This morning we move
on our way to Corinth; we get back to camp about nine o'clock, after a
fruitless scout. The four hundred rebels made good their escape across the
Tennessee with all their spoils.
After eating our
scanty breakfast of hard-tack and coffee, the bugle is sounded and we saddle up
and are on our way, taking the road towards Adamsville via Shiloh
and Crump's Landing; about nine o'clock we pass a portion of the great
battle-field of Shiloh, the place where the gallant General Prentiss stood so
long fighting as it were against hope. A melancholy stillness pervades the
whole command while passing this great battle field, for we remember that
comrades sleep here. Oh! how vividly the day, the hour, the evening, comes to
our minds when we saw them fall in the fierce struggle for the mastery. As we
emerge from the dreary wilderness, where so many Union warriors lie sleeping,
we are wont to say in the language of Tom Moore:
At noon we arrive at
Adamsville, but no rebels are found; i. e. hostile ones. Everything seems
quiet. We halt, feed, and eat our dinners. War has also made its mark here.
From appearances this has been in former times a thriving little village; but
alas! how different now. Three o'clock, we pass through Purdy and move on
towards Corinth; we halt on Gravel Hill and go into camp for the night. The
boys soon sally forth, and after being gone awhile return with plenty of oats
and roasting-ears, upon which the mules and men make their supper.
This morning we
proceed on our way, and arrive in camp at Corinth about noon, much disappointed
in not finding any rebels, the design of the expedition being to cut off
Colonel Biffle and Forrest who were retreating from Colonels Hatch and
Phillips. But like somebody else, we were one day too late.
SOURCE: Daniel Leib
Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
p. 180
During the time we
remain in camp, all seems monotonous and dull, scarcely anything happening to
relieve it. Every day the boys are seen wending their way out of camp to gather
blackberries, which are very plentiful around Corinth.
SOURCE: Daniel Leib
Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
p. 180
To-day the regiment is ordered to prepare to move from Corinth with camp and garrison equipage. In the afternoon Companies E, B and C, proceed by rail to Henderson, Tennessee, a station on the Mobile and Ohio railroad. In the evening the remaining companies load their camp and garrison equipage on the cars, ready to start in the morning for Bethel, Tennesssee, on the same road, four miles above Henderson towards Corinth. The news comes to-night that Hooker has re-crossed the Rappahannock; that Stoneman has been driven back, and that yet the rebel government holds sway in Richmond. So much for rumor. Hooker is dropped now and the acclamations of the Seventh are confined to “Burnside and No. 38," and for the arrest of Vallandigham.
This morning we take the train for Bethel, and in about one hour we arrive at this outpost and are conducted to the barracks lately vacated by the Forty-third Ohio. We find the Seventh Iowa stationed here, who very cordially welcome the Seventh Illinois as their “Brother Crampers.” The two Sevenths soon come to a mutual conclusion that they can run this part of the line and impart general satisfaction to all concerned. It is said that smiles are not wanting for the “vandals” in these parts. In the afternoon the regiment is paraded to receive Adjutant General Thomas, who is expected to arrive on the afternoon train. After his arrival and reception by the troops, he addresses us for a short time upon the issues growing out of the emancipation proclamation, and then proceeds on his way towards Corinth.
We remain at Bethel from the fourteenth of May until June 7th, 1863. The Seventh will long remember Bethel and Henderson, Tennessee. How they stood picket; how they patroled the railroad; how they drilled; how they run the lines and sallied forth into the country; how they mingled with the chivalry and partook of their hospitality; how they sat down and talked with the beautiful, and how they listened to their music, “Bonnie Blue Flag” and “Belmont;" how the citizens flocked to our lines; how the boys traded “Scotch snuff” to the gentle ones for chickens, butter and eggs. Yes, Bethel and Henderson will long live on memory's page.
The work of evacuating the Mobile and Ohio Railroad is now going on. Having been ordered to move again with camp and garrison equipage, we this morning long before it is light, take the train for Corinth. The Twelfth Illinois having been ordered to Pocahontas, Tennessee, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, our regiment is quartered in their barracks. The Twelfth had things arranged in style, so that everything presents a good appearance; the locality is fine, having a beautiful view of the romantic looking Corinth, and the battle field of October 4th, 1862.
This morning companies F, G, H, I and K, mounted and equipped, under the command of Colonel Rowett leave Corinth. We move out on the Purdy road; our mules travel finely; at noon we halt and feed our mules out of a rebel wheat field, after which we pass on through Purdy. This town shows marks of change since we last passed through it. War's scourge has been felt here; some of the finest mansions have been laid in ruins, which is the legitimate vengeance of the loyal Tennessee cavalry. Passing on some miles farther, we are informed by our guide, Captain Aldridge, a loyal Tennesseean, that we are now two miles from Colonel Horton's, one of the guerrilla leaders of West Tennessee, and that in all probability he is now at home; therefore, Colonel Rowett, with an intent if possible to capture him, makes a disposition of the companies, directing them to file around in different directions and surround his house. The house is circumvented, but no Horton can be found. It is night now, and we go into camp on the plantation; a descent is made upon the corn pens, and also on the garden and chickens. These proceedings, of course, embitter the family against the soldiers. The old lady's ever ready weapon is soon plying; she talks bitterly, using the words "vandals," "ruffians,” and “black abolitionists,” freely. Finding that her invective tongue proves powerless, she gathers a hoe, attacks the men, and of course drives them from the yard ; then commences on the mules tied to the yard fence and after beating them awhile and seeing Colonel Rowett passing through the yard, she makes an assault upon him, attacking him simultaneously with her hoe and wrathful invectives. “You the leader of these vandals, clear out of my yard.” The affable Colonel soon succeeded in quieting her, and we believe he succeeded in persuading the old lady to give him his supper. After the camp fires had gone out, a company of volunteers, under the command of Captain Clark, of Company D, are sent out, and guided by Captain Aldridge, they visit every guerrilla house in the country and succeed in capturing a Captain from Bragg's army.
GENERAL: Your idea of
massing as many troops as possible at the important bridges in the case of an
attack is right. If it should become necessary, you can go further, and hold
only Memphis and Corinth. As much of the railroad should be held as possible,
however.
The troops from
Bragg's Army that are threatening you, are probably [doing] it to cover a
further movement from his army to re-enforce Johnston. I have information that
Johnston expects 10,000 men from there in a few days. There is scarcely a
shadow of doubt but I will be attacked by next Wednesday or Thursday, unless
Vicksburg should fall in the mean time.
It will be
impossible for me to send troops from here in the mean time. Should I learn
that Johnston was moving off, I will send all my surplus force to counteract
his movements, whether it be to East or West Tennessee. Should more troops
become absolutely necessary for the maintenance of your position before I can
send them, telegraph immediately to the General-in-Chief for them.
In anticipation of the great battle to be fought, at or near Corrinth [sic], under Gen. Halleck, in which there will be two full companies, and many other soldiers scattered thro’ the different regiments, from this County, the undersigned would respectfully urge the necessity of immediate action by those who are disposed to donate any thing for the aid and comfort of those who may be wounded, in the shape of Money, Shirts, Drawers, Bed Ticks, Sheets, Pillow Cases, Lint, Bandages, Jellies, Dried Fruit, Wines, &c., in fact every thing that will add to the comfort of our wounded. We trust all will feel the necessity of immediate action and move with energy. The Attention of Sanitary Committees is respectfully called to the above; and it is hoped that the people will once more liberally respond to the demands of patriotism and humanity.
— Published in the Stark County
Union, Toulon, Illinois, Friday, April 25, 1862, p. 2
This morning the order is to take the backward track to Corinth. As our supplies are running short the command is now on half rations. The Seventh Illinois and Second Iowa cross Town Creek and join the Division and soon we are moving. The weather is now very warm, and the roads being rocky and rough, the marching is severe, and we are compelled to denominate our regiment “the foot sore Seventh." A great many of the men's shoes are about worn out; some are barefooted, and in consequence many are limping; and as the continental army could have been tracked by the blood at Valley Forge, so can this army be tracked by the blood that makes crimson the rocks on the road leading down the Tuscumbia Valley; but on they move and no murmur is heard. How sad it is to know that modern democracy would to-day smile to see these untiring and devoted men fall and perish by the way; and how they would love to dishonor their names and rejoice to see those silken folds trailed ruthlessly in the dust. We discover to-day that General Dodge's object in remaining so long in the valley was to engage the attention of the enemy until Colonel Straight could get started on his great raid into Georgia. He is now far on his way, and we hope he may succeed in carrying the Union's battle flag far into the south-land. War is now making a most terrible sweep down the valley to the right and left; the direful element of fire is doing its devouring work, innocent ones are suffering, suffering because their brothers leaped from the cradle of freedom and struck the mother that gave them birth. Mad, mad men! would to God that they could have been stayed in their wrath, and this desolating scourge averted that is laying low many a once happy southern home. This evening we pass through Tuscumbia and go into camp three miles beyond. The regiment is very tired to night and they soon sink down to rest.
Our brigade is in the advance this morning. Notwithstanding so many are foot sore we march briskly, and arriving at Iuka about noon we halt and wait for the train and the rear to come up. Thousands of freedmen, exiles from bondage, are now following the command. They dream of freedom, and their hopes beat high; they are building castles in the air, but we imagine that they will be disappointed in their ideal of freedom. After the train and the rear come up we proceed to Burnsville, and go into camp, Oh! how weary the soldiers are to night, and no rations, only ten pounds of meal to the company is all we have, and twenty miles from Corinth—things appear somewhat bilious. What mean these shouts from the camps on the surrounding hills, that are now rending the air? We listen, and we hear a train coming up the road from Corinth. It comes loaded with supplies, and all are made to wear a pleasing smile, for now we have plenty to satisfy the cravings of the inner man; and to night for the first time since leaving our camp at Town Creek, we lie down without being too hungry to sleep.
SOURCE: Daniel Leib
Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
p. 158
This morning all are roused up early. The barefooted and footsore men receive transportation on the cars for Corinth, which thins the command considerably. The entire command reaches Corinth about 5 o'clock, and never was the ship wrecked mariner more glad to see land than was the Second Division to see Corinth.
All is quiet this morning; the order is to prepare for muster and inspection. The men are now busy cleaning up their guns and accoutrements. Everything seems to move smoothly along now at Corinth. The news from the north is cheering, from the fact that we are assured that the loyal people are more deeply aroused to the importance of the hour that will tell of the greatest trial through which liberty has passed for centuries.
While sitting here
in my quarters near the once beautiful but now desolate city of Corinth, I have
been thinking of my country's troubles, and of the mad ambition of wicked men
to ride to power over the ruins of the American Union; who are striving to
subvert civil liberty, inaugurate a despotism and shut the gates of mercy upon
down-trodden people. But when I look to the front where the Union armies are
struggling as armies have scarcely ever struggled, struggling for the world's
last and only hope, I feel hopeful, for I know all goes well there; no
political strife troubles them, but all are of one mind, one aim, one faith and
one hope. That mind is for the salvation of the Union—that aim is to transmit
it unimpared to posterity—that faith is that this Union will be saved—saved
from despotism—saved from slavery's black curse. That hope is that Omnipotence
will soon smile upon these fields of blood, and sustain liberty with His heart
and hand—will soon check the tide of war and stay this great sacrifice of human
life, giving to us a peace—a happy, glorious, conquered peace. But when I look
to its rear around the home of my childhood, and behold there so many
comforting, and thereby giving aid to those who are waging the wicked war
against the flag of my country, my heart is made sad, and I am prompted to
exclaim oh! my country! my country! will she live? will she pass safely through
this night of war? will the graves that have been made, the prayers that have
been offered, and the tears that have been shed, be made, offered and shed in
vain? We answer that with a united north the great republic of the west will
live, and the future will see it standing peerless amid the grand galaxy of
nations, fulfilling a destiny that will illumine with its magnificent splendor
the whole world, and shed its blessings of peace and prosperity upon
generations yet unborn.
Loyal people, the
appeal that goes up to you from this southland—that goes up from camp and
grave, from hospital and prison pen, is couched in this language, Oh! stand
firm; do not abandon the Union to the mad men; do not forsake liberty in its
present great trial; do not cast a shade upon our last resting place; be true,
oh! be true to the cause for which we gave our lives a willing sacrifice;
listen not to the hair-splitting technicalities and specious sophistries of corrupt
and unprincipled men. The soldiers have watched and are watching the northern
traitors—their course in Congress is remembered—how they refused support to
those brave men whose life-blood tinted the waters of the Potomac when rebel
guns thundered over the heights of Arlington, sending echoes of treason away to
Washington's tomb. We remember how they have slandered the brave men who died
that this nation might not perish from the earth.
Since our return from the Tuscumbia Valley nothing' of interest has occurred until to day; flaming bulletins are now flying everywhere exciting loud huzzas from the soldiers in and around Corinth. “Richmond fallen,” “Stoneman occupying the city,” “the stars and stripes floating over the ramparts," “Valandigham arrested, &c.” Everything seems perfectly wild to night, and loud acclamations rend the air for Hooker. Bonfires are burning in every direction. The excitement beggars discription. Cheers are heard everywhere for Hooker, Burnside and No. 38; for the arrest of Ohio's arch traitor, the seared and corrupt hearted, sycophant, C. L. Vallandigham. May he be banished and be compelled to go creeping and whining through the back grounds of an English aristocracy, there to be execrated and condemned by all liberty loving people, for the ignoble part he played upon the American stage; and when peace shall have returned to a stricken people, should this traitor leader on the northern line return among America's loyal people, may the widow and the orphan child say, there goes the traitor Vallandigham, who, when our loved and lost were being submerged by war's crimson wave, was standing upon the American Congress floor, saying that he would sooner see them die and the flag go down than vote one dollar for the prosecution of the war. Sad, sad record for one of the republic's sons!
This morning it is very cold, and a fierce north wind is blowing. The Seventh are aroused early, and having last night received marching orders, we are soon in line with three days rations. The Second Iowa takes the advance, the division and post teams follow, the Twenty-ninth Ohio the center, the Seventh Illinois the rear. We go to the Davenport Mills, about twenty miles away to the south-east in the north Mississippi pineries to get lumber. In the evening we load up in order to get an early start in the morning for Corinth. Loaded up, the troops go into camp; soon the camp fires are blazing; pine boards burn briskly. After making our coffee we lie down by the fire to sleep, but no sleep for the soldiers; the wind blows too coldly, and we find it difficult to keep warm, for we burn on one side and freeze on the other.
SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 139-40
Early this morning, long ere it is light, the soldier is up with his can bucket making his coffee—how it refreshes him this cold morning. The light of day is now approaching and is being hailed with a welcome, for the night has been long and weary.
After finishing our breakfast we are ordered into line; and for once since the battle of Corinth, the Seventh takes the advance, the Twenty-seventh the center, and the Second Iowa the rear. We march briskly this morning, it being cold and frosty, and by twelve o'clock being considerably ahead of the train, we are halted long enough to eat our dinner, after which we move on; we find it difficult marching to-day, the roads being frozen. This afternoon the boys soon begin to limp, and some are compelled to drop back to the wagons. We find this country a deserted wilderness, and what few inhabitants we see, starvation seems to stare in the face; famine seems to follow both friend and foe. When within three miles of Corinth, clouds that have been gathering begin to spit snow. Onward the Seventh goes arriving in camp about three o'clock in the midst of a snow storm.
This morning the
boys are compelled to wend their way to the woods to obtain fuel. It remains
extremely cold. Hark! what do we hear? Marching orders with three days rations,
says one. Back to the Davenport Mills, can it be possible? Yes! cries the
orderly, we will start at 1 o'clock. Twenty miles to go to night, and load one
hundred teams with lumber; rather a hard task says one, but we suppose it is
honest. The drums beat; and with our equipments, rations, &c., strapped to
our backs, we move out from Corinth. We are soon joined by the Ninth Illinois
and Sixty-sixth Indiana; the Ninth takes the advance, the Sixty-sixth the
center, and the Seventh the rear. After going a short distance we get into the
wagons and ride; the roads are desperate; but on we go slash! slash! through
the wilderness of pines. Along the road we meet families, men, women and little
children wending their way to Corinth to seek protection under the old flag. We
arrive at the mills at 1 o'clock A. M. After stacking our guns we proceed to
make some coffee, and after drinking it we all lie down to obtain a few hours
of sleep, but soon “rub dub, rub dub” goes the drum, the soldiers give a groan
and then commence railing out upon the drummer for waking them so soon, but
there is no use of whining-up we must get and that “instanter,” as we
are promised the advance back to Corinth. The teams are now all loaded. The
Seventh feel slighted in not being called upon for their services. The teams
are soon moving, the Seventh taking the advance; but before going far we are
halted by the Colonel of the Sixty-sixth Indiana, commanding forces, and
informed that he had promised the Sixty-sixth the advance. Captain Lawyer is
then ordered to march with the Seventh in the center. We move on briskly and
arrive in camp 5 o'clock P. M.
This morning the
boys remain in their bunks unmindful of reveille, showing a determination to
obtain some sleep and rest after the two days, trip to the mills. No news came
with this evening's mail and everything seems quiet and dull in and around
Corinth. During the latter part of this month, (February) nothing of note
occurs, and also during the month of March a dull monotnoy prevails in the camp
of the Seventh, Colonel Babcock having been for some time president of the
Military Commission in session at Corinth, for reasons best known to himself
resigns his colonelcy of the Serenth regiment and leaves the service; and we
all regret to see him leave for he has been to us a good, brave and faithful
officer. The following testimonial from his companions in arms will speak for
itself.
Whereas, Colonel Andrew J. Babcock has resigned his
commission as Colonel of the Seventh regiment of Illinois Infantry Volunteers,
and we the officers and men of the Seventh having been long under his command,
both appreciate his worth and deeply regret his separation from us, therefore
be it
Resolved, That in Colonel A. J. Babcock the state of
Illinois and the army of the United States have lost a brave, competent and
meritorious officer.
Resolved, That we, who have for nearly two years been
associated with him in his duties, in the garrison and in the field, through
many toilsome marches and in the hard fought battles of Donelson and Corinth,
bear witness that he has proved himself a most daring, discreet and loyal
leader; and that in the execution of his office, as well as his personal
bearing, he has won not only the confidence and respect but also the esteem and
affection of all his command.
“Resolved, That
as Colonel Babcock from the first organization of the first regiment of Illinois-from
the opening of the war to the present date, has proved himself before us, as a
commander most efficient—as a man and a brother in arms at once just, genial
and generous, we sincerely hope and trust that his affairs may again permit the
government to avail itself of his invaluable services in the field; and should
such be the case, it will be our highest happiness to be again associated with
him in the service of our common country.
As the Colonel
leaves us we remember those wintry days of battle on the Cumberland hills
before Fort Donelson, and how with the private soldiers he endured the battle's
privations there; and how amid smoke and flame he led the Seventh on to
glorious victory. We also remember how he moved upon Corinth's bloody field and
proved himself a leader true, when darkness and gloom seemed to mantle the
Seventh's brave soldiers. May he on his return to civil life receive tokens of
gratitude from Illinois' grateful people.
