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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