Showing posts with label 19th IL INF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 19th IL INF. Show all posts

Saturday, April 10, 2021

REUNION OF CO. B.

Members of Co. B. 19th Ill., Meet in Reunion at Home of George Dugan, in Ladoga, Iowa.

The Annual reunion of Co. B, 19th Illinois Infantry, was held at the home of George Dugan, at Ladoga, Iowa, on October 4,1900.

Only a few soldiers out of the company where present and they were as follows: Capt. A. Murchison and wife, of Kewanee, Ill.; James Montooth, Toulon, Ill.; Dr. J. G. Boardman, Bradford, Ill., John T. Thornton, Farragut, Ia.; Alonzo Luce, Murray, Ia.; Robert Turnbull, Cain Ia.; R. T. Scott, Pawnee City, Neb., and George Dugan, Ladoga, Ia.

The G. A. R. post, of Bedford Ia., conveyed them to Mr. Dugan’s home, where they soon met his family and neighbors.  There were seventy in number who ate a picnic dinner, and a general good time was enjoyed by all.

After the dinner hour was closed the old soldiers had their regular routine of business, and then proceeded to entertain their friends.  Some old time songs of the sixties were sung and appreciated by all.

The next reunion will be their 40th anniversary and will be held in in the church yard at Osceola, Ill., where they started with a full company to the war on June 11, 1861.

At present there are only about forty-five members of the company living, and about one hundred dead with the recruits they had during the war.

Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Trimmer, of Corning Ia., were present and enjoyed a visit with old time friends.

We trust that more of the members will be able to meet together next year.

SOURCE: The Stark County News, Toulon, Stark County, Illinois, Friday, October 12, 1900, p. 1

Friday, May 8, 2020

We are gratified to learn that . . .

. . . Lieut. Clifton T. Wharton, of the Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, has been appointed the ordnance officer at the post of Nashville, vice Lieut. Faucett, who has been assigned to duty on General Field’s Staff.

SOURCE: The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, Thursday, June 12, 1862, p. 3

From Rosecrans’Army.

We have just been permitted to peruse a letter from John Bartholomew, of this city, who is a member of the battery connected with the 19th Illinois infantry, now with Rosecrans’ army. His letter is dated at the camp on Elk river, July 8th. He states that the march to that point from Tullahoma was a very hard one, through mud and rain. He says Bragg’s army is completely whipped, and would have been caught entire had it not been for the rain and mud. Several thousand were taken, and they come in every day to give themselves up, saying they are tired of the war and have come to the conclusion that their cause is a hopeless one. Rosecrans’ army was waiting for the supply train before moving forward.

SOURCE: Muscatine Weekly Journal, Muscatine, Iowa, Friday, July 24, 1863, p. 3

Promotion.

Sergeant Charles W. Ferren, of Company B, 15th regiment V. R. C., formerly of the 19th Illinois infantry has lately been promoted by the War Department to a Captaincy in the 6th regiment, U. S. volunteers.

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois, Thursday, May 4, 1865, p. 4

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Nineteenth Illinois Veterans.

The Nineteenth Illinois Veterans Club held a meeting at the Grand Pacific last evening, Colonel A. W. [Raffin] in the chair.  Letters of regret were read from General John B. Turchin and others who could not be present at the recent reception.

Comrade W. H. Christian offered the following resolution, which passed:

WHEREAS, It has come to the knowledge of this club that Captain O. E. Eames has prepared a paper giving incidents of the history of the Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, therefore,

Resolved, That he be requested to read the paper to this club at the next meeting.

After the transaction of routine business, the club adjourned to the first Tuesday in April.

SOURCE: “Nineteenth Illinois Veterans,” The Inter Ocean, Chicago, Illinois, Wednesday, March 3, 1880, p. 8.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Official Reports of the Action at and Surrender of Murfreesborough, Tenn., July 13, 1862: No. 3. — Findings of a Court of Inquiry.

GENERAL ORDERS,
No. 4.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,                      
Murfreesborough, Tenn., January 24, 1863.

I. At a court of inquiry, convened at the city of Nashville, December 17, 1862, by Special Field Orders, No. 19, Headquarters Fourteenth Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland, on the request of Brig. Gen. T. T. Crittenden, to investigate and give an opinion on the facts connected with the surrender of the troops at Murfreesborough, under his command, of which court Brig. Gen. James G. Spears was president, and Col. Joseph R. Scott, Nineteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, was recorder, the following facts were found upon the testimony:

1st. That he (General Crittenden) assumed command of the post at Murfreesborough on the 12th day of July, 1862, between the hours of 9 and 10 o'clock a.m.

2d. That he found the camp had been divided for three weeks previous and the forces separated.

3d. That he rode out on the morning of the 12th July, with Colonel Duffield, commanding the Twenty-third Brigade, and selected a camp, and told Colonel Duffield to concentrate the whole force there at once.

4th. That he rode out and inspected the pickets with the field officer of the day, and not being satisfied with their strength and location, ordered Major Seibert, commanding the cavalry, to double his cavalry patrol on the roads leading to Lebanon and McMinnville.

5th. That the pickets on these roads were re-enforced, but were withdrawn at night without the knowledge of General Crittenden, as was the custom of the post by order.

6th. That he ordered morning reports to be made out and one-fifth of the entire effective force to be detailed as grand guards.

7th. That he examined the brigade order books, and ordered a plot of the town and its approaches to be made.

8th. That he consulted fully and freely with Colonels Lester and Duffield, did a large amount of executive business, and was constantly employed until 9 p.m. July 12.

9th. That he was informed, on what should have been good authority, that there was no force of the enemy nearer than Chattanooga, with the exception of small parties of guerrillas, and that there was no danger of an immediate attack.

10th. That the attack was made upon the Ninth Michigan Infantry and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry and the town at daylight on the morning of the 13th July.

11th. That the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry was immediately overpowered. That the Ninth Michigan Infantry was promptly formed and repeatedly repulsed the enemy. That about 8 o'clock a.m. they took a more sheltered position, which they held until 12 o'clock, when they surrendered; their commanding officer being wounded and having lost nearly one-half their number in killed and wounded.

12th. That one company of the Ninth Michigan Infantry, acting as provost guards, held the court-house in the town until 8 o'clock, when they surrendered after it was set on fire.

13th. That General Crittenden surrendered himself and staff at 8 o'clock, having endeavored to communicate with the troops, but failed, owing to the stopping of his message by rebel guards.

14th. That the Third Minnesota Infantry and Hewett's battery of four guns, under command of Colonel Lester, being 1¼ miles from town and about the same distance from the Ninth Michigan Infantry and cavalry, immediately on hearing the attack on these places marched up the turnpike and took position in an open field, with woods in front, about 600 yards distant, where they remained until about 12 o'clock, cavalry occasionally appearing in their front in small parties, which were driven off with shot and shell from the battery, after which they fell back about one-half mile, near their camp, and remained there until they surrendered.

15th. That the estimated number of troops at the post was about 1,040; that of the enemy 2,600. Upon which statement of facts the court give the following opinion:

“We therefore are of the opinion from the evidence that Brig. Gen. T. T. Crittenden did all that should be expected of a vigilant commander from the time he took command until the surrender. We find  no evidence that impugns his skill or courage; on the contrary, he was very active on the day before the attack up to 9 p.m. in obtaining information and placing the post in a proper state of defense. Although it may be said that he should have immediately concentrated his forces and that any delay in so doing was dangerous, yet we find all ample apology for the delay in the facts that he was an entire stranger to the place and country, and that he was assured by Colonel Lester, who had preceded him in the command for two months, that there was no danger of an attack and that no enemy of importance was nearer than Chattanooga.”

All which is published for the information of the army.

II. The general commanding, after a careful examination of the testimony adduced before the court of inquiry, is of opinion that the defeat of our forces under Brig. Gen. T. T. Crittenden at Murfreesborough was chiefly owing to the withdrawal of picket guards from the roads leading to the town during the night and to the separation of the forces at the post; that the post was taken by surprise and the forces overpowered by being attacked in detail, all which would have been provided against had the timely orders of General Crittenden been obeyed.

By command of Major-General Rosecrans:

C. GODDARD,         
Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 16, Part 1 (Serial No. 22), p. 796-8

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Private Charles Wright Wills: September 17, 1861

September 17, 1861.

Well, I've slept half of this day and feel sleepy yet. I had a tough time on picket last night. We were divided into four squads and owing to the small number of men we had out (only 50) the corporals had to stand guard as privates; so I had all the stationing of reliefs to do myself and did not get a minute's sleep all night. We were not troubled any by the enemy but the mosquitoes and fleas gave us the devil.

A coon came sliding down the tree Sam Nutt was stationed under, and he thought he was taken sure. The people here say that there are lots of bears and tiger cats killed here every winter. Sam has been to Cairo to-day and says that Keef, Fred Norcott and Cooper are all much better. There is a rumor now that our right is going to Virginia, but I don't believe it. It is too good to be true. Our cook has been sick for several days and we have been just about half living on account of our being too lazy to cook. I don't mean to be disrespectful when I say I was about as glad to see him cooking again this morning, as I would be to see you. He is a splendid nigger, seems to think the world of us boys. He buys a great many little things for us with his own money, which as we are all out, is a good institution. We are to get our pay next week the officers say. My pay is some $18 or $20 a month now. I am entitled to a straight sword now, but as I have to carry a musket also, I'll trade it off for gingerbread if they'll let me, and if they won't I'll lose it sure for I have enough to carry without it. I can hear the tattoo now before the colonel's quarters at the other end of the camp and our boys are singing, “Home Again” as they lie around me in our tent. I thank goodness that none of them get homesick like some do that I know in our right. I do despise these whiners. I expect (I have just this instant heard that they have been fighting in Washington for the last 24 hours. Now I'll finish the sentence I had commenced) to be with those I love in eight months if the expected battle in Washington results favorably for our country, if not, do not look for me for three years. If they whip us again there I want to fight the rest of my life if necessary, and die before we recognize them as anything but Rebels and traitors who must be humbled. I don't believe yet awhile the news but I kind o' feel it all through me that there is a battle more to be recorded and that we are the victors. All that we have heard is that they are fighting. Colonel Turchin's 19th left Cairo last night for the east somewhere. We are rapidly learning to appropriate and confiscate. On our last scout one of our boys rode a stray horse back and another came in with a female jackass and her child. Chickens are very scarce here now and the natives complain that sweet potato hills have turned into holes since we have been here. Our mess have this p. m. confiscated the roof of a man's barn to cover our cook house with.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 31-2

Friday, March 9, 2012

St. Louis News.

ST. LOUIS. – Feb. 20. – Dispatches were received to-day to hurry repairs on the gun boat Lexington, and intimating that the evacuation of Columbus was the cause for the extra haste.

It appears that after all, very few wounded from the Fort Donelson fight will come here.  The Sanitary Commission sends its President, James E. Yeatmen, down the river this evening with extra hospital supplies, contributed under a supposition that the wounded were coming here early this morning.

The Steamers White Could, Empress and Emma Duncan, arrived here with three thousand prisoners from Ft. Donelson.  They landed at Bloody Island and leave immediately for Indianapolis and Chicago.  They came under guard of the 20th Ohio and the 19th Illinois.  They are a shabby lot of prisoners, no better clothed than the butternut prisoners who have been taken in Missouri.

The following named prisoners of war arrived last night by the Pacific Railroad from Sedalia in custody of Capt. Thompkin’s 8th Iowa Infantry: Brigadier General Price, Col, Dorsey, Col. Cross and Captain Jude, of Maj. Gen. Price’s staff; also C. J. Cunningham, Stephen F. Roberts, L. D. Sloss, Daniel C. Rodman, Harman Smith, Franklin Motz, Wm. Ranney, H. A. Massey, and O. J. Ross.

Gen. Halleck has commuted the sentence of the bridge burners, and ordered as follows: – In consideration of recent victories won by Federal forces and of rapidly increasing loyalty of the citizens of Missouri who for a time forgot their duty to their flag and country, sentence of J. O. Tompkins, W. Forshey, J. Patton, T. M. Smith, S. Scott, G. H. Cunningham, P. B Crowder and G. M. Pulliam, heretofore condemned to death, to be provisionally mitigated to close confinement in the military prison at Alton.  If rebel spies again destroy Railroad bridges and telegraph lines and thus render it necessary for us to make severe examples, the original sentences against these men will be carried into execution.

No further assessments will be levied or collected from any one who will now take the prescribed oath of allegiance.

Boards of Commissioners will be appointed to examine cases of prisoners of war who apply to take the oath of allegiance, and on their recommendation orders will be issued from these headquarters for their release.

A letter from Lexington reports the 2d battalion of the 2nd Iowa cavalry, Col. Botly, and the 7th Missouri regiment of infantry, quietly stationed there.

Three companies of the Missouri 7th, on the march from Warrenton, overtook some rebels en route for Price and in the chase ensuing shot one of them, whereupon the rest surrendered.  One prisoner is a notorious character named Hill, who robbed  some of Mulligan’s men after the surrender of Lexington.

Letters from Springfield state that refugee families are returning.

Gen. Ed. Price and the rebel Colonels captured at Warsaw by a detachment of the 1st Iowa Cavalry, under Capt. Thompson, and Co. A, of the 8th Iowa Infantry.  Gen. Price walked around to-day on parole.  All the others left for Alton.

The Mississippi prisoners to-day were told that they were going to Lincoln’s Wigwam at Chicago, which incensed them highly, though hundreds were glad to hear of it.  Some of the prisoners deny that over 3,000 prisoners were captured.  Considerable trading took place at the steamboat landing in Confederate scrip and shinplasters.

Col. Fitz Henry Warren of the 1st Iowa Cavalry, who was under arrest, has been released, and resumed command of the Regiment.  Charges frivolous as they were, have been denied by every officer of the command, and the Major who made them has been requested to resign.

The rebel Surgeons captured by Gen.’s Sigel and Curits below Springfield, have been allowed their liberty in accordance with Gen. Halleck’s orders proposing to exempt Surgeons from the ordinary penalties of prisoners of war.

A tug boat has gone to Cairo, to tow the Essex to this point.  He is to be lengthened fifty feet, and her boiler dropped below the waterline. – Preparations are making to expedite matters as fast as possible.

A report was brought to head-quarters by a pretended refugee, who escaped from Columbus Tuesday night and reached Cape Girardeau yesterday morning, to the effect that Columbus and not been evacuated.

The 22d Missouri Infantry left for the seat of war to-day.

A mule dealer named Deith, was arrested to-day for defrauding the Government.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Friday, July 1, 2011

Alonzo Luce


G. A. R.


ALONZO LUCE

Died Mar. 3, 1905

Aged
66 y. 10 m. 20 d.

Co. B 19 Ill. Inft.



Sanders Cemetery
Doyle Township, Clarke County, Iowa

Monday, June 20, 2011

19th Illinois Infantry Monument: Chickamauga National Battlefield


ILLINOIS
19TH INFANTRY.
2ND BRIGADE – STANLEY.
2ND DIVISION – NEGLEY.
14TH ARMY CORPS – THOMAS.



Commanded By
Lt. Col. – Alexander W. Raffen

Sept. 20 – 1863.
12 M. to 7 P. M.
Loss 71.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Obituary of Alonzo Luce

Alonzo Luce was born in Penobscot County, Maine, April 13, 1838 and died at his late residence in Clarke County, Iowa, March 3, 1905 of diabetes with which he had been afflicted a number of years. When a youth he moved west with his parents coming to Illinois in 1854. Here he grew to manhood and was united in marriage to Catherine Finley Miller, December 22, 1864. To them as parents eight children were given, five sons and three daughters. One daughter died in infancy while the seven still living were all present at their father's funeral.

The deceased enlisted in Co. B. 19th Illinois Infantry, serving his country as a brave, valiant soldier till honorably discharged July 9, 1864. After the close of the war he came to Iowa, Clarke County, settling on the farm where he spent the remainder of his life.

Brother Luce professed faith in Christ as his Savior and with his wife went into the Science Hill Baptist church as constituent members. Here he was a quiet peaceable member till the summons came calling him to rest. His life has been a living epistle, known and read of all men. He was an affectionate husband, a kind father, a true soldier, and obliging neighbor, and unfailing friend. He has fought a good fight, finished his course, kept the faith and is expecting the crown.

The funeral occurred on Sunday, March 5, at the Taylor school house and was largely attended. Services being conducted by Rev. F. Edwards of Osceola. Bro. Luce was a member of the Wm. Dufer Post, No. 297, located at Murray and was laid to rest in the Sanders Cemetery under the impressive ritualistic services of this order to await the resurrection of the just at the last day. The companion and her children have the sympathy of a large circle of ardent and kind friends. May the kind father of mercies sustain and comfort them. F. E.

- Published in The Osceola Democrat, Osceola, Iowa, March 9, 1905, page 1

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Alonzo Luce, Private, Co. B, 19th Illinois Infantry - Compiled Service Record

Alonzo Luce, Pvt, Capt. Stuarts Co., 19 Reg’t Illinios Inf. Age 23 years. Appears on Company Muster-in Roll of the organization named above. Roll Dated Chicago Ill. June 17, 1861. Muster-in to date June 17, 1861. Joined for duty and enrolled: When: June 17, 1861. Where: Chicago. Period: 3 years.

Alonzo Luce, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg Illinois Infantry. Company Muster Roll for June 12 to Aug 31, 1861. Joined for duty and enrolled: When: June 12, 1861. Where: Stark Co., Ill. Period: 3 years. Present or absent: Not stated.

Sep & Oct, 1861, Not stated.

Dec 31, 1861, Not stated.

Dec 31/61 to May 31, 1862, Not stated.

May 31 to Aug 31, 1862, Present.

Aug 31 to Dec 31, 1862, Present.

Jan & Feb, 1863, Absent. Absent sice at Nasville Tenn since Jany 1/63

Apr 10, 1863, Special Muster Roll, Absent. Absent sick Nasville Tenn since Jany 1/63

Mch & Apr, 1863, Absent. Absent sick Nashville Tenn Jan 1/63

May & June, 1863, Present.

July & Aug, 1863, Absent. Sick in field Hosp at Cowan Station Tenn since Aug 13/63.

Sept & Oct, 1863, Absent. Sick in Gen Field Hosp at Cowan Station Tenn since Aug 13/63

Nov & Dec, 1863, Absent. Sick in Gen F Hosp Cowan Station Tenn since Aug 13/63

Jan & Feb, 1864, Absent. Sice in Gen Hosp. #1 Nashville Tenn since Aug 1863

Mar & Apr, 1864, Absent. Sice in Gen. Hospital No. 1 Nashville since Aug 18 ‘63

Alonzo Luce, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Infatnry. Age 23 Years. Appears on Co. Muster-out Roll, dated Chicago Ill. July 9, 1864. Clothing acct: Due soldier $22.76. Bounty paid $___; due $100.00

This organization subsequently became Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ill. Inf.

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted all muster rolls are Company Muster Rolls.

Alonzo Luce, Private, Co. B, 19th Illinois Infantry - Medical Records

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Catarrhus. Admitted Oct 14, 1862 to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 89

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Febris Int. Admitted Oct 17, 1862 to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 90

Alonzo Luce, Rank Pt. Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Regemental Hospital 19th Illinois Infantry. From Oct 17 to 21 (20 yrs. 21). Prescription Book, Ill. Reg’t Reg. No. 272

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Catarrhus. Admitted to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 100

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Bronchitis Acuta. Admitted Dec 22, 1862 to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 105

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Diarrhorea Acuta. Admitted Jun 11, 1863, to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 124

Alonzo Luce, Rank, p; Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ill. Complaint, Diarrhorea. Admitted Dec 28 1862 to No. 1 (New), U.S.A. , Gen’l Hosp. Returned to duty June 3, 1863. Tenn. Reg. No. 27; Hos. No. 526

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. F, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Febris Intermitteus. Admitted July 11, 1863 to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Sent to G. H. Aug 11, 1863. Remarks: Field Hospital Cowan. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 127

Alonzo Luce, Rank, P; Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ill. Complaint Ch Diarrhorea. Admitted Aug 26 1863 to No. 13, U.S.A. Gen’l Hospital, Nashville, Tenn. Sent to G. H. Sept 7 1863. Remarks: Ward 6. Tenn Reg. No. 181; Page 28

Alonzo Luce, Rank P; Co. B 19 Reg’t Ills. Inf. Admitted Sept. 28, 1863, to No. 1, U.S.A. Gen’l Hosp. Nasville, Tenn from Convalescent Camp for Duty in Hospt. Admitted Sept. 28, 1863 to No 1 (new), U.S.A. Gen’l Hosp. Nashville, Tenn. Remarks: Detailed for Duty in Hospt. Sep. 25/63. Tenn. Reg. No. 27; Hos. No. 2698

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pr; Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ill. Admitted Sept 28, 1863 to No. 1, U.S.A., Gen’l Hosp, Nashville, Tenn. Ret’d to duty May 14, 1864. Tenn Reg. No. 31; Hos. No 887

Alonzo Luce, Rank P; Co B, 19 Reg’t Ills. Inf. Admitted Sept 28, 1863 to No. 1, U.S.A. Gen’l Hosp, Nashville, Tenn. From Conv. Camp. Diagnosis Chronic Diarrhorea. Ret’d to Duty May 14, 1864. Tenn Reg. No. 35; Hos. No 887 Page 9

Alonzo Luce, Rank Pvt., Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ills. Admitted May 7, 1864 to U.S.A. Gen’l Hosp. Chattanooga, Tenn. From Field. Diagnosis Remittent Fever. Remarks: Age 24. Tenn. Reg. No. 393. Hos. No 4143

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pr.; Co. B, 19 Ret’t Ill. Complaint, Remittent Fever. Admitted May 30 1864 to U.S.A. No 1 Genl Hosp., Nashville, Tenn. Returned to duty June 13 1864. Tenn. Reg. No 31; Hos. No. 6211

Alonzo Luce, Rank, p; Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ill’s. Admitted May 30, 1864 to No. 1, U.S.A.. Gen’l Hosp. Nashville, Tenn. From. G. H. Chattanooga. Diagnosis, Remittent fever. Ret’d to duty June 13, 1864. Ten Reg. No. 30 Hos. No.; 6211, Page 152

SOURCE: National Archives & Records Administration, Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

From Washington

Com. Dupont reports to the Department, under date of April 14th, that the ship Emily St. Pierre of Charleston, from Calcutta, was captured on the 18th ult. by the blockading squadron, she was sent to Philadelphia for adjudication.

The English sloops Caynel, of Nashua, N.P., was captured by the Susquehannah on the morning of the 3d, about two miles from the Charleston bar. She had cargo suitable for, and in great demand at the Southern port, she was also sent to Philadelphia for adjudication.

Another schooner was run ashore by the blockading vessels on Sullivan’s Island where she now remains a wreck.

The following dispatches have been received by the Secretary of War, dated Nashville, Tennessee: “On Saturday morning two expeditions were started for Huntsville on the cars. One under Col. Sill of the 23d Ohio, went east to Stevens, the junction of the Chattanooga and Memphis & Charleston Railroads, which point they seized, 2,000 of the enemy retreating with out firing a gun. Col. Sill captured five locomotives and a large amount of rolling stock. The other expedition, under Col. Turchin of the 19th Illinois, went west, arriving at Decatur, in time to save the railroad bridge, which was in flames. General Mitchell now holds 100 miles of the Memphis & Charleston RR.”

Mr. Kerrigan voted against the bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, but was left out of the list in telegraphing.


Tribune’s Special.

The bill emancipating slaves in the District of Columbia was laid before the president at 4 o’clock this evening.


Special to the World.

An officer of the 79th N.Y. reports that four of Gen. Banks’ men have been found tied to a tried with their heads shot off. Not credited.


WASHINGTON, April 14.

The president, to-day, in response to a resolution of the House transmitted voluminous documents, relating all the correspondence which has taken place since June last, relative to the affairs of Mexico. From a hasty glance at their contents, it appears that on the 3d of that month, Mr. Seward in writing to Mr. Corwin, informs him that intelligence wearing an air of authenticity, a design exists on the part of the insurgents of this country to gain possession of Lower California; and that the President expects him to exercise his best judgment, not only to thwart this scheme, but prevent Rebel armed vessels from finding shelter in Mexican ports, and from carrying arms through the territory of the Republic.

The defense of the Mexican sovereignty is urged upon the attention of that Government, and the declaration made that the United States does not desire to acquire any part of Mexico. On the 9th of June Mr. Corwin informed Mr. Seward that it had been his constant endeavor since his arrival at the City of Mexico, to possess the Mexican mind of the true cause of our difficulties, and thus enable them to estimate the danger which would result for any unfavorable termination of them. He was quite sure that while the Mexican government would endeavor to procure peaceful relations with all European Powers on fair terms, it regarded the United States it true and only reliable friend in any struggle which might involve its national existence.

Toward the close of July Mr. Corwin, in the course of his dispatch, incidentally remarks that Europe is quite willing to see us humbled and will not fail to take advantage of our embarrassments to execute purposes of which she would not have dreamed, had we remained at peace. This was said with reference to the joint intervention of England, France and Spain in the affairs of Mexico.

Mr. Seward, in writing to Mr. Corwin on the Sept. 2d, assures him that the president greatly desired that the political status of Mexico, as an independent nation, should be permanently maintained; and in December, after speaking of the joint intervention, states that the Govt. could not consent to his returning from Mexico, as desired.

– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862, p. 1

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

19th Illinois Infantry

Four Chicago Companies mustered into State service at Camp Yates May 4, 1861. Regiment organized at Chicago, Ill., and mustered in June 17, 1861. Moved to Quincy, Ill., July 12-13, 1861. Thence to Palmyra, Mo., July 14, and guard Hannibal and St. Jo. R. R. from Quincy to Palmyra and between Palmyra and Hannibal till July 27. Moved to Hannibal, thence to St. Louis, Mo., and to Bird's Point and Norfolk, Mo., and duty at Norfolk till August 14. Moved to Ironton, Mo., August 14. Attached to Department of Missouri to September, 1861. Dept. of Kentucky to October, 1861. Elizabethtown, Ky., Dept. of the Cumberland, to November, 1861. 8th Brigade, Army of the Ohio, to December, 1861. 8th Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of the Ohio, to July, 1862. Unattached R. R. Guard, Army of the Ohio, to September, 1862. 29th Brigade, 8th Division, Army of the Ohio, to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Centre 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to January, 1863, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 14th Army Corps, to October, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps, October, 1863. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 14th Army Corps, to July, 1864.

SERVICE.--Prentiss' Expedition toward Dallas and Jackson, Mo., August 29-September 8, 1861. Moved to Cape Girardeau, Fort Holt, Ky., and Elliott's Mills, thence moved to Cairo, Ill., September 16, under orders for Washington, D.C. While en route East, September 17, via Ohio & Mississippi R. R., bridge No. 48, over Beaver Creek, 30 miles west of Cincinnati, Ohio, broke through, precipitating six passenger coaches a distance of 60 feet, killing and wounding 129 of the Regiment. At Camp Dennison, Ohio, till September 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., September 24-25, thence to Lebanon, Ky., September 25, and duty there till October 22. Moved to Elizabethtown, Ky., October 22, and duty there and at Bacon Creek till February 10, 1862. Advance on Bowling Green, Ky., February 10-15. Occupation of Bowling Green February 15, thence advance to Nashville, Tenn., February 22-25. Occupation of Nashville February 25 to March 18. Advance to Murfreesboro, Tenn., March 18, thence to Shelbyville, Tullahoma and McMinnville March 25-28. Advance on Huntsville, Ala., via Fayetteville April 4-11. Occupation of Huntsville April 11. Advance on and capture of Decatur and Tuscumbia, Ala., April 11-14. Action at Tuscumbia April 24. Athens May 13. At Huntsville till May 26. Moved to Fayetteville May 26-June 2. Negley's Expedition to Chattanooga, Tenn., June 2-10. Chattanooga June 7-8. Expedition to Larkinsville and Stevenson, Ala., June 14-20. Winchester June 16. Guard R. R. and bridges from Huntsville to Decatur till August. Richland Creek, near Pulaski, August 27. Retreat to Nashville, Tenn., August 27-29. Siege of Nashville September 5-November 6. Repulse of Forest's attack on Edgefield November 5. At Nashville till December 26. Advance on Murfreesboro, Tenn., December 26-30. Battle of Stone River December 30-31, 1862, and January 1-3, 1863. At Murfreesboro till June. Middle Tennessee (or Tullahoma Campaign) June 24-July 7. Occupation of Middle Tennessee till August 16. Passage of Cumberland Mountains and Tennessee River and Chickamauga, Ga., Campaign August 16-September 22. Davis' Cross Roads, Ga., September 11. Battle of Chickamauga, Ga., September 18-21. Rossville Gap September 21. Siege of Chattanooga September 24-November 23. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Orchard Knob November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. Pursuit to Ringgold, Ga., November 26-27. Pea Vine Valley and Graysville November 26. At Chattanooga till February 22, 1864. Demonstration on Dalton, Ga., February 22-27. Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost Gap and Rocky Faced Ridge February 23-25. At Graysville till May 3. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 3-June 8. Demonstration on Rocky Faced Ridge May 8-11. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Kingston May 18-19. Advance on Dallas May 22-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. At Ackworth, Ga., till June 8. Moved to Chicago June 8-17. Mustered out July 9, 1864; expiration of term.

Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 60 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 4 Officers and 101 Enlisted men by disease. Total 169.

SOURCE: Dyer , Frederick H., A Compendium Of The War Of The Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1052-3

Friday, January 2, 2009

Army Correspondence

A friend in Elmira has given us permission to publish the following letter from Captain Murchison of the 19th Illinois. It was not intended for publication, but its subject matter is just as good as if it had been.

Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 8, 1863

My Dear Friend:– Yours of March 21st was received day before yesterday, very glad to hear from you once more. I can assure you it is one of the greatest pleasures he have to hear from friends at home. In fact, it is the greatest we have except when we hear of the rebels being whipped at some point or other.

At this place, there is nothing going on worthy of note. Things seem to be generally quiet. It would do you good to see our camp at his place. The whole country looks like one vast city. It would be rather a hot place for the rebels were they to come among us at the present time. We are looking anxiously for news from Vicksburg. As for us I can see our prospects are brighter at the present time than they have been since the breaking out of the rebellion. One thing is certain, the suffering of the southern people is terrible, and becoming worse every day. I believe were it not for fear of their lives, more than half of the rebel army would lay down their arms in twenty-four hours but so desperate are their leaders that anything like desertion would meet with instant death. By no other means would they hold their army together for [a] week. It is now stated on good authority that Jeff Davis has ordered put to death between [3 and 5,000] men, besides many that have been shot without trial or sentence, for straggling. Besides there is one thing more that held them together: that is, our northern copperheads. I verily believe that some of them would glory in the downfall of our glorious country, as much as Jeff. Davis himself. I came to that conclusion from letters they sometimes send to those who are so nobly battling for their country. (a copy of one you will find enclosed.) I think the soldiers in the field are as well posted as to what the President is doing as those traitors, and perhaps better. If they knew the contempt with which the boys received such letters they would tremble in their boots. They seem to forget that some day soon some of the soldiers at least will return to their homes; also that they are quite as bitter against traitors in the rear as in front. To meet the latter, they left their homes, and in doing so they did not think they were leaving those behind who would rise up and stab them in the back. The boys know very well that for more than a year they were engaged more or less guarding rebel property. All the time they were thus employed, the negroes were planting and reaping corn to feed the rebel army, while their masters were engaged in the cowardly business of bushwhacking. They are also aware that as long as the enemy have their slaves to work for them, just so long will they trouble us more or less. It is certain that the soldiers are bound to support the President in his efforts to crush the rebellion and they despise all those who are opposing every war measure to put down the rebellion.

The enclosed letter was received by one of my boys from Mr. ___, one of our neighbors. If you would like to know how the boys receive such letters I will tell you. – Why, Sir, when one of them come into camp it is not long in passing through the whole company. The general cry is “I will soldier it my lifetime rather to submit to such traitors.”

But I must close. From Your Sincere Friend;

A. Murchison.

(Verbatim Copy)

“As you requested me to tell you how the people feel about the conscription act, I will tell you as far as I know. In the first place, it gives the president the power to do as he [illegible] about: calling out the militia if he pleases; he can call out every democrat and not take one Republican, and it gives him more power than any other President has ever had. This you will admit is not right and in doing so it violates the Constitution. Abe Lincoln and his Cabinet have repeatedly violated the Constitution and this war which was commenced for the purpose of putting down the rebellion has changed to a war on slavery. The white soldier has to be sacrificed for the niger; he is left to starve or go half naked while the niger is set free, clothed and fed on what should be given to the poor soldier. I do not wonder that you have heard of those things the abolitionists have taken good care to keep this from the Soldierly. If the Soldiers knew how they had been imposed upon they could not have heart to fight as well as they do.

You must forgive me if I have been too harsh, but when I see the rights of myself and my countrymen trampled upon it makes me feel wolfish it make me feel that it is time to do something for the defense of our rights the Sneaking abolutionists are holding secret meetings all around, this is one sign that they are not trying to do much good for their country they will have to commence the fus and if there is one it will be a dreadful one. The Copperheads as they call them are made of good Stuff and they will find it out if they try them once they are not so easy scared as they think for.

I hope these things will never be But if they do you will find me with those who stand up for the defense of our rights be they many or few. But they will not be few, there is thousands of them. There is much more that I could say but I have perhaps said enough. I do not wish to discourage you.” –

This imp wishes to know in return how the soldiers feel about it. I would say to him, he had better keep out of their way; that is just how they feel towards all traitors, especially home traitors.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, April 23, 1863

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

In Camp Near Murfreesboro, Tenn.,

Feb. 18, 1863

Mr. Editor:– About two months ago I left camp Hamilton five miles from Nashville, and directed my steps toward the noble state of Illinois, for the purpose of visiting my friends in Toulon. I remained at home about four weeks. And now Mr. Editor, I wish, through the columns of your paper to communicate a few thoughts in reference to a class of men in the north commonly called “Copperheads,” whose main object is to oppose the Administration and the President in everything they do for the suppression of the rebellion, and to discourage the soldiers now in the field.

I noticed, while in Toulon, that there was quite a number of this class of men in that place, several of whom advised me not to return to my regiment, giving as a reason that the war was being carried on a different principle from what it had been formerly. I, myself, own that the war is now being carried on different from what it was six months ago, for the Government now seems to be in greater earnest in putting down the rebellion that it was at that time. But they – the “copperheads,” – pretend to say that it is just the opposite; that the President is doing his best to destroy the Constitution and the Union. Now, what is the opinion of the soldiers in regard to this class of men? Why, they consider them black hearted traitors who ought to be strung by the neck without mercy, for advocating the doctrines they do, and we will give them the proof of this, if some of them will only come down here and give it out that they belong to the “Copperhead” school. If the [soldiers] are tired of war they will not listen to such doctrines for closing it as are being advocated by those traitors in the north. We would all be glad to see the war ended, but not by dishonorable peace propositions; rather than this, we would see the war last ten years if necessary. These northern traitors complain of suffering in consequence of the war. I wonder what their sufferings are compared to the thousands who are now bearing arms in the defense of the Union. Comparatively nothing! But yet they are willing to concede everything to the South for the purpose of ending the war, honorable or dishonorable while the soldiers – the greatest sufferers – treat with disdain any such proceedings. – I was a little surprised to find in Toulon, men who would advise (as some of them did me) soldiers to desert the army; but such is the case, disgraceful though it is.

I have written these few lines, Mr. Editor, to let my friends know my opinion as regards to the prosecution of the war, having heard that some few there reported that I belonged to the “Copperhead” school, you can publish this if you think proper, and oblige your humble servant.

F. H. Whitaker

– Published in the Stark County News, Thursday, February 28, 1863

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Welcome Home

Fred Whitaker, of Co. B, 19th Ill., Is now at home on a short furlough, looking as “fat and saucy” as if he had never been on half rations of “army shingles.” W. T. Hall of Co. B., 33d Ill., has been home several days on recruiting service. He looks well also.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, January 1, 1863

Saturday, August 30, 2008

The Luce Brothers


Sons of William S. & Huldah (Rogers) Luce

Alonzo Luce, William S. Luce
Samuel M. Luce, Isaac D. Luce, and Richard R. Luce
Alonzo Luce – Company B, 19th Illionios Infantry: enlisted June 12, 1861. He was mustered in 5 days later at Chicago, Illinios and was there mustered out July 9, 1864.

Richard Rogers Luce – Company E, 93rd Illinois Infantry: enlisted August 13, 1862 at Tiskilwa, Illinois, where he was mustered in two days later. He was mustered out on June 23, 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky.

William S. Luce – Company K, 9th Illinois Cavalry : enlisted October 17, 1861 at Princeton, Illinois and was mustered in on October 26, 1861 at Chicago, Illinois. He was wounded at during an engagement at the Waddell Farm in Jackson County, Arkansas on June 12, 1862 and was mustered out on Decemer 10, 1864 at Nasvhille, Tennessee.

Isaac D. Luce - Company B, of the 112th Illinois Infantry: enlisted & mustered in on March 13, 1865 at Peoria, Illinois. He was transferred to Company F, 65th Illinois Infantry on June 19, 1865. He was mustered out on July 13, 1865,

Also pictured is the youngest brother, Samuel M. Luce, however he was too young to see military service during the Civil War.