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ILLINOIS
SEVENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY
(Three Years)

     Seventy-eighth Infantry. - Cols., William H. Bennison, 
Carter Van Vleck; Lieut.-Cols., Carter Van Vleck, Maris R. Ver-
non; Majs., William L. Broaddus, George Greene, Robert S. 
Blackburn.  This regiment was organized at Quincy and mustered 
into service Sept. 1, 1862.  CO. A was recruited in Schuyler 
county, B, E, F, G and K in Adams, C and I in McDonough and D 
and H in Hancock.  On Sept. 19 the regiment was ordered to Lou-
isville, Ky., and was provost guard a few days in that city, 
while Buell was equipping his army after his celebrated race 
with Bragg.  On Dec. 26 the guerrilla John Morgan captured and 
paroled Cos. B and C at Muldraugh's hill, near Elizabethtown. 
They were under fire from 9 pieces of artillery some 2 hours. 
The first actual engagement that the regiment participated in 
was at Chickamauga, and there it lost heavily in killed and 
wounded, its loss being about 40 percent of the number en-
gaged, with 8 officers out of 20.  When the regiment left Ross-
ville on the morning of Sept. 22 pickets were left in front of 
the enemy with the understanding that they would be relieved 
later on, but by the blunder of a staff officer the pickets 
were not relieved and hence were captured and sent to Southern 
prisons, where 24 of them died.  The regiment lost by this cap-
ture 4 officers and 51 men from Cos. I and F, who were on 
picket duty.  The regiment engaged in the Atlanta campaign, May 
13 finding it in line of battle in front of Resaca, where the 
command met with slight loss.  The regiment left Rome on the 
24th and marched toward Dallas, driving the Confederate pickets 
through Burnt Hickory.  It participated in the pursuit of the 
enemy from Kennesaw mountain, skirmishing with him constantly, 
crossed the Chattahoochee river on July 17, and fought at 
Peachtree creek with some casualties.  It also participated in 
the assault on enemy's entrenchment's at Jonesboro.  On the en-
tire campaign the regiment was hardly out of the sound of guns 
any day during the entire period from May 2 to the fall of 
Atlanta and casualties were of almost daily occurrence.  The 
regiment lost in killed and wounded about 200 men during this 
period.  On Sept. 29, with its division, it moved by rail to 
Athens, Ala., and then marched to Florence in pursuit of 
Forrest, who was in the rear with a large force doing great 
damage.  The command had a skirmish with the enemy and drove 
him across the Tennessee river at Florence.  The regiment ac-
companied Sherman on his march to the sea and up through the 
Carolinas.  It proceeded in a northeasterly direction towards 
Averasboro, where the enemy made the first positive resistance 
after leaving Savannah and a lively engagement ensued in which 
the 78th suffered some loss.  After the surrender of Johnston 
the regiment marched north through Richmond, Va., arriving at 
Washington on May 19, and participating in the grand review.  
On June 7, 1865, it was mustered out and sent to Chicago, where
 it was paid off, June l2.  It is estimated that the regiment 
lost about 400 men, killed and wounded - about 96 killed on the 
field, 24 died in Confederate prisons, and 77 in hospitals from 
wounds and disease.  The original enrollment was 862; recruits 
received, 140; and the number mustered out was 393. 

Source: The Union Army, vol. 3

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Chickamagua after battle report: 

  Report of Lieut. Col. Carter Van Vleck Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry.

  OFFICERS' HOSPITAL,
  Chattanooga, Tenn., September 22, 1863.
  COL.: Pursuant to your request, I improve the first opportunity to make you
  an official statement of the part taken by my regiment in the battle of
  Chickamauga.

  We were not engaged in the battle of Saturday, except to protect the right
  flank of our division lines while the First Brigade were engaging the enemy
  on the Rossville and Ringgold road.

  Sunday morning soon after light we were posted in line with the Ninety-sixth
  Illinois on said road and remained thus until about 10 a. m., when we
  received orders to move in haste to the support of Gen. Thomas, some 4 or
  5 miles to the right, whither we went with the other regiments of the division
  under the command of Gen. Steedman.

  The last mile and a half of this march was made over an open plain under
  a continuous fire of artillery and musketry. No serious casualties occurred,
  but the temper of the men was well tried and proved to be of the right
  material.

  From this open plain we passed into a dense piece of timber, where our
  brigade was formed in two lines, the One hundred and thirteenth and
  Ninety-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry making the front line, and the
  Seventy-eighth Illinois and One hundred and twenty-first Ohio Infantry
  making the rear line, and advanced in this order
  in the direction of the enemy. Our lines very soon became separated and the
  rear line found itself confronted by the enemy, posted in strong position on
  the crest of a high ridge. We immediately charged upon him and drove him
  from his position and occupied the crest ourselves, capturing several
  prisoners. In this charge our loss in wounded was severe, but we lost none
  killed, excepting Maj. Broaddus, who received a fatal shot through the neck.

  The knowledge of his death stung every heart with bitter grief. As an officer
  and soldier he was the pride of the regiment; as a Christian and a patriot he
  had no superior; as a man he was beloved by all who knew him. His loss to
  his friends, the regiment, and the service, is irreparable.

  We maintained the admirable position we had gained from about 1 o'clock
  until after 4, under one of the most terrible fires on record; it was
  emphatically a hand-to-hand musketry fight. Time and again did the enemy
  charge upon our lines in superior force, of the getting as near as 20 or 30
  yards, but he was as often hurled back into the ravine from which he vainly
  struggled to ascend.

  After maintaining this fearful contest for more than three hours an
  overwhelming force was thrown against our left wing, which left us no
  alternative but to retire or be overpowered and captured. Such a shower of
  grape, canister, and musket-balls as was at this time poured over the
  regiment can hardly be imagined. We put forth every energy in our power
  to drive back, or at least hold in check, the massive columns that moved
  steadily against us, but in vain. Our only salvation was in retreat. The order
  was reluctantly given and still more reluctantly obeyed. While
  communicating this order I received a severe wound in my left [arm]. I
  nevertheless conducted the regiment to the crest of another ridge some 300
  yards to the rear. This retreat was made and the line reformed under a heavy
  fire, without the least disorder, when we resumed our fire with the same
  determined energy as before. I remained with the regiment for nearly half
  an hour after I received the wound, when I became so much exhausted from
  loss of blood as to be compelled to leave the field, having first committed
  the command of the regiment to Adjt.

  George Green, which was done with the consent of all his superior officers
  because of his recent election as major, in consideration of the resignation
  of Col. Benneson and the consequent promotion of the other field officers.
  The regiment could not have been committed to better hands. During the
  entire engagement he exhibited the most undaunted courage and perfect
  self-possession. He took command with the composure of a veteran and a
  hero, and kept the regiment at is deadly work until darkness put an end to
  the strife, when he withdrew it in perfect order to Rossville. I should very
  much like to mention the gallant conduct of different officers, but to mention
  one would involve the necessity of mentioning all, for every one did his
  duty, his whole duty, and nothing but his duty, and did it most nobly.

  The soldiers, too, were not a whit behind the officers in the gallant and
  noble discharge of their whole duty. Sufficient to say that our hearts were
  all filled with gratitude and pride to know that, having been most severely
  tried, not one craven or coward [is] to be found in our ranks; there were no
  stragglers from the Seventy-eighth Illinois. We went into action with about
  370 men [Company F having been previously detailed to guard the field
  hospital], and we lost in killed, wounded, and missing 142 men, besides 54
  that were taken prisoners while doing picket duty Monday night.

  A detailed statement* of these losses is herewith sent. We captured 30
  prisoners and 1 stand of regimental colors. Our regimental and brigade
  alignments were not broken by us from the time we entered the field until
  we left it. That we were not utterly destroyed is owing in a great measure
  to the protection afforded by our excellent position.

  I am, colonel, with great respect, your most obedient servant,

  CARTER VAN VLECK,
  Lieut. Col., Comdg. 78th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

  Col. J. G. MITCHELL,
  Comdg. Brigade.

  -----------


  Report of Lieut. George Green, Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry.

  HDQRS. SEVENTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
  Near Chattanooga, Tenn., September 25, 1863.
  SIR: On the morning of the 19th instant, the regiment was moved 4 miles
  on the Ringgold road. A line, of battle was formed, the Seventy-eighth
  Illinois placed on the right of the brigade, and supporting Company M, First
  Illinois Artillery; Companies D and K thrown out as skirmishers. We
  remained in that position during the night.

  On the morning of the 20th, our position was changed to the left of the line
  of battle formed across the Ringgold road, and were temporarily under the
  command of Col. Champion, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers. At 10 a. m.
  we were marched to the right wing of the army, some 4 or 5 miles distant,
  where Thomas' corps was fighting. We became engaged with the enemy
  about 1 p. m. We charged and drove them from their position on the crest
  of a hill, and maintained our position until sundown, when our ammunition
  became exhausted and we were compelled to retire, and were withdrawn
  from the field to Rossville, where we bivouacked for the night.
  Our loss was quite severe, amounting to 91 killed, wounded, and missing.
  Prior to the engagement Company F was detailed to guard prisoners at field
  hospital.

  We went into the battle with 334 men and 19 officers.

  On the 21st, we moved up the Chattanooga road and went on Mission Hill,
  where we threw up breastworks and put out skirmishers and let them remain
  as a picket. At midnight we left the hill and marched into Chattanooga,
  leaving 30 men and 3 officers, of Company F, and 19 men and 1 officer, of
  Company I, as pickets, who were not relieved, and are supposed to be in the
  hands of the enemy.

  Our whole loss from the 19th instant to the 22d was: Officers killed, 1;
  wounded, 8; captured, 4; total, 13. Enlisted men killed, 16; wounded, 52;
  wounded and missing, 5; captured and paroled, 9; captured, 51; total, 146.+

  All of which is respectfully submitted.

  GEORGE GREEN,
  Lieut., Comdg. Regt.

  Lieut. J. T. COLLINS,
  Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Second Brigade.

Source:  Official Records
CHAP. XLII.]   THE CHICKAMAUGA CAMPAIGN.   PAGE 868-50
  [Series I. Vol. 30. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 50.]

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  Report of Lieut. Col. Carter Van Vleck, Seventy-eighth Illinois
  Infantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville.

  HDQRS. SEVENTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
  Near Rossville, Ga., December 30, 1863.
  GEN.: Pursuant to your directions, I forward you the following
  statement of the part taken by my command in the recent campaign:

  I returned to my regiment from a leave of absence on the evening of the
  22d ultimo, and received orders within an hour after my return to have
  my command ready to march at daylight next morning. We did not
  move, however, until 3 a. m. Tuesday, the 24th. My regiment, in
  company with the others of the brigade, moved up the Tennessee River
  from their camp opposite Chattanooga about 4 miles, where, in
  connection with the remainder of Gen. Davis' division, we crossed
  the river and took position, as I understand it, on the extreme left of the
  rear line of our forces in the battle of Chattanooga, which position we
  held without an engagement with the enemy until midnight, when we
  crossed the Chickamauga in pursuit of his retreating columns.

  At Chickamauga Station a small force of the enemy was overtaken and
  engaged by Gen. Morgan's brigade and soon routed. From this place
  my regiment and brigade were in advance and started in direction of
  Graysville. About 3 miles beyond the station we came
  up with a brigade of rebels, said to number 2,100 men, under command
  of a brigadier-general. By your direction I deployed six companies as
  skirmishers and held three in reserve (one company being held as
  prisoners at Richmond), by which means the enemy was soon compelled
  to make a stand. The remaining regiments of your brigade and the Third
  Brigade were promptly formed in line and moved forward to my
  support. Considerable confusion was occasioned in my regiment by the
  inadvertent and unauthorized firing of some of our own regiment upon
  my line of skirmishers while I was attempting to rally them on the
  reserve in a dense thicket of timber, and under a galling fire of grape
  and musketry from the enemy. I succeeded, however, in getting all who
  were not deployed too far away into line with the rest of the brigade.
  The enemy was soon driven in disorder from his position, and I was
  sure that nothing but the darkness that covered his retreat saved him
  from capture or a complete rout, but the night was too far advanced to
  follow, and we rested for the night.

  The next morning we continued our march to Graysville, thence to the
  vicinity of Ringgold, where we remained until the morning of the 29th,
  when we started on the memorable expedition to Knoxville to raise the
  siege of Longstreet and to re-enfore Gen. Burnside.

  At no time since the organization of the regiment have we been so poorly
  equipped for such a trip. Many of the men were barefooted and a majority
  of them without shirts and overcoats, but they all understood the
  importance of their mission and went with alacrity and cheerfulness. On
  two different days we were without rations of any kind, and for many days
  had nothing but unbolted corn meal, or fresh meat and corn meal without
  salt. The roads were very muddy, and the weather, a portion of the
  time, cold and wet. The men necessarily suffered a great deal, but I
  heard no murmurings or complaints.

  On the morning of the 6th instant, when some 20 miles this side of
  Knoxville, we heard with joy the expedition had been highly successful,
  and that Longstreet had been driven into North Carolina, with the loss
  of his wagon and siege trains and of many men as prisoners and
  deserters. We gladly received the order to "right about" and march
  toward camp and the supposed depot of rations and clothing. We arrived
  in Chattanooga on the eve of the 18th instant, in time to see the pontoon
  broken, an occurrence which compelled us to remain all night on the
  bank of the river, one of the coldest nights of the season, without fires,
  which occasioned more suffering and inflicted more permanent injury
  by far than any day's privation and hardship of the trip.

  We returned to camp the morning of the 19th, with at least one-third of
  the men unfitted for immediate duty on account of being barefooted and
  footsore, but in general health the regiment was never in better
  condition.

  In behalf of the regiment, allow me to return you my sincere thanks for
  your uniform kindness and solicitude for the comfort of the men, as well
  as for your undaunted courage and skill in time of danger.
  The casualties in my regiment during the engagement mentioned were
  as follows: Killed, Sergt. Moses A. McCandless, Company I, by
  grape-shot; mortally wounded and since died, Private William H.
  Bowman, Company I, musket-shot in thigh; severely wounded, Private
  William G. McClellan, Company I, musket-shot in hand;
  severely wounded, Private Samuel S. Wyles, Company A, musketshot
  in hand.

  Respectfully submitted.

  CARTER VAN VLECK,
  Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Regt.

  [Brig. Gen. JOHN BEATTY.]

  Source:  Official Records
  CHAP. XIIII.]   THE CHATTANOOGA-RINGGOLD CAMPAIGN.   PAGE 501-55
  [Series I. Vol. 31. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 55.]

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  Report of Lieut. Col. Maris R. Vernon, Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry.

  HDQRS. SEVENTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS VOL. INFANTRY,
  Jonesborough, Ga., September 5, 1864.
  CAPT.: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to submit
  the following report, showing the operations of the Seventy-eighth
  Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in the campaign commencing May 2
  and terminating with the battle of Jonesborough, September 1,
  and the capture of Atlanta, September 2, 1864:

  The regiment broke camp at Rossville, Ga., on the 2d day of May,
  with 23 commissioned officers and 516 enlisted men, Col. Carter Van
  Vleck commanding. The first day's march brought us to Ringgold,
  where we remained until the morning of the 7th, when, in the advance
  upon Tunnel Hill, we first struck the enemy, and after a
  slight skirmish occupied his works. On the 8th the regiment formed
  a part of the column that carried the first ledge of hills in front of
  Rocky Face. The accompanying exhibit* gives a list of the killed
  and wounded in the regiment in each engagement and skirmish during
  the campaign. On the 9th the regiment acted as support to an
  assault made upon Rocky Face. On the 12th moved to the right,
  passing through Snake Creek Gap; next confronting the enemy at
  Resaca on the 14th. 15th, we put up our first line of fortifications.
  16th, the enemy having fallen back from Resaca, the regiment
  marched with the division, Gen. Jefferson C. Davis commanding,
  upon Rome, some forty miles due south. On the afternoon
  of the 17th skirmished with the enemy, driving him to his
  main line of fortifications before the city. On the morning of the
  18th, the enemy having evacuated the place in the night, we went
  into camp, and remained until the 23d. In the capture of Rome, a
  considerable amount of stores fell into our possession. Again advancing,
  we crossed the Etowah, and marched in a southeasterly
  course, coming up with the enemy on the evening of the 26th at
  Dallas. The morning of the 27th we moved into position half mile
  north of the town. At 12 m. changed front, and advanced half
  mile to the east. The evening of the 28th moved one mile to the
  left and fortified. 29th, the regiment briskly engaged on the skirmish
  line. 31st, at 10 p. m. again moved to the left. June 1, under
  a scorching sun, the whole division moved some five miles to the
  left, and went into position, relieving a division of the Fourth Corps,
  the Seventy-eighth on the front line. The enemy's lines being very
  close here, we had several casualties. On the night of the 3d, the
  regiment being on skirmish line, repelled an advance of the enemy.
  On the 4th we again moved to the left. The enemy falling back
  the night of the 5th, we passed through his works on the following
  morning, and moved in the direction of Acworth, going into camp
  some two miles to the southwest of it. After three days' rest we
  again moved out, and next skirmished with the enemy on the 11th.
  On the 13th Company B, Lieut. Woodruff commanding, advanced
  the skirmish line, capturing 6 prisoners. The skirmishing
  here for several days was kept up with great vigor on both sides.
  Scarcely a day passed but that some were killed or wounded. In
  the advance of the line on the 19th it was found the enemy had
  taken to his main works on Kenesaw Mountain and around Marietta.
  Our line was formed at the base of the mountain, where we
  remained until the night of the 25th, subjected to a continuous
  shelling from the rebel batteries on Kenesaw, which was alike annoying
  by day and unseasonable by night. After a night's march the
  morning of the 26th found us in rear of the Fourth Corps, facing
  to the east. On the 27th the regiment participated in that evermemorable
  assault upon the enemy's works around Kenesaw. By
  reference to list of killed and wounded you will see that it sustained
  a heavy loss. Of the commissioned officers, First Lieut. George A.
  Brown, Company A, was mortally wounded, and died three days
  after. Capt. William B. Akins, Company K, slight wound in the
  head by piece of shell, and Capt. Thomas L. Howden, Company G,
  slight in head and back by shell. Though the enemy's works were
  not carried, yet the line in which the Seventy-eighth advanced held
  its ground, and intrenched itself less than 100 yards from the enemy's
  main line of fortifications. Under cover of night our works
  were strengthened, and we were able to hold them against a charge
  made by the enemy in the night of the 29th. We occupied this position
  until the morning of the 3d, when the enemy having again fallen
  back, we started in pursuit, coming up with his rear guard toward
  night in a strong position, and well fortified. After the day's march
  a part of the night was devoted to intrenching. On the 5th we
  were again following up the enemy's retreating columns, skirmishing
  all day, and capturing several prisoners. In the evening we
  went into position, and fortified in sight of, and within musketrange
  of, his strong defenses on the Chattahoochee. On the 9th the
  enemy withdrew across the river, and on the following day the regiment
  went into camp, remaining until the 17th, when it crossed,
  and advanced one mile in the direction of Atlanta. 18th, moved
  forward two miles. 19th, crossed Peach Tree Creek at 5 p. m., to
  support of the Third Brigade; advanced under a flank fire from
  the enemy, and soon entered into a spirited engagement, lasting
  until dark, when we put up fortifications within 200 yards of their
  works. 20th, a continuous fire was kept up to-day on the enemy
  from our main line, the regiment expending 17,000 rounds of ammunition.
  The result was he abandoned his works before sunset.
  22d, advanced to the Atlanta and Turner's Ferry road, striking it
  three miles to the west of Atlanta; put up works and remained in
  this position until the 28th, when the regiment, with the division,
  made a reconnaissance to Turner's Ferry, skirmishing with the enemy's
  cavalry nearly the where distance, at one time charging and
  routing a vastly superior number, dismounted and posted behind
  good defensive works. 29th, advanced the line one mile in front
  of the Fifteenth Corps and put up fortifications. 30th, again moved
  to the right and again fortified. 31st, made a reconnaissance to the
  front, advancing over one mile; then returning to our trenches we
  rested until the 3d [August].

  August 4, the right was again advanced to-day, the regiment going
  on the skirmish line at dark. 5th, drove the enemy's pickets
  back over half a mile, reaching the Sandtown road. Again, on the
  8th, at 11 p. m., the regiment advanced to a position in front of the
  main line and erected works supporting Capt. Barnett's battery,
  in sight of the enemy's lines, and within short range of four of his
  heavy forts, mounting from four to six guns each. The regiment
  was relieved from this position on the evening of the 10th and ordered
  back to the second line of works. On the 11th a calamity,
  the most melancholy of the campaign, occurred to the regiment. Its
  beloved commander and honored chief, Col. Carter Van Vleck, received
  a mortal wound, from which he died on the evening of the
  23d, following. A stray shot from the enemy nearly a mile distant
  winged its way over two lines of works, selecting for its victim one
  of the bravest and best of men, the ball striking just above the
  left eye and penetrating the brain. In his death the regiment lost a
  faithful commander and the army a brave and valuable officer. No
  better soldier or more devoted patriot ever drew sword in defense of
  his country than Col. Carter Van Vleck. While we here grieve
  for his loss, a family, before the most happy, now in melancholy
  mourns his death. Capt. William D. Ruddell, also on the 11th of August,
  received a serious wound in the back of the head from musketball.
  On the 12th the regiment moved with the brigade one mile
  to the right, going into position, relieving a division of the Twenty-third
  Corps. We remained here doing our regular picket duty until
  the 26th, when preparations were made for another move, changing
  the entire front of the army. At 3 o'clock on the morning of the
  27th the whole command was in motion, moving to the right and
  toward the enemy's rear. 28th, we were on the march again this
  morning at daylight; at 3 p. m. crossed the Atlanta and Montgomery
  Railroad some six miles west of East Point. Passing one mile
  to the south of the railroad, bivouacked for the night and fortified.
  29th, the regiment advanced out two miles due east on a reconnaissance
  and to protect the operations of destroying the railroad;
  returned to the brigade at 4 p. m. 30th, we marched to-day in
  a southerly course a distance of ten miles, occupying a position at
  night three miles east of the Macon railroad and some six miles
  north of Jonesborough, the regiment going on the skirmish line
  at sunset. 31st, advanced a distance of two miles to the main wagon
  road leading from Atlanta to Jonesborough and fortified our position,
  the skirmish line reaching the Macon railroad.

  September 1 at 10 a. m. the whole command was on the march
  toward Jonesborough, and at 3 p. m. we were formed in line of battle
  in front of and about half a mile from the enemy's fortified position
  on the railroad, north of the town, the Seventy-eighth Illinois
  and Ninety-eighth Ohio forming the front line, the enemy's works
  presenting to us two fronts running at right angles to each other,
  with one battery in the angle and another farther to his left, the
  center of our line being opposite the angle. The order was given to
  advance to a knoll some 300 yards in front of his works, which was
  done under a severe fire of shot and shell. Resting here a few
  minutes, the men lying flat on the ground, the order was again
  given to advance, quick time, and commence firing. As the men
  rose up and passed over the crest of the knoll a terrible fire of shell,
  grape-shot, and musketry was opened upon the line. Maj. Green
  was among the first to receive a wound, which compelled him to leave
  the field. The men were now falling at every step, yet their brave
  comrades pressed steadily forward, ready to meet death rather than
  defeat; in a few minutes the left (as the line came up obliquely)
  reached and passed over the enemy's works, forcing him to surrender
  and pass to our rear. In front of the right wing he continued
  to work his artillery with terrible effect, until, either killed or borne
  down at the point of the bayonet, he fired his last piece, double-charged
  with grape, when my two right companies, A and D, were
  less than ten paces from it, and two-thirds of the regiment inside
  his works; but at last, being overpowered, he yielded a stubborn
  resistance. The victory was complete. We carried his entire line
  of works from where the left first struck it to the crest of a ridge,
  where his line made another angle, a distance greater than the front
  of the regiment, capturing 1 battery of 4 guns and several hundred
  prisoners, including 1 brigadier-general and a number of field and
  line officers. The loss in the regiment was very heavy, 13 killed on
  the field and 69 wounded; 3 died on the following morning. Of the
  officers Capt. R. M. Black, Company D, and First Lieut. D. W.
  Long, Company G, were both killed, gallantly leading their companies
  in the charge. Maj. George Green received a severe wound
  in the left arm. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both
  officers and men in this engagement. To particularize would be
  invidious where all did so well. The second line, the Thirty-fourth
  Illinois and One hundred and twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
  now coming up, held the position against a fierce endeavor by the
  enemy to retake the guns. The regiment was now formed in the
  rear, and during the night the wounded were carried back and the
  dead collected and buried on the field where they fell. On the following
  morning, September 2, we marched into Jonesborough, and
  soon after received the news of the evacuation of Atlanta by the
  enemy and the glorious termination of the Campaign.

  In conclusion, I commend to an honorable mention the officers
  and men of the regiment. The battles, sieges, marches, and privations
  they have endured, through heat and through storm, entitles
  them to the just gratitude and honor of their country.

  I am, captain, with much respect, your obedient servant,

  M. R. VERNON,
  Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Regt.

  Capt. J. S. WILSON,
  Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., 14th Army Corps.


  Source:  Official Records
  CHAP. L.]   REPORTS, ETC.--ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.   PAGE 687-72
  [Series I. Vol. 38. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 72.]

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  Report of Lieut. Col. Maris R. Vernon, Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry.


  HDQRS. SEVENTY-EIGHTH Regt. ILLINOIS VOL. INFTY.,
  Savannah, Ga., December 30, 1864.
  CAPT.: In obedience to orders, I have the honor to submit the
  following report of the operations of the Seventy-eighth Regiment
  Illinois Volunteer Infantry from the fall of Atlanta up to and including
  the fall of Savannah, December 21, 1864:
  Upon the termination of the campaign of Atlanta the regiment, with the
  brigade, went into camp two miles south of the city, where it remained
  until the 29th of September; then, with the division, took cars and
  moved by rail to Athens, Ala., which point was reached on the 3d of
  October. October 4, took up line of march toward Florence, forded Elk
  River, and camped for the night near Rogersville. October 5, reached
  Shoal Creek, thirty-five miles west of Athens and six east of Florence;
  rained all day, and road bad. 6th, the regiment, with Thirty-fourth
  Illinois, made a reconnaissance three miles out Lawrenceburg road,
  returning to the brigade at night. 7th, with the division, advanced to
  within on mile of Florence. 8th and 9th, remained in camp. 10th, the
  whole command started back and returned to Athens. On the 12th and
  13th took cars and arrived in Chattanooga on the 14th. Here was
  obtained clothing, for which the men were suffering. 15th, 16th, and
  17th, in camp at Chattanooga. 18th, marched to Lee and Gordon's
  Mills, on West Chickamauga; 19th, to La Fayette; continuing the
  march, passed through Alpine, and reached Gaylesville, Ala., on the
  22d, where we joined the corps. Remained here until the afternoon of
  the 28th, when, with the division, we crossed to Chattooga River, and
  on the 29th reached Rome. November 1, with the division, moved from
  Rome to Kingston. Remained here until the 8th, when we moved to
  Cartersville. 13th, took up line of march for Atlanta, destroying the
  railroad as we moved.*

  I am, captain, with much respect, your obedient servant,

  M. R. VERNON,
  Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Regt.

  Capt. J. S. WILSON,
  Assistant Adjutant-Gen.


  Source:  Official Records
  PAGE 642-77   KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA.   [CHAP. LI.
  [Series I. Vol. 39. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 77.]

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  Report of Lieut. Col. Maris R. Vernon, Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry.

  HDQRS. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGT. ILLINOIS VOL. INFTY.,
  Savannah, Ga., December 30, 1864.
  CAPTAIN:*
  Reached Atlanta on the 15th [November]; here drew clothing, and on
  the following day (16th) started upon a new campaign; marched in an
  easterly course ten miles. 17th, marched seventeen miles in southeast
  course; destroyed half a mile of railroad, and camped for the night
  near Conyers Station. 18th, continued the march in an easterly course,
  passing through Covington, Newton County; destroyed the railroad
  one mile east of the town; marched seventeen miles and camped for the
  night on Ulcofauhachee River. 19th, marched southeast twenty miles;
  camped near Shady Dale. 20th, marched seventeen miles and camped four
  miles east of Eatonton. 21st, marched eleven miles and camped on
  Cedar Creek; rained all day. 22d, remained in camp. 23d, marched
  fourteen miles and camped two miles northwest of Milledgeville.
  24th, passed through Milledgeville and camped six miles east of it.
  25th, marched in an easterly course nine miles. 26th, marched to
  Sandersville, county seat of Washington County, distance six miles,
  the advance driving enemy's cavalry out of town. 27th marched
  seventeen miles, crossed, crossed Ogeechee River, and camped
  two miles east of it. 28th, marched eight miles, passed through
  Louisville, county seat of Jefferson County, and went into camp
  one mile north of the town. 29th, remained in camp. 30th ordered out
  on Waynesborough road to the relief of the forage party reported to be
  surrounded by enemy's cavalry; returned to camp at dark, losing eight
  men captured by the enemy. In justice to Capt. Akins, commanding
  forage detachment, from seventy-eighth Illinois, I must say it was
  through no neglect on his part that the men were captured. The
  enemy, vastly superior in number, charged upon him in front and
  on flank, and it was with great difficulty he evaded the capture of
  his whole party. As it was, he reached camp with the loss of but
  eight men.

  December 1, marched in a southeast course nine miles on the flank,
  guarding wagon trains. 2d, marched east eight miles, guarding train.
  3d, marched twelve miles, general course east. 4th, marched sixteen
  miles, general direction east; crossed Savannah and Augusta Railroad
  at Lumpkin's Station; still guarding train. 5th, marched in an easterly
  course seventeen miles. 6th, marched in southeasterly course twenty miles.
  7th, marched in southeasterly course fourteen miles, and camped one mile
  from Savannah River and twenty-seven miles; struck rebel fortifications on
  main road leading to Savannah. 10th, enemy fell back and we advanced four
  miles, reaching Savannah and Charleston Railroad. 11th, moved down the
  railroad and went into position, relieving a part of the Seventeenth Corps,
  the right of the regiment resting on Savannah and Charleston Railroad
  some three miles from the city. December 12, relieved by Twentieth Corps
  and moved with the brigade two miles to the right; went into position with
  the right of the regiment near the canal, and some four miles from the city;
  remained in this position until the fall of Savannah.

  There was issued to the regiment by the brigade commissary from and
  including the 16th of November, the date of leaving Atlanta, up to 21st
  of December the following amount of rations: Six days' rations bread,
  six days' rations bacon, six days' rations soap, six days' rations salt,
  twenty-four days' rations coffee, eleven days' rations sugar, nine days'
  rations beef. The rest required to subsist upon was foraged off the
  country. I am unable to give the amount brought into the regiment, but
  I do know the men did not suffer--in fact they lived well.

  The regiment destroyed two miles of railroad, brought in and turned
  over twenty-three head of mules, 11 head horses, and 22 head of
  cattle. Number of negroes that followed the regiment into camp, 23.
  Cotton and cotton gins destroyed, none.

  In conclusion I must say that both officers and men performed the
  march in fine spirits; none were lost through sickness or fatigue.

  I am, captain, with much respect, your obedient servant,

  M. R. VERNON,
  Lieut.-Col., Commanding Regiment.

  Capt. J. S. WILSON,
  Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., 14th Army Corps.


  Source:  Official Records
  CHAP. LVI.]   THE SAVANNAH CAMPAIGN.   PAGE 194-92
  [Series I. Vol. 44. Serial No. 92.]

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  Report of Lieut. Col. Maris R. Vernon,
  Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry, of operations January 20-March 23.

  HDQRS. SEVENTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS VOL. INFANTRY,
  Goldsborough, N. C., March 27, 1864.
  CAPT.: In compliance with order I have the honor to submit the
  following report, showing the operation of the Seventy-eight Illinois
  Volunteers Infantry for and during the campaign from Savannah, Ga.,
  commencing January 20, 1865, and terminating with the occupation of
  Goldsborough, N. C., March 23, 1864.

  The regiment broke camp at Savannah, Ga., on the 20th of January,
  1865. Sixteen commissioned officers and 305 enlisted men moved with
  the division up the west side of Savannah River to Sister's Ferry. After
  several days' delay, occasioned by high water, the pontoon was put
  down, and the regiment, with the regiment, crossed into South Carolina.

  February 5, 6, and 7, remained in camp. February 8, marched in
  northwest course eight miles and camped for the night near Erwinton.
  February 9, marched in northerly course nineteen miles. February 10,
  continued in northerly course and marched twenty miles. February 11,
  marched ten miles, general direction north, passed through Barnwell,
  county seat of Barnwell Country, and camped two miles north of it.
  February 12, continued in northerly course, crossed Charleston and
  Augusta Railroad at Williston Station, and camped for the night on west
  bank of Edisto River; marched thirteen miles. February 13, marched in
  northeast course twelve miles; camped for the night near Dean's
  Swamp, Orangeburg County. February 14, marched in northeast course
  nineteen miles, crossed North Edisto River and camped eighteen miles
  south of Columbia; the afternoon wet and cold. February 15, moved, to
  the left to the Lexington and Columbia road, and camped one mile
  southwest of Lexington Court-House; marched nineteen miles. 16th,
  moved up to within two miles and a half of Columbia, then in a
  northwest course to Youngling's Ferry, across Saluda River, and
  camped for the night; distance march, sixteen miles. 17th, crossed
  Saluda River and marched in northwest course eighteen miles; camped
  on south bank Broad River near Freshly's Mill. 18th, the regiment
  crossed the river this morning at 2 o'clock in pontoon-boats to protect
  the laying the pontoon bridge. 19th, marched in
  northwest course five miles and camped near Thompson's Post-Office,
  Fairfield County. During the afternoon the regiment destroyed half a
  mile of Columbia and Greenville Railroad, 20th, the division in charge
  of corps train marched in northeast course four miles; camped on Long
  Run. 21st, marched in an easterly course ten miles and camped five
  miles northwest from Winnsborough. 22d, marched in a north and
  easterly course seven miles, crossed Columbia and Charlotte Railroad
  at White Oak Station. 23d, continued in an easterly course, the regiment
  on the flank guarding train; captured on west bank Catawba River;
  marched ten miles. 24th, crossed the river and camped two miles east
  of it; weather wet and roads almost impassable. 25th and 26th, in camp.
  27th, the regiment repairing roads. 28th, moved in an easterly course
  four miles and repaired roads.

  March 1, marched twenty miles, general direction east. March 2,
  marched in northeast course twelve miles; camped for the night on
  Lynch's Creek, Lancaster County. 3d, marched eighteen miles, general
  direction east. 4th, continued to march in an easterly course twelve miles;
  camped for the night on west bank of Great Pedee River, five miles
  above Cheraw. 5th, and 6th, in camp; crossed the river on the evening
  of the 7th. 8th, marched in a northeast course twenty-four miles;
  camped for the night on a branch of Little Pedee River, in Richmond
  County, N. C., the regiment on the flanks as train guard. 9th, continued
  the march in northeast course and camped twenty-four miles and a half
  west from Fayetteville; distance marched, twenty miles. 10th, the
  regiment with the brigade moved five miles to the left at 8 o'clock this
  morning, to the support of Gen. Kilpatrick, attacked by the enemy's
  cavalry. The enemy having fallen back we returned to the main road and
  to the main road and camped fourteen miles from Fayetteville; distance
  marched, twenty-one miles. 11th, moved up and went into camp one
  miles from Fayetteville. 12th, passed through the town, crossed Cape
  Fear River, and camped on east bank of it. 13th and 14th, in camp.
  15th, marched in northerly course ten miles, the advance skirmishing
  with the enemy. 16th, the advance struck the enemy early in the
  morning; the regiment moved with the division and went into position
  on the left of Thirty-fourth Illinois; the lines were advanced to within a
  few hundred yards of the enemy's works and fortified; Corporal
  Cundiff, Company B, killed; the enemy fell back during the night. 17th,
  the regiment moved with the division to the right and marched in an
  easterly course nine miles. 18th, continued the march in an easterly
  course and again struck the enemy; drove them from their position, and
  camped for the night; distance marched, ten miles. 19th, the enemy was
  again met early this morning; the right wing of the regiment was
  deployed as skirmishers, joining on the right of skirmish line of First
  Division, with orders to press the enemy, and, if possible, drive him;
  the line was pushed forward and the enemy found behind fortifications;
  his skirmishers were driven in. Perceiving the enemy moving troops into
  position in our front, and believing he was preparing to take the
  offensive, the left wing of the regiment, still in reserve, was thrown out
  upon the right and a heavy fire opened upon the enemy; soon after his
  columns moved to the right (our left) and opened upon the First
  Division. The left wing was then withdrawn and fortified. A little late
  another column moved into our front, and shortly after moved upon us
  in two lines of battle; the skirmishers were driven in, and when the
  enemy approached within easy range, the reserve opened fire which
  broke his first line; the second line advanced, and perceiving my
  position would
  soon be flanked I fired a volley, and under the smoke of it fell back to
  the main of works, losing but one man wounded in the operation; while
  holding the reserve I had 2 killed and 2 wounded. The enemy now
  pressed forward to within short musket-range of the works, when the
  whole line opened a terrible fire, under which the rebel lines melted
  away; at this juncture seeing the enemy approaching in our rear I fell
  back to the second line of works and opened fire, but my ammunition
  being almost exhausted I was unable to check them, and it was not until
  the front line faced to the rear and opened upon them that they were
  checked. The enemy was here again defeated and a large number of
  prisoners captured.

  The regiment lost during the afternoon in killed, 1 commissioned officer
  (Lieut. George T. Beers, Company H), 1 non-commissioned
  officer (Sergt. Edmond McKim, Company H), and 5 privates; wounded,
  13 non-commissioned officers and 20 privates.

  I cannot but commend the conduct of both officers and men during the
  engagement, as they stood nobly to the work, though attacked both front
  and rear by greatly superior numbers. Our position was held, and the
  enemy defeated with a heavy loss in killed, wounded, and captured.

  March 20, the lines were advance to-day, and the enemy driven from
  his first line of fortifications, which were reserved and occupied. March
  21, remained in position; considerable artillery firing and skirmishing.
  With grief for his loss, I have to record the death of Lieut. William
  E. Summers, killed to-day by a cannon ball. March 22, the enemy
  having fallen back last night from our front, we again took up the line
  of march and moved in an easterly course ten miles; camped for the
  night near Cox's Bridge, over Neuse River, ten miles from
  Goldsborough. March 23, reached Goldsborough to-day, passed Gen.
  Sherman's headquarters in review and went into camp, this ending the
  campaign. The regiment lost during the campaign: Commissioned,
  officers, killed, 2. Non-commissioned officers, killed, 2.
  Non-commissioned officers, killed, 2; wounded, 13; missing, 2.
  Privates, killed, 5; wounded, 20; missing, 6.

  Accompanying this I send you a report, giving names, dates, &c., of
  killed, wounded, and missing for the campaign. The regiment brought
  in and turned over 18 head of horses and 32 mules.

  Accompanying is a report showing the number of rations drawn from
  the commissary, and an estimate of the amount of subsistence taken
  from the country by the regiment during the campaign.

  At the close of the campaign both men and officers were in much better
  health than when entering upon it.

  I am, captain, with much respect, your obedient servant,

  M. R. VERNON,
  Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Regt.

  Capt. J. S. WILSON,
  Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., 14th Army Corps.


  Source:  Official Records
  CHAP. LIX.]   THE CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS.   PAGE 515-98
  [Series I. Vol. 47. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 98.]


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