One Hundred and First Infantry. - Col., Charles H. Fox;
Lieut.-Cols., William J. Wyatt, Jesse T. Newman, John B.
Lesage; Majs. Jesse T. Newman, John B. Lesage, Napoleon B.
Brown, Sylvester L. Moore. This regiment was organized at Camp
Duncan, Jacksonville, during the latter part of the month of
Aug., 1862, and on Sept. 2, was formally mustered into the U.S.
service. For about a month after this the regiment remained at
Camp Duncan, engaged in drilling and equipping for the field.
On Oct. 6 marching orders came and it embarked on the cars on
the evening of the 7th and reached Cairo at sunset. There it
remained for over a month doing garrison duty, the interim be-
ing devoted to drill, in which the regiment became so profi-
cient as to win a very fair name. In consequence of the rainy
weather there was a great deal of sickness while at Cairo and a
number of men were discharged or died from disease. On Nov. 26
the regiment left Cairo and proceeded down the river to Colum-
bus, Ky., and thence by rail to Davis, mill, Miss., where it
was assigned to Loomis, brigade, Ross' division, Army of the
Tennessee. On Dec. 20 Holly Springs was captured when Cos. B,
C, E, F, I and the sick men of Co. A were taken prisoners and
paroled. When the town was captured Cos. D, G, H and K which
were stationed along the railroad, fell back to Coldwater where
they fell in with the 19th Ill. and assisted greatly in repel-
ling Van Dorn's attack on that place. In Oct., 1863, the cap-
tured companies having been exchanged and the regiment re-
united, it was temporarily assigned to the 1st brigade, 3d di-
vision, 11th army corps, and started on the march to the front,
arriving on the 28th at Lookout valley, where on the night of
its arrival it participated in the night battle of Wauhatchie,
but by singular good fortune not a man was hurt. On Nov. 22 it
received marching orders and proceeded to Chattanooga, where it
participated in the battle that followed, losing 1 man killed.
During the engagement at Resaca it is said the regiment was or-
dered to take a hill in front of it, which it did in so gallant
a style as to win the admiration of Gen. Hooker, who happened
to be standing near, and who cheered the troops with the en-
couraging shout of "Go in, my Illinois boys." The next after-
noon it was ordered forward and at 4 o'clock was charged by a
Confederate force. Both officers and men of the regiment con-
ducted themselves gallantly and rendered valuable services,
losing 1 man killed, 6 mortally and 40 slightly wounded.
Pressing the Confederates, it again came upon them at Cass-
ville, but did not get into a fight as the enemy left. Again
it followed and got into a hot fight at New Hope Church. After
this the regiment bore an honorable share in the various maneu-
vers around Kennesaw and Pine mountains, losing 1 killed and 5
or 6 wounded. In the battle of Kolb's farm it supported Bat-
tery 1, 1st N. Y., which did signal execution during the fight.
In the engagement at Peachtree creek 5 of the regiment were
killed and 35 wounded. It started on the great march to the
sea and participated in all its glories, its trials and its
triumphs. Whether as advance guard, driving Confederate
cavalry before it, or as rear-guard, pulling wagons out of the
mud, or in corduroying roads over unfathomable mud-holes, the
regiment always did its duty so well as to win high commenda-
tions from its brigade and division commanders. In Jan., 1865,
it crossed the Savannah river and went through the great cam-
paign of the Carolinas, participating in the battles of Averas-
boro and Bentonville with a loss of only 1 man wounded. It
then marched to Washington and participated in the "grand re-
view," after which it went into camp at Bladensburg. On June
7, 1865, it was mustered out and started for Springfield, where
on June 21 it was paid off and disbanded.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 3
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Report of Lieut. Col. John B. Le Sage, One hundred and first Illinois Infantry.
HDQRS. 101ST ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
Atlanta, Ga., September 7, 1864.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the
part taken by the One hundred and first Illinois Volunteers in the
operations of the campaign that has just been so successfully terminated:
On the 2d day of May we broke up our camp near Bridgeport,
Ala., and began our march toward the enemy's position about Dalton,
Ga., and on the evening of the 5th encamped in Pleasant Valley.
On the morning of the 7th we crossed Taylor's Ridge, and
encamped at Anderson Post-Office. At midnight of the 9th we
marched for Snake Creek Gap, where we arrived at noon next day
and encamped. On the afternoon of the 11th we were engaged in preparing
a road through the gap. On the 12th we moved forward
through the gap and encamped about noon. On the 13th moved
out under orders to be ready for action. In the afternoon we moved
forward and took position as part of the reserve. On the 14th we
were in reserve again until about 3 p. m., when we were hurried to
the left, where, about dark, we charged a hill, and took up a position
near the left, from which our brigade had previously driven back the
enemy, who were charging the Fifth Indiana Battery. About noon
of the 15th we were moved forward to a position on the left of the line,
and while there were charged by the enemy, but succeeded in defeating
him, although we lost 1 killed aud 46 wounded, 6 of them
mortally. On the morning of the 16th, the enemy having evacuated,
we started in pursuit, and on the 19th came up with him, at Cassville,
Ga. We were formed in line and pushed vigorously forward
to within a short distance of the enemy, when darkness having come
upon us, we halted and built breast-works of rails, only to find them
rendered useless next day by the evacuation during the night of the
enemy. Resting for two days, on the 23d we again started and
pushed forward to Euharlee, on the Etowah River, crossing the
stream and pushing forward next day to Burnt Hickory, and thence,
moving forward on the 25th, toward Dallas, Ga. We were ordered
to move across the country to the assistance of the Second Division,
which had been attacked just after crossing the Pumpkin Vine
Creek. We arrived at the position of the Second Division about 3
p. m., and there we were formed in line, supported by two other
lines formed of the other brigades of our division, and we were then
ordered to push forward until we met the enemy. We soon encountered
the enemy's skirmishers, and drove them before us for about
a mile, when we were relieved by the other brigades going in front.
They soon encountered the enemy, intrenched in a strong position,
and engaged him for nearly two hours, when we relieved the front
line, and engaged the enemy for about an hour, until relieved by
other troops, who continued the engagement, while we passed to the
rear and passed the night, but less than when we went into the engagement
by 12 killed and 63 wounded. During the 26th and 27th
we were in reserve. On the 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st we were engaged
in marching to and from Kingston, Ga., guarding an ammunition
train. June 1, we moved to the left, where we took a position
on the left of the Fourteenth Corps. June 2, we moved forward, and
after various attempts finally got settled and built breast-works.
On the 5th we were relieved by the Second Division, of the Fourteenth
Corps, and moved away toward the left. The enemy having
changed his position, we, on the 6th, moved forward and built
breast-works to the north of Pine Knob. Next day we were shifted
to the left flank of the brigade. On the 11th we again changed position,
moving to the left and being thrown into the reserve line. On
the 14th, during the night, the enemy had evacuated Pine Knob;
hence, on the 15th, the Second Division advanced, our division supporting,
and took and held a position (after a sharp contest between
the enemy and the Second Division) within a short distance of the
rebel works. During the night we built breast-works, and remained
in them until nearly noon next day, when we changed our position,
having lost during the time 1 killed and 2 wounded. During the
night of the 16th the enemy again fell back about a mile. We again
followed, built breast-works, and skirmished, losing 1 man wounded.
During the night of the 18th the enemy again fell back. We again
followed, and took position in the reserve lines. Relieved next day
by the Fourth Corps; we moved to the right and took a position
next to the Twenty-third Corps. On the 20th we built breast-works.
On the 22d we advanced our lines, and built a new line of breast-works,
where we remained until the enemy gave way on the night of the
2d of July, having lost during the time 1 lieutenant killed and another
wounded. On the 3d we followed them about five or six miles.
Coming up with them strongly intrenched about six miles south of
Marietta, we halted, and next day took position, but the enemy being
outflanked, gave way during the night; and on the 5th we followed
them until we arrived on Chattahoochee Heights. Here we
rested over night, and next day moved a short distance to the left,
and, building breast-works, formed a camp, in which we rested until
the 17th, when, the enemy having all retired across the river, we
crossed the Chattahoochee, and on the 18th, 19th, and 20th advanced
forward toward his lines. On the 20th the enemy endeavored to
break our lines, but was repulsed. Here, for the first time in the
campaign, the regiment was detached from the brigade, and was
sent to relieve the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers on the
right of the First Brigade. Here we remained engaged until night,
losing 5 killed and 30 wounded. During the night we built works,
and held them during the next day. On the following night the
enemy fell back to his inner lines around Atlanta. We followed
and established our line within half a mile of a rebel fort near the
railroad, and built heavy works under a severe shelling from the
enemy. Here we remained (losing at intervals 5 men wounded by
sharpshooters) until August 26, when we fell back to the Chattahoochee
River and built works on the south bank.
On the 2d of September the regiment, with the One hundred and
seventh and One hundred and twenty-third New York Volunteers,
was ordered out on a reconnaissance, and found on the way that
Atlanta was evacuated. We pushed forward, skirmishing a little
with the enemy's cavalry, on the east of the city, and took a position
in the rebel works. Next day we were relieved and moved farther
to the left, where the regiment now remains, the remainder of the
brigade having come up on the 4th of September.
In closing this report, already, perhaps, too long drawn out, I
cannot refrain from bearing testimony to the soldierly conduct,
ready obedience to orders, and gallantry in action of the officers
and soldiers of the regiment during the campaign, and to their
cheerful endurance of all hardships and sufferings, never complaining
but ever struggling onward, determined to do their share toward
the suppression of rebellion and the restoration of our glorious Union.*
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. LE SAGE,
Lieut.-Col., Comdg. 101st Illinois Volunteers.
Capt. A. E. LEE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
__________
* Nominal list of casualties accompanying this report shows 2 officers and 17
men killed and 6 officers and 149 men wounded; total, 174.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 101-73 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L.
[Series I. Vol. 38. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 73.]
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Report of Lieut. Col. John B. Le Sage, One hundred and first Illinois Infantry,
of operations September 2-December 23.
HDQRS. 101ST Regt. ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
Savannah, Ga., December 25, 1864.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of the One hundred and first Regt. of Illinois Volunteers
from the occupation of Atlanta by the U. S. forces to he capture of the
city of Savannah:
From the 2d of September, when Atlanta fell into the hands of the
Union Army, until the 21st of September, the regiment which I have the
honor to command remained quietly in camp. On the 21st it was detailed
on duty in the fire department, and remained on that duty during the
whole time that Atlanta was occupied by our forces.
On the 15th of October the regiment a went with the brigade on a
foraging expedition to Flat Shoals, on which expedition the regiment
was gone four days and loaded thirty-two wagons with forage. Again,
on the 26th of October, the regiment went with the brigade on a
foraging expedition to Berkshire Post-Office, remaining four days, and,
in conjunction
with the Eighty-second Ohio Veteran Volunteers, loading sixty
wagons with forage. During the remainder of the time until the
commencement of the recent expedition the regiment remained quietly
in camp.
On the morning of the 15th of November the regiment left the city of
Atlanta, or rather what was left of the city of Atlanta, and started on the
great raid through Georgia, and marched on that day to Stone Mountain,
a distance of about fourteen miles. On the 16th, during the morning, it
tore up and destroyed about half a mile of the railroad track on the
Atlanta and Augusta road, and then marched to the Yellow River, about
fifteen miles, reaching camp about 2 a. m. On the 17th we marched
about fifteen miles, encamping in the country about 1 a. m. On the 18th
we marched, passing through Social Circle about noon, and proceeding
nearly to Madison, making in all about fifteen miles. On the 19th we
marched through Madison and proceeded on the Eatonton road, making
about ten miles. On the 20th we marched toward Eatonton about ten
miles, reaching a point about four miles from Eatonton. On the 21st we
marched through Eatonton and on toward Milledgeville, making about
fifteen miles. On the 22d we marched about eleven miles, to
Milledgeville, and on the 23d remained there. On the 24th marched
toward Hebron, about fifteen miles. On the 25th the regiment was the
leading regiment of the corps. We marched about four miles until we
reached Buffalo Creek, where the series of bridges were found to have
been destroyed. The regiment was engaged for awhile in repairing these
bridges. About noon a party of rebel cavalry having been stirred up
across the creek the right wing of the regiment was sent across to attend
to them. About 2 o'clock, the bridges being completed, we crossed
over, where one of the companies rejoined us, and the other four were
left to guard the crossing until the Second Division of the corps should
come over. With six companies we marched ahead about two miles
farther, when a brisk cavalry skirmish was stirred up in front, and a
large number of "bummers' made a rapid retreat from the front. The
regiment was promptly formed in line of battle to the right of the road,
and then advanced about 200 yards, when we were ordered to encamp
for the night. On the 26th we marched toward Sandersville. After
proceeding about two miles the regiment was sent to the right about half
a mile, to dislodge some guerrillas, which we did; and we also
destroyed a gin and about 100 bales of cotton, after which we rejoined
the column and marched to Sandersville, and thence to Power's, on the
Macon and Savannah Railroad, where we encamped for the night, having
marched about twelve miles. On the 27th we marched to Davisborough,
a distance of about twenty miles, having to make a detour to avoid a
swamp. On the 28th we marched along the railroad to Spiers, tearing up
the track to within three miles of that place. I am unable to state how
much the regiment tore up during the day, but should say that of eleven
regiments engaged in the destruction of seven miles it did its full
proportion. On the 29th we went back about three miles and finished the
destruction of the railroad to Spiers, doing about one-sixth of the
destruction. We then marched in the direction of Louisville, about
twelve miles. On the 30th we marched to where the Third Division was
in camp, about two miles and a half east of Louisville on the eastern
side of the Ogeechee River, having made a march of about eighteen
miles.
On the 1st of December we marched in the direction of Millen, about
fifteen miles, reaching camp about 1 a. m. On the 2d we marched
about fifteen miles to Buck Head Church. On the 3d we marched about
fifteen miles, passing about three miles north of Millen, and marching in the
direction of Sylvania. On the 4th we marched about twelve miles. On the
5th marched two miles and a half and went into camp about 11 p. m.
On the 6th marched about eight or ten miles toward Springfield. On the
7th seven companies were detached to go back after forage,
with-wagons, which they loaded, and rejoined the regiment that night,
which had marched about ten miles toward Springfield. On the 8th we
marched to Springfield, four miles, and from there toward Monteith,
about twelve miles. On the 9th we marched toward Monteith Station, on
the Savannah and Charleston Railroad. About 2 p. m. we reached a
swamp where the rebels had obstructed the road with felled timber, and
commanded the road with artillery placed in a couple of redoubts on the
other side. The Sixty-first Ohio Veteran Volunteers and Thirty-first
Wisconsin Volunteers of our brigade were sent to the left to wade the
swamp and flank the rebel position. This they did splendidly. At the first
fire, which they opened, the rest of the brigade rushed forward to their
assistance, but they had completed the task and held the forts, the
rebels, unfortunately, making good their retreat. We camped for the
night around the forts, having marched about eight miles. On the 10th
we marched to Monteith Station, where we tore up the railroad,
completely destroying about wince the length of the regiment, and then
marched to where the rebel line of works around the city of Savannah
confronted us-a distance of about nine miles. Here we went into
position. Late in the evening the regiment was sent out to hold a road,
while the Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers proceeded to the
river on a reconnaissance. On the 11th we changed position, moving
farther to the left. About 9 p. m. I was ordered, with my own regiment
and the Eighty-second Illinois Volunteers and Sixty-first Ohio Veteran
Volunteers, to proceed to the rear of the train, and guard the train,
against which the rebel cavalry under Wheeler were said to be
demonstrating. I reached the point designated about 1 a. m. and went
into position. We remained here until the 13th, when the rest of the brigade
came out, and, with a slight change of position, we went into camp,
building a strong line of breast-works. Here we remained until the 23d,
when we moved to our present position.
As to the number of horses, mules, and cattle captured by the regiment,
I have no very correct idea. We captured no horses, probably three or
four mules, and as to cattle, I have no idea. We foraged a great deal of
beef. We captured and turned into the brigade commissary about twenty
head of cattle, and in addition to that I should estimate the number of
cattle foraged by the regiment for their own use at about fifty head; but
it is mere guesswork. We captured large numbers of hogs, sheep, and
various kinds of poultry. We lived almost wholly upon what we foraged,
excepting sugar and coffee and occasional issues of hard bread. We
lived wholly upon the country and, with but one or two days' exception,
fared, I might say, for soldierc, sumptuously. As to forage, our horses
were subsisted wholly from what we gathered on the march, and they
have grown fat from it, for they had all they could eat. As to negroes,
I should place the number picked up by the regiment at about forty.
In conclusion, I would state that so far as the regiment is concerned the
whole expedition was a splendid affair. I feel glad to say that I have not
lost a man, killed or captured, and only three wounded by the accidental
falling of railroad iron upon them while engaged in tearing up the
track-one of them seriously, the others only slightly. And I
would take this occasion to return my thanks to all, both officers and
men, for their ready obedience to my orders and for their good,
soldierly conduct on the whole march.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. LE SAGE,
Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. 101st Regt. Illinois Volunteers.
Capt. A. E. LEE,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Ge., 3d Brig., 1st Div., 20th Army Corps.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. LVI.] THE SAVANNAH CAMPAIGN. PAGE 261-92
[Series I. Vol. 44. Serial No. 92.]
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Reports of Lieut. Col. John B. Le Sage, One hundred and first Illinois
Infantry, of operations January 17-March 25 and April 10-May 24.
HDQRS. 101ST REGT. ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 28, 1865.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of the regiment under my command during the campaign that
has just ended so gloriously:
The regiment marched from Savannah, Ga., on the 17th of January,
crossed the river, and on the 19th encamped near Purysburg, S. C.,
where it remained until the 28th, when it marched in the direction of
Robertsville, S. C., where it arrived on the next day, and there
encamped.
On the 2d of February it moved from Robertsville in the direction of
Lawtonville and marched on the 3d, 4th, and 5th to Buford's Bridge. On
the 4th the regiment was on duty guarding a road during the passage of
the division. On the 6th and 7th it was again on the march, reaching
Graham's Turnout, on the Charleston and Augusta Railroad, on the
evening of the 7th. On the 8th, 9th, and 10th it was engaged in tearing
up railroad at various points between Graham's Turnout and Ninety-six
Mile Turnout; on the 11th marched and crossed the South Fork of the
Edisto River, and on the 12th reached the North Fork, which it crossed
next day, and on the 14th, 15th, and 16th marched near Lexington
Court-House, within few miles of Columbia, S. C. On the 18th crossed
the Saluda River, where the regiment and the Sixty-first Ohio Veteran
Volunteers were ordered to guard the taking up of the pontoon bridge,
which was done safely, and then we rejoined the column and on the next
day marched to Broad River, which we crossed on the 20th, and on the
21st marched through Winnsborough, and on the 22d reached the
Catawba River at Rocky Mount, which we crossed on the 23d, and on
the 24th marched about seven miles. On the 25th did not march.
February 26, 27, 28, and March 1 and 2 marched to Chesterfield
Court-House, but was not engaged in the skirmish which took place.
March 3, forded the creek and took possession of the rebel works on the
Cheraw road, and on the 4th marched to within three miles of
Sneedsborough, where we remained next day, and on the 6th marched
to Cheraw and crossed the Great Pedee River, and on the 7th marched
to the Wilmington and Charlotte Railroad. On the 8th marched to
Downing's Creek, where the brigade built a bridge and crossed next
day, and on the 10th Rockfish Creek, and on the 11th arrived near
Fayetteville. On the 14th left Fayetteville and crossed the Cape Fear
River and moved about five miles on the Raleigh road. On the 15th
marched within ten miles of Averasborough on the Raleigh road, and on
the 16th was engaged with the enemy at Smith's farm, losing 1 severely
and 2 slightly wounded. On the 17th and 18th marched on the
Goldsborough road, and on the 19th, while marching along near
Bentonville, the regiment was stationed on the Smithfield road to guard
it while the division was passing, where it remained until relieved by the
Forty-sixth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, when it promptly marched
forward toward where the booming of the cannon announced the
presence of the enemy. Rejoining the brigade the regiment was placed
in the reserve line, where it remained during the battle, sustaining no
loss. During the day, however, a foraging party, consisting of
Capt. William R. Seymour, of Company H, and eleven men, were
captured by the rebel cavalry. On the 20th and 21st remained in the
same position, and on the 22d, 23d, and 24th marched to Goldsborough,
where it went into camp on the 25th.
During the campaign the regiment has captured, as nearly as I can
estimate, some 20 head of horses and 20 head of mules, burned 100
bales of cotton and 10 cotton-gins, and tore up about a mile and a half
of railroad, and has lived almost entirely off the country. It is
impossible to ascertain anything in regard to the amount of forage, as
no records have been kept and as the officer who commanded the
foraging party was captured.
In conclusion, I beg leave to return my thanks to the officers and men
of the regiment for their uniform good conduct, soldiery bearing, and
cheerful obedience to orders, wherever they have been placed.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. LE SAGE,
Lieut.-Col., Cmdg.
Capt. A. E. LEE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
-----
HDQRS. 101ST ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
Near Washington City, May 27, 1865.
CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of the regiment under my command during operations from
Goldsborough, N. C., to this point:
The regiment marched from Goldsborough on the 10th of April and
encamped about fourteen miles from Goldsborough, and on the 11th
marched about thirteen miles and encamped at Smithfield. 12th, crossed
Neuse River and encamped near Swift Creek. On the 13th marched and
encamped at Raleigh, N. C., where we were encamped until the 25th,
when we marched about twelve miles and encamped near Jones'
Cross-Roads, where we remained in camp until the 28th, when we
marched back to Raleigh and occupied our old camp, where we
remained until the 30th, when we broke up camp and marched about
fifteen miles en route for Richmond, Va.
May 1, marched fifteen miles and encamped near Tar River. May 2,
marched about twenty-two miles and camped beyond Oxford. May 3,
marched about eighteen miles and crossed the Roanoke River, and
camped on the north bank. May 4, marched twenty-two miles and
camped on the north bank of the Meherrin River. May 5, marched to
the south bank of the Nottoway River. May 6, marched fifteen miles to
Wellville Station, on the South Side Railroad. May 7, crossed
Appomattox River and encamped near Clover Hill. May 8, marched
fifteen miles to Falling Creek. May 9, marched to within four miles of
Richmond. May 10, remained in camp. May 11, marched through
Manchester and Richmond and encamped four miles of Richmond. May
12, marched through Ashland and encamped on the north bank of the
South Anna; marched twenty miles. May 13, marched fifteen miles and
encamped on the south bank of the North Anna River. May 14, crossed
the North Anna and encamped near Spotsylvania Court-House. May 15,
marched and encamped on the south bank of the Rapphannock River.
may 16, 17, and 18 marched in the direction of Alexandria, passing
through Brentsville, about noon on the 18th crossed Bull Run and
encamped in a mile of Fairfax Court-House. May 19, marched
to within three miles of Alexandria, where we remained in camp until
the 24th, when we passed through Washington City and arrived at our
present camp.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. LE SAGE,
Lieut.-Col., Cmdg.
Capt. A. E. LEE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 674-98 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
[Series I. Vol. 47. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 98.]
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