ith m\ battalion Avas ordered Avith our canvas pontoon train. Arriving at a river north of Resaca, on the right wing, a regiment of rebels were in a good position in a lot of heavy timber, disputing our right to cross the river. AVe crossed a battalion of sharpshooters to dislodge the rebels, and a nunihei- of our boys Avere killed and Avounded. From here Ave marched with a division to Rome. (}a., on a point betAveen tAVO rivers. Crossing on a pontoon bridge Ave took possession of Rome. AYe crossed the Yazoo river on the south side, Avhere on a little mountain the rebels had some fortifications, but as Johnson "s army had fallen back to Atlanta by this time they eA'acuated the place and avc marched on to ^Marietta and remained in camp at this place for some time. The lattei' ])art of June Ave Avere ordered back to Chattanooga. In -Inly 1. Avith my detachment, Avas ordered to Bridgeport, Ala., to take charge of a pontoon bridge, and Ave remained at this place until September 20, 1864.

Henry Av. Cressy Post 161

The adjutaut from our regiment ordered us to get ready to go to St. Louis to be mustered out. Arriving at St. Louis with about two hundred and twenty men left in our regiment, we marched to Washington liall. On the 29th day of September my regiment was mustered out on expiration of term.