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ILLINOIS
FIFTY-FIRST INFANTRY
(Three Years)

     Fifty-first Infantry. - Cols., Gilbert W. Cumming, Luther 
P.  Bradley; Lieut.-Cols., Luther P. Bradley, Samuel B. Raymond, 
Charles W. Davis, James S. Boyd; Majs., Samuel B. Raymond, 
Charles W. Davis, Rufus Rose, James S. Boyd.  This regiment was 
organized at Camp Douglas, Chicago. Dec. 24, 1861, and on Feb. 
14, 1862, was ordered to Cairo, moving to Camp Cullum on the 
Kentucky shore on the 27th.  On April 7 it moved against Island 
No. 10, and on the next day pursued the enemy, compelling the 
surrender of Gen. Mackall and several thousand prisoners.  It 
was also engaged in the battle of Farmington and in the siege 
of Corinth ; assisted in repelling the attack of Breckenridge, 
Morgan and Forrest on Nashville in November, and on Dec. 26 
moved against the enemy under Bragg.  It was in the thickest of 
the fight at Stone's river, -losing 57 killed, wounded and pri-
soners.  After some maneuvering it entered the battle of 
Chickamauga at 4 P.M. Sept. 19 and lost that evening 90 men out 
of 209 engaged.  On the 20th it went into position on the ex-
treme right, was heavily engaged by noon, and in the afternoon 
the whole division fell back in confusion to Missionary ridge. 
The regiment was engaged at the battle of Missionary ridge and 
lost 30 out of 15O men engaged.  On Feb. 1O, 1864, the regiment
mustered as veterans and started for Chicago, where on the 17th 
the men received a veteran furlough.  Returning to the field, 
it was engaged at Rocky Face ridge, losing 2 men wounded, at 
Resaca losing 1 killed and 20 wounded; at Dallas it was engaged 
11 days, losing 1 officer and 11 men wounded; in a skirmish on 
June 15 it lost 13 killed and wounded; was engaged at Kennesaw 
mountain and in the assault of June 27 lost 2 officers wounded, 
and 54 men killed and wounded; was engaged at Peachtree creek, 
its casualties being 5 wounded, and during the siege of Atlanta 
was in a skirmish at Jonesboro, losing 2 wounded, and at Love-
joy's Station lost 3 wounded.  During the whole campaign the 
regiment lost 3 officers killed, 4 wounded, and 1O5 men killed 
and wounded.  It was engaged in the battle of Spring Hill, 
Tenn., losing 12 wounded, and then moved to Franklin, where it
was heavily engaged, with a loss of 52 men killed and wounded 
and 98 missing.  It also participated in the battle of Nash-
ville, where it lost 1 man killed and 5 wounded.  On April 11, 
1865, C0. I - 90 men - joined the regiment from Camp Butler,
and on June 15 Co. F was mustered out of the service.  The 
regiment embarked for Texas in July, was mustered out at Camp 
Irwin, that state, Sept. 25, 1865, and arrived at Camp Butler 
Ill., Oct. 15, for final payment and discharge. 

Source: The Union Army, vol. 3

*******************************************************************************

Stone's River after battle report: 

  Report of Col. Luther P. Bradley, Fifty-first Illinois infantry,
  commanding Third Brigade.

  HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, RIGHT
  WING, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, January 8, 1863.
  SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general
  commanding, the part taken by the Third Brigade in the operations
  before Murfreesborough, ending January 4.

  On the morning of December 30, 1862, the brigade, under command of
  Col. G. W. Roberts, advanced on the Winchester pike, having the right
  of the column. About 9 o'clock we came on the enemy's skirmishers,
  engaged with a regiment of Gen. Negley's division. The
  Twenty-second Illinois was thrown out on the left, and the Forty-second
  on the right of the pike as skirmishers, and soon forced the enemy back.

  Houghtaling's battery was sent to the high ground, just in the edge of
  heavy timber on the right, and the Twenty-seventh and Fifty-first Illinois
  formed in line of battle to the rear of the reserves of the Twenty-second
  and Forty-second, and on the left of the battery. We had active work
  with the enemy's skirmishers all day, the battery occasionally shelling
  them, but they were generally out of range. At noon the Fifty-first
  Illinois relieved the Forty-second Illinois, and occupied the right of the
  brigade line of skirmishers for the balance of the day. About dark the
  skirmishers were withdrawn, and the brigade bivouacked on the field.
  The losses for the day were 7 killed and 35 wounded.

  On the morning of the 31st, the brigade was under arms at daylight, and
  soon after formed line of battle. The enemy's columns opened out
  from the opposite woods, and Col. Roberts ordered a skirmishing
  force to advance and feel the timber on our left. Companies A and B,
  Twenty-seventh Illinois, were thrown out under Maj. Schmitt, the
  balance of the regiment being held in reserve, its left resting on the
  pike.

  About 8.30 a.m. Col. Roberts ordered the Twenty-second,
  Forty-second, and Fifty-first to charge the enemy's columns, and
  gallantly led them in person. The Forty-second and Fifty-first charged
  in line, with the Twenty-second in rear of the Forty-second, at battalion
  distance. These regiments went forward at the double-quick, and cleared
  the wood in front of our lines, the enemy giving way before we reached
  him. The line was halted, and opened fire in the timber. After some ten
  minutes, the line on our right giving way, we were ordered to retire to
  the lane leading at nearly right angles with the pike, and take a new
  position.

  Very soon the whole brigade was moved to the left and rear, and
  formed in the cedar woods on the pike, east of the hospital.
  Houghtaling's battery was posted so as to sweep the open ground and
  timber the brigade had lately occupied. The forty-second and
  Twenty-second were thrown to the left and rear of the battery, and the
  Twenty-seventh and Fifty-first formed on the pike, fronting south. The
  whole command was soon hotly engaged with the enemy, advancing on
  the east and south. The Twenty-seventh changed front to rear on first
  company, and the Fifty-first moved by the right flank, so as to form an
  angle with the Twenty-seventh Illinois. Company K, Fifty-first Illinois,
  under Lieut. Moody, was thrown out in advance of the battery to
  the east, to skirmish the woods, and remained there until driven in.
  Houghtaling's battery was worked with great spirit and vigor during the
  whole action; it, as well as the regiments of the brigade, was exposed
  to a cross-fire from rebel batteries situated at the brick-kiln, and at the
  point occupied by Houghtaling on the 30th, as well as a heavy fire of
  small-arms.

  There the brigade met its chief loss; 400 were killed or wounded in two
  hours. Col.'s Roberts and Harrington fell about 10.45 o'clock. At this
  time the ammunition of the battery and of the infantry was nearly
  exhausted. Being hard pressed by a superior force, and nearly
  surrounded, it was thought necessary to retire.

  At about 11 o'clock I withdrew the Fifty-first in concert with the
  Twenty-seventh, under Maj. Schmitt, both regiments moving by the
  right flank in good order. Houghtaling's battery was left upon the field,
  after firing the last round of ammunition and losing more than half the
  horses; being outflanked on both sides, it was impossible to bring it off
  in its crippled condition. I was not informed of the fall of Col.'s
  Roberts and Harrington until after the Twenty-second and Forty-second
  had moved. These regiments, after suffering a loss of half their
  numbers, retired toward the Nashville pike, striking it near the grounds
  held by Gen. Palmer's division, and, being separated from the
  brigade, reported to him.

  The Twenty-seventh and Fifty-first were the last regiments to leave the
  ground, the regiments of Gen. Negley's command having already
  retired. As soon as I was informed that the command of the brigade
  devolved on me, I sent Capt. Rose, of Col. Roberts' staff, to
  report to Gen. Sheridan for orders, and fell back through the timber
  toward the pike.

  Not being able to find Gen. Sheridan, I reported to Gen. Davis,
  who ordered me to re-enforce Col. Harker's brigade, then engaged
  with the enemy, who was endeavoring to turn our extreme right and get
  possession of the road. I took the Twenty-seventh and Fifty-first
  in line of battle, just as our troops were falling back in some disorder,
  and, after delivering a volley or two, charged a rebel brigade of five
  regiments, routing them completely and taking some 200 prisoners. This
  was the final effort on the right. about 1 p.m. we stacked arms and
  supplied the men with ammunition, the Twenty-second and Forty-second
  joining soon after.

  On the morning of January 1 we stood to arms at 3 o'clock, expecting
  an attack, and after daylight built a breastwork in front of the brigade
  line. In the afternoon a brigade of the enemy issued from the timber
  opposite our position and advanced on our line. As soon as they were
  in range, I opened with small-arms and shell, driving them back in
  disorder.

  Observing that a part of them had skulked in the rocks, I sent out a
  strong line of skirmishers, under Lieut. Hanback, of the
  Twenty-seventh Illinois, and captured 2 lieutenants and 117 men, mostly
  of the Third Confederate. The brigade occupied the same position on the
  2d, 3d, and 4th of January, skirmishing more or less with the enemy
  every day.

  The entire loss of the brigade is 3 commissioned officers killed, 12
  wounded; 58 enlisted men killed, 328 wounded; 161 missing; making
  a total of 562.* This loss occurred on the 30th and 31st. I think there
  is a considerable number of wounded men in the hands of the enemy,
  who are now reckoned among the missing; but having no positive
  knowledge of their condition, we account for them in that way.

  I cannot forbear to express the sorrow felt by the whole command at the
  loss of its senior officers, Col.'s Roberts and Harrington. They had
  served with the brigade since last April, and had each been in command
  of it for a considerable time. Long service had made the command
  familiar with them, and inspired them with confidence in their judgment
  and skill. They fell in exactly the line of their duty, and each met a
  soldier's death, bravely.

  L. P. BRADLEY,
  Col., Cmdg. Brigade.

  Lieut. GEORGE LEE,
  Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Third Division.

Source:  Official Records
PAGE 370-29   KY., MID., AND E. TENN., N. ALA., AND SW. VA.   [CHAP. XXXII.
  [Series I. Vol. 20. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 29.]

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  Report of Capt. Albert M. Tilton, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry.

  HDQRS. FIFTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
  Chattanooga, Tennessee, November 27, 1863.
  SIR: I have the honor, through Col. Walworth, commanding
  demi-brigade, to submit the following report of the operations of my
  regiment since the 23d instant:

  The regiment left camp on the 23d about 1 p.m., following the
  Twenty-seventh Illinois and forming line on its left on a knoll, near the
  old picket line, when one-half the regiment was ordered forward to build
  barricades. Moved forward to the breastwork at dusk, where we
  remained until the afternoon of the 25th, when, after forming in strip of
  timber in our front, we moved forward in rear of the Twenty-seventh
  Illinois, with the Twenty-second Illinois on our immediate left. The
  regiment marched in good order across the open field, under a heavy
  from the enemy's guns, and scaled the ridge.

  Maj. Davis, commanding regiment, having been severely wounded and
  Capt. Bellows killed, I took command, and, by order of Col.
  Walworth, moved the regiment forward, deployed as skirmishers,
  supported by the Forty-second Illinois, about half a mile, where I
  remained in skirmish line until ordered to encamp.

  Moved out at 1 a.m., in rear of the Twenty-seventh Illinois, to Bird's
  Mill; remained there the greater part of the day and returned to our old
  camp at dusk.

  As far as my knowledge extends, every officer and man did his duty.

  I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

  A. M. TILTON,
  Capt., Cmdg. Regt.

  Maj. S. L. COLTER,
  Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

  Source:  Official Records
  PAGE 250-55   KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA.   [CHAP. XLIII.
  [Series I. Vol. 31. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 55.]

************************************************************************************

  Report of Capt. Albert M. Tilton, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry.

  HDQRS. FIFTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
  Near Atlanta, Ga., September 12, 1864.
  CAPT.: I have the honor to submit the following condensed
  report of operations of my command during the late campaign:

  Left Cleveland, Tenn., May 3, and commenced skirmishing on the
  5th at Buzzard Roost, where, on the 9th, part of the regiment participated
  in an unsuccessful charge on the enemy's works. Had 2
  men wounded at this point. The enemy fell back on the night of
  the 12th, and we passed through Dalton on the 13th in pursuit, and
  engaged them at Resaca on the 14th, losing Capt. Lester, killed,
  and 20 men wounded. The enemy evacuated his works on the night
  of the 15th, and we followed, skirmishing continually until the 19th,
  when we halted, and the whole army rested for three days near
  Kingston. Resumed the march on the 23d, and found the enemy on
  the 25th near Dallas. After eleven days skirmishing they retreated,
  and we rested three days near Acworth. The casualties here (near
  Dallas) were 1 officer and 11 men wounded. Moved forward on the
  9th of June, and on the 15th, being on the skirmish line, lost 1 officer
  and 12 men killed and wounded. On the 17th the enemy decamped
  to their intrenchments at Kenesaw, where nothing except
  changes of line and light skirmishing occurred till the 27th, when
  we participated in an assault on the enemy's line, losing 4 officers
  and 39 men. The losses from the 15th to this time were 11 men
  killed and wounded. The enemy left this line on the night of the
  2d of July, and we marched to the Chattahoochee without further
  hinderance than a show of resistance on the 4th. On the 10th
  marched to Roswell, eighteen miles up the river, and crossed,
  returning to our position in the corps on the 13th, and again crossed
  the river on the 14th, and rested three days. Marched on the 18th
  in support of the skirmish line. On the 20th supported and reenforced
  the Eighty-eighth Illinois, First Brigade. Afterward
  formed line, facing to the rear, and built breast-works. Casualties,
  5 wounded. On the 22d confronted the enemy in their fortifications
  around Atlanta, where we remained until the night of the 25th,
  when we started on a raid, which resulted in the evacuation of Atlanta,
  on the night of the 1st of September. In the skirmish near
  Jonesborough on the 1st lost 2 men wounded, and on the 2d near
  Lovejoy's, 3 men wounded. Remained at Lovejoy's till the 5th;
  commenced a retrograde movement in the evening, regiment on
  picket, and marched in triumph into Atlanta on the 8th.

  This is a brief outline of operations, and somewhat imperfect,
  owing to the fact that I have been in command since June 27 only.

  I append a list of casualties during the campaign: Officers killed,
  3; wounded, 5; total, 8. Enlisted men killed, 22; wounded, 79;
  captured, 4; missing, 1; total, 106. Aggregate, 114.

  I am, captain, very truly, your obedient servant,

  A. M. TILTON,
  Capt., Comdg. Fifty-first Illinois Infantry.

  Capt. WATERMAN,
  Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Third Brigade.


  Source:  Official Records
  CHAP. L.]   REPORTS, ETC.--ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.   PAGE 362-72
  [Series I. Vol. 38. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 72.]

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Nashville, TN after battle report:

  No. 60.

  Report of Capt. Meritt B. Atwater, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry, of
  operations November 29-30, 1864.

  HDQRS. FIFTY-FIRST ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
  Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.
  COL.: I have the honor to submit the following condensed report of
  the operations of my command during the engagements of November 29 at
  Spring Hill, and on the 30th instant [ultimo] at Franklin, Tenn.:

  On the morning of the 29th of November my command moved into column
  and marched to Spring Hill, Tenn. Arriving at 2 p. m. with our brigade,
  were put in position, and hastily threw upon slight works. Had just
  completed them when the enemy came upon us in charge, striking the right
  of the brigade. The right wing was ordered to support the Fifteenth Missouri
  on our right, and warmly engaged, with the exception of the right company
  of left wing. The left wing was not engaged. The left wing held their ground
  until the right gave way 
  and they were receiving a flank fire in their rear, when they were ordered
  to fall back, which they did in good order, rallying twice. The right was
  commanded by Capt. A. M. Tilton, the left by Capt. Atwater. Falling
  back under a galling fire from the enemy one mile and a half to rear and
  left, again formed near the main body; when formed, were again moved in
  position and threw up works. Our loss in this action was 12 enlisted men
  wounded and 5 missing. On the morning of 30th of November moved into
  column at 5 a. m. and marched to Franklin, Tenn., arriving at 11 a. m.
  Moved into position, our right resting on the Nashville turnpike, and threw
  up hasty works. The enemy appeared at about 5 p. m., moving upon us in
  two lines deep. In this position we fought until the brigade on our right gave
  way, when, under a heavy cross and front fire from the enemy, I ordered
  my command to fall back to the second line. The enemy then were within
  two rods of our front, and also on our flank. The retreat was over a clear
  open field 600 yards to the inner line. Our casualties show the difficulty of
  the position. In this action we lost 1 lieutenant and 5 enlisted men killed; 1
  captain, 2 lieutenants, and 46 enlisted men wounded; 1 lieutenant and 89
  men missing. Many of the missing undoubtedly are either killed or
  wounded. The regiment was commanded Capt. A. M. Tilton until the
  evening of the 30th, when we was wounded, and the command developed
  upon me.

  I am proud to say the conduct of the men was gallant in the extreme, with but very few exceptions, and worthy of veterans. Where all did their duty
  so well, it would be invidious to specify individual instances of bravery.
  I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,

  MERITT B. ATWATER,
  Capt., Cmdg. Fifty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

  [Col. JOSEPH CONRAD.]

  -----------

  No. 61.

  Report of Capt. Albert M. Tilton, Fifty Infantry, of operations December
  15-16, 1864.

  HDQRS. FIFTY-FIRST ILLINOIS,
  In the Field, January 3, 1865.
  CAPT.: I have the honor to make the following condensed report of the
  operations of my commanding the battles of Nashville on the 15th and 16th
  of December, 1864:

  On the 15th My regiment occupied the works composing the brigade front
  in skirmish line, and was not engaged. Joined the brigade on the morning of
  the 16th and moved out in line on the right of the Forty-second Illinois.
  Afterward moved to the right to guard the flank, but soon after rejoined the
  brigade and formed on the right of the Sixty-fourth Ohio.
  In the charge of the morning the casualties were 1 enlisted man killed and
  1 officer and 9 men wounded. No casualties in the charge on the second
  line.

  Very respectfully,

  A. M. TILTON,
  Capt., Cmdg. Fifty-first Illinois.

  Capt. PAINE,
  Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Brig., 2d Division, Fourth Corps.

  
  ADDENDA.

  HDQRS. FIFTY-FIRST ILLINOIS,
  In the Field, January 5, 1865.
  CAPT.: I have the honor to report the following as the number of
  trophies taken by my command since November 30, 1864:

  One battle-flag, taken by Sergt. M. Lewis, Company E, at the battle of
  Franklin, and claimed and taken away by an officer of the Twenty-third
  Corps.

  One pistol and belt, taken from an officer of the C. S. Army as he came
  over our works by Lieut. Charles Hills, Company K, which he has how
  in his possession. He was wounded afterward and is now at home in
  Chicago.

  Several prisoners were captured and delivered to the corps provost-marshal,
  for which the several men capturing have the receipts. These men are now
  absent and I cannot at present give their names.

  Quite a number of swords, &c., were captured at the battles of Nashville,
  but were thrown away in the hurried marching that occurred afterward.

  I regret that the want of sufficient data prevents me from making a more
  complete report.

  I am, captain, very truly,

  A. M. TILTON,
  Capt., Fifty-first Illinois, Cmdg.

  Capt. PAINE,
  Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

  Source:  Official Records
  PAGE 278-93   KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA.   [CHAP. LVII.
  [Series I. Vol. 45. Part I, Reports, Correspondence, Etc. Serial No. 93.]


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