Forty-eighth Infantry. - Cols., Isham N. Haynie, William W.
Sanford, Lucien Greathouse, Thomas L. B. Weems; Lieut.-Cols.,
Thomas H. Smith, William W. Sanford, Lucien Greathouse, Ashley
T. Galbraith, Thomas L. B. Weems, John W. Ingersoll; Majs.,
William W. Sanford, Manning Mayfield, Lucien Greathouse, Wil-
liam J. Stephenson, Ashley T. Galbraith, Edward Adams, John W.
Ingersoll. This regiment was organized at Camp Butler, in the
month of Sept., 1861, left for Cairo 900 strong on Nov. 11,
and, after its arrival there, constructed barracks for winter
quarters. In Jan., 1862, it was engaged in the reconnaissance
in the rear of Columbus, Ky., under Gen. Grant. At Fort Donel-
son, in connection with the 17th and 49th Ill., it charged the
enemy's works, but was repulsed with a severe loss, and was un-
der fire during the following day, losing a few men wounded.
During the third and last day of the battle it was fiercely
engaged and lost 40 in killed and wounded. It was engaged in
the battle of Shiloh bearing its full part and losing over half
of its men in killed and wounded. It was in the siege of Cor-
inth in May, 1862 in June was ordered to Bethel as garrison of
that post and remained there until 1863. It moved to Memphis
in June of the latter year and from thence to Vicksburg, where
it participated in the operations in the rear of that place,
and at Snyder's bluff. It advanced with Gen. Sherman's force
against Jackson, participated in the siege and in the charge of
July 16, losing 45 men killed and wounded. Being transferred
to eastern Tennessee it took part in the battle of Missionary
ridge and then followed the retreating enemy to Ringgold. Tak-
ing part in the Knoxville expedition for the relief of Gen.
Burnside, it arrived at Scottsboro, Ala., on Jan. 1, 1864, and
although not yet recovered from their severe campaign, over
nine-tenths of the men present re-enlisted as veterans. The
regiment arrived at Springfield, Ill., on veteran furlough,
Jan. 27, and rendezvoused at Centralia. Returning to the
field, it participated in the Atlanta campaign, marched with
Sherman to the sea and up through the Carolinas, thence to
Washington, D. C., and thence to Louisville, Ky. From the lat-
ter place it moved to Little Rock, Ark., and was mustered out
there on Aug. 15, 1865.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 3
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Fort Donelson, TN after action report:
No. 15.
Reports of Col. Isham N. Haynie, Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry.
HDQRS. FORTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS,
Fort Donelson, February 17, 1862.
SIR: I have hesitated as to whether it is properly my duty to make a
written report of the attempt, on Thursday, the 13th of February, by the
three regiments then temporarily under my command, to storm the
enemy's redoubts to the south of the main fort, from the fact that the
action occurred under your own immediate observation. I have,
however, concluded there can be no impropriety in it, and I herewith
submit my report of the same.
On the morning of Thursday, the 13th instant, I became temporarily
detached from the brigade under Col. W. H. L. Wallace, of the
Eleventh Illinois Volunteers, having about the time the brigade were
ready to move from their camp grounds of the preceding night received
orders to remain where the regiment had encamped, for the purpose of
supporting a battery which had been placed immediately in front of the
center of the Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, under my command. In
obedience to this order I remained with this battery, whilst the
remainder of the brigade moved to the eastward. During the time I was
thus detached your orders were communicated to me, by which I was
directed to form my regiment upon the left of the Seventeenth Illinois
Volunteers--this last regiment then being formed upon the left of the
Forty-ninth Regt. and both being to my right, removed about 500
yards. I at once ordered the Forty-eighth Regt. to be formed at the
point indicated, and as soon as it was done I proceeded to the extreme
right of the whole line for the purpose of conferring with Col.
Morrison, before then in command of the Seventeenth and Forty-ninth
Regiments. I there met Col. Morrison, with Capt. Stewart, your
aide, and was for the first time then informed that it was your orders for
these three regiment (Seventeenth, Forty-eighth, and Forty-ninth) to
storm a redoubt
of the enemy's to our front and not far removed from us. Col.
Morrison at once expressed his willingness to yield command of the
column to me; and with some reluctance, not having any orders from
you on this point, I assumed command of the same, and under the
direction and guidance of Capt. Stewart, your aide, had them formed
in line of battle in the Dover road, fronting toward the redoubts, and
distant less than a quarter of a mile from us. The order of position of
said regiments was not changed by me, and this placed Col.
Morrison and the Forty-ninth Regt. on the right; the Seventeenth,
under Maj. Smith (colonel and lieutenant-colonel being absent), in the
center, and the Forty-eighth Regt. (my own), under Lieut.
Col. Thomas H. Smith, now deceased, on the left.
Immediately on the formation of the line of battle I directed each
regimental commander to deploy skirmishers along the front of the
whole line of their respective regiments and to throw them forward from
80 to 100 yards in advance of the main column. This being done, the
commandants of regiments were further directed to communicate with
me at or about the center of the brigade (center of Seventeenth
Regiment) in case of necessity, and to control their movements upon the
right and left wings by the center; whereupon I at once ordered the
whole line forward towards the enemy's redoubts, situated upon the
summit of the opposite hill.
The entire line advanced in good order and with alacrity until the
redoubts of the enemy were approached to within a short distance,
where from their rifle pits and earthen breastworks, which greatly
protected them, the enemy opened a brisk and galling fire upon us. At
the same time the enemy's batteries, situated so as to be concealed from
us and not before known to bear upon us, were opened and a
well-directed fire of shell and canister poured upon our ranks,
notwithstanding which our lines continued to advance until almost up to
the redoubts of the enemy. In the mean time information which I
regarded as reliable reached me that the enemy were in force behind
their works and well protected by six guns planted immediately in their
rear, and also by cannon situated to their west and north. As quickly as
possible I proceeded to ascertain the truth, and became satisfied of the
facts.
The entire line had then been held under a brisk and galling fire for
nearly an hour. Col. Morrison, commanding Forty-ninth Illinois
Volunteers, had by this time been wounded whilst gallantly leading his
men upon the redoubts, and was carried from the field. Other parts of
the line had suffered considerably, and seeing that the redoubt could not
be taken without great destruction and loss of life, I at length reluctantly
gave the order to retire down the hill a short distance and await your
orders. This was done by the entire line in good order and without
confusion, and was, greatly to my gratification, sanctioned by yourself
when reported by me to you.
In this action I am happy to be able to bear testimony to the good
conduct of the officers and men of the whole command. All of them
under my own observation, with perhaps a solitary exception, labored
with the utmost daring and gallantry, challenging my admiration by their
heroism and meriting from their general the highest confidence.
I have the honor to be, respectfully,
I. N. HAYNIE,
Col. Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
Maj. Gen. JOHN A. McCLERNAND,
Cmdg. First Division Illinois Volunteers.
HDQRS. FORTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS,
Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 18, 1862.
SIR: In obedience to your order, I have the honor to submit the
following report of the several actions in which the Forty-eighth Illinois
Volunteers, under my command, were engaged during February 13, 14,
and 15 instant at this place:
On the evening of the 12th instant we encamped south of Fort Donelson
and about 1,000 yards from the redoubts of the enemy, the Eleventh and
Twentieth Illinois Volunteers on our right and the Forty-fifth on our left,
with a battery between the Forty-eighth and Forty-fifth. In this position
we remained until the 13th. Early on the morning of this day (13th)
your orders were communicated to me to move with the balance of the
Second Brigade and occupy some position on the elevation to the east
of us and southeast of the enemy's works, and when about ready to take
up the line of march a battery of three guns, belonging to Capt.
Taylor's artillery, was planted immediately in front of my center, and
orders reached me to remain and support this battery with my regiment.
By this time our battery had opened upon the enemy, and were sharply
replied to by them from their works. I at once ordered my regiment
behind the brow or apex of the hill and remained there under cover, but
within a very short distance to the rear of it.
The other three regiments had in the mean time moved off in a direction
to our right, in obedience to your order, leaving the Forty-eighth
separated from the brigade. While supporting this battery I had for the
first time an opportunity of witnessing the conduct of the Forty-eighth
Regt. while under fire of the enemy. Several shot and shell fell in
our midst, but did not kill or wound any one, though several made
narrow escapes.
After the battery in front of us had ceased firing orders were conveyed
to me from Gen. McClernand to move with the Forty-eighth
Regt. and form on the left of the Seventeenth Illinois Regiment, the
latter at that time being formed on the left of the Forty-ninth Illinois
Volunteers (Col. Morrison), and both being on my right and distant
from me about 500 yards. This I immediately did. As soon as my line
was formed I immediately communicated with colonel Morrison (before
then in command of the Forty-ninth and Seventeenth), and being the
ranking officer of the three regiments then in line (Col. Ross, of the
Seventeenth, being absent), I assumed command of the whole.
At the same time I was informed that it was Gen. McClernand's
order that these regiments were to make the attempt to storm the
enemy's redoubts on an elevation southeasterly from their main fort and
not far from where the three regiments were then in line. I immediately
had the whole column put in motion and formed them in line of battle
to the southeast of the redoubt which we were to attack. I placed the
Forty-ninth Regiment, under command of Col. Morrison, on the
right; the Seventeenth, under Maj. Smith, in the center, and the
Forty-eighth, under Lieut.-Col. Smith, on the left, and taking
my own position in the center of the Seventeenth Regiment, I ordered
the whole to advance upon the redoubt, then distant less than a quarter
of a mile.
In the mean time I had ordered each regiment to deploy one company
as skirmishers along its entire front. In this order the whole line
advanced through thick underbrush and with great difficulty (except on
the right, where the way was open and not so obstructed), until within
a short range of the redoubt. At this moment, and rather unexpectedly,
the enemy opened a brisk fire upon our lines from behind their works,
and also from batteries situated behind them so as to be concealed from
us. Immediately the fire was returned from our line with spirit, and it
continued steadily to approach the enemy's works, firing continually
upon them as fast as any one of them could be discovered behind the
embankments. As near as I can judge, we maintained our position under
this most galling fire of rifle, shot, and shell for an hour. I had in the
mean time ascertained that six pieces of artillery were planted
immediately in our front and within short range of us, and that, besides
these, one battery on the hill to the west and another to the westward
commanded the point we were assaulting. I therefore thought it useless
to hold the men under it longer, and reluctantly ordered the line to retire
40 paces down the hill and await orders from Gen. McClernand, to
whom I at once reported (orally) as above. The whole line, under my
orders, retired as commanded, without confusion and in good order, and
awaited my return from reporting as above mentioned.
During this engagement, and while leading his regiment in the most
gallant and daring manner, Col. Morrison was seriously, but not
dangerously wounded.
I cannot give you any estimate of the killed and wounded in the
Forty-ninth and Seventeenth, but know it was considerable.* In my own
regiment there was 1 man killed, to wit, Private W. G. Logan,
Company A, and 8 men wounded.
In this action I may be allowed to say that all the officers and men
behaved with great gallantry under a most galling fire. As soon as I
reported the condition of the defenses upon the hill, which were
discovered by me, Gen. McClernand directed me to retire to a
position of safety down the hill-side, and there occupy it until further
orders. This was done by the whole command in the best order possible
and without any confusion.
I had almost omitted to say that while engaged in the attack the
Forty-fifth Regiment, Col. Smith, was sent to support the right
(Forty-ninth), and also behaved in a highly creditable and gallant
manner. Of this, however, I had not received notice until I found them
on the right in action.
In the mean time the other three regiments of the Second Brigade had
removed farther away to the east, on a range of hills which
encompassed the enemy's fortifications, and here, towards night-fall, the
Forty-eighth Regt. was ordered to join them, which we did, and
formed in the same order that we had the night before, viz: Eleventh
and Twentieth on the right and the Forty-fifth on the left of the
Forty-eighth Regt. This position was within range of rifle-shot from
the enemy's embankments, and during the whole of this night (13th) the
regiment remained under arms with skirmishers deployed, suffering
intensely from the rain and sleet and cold, and but little from the
enemy's shot, from which we were only protected by an intervening
elevation, behind which we formed.
During February 14 the Forty-eighth Regt. remained in the same
position, subject to and within easy range of the enemy's cannon, from
which during the day shot and shell were often discharged at the point
immediately to our front. So completely were we subjected to the fire
from these cannon and from their sharpshooters, that no one could show
himself without shots being aimed at him.
The evening of the 14th found us so much exhausted from continual and
incessant watchfulness and exposure during the preceding days and
nights that the men were but poorly prepared for another night like the
previous one; still the officers and men, with a spirit of heroism
which merited and received my highest admiration, prepared themselves
for any emergency of the occasion. Our arms were all put in good
order, and each man remained with his arms ready and expecting an
attack during the night or early next day. Our skirmishers were
continually deployed during the night, and occasionally exchanged shots
with the skirmishers of the enemy.
In the morning, just after day and before early breakfast, firing began
up to the right and soon after extended itself towards our position. I
ordered the regiment to be formed and in line of battle. The men and
officers responded promptly and formed at once. It was but a short time
after we were formed and ready before we were fired upon by the
enemy, who came up in force on the opposite side of the hill. Our
skirmishers were compelled to retreat and formed upon the left. While
in retreat Lieut. Stephenson, of Company B, who had command of
the skirmishers, was wounded seriously, but not fatally. Immediately the
firing began and became general along the whole line of the Forty-eighth
until the enemy in our front were driven back in confusion and
compelled to retire behind their works. During all the action a battery
of two guns to our left and two from our front were playing rapidly
upon the point we occupied, and, although seemingly well worked, we
escaped with but few wounded from their shot or shell. Our ammunition
in the mean time was nearly exhausted; still we remained here after the
enemy were repulsed at our front until, I think, near 1 p. m., when
orders were received to retire by the left flank. This was done by my
regiment in the best possible order and without any appearance of fear
or panic.
During the action on this day we lost 7 killed, 31 wounded, and 3
missing. Among those killed I deeply regret to report the death of
Lieut. Col. Thomas H. Smith, who received a mortal wound
early in the action and died within an hour. He fell gallantly urging the
right wing forward to the position from which we repulsed the enemy.
His loss was deeply felt by me during the day and will be profoundly
lamented by all who knew him. He was a brave and gallant officer, a
firm friend, a generous enemy, and an upright and honorable man.
In obedience to the order to retire by the left flank we proceeded to a
point about one mile towards the west and halted. The enemy, thinking
that we were in retreat and not supported, made another attack at this
point, but were repulsed. My regiment, with the balance of the brigade,
retired to the position assigned us--to the south of the enemy's works
about 1 mile--and there remained for the night.
On the following morning, about 10 o'clock, the fort having
surrendered, the Forty-eighth, with the other regiments of the Second
Brigade, marched into the enemy's fortifications.
I cannot speak in too high praise of the conduct of my officers and men
(with one exception, and his resignation I herewith inclose for your
approval) during the entire time of the several actions we were in. I
have not failed to have them at any time entirely subject to my control.
The utmost coolness, presence of mind, and daring was manifested by
them all.
Maj. W. W. Sanford especially, by his coolness and ability during the
action, rendered me very great aid, as did all the officers of the line
who were not wounded, and I commend them all to your favorable
notice and consideration.
I have the honor to be, respectfully, yours, & C.,
I. N. HAYNIE,
Col., Cmdg. Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteers.
Col. W. H. L. WALLACE,
Cmdg. Second Brigade, First Division, Illinois Volunteers.
PAGE 203-7 OPERATIONS IN KY., TENN., N. ALA., AND S. W. VA. [CHAP. XVII.
[Series I. Vol. 7. Serial No. 7.]
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MAY 26-29, 1863.--Expedition from Bolivar to Wesley Camp, Somerville,
and Antioch Church, Tenn., and skirmishes.
Report of Col. Adolph Engelmann, Forty-third Illinois Infantry.
BOLIVAR, TENN., May 30, 1863.
CAPT.: On the evening of May 26, Gen. Brayman ordered me
to proceed to Wesley camp-ground and fall upon a body of the enemy
reported to be there, 175 strong, said to be but recently recruited, and
about to go south to join the main body of the rebel army.
After sunset I left camp with 113 enlisted men and a proportionate number
of officers, and guided by Mr. George Reeves, of Carbondale, Jackson
County, Illinois, formerly of Fayette County, Tennessee, I proceeded out
on the Somerville road 14 miles, where we turned off to the right, and
then proceeded by neighborhood roads toward Wesley Camp. At the residence
of a gentleman named B. Springfield, 21/2 miles before coming to Wesley
camp, we surprised and captured 4 prisoners and their arms and horses.
B. Springfield, proprietor of the house, was also taken and brought to
this place. At half a mile farther southwest, at a place belonging to
Mr. Steinbeck, Capt. Reid, according to his own statement, of Col.
Neely's regiment of Confederate cavalry, with two more of his men, was
taken, the men first captured claiming to be also of Capt. Reid's men.
Wesley camp and church having been completely destroyed last winter by the
Seventh Kansas, it no longer affords any shelter, and, although I
descended upon it at full speed, no enemy could be found. I here obtained
information that Col. [J. J.] Neely, with a number of his officers and
men, was encamped at Core's place, 2 1/2 miles southwest of Wesley camp.
I started immediately for the reported place, hoping still to be able to
surprise the enemy in his camp, but unfortunately the guide here missed
the road, and, after going out of our way some 4 miles, we arrived at
Core's place with our horses much exhausted. No enemy was found.
I subsequently learned of Mr. Core that information having been received
of our approach, being on his way to Memphis with a load of cotton, he
stopped his team and returned to his plantation. I was also informed by a
negro that as we rode up to Mr. Core's residence Col. Neely and his men
went off in a southerly course across the farther portion of Core's
plantation. However, as we first rode up to Core's house, he presented
himself as a Union man, protesting that no guerrillas were ever near his
place; showed certificates from Gens. Denver and Lawler, and Col.
Hurst, and claimed protection, which I accordingly agreed to afford him to
the extent possible. It being necessary that my horses and men should be
fed, and Mr. Core's being the only place within some miles where this
could be done. The provisions, however, were rendered with but poor grace.
Two guns, two rifles, and a can of powder were found concealed in the
weeds of the garden, and on my learning that the place had for a long time
previously been the haunt of guerrillas, I had the powder blown up and
Mr. Core's horses, guns, and rifles taken.
From Core's I went to Somerville, scouring the country on both
sides of the road.
I arrived at Somerville after dark, and, passing through the place,
encamped on the north side of the Loosahatchee, on the Whiteville
road.
Having within twenty-six hours traveled nearly 60 miles on dusty
roads, by great heat, and water for the horses being only found at great
intervals, many of them had completely given out, and could not be
used on the next morning.
Before daylight I had several houses in the neighborhood searched,
but without success.
At daybreak I started with 70 men for Antioch Church, where,
according to information, a large body of guerrillas were in camp.
Capt. Arosenius was left in charge of our camp on the Loosahatchee,
with 40 men. He had to guard the prisoners, picket the camp, patrol
Somerville, and it being deemed important to occupy the bridge across the
Loosahatchee, on the Covington road, this bridge was guarded by 6 privates
and 2 noncommissioned officers.
An hour after I had left with the main body of my men, the guard on
the Loosahatchee was charged upon by Capt. Bell and 17 of his men.
They came on shooting, and at full speed, but the small guard bravely
stood its ground, repulsing the enemy, killing one of its number and
wounding another in the knee. Firing was kept up for two hours before
the enemy withdrew.
The expedition to Antioch met no guerrillas, although the country was
searched in every direction. The white residents of the country, almost
to a man, denied that there were any guerrillas in the neighborhood, while
the very few loyal whites we met and the negroes on every plantation
informed us that' bands up to 20 men strong were passing daily, and
stopping at farm-houses or lying out, as occasion required.
I am confident that the county of Fayette is at present infested by
several hundred guerrillas, who are scattered for the more convenient
feeding of themselves and horses, and only uniting when some great
movement is to be made.
Capt. Reid informed me that he had only on the 26th instant come from
south of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and knew of Chalmers' defeat.
At 1 a.m. On the morning of the 29th, information was received that 3
guerrillas were at the residence of A. F. Gant, 4 miles south of
Somerville. Capt. Hoering was sent with 30 men to start for them, and
instructed on his return to Somerville to take the Bolivar road. I soon
after started for Bolivar, proceeding but slowly, searching suspected
houses and making frequent halts, to enable Capt. Hoering to come up.
When Capt. Hoering arrived at Gant's house, the guerrillas had
left, but Gant was taken and brought in.
I arrived at Bolivar at 10 a.m. On the 29th. Most of the men had hardly
been out of their saddles from the time of our departure, on the morning
of the 26th, and all were very tired, but in excellent health and spirits.
We captured 1 captain, 6 privates, 2 citizens, 45 horses and mules,
guns, rifles, and pistols.
I would also beg leave to state that as the saddles used by my men
have either been taken from the enemy citizens, or are such as have
been condemned in the Tennessee cavalry, they are very inferior, and
scald the horses' backs and wear them out much sooner than good
saddles would.
Information is just received that on Friday 102 Confederates were
in Somerville after we had left, pretending to be in pursuit of my
force.
I was also informed that Capt. [W. W.] Faulkner was, with several
hundred men, near Mason Station.
Very respectfully,
ADOLPH ENGELMANN,
Col. Forty-third Illinois.
Capt. M. H. BAILHACHE,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
CHAP. XXXVI.] EXPEDITION TO WESLEY CAMP, TENN., ETC. PAGE 432-37
[Series I. Vol. 24. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 37.]
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Reports of Lieut. Col. Lucien Greathouse, Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry.
JACKSON, MISS., July 17, 1863.
LIEUT.: In accordance with orders from Col. W. W. Sanford,
commanding Fourth Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps,
I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the march of
the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry from Oak Ridge to Jackson, Miss.:
Regiment left Oak Ridge, Miss., July 4, p.m.; arrived at 8 p.m. Near
Big Black River, and bivouacked; 7 p.m., July 5, marched to join the
Sixth Iowa Infantry, to effect a crossing of Big Black River. The
enemy occupied the opposite bank in some force, and the current being
too strong and deep for this, we bivouacked upon the bank, and
relieved the Sixth Iowa on skirmish duty at S a.m., July 6; 3 p.m.,
same day, the regiment crossed Big Black River and bivouacked on
opposite side, upon the bluff.
July 7, moved in advance. Being joined by the column, in the afternoon
we moved forward and encamped on Queen's Hill
July 8, p.m., regiment moved from Queen's Hill, and arrived and
bivouacked at a point 9 miles from Jackson, Miss., whence we moved
upon the right of the road and occupied the Griffith premises, July
9, p.m.
July 10, moved by left flank in the vicinity of Potter's house, where,
and at other points, the regiment remained skirmishing with the enemy's
pickets, and living on very moderate quantities of hard tack, until the
a.m. Of July 16, when this regiment moved with others of the First
Division, and advanced toward the enemy's works, a report of which
is herewith transmitted.
Very respectfully,
LUCIEN GREATHOUSE,
Lieut.-Col. Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry, Comdg. Regt.
Lieut. E. B. HARLAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
-----
HEADQUARTERS FORTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
Jackson, Miss., July 17, 1863.
LIEUT.: In accordance with the order of Col. W. W. Sanford,
commanding Fourth Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, I
have the honor to submit to you the following report of the part taken
by the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry in the skirmish affair of the 16th
instant:
At 10.45 a.m. I was ordered to move my command, to be in readiness at
11 a.m. To support the right of the line of skirmishers of the Sixth Iowa
Infantry. I formed the regiment, and moved by the right flank in columns
of wings, and arrived at 11 o'clock at a point in rear of the second
company from the right of the line of skirmishers referred to. Immediately
upon my arrival, the "advance" was sounded on the left of the skirmish
line, where I imagined Col. Corse, Sixth Iowa, to have been. I formed
a line of battle immediately, parallel to the skirmish line, under an
infantry fire of the enemy, and moved to the front [o support the
skirmishers, who had advanced over the rifle-pits occupied by our
picket line, and forward through the space formerly intervening
between our pickets and those of the enemy, over several ditches
or ravines, and a natural abatis of fallen timber. Having arrived some
distance, probably 150 yards, toward the front, we passed the line of
the Sixth Iowa, commanded at that point by Capt. Clune, deeming
it impossible for the skirmishers to take a position in front of our line,
because of the rising formation of the open ground in front. Capt.
Clune said to me that he was, or thought he was, the extreme advance
of the line of skirmishers, which statement I am convinced, from what
I afterward learned of Col. Corse, was very correct. Under the
supervision of Col. W. W. Sanford, the brigade commander, we moved
beyond this to the open ground in the immediate vicinity of the
Mississippi Central Railroad, where we were subjected to a galling fire
of musketry, shell, round shot, and grape from the enemy beyond the
railroad and within their works, from which it was impossible for me but
partially to protect the men by having them lie upon their faces. This
position we held for a quarter of an hour, awaiting the advance of the
skirmish line and the coming of the support I was ordered to expect, but
which, for some reason unknown to myself, never arrived in that vicinity.
During our occupation of this point, Maj. Stephenson was severely
wounded while gallantly performing the duty assigned him on the left
of the battalion, as well as were some 10 non-commissioned officers and
privates, the wounds of two or three of which will probably prove
fatal.
Receiving no support, and not discovering that any advance of the
skirmishers was being made or contemplated, I established along my front
a line of skirmishers, and threw still farther to the right and front
toward the enemy's works a line of vedettes, when I was ordered by
Col. Sanford to retire my command to a position 50 yards to the
rear, and somewhat more protected than the position we then occupied.
I remained some time afterward, waiting for the Forty-sixth Ohio to
arrive, which, I am informed, they failed to do only because they did
not receive the order to advance. Receiving again a peremptory order
from Col. Sanford to retire to the position indicated, I moved the
regiment, under a very severe and raking fire of grape to the ravine,
which I afterward ascertained to be 310 yards from the enemy's rifle-pits,
about the center of which were three pieces of artillery that from
their position were enabled to do terrible execution all along the
edge of the timber, and so placed as to entirely and completely
command the railroad and all the approaches to the enemy's rifle-pits
upon the left. Here I had a conference with Col. Corse and Maj.
Miller, Sixth Iowa Infantry, who then advanced their skirmishers some
distance ahead of the column. Col. Corse directed me to hold the
ground between my line and the railroad until relieved or further
orders. I so placed my vedettes as to command the railroad, and threw
out flankers beyond and to the right, and requested Capt. Clune,
Sixth Iowa Infantry, to supervise and regulate the position of those of
my skirmishers along his front, which he did, and for which I render
thanks.
During our stay at this point we were subject at all times to an
incessant fire of grape and canister, that did quite an extensive
business--manufacturing and agricultural--in the way of plowing the
ground and making scrub-brooms of the timber. I lost in killed and
wounded at this point by grape and shell 5 men from the guns
upon the right.
At 3 o'clock the skirmishers of the Sixth Iowa retired, relieved by
others that took position on the old line, leaving the skirmishers
of the Forty-eighth alone in our front. At 3.15 o'clock, the
Twenty-sixth Illinois
Infantry reported to relieve the Forty-eighth Regiment. I assisted
Capt. Dugger to put his men along the front, to relieve the advance
skirmishers, and retired my men to the column. Having posted his
men, I was moving with Capt. Dugger to the right of the column
when he was struck dead by a shell that exploded over us. I mention
this fact to clear any doubt that may have existed regarding the proper
deportment of this officer, and to intimate that the inability of his men
to hold the ground (for I learn that it was reclaimed by the enemy during
the afternoon) was probably due to the death of Capt. Dugger, whom
they thought their proper commanding officer.
Being properly relieved, I retired to my old camp, in accordance with
orders given me.
All the officers and. Men under my command conducted themselves
bravely and becomingly, and all are certainly deserving of commendation.
I have particularly to return thanks to Lieut. Keneipp, in
charge of skirmishers, and Capt. Galbraith and Lieuts. Walker,
Mercer, and Hemler for their gallantry, coolness, and excellent
management of their commands while enduring a scathing fire of shot and
shell from the enfilading batteries upon the front and right.
Hoping that this may prove satisfactory, I have the honor to be,
lieutenant, most respectfully, yours, &c.,
LUCIEN GREATHOUSE,
Lieut.-Col. Forty-eighth Illinois, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. E. B. HARLAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 646-37 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI.
[Series I. Vol. 24. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 37.]
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Report of Maj. Edward Adams, Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry, of
operations August 3-September 7.
HDQRS. FORTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864.
CAPT.: On the 3d day of August, 1864, the Forty-eighth regiment
Illinois Infantry furnished 100 men and 3 commissioned officers
for skirmish duty. The skirmish line was immediately advanced
to the crest of the hill, upon which we subsequently constructed
works. The regiment moved out and occupied the line of works
which had been constructed by the skirmishers on the crest of the
hill August 9, 1864, and remained in the ditches and on the skirmish
line until the night of the 26th, when we were ordered to the
right. The regiment moved out of the works at 10 p. m., in rear of
the Ninetieth Illinois Infantry and in advance of the Seventieth Ohio
Infantry. The skirmishers were withdrawn at 2 o'clock of the
morning of the 27th. The regiment marched, with the several other
regiments of the brigade, until the evening of the 27th at 6 p. m.,
when we were halted and ordered to take our respective positions
on the extreme right of the Army of the Cumberland.
Here we remained until the morning of the 28th. We moved to
the vicinity of the railroad, where we halted at 5 p.m. At 8 p. m.
the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry was ordered to the railroad for
the purpose of destroying and burning the railroad. After tearing
up and burning more than three times the length of the regiment of
railroad we were relieved at midnight and ordered to resume our
position in the brigade adjacent to the railroad; here we remained
thirty hours. On the morning of the 30th we resumed the march,
moved to the vicinity of Jonesborough, south-southeast from Atlanta,
where we constructed works on the night of the 30th and morning
of the 31st.
We remained in our works until the morning of the 2d September,
when we were ordered to pursue the retreating evenly. We marched
to the vicinity of Lovejoy's Station, where we again found the
enemy strongly intrenched. Here we constructed works during the
night of the 2d and morning of the 3d. The Forty-eighth Illinois
Infantry was formed in line on the left of the Seventieth Ohio Infantry
and on the right of the Thirty-first Iowa Infantry (which was
on the extreme right of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps).
We remained in these last-named works until the night of the 5th,
when we were ordered to evacuate the works. We left the works
at 9 p. m. and marched directly to Jonesborough, where we resumed
our position in the works which we had constructed on the night of
the 30th and morning of the 31st August, where we remained until
the morning of the 6th, when we evacuated these works and marched
to Morris' Mill, where we remained until the 7th, when we marched
to East Point, and took up our present position.
I am, captain, respectfully,
EDWARD ADAMS,
Maj. Forty-eighth Illinois Infty. Vet. Vols., Comdg. Regt.
Capt. JOHN CAMPBELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 295-74 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L.
[Series I. Vol. 38. Part III, Reports. Serial No. 74.]
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Reports of Maj. Edward Adams, Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry, of
operations May 6-August 3.
HDQRs. FORTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFTY. VET. VOLS.,
Before Atlanta, Ga., August 8, 1864.
CAPT.: I have the honor to make the following report of
the operations of the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry since May 6,
1864, to include August 3, 1864:
On the 6th of May the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry marched
from White's Station to Crawfish Springs; distance marched, twenty-seven
miles. On 7th, at 8 a. m. the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry
rejoined the Third Brigade, and marched, in rear of the brigade and
center of the division, until late at night, when we were ordered by
Capt. Philips to a commodious position in the forest for a bivouac.
The 8th we marched to Snake [Creek] Gap, where we rested until
the morning of the 11th, when we were ordered to the front and
to the right one mile. On the 12th we moved to the right, one mile
in rear of Gen. Osterhaus' division. Here, three companies of
the Forty-eighth were detailed and sent out on the skirmish lines.
On the morning of the 13th we resumed the march at an early hour.
Marched to Resaca, or in the vicinity thereof, when the regiment
was formed in double column at half distance. We were then
used as support for the First Brigade during the first advance. At
4 p. m. we relieved the First Brigade, and took up our position in
rear of the Forty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteers. On the evening of
the 14th the Forty-eighth relieved the Forty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteers,
and took our position on the front line, where we remained
until the morning of the 16th, when we discovered that the enemy
had evacuated his works in our front. After making this discovery
we immediately received orders to prepare to march. We resumed
the march at 12 m.; marched a little west of south to the
bridge on the Oostenaula River, which stream we crossed at 7 p.
m. Bivouacked one mile south of the river. On the 17th we resumed
the march at an early hour. Had some light skirmishing
with the rebel cavalry on the evening of the 17th. On the 18th we
marched through Adairsville, thence to the plantation of a British
subject, where Gen. Wilder had engaged the enemy's cavalry and
repulsed them. Here we bivouacked for the night in an open field, and
three companies of the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry were thrown
out in front of the division as skirmishers. On the morning of the
19th we resumed the march at an early hour. Marched by a circuitous
route to Kingston, Ga., when we went into camp and remained
until the 23d. On the 23d crossed Hightower [Etowah] River. On
the 23d, 24th, 25th, and 26th marched uninterruptedly until the evening
of the 26th. At 7 p. m. the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry was
deployed as skirmishers (in the vicinity of Dallas) for the division.
Immediately after the several companies of the Forty-eighth were
deployed, sharp skirmishing ensued: the skirmishers of the Forty-eighth
driving the rebel skirmishers on our right to within 150 yards
of his strong works. On the 27th we were relieved from the skirmish
line and ordered to the brigade. Immediately after receiving
the order we resumed our position on the line and constructed works;
but before we had completed our rifle-pits the enemy charged us
in heavy columns, but were handsomely repulsed, with heavy loss.
We remained in our works and on the skirmish line until the morning
of the 1st of June. From the evening of the 26th to the morning
of the 1st of June the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry lost, in
killed and wounded, 55 men.
On the 1st of June we moved to New Hope Church, eight miles
northeast from Dallas, where we were ordered to take our position
behind the front line of works. Here we remained until the morning
of the 6th, when we were ordered to march in pursuit of the
retreating enemy. We marched to Acworth, halted, and rested until
the morning of the 10th. On the 10th we marched to Big
Shanty, and took our position on the line in front of the enemy's
works. Here we remained until 12 m. on the 15th of June. We
were then ordered to the left one mile and a half, for the purpose
of driving the enemy from a prominent hill upon which the general
wished to construct a fort. After driving the enemy from the hill,
the Forty-eighth Regiment, with the several, other regiments of the
brigade, moved back three-quarters of a mile, perfectly exhausted
from fatigue, thirst, heat, and hunger. We encamped in an open
field, where we remained until the morning of the 19th, when we
were ordered to the right one mile, for the purpose of occupying a
line of works which had been constructed by Gen. M. L. Smith,
in supporting distance of the Second Division. Here we remained
until the evening of the 25th, when we were ordered to the front
line of works, two miles to the right. Here we remained until 3
a. m., 26th, at which time we were ordered to relieve the Sixth Iowa.
We remained in the works of the Sixth Iowa and on the skirmish
line until the morning of the 3d of July, when we discovered that
the enemy had evacuated the mountain in our front.
From the 1st of June to the 3d of July the Forty-eighth Illinois
lost, in killed and wounded,--men.* We were then ordered to
march; we marched to Marietta, where we remained until the
morning of the 4th at 11 a. m., when we resumed the march. On
the night of the 4th we bivouacked in the forest contiguous to an
open field, the east side of which was occupied by the enemy. On
the 5th we moved in front of the enemy's works, which he had constructed
on the west side of the Chattahoochee River. Here we
constructed works on the 6th and 7th, and remained in vicinity of
our works until the evening of the 12th. On the 10th Lieut.Col.
Galbraith was wounded. On the evening of the 12th we
resumed the march; passed through Marietta on the morning of the
13th at 10 a. m. On the 14th we passed through the town of Roswell,
where we crossed the Chattahoochee River. On the 15th we
constructed works; remained in our rifle-pits until the morning of
the 17th, when we were ordered forward marched until the evening
of the 20th, when we halted and constructed works. On the
21st the Forty-eighth charged the enemy's works, and drove in his
pickets; lost 1 commissioned officer and 41 men, killed and wounded,
and 1 commissioned officer and 2 men prisoner. On the 22d the
Forty-eighth was engaged all day; Col. Greathouse was killed,
and 40 men were killed and wounded. We held the works which
had been constructed by the enemy until the morning of the 27th.
On the morning of the 27th we resumed the march at 3 a. m. and
marched immediately to the right, where we took our position on
the right of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and directly in front of the
enemy. On the morning of the 28th we were ordered forward in
order to feel for the enemy. Three companies of the Forty-eighth
were deployed as skirmishers for the brigade. Immediately after
the several companies were deployed sharp skirmishing ensued. Captain
G [rimes], who was commanding the skirmishers, discovered the
enemy moving two batteries, one to his front, and one to the right
of his skirmish line, for the purpose of throwing grape and canister
into the skirmish line. After the enemy graped, canistered, and
shelled the skirmish line for the space of half an hour, the commander
of the skirmishers discovered the enemy advancing in
strong columns. The skirmishers remained stationary, with undaunted
courage, until the enemy had advanced within thirty feet of
our skirmish pits, when Capt. G [rimes] gave the command to fire.
The boys being cool and undaunted, immediately responded, pouring
the most deadly volley of musketry into the very face of the
enemy, which caused almost a panic in the rebel ranks, at least they
were so confused as to compel the rebel commander to reform his
lines ere he advanced farther. Immediately after firing, the skirmishers
retreated and resumed their respective positions in the regiment.
The engagement became general at 10 a. m. and lasted until
4: 30 p. m., when the Forty-eighth Illinois was relieved by the
Tenth Illinois. The Forty-eighth Illinois lost 6 commissioned officers
and 58 men killed and wounded.
The Forty-eighth Illinois remained on the line where works were
constructed by the several regiments of the Fourth Division until
the evening of the 3d August, when we were moved forward to a
line of works which had been constructed and formerly occupied by
Gen. Jeff. C. Davis' division, of the Fourteenth Corps.
EDWARD ADAMS,
Maj. 48th Illinois Infty. Vet. Vols., Comdg. Regt.
Capt. H. L. PHILIPS,
A. A. A. G., Third Brig., Fourth Div., 15th Army Corps.
Report of casualties of the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry since May 6, to and
including August 3, 1864.
Command.
K W M
Commissioned officers........ 4 9 2
Non-commissioned officers.... .. 24 1
Enlisted men................. 25 133 10
Total...................... 29 166 13
K=Killed. W=Wounded. M=Missing.
Aggregate, 208.
EDWARD ADAMS,
Maj. Forty-eighth Illinois Infty., Comdg. Regt.
Source: Official Records
PAGE 346-74 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L.
[Series I. Vol. 38. Part III, Reports. Serial No. 74.]
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