Qass. 
 Book. 
 
^ 
 
 -^^^^^ 
 
 HN F, FA RNS WORTH 
 
 7y^ 
 
OF THE 
 
 ILLIMOIS VOLUNTEERS, 
 
 DURING THE GREAT REBEI.LIOS 
 
 BY 
 
 A^BNKK HA^Iii:), M. 13., 
 
 SUJiGJiOy OF TUt: MEGIMEJSIT DVRING ITS TEEM OF UlLllVlCE 
 . AND BREVET LIRVT. VOL. U. S. V. 
 
 18G8. 
 
t 
 
 
DEDICATION. 
 
 TO THE 
 
 OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS 
 
 OF THK 
 
 EIGHTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS, 
 
 THIS VOLUME IB 
 Hespectfullj^ Dedicated 
 BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
:p:E^Eiif''j^OE. 
 
 (Jf the two hundred regiments of brave and loyal troops 
 that Illinois sent out to battle for the right, in the war of 
 the great rebellion, none had a more brilliant career, or shed, 
 a brif^hter light upon the State or the Nation, than the 
 ErtiHTii Illinois Cavalry. 
 
 From the time when it was first set down upon the "sacred 
 soil of Virginia," sole representative in the great Army of 
 the East, of the State of Illinois, down to the day when, 
 the threat struggle over, it chased to their lair the assassins 
 of our martyred President, or scattered the Bushwhackers 
 in the mountains of Virginia, its name and fame was ever 
 prominently before the country. Xo Regiment was more 
 peculiarly a pride and a power among the lovers and defend- 
 ers of the Union — none more emphatically a terror to its 
 rebel foes. 
 
 Yet, of the brave deeds of the gallant boys of this Regi- 
 ment, of their varied experiences — joyful or painful, of their 
 hardships and trials, of their toilsome marches and thei)- 
 cay campaignings, of their martyred dead and their honored 
 livinf, no connected published record had been made 
 Without which it must soon have passed into oblivion, or 
 have lived only in the uncertain recollections ot the par- 
 ticipants in those stirring scenes. To rescue its memory 
 from an undeserved oblivion, the author has, at the earnest 
 request of a large number of the members of the Regiment, 
 prepared as full, complete and reliable a history as the 
 means in his possession would admit. Having kept a diary 
 of the events during the war, and having been assisted by 
 many of the officers and men, who have given him access to 
 their private memorandums, he trusts he has succeeded in 
 writing a book acceptable to the veterans whose deeds he 
 has attempted to record. He has followed it from its first 
 t'athering at St. Charles, to Alexandria, Rappahannock, 
 Yorktown, Williamsburg, Mechanicsville, Coal Harbor, 
 Hanover, Gaines' Mills, Dispatch Station, White Oak Swamp, 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Malvern Hill, Manassas, Pooleville, Barnesville, Middletown, 
 Martinsburg, South Mountain, Boonesboro, Antietam, Bar- 
 bee's Cross Hoads, Amisville, Little Washington, Chancel- 
 lorsville, Culpepper, Brandy Station, Hazel Kun, Freder- 
 icksburg, the Rapidan, Beverly Ford, Upperville, Gettys- 
 burg, Madison, Monococy Junction, Urbana, Cockeyville, 
 etc., etc., and has endeavored to give a fair ond faithful 
 account of all its adventures and experiences. The work 
 has been reviewed, and read to a number of the Regiment, 
 and they speak of it as an interesting and reliable history. 
 Though well aware of the imperfections that must neces- 
 sarily exist in a work of this kind, where a regiment served 
 in detachments in many parts of the army, he trusts he has 
 written a history acceptable to the members of the regiment. 
 He acknowledges himself under obligations to General J. F. 
 Farnsworth, General J. L. Beveridge, Ex-Governor John 
 Wood and many others for their encouragement and aid ; 
 and to Dr. T. W. Stull, Dr. S. K. Crawford, Rev. W. A. 
 Spencer, Major C G. Teeple, Lieutenant A. V. Teeple, 
 Captain J. A. Kinley, Major J. M. Southworth, Captain J. 
 W. DeLaney, Lieutenant A. W. Chase, Major F. Clenden- 
 nin. Captain B. L. Chamberlain, Lieutenant J. J. Gosper, 
 Captain Joseph Clapp, Sergeant F. E. Hubbard, Sergeant 
 A. P. Thorns, Lieutenant Truman Culver and others, for 
 access to their private memorandums and contributions to 
 the work. If the members of the regiment find that many 
 incidents are omitted that should have been recorded, the 
 author's only excuse is, he was not furnished with the proper 
 information. If, in writing this book, he has met the wishes, 
 approval and expectations of his comrades, his labors have 
 been amply rewarded. 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
COIsTTEI^rTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Organization of the Regiment— Camp Kane— Flag Presentation— Buretiug a Cannon - 
 Muster into the United States Service— Closing Liquor Shops — Off for Washington 
 
 — Through Maryland — "FarnBWorth's Jiig Abolition Regiment" In Camp nt 
 
 ileridinn Hill. 33 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Situation of the Armiee— -Battle of Ball's Bluff— Death of Colonel Baker— Grand Re- 
 view — Arrival of Bishop Simpson — Sword presentation to Colonel Farnsworth— For- 
 mation of the First Brigade— A stray shot— -Those oysters— -The Dutch sentinel- 
 March into Virginia — Irish Brigade — Shooting a Deserter— -Balloons in the army- — 
 The Battle they didn't fight — The way the pistols were exchanged— -A reconnois- 
 ance, as described by our Chaplain— -IIow we obtained a Hospital— -A Seceeh lady's 
 insolence. 44 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Camp Sufl'ering— Rebel citizens obliged to vcork under the Flag— General Montgomery 
 — Eighty-Eighth Pennsylvania— Arrest of a parson in Church — ^\'irginia Chronicle — 
 Burning of a Citizens' Printing Oflicu — Presentation of a Caue to Mayor McKenzie — 
 Flag Presentation by Ladies of Alexandria— Arrival of Generai Sumner — Hutchinson 
 Famly Concert — Alexandria — Christ's Church — Washington's Pew — Old Cemetert 
 —Slave Pen. Cs 
 
 CHAPTER lY. 
 
 Marching Orders— Advance of the Grand Army— Difficulties of Marching- -Rebel Re- 
 treat— -Wooden Cannon — Plains of Manassas— The Colonel's Joke— -Disposal of the 
 sick— -Reconnoisance in force— -First Fight at Rappahannock Station — Men cap- 
 tured— -A Surgeon hides in Bed— -The Fourth New York Cavalry's Rebel Brigade-- 
 Exploded shell— -A Shell story- — Lieutenant Hotop's adventure, and capture by the 
 Fourth New York Cavalry — A stormy night- -Return to Alexandria— -Colonel Viele 
 and his conduct. 8H 
 
 CHAPTER \. 
 
 Embarking for the Peninsula— Landing at Shipping Point— -Siege of Yorktowu- -The 
 Rebels Evacuate— -Our Pursuit— Cause of Retreat — A Battle Scene— Battle of Will- 
 iamsburg — Capture of Lieutenant Chamberlain and others — An Affecting Scene— - 
 Construction of a Bridge over Black Creek — First Battle of Mechanicsville— Destroy- 
 ing Meadow's Bridge- — In sight of Richmond The Eighth under General Stoni-- 
 
 man— -Battle of Hanover Court House — A Picket in the Dark— -A Dinner Party- 
 Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks— Flag of Truce — Stuart'i Raid around the Army 
 of the Potomac. 1U5 
 
 CHAPTER YI. 
 
 Second Battle of Mechanicsville, and first of the seven Days' Fight— Death of Captain 
 Hooker— Ex-Governor Wood a Volunlecr--Battle of Gaines' Mill— Destruction of the 
 Stores at Dispatch Station— Retreat from Savage Station— White Oak Swamp— Nighi 
 march to James River— Arrival at Haxal's Landing— Leading the way to Harrison's 
 Bar — Battle of Malvern Hill— Burning Army Wagons— Reconnoisance of Captain 
 Sonthworth— Second Battle of Malvern Hill— Sergeant Kinly in a critical sltuaiion- 
 Capturing Carter's Horses— Evacuation of Harrison's Landing— March to Yorktowu 
 — Embarkation— Arrival at Alexandria. 138 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 CHAPTER YII. 
 
 A view of the situation— Advance into Maryland— Battle of Poolville— Capturing the 
 Ninth Virginia colors — Battle of Barnsville— Capturing of Sugar Loaf Mountain- 
 Battle of Frederick, Maryland— Battle of Middletowu— Battle of South Mountain- 
 Battle of Boonsboro— Battle of Antietam — A day's delay— Artillery duel — First recon" 
 noisance to Shepherdstown— Second reconnoisance to Shepherdstown— Battle of 
 Martinsbnrg — The rebels' opinion of the^Eighth Illinois Cavalry. IRS 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Grand Review by President Lincoln — Bribing a sentinel-Stuart's second raid around 
 the Potomac Army — Harper's Ferry — Advance into Virginia— Battle of Philamont — 
 Battle of Barber's Cross-Roads- Capture of the hospital at Markham's Station — An 
 Irish woman's generosity— Battle of Little Washington — Battle of AmiBville--Captur- 
 ing General Wade Hampton's dinner— Farns worth promoted to a Brigadier-General— 
 Battle of Fredericksburg. 1% 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Going into winter quarters — On picket duty — "Capturing" a mule — Army " stuck in 
 the mud" — A snow storm — Grand review of the Cavalry — Hope Landing— Generals 
 Stoneman and Pleasanton— Stoneman's raid- General Hooker's advance— Battle of 
 Chancellorsville — General Pleasanton saves the army — Shelling our camp — The Army 
 of the Potomac re-cross the Rappahannock — The phrophetic frogs — Digging riile pit« 
 — Great raid on the "Northern Neck" — Battle of 'Beverly Ford^ 2?i0 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Maryland and Pennsylvania campaign — Battle of / Idie-^Battle of Upperville— The 
 march continued — General Hooker relieved — General Mead in command of the army 
 —Skirmish at Fairfield— The cavalry enter Gettysburg— Battle of Gettysburg — Death 
 of General E. J. Farnsworth — Hanging a spy — Battle of Williamsport — Death of 
 Major Medill — Fighting near Boonsboro — Battle of Funkstown — Battle of Falling 
 'Wliler^^^arch to Berlin — Into Virginia again — Fight at Chester Gap — Battle of 
 Brandy Station — Another fight near Brandy Station— Battle of Culpepper— Taking Pony 
 Mountain— Battle of Raccoon Ford-jrThe Kemper Brothers — Battle of Jack's Shop. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The Army forced back upon Manassas- Battle of Stevensburg— Fight at Brentsville— 
 Resignation of Major Beveridge— Battle of Hazel River — Culpepper and the Line of 
 the Rapidan — Battle of Mine Run — Death of General Buford — Resolutions of Res- 
 pect — General Merrit's Order — Cold Weather — To Warrenton and Return — The 
 Eighth Illinois Veteranize — Return Home— Recept'on in Chicago — Camp at St. Charles / 
 —The Ranks filled up — Return to Washington — Giesboro Point — Camp Relief— The 
 Detachments — The Situation — Early's Invasion — Battle of Monocacy— Baltimore and 
 Cockeysville — Battle in Defense of Washington. 276 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 General Early's Retreat— Pursuit into Virginia — Capture of Sergant Chase — Return to 
 Washington— Mosby attacks Company E, and captures twelve men— Scouting in 
 Virginia — Mustering out three years' men — Their History— Reconnoisance in force 
 —Fight at Upperville— Fn'st Separate Brigade— Fairfax Court House— More Scout- 
 ing—Surrender of Richmond— Assassination of President Lincoln— Bull Run Mon- 
 uments—The Regiment ordered to Missouri — Sinking of the Steamer Olive — Order 
 for Mustering out — Organization of the Eighth Illinois Veteran Association — The 
 Constitution— Reception in Chicago— Regimental Roster. 304 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 On Captures— Lieutenant George Gamble's Capture and Experience— Captain John W. 
 DeLancy'g Capture and Experience — William H. Leckey's Capture and Experience — 
 Corporal William Y. Heather's Capture and Experience— Lieutenant B. L. Chamber- 
 lain B Capture and Experience. 343 
 
A few "Words of Explanation to the Reader. 
 
 In coneeqiieuce of an occasional typograpliical error, ihe omission ol'bomc leltcrs or 
 words or the too frequent use of siuall words, and the insertion now and then of a 
 superfluous letter, &c., &c., the appearance of the work is eomewhat impaired. That 
 [ mny not be unjustly censured for carelessness, or want of interest, I have thought 
 best to offer the following apology or explanation. 
 
 The work has been written during the spare moments at my command, while en- 
 caged in fultlling the duties which necessarily devolre upon one who is practicing 
 medicine and surgery. I have frequently attempted to write, have taken a few- 
 moments to collect my thoughts, and have, perhaps, written half a dozen lines and 
 then been called away, without being able to write another line for several days, and 
 in 6ome instances even months have intervened before I could resume my work. In 
 this manner, and amid the cares and responsibilities which devolve upon a physician, 
 this book has been written. 
 
 1 know the spirit and temper of the men of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry so well, 1 feel 
 assured they will forgive any error.* that I may have committed. But for the typo- 
 l^raphical errors I do not feel respon«ible. Being nnacquainted with the printing 
 or publishing business, I let the contract to have the work printed and Ijound, and 
 consequently have not rp.ad or corrected the proof. In reading it over I now find 
 numerous typographical errors. Most of them the reader will at once discover and 
 will not be mislead in regard to the meaning. There are a number, however, which 
 might lead to a misunderstanding of the sense, which I will proceed to point out. 
 
 Page S6, Sixth line from the bottom, for twelve htiudred read fifteen thousand. 
 
 Page 00, Fifteenth line from the bottom, for John Rogers read John Kyan. 
 
 Page 115, Eighth line from the bottom, for K. K. Smith read A. K. Smith. 
 
 Page IIU, Fourteenth line from the bottom, for famous home read former homo. 
 
 Page 137, First line, for was known, read was not known. 
 
 Page ITO, Fourteenth line from the bottom, for Corporal I'loffer read Corporal Plop- 
 
 per, and twelfth line from the bottom, for C4eorge Bower read George 
 
 Bowes. 
 Page 181, Fourth line, for patrolled camp read paroled camp. 
 Page 187, Eighteenth line, for September 16th read September 8th. 
 Page 200, Eleventh liue, for HaxalPs Ferry read Harper's Ferry. 
 I'age 214, Last line, for Charles Brwaer read Charles Brauer. 
 I'age 221, Third line from the bottom, for New Jersey read New York. 
 Page 224, Seventh line, for Virginia side read Virginia soil. 
 Page 243, Kead the ninth line before the eighth- 
 Page 258, Last liue. for enemy read cemetery. 
 Page 285, Twentieth line, for another the read another retreat. 
 Page 307, Fifth line, for could, read would. 
 Page 312, Sixth line from the bottom, for distance of Jiuddy Branch, read distance 
 
 from Muddy Branch. 
 Pago 321, Ninth line, for profund read profound. 
 
 One brilliant affair has by some means been omitted, probably the manuscript has 
 been lost or mislaid, I refer to the dash upon Ashland, Virginia, by the regiment in 
 June, 1862, while guarding the lines of the Chickahominy. In that engagement they 
 captured five or six prisoners, sixteen horses, one four-horse team, wagon and driver, 
 which had just come from Richmond loaded with stores, and a large amount of other 
 property, besides destroying the railroad. They then returned safely to camp. While 
 returning they met the Fifth United States Cavalry which was to co-operate with us. 
 They were greatly disappointed at our baring done the business so early and success- 
 fully without their assistance 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 Orgaiiiz.tion of the Regiment-Camp Kane-Flag Presentation-Bureting a Cannon - 
 Muster into the United States Service-Closing Liquor Shops— Off for Wa.hin-ton 
 MerTdfrmil^^'^^''"*^'""''^'''''''''''''*^'" ^'^ Abolition Regiment "--In Camp at 
 
 When the defeat of the Union arms at the battle of Bull 
 Run had demonstrated the fact that the rebellion was more 
 stupendous than had at first been supposed, and the three 
 months' men, whose time was about expiring, had many of 
 them already gone home, the country was aroused to the 
 necessity of renewed exertions, and all loyal hearts felt the 
 need of the immediate and thorough organization of an 
 army of greater magnitude. The Hon. John F. Farnsworth 
 at once repaired to Washington and obtained permission of 
 the President to raise and equip a cavalry regiment of twelve 
 hundred men for three years' service. 
 
 As yet few could see the necessity of cavalry. The 
 officers in command of the United States forces were 
 educated to other branches of the service, and looked with 
 distrust on this all important part of the army. But Mr. 
 Farnsworth had the ability to foresee that this would be, so 
 far as the enemy were concerned, to a great extent a guerrilla 
 warfare. They already had a large cavalry force in the 
 field, made up of the best of their material. Their troopers 
 were required to furnish their own horses and equipments, 
 consequently none but men of means could enter that arm of 
 the service, and under the lead of Generals Stuart, Ashby and 
 others, they were already harrassing our army, dashing into 
 peaceful towns and hamlets, plundering and carrying off 
 conscripts ; and we were unprepared to repel these invasions. 
 Ko sooner was Colonel Farnsworth authorized to organize 
 this regiment, than the young men in this part of the State 
 6 
 
34 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 sprang to arms as if by magic. Headquarters were an- 
 nounced to be at Camp Kane, St. Charles, Illinois, the home 
 of Colonel Farnsworth, and applications came from all 
 quarters for permission to raise companies, a few of which 
 only could be granted, and Colonel F. was heard to say, "If 
 I had authority to raise a brigade I could do it in a month." 
 
 By the first day of September, 18G1, a part of the regi- 
 ment were at the rendezvous. Having been appointed sur- 
 geon of the regiment, I repaired to St. Charles on the second 
 day of September and found Company B, Captain Whitney, 
 in quarters at the Howard House. Recruits for the regi- 
 ment came from all parts of this Congressional District, and 
 even some from Michigan, Indiana and Iowa. They came 
 to camp so rapidly that it was difficult to find shelter for 
 them. The tents, camp and garrison equipage not having 
 arrived, they were quartered in vacant houses in St. Charles. 
 Soon, however, these necessary articles were obtained, and 
 on the 2d of October there was a grand gathering of the 
 friends of the regiment ; speeches were made by a number of 
 officers and others, all of a patriotic nature and well calcu- 
 lated to inspire the troops with courage. The contract for 
 supplying the regiment with rations was let to J. S. Yan 
 Patten, of St. Charles, at the very low price of sixteen cents 
 per ration, and was fulfilled by him to the entire satisfaction 
 of the government and the regiment. It is believed that no 
 regiment of Illinois volunteers were supplied with as little 
 expense to the government as was the Eighth Illinois Cav- 
 alry. Thanks to the economical management of Colonel 
 Farnsworth. 
 
 During our stay in St Charles the ladies were untiring in 
 their attention to the wants of tlie soldiers, some of whom 
 were already sick from exposure in camp and change of hab- 
 itation. They not only supplied their present wants, but 
 provided a large box of bandages and old linen to be taken 
 to the field, for use in the hospital or for the time of battle ; 
 and what use was made of these inestimable hospital stores 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 35 
 
 you will be informed before we conclude our narrative. As 
 another token of their regard for the brave men who were 
 about to risk their lives in defence of that country they loved 
 so well, they prepared a splendid silk flag which they pre- 
 sented to the regiment on this never-to-be-forgotten day. 
 After a few appropriate remarks they proceeded to place it 
 upon the flagstaff it was designed to grace. All eyes were 
 at this moment gazing intently upon the scene, each individ- 
 ual seemingly anxious to catch the first gleam of brightness 
 reflected from the beautiful banner when it was unfurled in 
 the sunshine. Suddenly the wind caught it, but instead of 
 floating gracefully in the air, as expected, it was rent almost 
 in twain. Some of the more superstitious looked upon this 
 as an evil omen ; but the speakers seemed to be prepared to 
 see in it a sign that this government w^as to be torn nearly 
 asunder and that this regiment was destined to do its part 
 in uniting it. Another instance worth noticing was the 
 bursting of the iron cannon, which was discharged on this 
 occasi(»n. Some of the pieces were thrown from ten to fif- 
 teen rods without injuring any one, although thousands were 
 crowded around within a space of a few rods. If the torn 
 banner was an omen of evil, this was a token of Providential 
 favor in behalf of the regiment. 
 
 After a happy meeting and a sad parting of friends, parents 
 and sons, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, camp 
 discipline was again established, and we were found drilling, 
 studying army regulations, and thus learning the art of war. 
 Few had any knowledge of military tactics. Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Gamble had served several years in the regular 
 army ; Captain Conklin had been in the Mexican war ; Lieu- 
 tenant Hotopp had learned tactics in Germany, and some 
 others were not novices in the use of arms, and among them 
 drill-masters were found to answer our purpose. But if we 
 were lacking in military discipline and experience, we were 
 not wanting in what makes up an army of veterans on whom 
 "Uncle Sam" could rely in the hour of danger. There 
 
3G THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 were among us, men of all callings and vocations ; men who 
 could perform almost any labor that occasion might require ; 
 could build railroads, run engines, publish newspapers, man- 
 age flour and saw mills, build carriages or repair almost any 
 kind of machinery; and in the course of the war these 
 various accomplishments found opportunity for usefulness. 
 Neither were the fine arts and professions without their rep- 
 resentatives. Our Colonel was a lawyer and statesman, 
 having served as Congressman two terms, while others among 
 the ofl&cers and men were either lawyers, doctors or preachers. 
 The press, too, was well represented. On the 18th of Sep- 
 tember, 1861, the regiment was mustered into the United 
 States service by Captain Webb, of the regular army. For 
 the benefit of the uninitiated, we will give a brief description 
 of this all important part of military life. The mustering 
 officer and surgeon took their positions a few feet apart, and, 
 as the names were called, the men were required to pass 
 between them. If any defect was noticed, they were stopped 
 and examined, and if sufficient cause presented itself, re- 
 jected. This was the only examination the recruits were 
 required to pass. Had examinations been made in con- 
 formity with the army regulations, much sufi'ering would 
 have been avoided and the government saved a large expense. 
 But patriotism ruled the hour. Nearly all were ignorant of 
 military matters, and although some were mustered in who 
 were physically unfit for the field, as a whole, no regiment 
 in the "war for the Union," was made up of a better class of 
 men, mentally, morally or physically, than the Eighth Illi- 
 nois Cavalry Volunteers. 
 
 As an example of the chivalric spirit that pervaded the 
 camp, I will relate an instance that occurred while we were 
 sojourning at Camp Kane. It soon became evident that 
 some of the denizens of St. Charles, more in love with money 
 than interested in the welfare of the soldiers, were in the 
 habit of selling liquor to the boys, whereby they became less 
 inclined to order and discipline than was for the good of the 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 37 
 
 camp, contrary to the expressed wishes of the officers and 
 the good citizens of St. Charles. To remedy this evil a 
 detachment of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, without orders 
 from headquarters, marched down Main street and halted in 
 front of the principal offending establishment, and demanded 
 admission ; this being refused, they walked in through doors 
 and windows, and, in less time than it takes to relate the 
 story, turned the offending liquor into the street ; in doing 
 this, one man had his hand severely cut by pieces of glass 
 while passing through the window. This was the first sur- 
 gical operation required in the regiment. The liquor dealers 
 soon closed their stores and the example was salutary though 
 not in accordance with civil law. 
 
 About this lime orders were received to mount and equip 
 the regiment, and soon horses began to arrive. The contract 
 for purchasing them was awarded to Mix & Sanger, of 
 Joliet, Illinois ; and no regiment of cavalry entered the 
 field better mounted than this. The price paid by the gov- 
 ernment was one hundred and ten dollars each. The contract 
 lor furnishing forage was taken by Harmon Paine, of Syca- 
 more at fourteen cents per ration. A few days before the regi- 
 ment left for the seat of war the horses were sent to Wash- 
 ington in two detachments ; the first in command of Major 
 Clendennin and the second in charge of Major Beveridge. 
 There was loud cheering and shouts of joy as the horses were 
 brought out in line ready for the march to Chicago, where 
 they were to be taken by railroad to Washington, and the 
 boys began to realize that camp amusements were now to be 
 exchanged for actual labor. 
 
 Without waiting for arms, on the 14th day of October, the 
 regiment marched to Geneva and took the cars for the seat 
 of war. When the order was announced, considerable ex- 
 citement was evinced by the soldiers, but in due time we 
 were on our way all in good order. In going from the camp 
 it became necessary for us to pass the residence of our 
 gallant Colonel Farnsworth, and when opposite the house the 
 
38 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 regiment, with one accord, halted and gave "three rousing 
 cheers," and then proceeded on its march to Geneva, at which 
 place it arrived without any incident worthy of notice. 
 This was a day long to be remembered. Many were, in all 
 probability, leaving their homes never to return ; many were 
 looking upon the forms of loved ones for the last time. On 
 one end of the long platform we behold an aged man taking 
 leave of his son, while by his side stands the companion of 
 his life, his hand held in that of his darling boy, who is now 
 about to leave the dear home of his childhood to help pre- 
 serve that liberty his grandsire fought to obtain ; and though 
 he tries to be brave, a tear glistens in his eye and a sigh 
 heaves his noble breast as he says good-bye to those dear 
 parents whom he is about to leave, perhaps forever. On the 
 other hand we see a manly brother taking leave of an only 
 sister, who, although her heart is almost breaking at the 
 thought of parting, says, "go, my dear brother, and nobly 
 do your part, and may the holy angels guard you from 
 danger." A little apart from the crowd we see another 
 group, — a stalwart man is breathing his last adieu to his 
 wife and child. The bell rings — the signal for starting — 
 and choking down a convulsive sob he clasps his wife in one 
 last fond embrace, presses his darling child to his breast, 
 and with a kiss for both, he hurries aboard the train just as 
 it is moving off. 
 
 The last good-bye has been spoken and we are on our way. 
 Only those who have passed through similar scenes can 
 form an adequate idea of the feelings of the troopers, and 
 the friends and relations who had assembled to bid them 
 farewell, and commend them to the care of that Providence 
 who holds in his hands their lives and the destinies of the 
 nation. Tears flowed like rain, yet the soldiers maintained a 
 noble bearing and moved off with banners flying, amid deaf- 
 ening rounds of huzzas. We would like to follow the 
 disconsolate friends to their several homes, but it is our pur- 
 pose to follow the regiment that had just entered upon a new 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 89 
 
 life. It had entered the breach and it was no time to look 
 back. 
 
 At Turner's Junction a train of cars arrived bringing 
 troops from Utah and the Plains, in charge of Colonel 
 Philip St. George Cook, Major Pleasanton and Captain 
 Buford ; the last two, afterwards illustrious Major-Generals, 
 loved and honored alike by the Eighth Illinois Cavalry and 
 the whole army. But little delay occurred in Chicago, and 
 than night we took the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago 
 Rail Road en route for Washington. Through every city 
 and village which we passed, it seemed as though the citizens 
 were informed of our approach, and came out in crowds to 
 greet us with shouts and cheers, displaying banners and 
 waving handkerchiefs ; and in not a few instances the fair 
 ones threw kisses at the boys or showered them with boquets. 
 This was cheering and tended to keep up the spirits of all. 
 There was a great deal said during the war about " stay-at- 
 home cowards," but I presume they thought it their duty to 
 remain that those who enlisted might have some one to 
 "huzza" for them ; and they surely fulfilled this mission. 
 
 At Crestline, James Maclin, of Company B, had his great 
 toe crushed by the cars, which required amputation. Here 
 we heard from our horses ; they had passed about twenty- 
 four hours before and were reported safe. The regiment 
 was carried by different trains. No serious accident befel 
 any part of the regiment on its way to Washington. At 
 Pittsburg we were hospitably received by a committee of 
 the city Soldiers Aid Society. Our sick, of whom there 
 were but few, were taken to comfortable quarters, and the 
 regiment marched to a large hall where refreshments were 
 in waiting. The men and women of the city seemed to vie 
 with each other in their attentions ; after partaking of the 
 collation provided with thoughtful care, we were greatly "re- 
 freshed, and soon took the cars on the Pennsylvania Central 
 Railroad. Such care and attention to the wants of the 
 soldiers, were not lost or thrown away. Many a time have I 
 
40 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 heard "the boys" speak ia the highest terms of the Smoky 
 City of Pittsburg and its noble hospitality. 
 
 In passing over the summit of the Alleghany Mountains, 
 near the great tunnel, the train in which the regimental staff 
 was traveling, ran off the track, which caused several hours 
 delay ; fortunately all escaped without injury. Our special 
 trains went much slower than the express, so slow that fre- 
 quently the men would jump to the ground, run along the 
 road and gather chestnuts, and get on again while the cars 
 were in motion and going at their usual speed. 
 
 Through Pennsvlvania the demonstrations were less, which 
 we attributed to the fact that so many troops were passing 
 they could not greet them all. Having passed Harrisburg 
 and York, we came into Maryland — a slave state — where? 
 very soon, a change could be observed. At every bridge a 
 picket of soldiers were stationed to guard the road, which 
 had already been interfered with by the rebels ; and this waS 
 the first we saw which betokened really a state of war. 
 Heretofore, with us, all had been preparatory — now we began 
 to realize that we were approaching the enemy's camp. 
 Occasionally at a farm house or railroad station, the stars 
 and stripes were waved as we passed ; but, as a general 
 thing, the people remained in sullen silence or frowned upon 
 us, showing clearly that the presence of the military alone 
 kept them from open assault. A part of the regiment ar- 
 rived at Baltimore during the day, and the remainder at 
 night. Here we found the soldiers on patrol duty, and Fort 
 McHenry with its heavy guns pointing their saucy muzzles 
 right at the city, which spoke in terms too plain to be mis- 
 understood, that otherwise violence would reign supreme. 
 We marched up the street, which, on the 19th of April, 1861, 
 six months before, the blood of Massachusetts' noble sons 
 had crimsoned ; and our men looked as though they only 
 courted an opportunity to avenge that brutal and dastardly 
 outrage. Here, too, but little more than seven months before, 
 our President had to pass in disguise to avoid being assassin^ 
 
BREVET BRIG GIU^. 
 
 JOHN L. BEVERIDGE 
 
 E VA N STON 
 SHERIFF OF CHICAGO. 
 
 1 lli,-j!;..I.nl,...4,,,i,J„„-l,.(l,Mv,j„ 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 41 
 
 ated. These considerations and reflections made some im- 
 pression on our men. But now order was restored ; the city 
 filled with troops, and the rebels, though numerous, dare not 
 ofl'er open opposition. On arriving at the depot we were 
 furnished with very uncomfortable box or freight cars, into 
 which we were stowed more like cattle than men. But this 
 was unavoidable, from the fact that the road was taxed to 
 its utmost capacity to transport troops and stores necessary 
 for the rapidly increasing army at the capitol ; and this was 
 the only railroad leading into Washington from any direc- 
 tion. However, we had but forty miles to travel in this man- 
 ner, and although our progress was slower than at any 
 period of our journey, we did not suffer much inconvenience. 
 A few miles from Washington the train moved so slowly 
 that many took occasion to leave the cars and visit the 
 studio of Clark Mills, where was being prepared the bronze 
 statute of Liberty, which was intended to surmount the 
 dome of the capitol when once completed, but which, in the 
 the present unsettled state of the country, seemed far in the 
 future. 
 
 We reached Washington early on the morning of the 18th 
 of October. On approaching the city, the country for several 
 miles around seemed to be almost covered with camps. Sol- 
 diers drilling, drums beating and banners flying, were to be 
 seen and heard in every direction. Near the depot were 
 some wooden buildings or barracks called the Soldiers' Rest, 
 where refreshments were furnished the troops as they arrived. 
 A slice of bread, some pork and coflfee, were all that was 
 furnished ; but this was better than nothing for hungry men. 
 Here an agent of a Soldiers' Aid Society met us and in- 
 formed us that rooms near by were ready for the sick, where 
 they might remain a few days until we were prepared to take 
 care of them. This was truly a God-send, for, ignorant as 
 we were of military service, and particularly so in regard 
 to any preparation for our sick, I confess I was greatly 
 worried and at a loss to know what to do on our arrival* 
 6 
 
42 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 The number to be provided for ^vas ci^lit or ten only ; some 
 of these already very sick and needing the best of care. My 
 heart beat considerably lighter when these had been well 
 cared for. By the time the sick were disposed of, the regi- 
 ment had fallen into line and were marching up Pennsyl- 
 vania Avenue. On arriving in front of the President's man- 
 sion, known as the "White House," President Lincoln came 
 out upon the piazza, when the regiment gave him three 
 hearty cheers ; and it is on this occasion, it is said, the Presi- 
 dent called us "Farnsworth's Big Abolition Regiment." 
 After passing the White House it seems some of the officers 
 mistook the direction or nearest road to our future camp, for 
 which reason we marched several miles before reaching the 
 place, on Meridian Hill, where we were to pitch our tents. 
 There had been recent rains which left the ground wet, 
 though the day was very warm and sultry, equal to a July 
 day in northern Illinois, and by the time we reached camp 
 the men were nearly exhausted. W^e were now on Meridian 
 Hill, about two miles north of the President's house, and the 
 men went to work at once preparing supper, (for they had 
 had no dinner,) unpacking their things, and pitching their 
 tents; and it was far into the "wee sma' hours o' night," 
 before the camp was still and the weary soldiers could find 
 repose. 
 
 General Stoneman sent a young staff officer (Lieutenant 
 Sumner,) "to put us into camp," that is, to direct where we 
 should locate our camp. Our men, being fresh from their 
 homes, and unacquainted Avith military etiquette, did not 
 salute him in military style nor pay any especial attention to 
 him. In fact I believe they did not even follow what they 
 supposed to be his suggestions, but what was really termed 
 military orders; upon which he became very wrathy, and 
 reported us to the General as "an organized rabble." How- 
 ever, Lieutenant Sumner and General Stoneman thought 
 better of us upon further acquaintance, for these " raw re- 
 cruits " were the very men on whom they were glad to rely 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 43 
 
 in the hours of battle and danger. Like most, if not all 
 other volunteers, the Eighth were inspired by patriotism 
 and ready for duty ; but so totally ignorant o*^ the require- 
 ments of their present mode of life, that in order to do their 
 duty well, they overdid it in many respects ; at least twice 
 the number of men were put on camp guard as were 
 necessary. Their recent journey, severe labor and change 
 of living, tended to create sickness which rapidly filled our 
 hospital tents. We had now been in camp long enough to 
 have daily drill, preaching regularly on the Sabbath and 
 evening prayer meetings in many of the officers tents. The 
 weather becoming sufficiently cool to require fires, especially 
 for the sick, we made requisition on the Quartermaster's 
 department for stoves, but learned that they were not allowed 
 in the field ; but something must be done. Having visited 
 some camps across the Potomac, on the Virginia side, we 
 had observed a novel method of warming their tents, and 
 determined at once to follow their example. A hole about 
 two feet square and one foot deep, was dug in the ground in 
 the center of the hospital, from which a trench about one 
 foot broad and six inches deep was dug to the outside of the 
 tent, where a barrel, with both heads knocked out, was 
 placed for a chimney. The trench was covered with boards 
 and dirt, and near the center hole with a stone. A fire was 
 now built in the center hole, the smoke made its way through 
 the trench and out of the barrel, and this was found suffi- 
 cient to make the hospital quite comfortable, when the wind 
 did not blow in the wrong direction. This device was soon 
 imitated by the officers and men, which added much to their 
 comfort. 
 
 We had, at this time, only a sufficient number of carbines 
 for camp guard, and were anxiously awaiting our full equip- 
 ments, drilling and preparing for future action and service. 
 All kinds of rumors reached camp daily of skirmishes and 
 battles ; mostly, however, of battles in anticipation, and we 
 soon learned to place little reliance in them. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 situation of the Armies — Battle of Ball's Bluff— Death of Colonel Baker— Grand Re. 
 view— Arrival of Bishop Simpson— Sword pre»entation to Colonel Farnsworth— For- 
 mation of the First Brigade— A stray shot — Those oysters — The Dutch sentinel—' 
 March into Virginia — 1 ish Brigade — Shooting a Deserter — Balloons in the army-— 
 The Battle they did'nt fight— -The way the pislols were exchanged — A reconnois- 
 ance, as described by our Chapla.n — How we obtained a Hospital — A Secesh lady's 
 insolence. 
 
 Let us now look at the situation of our forces about 
 Washington. Since the defeat of the Union army at the 
 battle of Bull Rnn, in July, the rebels had established a 
 strong picket line but a few miles from Washington on the 
 Virginia side of the Potomac, so that but a small area of 
 ground on that side of the river remained to us. Their 
 forces reached the Potomac some twelve or jBfteen miles 
 above Washington, and about the same distance below ; our 
 army holding a semi-circular strip of land opposite the city, 
 including Alexandria. In and about Washington was being 
 concentrated the largest and best drilled army ever organ- 
 ized on this continent, under command of General McClellan. 
 Camps were clustering on every hillside, and occupied the 
 valleys as far as the eye could reach, and drills and reviews 
 were to be seen any day. At the grand review of the army 
 at Bailey,s Cross-roads and Munson's Hill, it is estimated 
 that seventy-five thousand troops were on the field under 
 review. At this time the lower Potomac was blockaded by 
 rebel batteries ; The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal was in the 
 hands of the enemy a few miles above Washington ; and as 
 all the supplies for this immense army, with the exception of 
 an occasional boat running the blockade, had to be brought 
 over one railroad, (thej Baltimore & Ohio,) we had no doubt 
 but an immediate advance would be made upon the rebel 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 45 
 
 lines. The basement of the capitol itself had been turned 
 into an immense government bakery, and from twenty-five 
 to fifty cords of bread could be seen piled up almost any day. 
 Long army wagon trains were constantly passing along the 
 principal streets, and I distinctly recollect waiting three- 
 quarters of an hour for a train to pass that I might cross 
 Pennsylvania Avenue. These army wagons are of huge 
 dimensions, capable of carrying from two to four tons, and 
 usually drawn by four horses or six or eight mules, the 
 driver riding the hindermost and guiding the others by a 
 single rein. To us this was a novel way of transportation, 
 cumbrous and slow ; but when we came to try the field, the 
 corduroy-roads and bridges, we found something stronger 
 than our northern farm wagons necessary, and familiarity 
 with such conveyance made it quite endurable. 
 
 On the 21st of October the battle of Ball's Bluff occurred, 
 where Colonel Baker fell mortally wounded. The cannon- 
 ading, and even the musketry, could be plainly heard from 
 our camp ; but both artillery and musketry practice were so 
 common, that we did not know until the next day that a 
 battle had taken place. Why so many thousand soldiers 
 should remain within hearing of this battle, and not be sent 
 to the relief of the little band of patriots who were so sadly 
 defeated and slain, we, in our ignorance, were unable to 
 determine. Colonel Baker's remains were brought to the 
 city, and a grand military procession followed them to the 
 grave. It seemed to me that there were troops enough at 
 this funeral to have defeated the entire army opposing us. 
 This was the first military funeral which we witnessed, but 
 alas ! not the last ; it was but the beginning of sorrow, as 
 thousands of soldiers' graves in and around Washington 
 clearly show. 
 
 One grand review of about ten thousand troops took place 
 near our camp, just before the departure of Generals Halleck 
 and Buell for their commands in the west ; and they were 
 present, accompanied by General McClellan. These reviews 
 
46 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 and preparations, we thought betokened an immediate ad- 
 vance, and our men "were eager and anxious to drive the 
 enemy from in front of Washington before the winter set in, 
 but day after day passed with about the same round of 
 duties. Drills, roll-calls, fatigue duty, (such as policing the 
 camp, grooming, watering and feeding the horses, cleaning 
 arms and attending the sick,) were becoming irksome. It 
 now became evident that a great mistake had been made in 
 not having the men properly examined upon enlistment. 
 Sickness was on the increase, and many were found either too 
 old or otherwise physically unfit for the field, and we com- 
 menced the worK of discharging such, under the direction of 
 the Surgeon and ]V[edical Director Tripler. It was found, 
 too, that small-pox was making its ravages among the troops 
 about Washington, and we at once determined to vaccinate 
 the entire regiment. Beginning with the Colonel, — none 
 were to be exempt. A few objected and even determined 
 to resist the operation ; one man, in particular, declared he 
 "would die first," but the presence of a rope with which he 
 was about to be tied, brought him to his senses, and he 
 yielded to the necessity. In consequence of this precaution, 
 while the disease prevailed in the camps on all sides of us, 
 we were exempt. 
 
 On Sunday, November 24th, if any of our friends at home 
 could have looked in upon us, they would have seen us very 
 busy at work, "cleaning house," preparatory to receiving a 
 visit from Bishop Simpson, of Illinois, and listening to one 
 of his excellent discourses. He failed to make his appear- 
 ance, however, and we had a sermon by our Chaplain, Rev. 
 j\Ir. Matlack. On Monday Bishop Simpson arrived, and 
 delivered an eloquent address, taking his text from a passage 
 in Ephesians, "Put on the whole armor of God." In con- 
 clusion in eulogizing our flag, he said: "While others took 
 beasts of prey, the lion ; or birds, as the eagle of Rome ; 
 we went further, and, leaving the earth and sky, took the 
 stars beyond as our emblem, as though inviting angels to aid 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 47 
 
 US in our undertaking, and invoking the blessings of high 
 heaven upon our endeavors to uphold the right." After the 
 sermon the soldiers all united in singing the Star Spangled 
 Banner. Upon the conclusion of this ceremony another 
 followed of no less interest — the presentation of a beautiful 
 sword to Colonel Farnsworth by Company H. Major Bev- 
 eridge presented it in behalf of the company in a well-timed 
 speech, in Avhich he said ; " Company H only desires to be 
 led where the labor is severest, the danger greatest, and 
 among them will be found strong arms and willing hearts to 
 meet it." In reply, Colonel Farnsworth remarked "that it 
 Avas not customary to present military men with swords until 
 they had merited them by experience in the field or prowess 
 in battle. He knew he had men in his regiment, who, if he 
 did not lead when the path to glory was open would push 
 him forward in it ; and for his part, if by shedding his blood 
 here on the Potomac, he could secure the liberty of every 
 bondman in America, it should flow freely." As a closing 
 performance the boys cheered heartily both the Colonel and 
 Company H, and some lusty cheers were given gratuitously 
 for everybody. This was an interesting day — quite an ex- 
 ception to the routine duties of camp, and seemed to fill the 
 men with new vigor. The day had been cold and unpleasant, 
 and this diversion tended to warm the limbs as well as the 
 hearts of all. It was now evident that the sick list was in- 
 creasing rapidly. Exposure and imprudence on the part 
 of many were inducing fevers, and some had contracted severe 
 colds. November 27th, there were seven cases of well marked 
 typhoid fever in our camp and hospital, and quite a num- 
 ber were unable for duty, from the fact of their being kicked 
 by the horses, mostly while taking them to water at Kock 
 Creek, some half a mile distant. The injury was generally 
 received on the leg, from four to six inches below the knee, 
 frequently laying bare the bone. Many also suffering from 
 chafing or excorations on the inside of the thighs and legs, 
 caused by riding, required medical attention. It was found 
 
48 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 that astringent and soothing applications were necessary ; 
 and a solution of glycerine and tannin, or glycerine and col- 
 lodium, (glycerine eight parts and collodium two parts,) was 
 found very useful. I mention this for the benefit of any 
 who may be similarly affected. Such things as these we had 
 to learn from experience. 
 
 About this time we learned that we were brigaded with the 
 First Michigan and Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, forming 
 the first brigade of cavalry in the U. S. A. The grand army 
 of the Potomac seemed to be in capital order, and "spoiling 
 for a fight." Parades and sham fights were daily exercises. 
 Occasionally a stray ball from one of the other camps would 
 reach ours, causing no little commotion. One of these 
 passed through our dispensing tent, a few feet above our 
 heads, and struck a tree, from which we soon extracted it, 
 and very carefully preserved it as a relic of life at camp. 
 The duties we were now called upon to perform were appa- 
 rently to so little pnrpose that we were becoming very dull, 
 and any diversion was hailed with gladness. One of these 
 now came in the shape of Thanksgiving, it being the 28th of 
 November, 1861. We have reasons to give thanks at all 
 times, but more especially when the future as now looked 
 none too bright. An immense army lay about us, most of 
 it as raw and inexperienced as ourselves — a haughty, and to 
 some extent victorious host, lay opposed to us only a few 
 miles distant, blockading the Potomac river and holding the 
 "impregnable Manassas-" Our Colonel had arranged a sur- 
 prise for us by way of celebrating the day, and presently 
 teams came into camp bringing eighty bushels of oysters 
 which were divided among the different companies ; and a 
 merry Thanksgiving it proved to be. The men will long re- 
 member with gratitude the noble, generous Colonel who 
 provided such a feast for his soldiers at his own expense. 
 It seems that some of the men, not knowing what was in store 
 for them, and fearing they should have a poor dinner with 
 which to observe the day, had planned to make a raid on 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVi\LliY. '49 
 
 certain lieu-roosts and bee hives in the vicinity, where seces- 
 sionists were known to reside, but more prudent counsels 
 l^revailed, and we were spared the unpleasant duty of record- 
 ing any act of violence or disorder. Although some would 
 occasionally indulge in the use of a little too much liquor, 
 the regiment, upon the whole, were as orderly as any we knew. 
 One man was found sleeping upon his post upon a very cold 
 night, and you can imagine there was quite a sensation 
 created in eamp on that occasion ; but as there was no danger 
 from the enemy, and it was the first offence, he was alloAved 
 to return to duty with a severe reprimand. With such small 
 excitements and duties, the time passed until December 1st, 
 when we were notified that we were to report to General 
 Sumner, lately arrived from California, who had just been 
 assigned to a command in Virginia, in front of Alexandria. 
 Colonel Farijsworth, Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble and myself, 
 with a small detachment of men, started to report at the 
 General's headquarters. We crossed the Potomac on Long 
 Bridge, passed through the old city of Alexandria, where 
 Colonel Ellsworth was murdered, and turning west on the 
 turnpike, in the direction of Fairfax Court House, where 
 the great Bull Run stampede had taken place the previous 
 July, traveled some three miles, when, meeting soldiers and 
 sentinels, the Colonel inquired for General Sumner's head- 
 quarters ; but no one knew where they were. Feeling cer- 
 trin that they could be no further, as we were now very near 
 our picket line, we returned a short distance and rode out to 
 three new Sibly tents which seemed to have been lately 
 pitched. A German sentinel was pacing to and fro in front 
 of them. The Colonel inquired of him, "whose tents are 
 these," but he did not know. He then inquired for General 
 Sumner's headquarters, but with the same result. Finally 
 dismounting, we attempted to enter one of the tents, when the 
 fellow seemed to think it was his duty to prevent that, and 
 oifered some resistance ; but we were the conquerors, and 
 upon gaining admittance found General Sumner. This illus- 
 7 
 
50 THE EIGUTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 trates the ignorance and stupidity of many of the recruits. 
 General Sumner appeared to be the true gentleman and sol' 
 dier -which we expected to see, from his past history in the 
 Kansas and Nebraska troubles, and his rescuing California 
 from the grasp of the rebellion, into which it was about to 
 be plunged by the aid of the General in command there. 
 
 Arrangements were at once made to have our regiment 
 brought to this place, as soon as our arms and equipments 
 were received, for at this time we were only partially equipped- 
 Having selected a location for our camp, we returned to pre" 
 pare for future movement across the Potomac to the "sacred 
 soil of Virginia." Arms were not furnished as soon as an- 
 ticipatod. It was of no use for us to cross to the Virginia 
 side of the river, and enter upon actual service, until we were 
 fully equipped, consequently we did not move camp until 
 the loth of December, during which time the men took 
 occasion, whenever opportunity oiFered, to visit the many 
 places of interest in and about Washington, among which 
 is the National Capitol, which with the new wings (where 
 are at present located the Chambers^of the two ILouses of 
 Congress,) covers about five acres of ground. This building 
 with its immense rooms, paintings and statuary, is an object 
 of interest to every one visiting Washington. Its unfinished 
 dome on which is to be placed the statue of liberty, detracts 
 much from what a stranger Avould expect of such a massive 
 marble building. The rotunda, whose walls are adorned 
 with sculpture in has relief, and the magnificent paintings 
 which have attracted the attention of many thousands of 
 visitors, both foreign and native, and which are copied upon 
 our national currency, is a place which once visited will 
 never be forgotten. From the west front of this magnifi- 
 cent building, a foreign visitor said there was a panoramic 
 view worth a voyage across the Atlantic to witness. Here 
 the principal part of the city of Washington lies below you, 
 and consequently you have a splendid view. The broad 
 Potomac, too, is spread out before you, on, 'which hundreds 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 51 
 
 of boats, both sail and steam, are constantly plying ; George- 
 town is in plain sight, the heights of which are renowned in T 
 history. Alexandria can also be seen, and across the river ^ 
 directly west, and only about three miles distant is Arlington, '■* 
 formerly the home of (*ee*gd~"W^8hiii!g%#n~€)HTtt8, and late 
 the residence of General Kobert E. Lee, at that time com- >•'• 
 manding some of the rebel armies. The Navy Yard, Patent --> 
 Office, Post Office, Treasury Building, Insane Asylum, ^y 
 Arsenal, Botanic Gardens, Smithsonian Institute, Armory, 
 National Observatory and President's Mansion are all to be 
 seen from the Capitol. All of these public places are objects 
 of national pride and interest, and the members of the Eighth ^ 
 Jllinois Cavalry improved their time in becoming acquainted .^ 
 with them and the workings of each, which added greatly to j^ 
 their stock of knowledge, and furnished information which ^»^^ 
 comparatively few Western troops had an opportunity of 
 acquiring. If the dull routine of camp was tiresome, these 
 advantages, in a measure, compensated for the toil and expo- 
 sure. Then, too. Congress was in session, and our men not 
 only had the pleasure and satisfaction of seeing the great 
 men of the nation there assembled, but of listening to their 
 debates and public speeches, and acquiring a knowledge of 
 the law-making power of the nation, at a time when if ever 
 the eloquence of the forum was brought out, or the wisdom 
 of the country assembled in awful conclave, it was then. In 
 our strolls about the city we visited the Congressional 
 Georgetown and Rose Hill Cemeteries ; all ornamented in 
 the highest style of modern art and places for deep reflec- 
 tion, where repose the honored dead of many generations. 
 
 One day while going from the camp to the city, we stopped 
 to witness the manoeuvering of some troops on the common. 
 Turning aside from the road, we presently stumbled over 
 something, and upon trying to ascertain what, we discovered 
 some old graves whose tomb-stones had fallen, or been 
 broken down, and over which the troops were passing and 
 repassing, apparently unconscious of the character orsacred- 
 
52 THE Eianiii Illinois cavalry. 
 
 ness of the spot. Curiosity prompted us to examine some 
 of the old and crumbling stones, when we were led to de- 
 cipher the lettering of one which proved to be the grave of 
 Lorenzo Dow. In my boyhood I had heard many stories 
 of this eccentric preacher — that he used to leave appoint- 
 ments to preach from certain stumps and trees, many weeks 
 and even months in advance, and that he always fulfilled 
 such appointments. A thousand legends of his odd ways 
 came to my mind, and I could hardly believe that I stood at 
 his^grave, thus neglected, and unless marked anew, soon to 
 pass beyond recognition. Instinctively I looked around to 
 see if "his Peggy's" grave could be discovered, but found it 
 not, and I left the place wondering why, Avith so many tow- 
 ering spires in sight, and the thousands of professing Christ- 
 ians of the Methodist Church in the immediate vicinity, this 
 grave should be so neglected ; but perhaps, I thought, when 
 the war is over it will receive better attention. 
 
 At this time Washington, Georgetown and Alexandria, 
 in fact the whole District of Columbia was like one immense 
 military camp, so great an army had collected here, but no 
 expedition of any importance was being prosecuted, and with 
 the exception of camp rumors, which were rendered daily in 
 various forms and contradicted as often, each day passed 
 very much like the preceding. Finally our equipment was 
 complete, and we received orders to be in readiness to march 
 into Virginia the next day. Our sick list now numbered 
 eighty-five names, many of whom were disabled from duty 
 by injuries received by kicks, bruises and sprains ; but as 
 we had not yet lost any by death, we considered ourselves 
 very fortunate compared with the regiments encamped about 
 us, where funerals occurred every day. The First Michigan 
 Cavalry came here one week before us, and they already 
 numbered forty-two deaths, and others were suffering in like 
 proportion. But little sleep was taken that night, as the 
 thought of crossing the river into Virginia and actually en- 
 countering the enemy was too exciting to admit of repose, 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 53 
 
 and by early dawn on the 13th, the bugles sounded and the 
 camp was all astir. Our first duty was to dispose of the sick 
 by sending them to the general hospital, which had been 
 established at the Columbian College, but we found that a 
 greater portion of them were determined to remain, and con- 
 sequently the worst cases only were sent, those who could 
 possibly sit upon a horse, going with the regiment, thus 
 proving their devotion to the cause they had espoused. 
 This was to be our first march fully equipped for service, 
 and about ten o'clock A. M., our baggage being loaded in 
 army wagons, we started with a small advance guard preced- 
 ing us about an hour. Company M was detailed to remain 
 in camp and take charge of the Commissary and Quarter- 
 master's stores, which could not then be taken. Preceded 
 by the Colonel and staff, the regiment moved by fours down 
 Fourteenth street through the city to the Long Bridge, while 
 thousands crowded the highway to see us pass, for such a 
 body of mounted cavalry had never before marched through 
 Washington, and our western horses made a splendid appear- 
 ance of which we were proud. 
 
 We will here mention that we had yet to learn what the 
 actual necessities of army life were, for we had so much which 
 we thought was necessary to sustain life, that we required 
 eighty-one heavy army wagons to transport it ; but before 
 the close of the war we found that we did not employ more 
 than a dozen to transport what we really needed. Crossing 
 the Potomac on Long Bridge, and passing by the frowning 
 forts on the Yirginia side, we were soon marching through 
 the city of Alexandria, where from every window and crevice 
 we could see the secessionists peaking out to abuse us and see 
 what kind of appearance we made. However, this was not 
 to be wondered at, for a large portion of the rebel cavalry 
 had been recruited in and about the city, and those remain- 
 ing at home were eager to see with what they had to contend, 
 though for my part I should have had far greater respect 
 for them had they come out into the street like men, and 
 
64 TUE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 1 am inclined to think this was the sentiment of the 
 regiment. 
 
 We soon reached our camp about three miles west of Alex- 
 andria. It was situated ou a hillside descendincr from the 
 
 o 
 
 turnpike towards the south, and a beautiful view was spread 
 out before us. At the foot of the hill we could see a small 
 stream (Hunting Creek,) winding through the distance like 
 a thread of silver, and there, too, was the Orange & Alexan- 
 dria Railroad, with its almost constant clang and clatter, so 
 that while the little brook seemed to whisper of rest, peace 
 and quiet, the skrill shriek of the engine called one back to 
 the actual life before us, of war and activity. Near by 
 stood Fairfax Theological Seminary and Forts Ellsworth, 
 Lyon, Worth and Ward. Several thousand infantry were 
 encamped about us, among which were the celebrated "Irish 
 J)rigade," also the Sixty-third and Sixty-ninth New York 
 regiments with whom we became quite intimate in the course 
 of events that followed. 
 
 The soil was a reddish clay loam, and the men at once 
 went to work digging down to level the floors of their tents, 
 and some of them even dug to the depth of eighteen inches 
 to enlarge and make them higher. They were warned that 
 when the rainy season began, the water would leak through 
 this soil and make the tents very unpleasant as well as un- 
 healthy. Not believing this, however, they persisted, but 
 sadly repented before spring. The weather was warm and 
 pleasant ; camp was soon arranged and drilling with horses, 
 and sabre exercises on foot were entered into with alacrity. 
 We were liable to be called upon at any time to attack the 
 enemy or repel an invasion, and our men fully realized the 
 situation. 
 
 About this time a deserter from one of the regiments near 
 by was shot. It appears that he had enlisted for the purpose 
 of gaining information to convey to the rebels, and after 
 leaving his regiment he met some federal soldiers and, mis- 
 taking them for the enemy, freely disclosed his doings and 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 55 
 
 our situation. He was arrested, tried by court-martial and 
 condemned to die. As is usually the case, twelve men from 
 his regiment Avcre selected by lot to shoot him ; eleven of 
 their guns were loaded with ball and one with blank- 
 cartridge, so that no man might know whose ball hit him. 
 The brigade to which he belonged was drawn up in line to 
 Avitness the execution, and at the specified hour the prisoner 
 was brought out and seated upon his coffin. How dreadful 
 the scene! There sat the poor culprit who had forfeited 
 his life in endeavoring to aid the enemies of the cause he 
 should have gloried in supporting; there the twelve men 
 with their guns pointed ready to send his soul into eternity 
 at the given signal ; and here thousands of soldiers waiting 
 to see the traitor receive his just deserts, while over all there 
 seemed to hang a deep gloom. The word was given, and 
 they fibred. Three balls entered his body, but were not fatal, 
 and they were obliged to shoot again. All was over ; the 
 man was dead ; his spirit with his Maker, and a higher power 
 than ours will now pronounce his doom ; but the scene left 
 its impression upon our minds, and although such occurrences 
 became frequent, I shall never forget this — the first I had 
 ever witnessed. 
 
 December 18th our attention was attracted by a fully in- 
 flated balloon, which passed up the road, it being managed 
 by ropes attached to the net which covered it, and held by 
 men. LeMontaine, who had attained some celebrity as an 
 aeronaut, had charge it, and anticipated making an ascen- 
 sion soon, to ascertain the position of the enemy. It was then 
 thought by the aid of balloons we could not only discover 
 the position of the opposing army, but by having telegraph 
 lines connected with the car, a General might sit there, over- 
 look a battle, and give commands with great ease ; and that 
 in the possession of them we had an advantage over our foes 
 of the greatest importance. How much faith General McClel- 
 lan and the War Department placed in this, we do not know ; 
 but that they were brought into the field and thoroughly 
 
56 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 tested, we do know ; and more than that, we know that these 
 air-castles soon vanished like a dream. 
 
 About half-past nine o'clock P. M., and orderly rode into 
 camp bringing an order from General Sumner for fifty men 
 to report at his headquarters at once. As this was the first 
 call upon us, it created quite a sensation among " the boys," 
 and all were eager to go. The requisite number were de- 
 tailed from the first Battalion. Ammunition was hastily 
 issused, haversacks filled, and they soonjvent galloping out 
 of camp. They were taken about two miles west, where 
 nearly three thousand infantry were stationed, preparatory 
 to repelling an attack of the enemy who were reported to 
 be advancing in that direction. After remaining all night 
 they returned to camp about nine o'clock A. M., from their 
 bloodless battle. The next evening twelve men, with three 
 day's rations, left camp to act as an escort to General Sum- 
 ner, and from this time we were called on almost daily for 
 details of men for some purpose ; part of the time to go out 
 to the picket line, and occasionally scouting beyond, on the 
 neutral ground, or that which lay between our picket line 
 and that of the enemy. When put to the test, it was found 
 that the pistols which had been issued to the men were not 
 reliable ; as many of them would snap several times before 
 discharging, and some could not be shot at all. Our Colonel 
 and Quartermaster Stevens had made several efforts to get 
 them exchanged, but to no purpose ; the reply of the Gen- 
 eral in charge of that department being that " the men should 
 be satisfied with the arms furnished them, and not be finding 
 fault." Elon J. Farnsworth, one of the Battalion Quarter- 
 masters, whose shrewdness and wit were proverbial, said he 
 could get them exchanged ; so selecting a number of the 
 poorest ones, he went to the General, but received the same 
 answer that the others had. 
 
 "But, General," said he, "let me show you;" and he 
 commenced loading them rapidly, all the time talking to the 
 General, and explaining in his quick, nervous way of 
 speaking. 
 
 "But stop," said the General; "you are not going to 
 shoot here ?" 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 57 
 
 "Well, well; just let me show you," was F.'s reply, and 
 by this time the men, who had been well instructed in ad- 
 vance, had the pistols loaded and proceeded to snap away at 
 random, pointing at the fireplace. 
 
 " Hold ! hold !" commanded the General, "you must not 
 shoot here." 
 
 "No danger. Not the least danger," said Farnsworth, 
 still pulling away at the trigger. " I assure you they are 
 perfectly harmless." 
 
 Concluding by this time that he had fully demonstrated 
 the worthlessness of the weapon, he handed one to the Gen- 
 eral, who threw it aside, and at once wrote an order to have 
 them exchanged, remarking that " they were not fit to go to 
 war with," 
 
 On December 24th the first death occurred in our regi- 
 ment, that of William Dilox of Company H, who died of 
 typhoid fever, of which we had several cases. December 
 25th (Christmas) was a beautiful day. Many of the soldiers 
 had received boxes from home containing luxuries not com- 
 mon among soldiers, while others had patronized the sutlers 
 and dealers in Alexandria to such an extent, that a luxurious 
 repast was the result. There were turkeys, pies, fruit and 
 oysters in abundance, and in the camps about us various 
 sports were enacted. Some ran foot races in bags, and 
 others greased a pig and ofi"ered to the person who would 
 shoulder it and carry it into camp. The "Irish Brigade" 
 were not behind others in keeping the holiday, and all 
 seemed to enjoy it as well as they could have done at home. 
 But a change soon took place. On the 26th it began to 
 storm, rain fell in torrents, the ground froze some but not 
 enough to bare up either horses or men, and our camp soon 
 became a mire nearly knee-deep to the horses, and the tents, 
 especially those where the ground had been dug away, were 
 wet and uncomfortable ; consequently sickness increased 
 rapidly. 
 
 On the 28th, in company with Doctor Stull, I went to 
 
S8 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Washington to see the Medical Director in relation to our 
 conveniences for the sick, and near the National Observatory, 
 where had stood the government stables, we beheld a heart- 
 sickening sight. These stables had taken fire, probably the 
 work of an incendiary, and of the two thousand horses then in 
 the stables, some two hundred were burnt to death and their 
 black and charred remains presented a horrid spectacle, 
 fearful to behold. They lay in every conceivable position, 
 as they had writhed and struggled in the fiery element. 
 
 It was now about the close of the year 1861, and no ad- 
 yance had been made by this army since General McClellan 
 took command. Rumors of an advance were current, and at 
 one time we received orders to be in readiness to move at a 
 moments notice, but time passed without any movement. 
 About the last of December 186 1, and first of January 1862, 
 the weather became more pleasant, and the change was hailed 
 with joy among the soldeirs. December 31st the regiment 
 was inspected by General French and mustered for pay. 
 The parade took place near Cloud's Mills, very near the spot 
 where occurred a skirmish just previous to the battle of Bull 
 Run. General French complimented the regiment highly 
 on its splendid appearance, and after returning to his quarters 
 he told some of his ofiicers, " If you wanted to see a regi- 
 ment that is a regiment, go and look at the Eighth Illinois 
 Cavalry." 
 
 New Years day, January 1st, 1862, was remarkably fine. 
 The "Irish Brigade" were addressed by their chaplin, who 
 extolled Ireland and the Irish people to the sky, and we 
 became satisfied from the appearance of the " Sons of the 
 Emerald Isle," that they would fight if they had the oppor- 
 tunity. From this time the weather began to be more un- 
 settled and stormy ; our camp was becoming more muddy 
 and unhealthy, and the sick list kept increasing. We were 
 obliged to detail dispensing clerks and put the Ilospita 
 Stewards on Assistant Surgeon's duty, visiting the sick in 
 quarters. Asst. Surgeon Crawford and I were unable to visit 
 
TSE EIGHTS ILLINOIS CAVALRY. &Q 
 
 all the patients in a day, and with the aid of the Stewards it 
 was frequently midnight before we finished making the 
 rounds of the camp. During the month of January more 
 than fi,ve hundred were on the sick list. The diseases were 
 mostly what is termed typho-malarial fever, while a large 
 number of cases were genuine typhoid fever. Many of the 
 patients were so delirious that it required considerable force 
 and constant watching to prevent their rushing out in the 
 rain, and injuring themselves. We had but two hospital . 
 tents, and consequently were obliged to send a large number 
 to the general hospital in Alexandria, where many of them 
 died. Thus matters grew worse from day to day. The 
 number sent to the general hospita? , . was greater than ever 
 before, and we needed more medicine than was allowed to an 
 ordinary regiment. 
 
 On the the 9th of Janury I went to Washington to obtain 
 an extra supply of medicine on special requisition, but these 
 limited supplies were soon exhausted. At one time on 
 making application to send more patients to the general 
 hospital and for medicine, I was refused by tne Medical 
 Director until I should explain the cause of such a want. 
 
 The report in response to this order gave a description of 
 our location, the number of sick and suffering, with our lim- 
 ited accommodations, to-wit : Two hospital tents. I also 
 notified the Medical Director that to obtain a permit to send 
 patients to the general hospital at Alexandria, we were 
 obliged to send a messenger through the mud to Washington 
 eleven miles distant, who could not return until night, and 
 then the permit was good for that day only. 
 
 Aroused to a sense of our suffering, the Medical Director 
 sent four large ambulances from Washington to convey our 
 sick to the hospital, but unfortunately they did not arrive 
 until nearly dark, and the drivers were so intoxicated 
 that they could not be trusted with such a valuable load as our 
 noble men who were entirely helpless. The drivers were 
 promptly reported to headquarters, and were as promptly 
 dismissed. 
 
60 THl EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 It is due our Medical Director, Surgeon Tripler, however, 
 to say that -when he became fully aware of our necessities 
 he spared no pains to do all in his power to aid us. His as- 
 sistant surgeon, A. K. Smith, from the time of our arrival 
 in Washington showed us many kindnesses, and was ever the 
 firm friend of the regiment. 
 
 On the 18th of January a reconnoisance was ordered to 
 feel the enemy in our front ; well described by our chaplain 
 Matlack, in a letter to the American Wesleyan of January 
 29th, which I take the liberty of quoting : 
 
 Sunday morning, 18th. Last night orders were received 
 for two companies of our men to report at General Howard's 
 headquarters at eight A. M. to-day. The Colonel gave me 
 permission to go with them. Companies G and H, captains 
 Medell and Hooker, headed by Major Beveridge, went ofif 
 with one day's rations. 
 
 This was the largest force we had called out. And some 
 interest was awakened b}^ their forming in front of the camp, 
 all armed with sabre, carbine and pistol. At the word, "By 
 fours forward I" we put off at a trot. At headquarters, the 
 General invited the Major, Captains and Chaplain, in for a 
 few minutes. " Have you a Surgeon and an ambulance?" 
 We may have use for them," he remarked. On starting it 
 commenced raining. "Chaplain have you no oil cloth " — 
 "You had better get it out." Dismounting, I took it out 
 from under my blanket. Before completing my fix they 
 were out of sight in the fog. But Billy was only a little 
 while reaching the column and finding his place at its head, 
 abreast of the General and Major, 
 
 " I never saw a regiment so well mounted as your's. The 
 men must take good care of their horses, or they would not 
 look so well with their poor accommodations — Are your car- 
 bines loaded?" — "No, sir. The powder is liable to waste 
 traveling, and may become damp while it rains. They load 
 easily." — "Yes, yes, but an attack on us will be sudden. 
 Our response to their fire must be instantaneous, or we shall 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 61 
 
 be surprised and confused. A warrior must provide always 
 against surprises. But within our lines it is not necessary. 
 At the outpost you will all load." 
 
 Our way was over, or through deep mud and a pouring 
 rain. Finding myself growing wet faster than the law of 
 storms required, I examined and lo ! my canteen cork was 
 out, and my three pints of coffee were leaking fast away, as 
 we trotted and jolted along. This remedied, all went pleas- 
 antly. Now we splashed on in the bye-road — anon we can- 
 tered over a plain — and then through the woods. Arriving 
 at Edsill's Hill, we brought up and added two officers as aids 
 for the General. We now struck into the forest on a narrow 
 path, and within half a mile we passed the outposts of our 
 army, and pushed forward cautiously, never [going faster 
 than a walk. 
 
 " Major, send out three horsemen as far ahead as they 
 can go within sight. Follow them with a platoon, as advance 
 guard. Behind them we will follow with the main column. 
 But behind us let there be a rear guard of a platoon." 
 
 Thus disposed, we moved on at a rapid walk. Turning 
 away from the main road, the General ordered — " Send for- 
 ward at full gallop two men as far as they can go and see us. 
 Let them pause until the whole column pass, then follow on 
 in our rear," In this way he managed at every cross-road 
 and bye-rood. No better country exists for ambuscade and 
 masked batteries than this. The roads are narrow and 
 crooked. And the evergreen forests are so close that we 
 could not see five rods ahead. Besides, the day was very 
 foggy and a heavy rain falling. 
 
 Silently or without talking, we moved on by two's or single 
 file. Suddenly — craclc went a rifle on our right. "What 
 does that mean, was it in our column,'' enquired the General. 
 "No sir," said the Major. All else was silent, as they 
 moved forward with their hands pressing their carbines. 
 " Send back a trusty man half a mile in the rear to the right, 
 to look out and report if any movement appears on our rear." 
 
62 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Our first pause was at a stately mansion. A heavy posted 
 gate well made, swung open in front of a spacious lawn with 
 graveled roads. " Send forward three men ahead of me. 
 The staff and aid will go with me. The balance of the force 
 wait without." As we neared the house a well-dressed ser- 
 vant approached. He was non-communicative, cautious and 
 seemed to know nothing. His name was Frank. Flanking 
 the barn we drew up in front of the dwelling. A coal black 
 "boy" of twenty years came up with a pair of steers draw- 
 ing wood. Unlike the mulatto Frank, this fellow was all of 
 a tickle. His eyes danced, his white teeth and clean gums 
 fairly shone. He mighty glad to see us. Though he did 
 not say so. "My name's Noah." " Noah?" said I. "Yes 
 sir, Noah — that's it." And his look said, "Can't I tell you 
 something more you want to know?" But widow Fitzhugh 
 was a kind, comunicative lady, who has written * protections' 
 signed by Scott and some others. Possibly by Beauregard 
 and *'some others!" After a pleasant interview. General 
 Howard and his Surgeon re-mounted and we bade adieu. 
 
 Besides Frank and Noah, another elderly man named 
 "Jeems," came out to see us. He wore spectacles and 
 looked venerable. " I have lived hear always. My wife is 
 hear too. We never had any children but two little ones I 
 adopted." Another personage appeared, — a white man, — 
 George Seever, — a native of Hanover in Germany — gardener 
 for widow Fitzhugh, according to his own statement. He 
 told me that the steers were all the team they had — " Our 
 whole dependence now. The carriage horses were taken 
 from us by the Cameron Hifles." (Doubtful.) 
 
 For a number of miles we were only moving along slow 
 and keeping a sharp look out. At last we paused for dinner. 
 Not a hotel, nor private house, nor even unhorsed but, reins 
 loose, each in his saddle, drew out his bread and meat and 
 "fell to eating." Being provided with rations for all day 
 and the following morning, all were fed and haversacks full 
 left. My coffee canteen was supplicatingly approached by 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 63 
 
 the General, the Major,Captain and others, who were not 
 turned empty away. 
 
 " And now men we will strike off north towards the Fair- 
 fax Court House road. Major, send out a squad to that 
 first left hand road. See where it leads. Look out sharp. 
 Examine every hiding-place. Forward." 
 
 On we went over the road, then through an open country 
 studded with hills, looking sharp enough at every point. 
 Coming out near a large farm house, the column was halted, 
 and I went in with the General through the yard and round 
 to the •' quarters."' The great house was empty. A " boy" 
 of forty was in front of a log cabin, whose answers to ques- 
 tions were — "My name is Alfred — Alfred Bell — Dunno how 
 old I is — was born roun here — ole marse and young massa's 
 gone wid de army — am I for de Union ? Well gemmen, I is 
 a fren to dem whose a fren to me — I aint gwine to take no 
 sides — he! he! he!" While most of us remained outside, 
 the General, the Surgeon, a reporter and an aid went in. 
 One of them after ten minutes came out and called to me — 
 "Chaplain, the general wishes you to come in." I dis- 
 mounted and stooped through the low cabin door. In one 
 corner of the old-fashioned chimney sat the General bare- 
 headed. Opposite him sat an old blind negro-waman, per- 
 haps eighty years old. Behind her chair stood a younger 
 woman. Around these members of the staff. It was a scene. 
 " Chaplain, I am warming my feet here, and have been talk- 
 ing to these poor women about God, and about prayer. 
 They dont pray much, nor have any preaching nor meetings 
 of any kind. Will it be agreeable to you to unite with us 
 who are here in prayer ? It will do us all good." 
 
 Never in my life did it seem more agreeable. " Certainly 
 General Howard. Prayer is a pleasure to me anywhere. 
 Here most cheerfully I pray. Let us kneel — On his knees 
 beside me, with uncovered heads around, the General breathed 
 an audible and earnest "Amen," while I prayed for our- 
 selves, our comrades, the poor old slaves and our country. 
 
64 THE EIGUTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 For freedom's triumph, for slavery's overthrow, and finally 
 for peace and rest and joy when we fell, either on the field 
 or in a quiet grave. 
 
 "And now, Lucy," said the General, speaking to the 
 younger, " do you remember that short prayer I wanted you 
 to teach the old woman here?" "I don't jes remember it 
 now, sir." "It was this — Lord, let thy holy Spirit teach me 
 what is right and good." "Yes, sir, I can do that." "Who 
 do you pray to?" "The Lord." "Who is the Lord?" 
 " Our Saviour." " Who do you mean by that?" "Jesus 
 Christ." " Well Lucy, you must love him, and pray to him 
 and be good. Good-bye old mother — good-bye Lucy." 
 
 On mounting at the door, the soldier came again. And 
 many hurried questions were put to and answered by Alfred. 
 Reining up to start, he said, " O, Alfred, here, I forgot, one 
 question more." He leaned forward and whispered in his 
 ear, "Alfred, do you ever pray?" "Sometimes, sir." 
 "You ought to pray every day." "Yes, sir, maybe I 
 should." "You must not forget God for he remembers you 
 all the time." " I guess he do," said Alfred with an amazed 
 look, astonished to hear such words. 
 
 Putting spurs to his horse he dashed on to the main road. 
 Billy and the Chaplain coming next, and a long string follow- 
 ing after, " No wonder thought I, " that at Manassas, the 
 then Colonel Howard was as cool under a heavy fire as on 
 dress parade; and the Third Maine was brave and true." 
 
 The horse he rides now, was shot under him then, a bullet 
 passing through the leg — since recovered. Our return trip 
 commenced soon after this visit. Many items of interest 
 occurred on the road. But my letter is too long now by the 
 editor's yard-stick. Besides I am tired of writing. The 
 great number of the sick require much of my time abroad in 
 the camp. But this I say in closing that the battery cannot 
 be found that would keep men back when Howard 'leads the 
 van. 
 
 The condition of our camp from the continuous rains, was 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 65 
 
 sad to behold, and sadder to endure. The mud ia map yor- 
 tions of it being more than shoe deep, and we were forced to 
 wade from tent to tent. It was evident that something more 
 than what had been done was necessaiy to save our regiment 
 from extermination ; accordingly we looked about the coun- 
 try for a house to use for a hospital. Situated on a bluff, over- 
 looking the surrounding country, and less than a mile dis- 
 tant from our camp, was a splendid mansion, occupied by a 
 family by the name of Slaymaker. In front was a grove of 
 magnificent oaks and pines, and being furnished with all the 
 modern improvements as well as a number of out-houses for 
 the servants, it evidently had been the abode of one of the 
 F. F. V.'s. Mrs. Colonel Farnsworth was boarding at this 
 house and we learned from her that it was owned by one 
 Witmer, a violent secesh and business partner of the occu- 
 pant, Slaymaker, who, when the Union army, headed by 
 Colonel Ellsworth, entered Alexandria, had gone with the 
 rebels and was now with their army, or within their lines, 
 and that Slaymaker had moved from Alexandria into the 
 house to keep it from being occupied or injured by our troops, 
 and was now protected by our army, a safeguard of soldiers 
 being stationed to guard the premises. Before proceeding 
 further it may be well to explain what we mean by a " safe- 
 guard," as it may be used frequently in this narative. The 
 citizens would often call on our commanders for protection, 
 when one or more men would be detailed to patrol the 
 premises, whose duty it was to prevent any soldiers from 
 molesting either the persons or property under his care. The 
 family generally furnished the safe-guards with food, it being 
 to their own interest to treat them well. We learned that 
 this Slaymaker's family had recently induced a soldier who 
 was acting as safe-guard to desert. This had reached the 
 ear of Colonel Taylor, General Sumner's Adjutant General, 
 who was greatly displeased with them on that account. 
 Although this mansion was on the opposite side of the turn- 
 pike from our camp, where General Kearney's command lay at 
 9 
 
66 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 some distance, General Sumner claimed that it was within 
 his jurisdiction ; accordingly we applied to him for permis- 
 sion to dispossess Slaymaker and occupy the house as a hos- 
 pital, at the same time setting forth' our necessities and the 
 facts in relation to the occupants. The General approved 
 our application and Colonel Farnsworth at once carried it in 
 person to General Heintzelman, who immediately gave us an 
 order to take possession. 
 
 Wishing to treat the family with all kindness, I went with 
 a squad of men, read the order to Mr. Slaymaker, and gave 
 him twenty-four hours in which to vacate. During this time 
 he obtained an order from General Kearney, who claimed to 
 have command of the ground, countermanding ours, and for- 
 bidding any one to disturb him, at the same time stationing 
 additional guards there. Determined not to be out-done, 
 we again applied for/>U<Kiaission to take the house, and this 
 time carried the application to Washington where we obtained 
 a renewal of the order from General McClellan. This time 
 we decided not to give twenty-four hours in which to get the 
 order countermanded, but proceeded to the house and order- 
 ed them to remove forthwith. It was then morning and we 
 gave them until noon to leave the premises. At noon, load- 
 ing an ambulance with convalescents, I went with a squad 
 of men under charge of Corporal Cassady, of Company G, 
 to the house and found the doors bolted. We knocked but 
 were not admitted. Without waiting long, Cassady put his 
 foot very forcibly against the door which yielded to the blow, 
 and we entered with as much dignity as though we had been 
 ushered in with al the ceremony of strict etiquette. The 
 women of the house sat there and boldly declared their de- 
 termination not to leave. Not the least shaken in our re- 
 solve of possessing the house, we very politely offered them 
 our assistance in removing their carpets and furniture (for 
 the house was elegantly furnished) which they indignantly 
 refused, retorting as saucily as secesh ladies only can ; Mrs. 
 S. even daring us to lay our hands on the furniture, threat- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 67 
 
 ening to report us to General McClellan. I directed the 
 men to "bring in those typhoid fever patients," at which 
 command there was considerable consternation depicted in 
 the face of each woman, who seemed very much frightened 
 at the thought of having a typhoid fever case brought into 
 their presence. They not only went to work themselves, but 
 were willing to accept of our services to the fullest extent. 
 Mr. Slaymaker was absent endeavoring to get our order 
 countermanded, and by the time he returned we had his goods 
 loaded on wagons, and that afternoon the family were re- 
 moved to their own residence in Alexandria. By these 
 means we were enabled to provide a comfortable and even 
 commodious hospital for our suffering soldiers during the 
 most inclement season of the year, and many lives were no 
 doubt saved by their being transferred from our " camp in the 
 mud" to this attractive spot where they were comfortably 
 provided for during the remainder of the winter. About 
 this time Colonel Farnsworth received orders to remove the 
 regiment to Alexandria where the men and horses could be 
 sheltered in vacant secesh houses and shops, and on the 
 morning of January 24th, the regiment moved to the city 
 
 except headquarters and a guard to protect the property of 
 the camp. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 Camp Suffering— Rebel citizenB obliged to work under the Flag— Qen«ral Montgomery 
 —Eighty -Eighth Pennsylvania— Arrest of a Parson in Church— Virginia Chronicle— 
 Burning of the Citizen Printing Office— Presentation of a Cane to Major McKcnzie— 
 Flag Presentation by Ladies of Alexandria- Arrival of General Sumner— Hutchison 
 Family Concert— Alexandria— Christ's Church— Washington's Pew— Old Cemetery 
 — Slavb Pen. 
 
 Camp California, and our first winter of suffering in it, 
 will never be forgotten by the veterans of the the Eighth Illi- 
 nois Cavalry. When we first took possession the weathe^ 
 was dry and fair, and being on the side of a hill we hoped 
 for a pleasant camp, but no sooner did the rain begin than 
 we were in a perfect mire ; literally there seemed to be no 
 bottom to the mud, and it held the water like a sponge. The 
 horses were taken from their lines in camp and picketed 
 over the surrounding hills, but they would not stand an hour 
 in a place without making a deep mud-hole. 
 
 At morning sick call the men would come wet and shiver- 
 ing to the dispensary, and had it not been for the large 
 chapel tent, obtained by our chaplain from the good people 
 of Philadelphia, in which we held our sick call, the suffering 
 would doubtless have been much greater. Frequently did we 
 call to mind the sufferings of our revolutionary fathers at 
 Valley Forge and Brandywine, which gave us courage to 
 endure our trials. At one time the men began to clamor for 
 whisky in the hope that that would sustain their drooping 
 spirits. The matter came before me for approval but I 
 refused ; recommending that the men on guard should have 
 coffee and crackers at every relief, believing it to be more 
 sustaining and less injurious than whisky. In this I was 
 sustained by Colonel F., and although there was some dis- 
 
THB EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALET. 69 
 
 satisfaction, I think nearly all acquiesced, and now believe 
 it to have been for the best. 
 
 In the camps about us there was even more sickness than 
 in ours, and most of them adopted the plan of issuing rations 
 of whisky. The Fifty-third Pennsylvania had thrice the 
 number of deaths that we had, simply, as I believe, because 
 they resorted to the use of spirits. It became quite custo- 
 mary at this time to issue a preparation of whisky and 
 quinine, which the Sanitary Commission furnished in large 
 quantities already prepared ; I think, however, that this plan 
 was not adopted by the government, and I now greatly doubt 
 the propriety of the course then pursued by the Sanitary 
 Commission. Some days before leaving this camp General 
 Sumner rode in on horseback, and his horse taking fright 
 threw him to the ground injuring his back severely, from 
 which he never fuUv recovered. He was confined to his 
 room for a few days, then went to Washington that he might 
 have better accommodations than could be obtained in the 
 field. The regiment having moved into Alexandria was 
 quartered in vacant houses as follows : — Companies A and 
 L in fine houses on Duke street near number 75 ; Company 
 B near the Wharf ; Companies C and M corner of Wolf and 
 Fairfax streets ; Companies D, G and K on Wolf street ; 
 Company F in the old printing office on Royal street; Com- 
 pany H in Washington street, Methodist church south ; 
 Company I opposite the Methodist church, and Company E 
 on Prince street near the residence of Mayor McKenzie. 
 As we now had comfortable quarters all those who were not 
 sick proceeded to enjoy themselves as well as they could, 
 with such amusements as came to hand, together with read- 
 ing and writing letters home. Thus the time passed very 
 pleasantly ; brightened almost every day by receiving kind 
 and welcome missives from their friends. The horses were 
 as well cared for as the men ; those of Companies G and K 
 occupying the ground floor of the spacious foundry, over 
 which Company G was quartered ; Company M's horses in 
 
70 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 another foundry near the Railroad Tunnel, and those of all 
 the other Companies were fully as well provided with shelter. 
 The Regimental Dispensary was located in a fine brick build- 
 ing on- Washington street near Wolf, the upper part of which 
 was occupied by some of the officers [and their families. 
 This was also the house to which the remains of the rebel 
 Jackson, who murdered Colonel Ellsworth, were taken, over 
 which the secessionists lamented so long. 
 
 After remaining in camp a few days Colonel Farnsworth 
 removed his head-quarters to a fine brick edifice on Washing- 
 ton street, near King, formerly occupied by a doctor, who 
 ran away when our troops under Ellsworth occupied the city. 
 General Montgomery was in command of the place as mili- 
 tary Governor. Pie was an old army oflicer, rather superan- 
 uated, fond of flattery and in great favor with the ladies of 
 disloyal sentiments. They were in the habit of sending him 
 boquets of flowers, and bestowing all the compliments they 
 could heap upon him, and receiving in return every favor 
 he could grant. So careful was he not to off'end them that 
 he did not even display the "stars and stripes" at his head- 
 quarters, as was the custom of all other officers ; it being the 
 rule with them to keep the glorious old flag flying at all times. 
 Colonel Farnsworth had the fine, large flag presented by the 
 ladies of St. Charles conspicuously displayed at his head- 
 quarters, and stretched across the sidewalk, so that all 
 walking on that side of the street were obliged to pass under 
 it. This annoyed the rebels of Alexandria exceedingly. 
 
 One Sunday while a German soldier named Brower, of 
 Company C, was on duty as sentinel, a man and two women 
 came tripping along, dressed in the finest style, their silks 
 rustling and trailing over the pavement, and altogether over- 
 doing themselves in the effort of trying to make a grand 
 display; when near the flag one of the women remarked that 
 she would not walk under that rag ; and they turned out 
 into the street to go around it. This was more than our 
 loyal sentinel could endure, and bringing his carbine down 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 71 
 
 on the brick walk with considerable force, commanded them 
 to "Halt! and walk under that flag or he would shoot." 
 Reluctantly, with trembling limbs and compressed lips, very 
 much after the fashion of an ague fit, — they returned from 
 the muddy street to the sidewalk, and went sneakingly be- 
 neath the flag, that waved proudly and defiantly over their 
 heads as if conscious of the noble and soldierly conduct of 
 its brave defenders. Upon being relieved Brower came to 
 Colonel Farnsworth to apologize. He told the Colonel that 
 *' he did not know but he had exceeded his duty ; but it 
 made his blood boil and he would make them walk under the 
 flag if he died for it." 'No reprimand was given. Alas; 
 the body of this valiant soldier now lies slumbering in the 
 soil of Virginia; thus he did die in defence of that flag he 
 so much admired. 
 
 After General Montgomery took command of the city as 
 military governor the rebels and their sympathizers had pretty 
 much their own way. The truly loyal (and of such there 
 were not a few), were kept at bay. The General was trying 
 to coak treason out of the rebels, but our men had entered 
 the field to fight traitors, and by their expressed hatred of 
 rebels and respect for the union-loving citizens, soon made 
 the former tremble and fear, while the latter put on a bolder 
 face. Among the loyal men of Alexandria were Mayor Mc 
 Kinzie, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Shim and Mr. Tacy. 
 
 Captain Freese — Adjutant General — and the depot Quar- 
 termaster, on General Montgomery's staff", were gentlemen 
 of high order, and showed us all due consideration. The 
 union ladies, too, God bless them, were untiring in their at- 
 tention to the soldiers, especially the sick, and as our efforts 
 were now turned entirely toward the wants of the men and 
 the animals, to keep them in the best possible condition, their 
 assistance was very opportune. 
 
 It was evident that no advance could be made at this sea- 
 son of the year ; the weather being very inclement and the 
 roads almost impassable. Sickness had increased to an 
 
72 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 alarming extent, and in order to take proper care of our 
 patients we took possession of an elegant mansion on Wash- 
 ington street, (the Beverly Estate), known since as Grosvener 
 Hospital; not, however, without considerable trouble. The 
 owners had packed their goods and gone South, leaving the 
 property in charge of an agent. We applied to General 
 Montgomery for permission to use the house, but he peremp- 
 torily refused. Refering to the removal of the Slaymaker 
 family he said we were brought here to protect the people, 
 rather than drive^ them from their homes, and appeared 
 quite indignant at the idea of our asking such a thing of 
 him. But Colonel Farnsworth had authority from Genera 
 Heintzelman to take such vacant houses as we needed, 
 and after considerable strategy and sharp practice we ob- 
 tained the keys, and were not long in filling the house with 
 our sick, who were too numerous to be accommodated at our 
 hospital in the country. The house was supplied with gas, 
 hot and cold baths, and in every way suitable for a first-class 
 hospital ; and we were none too prompt in obtaining it for 
 the measles soon broke out among us, and we soon had from 
 twenty to thirty beds filled with that disease alone as long as 
 we remained in the city. These movements widened if possi 
 ble the breach between us and the rebels of Alexandria. 
 The Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry were on duty here 
 as provost guards to preserve order ; with which the Eighth 
 Illinois Cavalry were on the most friendly terms. We were 
 in a measure independent of General Montgomery, being 
 under command of General Sumner, to whom we reported, 
 consequently were under no obligations to obey the orders 
 of General M. Our regiment patrolled the city nightly to 
 look after our own men, and many were the amusing inci- 
 dents that occurred at such times. None were allowed out 
 after nine o'clock without a pass from his commanding 
 officers, but such good feelings existed between the Eighth 
 Illinois and the Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania that they were 
 very sure not to see one another after that hour, though 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 73 
 
 they met on the sidewalk. The numerous places where 
 liquor was sold and houses of ill-fame, which were found on 
 almost every street, were often entered by the patrol in 
 search of soldiers, and not unfrequently discoveries were 
 made in these dens of vice and misery of oflficers and men, 
 whose characters when at home were above reproach, and 
 for the sake of their friends we will draw over them the veil 
 of secrecy. We will, however, do the regiment the justice to 
 say that these were the exceptions, and compared with those 
 recruited in the eastern cities, the morals of the Eighth were 
 such as to make us proud of belonging to it. 
 
 On Sunday, February 0th, an incident occurred worthy 
 of a place in history. The boldness of the rebels in the city 
 and the lenient manner in which they were treated by Gen- 
 eral Montgomery and others, had at last aroused the indig- 
 nation of our men to the highest degree, and they let no 
 opportunity pass to make traitors know and feel that they 
 had entered the army for the express purpose of suppressing 
 and crushing the rebellion. I will here quote an incident 
 as recorded in the Virginia Chronicle : 
 
 TREASON IN THE PULPIT — ARREST OF A SECESSION PARSON IN 
 
 CHURCH ! 
 
 "The Rev. Mr. Stewart, a renegade parson of northern 
 birth, who was lately driven from a western pulpit by an 
 indignant congregation, for his incorrigible and offensive 
 secessionism, and who has since been stopped in attempting to 
 cross the lines on his way to Dixie, was promptly and prop- 
 erly brought up "with a round turn," as our martial friend 
 has it, yesterday morning at St. Paul's Church, during what 
 ought to have been divine service, but which the reverend 
 traitor converted into an insolent and defiant endorsement 
 and glorification of treason and rebellion." 
 
 It appears that on seyeral occasions this man has used, 
 
 in the pulpit, language that would have cost him his life in 
 
 any other country engaged, as this is, in quelling a rebellion? 
 
 and that he has taken particular pains to be as offensive as 
 
 10 
 
74 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 possible otherwise in matters and manners. He has always 
 omitted, for example, the prayers prescribed by the Episco- 
 pal Church of which he is a clergyman, for the President 
 and the Congress of the United States, and on the Sabbath 
 before last, (February 2nd,) he announced from the pulpit 
 that he had an order from Bishop Mead of Virginia, now an 
 active secessionist in rebelldom, to pray publicly in his pulpit 
 for Jeff Davis and his Cabinet, the rebel Congress and the 
 rebel army and navy. After making this announcement, 
 this northern renegade stated openly and defiantly that he 
 should omit those prayers, not because his sympathy was 
 not with the government and army of the south, but because 
 he could not read such prayers here without rendering him- 
 self liable to arrest. He expected his congregation, how- 
 ever, as he had often done before, to pray privatelt/ as he did 
 for the success of the rebellion. 
 
 Now it happened that the conduct of this clerical traitor 
 came to the knowledge of Captain E. J. Farnsworth, of Com- 
 pany K, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and this gentleman, being 
 a zealous churchman as well as a gallant soldier, determined 
 to go to church yesterday and sec and hear for himself 
 whether this rebel parson actually did neglect to read any of 
 the ritual of the Episcopal church. Well, the parson did 
 omit the prayer yesterday as usual, for the President and 
 Congress ; whereupon a citizen in the pew with Captain 
 Farnsworth, a stranger to the Captain, quietly and respect- 
 fully addressed the parson as follows : 
 
 " I request you, sir, in behalf of the government of the 
 United States, to read the prayer for the President of this 
 Union according to the ritual of your church, which I now 
 hold in my hand, and which prayer you have omitted." 
 
 The parson continued the service as if he had not been 
 addressed ; but there was of course a good deal of excite- 
 ment among the congregation. The citizen repeated his 
 request in a much louder tone. It was again unheeded by 
 the parson. Captain Farnsworth then said aloud and defer- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 15 
 
 lentialy, as a christian gentleman is always accustomed to 
 address clergyman : 
 
 " Sir, I insist upon it that you read the prayer of our 
 church as prescribed by its forms, for the President of the 
 United States of America." 
 
 The parson still continued the service without paying the 
 slightest attention to the respectful, patriotic and in every 
 way proper request of Captain Farnsworth, whereupon the 
 latter gentleman directed Sergeant John A. Kinley, of the 
 Eighth Illinois Cavalry, who was present, to arrest the 
 traitor on the spot. Sergeant Kinley being a young gentle- 
 man of education and high breeding, having lately graduated 
 at one of our leading Universities, attempted to perform his 
 duty with all possible courtesy. He walked up to the pulpit 
 and merely laying his hand upon the arm of the rebel parson, 
 said : 
 
 "I am ordered to arrest you, sir; you must discontinue 
 your professional labors and come with me." 
 
 The parson threw off the Sergeant's hand, struck a theatri- 
 cal attitude which he had evidently studdied for the occasion, 
 and got off amelo-dramatic speech, commencing : "I arraign 
 you before high Heaven," cV:c., tfec, &c. Here the Captain 
 stepped up with some other officers, and the reverend traitor 
 was gently helped from the pulpit. An attempt was then 
 made by the congregation, which was composed exclusively 
 of secessionists with the exception of the military men pres- 
 ent and the solitary civilian who had first requested the 
 pastor to perform his duty, to create a disturbance. One 
 fellow struck Captain Farnsworth — a lean, miserable looking 
 fellow whom the Captain could have blown across the Poto- 
 mac with one puff. (Japtain F. merely turned around to a 
 friend of the man and said: "Tell that man, sir, if he uses 
 any more violence I will shoot him." The fellow did not 
 use any more violence. Another secessionist commenced to 
 strike out near Lieutenant D. J. Haynes of the Eighth Illi- 
 nois, who was standing near, when the latter, a powerful 
 
76 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 young man, by a single demonstration awed the rebel and 
 those around him into instant submission. The parson was 
 then courteously told to take off his robes, but he was deter- 
 mined not to lose the opportunity he had been so long seek- 
 ing of making himself a martyr, and he insisted on marching 
 ttirough the streets in full canonicals to the headquarters of 
 Colonel Farnsworth of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. Colonel 
 Farnsworth expressed his unqualified approval of the prompt 
 course of his Captain, stating that the proper time and place 
 for making an arrest for an act of treason is when and Avhere 
 it is committed. That is sound doctrine. If a clergyman 
 attempts to destroy the life of an individual from the pulpit, 
 no soldier or citizen violates the sanctity of the house of 
 God, by arresting on the spot the Avolf in sheep's clothing 
 who uses the sacred desk for his murderous purposes ; and 
 the renegade villian who would attempt to ruin a nation, to 
 foster directly or indirectly a war against the industry of 
 working men of America, against free labor and the liber- 
 ties of the entire people of this country ; the scoundrel who 
 would encourage rebellion against this our glorious govern- 
 ment, is ten times more culpable than an ordinary culprit, 
 and deserves more prompt and severe punishment. Not to 
 arrest a man in the pulpit for desecrating it, would be sacre- 
 licrious in him, who having the authority did not exercise it. 
 Captain Farnsworth showed himself a christian and a patriot 
 by not permitting the pulpit to be made a rostrum from 
 which to preach treason. It was the reverend traitor who 
 desecrated the sacred desk by his conduct. General Mont- 
 gomery the commanding officer of the post, subsequently 
 took charge of the prisoner and telegraphed to the State 
 Department at Washington the circumstances of the arrest. 
 The General received an immediate reply ordering him to 
 use his own discretion in disposing of the case ; whereupon 
 he set the reverend traitor free. There was quite a jubilee 
 amoncT the secessionists on the release of this man Stewart." 
 I will add that another of the principal actors in this scene 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 77 
 
 was William Willard, of Company K., who, by Sergeant 
 Kinley's order laid hands on the reverend man in the pulpit, 
 and assisted him to rise in such a manner as to assure him 
 he was in earnest. 
 
 General Montgomery had by this time become so outraged 
 that he only counted an opportunity to complain of us, and 
 before long reported to the authorities at Washington that 
 we were taking lumber from an old building for firewood, 
 and thus destroying property. Colonel Farnsworth at once 
 ordered an investigation which proved that the building had 
 been injured by the rebels, and the owner of the property 
 signed a certificate to that effect, further stating that our 
 men had in no wise molested him or his property. 
 
 About this time Battalion Quartermaster, C. W. Waite, 
 resigned and commenced the publication of a loyal paper 
 called The Virginia Chronicle, in the printing office on lioyal 
 street, making use of the material already there. It was 
 very liberally subscribed for by the soldiers. There was a 
 rebel sheet called the Citizen, published on Prince street, 
 nearly opposite Mayor McKenzie's residence, that aroused 
 the contempt and indignation of all loyal hearts by its vitu- 
 perous and abusive articles. One day the building accident- 
 ally (?) took fire, and although hundreds of soldiers were 
 standing around, they were merely spectators — none seemed 
 disposed to assist in extinguishing the flames. A citizen 
 came running up to an officer of the Eighty-eighth Pennsyl- 
 vania, who was standing by watching the progress of the 
 fire, saying that " the General sent word to have him order 
 every man to assist in putting out the fire." 
 
 " Did he say every man," very cooly inquired the officer. 
 
 "Yes, he did," replied the excited messenger. 
 
 "Then I order you to take hold of the brakes," responded 
 the officer, but by some unaccountable means the man was 
 soon missing, and we heard no more of him, but presume he 
 was doing his best to obey orders. The hose were cut in some 
 very mysterious manner, so that it was useless, and the sol- 
 
78 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 diers would not work, consequently the building with the en- 
 tire contents was a total Joss, and thus was silenced an organ 
 of secession in Alexandria. 
 
 General Montgomery now complained that our men were 
 too far from their horses, and in a case of emergency could 
 not be ready for duty in reasonable time, and, also, that we 
 did not maintain good discipline, and asked to have us order- 
 ed from the city to our former camp. To correct the false 
 charges, and be alloAved to remain in our present quarters 
 during the inclement weather, Colonel Farnsworth and 1 
 went to Washington in the night to see General Sumner, 
 who had been detained there on account of the injury re- 
 ceived by the falling of his horse, to whom the matter was 
 properly represented, also presenting a petition signed by 
 the mayor and loyal citizens of Alexandria, contradicting 
 the charges of General Montgomery, and saying that we 
 were the most orderly regiment that had ever been in Alex- 
 dria. General Sumner directed us to remain there, but du- 
 ring our absence General Montgomery had obtained an 
 order from General Heintzelman to have the regiment march 
 out to their old camp in half an hour. This order Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel Gamble at once obeyed, and in twenty minutes 
 after the command was given they had their horses saddled 
 and were out in line, thus proving the falsity of the charges 
 against us. General M. and the rebels were thus completely 
 foiled, and our boys enjoyed their triumph to the utmost ex- 
 tent. 
 
 On the morning of the 24th of February, while our regi- 
 ment was drawn up on dress parade. Mayor McKenzie was 
 summoned to appear in front of us ; and when that efficient 
 and popular functionary made his appearance he was made 
 the recipient of a magnificent gold-headed cane, presented 
 on behalf of the regiment, by Colonel Farnsworth, who per- 
 formed the pleasant duty in the following words : 
 
 " Mr. Mayor : — The officers and men of the Eighth Illi- 
 nois Cavalry, feeling deeply sensible of the many and con- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 79 
 
 tinued acts of courtesy extended to them by yourself, ever 
 since they left that ' horrible pit of miry clay ' where 
 they were encamped, and placed their feet in your city, de- 
 sire to present you with some token of their regard and ap- 
 preciation of your kindness. 
 
 They hope and intend to continue to merit your good will 
 and esteem, by their soldierly bearing and orderly behavior, 
 and, if opportunity offers, to show their country that the 
 men of Illinois will uphold the old flag upon the Potomac, 
 as well as upon the Tennessee and Mississippi. 
 
 In this behalf, I have the honor of presenting you this 
 cane, and with it the assurance of their best wishes for your 
 prosperity and happiness. We know the difficulties which 
 surround you here as the chief executive of this city, but 
 we congratulate the city and the country upon having a 
 Mayor in Alexandria who knows his duty and dares to do 
 it. And when these distressing scenes shall have passed, 
 we may venture to hope that this cane may recall to your 
 memory a recollection not altogether unpleasant of the 
 Eighth Illinois Cavalry." 
 
 Mayor McKenziewas evidently very much affected by the 
 gift, and betrayed his emotion while replying to Colonel F., 
 which he did as follows : 
 
 "Colonel Farnsworth, when you sent for me this morning, 
 I had no idea it was for the purpose of presenting me on 
 behalf of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, your gallant regiment, 
 a cane, — a beautiful one, too, — elegantly mounted, repre- 
 senting the churches, the schoolhouse and log cabins. Please 
 accept. Colonel, and every officer aiid private of the Eighth, 
 my thanks for this handsome gift. I shall cherish it ever as 
 a mark of your and their regard and esteem. 
 
 "Soldiers of the Eighth Illinois : I was asked by the Gen- 
 eral commanding the Division of which you form a part, my 
 opinion of your conduct while quartered here. As an 
 honest man I told him frankly, in writing, that I considered 
 your behavior most unexceptionable, and that no harm could 
 
80 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 come to the city by your remaining here while recruiting* 
 until needed for more active service. What I said was en- 
 dorsed by a large numberof Union citizens. I did not go 
 to the secessionists to ask their opinion, — they are too willing 
 to bring reproach on Union soldiers. It seems it has given 
 offense in some quarters. Whether it has or not is of little 
 consequence to me. I will try and do justice let who will 
 suffer. 
 
 "No discredit shall be shown to Illinois or Illinois soldiers 
 by me. The country is under too many obligations to that 
 State for gallant conduct at Fort Donelson and elsewhere, to 
 say anything against your regiment which I could not do 
 if I would. 
 
 Again Colonel, I thank you. Wherever the Eighth goes 
 I shall look for their giving a good account of themselves 
 and the patriotic State they represent." 
 
 The cane was exceedingly heavy and elegantly executed 
 and cost, we believe, over fifty dollars. There were devices 
 on it representing a church, a schoolhouse, a log cabin and 
 this inscription : 
 "WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE 8tH ILLINOIS CAVALRY." 
 
 A present was never more worthily bestowed than this ; 
 Mayor McKenzie being one of the truest specimens of God's 
 noblemen. Seldom are men placed in such trying circum- 
 stances as he was, and yet by his simple virtues and 
 direct honesty he satisfactorily performed the duties of his 
 position, and rendered great service to the cause of the 
 Union. Thoroughly hated by the secesh, he was as deeply 
 respected and warmly beloved by all loyal, union-loving 
 men. He was a southern born man, and few who have not 
 occupied his position can appreciate the influences he resisted 
 in maintaining his stand for the Constitution, the Union and 
 the Laws. 
 
 On the 3d of March another touching and interesting 
 incident in our soldier life occurred, which I will record by 
 
RJiG.GtlNj^ i;tO;N, J.FA.R,i>^syyo^;TH 
 
 $0 Ij-Jio^^raphmS u, 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 81 
 
 copying a letter written to a Rock Island paper by Sergeant 
 Will A. Spencer, of Company F ; 
 
 "FLAG PRESENTATION." 
 
 " Last evening the Methodist Episcopal Church South was 
 crowded to overflowing by the Eighth Illinois Cavalry and 
 the Union people of Alexandria ; the occasion being the 
 presentation to the regiment of a flag, purchased by the 
 Union ladies of Alexandria. The exercises were opened by 
 singing 'My Country 'tis of Thee,' by an improvised choir, 
 consisting of Colonel Farnsworth, Major Dustin and Adju- 
 tants Ludlum and Lumbard. 
 
 "Mr. Jefi'erson Tacy, on behalf of the ladies, then took the 
 banner, (which was a most elegant one wrought of the cost- 
 liest silk and finished in the most superb style,) and in an 
 exceedingly eloquent and feeling speech presented it through 
 Colorfibl Farnsworth, to the regiment as a testimonial of the 
 respect and esteem in which the regiment is held by the 
 Union ladies of Alexandria. Mr. Tacy's remarks were well 
 chosen, and his earnest words were received by the boys of 
 the Eighth with great enthusiasm. He said that the feelings 
 of the Union men as well as those of the ladies of Alexandria, 
 were heartily enlisted in favor of the brave men of Illinois, 
 who had come away from their prairie homes to defend the 
 Union flag and Union men here in Virginia. He was repeat- 
 edly interrupted in his speech by loud and vociferous 
 cheering. 
 
 "Colonel Farnsworth, on receiving the flag, gracefully 
 stepped forward, and taking hold of the staff said : 
 
 " From my heart I thank you in the name of the Eighth 
 Illinois Cavalry, for this elegant specimen of the stars and 
 stripes of my country. To you. Union ladies of Alexandria, 
 we are greatly indebted, and we ask you to accept, from 
 every man in the regiment, our most cordial thanks. We 
 left our western homes to come among you, upon the soil of 
 Virginia — a State glorious and great in the past, but at pre- 
 sent misled by the wiles and artifices of ambitious men, into 
 11 
 
82 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 rebellion and treason. Under this flag we have been reared ; 
 its folds have protected us as a nation, it has ever been re- 
 spected, honored and feared by all the nations of the earth ; 
 and it will ever float, the emblem of liberty "o'er the land 
 of the free, and the home of the brave," the refuge of the 
 oppressed. Under this flag Kosta was taken from the pos- 
 session of Austria and restored to freedom, America and 
 Chicago. 
 
 "The Colonel then in a humorous, witty, and altogether 
 beautiful description, related the narrative of the event. 
 Afterward he called upon the 'little boy,' John Ryan, of 
 his regiment, to come forward as the bearer, at which sum- 
 mons a specimen of the genus Sucker appeared on the plat- 
 form, about six feet six inches high, and apparently not over 
 nineteen years of age, into whose hands he entrusted it, as- 
 suring them he would defend it. lie appealed to the regiment 
 to know whether they would aid him, when a universal cheer 
 and 'Yes' was the response. He told the audience that 
 there had already been a specimen of Illinois courage and 
 determination at Fort Donelson. (Deafening applause.) 
 * Will you, the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, do likewise ?' (Cries 
 of * Yes,' and a shout that shook the whole building.) We 
 left our homes to fight secession, not to handle it with kid 
 gloves. Our object is to conquer, and under this flag we 
 will go on to conquest. We will deal with rebellion and 
 treachery as with an enemy — a hydra-headed monster that 
 must be crushed — we will not deal gently and with honeyed 
 words with treason. We will not coaxingly beseech rebels 
 to return to their allegiance ; we will not play the good-na- 
 tured old man, (referring to General Montgomery), and per- 
 suade traitors to be patriots ; but will trust to our faith, and 
 hands and patriotic swords to carry that flag through to vic- 
 tory and peace — to our own western homes, where it will be 
 kept as a memento of our appreciation of the kindness and 
 patriotism of the union ladies of Alexandria.' The Colonel's 
 remarks throughout, were interrupted by applause. The 
 
THE EiaHTfl ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 83 
 
 choir then sung the ' Star Spangled Banner,' the whole audi- 
 ence joining in the chorus. 
 
 " Dr. R. K. Smith, a great and deserving favorite with 
 the union men of this city, who was recently removed, 
 through small spite, from the position of Assistant-Surgeon 
 in one of the hospitals of the city, but who had just returned 
 promoted to a Superintendency, where he previously occupied 
 a subordinate position, being observed in the audience, was 
 vociferously called upon, and reluctantly arose. He said he 
 could not respond — his heart was too full ; there was some- 
 thing so touching in the ceremonies — so eloquent in the 
 speeches he had just heard, that he could add nothing to 
 improve them. He felt highly flattered by the call, and 
 would say that as a resident of Alexandria before the arrival 
 of this regiment, he had seen them in sickness and in health; 
 had moved among them in the streets and in the hospital, and 
 had yet to find the first man he could not take by the hand 
 and feel that he accosted a gentleman. Their patriotism 
 and discipline ; their gentlemanly deportment, and universal 
 sobriety, had made them the favorites with the ladies ; and 
 in view of their earnest patriotism they were the recipients 
 of that beautiful flag. They well deserved it. What was 
 it? It was a beautiful emblem of something under which all 
 of us had been reared. It was an emblem that was rever- 
 enced by every true American, because it was the emblem 
 of liberty. It was not for the flag alone the Eighth Illinois 
 had come to fight, it was for that liberty of which this flag 
 is emblematic. Under it they would go to battle determined 
 to conquer, or fall in its defense. When they leave us the 
 prayers of the donors will go with them ; their eyes will fol- 
 low them in the history of their marches ; their hearts will 
 weep over their battle-fields, and if, perchance, any of these 
 brave men shall fall under that flag, those who were left 
 would envy them their glory. Their commander was one 
 who could lead them. He was known before they were 
 known as his soldiers ; he had been in the councils of the 
 
84 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 nation, and had left that post of honor, to assume one more 
 honorable. lie had taken the sword and raised a regiment 
 of such men as John Ryan, from the prairies of Illinois. 
 He was a small specimen of what could be done in the West, 
 but they would still do more, for he knew and predicted they 
 would return with a glory that would eclipse Fort Donelson. 
 Let them, however, go where they might — let them be in 
 camp or in the field, the prayers and the hearts of all true 
 Union men and women would go with them, and from thence 
 be wafted to the valleys and prairies and hills of Illinois, to 
 the wives and children who had been left behind them. They 
 would pray God to sustain and protect them in all their ad- 
 versities — to keep them in his own right hand, and protect 
 their husbands, sons and fathers, in this great struggle. 
 Heaven would protect the flag primarily ; secondarily, 
 the tall old gentleman from Illinois would protect, and never 
 abandon it, but would speedily witness the time when all 
 those who were so politely called secessionists would beseech 
 us to receive them in Abraham's bosom. 
 
 "On the whole, it was the happiest occasion the regiment 
 has known since its organization, and one that the boys wil 
 long remember with pleasure after the white-robed angel of 
 peace shall have folded her wings over our land, and after 
 the gallant band shall all have returned to till their farms in 
 their own favored prairie State." 
 
 During our stay in Alexandria the regiment was not with- 
 out duty in the field. Scouting parties were sent out fre- 
 quently, and some companies were out on picket duty nearly 
 all the time. An extract from my diary will serve to illus- 
 trate that important branch of the service : 
 
 February 19th, 1862. — The return of our pickets 
 was accompanied with some lively incidents. As a portion 
 of " our boys " with a detachment of infantry were out view- 
 ing the rebel lines, up the Acotink, a slight skirmish took 
 place between five members of Company H and about the 
 same number of secesh, who were concealed in brush near 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 85 
 
 by. The boj^s crossed a creek, and upon approaching a hill 
 dismounted while Sergeant Doud went up the hill on foot, and 
 turned to descend when he was fired upon by the rebels on 
 the opposite side, without effect. They then mounted and 
 went back to the main body, but the rebels ''vamoosed," 
 yelling at every step. One of them was seen to enter a house 
 where our party had previously been to obtain information, 
 — doubtless for the same purpose, — and a detachment was 
 immediately sent to the house and the fellow captured. He 
 was well armed, having a Sharp's rifle, a large dirk knife, a 
 pistol and a superior spy-glass, besides the sabre which one 
 of our troopers lost while riding through the brush. He was 
 taken to General Heintzelman's headquarters, where he was 
 afterwards recognized as a deserter from one of our gun- 
 boats on the lower Potomac. Companies D and others went 
 out towards Fairfax Court House without meeting the 
 enemy. Captured two noted secessionists on whom were 
 found papers with plans of our encampment, showing there 
 was communication kept up between the enemies within and 
 without the lines. These captures served to intimidate the 
 rebels and make them more cautious about entering our 
 lines. 
 
 The country around Mount Vernon, the home and grave 
 of Washington, was among the places which the regiment 
 was called upon to protect. Acotink Creek was the outer 
 line in that direction, and Pohick Church, memorable for 
 Its associations with the Washington family, was frequently 
 visited. 
 
 On the arrival of Gen. Sumner from Washington, the field 
 officers and a squadron of the regiment met him at the wharf. 
 After being seated in a carriage with his wife and son, the 
 squadron, accompanied by the superb band of the Eighty- 
 eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, escorted him up King to 
 Washington street, where the regiment was formed, in pass- 
 ing which he uncovered his head, allowing the wind to sport 
 freely with his snowy locks, which we had already learned to 
 
86 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 reverence. The regiment then conducted him to his camp 
 three miles distant, "where, when we were taking our depar- 
 ture, he said to the Colonel " he was proud of our appear- 
 ance." That alone was more than the most eloquent speech, 
 proceeding as it did from the heart of one we all loved, and 
 whom we were doing our best to please. 
 
 The Hutchinson family gave two concerts at the Methodist 
 Churc , on Washington street, for our especial gratification. 
 Their songs were all of a patriotic nature, and highly ap- 
 preciated by us, but exceedingly distasteful to the secesh. 
 This building Avas used on the Sabbath for a chapel, and our 
 chaplain. Rev. Mr. Matlack, inaproved these occasions by 
 teaching those purer and weightier matters of the law which all 
 need, and especially those who are about to expose them- 
 selves to the deadly shafts of an implacable foe. No small 
 number of our men were professors of religion, and they ap- 
 preciated the privilege of having a house in which to worship. 
 
 About the first week in March, Government Detective 
 Baker discovered and succeeded in breaking up a rebel secret 
 society or club organized about a year previous, and arrest- 
 ed twenty-seven of its members, among them the leader, by 
 the name of Dangerfield, a man of great wealth and influence 
 with that class of people. He was taken to Washington and 
 placed in prison. 
 
 The city of Alexandria, which had become so familiar to 
 our men, with its scenes of suffering as well as amusement, 
 is one of the oldest cities on the Potomac river. It dates 
 its beginning back to colonial times, and its streets are nam- 
 ed after monarchical fashion, viz : King, Queen, Prince, 
 Duke, &c., &c., and before the war its population was esti- 
 mated at 1200^', Among the objects of interest are the Mar- 
 shall House, an ordinary wooden hotel three stories high, 
 and now famous for being the place where Col. Ellsworth, of 
 Illinois, was killed, and where Jackson, his murderer, met 
 a speedy and just retribution; Christ's Church, situated on 
 Washington street, and surrounded by a cemetery ancient 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 87 
 
 and venerable, where among the old and crumbling tomb- 
 stones, we observed the following epitaph. 
 
 "Afflictions sore, long time he bore, 
 
 Physicians was in vain, 
 'Till God was pleased, death should him seize. 
 
 And ease him of his pain." 
 
 This is the church where General Washington worshiped, 
 and although its interior has undergone many changes and 
 presents quite a modern appearance, the Washington pew is 
 allowed to remain unchanged. It is a square family pew 
 with seats on three sides, and on the door is a silver plate 
 bearing the inscription "Washington." It is a great resort 
 for visitors, and during our stay in the city the pulpit was 
 occupied by loyal preachers, mostly chaplains in the army. 
 
 Situated on the turnpike leading to Fairfax Court House, 
 but within the city, stands what is familiarly known as the 
 " Slave Pen ;" a large brick building, or prison, with a yard 
 enclosed by a brick wall some twelve or fifteen feet high, 
 and over the main door in conspicuous characters you could 
 read the sign of 
 
 "PRICE, BIRON & CO., DEALERS IN SLAVES." 
 
 Had this slave pen a tongue, what tales it could unfold of 
 breaking hearts and blasted hopes, — of babes torn from 
 their mother's breasts and sold in their presence on the 
 auction block, — of husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, 
 parents and children, torn from each other's embrace never 
 to meet again on earth. But it has had its day. Never 
 again shall such scenes transpire within its walls. The war 
 through which we have passed has been the death knell of 
 slavery and slave institutions. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Marching Orrlere— Advance of the Grand Army— Difficulties of Marching— Rebel Re- 
 treat^-Woodeu Cannon— Plaint- of Manassas— The Coloners Joke— Disposal of the 
 eick — Reconnoisance in force — First tight at Rappahannock Station— Men cap- 
 tared— A Surgeon hides in Bed -The 4th N. Y. Cavalry's Rehel Brigade —Exploded 
 Shell — A Shell story —Lieut. Hotop's adventure, and capture by the 4th N. Y. Cavalry 
 —A stormy night— Return to Alexandria— Colonel Vielc and his conduct. 
 
 March 18th we were ordered to be in readiness to march 
 early next morning. It was now evident something was to 
 be done. A winter of inactivity was about over — the coun- 
 try had become impatient of delay — and our army, while 
 lying in camp, had become reduced by disease; the adminis- 
 tration had resolved upon a forward movement. Intimation 
 of this determination had already been given, and thousands 
 of the sick had been sent to Northern hospitals, to make 
 room for those who might be wounded or disabled in the ad- 
 vance. All were anxious to take part in the forward move- 
 ment, although the season was inclement; and as General 
 Sumner came through the city at five o'clock in the morning 
 he was surprised to find our men in line, ready to move ac- 
 cording to orders. He informed the Colonel that seven 
 o'clock would be early enough, and promptly at that time 
 we marched out to Camp California, a distance of three 
 miles, with the rain pouring down upon us, wehre we arrived 
 at the General's headquarters. There were congregated a 
 large army, and an immense train of Wagons, with ammuni- 
 tion and rations. 
 
 We remained here for several hours, awaiting the move- 
 ments of the diiferent commands, and it was not until after 
 ten o'clock that the army began to march. Never shall I 
 forget the appearance of that army as the men filed across the 
 creek, over the plain, and up the ravine, winding among the 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 89 
 
 hills of the opposite, a serpentine column of infantry, which 
 was not unaptly represented by the term " Anaconda," a 
 term long since given to it from the fact of its trying to coil 
 itself aroundthe enemy. 
 
 We, too, took up our line of march in due time, as escort 
 to the wagon train. The rain continued to fall most of the 
 day, and the mud was almost impassable, yet we plodded 
 on, ambitious to meet the rebels in their strong-hold, the 
 famed impregnable Manassas. At night having traveled 
 some nineteen miles, we encamped in a field, where the camp 
 fires of this army made a lively scene. It was late at night, 
 however, before the wagon train arrived, (part of it being 
 stuck in the mud,) and we were obliged to make a supper of 
 what we had in our haversacks, which was little enough. 
 
 This, our first night out, passed without anything worthy 
 of note. 
 
 Next morning we moved forward to Sangster's Station, 
 wheie we remained two nights. There we learned that the 
 rebels had evacuated Manassas and were retreating toward 
 Richmond. Our men were somewhat chagrined, yet believed 
 it to be an evidence of their weakness, and not a strategic 
 movement. On the 12th inst., about sundown, we pushed 
 forward through the mud, byway of Fairfax Station, to Un- 
 ion Mills, on Bull Run, where we arrived at nine o'clock P. 
 M., and encamped for the night. Everywhere, to-day, did 
 we find evidence of the enemy's hasty retreat. They had 
 left considerable debris, and had burned some wagon and 
 camp equipage, but nothing valuable remained. A slight 
 skirmish had taken place between a few of the rebel Cavalry 
 and a portion of the First New York Cavalry, at Sangster's 
 Station, just before our arrival, in which one man was said 
 to have been shot. 
 
 Our regiment was now ordered in detachments to diflFer- 
 
 ent parts of the field, some to General Howard, others to 
 
 General French, and a part remained 3t Union Mills to 
 
 guard the trains. Friday and Saturday I remained at Un- 
 
 12 
 
90 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 ion Mills, while the different detachments were scouting the 
 country in all directions. Centerville, Fairfax, and the 
 country up and down Bull Run, were thoroughly scoured 
 but no rebels found, except a few stragglers and occasionally 
 6ome cavalry who kept at a respectable distance. Center- 
 ville, — the famous stronghold, — had its forts mounted in 
 part with wooden guns, which frowned upon us very fore- 
 bodingly, and served to create a great deal of amusement 
 for our men. Manassas Junction, a fine and thriving village, 
 had been burned to the ground and not a building was left 
 standing. 
 
 On the morning of the 14th, while encamped in a thick 
 grove, Joseph Bedee of Company B, was accidentally shot 
 with his own carbine. Taking hold of the muzzle to lift it, 
 a small limb caught the hammer and it was discharged ; the 
 ball entering the palm of the hand passing up the arm 
 between the bones and out at the elbow, as the arm was 
 bent. This was a very severe injury, from which, however, 
 he finally recovered with a crippled arm. 
 
 On the 15th we were ordered to return to Fairfax Station, 
 as it seemed impossible to forward provisions to this point. 
 The roads were terrible, — all the bridges having been burned 
 between us and Fairfax, and the streams were so swollen 
 that it was almost impossible to ford them. We reached 
 Fairfax Station just before dark, with a terrible rain pour- 
 ing down upon us and many of the men sick. Bedee and 
 another injured man were put on the cars and sent to Alex- 
 andria. The remainder of the sick were taken to a deserted 
 house about a mile from the Station, where by tearing 
 boards from the barn and fences, the windows were barri- 
 caded, and fires built sufficient to partially dry their clothing. 
 The regiment encamped in a grove near the Station where 
 they remained all night without food or sleep ; trying by 
 standing up, to expose as little as possible of their persons 
 to the pelting and merciless rain. They made the best of 
 of it, however, sang and shouted to keep up their spirits and 
 
THE EIGHTlt ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 91 
 
 many were the jokes passed through the camp. The horses 
 ■without forage, stamped and pawed, and next morning were 
 found standing knee deep in mud and water. 
 
 We had sixteen cases of measles in our camp besides 
 four other sick men, and more were coming down hourly 
 from exposure. Sending these to Alexandria, and after 
 remaining here during the day and night we were ordered 
 to return to Union Mills with half the regiment. We started 
 at eleven o'clock P. M., and it was so terribly dark we 
 could with difficulty find the road, but we waded along 
 through mud and mire and reached Bull Run at two o'clock 
 at night. Next morning the remainder of the resriment 
 followed. The railroad had now been repaired as far as 
 Union Mills, on Bull Run, so that our forage and rations 
 could be brought to that place. 
 
 On the 17th the army forded Bull Run and advanced to 
 the plains of Manassas. This country was well guarded by 
 earthworks or forts, now deserted, showing that the enemy 
 had been as busy as ants digging and ditching, but all had 
 been abandoned without a fight. Part of the regiment ad- 
 vanced beyond Manassas to General French, but the greater 
 portion remained with General 0. 0. Howard. We took 
 possession of the rebel huts which studded the plain by 
 thousands, and made ourselves as comfortable as possible. 
 
 From March 18th to 27th, the regiment was occupied 
 scouring the country around Manassas meeting with no for- 
 midable resistence. It was divided into squads, a part being 
 at Fairfax Station. Headquarters were at Centerville. The 
 Colonel and staff boarded with a family by the name of 
 Jameson, and while here the Colonel perpetrated a joke 
 which is too good to be suffered to pass into oblivion. 
 Quartermaster Van Patten was anything but an abolitionist, 
 while the Colonel was noted for his anti-slavery views. Yan 
 Patten had a colored servant who made himself rather too 
 free about the house to suit the family, who were intensely 
 "southern;" persisting in drinking from the same gourd 
 
92 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 that the white membera of the household used, and doing 
 other things which to them seemed the height of impudence. 
 One of the young ladies in particular, found considerable 
 fault with this servant, while she was greatly pleased with the 
 Quartermaster. One day when she had been more than 
 usually severe, the Colonel very coolly and nonchalantly told 
 her that "it was no wonder that the negro was so bold, con- 
 sidering what an abolitionist his master was." Yan Patten 
 was absent at the time, and on his return they treated him 
 with the utmost formality ; and although he endeavored to 
 explain, they could not be convinced that he was not one of 
 the worst of "black abolitionists." The Colonel enjoyed 
 this greatly, for he had previously been left rather in the 
 background; but now he was the "great man," while Van 
 Patten was obliged to yield the field to his more favored 
 rival. 
 
 March 18th I returned on horseback to Alexandria, to 
 endeavor to dispose of the patients in our hospital, leaving 
 Dr. Crawford in charge in the field. Our sick in Alexan- 
 dria which had been left to the care of Dr. Stull, had in- 
 creased by the addition of those sent from the fiold, so that 
 I found the hospital quite full, and as all the available men 
 were needed at the front, we applied to the Medical Direc- 
 tor for permission to send the sick to the general hospital, 
 in order to relieve the hospital attendants. Dr. Porter, 
 in charge of the general hospital, opposed this plan, and 
 although the Medical Director gave orders to transfer the 
 regimental hospital to him, he refused to obey them. 
 
 At length we made arrangements with Surgeon Goodale 
 of the Ninety-fourth New York Infantry, which regiment 
 had just arrived and was to remain on duty in the city, by 
 which he was to assume the control of our hospital and take 
 charge of the patients. 
 
 After remaining in Alexandria until the 26th, busily en- 
 gaged in making the proper transfers, we packed up what 
 medicines and hospital stores we thought we could carry in 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 93 
 
 a one horse wagon, and started for the front accompained by 
 Dr. Stull, a small detachment of convalescents and others. 
 We had not proceeded far before we discovered that our 
 wagon was overloaded and our horse baulky. Our driver 
 also, "Biddy," alias Shipman, who had been our cook at 
 the hospital, was found to be somewhat intoxicated, which 
 with the baulky horse made rather a poor team. I took the 
 saddle off of my horse and harnessing him to the wagon drove 
 to Fairfax Court House, a distance of sixteen miles, where 
 we arrived about sundown tired, and with a broken down con- 
 veyance. Leaving Dr. Stull in charge, I left the command 
 to spend the night with Chaplain Matlack and lady, at Mr, 
 Haight's some four miles distant. The others pushed for- 
 ward as far as Centerville where they encamped. 
 
 March 27th, we expected to find the regiment at Man- 
 assas, but it had moved forward that morning, and finding 
 it impossible to take our supplies further we took what we 
 could carry on our horses, and followed as speedily as possi- 
 ble. During the afternoon we came upon the rear guard of 
 General Sumner's corps, and about sundown, weary and al- 
 most exhausted, joined the regiment. They had seen, and 
 driven before them, a few rebels. Six of the Fourth New 
 York Cavalry had been chased by some rebels, when Lieu- 
 tenant Hynes took a dozen men of the Eighth Illinois, and, 
 after exchanging a few shots, drove them some distance into 
 the woods, and then returned. The rebels found they now 
 had men to deal with of a different stamp froqa those they 
 had formerly encountered. 
 
 The regiment encamped for the night near the railroad 
 station, and by morning found we had several sick men on 
 our hands again, which we took to a log hut near by. 
 
 March 28th. Now for a taste of war. To-day our cav- 
 alry was ordered to take the advance, and the men were up 
 early. A reconnoissance was to be made under General 
 O. O. Howard. The command consisted of the Eighth Illi- 
 nois Cavalry, Fourth New York Mounted Rifles, Sixty- 
 
94 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 ninth and Sixty-first New York Infantry, ("Irish Brigade,") 
 Fourth New Hampshire Infantry, and a New York Battery, 
 composed in part of men from Illinois. We marched along 
 the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, three miles, when we 
 came upon the rebel cavalry, who disputed the ground, but 
 fell back as we advanced. Our boys, however, had the sat- 
 isfaction of " burning some powder at them." Occasionally 
 the battery would open upon them and shell the woods, when 
 they would suddenly disappear, burning the railroad culverts 
 and bridges, the forage, hay and wheat, as they retreated. 
 Unused to war as we were, this destruction of property 
 seemed terrible. As the smoke rose in vast clouds and was 
 followed by the red-tongued flames, which consumed the 
 sustenance so much needed by the inhabitants, it seemed to 
 a certainty that the avenger was at hand. 
 
 Our men enjoyed the day's sport to the fullest extent. 
 Once, when near the Bealton Station, the rebels made a stand, 
 and our army was drawn up in line of battle, but the enemy 
 soon began to retreat, not daring to risk an engagement. 
 
 On arriving near the Rappahannock we found the bridge 
 and depot in flames. They had run the last train over the 
 bridge and then fired it. As we approached the river, they 
 opened upon us a heavy fire from a battery on the opposite 
 bank to which our artillery replied, and for a short time we 
 thought we should hare lively work. Our men stood undis- 
 mayed and picked up the balls with as much composure as 
 though they, were playthings. 
 
 We encamped for the night in a grove about a mile from 
 the river. Part of the regiment was thrown out on picket 
 duty, to guard against surprise. That night there was some 
 squealing of swine, bleating of sheep and cackling of poul- 
 try, but the men fared none the worse for the commotion. 
 
 Saturday, the 29th, we retraced our steps, and reached 
 Warrenton Junction in the afternoon. We now learned that 
 some of our men were missing. Battalion Adjutant Lum- 
 bard, Sargeant-Major Rayworth, Tobey Leclare, W. W. Wil- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 95 
 
 son and H. Crosby, having entered a house to get some re 
 freshments, were surrounded, nearly in sight of our troops, 
 and captured. Assistant-Surgeon Williams, of the New 
 York Battery, who, with an orderly from our regiment, went 
 to a private house for the same purpose, leaving the orderly 
 to hold his horse, was also surprised and taken prisoner. It 
 is said that when the Doctor found the rebels were approach- 
 ing he attempted to hide in a bed, between the two ticks, 
 but was betrayed by the lady of the house. That night it 
 rained, and our cam^ in the woods without any shelter was, 
 to say the least, very uncomfortable. 
 
 The next morning the whole regiment went over the same 
 ground, in order, if possible, to ascertain what had become 
 of the missing ones. The men marched by battalions ; 
 Major Clendennm commanding the left, Colonel Farnsworth 
 the centre, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble the right. We 
 learned that they had been surprised while stopping for re- 
 freshments ; had fought desperately, but were overpowered 
 ' and captured after having one of their number wounded. 
 This day's work was very hard. We traveled twelve miles 
 to the river, and returned, besides scouting over the country. 
 It rained nearly the whole day. 
 
 March 31st a party of the Fourth New York Cavalry 
 was sent out after forage, but soon came in with the report 
 that they had encountered a brigade of rebel cavalry, who 
 were coming down upon us. All hands were soon under 
 arms and a part of the Eighth Illinois at once started in 
 pursuit of the enemy, prepared for a desperate encounter. 
 Moving cautiously, when about two or three miles from camp, 
 they met a foraging party of about twenty of our Eighth 
 Illinois men with bundles of hay on their horses — some tied 
 so as to have a bundle on each side of the horse — others 
 back of their saddles, which gave a very odd appearance to 
 the group ; and these were all the " rebels" that had been 
 seen. Such frights were very common and disgusting. 
 
 One day we heard an explosion as of a cannon, in an ad- 
 
96 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 joining camp, followed by cries of distress. We hastened 
 to the spot and found that a Dutchman had picked up an 
 unexploded shell and carelessly thrown it into the fire where 
 his mess were cooking their dinner. It soon exploded, se- 
 verely wounding several persons. The Dutchman was so 
 badly injured that his recovery Was considered doubtful. 
 This accident occasioned considerable talk in camp, and one 
 of the men related a case said to haye occurred in Blinker's 
 command ; but I will not vouch for the truth of the story, 
 which runs thus : 
 
 " A Teutonic soldier found an unexploded shell with the 
 fuse still attached, and sitting down upon it smoking his 
 
 cigar, (wondered if the d n thing would burn) whereupon 
 
 he touched his lighted cigar to it, and was not seen after the 
 explosion." 
 
 April 1st, "All fools' day," was passed in camp with no 
 particular excitement. At night groups gathered around the 
 camp fires, and many jokes were played upon unsuspecting 
 individuals. At the Medical headquarters, the Chaplain, 
 Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon, Hospital Stewards, Quarter- 
 Master Bisby, Commissary Chamberlain and son, with Ship- 
 man, the cook, and John liogers, the color-bearer, composed 
 a lively group, and perpetrated as many jokes as though they 
 were at home, at an evening party, surrounded by all the 
 luxuries of civilization. Our rations were getting scarce, 
 and the railroad was repaired only as far as Cedar Run, two 
 miles distant ; which stream, when the water was high, was 
 not fordable. Our supplies had to be brought from Catlett 
 Station, and even there they were not received as fast as 
 needed ; but hoping for better weather, and abundant success, 
 the men seemed to look on the bright side of everything. 
 
 April 2d, was cold and unpleasant. Another scout was 
 ordered, and we went out in two parties — one under Colonel 
 Farnsworth, and the other under Lieutenant Colonel Gamble. 
 The party commanded by Colonel Farnsworth, when near 
 the Rappahannock, came upon a squad of ten rebel cavalry, 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 97 
 
 who fired at one of our skirmishers. Pie returned the fire, 
 and was at once re-inforced by five or six of his companions. 
 The rebels after delivering a few shots, retreated, closely 
 followed by our boys, firing at intervals. One rebel was 
 evidently wounded ; he fell forward upon his horse, but again 
 righted and made good his escape, though the chase was very 
 closely contested. Being thoroughly acquainted with the 
 country, they could take advantage of every path and by-way 
 leading through the woods. In the Lieutenant Colonel's party 
 Lieutenant Hotop, of Company D., had a lively time, and 
 narrow escape. Being in charge of the skirmishers, and 
 finding they were becoming too far separated, he went to give 
 them orders to close up, when he lost his way. Taking a 
 track which appeared to lead around a swamp, he was 
 suddenly surprised by encountering some half a dozen rebels, 
 who called on him to surrender. He gallantly refused to do 
 60 ; firing four shots from his revolver at them, and saving 
 two for a greater emergency, put spurs to his horse and started 
 toward camp. Upon coming to the first fence, his horse 
 leaped over it, but when he reached the second, he found it 
 too high to scale, and was obliged to dismount and open it, 
 when his pursuers gained upon him, rapidly firing as they 
 approached. He now discharged his two remaining loads, 
 felling one horse and wounding one rider, which checked the 
 pursuit. 
 
 While making his way into camp, he met a squad of the 
 Fourth New York Cavalry, who took him prisoner, thinking 
 they " had captured one of the rebel officers." The Lieuten- 
 ant explained who he was, and wanted them to return and 
 capture his pursuers ; but no, they were bound to make sure 
 of their one prisoner, and so marched him back twelve miles to 
 General Sumner's head-quarters. After hearing his story, 
 the General gave the Fourth New York men a severe repri- 
 mand, calling them " a set of d d fools." On approach- 
 ing the railroad bridge, the rebels fired twenty-five shots at 
 our forces with no efi"ect except that of amusing our men. At 
 night the regiment returned to camp without loss. 
 13 
 
98 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CA VALRY. 
 
 April 3d, the weather was warm, and the sun once more 
 blessed us with his presence. Our troops took a rest, much 
 needed by both men and horses. Foragers were sent out to 
 gather provender for the horses, some of which was brought 
 in with teams, but more on horseback. 
 
 April 4th, was also pleasant, and we began to feel quite 
 recovered from the hard labor we had performed. Sickness 
 from exposure and excessive fatigue, was telling upon our 
 men. Assistant Surgeon Crawford, Quartermaster Yan 
 Patten, and seven others, were sent to Alexandria, being too 
 sick to remain in the woods. 
 
 April 5th proved to be an unpleasant day. It rained, 
 with cold sleet, which lasted until noon. In the afternoon 
 a foraging party was sent out. Returning in the evening I 
 found Colonel Farnsworth had been taken about an hour 
 previous, Avith cholera morbus, and was pulseless. Not 
 a moment was to be lost — that night was spent*in attending 
 to his case, and the whole camp was filled with anxiety and 
 fear for the result. Before morning, however, he was better, 
 and we spent Sunday greatly relieved from our night of 
 vigilance ; and notwithstanding our uncomfortable position, 
 the Chaplain preached to a good audience. In the afternoon 
 another party from the regiment was sent out to scour the 
 country, south and west ; while a few of the officers and men 
 paid a visit to the deserted mansion of Dr. Murray, who had 
 abandoned his home and gone with the enemy, leaving his 
 furniture, library, &c., to be destroyed by the troops. As 
 usual in such cases, the men made free use of the library, 
 taking such books as they wanted to read, and on leaving 
 camp, threw them away. One day when passing the house of 
 a Mr. Randolph, I saw books strewn over the fields for a 
 distance of half a mile. 
 
 About eleven o'clock P. M., we were aroused from our 
 slumbers by an order from General Abercrombie, then in 
 command, (General Sumner having gone to Alexandria to 
 ship for the Peninsula,) for a battalion of our regiment to 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 99 
 
 go on a scout to the Rappahannock, under command of 
 Colonel Lucas, for the purpose as we understood of taking 
 the rebels by surprise. The third battalion in charge of 
 Major Dustin was detailed for the expedition. The party 
 was composed of five companies of infantry, two pieces of 
 artillery and one battalion of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
 Too independent to call on the Eighth boys as guides, the 
 Colonel took the lead. After marching on the wrong road 
 for a distance of three miles, and discovering that his artil- 
 lery could not proceed farther, at three o'clock he ordered a 
 halt, to await the dawn, at Avhich time the party again took 
 up its line of march and reached the Rappahannock river 
 about ten o'clock. After throwing a few shells across the 
 river into the enemy's works, and seeing the rebs run like 
 rats from a burning building, the return march was com- 
 menced ; at this critical juncture the rain began to pour 
 down upon the column greatly, fatigued, which made every- 
 thing assume a very gloomy aspect. They were ten miles 
 from camp, and the roads were almost impassable. Three 
 companies took the lead and one acted as rear guard. 
 The first named reached camp at four o'clock P. M., and the 
 other company after dark. 
 
 Before this party returned we had taken Colonel Farns- 
 wortli and some twenty others across Cedar Creek, to Cat- 
 lett Station, and put them on board box cars to be taken to 
 Alexandria hospital, as their lives were not safe in these wet 
 and stormy woods. 
 
 April 8th was a stormy day, and I felt thankful that a 
 part at least of our sick men were safe in Alexandria — espe- 
 cially John II. Ehle of Company D, who had erysipelas from 
 which he shortly after died. That day we received orders to 
 return to Alexandria, and the camp was alive with prepara- 
 tions. During the night a large number had become too sick 
 to ride, and we were very busy getting them across Cedar Run 
 to the railroad. The bridge over the stream had been built 
 about forty feet above the water, and as it had been burnt 
 
100 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRT. 
 
 by the enemy and not yet rebuilt, we were obliged to cross 
 on the fallen timber which lay over the water, making it not 
 only difficult but dangerous. By dint of unremitting labor 
 we succeeded in getting our sick over the swollen stream, 
 and returned to camp just as the regiment formed in line, 
 ready to start. 
 
 The stream near the junction was forded with difficulty, 
 and we proceeded as far as Owl Run which we found could 
 only be crossed by swimming. A part had succeeded in gain- 
 ing the opposite shore when Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble 
 gave the order to counter-march. The rains of the previous 
 twenty-four houi's had increased the stream to such a degree 
 that it was impossible for us to get our baggage over, and 
 only with great danger the troop. Once more were our 
 faces turned toward our former camp which we had left but 
 an hour or two previous. The rain had now become nearly 
 half snow, and the scene of a thousand horsemen floundering 
 in the turbid waters, trying to ford an angry and threaten- 
 ing river, is one which I never wish to see repeated. We 
 reached our old camp just before dark, and found that what 
 little shelter the men had provided for themselves, by piling 
 up logs, sticking stakes in the ground and covering them 
 with their rubber blankets, was gone, and nothing but des- 
 olation greeted them. Even the poles and stakes had been 
 taken and apporpriated by the troops camped in the neigh- 
 borhood. 
 
 The prospect was very gloomy indeed. The storm ceased 
 about midnight, and after gathering snow to make our coffee, 
 fires were built and the men sat up the remainder of the 
 night to dry their clothes. Notwithstanding our desperate 
 situation (which was increased by our rations being nearly 
 exhausted,) when the news of the capture of Island No. 
 10, on the Mississippi, was received, there was a shout of 
 joy went up from our camp and we seemed to be inspired 
 with new courage. Contrary to my previous determination 
 not to approve of issuing whisky rations except in cases of 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 101 
 
 great emergency, I signed a requisition for ten gallons to be 
 given to the men that night. It may be as well to remark 
 here that officers could obtain whisky on requisition approved 
 by the commander, but the privates only by one approved 
 by the Surgeon. I do not know as this was a departure 
 from my settled purpose, for a great emergency had already 
 overtaken us. The whisky however was so unequally dis- 
 tributed that only a few obtained their portion, while some 
 indulged so freely as to make themselves offensive, and my 
 purpose to wait for a great emergency to again approve of 
 whisky rations was strengthened. 
 
 April 9th broke upon a suffering camp, and I fear I shall 
 fail to portray the condition of the men, with nothing but 
 their blankets to protect them from the tempest which was 
 again raging. Weary and with scanty rations, surrounded 
 by rivers that could not be forded, the sufferings of the sol- 
 diers was to us a reality, and not the picture which our boy- 
 ,ish dreams had imagined, I will here quote from the diary 
 of Dr. Stull, written upon the evening of this day : 
 
 " This whole day the storm has continued, and the situa- 
 tion of our camp is perfectly horrible. There stand the poor 
 horses shivering as though they would fall to pieces, and the 
 poor men, on scanty rations, must lie down in the wet and 
 slop, with the covering of blankets only. My prediction 
 that the Eigth Illinois Cavalry would see grief is again ful- 
 filled. I went two miles to the cars and got some more of 
 our sick men off to Alexandria this morning. It is strange 
 what men can endure when obliged. We already have a 
 sick list which is awful to contemplate. If our friends at 
 home knew what we are suffering, I imagine there would be 
 many moist eyes I could punish the rebel leaders severely 
 now, if I had the opportunity." 
 
 April 10th, the weather was more favorable, and Lieuten- 
 ant-Colonel Gamble determined to reach Alexandria by 
 some means ; so starting in the direction of the turnpike 
 leading from Alexandria, through Warrenton, and traveling 
 
102 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 ten or twelve miles over a very rough and hilly road, or 
 rather cattle path, we came to the pike, where we found the 
 traveling good. At Broad Run we discovered the bridge 
 had been destroyed and a few of us attempted to ford where 
 the bridge had been. Lieutenant Chamberlain and I, with a 
 few others succeeded, but some three or four became dis- 
 mounted and it was with great difficulty they escaped drown- 
 ing. The regiment then crossed at the mills, a short dis- 
 tance below without much trouble. 
 
 We reached the Bull Run battle-field before night but 
 found the stream too high to be forded, and encamped for 
 the night on that memorable ground. All around we could 
 see the bones of our fallen heroes who perished on that fatal 
 field. Being short of rations, there was little supper cooked 
 that night, but a corn-crib was discovered which was appro- 
 priated to the use of our horses, and a smoke-house well sup- 
 plied with bacon furnished meat for the men. 
 
 Next morning bright and early we took up the line of 
 march for Blackburn's Ford ; but here, too, the stream proved 
 to be too deep and rapid, and going down still farther we 
 crossed on a rickety bridge, which had been built by troops, 
 and passing through Centerville and Fairfax Court House, 
 reached Alexandria about five o'clock P. M. But oh, what 
 a contrast between our going out and coming in. We had 
 left Alexandria March lOth, just one month and one day 
 before, with high spirits and buoyant hopes ; in good health 
 and well equipped. During that time we had marched hun- 
 dreds of miles and endured untold hardships, and now re- 
 turned jaded and worn, with about two hundred less in 
 number. 
 
 The companies were soon quartered for the most part in 
 their old places, and commenced to recruit themselves and 
 their horses, preparatory to being shipped to the Peninsula. 
 
 We learned upon our return to Alexandria, that our sick 
 had been most shamefully abused by the new Military Gov- 
 ernor, Colonel Viele. He kept himself intoxicated the 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 103 
 
 greater part of the time, and was so abusive that his own men 
 were in constant fear of him, lie went to the hospital and 
 ordered men to be sent to the field who were unable to walk 
 about the house ; and in every way he could, tyrannized over 
 and abused them. His own Regimental Surgeon, Dr. 
 Goodale, a very reasonable man, and to all appearances 
 a competent medical officer, he ordered under arrest for the 
 most trifling cause — or really without cause. He frequently 
 attempted to exercise authority over the Eighth Illinois Cav- 
 alry, which were not in his command. 
 
 An incident, illustrating this man's military manner and 
 overbearing impudence, is worth relating. Company D of 
 our regiment, and the Commissary Department were located 
 in large brick buildings on King street. It seemed that it 
 was contemplated using these buildings for hospital purposes, 
 and Colonel Viele, drunk and blustering, went there and 
 ordered the Company and Commissary Chamberlain to move. 
 Chamberlain reported the transaction to Colonel Farnsworth, 
 who instructed them to place a guard over the premises, with 
 orders to shoot the first one who should disturb them. 
 Lieutenant Chamberlain requested Captain Gearhartto "send 
 some of his Dutchmen, who would shoot — which was done. 
 Colonel Farnsworth then wrote a note to Colonel Viele, 
 telling him that " some one calling himself Colonel Viele, 
 had been abusing and attempting to give orders about his 
 men, and that to avoid a repetition of the offense he had 
 placed a guard there with instructions to shoot the first man 
 who should repeat the insult or attempt to interfere with his 
 command." Colonel Viele replied that " he was Military 
 Governor in Alexandria, and that he did not know Colonel 
 F., or that he had any authority over the troops there." 
 Colonel Farnsworth's reply to this insulting message was, 
 "I command the Eighth Illinois Cavalry." 
 
 Our men awaited anxiously for Colonel Viele to return, 
 and had he done so they would have made short work of 
 him ; but he dared not do it, consequently there was no 
 
104 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 farther disturbance. "We attributed the death of at least one 
 of our comrades, Robert M. Gillett, to the ill-treatment 
 received through the instrumentality of this man, and some 
 of his subordinates. 
 
 Before leaving the city, Colonel Farnsworth notified the 
 War Department of Yiele's conduct, and he was soon disposed 
 of, to the great relief of the soldiers and union citizens. 
 
CHAPTER Y. 
 
 Embirkina: for the Peninsula— Landing at Sliipping Point — Siege of Yorktown— Tlie 
 Kebels Evacuate— Our Purguit— Caut^e of Retreat— A Battle Scene— Battle of Will- 
 iamsburg— Capture of Lieut. Chamber] lin and others — An Affecting Scene — Con- 
 struction of a Bridge over Black (Jreek — First Battle of Mechanicsville -Destroying 
 Meadow's Bridge— In fight of Richmond— The Eighth under General Stoneman— 
 Tattle Hanover Court House — A Picket in the Dark — -A Dinner Party — Battle of 
 ^even Pines or Fair Oaks — Fl.;g of Truce — Stuart's Raid around the Army of the 
 Potomac. 
 
 It appears to have been the purpose of General McClellan 
 to transfer the army of the Potomac to some point on the 
 Peninsula, and approach Kichmond by that route. All 
 the time Ave were scouting upon the Rappahannock, prepa- 
 rations Avere being made and troops embarked for that point. 
 The Potomac river was now literally filled with boats and 
 thousands of troops were leaving daily, and Ave only awaited 
 transportation. Our sick were sent to general hospital or 
 discharged, and every preparation possible was made to put 
 the regiment in good order for the expedition. In this we 
 were engaged until the 24th of April, at which time we 
 embarked, the field and staff oSicers on board the steamer 
 "Emperor." Two steamboats, the "Emperor" and " Knick- 
 erbocker, " one steam tug and twenty transports were 
 required to take the Eighth Illinois Cavalry down the river; 
 making quite a fleet in itself. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 2oth, we set sail for the Penin- 
 sula. That night we anchored in the Potomac near Matthias 
 Point, not daring to sail Avith so many transports in tow on a 
 stormy night. 
 
 The 26th was cold and rainy, and our fleet sailed to the 
 bay; here all anchored except the steamer "Emperor" 
 which went as far as the mouth of the Rappahannock where 
 she anchored for the night. 
 14 
 
106 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Sunday, April 27th, we sailed at dawn. Although the 
 bay was very rough we passed it in safety, and in the after- 
 noon arrived at Shipping Point, where was crowded sailing 
 crafts of every description ; making a lively scene. That 
 night and all the next day we remained on board the boats 
 unable to disembark. Tuesday the 29th, however, we 
 succeeded in landing a part of the regiment, ('anal boats 
 were brought up to the shore for a dock, or wharf, on which 
 the provisions and stores were landed, but the horses were 
 pushed into the water and made to swim ashore. The 
 landing was completed May 1st. 
 
 Shipping Point harbor is at the mouth of Clieeseman's 
 Creek, and was the base of supplies for the army. All was 
 bustle and activity. Hundreds of boats and tugs were con- 
 tinually moving, — and the shriek of their numerous whistles 
 made it seem as though some great commercial city had 
 sprung up here as if by magic. That night Barny McGough 
 of Company A, received a kick from a horse which fractured 
 his lower jaw. The wound was properly cared for and next 
 morning he was transferred to the hospital steamer, " Com- 
 modore," to be sent to Philadelphia. The country is low, 
 but little above the level of the bay. The water used 
 for drinking came from springs that were overflowed at 
 hic^h tide, and had to be procured when the tide was out. 
 It was, at best, poor and brackish, and in twenty-four hours 
 I could see its effects on our men, in producing diarrhoea. 
 The sick list accordingly increased, and several men had to 
 be put on board hospital boats in the harbor, to be sent to 
 general hospital. 
 
 It being the first of the month, and the day we were to be 
 mustered for pay, our Chaplain introduced the subject as to 
 how it could be accomplished. Hospital Steward, Robert 
 Sill, ever ready for a joke, and very witty, at once procured 
 a mustard pot from the mess-chest, and proposed that the 
 Chaplain be mmtar{d) 'for pay immediately, to the great 
 amusement of those present. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. lOT 
 
 May 2d, having all safely landed, our Colonel, Lieutenant 
 Colonel, Chaplain and Surgeon, paid a visit to the Head- 
 Quarters of the army, which was some four miles distant 
 toward Yorktown. The country was low and swampy, and 
 in order to make the roads passable, they had been cordu- 
 royed; that is, poles or logs had been cut and laid side by 
 side across the road, thus making a log road, over which, 
 wagons went bouncing and pounding ; and over jnst such 
 roads our sick and wounded had frequently to be transported 
 for miles. The reader who has never been in the army, will 
 please recollect what a corduroy road is. 
 
 On reaching Head-Quarters, we found the army stretching 
 across this narrow peninsula, from York to James river, and 
 besieging Yorktown. Long ditches, or trenches were dug 
 at night in zig-zag form, in which our soldiers lay during the 
 day ; in front of these were rifle-pits, confronting the rebel 
 works. Above these, a man did not dare show his head for 
 fear of the rebel bullets. At proper distances were forts of 
 earth-works, mounted by heavy guns, between which and the 
 enemy's works cannonading was kept up almost constantly. 
 Every day some were wounded, and several severe skirmishes 
 had taken p^.ace, but no general engagement, although daily 
 expected. 
 
 We were attached to General Richardson's Division of 
 Sumner's Corps, and after reporting, dined at General 0. O. 
 Howard's head-quarters. We learned that General Porter, 
 in ascending in a balloon, to take a view of the enemy's 
 position, came near being captured. The ropes attached to 
 the balloon gave way, and the wind carried him toward the 
 enemy, but a fortunate counter-current came in time to land 
 him safely within our lines, after giving him a pretty g00(J 
 fright. 
 
 The night of the 3d was more pleasant than usual, and 
 the enemy began a heavy cannonading which continued until 
 about one o'clock A. M. Their pieces made the ground 
 tremble to a great distance, and we felt that something was 
 
108 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 about to happen, when early in the morning it was announced 
 that they had evacuated Yorktown. 
 
 "Boots and saddles," was at once sounded, and the regi- 
 ment was soon in pursuit. Our ambulances were loaded 
 with the sick, who were taken to general hospital near York- 
 town. As we moved forward, the day being warm, we 
 found hundreds of the infantry had thrown away their over- 
 coats and some other clothing, which literally strewed their 
 camp ground. We approached and passed through the 
 frowning earth-works of famous Yorktown, where some guns 
 still remained, and hundreds of tents were yet standing, 
 whose canvas shining in the sun gave the appearance of a 
 comfortable camp, now deserted. The enemy had placed 
 torpedoes in the sand, some of which had exploded and in- 
 jured an officer and severel men, and we were warned to take 
 great care in passing their works. This cowardly and in- 
 human method of murder is justly befitting rebels. 
 
 As we passed the ruins of this ancient and historic place, 
 we could not fail to call to mind the fact of its notoriety. 
 That here, after a war of seven years for our national inde- 
 pendence, Cornwallis surrendered his army and sword to 
 General Washington, a fact that will cause Yorktown to live 
 in our history forever. But now how changed. In place of 
 the victory for liberty, achieved on this very spot, we were 
 pursuing retreating rebels, Avho were attempting to destroy 
 the life of the nation, born at the surrender to Washington, 
 and involuntarily the question came, " AYhen, degenerate 
 sons of Virginia, the birth-place and home of Washington — 
 will you fully realize you folly?" 
 
 Passing up York river, toward Williamsburg, we could 
 everywhere see evidences of their hasty retreat, though 
 nothing was left of any value. It seems that so long as the 
 rebel ship Merrimac, was lying at Portsmouth, our ves- 
 sels dared not ascend the James river ; and rebel works at 
 Yorktown and Gloucester Point, prevented us from going up 
 the York. But as soon as the Merrimac, by her encounter 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 109 
 
 with the Monitor, ceased to be a terror, and James was open 
 to us, Yorktown was no longer tenable, and this hasty 
 retreat proved to be a necessity, although we in our igno- 
 rance, at the time thought our digging and ditching, and 
 zigzag approaches in the swamps, had frightened them from 
 the place ; but I digress. 
 
 Pushing forward over muddy roads, made worse by rebel 
 retreat, we came to Lebanon Church, an old brick building 
 in thQ woods, at the crossing of two roads. Here the regiment 
 formed for battle. The regular cavalry, with a battery, 
 under General Stoneman, had taken the advance, and came 
 upon the rebels about two miles from the place mentioned. 
 They made a charge in which they suffered severely; the 
 enemy being partly concealed in the woods. It is said that 
 one of the captains distinguished himself in this fight. The 
 horse of one of his men being shot down, a dozen rebels 
 charged upon the dismounted man and beat him terribly. 
 Seeing this the Captain charged singly on them, discharging 
 his revolvers and then drawing his sabre, he actually drove 
 them from the field and rescued his comrade. I can only 
 account for this by supposing that the rebels had previous- 
 ly discharged their revolvers, and had only their sabres 
 with which to fight. 
 
 Our regiment came to tlie ground thus contested, but 
 finding it worse than folly to attempt an attack upon 
 concealed batteries, and meiji posted behind trees, were 
 ordered back to the point designated, to make way for the 
 Infantry and Artillery which were rapidly approaching. It 
 was a relief to see the tall boys of the Fifth Wisconsin, the 
 rugged men of the Second Rhode Island, and the noble sons 
 of New Hampshire, as they led the column. As the regi- 
 ments and brigades passed on both roads with the occasional 
 thunder of flying artillery, sweeping to the front, night closed 
 in upon us, and we were obliged to suspend operations. 
 
 It was Sabbath eve — but not like a Sabbath at home. The 
 wounded that had not fallen into the hands of the enemy, 
 
110 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 had been brought to the church, where, with Assistant 
 Surgeon Crawford, Hospital Stewards Sill and Stull, and the 
 Chaplain, I visited them. This being our first battle-scene, 
 it struck us very forcibly. Some were dying, others could 
 not possibly recover, and all needed attention, but as yet, 
 none of the wounds had been dressed. The surc^eon in charge, 
 though a regular, and a highly educated man, had evidently 
 indulged too freely in the stimulants provided by the Com- 
 missary, and was blustering about doing nothing. After a 
 moment's consultation, we all volunteered our services, which 
 were accepted, and the entire charge being given to us, we 
 went to work, and endeavored to do the best we could for the 
 sufferers. 
 
 The first attended to was Patrick Kelly, of one of the 
 batteries. His leg was shot nearly off, below the knee. After 
 being shot, he refused to leave his post until he had loaded 
 and fired the gun again, which he actually did, and was then 
 borne from the field. His leg was amputated below the 
 knee. A Lieutenant DeWolfe, of Chicao-o, belonginor to a 
 Regular Battery, was badly wounded. These two men bore 
 their sufferings most heroically. Nearly the whole night was 
 occupied in this manner, and in spite of our exertions, be- 
 fore morning two had died, and one more could not long sur- 
 vive. Lieutenant DeWolfe afterwardes died in Washington, 
 but Pat. Kelly recovered, and his comrads purchased a 
 wooden leg for him, and within a year he wanted to enter 
 the service again. 
 
 I have been particular in mentioning this Sunday's fight 
 for the reason that no historian of the war, that I have read, 
 has noticed it. All begin the battle of Williamsburg on 
 Monday, and seem to know nothing of this battle of May 
 4th, 1862. 
 
 Monday morning was rainy — in fact, the rain fell almost 
 all day. Our men had " stood to horse" all night ; only re- 
 lieving each other for short intervals, and the animals had 
 not been unsaddled or fed. About ten o'clock firing, both 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. Ill 
 
 with musketry and cannon, be^an upon our left, where Gen. 
 Hooker's command was stationed. It was terribly severe, 
 and continued almost unabated during the day. The coun- 
 try was heavily wooded, therefore our artillery and cavalry 
 could do but little, and the roads were blockaded with army 
 wagons for miles. 
 
 Soon staff officers came back for re-enforcements, and 
 orderlies were galloping to and fro with urgent demands for 
 men and guns. One staff officer's horse was so jaded that 
 our Colonel allow^ed an exchange, giving him a fresh one. 
 As the battle raged in our front all kinds of stories reached 
 us, — one moment it was rumored that the enemy was retreat- 
 ing and the next that Hooker's men were out of ammunition. 
 
 The battle had commenced on the left of our line, by the 
 enemy's charging General Hooker's Division in large force, 
 badly cutting up Sickles' Brigade. The Anderson Zouaves 
 fought nobly but were compelled to fall back. One-half 
 hour longer and all the line must have broken in confusion 
 from lack of ammunition. As it was, one of the New York 
 regiments having exhausted their ammunition, fixed their 
 bayonets and took the galling fire of the enemy, — refusing to 
 fallback, because this would bring destruction upon the whole 
 division, and perhaps to the whole of General Heintzelman's 
 Corps. Many a quivering lip asked, "Why don't Kearney 
 come ?" and others catchino; the accents amid the thunder of 
 battle repeated the question. 
 
 Our artillery was useless in this part of the fight, on 
 account of the timber and marshy ground, while that of the 
 foe was well supplied with ammunition and mounted in three 
 co-operating forts, the largest of which was called Fort 
 Magruder. 
 
 ".Oh, why don't Kearney come?" The one-armed hero 
 of Mexico was coming as fast as possible, but the roads were 
 everywhere blockaded with army wagons so that they were 
 positively impassable ; and these same wagons came near 
 causing another defeat, ^sthey did at Bull Run. Little did 
 
112 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 we appreciate the service we were doing our country, when 
 General Kearney came excitedly to our Colonel and asked 
 for a company to clear the roads for him to advance. 
 Captain Forsyth, of Company A, went to perform the duty, 
 which was quickly accomplished by overturning wagons, 
 thus clearing the road of all obstructions. 
 
 On reaching the troops and artillery who were standing 
 in the rain waiting for an opportunity to move forward, the 
 Captain met an officer who he supposed was the commander 
 of artillery, and notified him that " the road was clear and 
 he could move forward," when to his surprise he found he 
 was addressing General McClellan, — there being so little 
 distinction between officers in the field, that he did not 
 recoo;nize the General, althouj;h he had served with him 
 during his campaign in Western Virginia. 
 
 Very soon the noble men of the Third Maine, and (Ileint- 
 zelman's favorite regiment,) the Forty-third Maine, and the 
 Fifth and Eleventh Maine, came on like giants of the forest; 
 and then the favorite brigade came marching as if already 
 victorious ; alas ! many of them to return to their western 
 homes no more ; thea the Second, Third, Fifth and Seventh 
 Michigan, and lastly the Thirty-seventh New York ; 
 Avhen they reached the battle-field, how they did cheer. And 
 right nobly did Michigan and New York sustain the brunt 
 of the battle. 
 
 There must have been many a prayer sent up to God 
 that day, that the noble men might be strong and courageous, 
 and that they might be protected and saved — and many a 
 heart stood still, and many a spinning wheel ceased i<:s busy 
 hum on the shores of lakes Michigan and Erie. Ah ! little 
 did they know of the gallant men that died, breathing the 
 names of absent loved ones — little did they conjecture- the 
 scene of carnage that surrounded the weary soldiers. 
 
 The rebel cavalry had charged in strong force upon the 
 Fifth Michigan, who repulsed the enemy with their bristling 
 bayonets, and deployed in line and fired a deadly volley on 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 113 
 
 the retreating cavalry. They were outnumbered by the foe 
 but not out-done. The repeated charges of the Fifth 
 Michigan and Thirty-seventh New York, told fearfully on 
 the enemy, and at last they were compelled to break and 
 run — and then what cheers ! It seemed not like the mere 
 shout of the present, but as though the generations of the 
 future had joined in the wild huzzas. It was heard down 
 the whole line. The Irish Rifles (Thirty-seventh New York,) 
 shouted in unison with the Irish Brigade, " We'll give you 
 Bull Run." Then Sickles' Brigade re-formed, the Anderson 
 Zouaves lying flat on the ground to fire, one hundred yards 
 in front of our batteries, which were firing over them. The 
 invincible Michigans shouted next to the right of the Excel- 
 sior Brigade, and thus the cry was carried to the extreme 
 right, where the Thirteenth Pennsylvania had turned back 
 the assault of unnumbered infantry, and had borne the fire 
 of the rebel cannon with the loss of but ten to twenty killed 
 and wounded. The cheers which had come from the left to 
 the right in front, were answered with strong emphasis by 
 the Regular Reserves and Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
 
 During the afternoon we were advanced toward the right 
 of the line, to support our batteries, and although not actively 
 engaged, we were under fire, and the cannon balls from Fort 
 Magruder came tearing up the soil about us. Finally Han- 
 cock made a charge to the right which put an end to the 
 strife — the rebels gave way ; and the fighting ceased for the 
 night. 
 
 About five o'clock P. M. General McClellan and Staff" 
 came up to General Sumner's headquarters, (General S. 
 having been in command during the day), and was received 
 with deafening applause by all who knew him — even the 
 wounded and dying joined in the shouts. 
 
 Night closed in on a weary, suff'ering army. All the 
 
 houses and barns near our line were filled with the wounded. 
 
 A terrible storm was raging, as if to drown the cries of the 
 
 suffering, which many times could be heard above the howl- 
 
 15 
 
114 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 ing of the elements. The regiment moved back a short dis- 
 tance, pitched a few tents and tried to picket the horses, but 
 the poor animals having been without food for two days and 
 nights, were restive, and would tear away from their fasten- 
 ings and run frantically among the men, to the great danger 
 of those attempting to sleep. 
 
 Early next morning (May 6th,) we advanced over the 
 battle-field and occupied Williamsburg. In passing over the 
 scene of the fight the dead were seen lying everywhere. 
 Judging by the marks of shot and shell, it would seem that 
 no man could have survived who was in range of the fire, 
 as every tree and shrub was battle-scarred. Passing through 
 a dense woods, thick with undergrowth, we came upon the 
 "slashings," where the trees had been cut down in every 
 direction to impede our progress, and give an opportunity to 
 fire from the forts, and at this point seemed to have taken 
 place the most desperate fighting. I observed two Zouaves 
 lying side by side where they had bravely faced death. 
 They must have been brothers, for their stature, their bronzed 
 faces and general appearance were enough alike to have 
 been not only brothers, but twins. Friend and foe lay in 
 the embrace of death, as still and quiet as though no violence 
 had hurried them into the great Beyond. 
 
 In company with Chaplain Matlack we passed across the 
 field and then returned ; the fallen timber being so thick 
 that we could see but a few feet on either side of us. But 
 we counted one hundred and six union dead, and ninety-six 
 rebels. In one place we found the corpse of a stalwart rebel 
 lying behind a tree, and still clenching his gun, his forehead 
 pierced by a rifle ball. The tree before him was scarred so 
 thick with bullet marks one could scarce put the point of his 
 finger between them. By peering around the tree from the 
 position he had occupied, we counted fifteen union soldiers 
 lying within easy range of his gun, none being more than 
 forty-five yards distant. 
 
 Passing by Fort Magruder and several other strong earth- 
 
THE EIGHTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 115 
 
 works, and by rows of rebel huts, now filled with the wounded 
 and dying, we soon came to the old city of Williamsburg, 
 the pride and the capitol of Virginia in colonial times, where 
 her House of Burgesses had resounded with the eloquence 
 of noble ancesters — now a dilapidated village. We encamp- 
 ed upon the common, in the suburbs of the town. 
 
 In taking a surrey of the city, we called to mind that it 
 was here that Patrick Henry thrilled the colony and the 
 whole country with his patriotic appeal, in which he uttered 
 these immortal words, "give me liberty, or give me death." 
 The old capitol and all the principal churches were used as 
 hospitals ; and we volunteered to assist in dressing the 
 wounds of these suffering ones. The rebels had abandoned 
 their wounded, and no time was lost in providing for their 
 comfort the same as for our own men. 
 
 While dressing the wounds of an Irishmen, who had en- 
 listed at Mobile, Alabama, I asked him why he had enlisted. 
 He answered that "all who refused to enlist were called 
 cowards ; and he would not be called a coward, so he entered 
 the army." He had no idea of the merits of the cause for 
 which he was fighting. 
 
 In a private house near by, we attended a very intelligent 
 Lieutenant, (an Adjutant,) from Florida, who had formerly 
 been in the employ of the firm of Doggett, Bassett and Hill, 
 of Chicago. He was in all probability on his death-bed, for 
 I thought his wound would prove fatal. 
 
 On the 8th of May, Drs. James R. Wood and Ayers, 
 together with several volunteer Surgeons and Chaplains, 
 arrived and tendered their services. Surgeon R. K. Smith, 
 Assistant Medical Director, informed me that their hospital 
 stores had not yet arrived, and what to do for bandages and 
 dressings, and how to provide for the men he did not know 
 I informed him that the good ladies of St. Charles, Illinois, 
 had provided us with a large box of bandages, which we had 
 brought with us ; and that we had tents pitched where we 
 could provide for the distinguished guests. And that box 
 
lit) THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 being opened, actually supplied the wants of both union and 
 rebel soldiers, until the hospital stores for the army arrived. 
 Surgeon Smith said to me afterwards that " it was truly a 
 God-send to him and the suffering men." 
 
 Surgeon James R. Wood was placed temporarily in charge 
 of the wounded, and we detailed Peter C. Simmons, of Com- 
 pany A, to remain as nurse ; as we were obliged to leave a 
 few of our regiment, who were too sick to march farther. 
 While here, it became necessary to procure some supplies 
 for our horses, and Lieutenant Commissary B. S. Cham- 
 berlain was ordered to go to a certain farm, supposed to be 
 about a mile distant, and look for forage. lie, with his son 
 
 Oscar, Quarter-Master Sergeant Stanley, and Ricord, 
 
 of Company D, started to obey the order, but were attacked 
 and captured by a squad of rebel cavalry. For an account 
 of Lieutenant Chamberlain's capture and experience in rebel 
 prisons, see appendix. 
 
 The army remained at Williamsburg from the 5th to the 
 9th of May, for what reason we could not divine ; but our 
 regiment was sent out in detachments, to scour the country 
 in all directions, in which service they captured several 
 prisoners. The battle of Williamsburg being the first great 
 contest in which we had participated, or evvm witnessed, 
 many sought an opportunity to look over the battle-field, and 
 in doing so an incident occurred of such touching interest, 
 we think it worthy a place in our history. 
 
 A Chaplain from Massachusetts, who hadjust arrived, was 
 anxious to go over the battle-field, and in company with our 
 Chaplain, Matlack, soon reached the place where the dead 
 were being arranged in rows for burial. He informed Mr. 
 Matlack that upon leaving home, he had promised Mrs. 
 Benson, a widow lady, that he would ascertain the fate of her 
 boy, Willie, and further remarked that the one he was in 
 search of was an only son, beloved by a christian mother, 
 and numerous friends, who were anxiously awaiting tidings 
 of his safety. Mr. Matlack told him the regiment he sought 
 
THE EIGHTHILLINOIS CAVALRY. 117 
 
 was performing the sad duty of burying the dead. He was 
 so fearful that Willie might have met with some misfortune, 
 he hardly dared to introduce the subject ; but mustering up 
 courage, he first asked if their regiment had been engaged 
 in the fight. 
 
 " No, we came upon the field just as the battle closed," 
 was the gratifying intelligence. 
 
 He then told the men that he was commissioned by a widow 
 lady, to look after her darling boy — the only support of her 
 declining years — and that he almost feared to ask for him ; 
 but as they had not been in the battle he felt greatly relieved. 
 
 Just at this point one of the men interrupted him by 
 saying : 
 
 "Oh, we came up in time to have a little brush with the 
 rebels, and one of our best men was killed." 
 
 " The man I am looking for is named Willie Benson ; can 
 you give me any information of him ?" said the Chaplain. 
 
 " We have just buried Willie Benson ; he was the only one 
 in our regiment that was shot or injured ;" and while the 
 strong man who could bravely face the life-destroying fire of 
 the enemy spoke, his face turned deathly pale, and in his 
 eyes glistened tears. His comrades, also, were very much 
 affected. How sad the tidings the Chaplain carried to the 
 anxious, waiting mother — how like a thunder-bolt it must 
 have struck her — she who was watching and hoping, and 
 praying for his return. And is this a solitary instance of the 
 blight and desolation of home circles. Alas, many — too 
 many — are the hearts that are yet sore and bleeding — 
 mourning in vain for loved ones that perished in the late 
 conflict. 
 
 On the morning of the 9th of May, one squadron of the 
 regiment. Companies D and F, having been ordered to report 
 for duty at General Key's Headquarters, we were commanded 
 to advance, and for some eight miles, found the road strewn 
 with broken wagons, caissons, ambulances, &c., left by the 
 rebels in their retreat. We reached a place called Burnt 
 
118 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Ordinary and pitched our tents for the night ; but while 
 preparing supper, orders came for us to go at once to the 
 relief of General Stoneman, who with the Sixth United States 
 Cavalry, had been skirmishing during the day. They had 
 killed four or five of the enemy, and had lost four of the Sixth 
 Cavalry, who were taken prisoners, and it was rumored had 
 been shot after they were captured. The regiment was soon 
 moving, and after the tedious march of the day, this night 
 march was exhausting. Our animals had not eaten since 
 morning, and we were so oppressed with drowsiness that I, 
 for one, almost fell from my horse many times. Had we 
 been attacked, we could hardly have aroused sufficiently to 
 defend ourselves. 
 
 We reached General Stoneman, at Slatesville, at two 
 o'clock the morning of the 10th, and the General expressed 
 himself to Colonel Farnsworth, as "greatly relieved by our 
 presence." In fact his situation was very critical. Some 
 twenty miles in advance of the army with one regiment of 
 recruits, had the enemy known his weakness they could 
 easily have annihilated his little band of patriots. 
 
 When we arrived we found General Stoneman and staif 
 lying rolled up, each in his blanket, with small fires burning 
 near ; and imitating their example we had a short nap before 
 morning dawned. 
 
 May 10th we moved forward to New Kent Court House, 
 and after a short halt, again started in pursuit of the enemy. 
 
 The regiment was now divided into two columns. One 
 under Colonel Farnsworth, moved directly forward, and 
 when about two miles from New Kent came upon the enemy. 
 As the column was ascending a hill, through a wooded 
 ravine, the rebels opened fire upon us. A shell exploded 
 just at the head of the column, the pieces being scattered 
 among the men like hail, and one large piece passing over 
 the heads of the men the whole length of the column ; Adju- 
 tant Giflford's fine horse was shot under him. Immediately 
 our men deployed and began skirmishing through the woods; 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 119 
 
 when the enemy limbered up and made good their retreat. 
 Having accomplished our object in finding out their position, 
 we returned to camp at New Kent. It was really amusing 
 to witness the animation of our men when they came in sight 
 of the enemy. 
 
 The detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble moved 
 in the direction of Bottoms' Bridge, on the Chicohominy. 
 They also encountered the foe and did some lively fighting 
 but with no loss on either side, the rebels retreating as our 
 men advanced. Night found us in camp at New Kent. 
 Here the old court house was still standing, (though in a 
 dilapidated condition,) where Patrick Henry made his cel- 
 ebrated " beef speech." We stood on the same rostrum, and 
 some of our men repeated extracts from that famous speech 
 from the same stand occupied by that illustrious statesman. 
 
 Sunday, May 11th, was spent in camp by some, while a 
 part of the regiment were sent to the front, and waked up 
 the rebels batteries again. Sunday eve. Chaplain Matlack 
 preached an effective sermon. 
 
 Monday 12th, we remained in camp until night, when we 
 marched two and a half miles to Cumberland, on the 
 Pamunky river, and the next morning up the river seven 
 miles to the celebrated "White House," the famous home of 
 that enchanting widow, Mrs. Martha Custis ; afterwards Mrs. 
 Washington. All of this country was full of historic interest. 
 It was here that Washington first met the fascinating widow, 
 when on his way to Richmond, on military duty, wooed and 
 won her. This house which was the scene of this courtship, 
 had been so repaired and changed that little of its former 
 appearance remained. It stood on the right bank of the 
 Pamunky river, surrounded by a large, fertile and highly 
 cultivated plantation, and was owned by a son of General 
 Robert E. Lee. The estate was then in charge of a Major 
 Lee, of the regular army ; a descendent (a nephew I think,) 
 of the rebel General who was then at this plantation. We 
 encamped in a clover field, and having some sick on hand 
 
120 THE EIGHXn ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 applied for the house to use as a hospital, but received a 
 peremptory refusal from Major Lee. 
 
 We had not been in camp long before our men moved out 
 against the rebel cavalry, who could be seen on the adjacent 
 bills, watching our movements. Our men being deployed in 
 skirmishing orders, came to a fence and ditch, (which, by 
 the way, are very common upon Virginia plantations), and 
 when attempting to jump the ditch the horse of Sidney Ses- 
 sions, of Company L, fell ; and his carbine exploded, the 
 contents entering his body, killing him almost instantly. His 
 remains were brought back to the White House, a rude coffin, 
 the best that could be made, was provided, and he was buried 
 by his comrades, on the banks of the Pamunky, a few rods 
 from the house, under a noble tree. I saw a notice in a 
 New York paper, written by a correspondent in Grant's 
 army two years after the time of this accident, stating that 
 they camped on this very ground, and particularly noticed 
 this grave with the head-board, marked as we had left it. 
 
 The infantry were now coming up by thousands, and cov- 
 ering the vast plain bordering the Pamunky. On the 1-lth 
 we moved forward two-and-ahalf miles. We scouted as far 
 in advance as Black Creek, a small but deep stream, over 
 which both the bridges on the railroad leading from West 
 Point to Richmond, and the wagon-road bridge, bad been 
 destroyed by the retreating enemj. Here we remained until 
 the 17th, when we moved forward two miles farther. Gen- 
 eral McClellan and staff arrived at the White House on the 
 16th inst. Our long delay in this locality was to us a great 
 wonder, and in company with Colonel Farnsworth I went to 
 General Stoneman's headquarters, and there learned, to 
 some extent, the cause of our detention. The bridge over 
 Black Creek having been destroyed. West Point engineers 
 had taken a survey of the spot — its bearings and distances — 
 had made a profile view of the structure to be erected, with 
 proper estimates, etc. ; had even re-surveyed it, and sent their 
 estimate to headquarters for approval, which had consumed 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 121 
 
 much valuable time, and was likely too ccupjmany days more ; 
 while this immense army was waiting to cross the stream. 
 
 "I expect they will be ready to commence work to-mor- 
 row," said General Stoneman. 
 
 " I can take a few of my men and construct a bridge in 
 half a day," remarked Colonel Farnsworth. 
 
 " Will you do it ?" said Stoneman. 
 
 '' I will, with your permission," was the reply. 
 
 "You can have a detail of all the men you need," said 
 General S. 
 
 " I want no detail but my own regiment," replied Col- 
 onel F. 
 
 In this brief manner the question was settled, and early 
 next morning a small squad of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry 
 went to work, and in two hours and a half constructed a 
 substantial bridge of logs across the stream and at once 
 crossed over, and soon captured a prisoner. General Stone- 
 man crossed, and then dispatched a messenger to General 
 McClellan, stating that he was " beyond Black Creek, and 
 was moving forward to Richmond." Soon after the bridge 
 was built the engineers arrived on the ground, and were 
 highly incensed that they had not the privilege of erecting 
 the structure. The whole army train crossed without diffi- 
 culty, no change being made except to build a staging 
 in the middle, as the stringers were so long that the bridge 
 would swing too much. I mention this incident to illustrate 
 the fact that much of the delay in the movement of the 
 troops was due to a want of tact or aptness in the officers 
 to do things in a rational manner. In army parlance there 
 was too much "red tape." 
 
 That night we encamped on Dr. Webb's farm, and on the 
 19th again advanced some six miles, (all the time driving the 
 rebel cavalry before us,) to Coal Harbor, in newspaper and 
 army reports erroneously spelled Cold Harber, which is noth- 
 ing but a country tavern, at a cross-roads. The First Bat- 
 talion, under Major Clendennin, some few miles to the right, 
 16 
 
122 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 near the Pamunky, captured two loaded teams and eighty- 
 five mules and horses, and brought them safely into camp, 
 with not a few negroes, who fell in with the train. One 
 negro, called Joe, witnessed the capture and at once left his 
 team and plow standing in the furrow, and came with the 
 others. He was very tall, and his clothes were patched 
 with cloth of so many colors, that the original garment could 
 not be determined. He danced for joy at the idea of being free, 
 and his demonstrations were so ludicrous that he attracted 
 the attention of all beholders. In this portion of Virginia 
 the better, or more educated whites had either left their homes 
 out of fear, or were in the rebel army, and the poor and 
 ignorant who remained, were truly objects of pity — ignorant 
 in the extreme and untruthful in their representations, while 
 the negroes, although nearly as ignorant, always gave us the 
 best information in their power. At one house where we 
 called for a drink of water, a poor old lady asked us "if we 
 had actually come to take away all their niggers, and kill 
 all the white folks?" Poor, simple woman, she had lived 
 half a century and had never been ten miles from the house 
 
 she then occupied. 
 
 Our teams and ambulances having been left behind, we 
 encamped for the night without even blankets ; pickets were 
 thrown out in all proper directions, as we were far in advance 
 of the army, and had reasons for being doubly cautious ; fires 
 were built, the horses picketed, and some rails laid on frail 
 crotches stuck in the ground for a partial protection from the 
 night air. The Chaplain and Medical Stafi" crept under them. 
 It was no uncommon thing for horses to get loose and endan- 
 ger the limbs and lives of the soldiers, by running over them. 
 Falling asleep with this thought uppermost in his mind, the 
 writer dreamed that a horse was upon him, and spi'ang to his 
 feet striking his head against a rail which supported the 
 others, thus bringing down the whole rail tent on the sleeping 
 victims. For a few moments, consternation seized them, but 
 no one was seriously injured, and order being again restored, 
 a little sleep was obtained. 
 
THE EIGHTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 123^ 
 
 May 20th, as \ye had taken the advance heretofore most of 
 the time, to-day the Sixth United States Cavalry (a new 
 regiment,) moved out first. They neglected the precaution 
 we had observed of throwing out skirmishers, but moved down 
 the road through a dense forest, towards Gaine's Mill, where 
 they were fired upon by the rebels. Some were killed, and 
 several severely wounded. Our regiment advanced to the 
 scene of the conflict, and encamped near Gaines' Mill. 
 
 On the 21st, Companies E and K, had a lively skirmish, 
 which resulted in driving the rebels farther toward Richmond, 
 We now had a number of sick on hand, and Hospital Steward 
 StuU was sent, with an ambulance and eight patients, back 
 to White House, where a hospital had been established. We 
 remained here awaiting the arrival of the infantry, until the 
 23d, when General Smith's Division having come up, we 
 again moved toward Richmond. We advanced without much 
 opposition to Beaver Dam Creek, within six miles of Rich- 
 mond, when a rebel battery opened fire upon us very lively. 
 For a few minutes things looked rather serious, as the shells 
 came thick and fast ; but the fences Avere soon thrown down 
 on either side of the road, the regiment formed in line of 
 battle, the artillery brought forward, and in ten or fifteen 
 minutes the rebel batteries were silenced. ( )nr men stood 
 to horse, in line of battle, all that night. 
 
 BATTLE OF MECIIANICSVILLE. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 24th, an advance was made 
 upon Mechanicsville, which, by the way, is a small town five 
 miles from Richmond on the north side of the Chickahominy, 
 and half a mile distant from the river. Here several roads 
 converge into one grand turnpike, which leads to the city. 
 Its name is supposed to be derived from the fact of its great 
 superiority in mechanic arts ; for most of the towns in this 
 part of the State contain only one blacksmith shop, but this 
 one actually had two, besides several other houses. The 
 enemy made quite a stand at this village, but were vig- 
 orously shelled by our artillery. The firing was so severe 
 
124 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 that many houses were completely torn to pieces. The rebel 
 aim was also very accurate. One ball passed through the 
 ranks of Company L, shattering the left elbow of Corporal 
 Samuel Dodge, carrying away his haversack, rubber blanket 
 and the pommel of his saddle, and breaking his pistol in the 
 holsters, buried itself in the ground near by. 
 
 The Second Battalion of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, 
 under Major Dustin, supported both flanks in this battle, 
 and the remainder of the regiment were actively engaged 
 in performing picket duty. After the rebels were driven 
 across the river, Captain Rapelje, with Company I, under- 
 took the perilous task of destroying the turnpike bridge. 
 He succeeded in reaching the river, and four men, John J. 
 Gosper, Albert Gorty, Erastus Wright and Aaron W. Chase 
 volunteered to destroy the bridge, which they did successfully 
 by chopping off the timber which supported it, being all the 
 time in easy range and under the fire of the enemy's guns. 
 For the skill with which he handled his company, and the 
 darin<T displayed by the officers and men, he deserved and 
 received due credit. The same day the First Battalion 
 encountered the rebel cavalry some two and a half miles 
 north of this point, and in the engagement one rebel was 
 killed and several wounded. They also destroyed portions 
 of the railroad and burned the bridge. The rebels began to 
 stand in great fear of our carbines, as they had none so 
 efficient. 
 
 Early that morning the Fourth Michigan had a severe 
 fight across the Chickahominy, a few miles below us at New 
 Bridge, in which they chastised the "Louisiana Tigers" 
 most terribly. We saw many of the wounded, and it is a 
 remarkable fact that most of them died ; the mortality among 
 them being almost unprecedented. We were now within 
 sio^ht of the spires of Richmond, and only five or six miles 
 distant.. The Chickahominy river was the dividing line 
 between the two armies, our cavalry protecting the right, 
 and our pickets extended up the Chickahominy and railroad 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 125 
 
 to Hanover Court House, and thence toward the Pamunky. 
 We now took possession of Walnut Grove Church for a 
 hospital, where our sick were comfortably cared for. During 
 this time since the 10th inst., Companies D and F, who were 
 detached from the regiment and reported to General Keys, 
 had seen service in another part of the field. They had been 
 scouting, skirmishing and doing Orderly duty, and had therefore 
 seen the movements of the left of our army. On the 11th, 
 a part of the squadron went out on a scout and captured 
 fourteen rebels, without losing a man. On the 13th, General 
 Key's Division reached Xew Kent Court House, where they 
 remained three days, at which time, fourteen men of Company 
 D were ordered to report to General Casey. Among the 
 number, was A.. P. Thoms. This service gave them an 
 excellent opportunity of knowing the movements of the army, 
 as they were employed in carrying dispatches to all parts of 
 the command. This portion of the army advanced to the 
 Chickahominy, and to the left of the York River Railroad 
 Bridge. On the 20th, quite a lively skirmish occurred at 
 this bridge, when General Casey's infantry and artillery 
 drove the enemy from the bridge so rapidly that they failed 
 to destroy it completely. On the 23d, another advance was 
 made, and some severe fighting took place, and the rebels 
 were forced back beyond Savage Station. On the 24th the 
 fighting was renewed. 
 
 While leading his men in the thickest of the fight, Gen- 
 eral Kegley had his horse shot, and immediately mounted the 
 gallant steed of A. P. Thoms. This time the rebels were 
 driven as far as Seven Pines, near Fair Oaks, only seven miles 
 from Kichmond. The enemy were finally forced back to 
 within five or six miles of their Capitol, and the army set to 
 work felling trees and erecting works of defence, to strength- 
 en their position. 
 
 At this time our right, which was held by the Eighth Illi- 
 nois and other cavalry, was posted as heretofore stated, and 
 our left rested on White Oak Swamp. The main body of 
 
126 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 the army was near the center of this line ; General McCiel- 
 lan's headquarters were on the northwest side of the Chicka- 
 hominj, while Generals Keys, Casey and others, were located 
 on the south side. The stream, winding through heavy for- 
 ests and swamps, east of Richmond, from a northwesterly to 
 a southeasterly direction, formed the respective fronts of the 
 two armies, as far as New Bridge, where our line crossed it, 
 thus making the line of the main army, from northwest 
 to southeast, about ten miles in length, besides the ca.valry 
 on each flank, which extended many miles farther. Across 
 it ran seven roads in the following order : The Brook Turn- 
 pike, the Mechanicsville turnpike, the ISTine Mile road, York 
 River R. R., the Williamsburg road, the Charles City road 
 and the Darleytown road. 
 
 On the 27th of May a force, under command of General 
 Fitz John Porter, moved up on our right toward Hanover 
 Court House, w^hile the Eighth and others, under General 
 Stoneman, went in the same direction in supporting distance. 
 About 4 o'clock p. m.. General Porter's command met the 
 enemy near Hanover Court House, and a desperate battle 
 was fought in which we did not participate. We, however, 
 came upon the rebel cavalry, and on reaching the railroad 
 captured and destroyed a train of cars. The train was try- 
 ing to make its way from Hanover to Richmond ; but when 
 the men found themselves within our grasp they abandoned 
 the cars and took to the woods. We took possession, run 
 the train up the road as far as we wished to reconnoitre, and 
 then returned and set it on fire. 
 
 It was nearly dark, but having destroyed the Virginia 
 Central Railroad at this point, it was thought desirable to 
 pass over to the Richmond & Potomac road some ten miles 
 distant and destroy that also, so as to interrupt communica- 
 tion with Richmond from the north. But we had no guide 
 who knew the way, and as it was known that the rebels were 
 on the alert, guarding against this very movement, it was 
 considered a very perilous undertaking. However, General 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 127 
 
 Stoneman's order that it be attempted must be obeyed, and 
 the regiment advanced through pitchy darkness, without 
 guide or compass. It had gone but a short distance when 
 the vanguard came upon the rebel pickets. In order that 
 the movement might be conducted as secretly as possible, 
 orders had been issued not to fire, but if possiblo to capture 
 any pickets they might encounter. George Gould and John 
 Vincent, of Company K, were in the advance, when a picket 
 demanded : 
 
 " Who comes there ?" 
 
 "Friends," was the reply. 
 
 " Dismount, advance and give countersign," was the next 
 command. 
 
 Our men were in a dilemma. They dare not fire, on ac- 
 count of their orders, and they were too far in advance of 
 the column to receive support. Their only hope was to keep 
 the picket from firing or giving the alarm, until their com- 
 rades came up ; but delay to comply with the first order was 
 dangerous. Seeing our men hesitate, the picket again de- 
 manded them to dismount and give the countersign, or he 
 would fire. By this time some of their picket reserves had 
 approached, and they fired upon our men and then ran to 
 the reserve station. One ball took efi'ect in the shoulder of 
 George Gould, producing a severe wound. This aroused 
 their whole camp, and the command was obliged to return 
 satisfied that a more dangerous or inconsistent attempt to 
 destroy a railroad had never been undertaken. 
 
 Having failed in this we returned a short distance and 
 encamped for the night, which, by the Avay, was rainy and 
 very unpleasant. Our relaxation from labors, consisted in 
 the men keeping their horses saddled and themselves ready 
 to mount and fight at a moments notice. I think that 
 nothing but the darkness of the night prevented our foes 
 from attacking us immediately, as we were a small squad 
 many miles from the main army on roads very muddy, and 
 encumbered with a section of artillery which we could not 
 
128 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 use in that timbered region. Early next morning we 
 returned to a cross-road and rested. We had some prisoners 
 at this place that our men had captured the day before. 
 The manner in Avhich they were taken I do not recollect, 
 but I know there was great gallantry displayed, which 
 formed the topic of conversation in the regiment. 
 
 While we were stopping here, the prisoners taken at the 
 battle of Hanover, (some six hundred in number,) were 
 marched past. Colonel Farnsworth asked one of them, an 
 Irishman, how he came to be in the army, and what he was 
 fighting for. He answered that " he was fighting for the 
 men that pushed him into it." This is all he appeared to 
 know of the merits or demerits of the cause in which he had 
 risked his life. Wc remained here until the next morning, 
 while the troops who had fought at Hanover returned to 
 their former camp, and on the 29th we returned, via Mechan- 
 icsville, to a camp one mile from Walnut Grove Hospital. 
 
 Our regiment now guarded the right wing of the army 
 for ten miles along the Chickahominy and Yirginia Central 
 JRailroad, having picket stations and reserves at various 
 points. 
 
 On the 31st of May and 1st of June, was fought what is 
 known as the battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks ; on the 
 south side of the Chickahominy between Bottom's Bridge and 
 Richmond, and within six or seven miles of the latter place. 
 The ground was low, flat and heavily timbered. On the 
 morning of May 31st, Major Beveridge crossed the Chicka- 
 hominy to take command of his battalion on that side of the 
 stream ; but before joining his men he heard rapid firing, 
 and hastening forward discovered General Casey's men fall- 
 ing back before an impetuous attack of overpowering numbers, 
 and General Keys advancing to their support. He reported 
 to General Keys, and was directed to keep his men well in 
 hand and as near him as possible. Already many of the 
 Eighth were actively engaged. Lieutenant Granger of Com- 
 pany F, was Aid-de-camp to General Keys, and A. . Thom^ 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 129 
 
 and several others were acting as orderlies. Companies D 
 and F soon found their camp invaded by Casey's retreating 
 division, and the enemy's shells were falling and bursting 
 among them. From this time the battle raged with great 
 fury, and the part the Eighth took was mostly in the dis- 
 charge of duty as aids. They were everywhere in the fight, 
 and were highly complimented by Generals Keys, Negley 
 and others. The remark was made by a reporter that ''the 
 Generals were aids for the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
 
 Company D lost one man killed, and Corporal Love of 
 Company F was severely wounded. Major Beveridge, 
 Captain Cleveland, Captain Gearhart and their Lieutenants, 
 displayed undaunted courage and bravery and well deserved 
 the praise so liberally bestowed by their superior officers. 
 
 In this day's battle Companies D and F lost all of their 
 camp equipage, extra clothing, blankets, &c. We will not 
 attempt to describe the struggle. The ground was fought 
 over and over again, lost, then regained, until night closed 
 in upon another of those terrible battle scenes of this des- 
 tructive war. It was the Williamsburg scene embellished 
 if possible with greater horror. 
 
 The men lay upon their arms that night. Before dark 
 however, reinforcements arrived from the north side of the 
 Chickahominy, General Sumner in command, and when the 
 next morning the enemy attempted to turn our right at 
 Fair Oaks Station, they were repulsed, and the second day's 
 fight resulted in advantage to our side. This battle caused 
 terrible slaughter, and delay in our prospective advance on 
 Richmond. Our reported loss was 5739 in killed, wounded 
 and missing. Among the wounded was General O. O. 
 Howard who lost an arm. The enemy admit a loss of 4233. 
 
 On the 2d and 3d of June I made an ascension in the bal- 
 loon "Excelsior," near Mechanicsville. Cannonading was 
 kept up on both sides, though the army held, substantially, 
 the positions occupied before the battle. We could look 
 down on Richmond, having, at the distance of five miles, an 
 17 
 
130 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 
 
 excellent "bird's eye view" of the rebel capitol ; but I 
 became convinced that balloons could be of little service in 
 this timbered country. The camps of the confronting armies 
 could be determined by the smoke of their fires issuing 
 through the trees, which with their dense foliage entirely 
 obscured the movements of those below. Hundreds of 
 thousands of troops could be moved for miles without being 
 discovered from the balloon. However, it was an agreeable 
 but expensive pastime ; and Captain Allen promised to let 
 me have another airy flight when we entered Richmond, 
 which we were daily expecting to do, but which pleasure we 
 were forced to forego. 
 
 Many of the incidents connected with picket life on the 
 Chickahominy were very amusing, as well as instructive. 
 .The inhabitants who had ventured to remain on their farms 
 were opposed to dealing in United States currency, known 
 as "Greenbacks," but would readily dispose of anything 
 they^had to spare for Confederate notes. By some means, I 
 know not when or how, our boys became possessed of a con- 
 siderable sum of currency of this description, with which 
 they carried on quite a lively trade with the country people. 
 They purchased butter, giving from a dollar to a dollar and 
 a half per pound in Confederate currency, and chickens, 
 ducks, geese, turkeys, etc., were to be had at like exorbitant 
 prices ; and when southern money was wanting, there seemed 
 to be little lack of these commodities. One day some oflScers 
 from another camp called upon Colonel Farnsworth and 
 dined with him in the usual way. A few ponchos spread on 
 the ground served for table and tablecloth, but when the 
 guests were seated, a la Turk, chickens, roast pig, honey, 
 butter, etc., were brought forth, to the utter astonishment of 
 the visitors. They remarked that they had no such fare 
 in their camp, and wondered how he obtained these luxuries. 
 The Colonel replied that he had learned one important lesson 
 from the Scriptures which he religiously observed. He did 
 not know that he could quote the text correctly but the lesson 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 131 
 
 was this : " Eat what is set before you, and ask no questions, 
 for conscience' sake." 
 
 On another occasion Company K, (Captain E. J. Farns- 
 worth,) being on picket, an invitation was sent to camp for 
 several of the officers to visit the picket post. On their 
 arrival they found the Captain's headquarters in an eleg&nt 
 mansion, which had been deserted by the owners — the colored 
 people preferring to remain and take their chances with the 
 Yankees. The guests were ushered into the splendidly fur- 
 nished parlors, and after a short time were invited into the 
 dining hall, where the table was groaning under its weight 
 of luxuries. Colored waiters were in attendance, as in the 
 most fashionable hotels, and one course after another was 
 served. The china was of the most exquisite pattern, and 
 silver spoons, forks, etc., in abundance. After the substan- 
 tials were dispatched in the most approved style, the dishes 
 were removed, and the waiters brought from the cellars some 
 of the rich old wine, such as Virginia planters usually keep. 
 
 After dinner an elegant carriage, with silver mounted 
 harness, was brought to the door to escort the guests to the 
 picket posts. Could the old rebel — the owner of this splen- 
 dor — have looked in upon our party, either at the table, or 
 in his fine, family carriage, I think he would have cursed 
 the Yankees more bitterly than ever. 
 
 The following incident will illustrate the opinion General 
 Sumner entertained of the daring and intrepidity of ''oiu- 
 boys :" 
 
 A Lieutenant commanding a New York Battalion reported 
 to him for duty — when the General ordered him to the front 
 — and if possible ascertain the position of the enemy. 
 
 " How far shall we go ?" inquired the Lieutenant. 
 
 " As far as you dare go, and you will find the Eighth 
 Illinois miles ahead stealing horses," was the General's reply. 
 
 On the night of June 3d the enemy made a demonstration 
 on the left of our army which was commanded by General 
 Keys. The fighting was severe, and a part of the Eighth 
 
182 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Illinois was under fire, but no casualties occurred. The 
 rebels were repulsed and the lines remained as heretofore. 
 
 Our hospital at Walnut Grove Church was at this time in 
 charge of Assistant-Surgeon Crawford. Peter C. Simmons, 
 of Company A, who had been left as nurse at Williamsburg, 
 having returned to the regiment, was noAv acting as nurse at 
 this hospital. He gave a glowing account of the attention 
 paid him by the officers at Williamsburg, where he was chief 
 nurse of a hospital. lie had a colored servant assigned him 
 while there, who blacked his boots, and gave him so much 
 personal attention, that his natural dislike for the colored 
 people seemed to have been lessened. At Walnut Grove 
 Church occurred an incident too good to be lost, which, in 
 the end, proved almost a tragedy; and from which circum- 
 stance can be traced the loss of his life. 
 
 Captain Hooker had a colored servant boy who was taken 
 sick in camp and sent to the hospital in the evening. The 
 mosquitoes being very troublesome, no more candles were 
 kept burning than Avere absolutely necessary to give medicine 
 and perform other duties. Simmons took the boy in chai'ge, 
 not knowing he was a negro, undressed and washed him 
 thoroughly, put on hospital clothes and placed him in a 
 bunk, made by putting together two benches with backs, 
 which served as pews in the church, and filling them with 
 straw. During all this proceeding, in consequence of the 
 darkness, he did not discover that his patient was black ; 
 but when he came to administer a dose of medicine by a 
 lighted candle, the fact was revealed that he had washed 
 and dressed a dirty negro boy. He became enraged and 
 declared he " would not attend upon or give medicine to a 
 nigger." In consequence of this he was returned to his 
 company, and during the retreat to James river was captured, 
 taken to a rebel prison where he was detained for many 
 months, suffering great privations, but was finally exchanged 
 and reached the parole camp at Alexandria Virginia, greatly 
 broken down in health and spirits. After considerable 
 
'THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 133 
 
 detention he was discharged, but soon after died in a hospital 
 in Washington City. 
 
 Nothing of interest transpired for some time. We were 
 in daily expectation of marching into Richmond, and 
 wondered why we delayed so long. The northern news- 
 papers, among which the New York Herald was most con- 
 spicuous, were brought daily to camp by news-dealers, and 
 sold at prices ranging from ten to twenty-five cents each ; 
 the monopoly of this trade being given to certain individuals 
 who, it was said, supplied the headquarters free of charge, 
 but made thousands of dollars out of the soldiers. These 
 papers kept the men excited with rumors of an advance, 
 which in their eagerness to occupy the city they readily 
 believed, although the accounts of the fighting which took 
 place they knew to be, in most cases, altogether erroneous. 
 
 On the 10th of June we visited the Third Battalion at 
 Fair Oaks, where Captain Cleveland and some of the men 
 were unwell. In company with Major Beveridge, Captains 
 Gearheart and Hooker, we visited the battle ground of Fair 
 Oaks. Hundreds of the rebel dead lay rotting above ground, 
 which was literally covered with maggots crawling in all 
 directions for more than half a mile, and the stench that 
 arose from these putrid bodies was almost beyond endurance. 
 And yet a part of our army were on duty and encamped 
 upon the ground. After the battle, the rebel prisoners were 
 sent out under guard to bury their dead ; but instead of 
 doing it properly, they merely threw a few shovelfuls of 
 dirt over each corpse where it lay, and the heavy rains which 
 prevailed soon washed this away. In one place, on a piece 
 of ground not more than eighteen or twenty feet square, lay 
 eighteen dead bodies partly uncovered, with the flesh falling 
 from the bones and crawling with maggots. One still 
 grasped with his bony hand the ramrod with which he was 
 loading his gun when he was shot. This we pulled from his 
 hand and brought home as a memento of the terrible scene. 
 While we were viewing the battle-field the rebels, probably 
 
184 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 thinking we were a party of officers on a reconnoisanee, 
 opened upon us, sending several cannon shots into our camp, 
 but no one was injured. 
 
 On the 13th inst., a flag of truce party went through the 
 lines to carry dispatches to the enemy, which was no uncom- 
 mon occurrence. Having a curiosity to see them Within 
 their own lines we accompanied the party. Lieutenant 
 Sumner was the bearer of dispatches, and Captain E. J. 
 Farnsworth, Lieutenant Colonel Gamble, Major Clendennin 
 and myself, with ten or a dozen attendants composed the 
 party. After passing our pickets, a Sergeant and Corporal 
 were sent about ten rods in advance of us bearing the flag 
 of truce, (a white handkerchief tied to a stick about five 
 feet long.) When we had advanced about a mile beyond our 
 picket line, we observed a troop of cavah'y off to our left 
 some half a mile. We continued to advance, and when 
 within hailing distance were commanded to halt. The flag 
 bearers Avith our Lieutenant Colonel, Lieutenant Sumner 
 and others, went forward to meet the rebels, when lo, they 
 proved to be a party of the Sixth Regulars who were out 
 scouting. It was a pleasant surprise and no damage done. 
 We continued our march and in due time arrived upon the 
 neutral ground, Hughes' Corners. There we met two rebel 
 Captains, Captain Waller of the Ninth Virginia Cavalry, 
 and Captain Rice of Cobb's Georgia Legion, with a number 
 of attendants. The rebels were rather morose, but a courier 
 was dispatched to their General with the documents, and after 
 imbibing (a few times,) the contents of a canteen which was 
 passed around freely, and discussing matters and things 
 generally, they all shook hands and parted, apparently 
 friends, yet ready to slay each other in battle at the first 
 encounter. Such is war, and such the usages of civilized 
 society. 
 
 On the 13th of June the rebels performed a feat, which 
 for daring and gallant action, is unsurpassed in the history 
 of the rebellion. Our regiment was on the extreme right of 
 
I 
 
 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 135 
 
 the army, and had been performing the arduous duty of 
 picketing ten miles of the line, along the Chicohominy, and 
 extending from thence toward the Ir'amunky river. The 
 remainder of the distance, some eight or ten miles to the 
 Pamunky, had been left open. Our Colonel, and also Gen- 
 eral Stoneman, had urged those in command at headquarters 
 to have this gap filled, giving as a reason, that the enemy 
 might come round in our rear and do great damage. Three 
 days in succession General Stoneman made written state- 
 ments of the case, and twice received the promise that Gen- 
 eral Cook would send out pickets on our right to communi- 
 cate with ours, and fill up the vacant place, but he did not. 
 So the rebels took advantage of this neglect, and sent out a 
 strong force from Richmond around our right. Some two 
 thousand cavalry, three cannons, and several regiments of 
 infantry. They came across four companies of the Fifth 
 Regular Cavalry and cut them to pieces terribly, killing and 
 wounding a large number. They burnt a train of wagons, 
 and three schooners on the Pamunky river, set fire to the 
 railroad bridge in the rear of General McClellan's grand 
 army, destroyed the telegraph wire, took sixty prisoners, 
 and '"played smash generally," and then went on their way 
 rejoicing. All this occurred through sheer neglect ; the 
 danger having been pointed out by Colonel Farnsworth and 
 General Stoneman for many days before. 
 
 After this event our regiment continued doing picket duty, 
 and occasionally going out in scouting and foraging parties, 
 but nothing of note transpired until the 26th of June. On 
 June 22d, Robert Fish, of Company L, died of typhoid 
 fever, and Dr. Stull lay very sick of the same disease. In 
 our march up the Peninsula, we had captured a good milch 
 cow, which had supplied the hospital with good, fresh milk, 
 but some evil-disposed persons, not having the fear of God or 
 the army before their eyes, stole her from us, to the great 
 discomfort of the sick. The First New York Cavalry, called 
 the "Lincoln Cavalry," encamped by the side of our hos- 
 
136 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 pital and were very noisy ; besides which they let their dead 
 horses lay in close proximity to us, until we were obliged to 
 complain to their Colonel to abate the nuisance. Some of 
 the most ignorant of them still persisted in occupying our 
 grove for improper purposes, notwithstanding our protests. 
 Dr. Crawford, becoming incensed at their stupidity, took 
 his pistol and pointing it at them commenced firing blank 
 cartridges, which so frightened them that we were troubled 
 no more. 
 
 It would be well now to take a view of our position before 
 describing the exciting events which are to follow. We 
 reached this place on the 23d of May, a little more than a 
 month previous, and although we had scouted and reconnoit- 
 ered the country for miies in all directions, virtually held the 
 same position we then took. From day to day we expected 
 to capture Richmond, yet no attempt to that effect had been 
 made. We had fought a severe battle at Fair Oaks, but had 
 made no advance in that direction. We labored night and 
 day on picket and camp duty, and in taking care of the sick 
 whose numbers were daily increasing. In addition to those 
 of our own regiment, we had taking charge of the balloon 
 corps, detachments of several infantry regiments, and a 
 squadron of Massachusetts Cavalry, on duty at General 
 Stoneman's headquarters. This immense army had to be 
 supplied from its base at White House. Most of the forage 
 and other supplies came by railroad ; but we brought ours 
 by trains from Dispatch Station, some eight miles distant, 
 and occasionally had to send a train to White House Land- 
 ing, twenty-five miles distant. The roads were very muddy 
 as the showers of rain had been copious. As the daily 
 round of duties were performed each would ask the other 
 "what next?" " What next ?" We will see ! Stonewall 
 Jackson's success in driving the federal forces from the 
 Shanandoah Valley was immediately followed by his march- 
 ing with a large part of his army to reinforce the troops 
 defending Richmond. This may or may not have been 
 
BRI G CEIMl: WILLIAM GAMBLE- 
 
 OF EVANSTON ILLINOIS. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 137 
 
 known to General McClellan, but it was known to us, who 
 had not given up the hope of entering the Southern Capitol. 
 On the 25th, four companies went out on picket. They 
 consisted of Companies II, L, G and C. II, on the Hanover 
 road, L, on the Ashland road, and G and C as reserves. 
 Companies E and K, on being relieved, proceeded to Ashland 
 and drove in the rebel pickets and their reserves, to Ashland 
 Station, so rapidly that they left their dinners uneaten and 
 their haversacks hanging on the bushes. Having arrived at 
 the station they found a large force of the enemy disembark- 
 ing from a train of cars, who immediately formed into line 
 of battle to receive them. During the skirmish that followed 
 we cut the telegraph wires, carrying away fifteen or twenty 
 rods of it, and then retreated. 
 
 18 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Second Battle of Mechanicsville, and first of the Seven Days' Fight— Death of Captain 
 Hooker— Ex-Governor Wood a Volunteer— Battle of Gaineg' Mill— Destruction of the 
 Stores at Dispatch Station— Retreat from Savage Station— White Oak Swamp— Night 
 march to James River— Arrival at Ilaxai's Landing— Leading the way to Uarrison"^ 
 Bar— Battle of Malvern Hill- Burning Army Wagons— Reconnoisance of Captain 
 Southworth— Second Battle of Malvern nill— Sergeant Kinly in a critical situaiion- 
 Capturing Carter's Horses— Evacuation of Harrison's Landing— March to Yorktown 
 —Embarkation— Arrival at Alexandria. 
 
 June 26th, the morning was ushered in bright and clear. 
 The boys on picket were up at peep of day, and were cook- 
 ing their breakfast when the sun rose in all his majesty to 
 witness the scene of bloodshed and suffering that was to 
 follow. Major Dustin's Battalion was on picket, with reserve 
 posts at Atlee's Station, Mrs. Crenshaw's farm. Shady 
 Grove church and the Cross-Koads. Early in the morning 
 the Major left Atlee's Station in company with Captain 
 Hooker and Orderly Armsby, and visited Company H at the 
 Cross-Roads, and then rode out beyond the videttes, on the 
 road to Hanover Court House. About half a mile beyond 
 the videttes on the right of the road was a large plantation. 
 At this point they left the road, passing through a gateway. 
 After riding first through an open field and then through a 
 small belt of woods, they came in sight of a farm house. 
 Hastily taking a view of the surrounding country they 
 started to return, intending to reach the road by the same 
 gateway ; when within about fifty yards of the road a volley 
 of about a dozen shots was fired at them, by what proved 
 to be the advance guard of the rebels, from an ambush on 
 the other side of the road nearly opposite the gateway. 
 
\ 
 
 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 139 
 
 Captain Hooker was shot through the body, the ball enter- 
 ing near the pit of the stomach. Being cut off from the 
 road they were compelled to take a circuitous route in order 
 to gain the reserve post of Company H at the Cross-Roads. 
 It was with great difficulty that Captain Hooker could cling 
 to his horse, and after gaining about one half the distance 
 his strength failed him and he was unable to ride further. 
 Major Dustin assisted him to dismount, and there in a small 
 pine grove, ministered to his distress as well as he was able. 
 Despairing of getting him within our lines, and knowing it 
 was his duty to reach his command as soon as possible, 
 Major Dustin told the suffering man he must leave him. He 
 seemed conscious that bis wound was a fatal one, and pleaded 
 earnestly to have them remain with him. In vain the 
 Major urged his imperative duty to his battalion. 
 
 " Oh, Major," he cried, " I would not leave i/ou if you 
 were in my place." 
 
 Promising to send for him if possible, the Major left him 
 and hurried back to the Cross-Roads. A line of skirmishers 
 was immediately ordered out, and men were sent to bring 
 Captain Hooker into our lines ; but the enemy came upon 
 them so rapidly that the effort had to be abandoned. I 
 afterwards learned that on falling into the enemy's hands he 
 was placed in charge of Dr. Overton, a physician of the 
 neighborhood, who cared for him until his death. Thus it 
 will be seen that the Eighth Illinois Cavalry received the 
 first fire, shed the first blood, and made the first mortal 
 sacrifice in the memorable seven days' fight and retreat from 
 before Richmond. 
 
 It will be borne in mind that there are many small streams 
 in that vicinity, all running into the Chickahominy, and 
 most of them lined by swampy ground thickly covered with 
 timber and underbrush. These streams are ciossed by 
 roads running parallel with the river, which would pass 
 alternately over a beautiful plantation, across a swamp, and so 
 on for twenty miles perhaps. Our pickets would be thrown 
 
140 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 out on the right and left immediately beyond the swamp, to 
 watch the approaches. Thus the pickets were placed on the 
 2t>th of June. Company H had seven posts besides the 
 company headquarters. One man was on the lookout at 
 each post, while the others would rest, cook. &c. While 
 Corporal Teeple and George Baker were in an oat-field after 
 fodder, they heard firing at Smith's post, and on coming out 
 of the field to the top of the hill, found that the pickets had 
 fallen back to headquarters. Soon squads were seen 
 coming in on double-quick ; as a courier had been sent to 
 order them back, for the enemy was approaching. Company 
 H was formed on the left of the road and awaited the foe. 
 Companies C and G came up, and as they slowly retired 
 the men were placed where they could see and not be seen, 
 and many a leaden messenger was sent to check the opposing 
 army The enemy advanced very carefully and slowly from the 
 fear of masked batteries or the deadly carbine. Our men 
 deployed in every field and remained as long as possible, 
 and then passed the defile. A similar movement was enacted 
 on the other roads held by the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
 
 Meanwhile messengers were dispatched to headquarters 
 giving notice of the progress of the enemy, and the " Penn- 
 sylvania Bucktails," a splendid regiment of infantry, with 
 others, were sent to our assistance, and came up to our retir- 
 ing cavalry at Shady Grove Church. With their assistance 
 the foe was kept back until three o'clock in the afternoon at 
 which hour we fell back, leaving but a vidette to give notice 
 of the enemy's advance. At every defile we felled trees 
 across the bridges so as to impede a rapid advance of artil- 
 lery ; but on came the hordes of rebeldom, and when near 
 Mechanicsville the noble "bucktails" became engaged in a 
 sharp struggle in which many were captured, and more placed 
 
 hors du combat. In this engagement Stevens, of Com- 
 
 L, was wounded in the arm, which was amputated by Assist- 
 ant-Surgeon Crawford. Company B was on the road leading 
 by Pole Green Church when the enemy came down upon 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 141 
 
 them in force. They made a vigorous defence in which 
 William Chambers was shot through the heart and instantly 
 killed, but one of his comrades at once avenged his death by 
 shooting his adversary. This man's horse was shot and in 
 the fall he was severely injured, and was reported killed by 
 his captain. The enemy came upon him and supposed he 
 was dead so adroitly did he imitate a dead man. After they 
 passed on he made his escape through their lines and reached 
 our lines in safety. 
 
 The infantry having now advanced to the front, our regi- 
 ment came to camp and prepared for any emergency. The 
 regiment was drawn up in line "standing to horse" ready 
 for any duty that might present itself, v/hen a venerable 
 figure approached, dressed in citizens clothes, with snowy 
 locks surmounted by a high-crowned "stove-pipe hat," and 
 entered into earnest conversation with Colonel Farnsworth. 
 This was no other than Ex-Governor John Wood, of Illinois. 
 Being on a visit to the army and finding events becoming 
 every moment more and more thrilling and important, he 
 wished to volunteer his services, and in every possible way, 
 even at the risk of losing his life, aid the glorious work of 
 saving our country. His appearance was anything but sol- 
 dier-like. Our Colonel advised an exchange of the " tall 
 hat," for a slouch or felt one, recently captured from a rebel, 
 and with sabre, belt and spurs, obtained in like manner, well 
 strapped on and well mounted, he soon changed the citizen 
 into a soldier, of whom our men felt proud ; and through 
 that memorable retreat from the Chickahominy to James 
 river. Governor Wood was found among the foremost in 
 battle; his venerable white hair streamed in the wind as he 
 lifted his hat and waved it to cheer the men on in hours of 
 deepest peril and gloom, and gave courage and hope to hearts 
 almost ready to despair. And now that victory has crowned 
 their efforts, the recollection of liis daring and chivalrous 
 example sends a thrill of delight to every heart of that noble 
 band of patriots with whom he fought. They all count him 
 as one of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
 
142 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 The Eighth was soon ordered to support a battery on the 
 road, near Pole Green Church, where a host of the enemy's 
 forces were expected but did not come. Near Mechanics- 
 ville the fighting became terrible, infantry and artillery were 
 warmly engaged and gradually gave way before superior 
 numbers. As the turnpike crossing the river at Meadow 
 Bridge was uncovered, General A. P. Hill's troops crossed 
 from Richmond and pressed hard upon our forces, which, 
 after an obstinate resistance, retreated from Mechanicsville 
 across Beaver Dam Creek, to some rifle pits, which had been 
 hastily constructed on the crest of the hill. Concealed from 
 view by the dense foliage our artillery was posted, waiting 
 in silence for the work to begin. Below, and in front of 
 this line, hidden by the swamp, lay a line of infantry watch- 
 ing the movements of the foe, who put their artillery in 
 range, and the earth was fairly shaken with the roar. Here 
 they were checked ; they ordered a charge, and down the 
 hill they came, on double-quick and into the swamp, where 
 our hidden line arose and poured deadly volleys into the 
 terrified army. The artillerymen had viewed the scene in 
 breathless suspense, but now came their turn to work, and 
 grape and cannister w^ere showered into their routed line 
 until they fairly laid in heaps, and only the darkness of the 
 night put an end to the work of carnage. The terrible loss 
 of the enemy is partly admitted by their historian. Pollard 
 in his "Lost Cause," says of this charge: 
 
 " D. H. Hill's leading brigade, under Ripley, advanced to 
 the support of the troops engaged, and at a late hour united 
 with Pender's brigade of A. P. Hill's division in an effort to 
 turn the enemy's left. In the excitement and darkness, 
 Ripley advanced his line through the open fields and 
 had reached the road and swamp in front, when suddenly 
 the enemy opened with grape at twenty yards, and mowed 
 down whole files of our men. The word "to charge" rang 
 from wing to wing, and our men running down the bank to 
 the road beneath were stopped by the impassable swamp 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 143 
 
 and abattis ; to the right, up the rising road, cannon also 
 blazed in their faces, and well-posted infantry poured in 
 showers of small shot. Retreat was the only alternative, 
 and under the cover of the darkness it was affected with 
 little additional loss. The fire was continued until abou*- 
 nine o'clock in the night when the engagement ceased, and 
 thus closed the first day of the battles around Richmond. " 
 A little before dark it became evident that our position 
 was very critical. A cannon ball struck the anvil of 
 McGregor of Company B while he was standing by it shoeing 
 a horse. Colonel Farnsworth said to him " that will do 
 McGregor, move out of here." The old Scotchman replied, 
 "Yes, Colonel, I think I will." The Quartermaster and 
 Commissary lost no time in removing their stores, and the 
 old camp was hastily abandoned. The hospital at AValnut 
 Grove Church was well filled with the sick and every effort 
 was made to have them removed. One four horse ambulance, 
 a two wheeled cart and one army wagon were our only means 
 of transportation. The sick (among whom was Dr. StuU, 
 lying very low with the typhoid fever,) were loaded into 
 these vehicles, but all who were able, were required to walk. 
 It was dark before they were in the conveyances, and to our 
 great annoyance the hospital happened to be in the direc- 
 tion in which the enemy were firing, and one shell struck 
 the roof of the hospital before the sick were all removed 
 tearing it terribly, but inflicting no injury. In our haste, 
 and for want of transportation some of the hospital furniture 
 was abandoned. One article in particular was overlooked 
 and left. It was a very large quilt, manufactured by some 
 union ladies of Evanston, Misses Lizzie Sherman, Ella 
 Judson and Nanna Fussy, and presented to the Surgeon of 
 the regiment through Major Beveridge. The design of the 
 quilt was very appropriate, as the word "Union" was 
 stamped on every inch of it. It fell into the hands of the 
 enemy ; I am quite sure that no secessionist could sleep well 
 under such an array of "Union" as it presented. The sick 
 
144 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 were moved about four miles across the creek near Gaines' 
 Mill, and there remained lying in their ambulances for the 
 night. The horses were not unhitched from the wagons, 
 and all were kept in readiness to move at any moment. 
 
 Early in the morning while preparing some breakfast, a 
 staflF officer rode up to me and intimated that this was not a 
 safe position for our sick, and we at once determined to 
 remove them to Savage Station, and get them out of danger 
 if possible. We were soon moving again, but it was noon 
 before we reached the Station, and knowing that the right 
 wing of our army was falling back, we were very anxious to 
 get the sick on board the first train, fearing the railroad 
 would be destroyed in our rear and we be compelled to aban- 
 don them to the mercy of the enemy, which would prove fatal 
 to matiy, — and iti fact the train which carried the poor 
 fellows to White House Landing was the last one that passed 
 over the road. 
 
 While transacting the necessary business with Surgeon 
 Swinburne, in charge at Savage Station, he asked me "how 
 matters were progressing across the Chickahominy." I in- 
 formed him that our forces Avere falling back before the 
 enemy, and gave that as a reason for our anxiety to get the 
 sick removed. A nervous old man connected with the Maine 
 Soldier's Aid Society overheard our conversation, and im- 
 mediately proceeded to General Ileintzelman's headquarters, 
 and with fear and trembling told what he had heard. Very 
 soon we were waited upon by a drunken staff officer, who 
 heaped upon us the most profane and insulting epithets ; 
 swearing we had told a lie, and that our forces were driving 
 the enemy before them ; and ordering us to report back to 
 our regiment ; threatening to put us under arrest, &c., tfec. 
 So much for "staff officers." I only regret that I do not 
 
 know his name. I saw him once after that at White Oak 
 Swamp. He was then cursing and swearing because the 
 road was blocked with teams, which he feared would cut off 
 his hasty retreat. His bleared eyes seemed to see an enemy 
 in every tree and stump in his rear. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 145 
 
 We returned to an open field near the Chickahominy where 
 our teams and quartermaster stores were picketed, and were 
 soon greeted with the sound of artillery and musketry, which 
 was the beginning of the battle of Gaines' Mill. 
 
 Before daylight of June 27th, our forces were withdrawn 
 from the line of Beaver Dam Creek, and formed a new line 
 near Gaines' Mill Creek, whose banks were high and formed 
 a good defence on our right ; but toward the Chickahominy 
 receded and left a large tract of bottom land which led to 
 the swamp bordering the river. General Stoneman with 
 part of his cavalry, was several miles to the right, on the 
 Pamunky, and his communication with the main army being 
 cut off, it was feared he would be surprised by the enemy ; 
 60 an order was given to notify him of the situation. This 
 perilous task was entrusted to Major Clendennin, who sent 
 a squad from his battalion ; it was gallantly performed ; and 
 by this means, his command was saved. He marched down 
 the Peninsula to White House, and thence to Yorktown, 
 and finally joined the army again after it reached Harrison's 
 Landing, on James river. 
 
 About noon the enemy were seen approaching our new 
 lines, and the Eighth Illinois Cavalry were mostly placed 
 to support batteries. The battle raged with great fury, and 
 for some hours the enemy were foiled in their attempts to 
 force our lines. But late in the afternoon Jackson arrived with 
 his command, and hurled his fresh troops upon our soldiers who 
 had fought the day previous and were now almost exhausted. 
 Our troops resisted their furious advance in a praiseworthy 
 manner, but on came the fresh columns of the rebels with 
 victorious cheers and well-filled cartridge-boxes, while ours 
 were nearly empty. Our reserves under General Slocum 
 now came up and the enemy was driven with great loss. 
 The "Irish Brigade" here distinguished itself, and added 
 fresh courage to the desponding troops. 
 
 The continuous volleys of musketry seemed mingled into 
 the grand roar of a great cataract, while the louder and 
 19 
 
146 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 deeper discharges of artillery bounded forth over the hills 
 and down the valley with a volume that seemed to shake the 
 foundation of the universe. The smoke was so thick that 
 the sun was gloomily red in the heavens, while the clouds of 
 dust in the rear, caused by the commotion of the moving 
 squadrons of cavalry, was stifling. And stilj the places of 
 the exhausted rebels Avere constantly being supplied with 
 fresh troops, and our line began to waver. Hundreds of 
 stragglers, wounded and exhausted, were rushing to the 
 rear. The lines were being dangerously reduced, until a 
 line was but a scattering few, and the dust, confusion and 
 roar of artillery, announced to every one that a panic was 
 imminent A few brave regiments who had but half an hour 
 before rushed to the rescue of the broken ranks, were falling 
 back, and every moment becoming less in numbers. 
 
 The scene was heart-sickening. Our Colonel quickly 
 issued orders to form by squadrons into single line across the 
 field, and let none but the wounded with an attendant, pass. 
 With drawn sabres, we demanded a "halt" to all but the 
 bleeding ; and several times were officers and men ordered 
 to halt and form into line, when they would open their shirt- 
 bosoms and exhibit a ghastly wound, or lift the lid of an 
 empty cartridge-box, or show a shattered gun ; and some 
 were coming with an arm or finger dangling. Through the 
 clouds of smoke and dust we could see our line retreating 
 slowly, and hopelessness was depicted on every face of the 
 infantry that approached. Not a man in the cavalry but 
 waited the order to "charge," but it never came. These 
 that were rallied were soon in compact line, and moved for- 
 ward with but the bayonet as a defence. The coming 
 stragglers halted, thinking these were fresh troops, and 
 joining them formed a second line and waited an attack. 
 Cheer after cheer arose from this line as they advanced. 
 The enemy threw shells in our midst, and one bursting 
 among us struck our color-bearer, John Ryan, (the "little 
 boy" to whom the flag, presented by the ladies of Alexandria, 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 147 
 
 was entrusted,) fracturing the knee-pan, and proving a very 
 serious wound ; and Thomas Brown was also shot in the 
 thigh with a minnie ball. 
 
 Our reserve batteries, Robertson's and Tidbali's, now 
 belched forth death among the rebel ranks, when the firing; 
 slackened and darkness put an end to the scene. During 
 the night, detachments brought in the wounded, for the 
 enemy had not dared to advance. Our army withdrew 
 across the river and thus ended the battle of Gaines' Mill. 
 
 During the evening. Lieutenant Cool, of Company I, was 
 sent with a detachment to the right near Coal Harbor, and 
 attempted to remove an ambulance which was found there, 
 but was attacked by the enemy, and after a spirited skirmish 
 withdrew without loss. It was evident the enemy would 
 follow down the left bank of the river, and sever our communi- 
 cation with our base of supplies at White House. While 
 the battle was yet raging. Companies E and K, under 
 Captain Kelly, were sent to Dispatch Station to picket and 
 guard our hospital and supplies, where they remained that 
 night. Early next morning the enemy's pickets made their 
 appearance, and as our army had commenced its retreat, 
 orders were sent to destroy the supplies there. He kept the 
 men in as conspicuous a place as possible so as to make a 
 display of force, while the sick were being removed from the 
 hospital, placed in army wagons and sent to Savage Station. 
 The hospital was then set on fire and the building, together 
 with a large supply of hospital stores, was consumed. The 
 enemy advanced as soon as they saw the smoke rising above 
 the trees, and our forces fell back to the Station, destroyed 
 the stores there and moved toward the Chickahominy. 
 
 Lieutenant W. W. Taylor, with a squad of men, was in 
 the direction of White House, and was not notified of this 
 movement. In order to allow him to join the main body 
 before being entirely cut off. Captain Kelly, with a part of 
 the squadron, went to open the way for Taylor, when the 
 enemy, with superior numbers, made a charge upon him 
 
148 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 accompanied bj yells and a volley from their pistols and 
 carbines. The charge was met bravely and for a time with- 
 stood, but being outnumbered the Captain was compelled to 
 fall back, which he did, followed a short distance by his 
 adversaries. Lieutenant Taylor, hearing the firing and 
 coming to the conclusion that he dare not remain longer for 
 fear of being captured, took a road to the left, and succeeded 
 in reaching the squadron. Our only loss was the capture of 
 Kitsmiller, of Company K, Avhose horse fell with him when 
 he was struck by a sabre, stunned and made prisoner. One 
 horse was captured from the rebels. The squadron then re- 
 crossed the river and joined the army, having accomplished 
 in a gallant manner all it was sent to do. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 28th of June, our wounded 
 were taken to Savage Station in the hope that they could 
 reach White House by railroad; soon the regiment was 
 in motion, and when drawn up near the Station we noticed a 
 long train of cars loaded with wounded who were being re- 
 moved and placed in tents and on the ground — several acres 
 of land being already covered. Colonel Farnsworth now 
 informed me that the railroad had been cut in our rear, and 
 he was ordered to take the advance in the retreat of the 
 ''grand army of the Potomac." We at once selected the 
 cases of wounded that belonged to the Eighth Illinois and 
 put them in an ambulance, for removal to a place of safety. 
 It was heartrending to hear the groans and pleadings of 
 others who wished to be removed, fearing to fall into the 
 hands of the enemy, but we were about to retreat, we knew 
 not whither, and could with difficulty take our own men. 
 
 While waiting for the order to march, a Mrs. Fogg, agent 
 for the Maine Soldier's Aid Society, with an old gentleman 
 named Rogers, (also from Maine,) came to us, greatly excited 
 as they had just learned that our communications were cut 
 oflf, and wished to be protected in the retreat. Mrs. Fogg 
 had an ambulance assigned her to convey her supplies, and 
 having much more than could possibly be transported in one 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 149 
 
 ambulance, she freely offered to distribute them among the 
 soldiers, sick or well. She gave us a few boxes of cracker?, 
 several dozen eggs, a fine cheese, &c., which we managed to 
 stow away in our already overloaded ambulance, for we 
 feared that rations for the sick would become scarce ere we 
 reached a place of safety. Her ambulance was now brought 
 into the train ready to move, when we were informed that 
 Mrs. General Richardson, with her nurse girl and infant 
 child, were also at the Station. They had come to spend a 
 short time in camp and by this unexpected attack were 
 unable to be sent back by railroad, and must accompany the 
 army and share its fortunes. An ambulance was assigned 
 to them and brought into the train, and we were directed 
 by Colonel Farnsworth, to take special charge of them. 
 
 The railroad and telegraph having been destroyed by the 
 enemy, and all communication with the White House inter- 
 rupted, (the country between that point and our forces being 
 now occupied by the enemy's cavalry,) General McClellan 
 called for three brave and discreet men to bear dispatches 
 through to the above mentioned place. The order came to 
 our regiment, and Colonel Farnsworth selected Sergeant 
 Bushnell, private Beckwith, and one other man, to perform 
 the perilous undertaking. Guided only by the stars of 
 heaven and a small pocket-compass, they entered the forest, 
 swam the Chickahominy river, threaded the winding paths 
 which led through the dense forest, avoiding the enemy's 
 cavalry that everywhere kept a vigilant watch for this or 
 like movements, and early next morning reached White 
 House Landing in safety and delivered their message. The 
 immense hospitals were at once discontinued, and the sick and 
 wounded were at once placed on hospital steamers. The 
 Quartermaster and Commissary supplies, of which there 
 were millions of dollar's worth, were partly saved by being 
 put on transports, and the balance committed to the flames, 
 just as the enemy's advance made its appearance. The 
 enemy had made great preparations to capture our supplies 
 
160 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 at this point, but in this they were foiled, owing to the suc- 
 cessful manner in which our men succeeded in evading them 
 and delivering their important dispatch. 
 
 About noon of June 28th we began the retreat in the di- 
 rection of White Oak Swamp, which place was held by 
 General Keys' command. We had not proceeded far when 
 Brown, of Company I, who had been wounded in battle the 
 day before, came hobbling up to the ambulance, having de- 
 termined to follow the regiment rather than take his chances 
 with the enemy. The road soon became throns^ed with the 
 retreating army. Wagon trains, artillery, infantry and cav- 
 alry crowded every thoroughfare and path, through forest 
 and field. Ere long the men that had been pent to destroy 
 the stores at Dispatch Station, joined us, and before dark 
 we reached White Oak swamp. The bridge was a very poor 
 one, and the swamp difficult to pass, but by dint of great 
 perseverance, our ambulance and wagon train, as well as 
 the ladies, were got safely across the stream, where we en- 
 camped for the night. During all that long, dark night we 
 could hear the teamsters yelling, swearing and whipping 
 their horses and mules, as they floundered through the deep 
 mud of White Oak Swamp. 
 
 On the side of the stream we now occupied, the bank rose 
 to a considerable hight, along which cannon wefre planted to 
 check the enemy, should they attempt to follow. During the 
 afternoon when looking back from an eminence over the 
 country we had abandoned, we observed a dense cloud of 
 smoke rising many hundred feet in the air, followed by an 
 explosion which caused the earth to tremble as if some vol- 
 cano had burst forth its hidden lava from the bowels of the 
 earth. The spectacle was grand beyond description. It was 
 the destruction of the immense stores of ammunition at 
 Savage Station that could not be removed. 
 
 During this afternoon, was fought the battle of Savage 
 Station, by General Sumner, who commanded the rear guard 
 of the retreat. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 151 
 
 Early on the morning, 29th, (Sunday,) the wounded came 
 straggling along, and the stream of suflfering humanity in- 
 creased as the day wore on. It was late in the afternoon 
 when our Colonel received orders from General Keys to take 
 the advance and conduct an immense train of ambulances 
 and wagons through to James river. Arrangements were rap- 
 idly made, squads of cavalry thrown out in front and on the 
 flanks. There were about seventy ambulances in the train and 
 many hundred wagons. The ambulances were all loaded to 
 their utmost capacity, yet thousands of sick and wounded men 
 were on foot, begging earnestly that they might be permit- 
 ted to ride. The night became very dark ; vivid lightning 
 flashed athwart the sky, peals of thunder rent the air, which, 
 mingled with the roar of cannon in our rear, made the night 
 hideous in the extreme. Squads of rebel cavalry were in 
 our front to dispute our advance, but dare not attack us in 
 the darkness ; and although the road could not be seen save 
 when a flash of lightning broke in through the inky black- 
 ness, we were ordered not to light a lantern for fear the 
 enemy's cavalry, which hung upon our flanks, would send the 
 deadly minnie ball into our midst. Many times did we dis- 
 mount and pull the weary or wounded footman out of the 
 road and from under the horses hoofs, where they had sunk 
 down, too much exhausted to go farther or even crawl from 
 beneath the wheels of the train, which would have crushed 
 them to death. The women, too, were almost frantic with 
 fear, and no wonder, when the stout-hearted soldiers, who 
 ^had faced the leaden hail-storm of the recent battles, were 
 ready to faint and give up in despair. The horrors of that 
 march will never be revealed until those terrible swamps give 
 up the dead who sank that night, to rise no more. It may 
 be thought by some that I am coloring the picture ; but 
 remember, boys, that while you were rushing through the 
 swamps and brush, seeking the rebel cavalry or finding the 
 best roads leading to James river, I was with the train of 
 
152 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 ambulances, caring for the sick and wounded and know of 
 what I write. 
 
 About three o'clock in the morning of June 30th, our 
 advance reached James river at Ilaxal's Landing, a short 
 distance below Malvern Hill. The teams were driven into 
 wheat fields and meadows, and the tired drivers sank down 
 for a short rest. Shortly after daylight the regimental head- 
 quarters were pitched in the grove on a hill overlooking the 
 place. Mrs. Fogg called upon us for the last of the cheese, 
 egg and crackers she had given us for the sick, (which she 
 had drawn upon from time to time during the retreat,) as 
 "she was preparing a breakfast for Mrs. Richardson, herself 
 and some of the officers at headquarters." After the terrible 
 night just passed, such a breakfast must have been very 
 refreshing ; so thought we — and the poor sick soldiers look- 
 ing out of the ambulances. But let it not be thought that 
 the sick and wounded of the Eighth went hungry. The 
 trouble experienced, was a want of time to prepare their food 
 in the best manner. All had plenty of hard tack and coffee. 
 
 Early in the day General Keys and staff arrived, and ex- 
 pressed himself highly gratified with the manner in which 
 the head of the column had been brought to the river. Two 
 gunboats were lying at this point — the "Monitor" and the 
 "Galena." The commander of the Monitor informed the 
 General that in consequence of the hight of the banks he 
 could not afford protection to the trains, and suggested that 
 a location be sought in the vicinity of Harrison's Bar, some 
 seven or eight miles distant by land, but more than twice 
 that distance by water. Shortly after this. General McClel- 
 lan arrived, and went on board the gunboat Galena. About 
 noon Colonel Farnsworth received orders to proceed to the 
 place suggested near Harrison's Bar, and look out a camping 
 place. This duty was assigned to Major Clendennin, who, 
 with Captain Clark and myself, started, accompanied by an 
 escort taking the train headed by our own ambulances. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 153 
 
 At this time firing was again heard in our rear, and toward 
 Richmond, which continued until after dark ; and we after- 
 wards learned that a terrible battle, known by the various 
 names of Nelson's farm, Glendale and Frazer's farm, had 
 been fought, — said bj General Sumner to be the most 
 severe battle since that of Gaines' Mill. Tne enemy was 
 repulsed, but under cover of the darkness our forces again 
 retreated. I'ut to return to our movements. Colonel Farns- 
 worth and most of the regiment remained on duty at the 
 front, while Major C. and his squad sought Harrison's Bar. 
 Without guides we proceeded down the river a few miles and 
 came to a turn in the road which seemed to us to lead in the 
 wrong direction ; this was followed for a mile or more, when 
 seeing some negroes harvesting, Major C called to them to 
 "•give directions as to the road to Harrison's Bar." They 
 appeared greatly frightened, said this was the right road. 
 The Major tried to induce one of them to go with us as a 
 guide, but he declined, fearing the wrath of his master. 
 Major C. then drcAV a pistol and ordered him to mount one 
 of our horses and lead the way. With fear and trembling 
 the poor fellow obeyed ; taking us safely along, through bye- 
 roads and across fields, to Harrison's Landing, which without 
 a guide would have been difficult to find. 
 
 The country through which we passed had not been dis- 
 turbed by the appearance of a hostile army, and wheat fields, 
 with ripe grain suffering to be harvested, were on either side. 
 The Harrison farm was a large plantation in the highest 
 state of cultivation ; as was the Westover plantation adjoin- 
 ing. Large fields of corn, waiste high, and wheat fields whose 
 ripe grain reached to the backs of our horses were now driven 
 into by our teams, which immediately began locating along 
 the banks of the river, and for half a mile back. The Har- 
 rison mansion — the birth-place of the late President, William 
 Henry Harrison — is a large brick farm-house, three stories 
 high, with an attic almost equal to the fourth story ; sur- 
 rounded by a grove and court containing eight or ten acres, 
 20 
 
154 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 It stands on a fine elevation, some forty or fifty feet above 
 the river, and almost as many rods distant from the landing. 
 Near the landing is a large brick tobacco-house, and on the 
 hill directly back of this, the old family burying ground. 
 Fruit in abundance was to be found here, and the cherries 
 with which the trees were loaded were the largest and richest 
 I ever tasted. The change from the forest and swamps 
 through which we had passed, to this beautiful plantation, 
 overlooking the placid waters of James river with but a 
 single vessel lying at anchor off the bar, was equal to the 
 transit from a terrible thunder-storm to a bright clear sky. 
 With the immense wagon trains that came rushing along, 
 came thousands of stragglers and wounded men. Major 
 Clendennin was chief officer in command here, and we knew 
 of no surgeon, yet arrived, whose rank was superior to our 
 own. Accordingly we went to the Harrison house to occupy 
 it as a hospital for our sick and wounded. The tenants had 
 deserted the premises. There were a few colored people in 
 the negro quarters hard by, but the mansion was barred and 
 bolted. We soon found means of gaining admission, and at 
 once set to work preparing it for the reception of the soldiers. 
 A guard was placed around the premises, and during the 
 night we admitted some two hundred wounded. In the 
 meantime Assistant-Surgeon Crawford and Hospital Steward 
 Robert Sill, were busily engaged at the tobacco-house dress- 
 ing the wounds of those that presented themselves there. 
 All night the trains kept coming in, and by morning the 
 grounds about our hospital were well-filled with sick men 
 who could not gain admittance to the house. 
 
 On the morning of July 1st, we found ourselves sur- 
 rounded by thousands of wounded from all parts of the re- 
 treating army, who had straggled along or been brought by 
 the teams ; with little or nothing to eat. These men could 
 Bcarcely bring themselves along without being encumbered 
 with rations ; and in fact having been in the thickest of the 
 battles when wounded and barely escaping capture, had no 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 rations to bring. The scene of suffering was terribly sick- 
 ening ; food was now of more importance than surgery, 
 though there were loud calls for the latter. Mrs. Fogg 
 made herself very useful by her unremitting labors and 
 devotion to the sick and wounded. With great difficulty, in 
 the confusion which prevailed, we succeeded in obtaining 
 six beef-cattle from a Quartermaster who had just arrived, 
 which were immediately slaughtered. Kettles were obtained 
 by the assistance of the negroes, and beef soup and hard-tack 
 were very soon distributed to the famishing men. The med- 
 ical men who came in were greatly fatigued, and but few 
 could be prevailed upon to go heartily to work — many sank 
 down from sheer exhaustion. 
 
 Order being partly restored, the wounded were receiving 
 all the care we could give them, when two steamboats, from 
 Fortress Monroe, arrived at the landing, and shortly after 
 the surgeon recently in charge of the general hospital at 
 White House, with fifteen assistant-surgeons, a corps of 
 nurses and six cooks, came to this hospital and reported for 
 duty, expecting, no doubt, to find the medical headquarters 
 of the army here. We at once oftered to resign the hospital 
 to his control, but he refused to take charge, saying he must 
 report to the Medical Director, who had not yet arrived ; 
 but he would leave his corps of assistants. ^Ye were very 
 glad to hear him make this announcement, for the supplies 
 they furnished were all needed, and the cooks made excel- 
 lent use of the beef we had provided. 
 
 During this day the battle of Malvern Hill was fought, 
 and we could distinctly hear the roar of artillery and the 
 rattle of musketry. Before night we succeeded in getting 
 our wounded on board the two hospital boats which lay at 
 the bar. The wounded kept coming in all that night, and 
 early in the morning the rain began to fall in torrents and 
 continued all day, making the roads almost impassable, but 
 giving some relief to the thirsty soldiers. D. N. Gross of 
 Company E, had been wounded near White Oak Swamp, a 
 
156 TTTE EIGJITH ILLINOIS CAVALBV. 
 
 b;ill IhhI jiiis.srd tiiiuUiiLi Ills uiilvle juiiir. but lie rotle. tioiii liie 
 ii.i til'- li»'IJ lu tilt- lauding—;! tli.-tulKf o\ jboiil t'-ii uiilcs 
 Hastily dressing his wounds we carried him on board thy 
 steamboat just as the planks were being drawn in, and the 
 boat started for Fortress Monroe. His injury proved to be 
 very^ serious, for with the utmost exertions and best care his 
 life was barely saved with the loss of his foot. Had he been 
 left behind he would doubtless have died. 
 
 While the rain was pouring down in torrents and every 
 shelter and out-house was filled with the sick and wounded, 
 Surgeon Letterman arrived, and took refuge in a small wedge 
 tent which the Major and I had erected. We now thought 
 that we should be relieved and enabled to return to the regi- 
 ment, but soon ascertained that he had come to relieve Sur- 
 geon Trjpler, as Medical Dn-ector of the Army of the 
 Potomac, and refused to do anything until he had reported 
 to that officer. He did not know where to find him, as the 
 army headquarters had not yet reached this place, conse- 
 quently we remained in charge until late in the afternoon, 
 when we were relieved and returned to the regimental head- 
 quarters which were a few rods from the landing. The con- 
 dition of the roads and the soil in the cultivated fields, with 
 thousands of men and horses passing over them, was horrid 
 beyond description. The road toward Malvern Hill was 
 blocked by broken wagons, caissons and abandoned baggage 
 of all kinds ; barrels of pork and other commissary stores, 
 and numberless tents, camp and garrison equipage were 
 strewn around for miles. 
 
 The throng rushing to the boats for transportation was 
 so great it was ordered that none but the wounded should be 
 admitted, although there were many cases of sickness that 
 needed removal and the most careful attention. 
 
 That evening the Chaplain of the " Pennsylvania Buck- 
 tails," (whose regiment had been nearly annihilated, and 
 who had himself suffered almost beyond human endurance,) 
 came groping into our midst and was hospitably received by 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLTlSrOIS CAVALRY. 167 
 
 ( liiiphiiii M II tliuk. He wa^ ^^o worn out h\ ruiist:iiit e.\j.io5<- 
 ui'j tliat ui' tVyrt'tl tor hi, lit'r. llis liuibs wci*' .st) lunge.-^tuij 
 irom ihe ankles to above the knees they had the appearance 
 of blood, and besides a high fever was parching his lips : 
 what to do with him in this condition was the question. 
 It was raining and we had no shelter for him — removal or 
 death was evidently his portion. In this dilemma we resort- 
 ed to strategy. Obtaining a stretcher he was placed upon it, 
 and our Chaplain took one end and a stout soldier the other, 
 while I led the way through the crowds that lined the rjver 
 banks; cominy to the guard we removed a portion of the 
 bandage we had placed on the Chaplain's legs, which deceived 
 the o-uard who thought he was wounded, and we had the sat- 
 isfaction of placing him safely on the vessel. 
 
 Our hearts ached to witness the crowds of sick soldiers 
 who, whenever a surgeon passed, implored his aid to get 
 them on the boats. Webster Fuller, of Company M, was 
 brought in wounded and carried on board a hospital steamer. 
 
 The night of July 2d was very rainy and Dr. Crawford 
 was taken sick, and on the morning of July 3d we succeeded 
 in getting him on board a boat bound for Wkshington. The 
 sick and wounded of the Eighth had been well cared for 
 compared with those of other regiments. The same day 
 that we were deprived of our valuable assistant, Crawford, 
 we removed our quarters to Westover Landing, and on the 
 4th we again moved about a mile and a half above the Har- 
 rison House, and encamped in the woods. The day was 
 pleasant but intensely warm, and sickness was on the in- 
 crease. 
 
 Governor Wood, of Illinois, had accompanied us through 
 this series of battles, and was now in camp with us, quite 
 seriously indisposed. So much so that we were extremely 
 anxious for his welfare. 
 
 From the time of our arrival at Harrison's Bar to the 
 4th of July the camp was in the utmost confusion ; but the 
 wounded having been sent off, the camp pretty well fortified 
 
158 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 and order restored, we had time to take a long breath. Let 
 us now take a retrospective view of the field and see what 
 the Eighth Illinois Cavalry have done. 
 
 Colonel Farnsworth, with his regiment, was put in charge 
 of the immense train of wagons which were moving on two 
 or three different roads. The regiment was stretched out on 
 these roads to protect the trains and keep them moving, and 
 on Tuesday, July 1st, most of the train was brought to 
 camp, while the battle of Malvern Hill was in progress. 
 Notwithstanding the drenching rain which commenced Wed- 
 nesday noon, the troops came in towards the Landing by 
 thousands, and a part of the Eighth was sent out on a scout 
 on the Long Bridge road, and were near that point when an 
 orderly reached them saying they must return, as the rear 
 guard of the army had passed. A large number of army 
 wagons which could not he brought through in time to prevent 
 their falling into the hands of the enemy, were burned by 
 our boys. They returned to ilaxall's Landing, where they 
 remained until Thursday noon, as a general engagement 
 was anticipated. One of the finest things of the week was 
 the bloodless capture of a rebel battery of four guns, and 
 some three or four hundred prisoners, by an Indiana regiment, 
 (I think the Thirteenth,) of General Shield's Division, which 
 had been landed scarce twenty-four hours. A Zouave regi- 
 ment engaged them in front as they were getting range on 
 some of our wagon trains, while the "Hoosiers" shifted 
 around and came within a few rods of their rear without 
 being discovered, when the rebels to a man surrendered. 
 
 Somewhere in the vicinity of Ilaxall's or Malvern Hill, 
 Peter C. Simmons and Barney Carlin, who were with the 
 '* led horses," delayed too long when the command fell back, 
 and were captured by the enemy, or, in army phrase, were 
 " gobbled up," and carried prisoners to Richmond. The regi- 
 ment was kept busy scouting, picketing and arranging the 
 lines, while no small number were acting as orderlies for the 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 159 
 
 diflferent Generals, carrying dispatches to all parts of the 
 command day and night. 
 
 The Fourth of July passed quietly, with no magnificent 
 demonstrations. The soldiers were too weary and dis- 
 heartened to indulge in great rejoicings. The weather was 
 extremely warm ; the thermometer frequently rising as high 
 as one hundred and two degrees Farenheit, in the shade. 
 
 About this time, General Stoneman took command as 
 Chief of cavalry. From this time until the retreat to York- 
 town and the embarkation for Alexandria, there were few 
 incidents of historic interest. The river being shallow for 
 quite a distance from the shore, there was an excellent 
 opportunity for bathing, and in the evening thousands of 
 soldiers could be seen enjoying this exercise. Part of our 
 regiment were on picket all the time. 
 
 President Lincoln visited this place, rode along the line 
 of defence, and was heartily received and cheered by the 
 troops. 
 
 On the 8th of July, Colonel Farnsworth received a leave 
 of absence. He had suffered with a diseased leg previous to 
 is entering the ar my, and constant duty in the saddle had 
 so increased the difficulty, that it became necessary for him 
 to obtain a respite. The command of the regiment now fell 
 upon Major Clendennin. As is usual with all volunteers, 
 when not actively engaged, some uneasiness or chafing arose 
 among the officers and men, which resulted in the tendering 
 of several resifjnations ; in some instances for the best of 
 reasons, and in others no doubt there was some intrigue dis- 
 played. Among those who resigned were Battalion Adju- 
 tant Gifford, Captain Dana, Chaplain Matlack and Captain 
 Cleveland, all of whom were deeply regretted by the troops 
 they had so ably commanded. Our sick list became larger 
 each day, applications for furloughs were very numerous, 
 and their refusal caused much of the discontent which was 
 manifest. On the 16th of July, Major Jones paid off the 
 regiment for March and April. 
 
160 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Having been suffering with tiie dysentery for some two 
 weeks, and having all the sick in the regiment to attend, I 
 found nij health failing so rapidly that I applie<l for a leave 
 of absence. For several days 1 hiy on a stretcher and ex- 
 amined and prescribed for from seventy-five to a hundred 
 patients daily ; Dr. Crawford not yet having returned from 
 Washinjiton. 
 
 On the 17th of Julv, Acting Assistant-Surgeon was sent 
 to the regiment to supply my place until Dr. Crawfords 
 arrival, and on the 18th 1 left for home on a leave of twenty 
 days. 
 
 On or about the 20th, Majors' JJcveridge and Clendennin 
 proceeded with half the regiment as far as Turkey Creek 
 Bridge, in the direction of Malvern Kill, driving the rebel 
 pickets before them. They were fired upon by a rebel 
 battery, and withdrawing in the direction of Ilaxall's, they 
 were often greeted with the "whiz ' of the deadly missile. 
 One shell burst near a picket post of Company H, and 
 wounded Sylvanus Brott in the foot, at the same time kill- 
 ing his horse. They succeeded, however, in capturing a 
 fine horse belonging to the rebels, and brought in two 
 citizens. 
 
 On the 22(1 another attempt was made to feel the enemy's 
 position on Malvern Hill by a double movement. Captain 
 Waite with about forty dismounted men engaged their at- 
 tention in front, and Major Bevcridge with about one hun- 
 dred mounted men crossed a mill-race on the right and had 
 an encounter with the cavalry pickets. J. C Clemens Avas 
 slightly wounded in the leg by pieces of a buckle shot from 
 his bridle by a minnie ball, which entered his horse's neck. 
 Matthew Nisson and the blacksmith of Company L, were 
 also wounded, and one of our horses was killed. One rebel 
 Avas captured, together with his horse and arms. He belong- 
 ed to the Fourth Virginia Cavalry. 
 
 The next day Major Clendennin drew the enemy into a 
 sort of ambush, and getting a cross fire on them turned the 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 161 
 
 charge they were about to make into a rapid retreat. Sev- 
 eral saddles were emptied and some horses captured. Our 
 forces then withdrew, as there was a large body of the 
 enemy's cavalry near. 
 
 On Saturday, August 2d, the horses were kept saddled 
 and ready for active service. In the evening all the regi- 
 ment except three companies, who Avere on picket, reported 
 to General Hooker. The latter, with infantry, artillery and 
 cavalry, moved out to near Ilaxall's, where our men remain- 
 ed until about twelve o'clock, to support the batteries and 
 be ready for any emergency. It was expected that our 
 lines were to be attacked, but the enemy did not make their 
 appearance. 
 
 On Sunday the chaplain of the Thirty-ninth Illinois Infan- 
 try, addressed our men in the morning, and in the afternoon 
 Companies H and K received orders to go out on a recon- 
 noisance toward White Oak Swamp. The object of this 
 expedition was to find some road by which a movement could 
 be made around Malvern Hill, so as to bring a force be- 
 tween that place and Hichmond, without being discovered by 
 the enemy. The expedition was under command of Lieu- 
 tenant Southworth. Leaving the lines about sundown they 
 slowly felt their way up the Quaker road to a wood-colored 
 church, (leaving pickets at every cross-road,) when leaving 
 the main road they pushed as far in the rear of Malvern Hill 
 as possible. In order to learn the position of the enemy, 
 some of our men entered citizen's houses, and pretended to 
 be rebels who had just come out on picket duty ; and by 
 ingenious conversation with the women succeeded in learning 
 the exact position of many of their picket posts, and all 
 returned safely to camp, having thus obtained the necessary 
 information. 
 
 On Monday evening nine companies of the Eighth Illinois, 
 the Eighth Pennsylvania and Sixth Regular Cavalry, report- 
 ed to General Hooker, who with Generals Sedgwich, Kearney 
 and Couch, moved out of their works with their divisions 
 21 
 
162 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 and four splendid batteries, Avhich made up a fine army. 
 It was evident that there "svas work ahead — Malvern Hill 
 was to be attacked from the rear. The Eighth Illinois 
 marched in advance until twelve o'clock at nitrht without 
 meeting the foe, and then went into camp. At daybreak, 
 on the oth of August, they again started, and after going 
 a mile came to the Charles City road, where was found a 
 heavy picket post, which was driven back towards New Market. 
 Turning to the left, they moved down toward James river, 
 directly in the rear of Malvern Hill ; opposed only by a few 
 pickets. On arriving at the point where our terrible line of 
 batteries so fearfully reduced the rebel ranks at the first bat- 
 tle of Malvern Hill, the enemy commenced firing upon us. 
 Benson's battery replied, and for two hours there was a furi- 
 ous cannonading. The fire of the enemy was well directed, 
 killing and wounding a number of our infantry. After a 
 time the fire was slackened and renewed at intervals, and 
 then suddenly ceased ; when it was ascertained the rebels 
 had retreated toward Richmond. It appears there was a 
 road nearer the river than that occupied by our forces, lead- 
 ing to Richmond. The general in command, though notifieil, 
 for some reason neglected to occupy it, and the enemy tak- 
 ing advantage of this omission, made their escape, although 
 our numbers were five times that of their own. When the 
 firing ceased General l*leasenton sent the cavalry down to 
 this road just in time to capture a few of the rear guard. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble gave the order to " charge after 
 the flying troops," and away our boys sped until checked 
 by coming upon the enemy. The rebel cavalry which had 
 hastily formed for a charge, fired and then broke in all 
 directions ; but their infantry, which were concealed at a 
 bend in the road poured in a fatal volley. Sergeant 0. J. 
 Moss, of Company L, fell pierced by three balls. Duggan, 
 of Company C, was also killed, and they were brought oft' 
 the field as we fell back, which we did as the artillery ap- 
 proached. Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble was shot in the chest 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 1G3 
 
 and severely wounded. He came back looking very pale, 
 but still rode his charger. Three others were wounded. 
 Falling back a short distance to give Tidball's flying artillery 
 the road, we had the satisfaction of seeing the rebels driven 
 from the field. The total loss of our regiment was two killed 
 and five wounded. The federal loss was not great, and the 
 number of rebel prisoners was about seventy-five. One cais- 
 son was all the booty we know of. The command remained 
 at Malvern Hill that night, and on Wednesday returned to 
 their former camps, the Eighth Illinois forming the rear 
 guard. 
 
 During the time the army remained at Harrison's Landing 
 some incidents occurred worth mentioning, the date of which 
 I am unable to determine. At one time a battery placed on 
 the south side of James river by the enemy, opened upon 
 the federal camp. Several were killed and considerable 
 confusion created, but the fire was returned and the enemy's 
 guns soon silenced. The enemy would also fire with musketry 
 into our vessels as they were passing up and down the river, 
 endangering the lives of all on board, when it became neces- 
 sary to convoy steamers, and h:ive gunboats patroling the 
 river constantly. 
 
 At another time while part of tlie regiment Avas on picket 
 at HaxalFs Landing, Companies A and F, with a company 
 of the Eighth Pennsylvania, were ordered out on a scout, in 
 command of Captain Forsythe. I give the incident in the 
 the language of one of the party : 
 
 " We took the right, instead of going directly toward Mal- 
 vern Hill ; crossed Turkey Creek, and seeing what were 
 apparently pickets at a house on a hill in the distance, our 
 column approached it. The two forward companies were 
 rising the hill, having crossed the small bridge at the foot, 
 when the third company was opened upon from a piece of 
 woods on our flank, for a moment creating confusion, more 
 among the horses than the men. We turned on the ambus- 
 caders and soon routed them out of their cover. Following 
 
164 TUE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 them up through the woods we came out into the opening 
 just in time to help repulse a charge on Company A and the 
 Pennsylvania boys ; they having gone around the house and 
 received the charge in ^front while we gave the enemy an 
 unexpected reception on their flank as they passed. When 
 they retreated we retired getting out without a scratch. 
 Their papers reported a loss of two killed and several wound- 
 ed. It was a brisk skirmish for a fc\'V minutes, and one 
 of our Avonderful escapes when pitted against superior 
 numbers." 
 
 A Lieutenant of the Sixty-ninth New York Volunteers, 
 with twenty of his men, was directed to make a reconnoisance 
 to ascertain if Malvern Kill was held by a large force, lie 
 was told to use all possible secrecy, and not reveal the object 
 of the enterprize. lie was also advised to call upon the 
 Eighth Illinois Cavalry, for a detail to act as guides. Ser- 
 geant John A. Kinley, Ira Kennicott and Ira Pettys, with 
 one or two others, undertook the perilous task of conducting 
 the party through the enemy's lines. Passing out on the 
 old mill road, up the Turkey Bend swamp and crossing the 
 mill-dam, they cautiously made their way through the lines 
 between the enemy's pickets unobserved ; and when coming 
 near the hill the men were secreted in the swamp. While 
 there the rebel patrol, or picket relief, passed in the rear of 
 them, so near that the clanking of their sabres against the 
 horses was heard distinctly. After they passed, the Lieuten- 
 ant and SergeantKinley advanced through the brush some half 
 a mile to the edge of the woods, and the sergeant stripped off 
 hat, coat and boots, and with a field glass in hand climbed a 
 sweet-gum tree some eighty feet high, to obtain a good view 
 of the enemy. His object was attained, for there were the 
 rebels in plain sight, with a very small force — not more than 
 a squadron. Put off to the left about half a mile, some half 
 dozen pickets were discovered, who, by their movements, 
 had evidently observed the Sergeant, or at least mistrusted 
 that all was not light. They formed in line of battle and 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 165 
 
 made an advance toward the tree. In this dilemma Sergeant 
 Kinley was not long in descending, "bear fashion," and with- 
 out waiting to put on boots or coat, caught up his clothes 
 and gun, and with the Lieutenant started on double-quick 
 for their men. Climbing the tree had greatly exhausted the 
 Sergeant, and being bare-foot he could with difficulty keep up 
 with his companion. The Lieutenant finally out-ran him, 
 and notified his men, who soon came to the relief of their 
 brave and courageous comrade. They then started for 
 camp, and again evaded the pickets and reached their regi- 
 ments after dark ; having accomplished the great feat and 
 obtained most valuable information. 
 
 After the last battle of Malvern Hill, (before related,) the 
 army commenced its retreat from Harrison's Landing ; the 
 Eighth Illinois Cavalry bringing up the rear. 
 
 There was a Avealthy planter, by the name of Hill Carter, 
 living a few miles below Ilaxall's Landing, whose property 
 was protected by safe guards of soldiers, stationed at con 
 venient places on his premises. His cribs were well 
 filled with corn, estimated at twelve thousand bushels, while 
 many of our horses were starving — and this was no excep- 
 tional case — the rebels were generally thus protected. 
 Carter had two sons in the rebel army fighting against us ; 
 and the Eighth boys could with difficulty submit to seeing 
 their noble horses perish for lack of the sustenance he might 
 have provided ; and being prevented from using his corn, 
 they determined not to leave the place without some of the 
 fine horses of which he boasted. Accordingly as the army 
 withdrew, and the pickets were about to be drawn in, a little 
 strategy was practiced upon the old gentleman. The guards 
 had been withdrawn, when Sergeant Kinley went to the house 
 with a squad of men, and told Carter that things were trans- 
 piring which made it necessary that he should remain within 
 his house that night, and that the first one who showed his 
 head out of the door would be shot. Carter protested, but 
 it was of no use — the orders had been imperative — and 
 
166 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 making a virtue out of necessity he retreated within doors. 
 The Sergeant then placed his sentinels so that they could 
 ■watch the doors, and soon after dark the boys proceeded to 
 the stables and selected the three best horses they could 
 find ; "which were safely conducted to the retreating army, 
 and did valuable service. 
 
 In the spring of 18G4. one of the sons of Hill Carter was 
 captured at Warrenton, by a party under Captain Corbit, 
 and while taking him to Washington he was told that "those 
 horses proved to be noble animals, and were still in the regi- 
 ment ;" at which information he appeared greatly chagrined. 
 
 The army crossed the Chickahominy near its mouth, on a 
 pontoon bridge, the Eighth Illinois being the last to cross. 
 A few minutes after it was over, the fastenino-s were loosed 
 and the boats floated down the stream. A number of strag- 
 glers soon appeared on the opposite bank, and were taken 
 on board the pontoons. Five or six smoky gunboats were 
 just below as guards, besides several tugs used to tow the 
 pontoons, of which there Avere about a hundred. 
 
 Tuesday morning we took up our line of march for James- 
 town. It will be remembered that this was the first place 
 settled in Virginia. But little now remains to call to mind 
 its former history. 
 
 At Williamsburg, six miles distant, the regiment left the 
 rear, and passing through town halted in a meadow to feed 
 the horses and to refresh and rest the men. A patch of 
 potatoes was discovered, and a skirmish at once ensued, 
 in which the potatoes were completely vanquished. At six 
 o'clock Wednesday morning we were on the march again, 
 reached Yorktown about ten o'clock A. M. During the 
 retreat the dust was very deep, and rose in clouds so as to 
 almost smother both men and horses. Everything was com- 
 pletely covered with it on reaching Yorktown, and numerous 
 ablutions in York river were necessary to restore the original 
 color. In the meantime the work of shipping the army was 
 proceeding, and our regiment waited their turn to take boats 
 for Alexandria. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 167 
 
 A new organization of the regiment had been made just 
 previous to leaving Haxall's Landing. From right to left 
 the companies standing as follows : 
 
 FIRST BATTALION, MAJOR CLENDENNIN. 
 
 Company G, Captain Medill, commanding squadron. 
 Company A, Captain Forsythe. 
 
 Company E, Captain Kelley, commanding squadron. 
 Company B, Captain Smith. 
 
 THIRD BATTALION, MAJOR DUSTIN. 
 
 Company I, Captain Rapelje, commanding squadron. 
 Company M, Captain Martin. 
 
 Company C, Captain Clark, commanding squadron. 
 Company L, Captain Waite. 
 
 SECOND BATTALION, MAJOR BEVERIDGE. 
 
 Company K, Captain Farnsworth, commanding squadron. 
 
 Company D, Lieutenant Verbeck in command. 
 
 Company II, Captain Southworth, commanding squadron. 
 
 Company F, Captain Ludlam. 
 
 Lieutenant Ilynes of Company G, Adjutant. 
 
 While at Harrison's Landing the cavalry brigade to which 
 the Eighth Illinois belonged, was under command of General 
 Pleasanton, and some of the officers of the Eighth were on 
 the General's staff. 
 
 The regiment shipped at York town on the 30th of August, 
 and a part arrived at Alexandria September 1st, and the 
 remainder about noon, September 2d. 
 
CIIAPTEU VIL 
 
 A view of the situation -AdViUiCe into >l;irylaiKl — ISiUllc of I'oolvilltj— (.'apliiniig the 
 >;inth Virjjiiiia colors— Battle of IJarnsvillo— CaiJturiiiL; of Sugar Loaf Moiiiitaiu— 
 IJaltle of Frederick, Marylaud— Battle of Middletowu — Battle of South Mountain- 
 Battle of Boonl^boro— Battle of Aixtietam — A day's delay —Artillery duel— First reeoii- 
 noisance to Sheplierdstown — Second reconuoisancc to Shepherdstovvn — Buttle of 
 Martint-burg — The rebels' opinion of the Eighth lllinoiis Cavalry. 
 
 Having now returned to tlie point from wliich we started 
 for the field, in March, let us take a view of the situation. 
 It is plain from what has transpired that the so-called Penin- 
 sula Campaign had proved a grand failure. But why, 
 even after our retreat from before llichmond, have we been 
 brought back to defend the Capitol ? While our army was 
 lying on the James river, General Pope having been put in 
 command at Washington, advanced on the line we first 
 essayed, and when upon the Rapidan met the enemy, who, 
 with their main army, were making rapid advances in order, 
 if possible, to overpower him and reach Washington before 
 he could be rc-inforced by the army under General McClellan. 
 To meet this new movement our army was withdrawn ; a 
 part reaching General Pope in time to participate in the 
 bloody engagements which were then being fought. Gen- 
 erals Fitz John Porter, Kearney, Stevens and other com- 
 mands, were among the troops engaged. We will not stop 
 to argue the point as to who was to blame in these terrible 
 battles. The second Bull Kun battle was fought while our 
 regiment was in transit from Yorktown, and that of Chantillo 
 the day before it landed at Alexandria. In these engage- 
 ments the much lamented Kearney, Stevens, Taylor and 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 169 
 
 'Colonel Fletcher Webster (son of Daniel Webster,) fell, 
 -.martyrs to their country. Just at the close of these battles, 
 and as the ememy were rushing on toward Washington, our 
 regiment landed, and was sent to the front without a moments 
 .notice. 
 
 Colonel Farnsworth, as well as the writer, had been home 
 for a short time on sick leave, but had returned as far as 
 Alexandria, and were there awaiting the arrival of the regi- 
 ment. There was also a number of recruits with us, among 
 whom were George E. Corwin, afterwards Veterinary Sur- 
 geon, Franklin Mighell,.Fink and Hooton. We were there 
 when the battles just recorded took place, and had the pain- 
 ful privilege of volunteering our services to assist in attend- 
 ing the wounded, as thousands needed such assistance. It 
 was here that we first met Miss Clara Barton, one of the 
 .heroines of the war. 
 
 The regiment brought with it several sick comrades. Dr. 
 •Crawford, who had returned to Harrison's Landing shortly 
 after I left in July, was again unwell, and after obtaining 
 Tooma for a hospital, on Wolf street, he and Robert Sill were 
 left in charge, while I, with Dr. Stull, (who had returned 
 from hospital improved in health though still feeble,) followed 
 the regiment to the field of action. Majors Clendennin and 
 Beveridge were among the sick left at Alexandria. 
 
 Tuesday, September 2d, the regiment moved to Munson's 
 Hill, and was at once put on duty as videttes and scouts. 
 
 Wednesday, the 3d, while skirmishing with the enemy's 
 advance on the Leesburg turnpike, Scott, of Company E, 
 was shot through the foot. Although there was considerable 
 firing of artillery and some small arms, but few casualties 
 occurred. 
 
 September 4th, we had just laid down upon the ground 
 for the night when the order came for us to "march." The 
 command was soon in motion, and crossing the Potomac 
 river upon the Aqueduct bridge at Georgetown, passed 
 through the city, and reached Tennellytown about eleven 
 22 
 
170 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 o'clock at night, where it again attempted to rest, but, as be- 
 fore, was doomed to disappointment, for notice was received 
 to again take up the line of march. At twelve o'clock the 
 march was resumed and continued the remainder of the 
 night and until ten o'clock the next day, when we reached 
 Darnstown, Maryland, where we rested for an hour, partook 
 of some refreshments and were then in the saddle again for a 
 scout; but returned to the grove at Darnstown to camp for 
 the night, having marched forty-six miles since leaving Mun- 
 son's Hill, without feeding our horses. 
 
 The enemy had gone up the Potomac on the Virginia side 
 and made dashes across into Maryland, carrying off conscripts, 
 and it was our purpose to prevent this. It was here that we 
 became associated with a part of the Third Indiana Cavalry, 
 (who came under command of Colonel Farnsworth,) true 
 western boys, to whom our men became so attached in the 
 course of the war that they appeared like members of the 
 same regiment. 
 
 I would here remark that the men of this regiment fur- 
 nished their own horses, which consequently had no govern- 
 ment marks upon them ; and it is said that they were among 
 the best mounted men in the field, and while in the enemy's, 
 country, although they lost many horses in battle, always 
 managed to keep well mounted, and generally had a few 
 horses to spare. 
 
 On Saturday, September 6th, the First Massachusetts 
 Cavalry were fired into near Poolville, and suffered severely 
 in wounded and prisoners. 
 
 September 7th a party of the Eighth Illinois and Third 
 Indiana made a reconnoisance, and dashing into Poolville 
 created quite a sensation among the rebels, capturing two 
 prisoners, one horse, saddle and equipments and putting the 
 rebels to flight. Captain Farnsworth led the charge and 
 rushed through the town on a fiery little mustang, actually 
 running down the enemy mounted on their picked horses. 
 This move was made by order of Colonel Farnsworth on his 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 171 
 
 own account, and revealed the fact that the rumor that Pool- 
 ville was occupied by a large force, was false, the place being 
 held by a very few. The information thus obtained and 
 what was gained from the prisoners was highly important, 
 and when reported to General Pleasanton, under whom we 
 were now serving, he bestowed a high compliment upon us 
 for "having a way of doing business on our own hook. The 
 same afternoon we had services in the church at Darnstown, 
 and patriotic songs sung by the regiment. Major Dustin, 
 who had been absent, returned to take leave of the resriment, 
 having been appointed Colonel of the One Hundred and 
 Fifth Illinois Infantry. Colonel Farnsworth was put in 
 command of the cavalry brigade, and Major Medill assumed 
 command of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
 
 Monday morning we advanced to Poolville. The Third 
 Indiana being in the front had a severe fight just out of 
 the town. The rebels withstood a charge of the Indiana 
 boys, and for a short time the struggle was severe ; but 
 the enemy were routed and driven from the field, leaving 
 eight dead and aHout twenty wounded. For a considerable 
 length of time before the charge, our two pieces of artillery 
 were engaged with an equal number of the enemy's guns, 
 which were effectually silenced, their horses having been shot 
 down so that it was with difficulty they withdrew their guns 
 from the field. 
 
 Ofi" to the right. Company D, of the Eighth, had a spirited 
 encounter with the enemy, which they drove before them, 
 killing one, with no loss to our side. An accident occurred 
 to Charles Wilhelm by his horse falling and breaking his 
 collar bone. The loss to the Third Indiana was eleven men 
 wounded — one fatally and several severely. 
 
 That night we encamped at Poolville, and on the morning 
 of the 9th were again moving forward in the direction of 
 Barnesville, up the Potomac. Passing over the scenes of 
 the previous fight, a short distance brought the contending 
 forces again into close quarters. The regiment was now 
 
1Y2 THE ETGHTM ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 divided into several detachments. One of these under com- 
 mand of Captain Farnsworth, encountered the Ninth Vir- 
 ginia Cavalry, and immediately charged them. The enemy 
 formed in line and withstood the attack for a moment, but 
 gave way before the determined charge of our men, in doing 
 which some of their horses were shot down, and others falling 
 over these, both men and horses were thrown into heaps. 
 Some escaped through fields and woods, while others were 
 chased and overtaken by our superior horsemen. The enemy 
 sustained a loss of one killed and several wounded, and eight 
 prisoners together with their regimental colors all of which 
 were brought to headquarters. 
 
 On a road a few miles to the right, another detachment 
 commanded by Captain Kelly met the rebels and engaged 
 them in a fierce combat, driving them at full speed through 
 Barnesville and nearly two miles beyond. In this engage- 
 ment they captured thirteen prisoners and wounded five men. 
 
 The following incident is related by a member of Com- 
 pany B : "In this charge Corporal George M. Roe, of 
 Company B, rode a splendid horse thot he nad brought from 
 Shabbona, Illinois, known by the name of " Lamkins Billy," 
 and which had been sold for his incurable viciousness. In 
 the cavalry service Billy seemed to have found his element, 
 and was one of the fleetest horses in the army. Dashing in 
 at an uncontrollable speed in the excitement of the chase 
 amid the clouds of dust he carried his rider far in advance 
 of the rest of the regiment and beyond a group of four dust- 
 covered flying rebels ; when Roe finally stopped him and 
 turned back, the four rebs approached, with revolver in hand 
 George summoned them to surrender. One moved to get 
 out his revolver and George shot him through the mouth. 
 Then covering the three remaining with his revolver he held 
 them in the road some five minutes when some of Captain 
 Kelley's company came up and they were all taken prisoners. 
 Three good horses and four rebels with their equipments 
 were the result of this capture." 
 
^E fimaTlt ILtiNois caValrv. 1?3 
 
 After passing Barnesville the enemy attempted several 
 times to rally, but at each attempt were frustrated and bro- 
 ken up. A Lieutenant Williams was firing his revolver at 
 our men when Captain Kelly came upon him. It was a des- 
 perate moment. The Captain ordered him to surrender, but 
 he refused, at the same time pointing his pistol at his oppo- 
 nant, was about to fire, when Captain Kelly, being a little 
 more expert, fired first, the ball passing through his liver 
 and lodging in the abdomen, produced a mortal wound. lie 
 was taken to a farm house and all the care and attention 
 bestowed upon him that the case demanded, but he did not 
 survive the day. Before his death Captain Kelly called upon 
 him and expressed his regret at the necessity which com- 
 pelled him to fire. The Lieutenant exhonerated him from 
 all blame, saying " I refused to surrender, and would have 
 shot you if I could have fired first." 
 
 Our regiment halted at Barnesville and the rebels soon 
 made their appearance and deploying as skirmishers advanced 
 through an open field upon a part of our men, who were 
 thrown out in front of the village. Near headquarters a 
 section of our artillery was placed, and when they had 
 approached near enough to be within good range, the guns 
 were opened upon them, firing over the heads of our men. 
 The first shot struck in the midst of the enemy and produced 
 a great scampering, to the delight and amusement of our 
 boys ; the second shot falling short carried away the nose of 
 a horse, on which was seated Solomon Jewell, without, how- 
 ever, injuring the rider. Among the prisoners was one Dr. 
 Rose who was very anxious to be left to attend their wounded, 
 but as he was then a fighting man he could not claim the 
 privilege of non-combatant, accorded to surgeons and 
 chaplains, and so was taken along with us. The rebel wounded 
 were left with a rebel citizen doctor, at Barnesville. 
 
 That night we remained at Barnesville and our wagons 
 came up from Rockville with provisions. On the night of 
 September 9th, S. S. Boon, of Company B, was attacked 
 
174 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 while on picket, but emptied his assailant's saddle and brought 
 his horse and equipments into camp. 
 
 In sight of Barnesville, and only a few miles distant, stands 
 Sugar Loaf Mountain towering high in the air, from whose 
 summit the country can be seen from a great distance in all 
 directions. On the top of this mountain was a rebel signal 
 station, where their signal flag could be seen waving all day 
 and their signal fires swinging to and fro at night. 
 
 September 10th, the Sixth United States Regular Cavalry 
 attempted to take this mountain and capture the signal 
 station, but were unsuccessful. One or two companies of 
 the Eighth Illinois were ordered to support them, but when 
 the rebel artillery opened their fire, the Sixth Cavalry beat 
 a hasty retreat, leaving our men in a very critical and danger- 
 ous position. They however extricated themselves without 
 loss, while the Sixth Cavalry lost a number killed and 
 wounded. 
 
 Other detachments of the regiment were sent in various 
 directions ; one toward the mouth of the Monococy, where 
 it drove in the rebel pickets and had a lively skirmish. 
 
 On the 11th, another expedition was planned to capture 
 the mountain. Our regiment was to take a round-about 
 route and encircle the east side. Other cavalry some other 
 sides, while General Franklin's infantry, which was just 
 arriving, was to defend the west ; but the enemy probably 
 discovered our movements from their elevated position, so 
 that after a hard day's march we actually took the mountain, 
 though not until they had made good their escape. A party 
 of our regiment advanced to the summit and fired a volley 
 therefrom. 
 
 Early in the morning of the 12th, we were called to march 
 and it proved to be a very tedious days work, as it had 
 rained the previous day arfd night, making the roads very 
 muddy. At Clarksville, six miles distant, we came upon 
 General Sumner's corps, in which were several men from 
 Aurora, Illinois, in a New York battery, viz : Thomas Bates, 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 175 
 
 Oscar Bates, Henry Gushing and Henry Morgan, as good 
 and true soldiers as any other western boys. We also met 
 General Bank's corps marching up the river to intercept the 
 army under General Lee, which was also ascending the 
 l*oiomac, and was said to be crossing at Point of Rocks — 
 which is the place where tlie Potomac makes its way through 
 the Katochin Mountains. The roads being crowded with 
 these troops we were obliged to take a circuitous route, and 
 actually traveled thirty-three miles to reach Frederick City, 
 which by a direct route was but sixteen miles distant from 
 our starting point in the morning. 
 
 It was dark before we arrived at Frederick City, but 
 there were many evidences of union feeling existing there, 
 and we received a most hearty welcome and greeting. The 
 rebels had left there a few hours before our arrival, and a 
 detachment of union cavalry had entered the town during 
 the afternoon. Passing through the city we encamped about 
 a mile beyond, without blankets, as our baggage had not 
 arrived. We were informed that the rebels had received 
 about three hundred recruits here, and lost a few men by 
 desertion. We concluded the citizens were pretty equally 
 divided in sentiment. While the place was in possession of 
 rebels, the business men were forced to sell their wares for 
 confederate script, or have them confiscated without any re- 
 muneration, one alternative being equal to the other. Many 
 were thus ruined, for the town had been pretty thoroughly 
 pillaged. On the hills but a short distance to the west, and 
 in plain sight, the enemy's camp-fires were burning, and we 
 rested as well as we could, expecting an encounter the next 
 morning. 
 
 September 13th, at early dawn the bugle calls could be 
 heard in the camps, and the troops prepared for an advance. 
 On reaching the first- range of hills west of the city we found 
 the enemy with their artillery well planted to dispute the 
 pass. An engagement ensued and lasted until noon, in 
 which our regiment met with no loss. The artillery practice 
 
176 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 was lively, but the infantry coming up soon drove them from 
 the position, and we went forward in hot pursuit. 
 
 In the beautiful valley between the Katochin and Blue 
 Ridge Mountains, is nestled the village of Middletown, where 
 the enemy made another stand, but were again driven from 
 the field by our brave and noble patriots. On falling back 
 they set fire to the fine bridge which spanned the stream, in 
 order to impede our progress. The fire communicated with 
 a large barn and a machine shop, which were totally des- 
 troyed together with their valuable contents. This wanton 
 destruction of private property did not tend to gain friends 
 for the perpetrators, and we wercreceived with joyful demon- 
 strations. The ladies came into the street with large slices 
 of good bread well buttered, and distributed among the 
 men, vicing with each other in acts of kindness and loyality. ' 
 
 We forded the river and pursued the retreating enemy 
 toward South Mountain, where they again formed in line of 
 battle. A detachment consisting of one squadron of the 
 Eighth Illinois and a part of the Third Indiana, under com- 
 mand of Major Medill, went towards Harper's Ferry, and 
 became engaged with a superior force, in which we suffered 
 severely. Eight men belonging to our regiment were wounded 
 and a large number of the Third Indiana. Corporal Ploffer, 
 of Company A, was mortally wounded, and George Bower, 
 of CompanyF, was shot through the stomach, from which 
 woun4 he almost miraculously recovered. One man of the 
 Third Indiana had his skull split open by a sabre stroke. 
 F. B. Wakefield of Company G, was taken prisoner by the 
 rebels, who after taking him a short distance attempted to 
 kill him. They gave him several cuts over the head with 
 sabres, and leaving him for dead fled for fear of pursuit. 
 He, however, rallied and made his way into our lines. For 
 this brutal treatment he swore vengeance on his would-be 
 murderers, and it is said that he well redeemed his pledge 
 and satisfied his wrath. Such inhuman conduct toward 
 prisoners is now denied by rebel historians, but the Eighth 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 177 
 
 Illinois Cavalry can attest to the truth of the statements. 
 The wounded of this battle were placed in a church at 
 Middletown, and the ladies turned out by scores to attend 
 to their wants, and furnished refreshments and all necessary 
 comforts. At the pass at South Mountain, A. P. Thorns 
 succeeded in capturing two men, and S. G. Egleston of Com- 
 pany D, was shot through the thigh, severing the main nerve 
 and rendering him a cripple for life. 
 
 September 14th occurred the memorable battle of South 
 Mountain. Having driven the enemy into the mountain 
 fastnesses, where they had planted their cannon so as to com- 
 mand the passes, cavalry could be of little use, and we 
 awaited the arrival of the infantry. The battle did not rage 
 with fury until after noon. From our position on the turn- 
 pike leading from Frederick City to Hagerstown, we could 
 watch the battle as it progressed. The rattle of musketry 
 became terrific, and for a time our forces drove the enemy, 
 when they would be repulsed, but again advance with shouts 
 and cheers. While this was in progress, skirmishing was 
 going on in our front and to the right, and ere long the 
 whole line of the mountain reverberated with the sound of 
 arms. From rock and cliff and overhanging precipice the 
 thunder of cannon was echoed with a roar that was almost 
 deafening. Just at dusk men came along bearing on their 
 shoulders a litter, on which was the lifeless remains of Gen- 
 eral Reno ; but the battle still raged and grew fierce in front 
 and to the right. At last General Hooker's division gained 
 the mountain's crest, turned their position and put the enemy 
 to flight ; while in the center the sharp crack of the rifle and 
 the lightning flash of the musketry could be heard and seen 
 in the darkness until after nine o'clock. 
 
 Many of the wounded were brought to a farm house on 
 the turnpike, where straw was scattered in the yard, on 
 which they were placed and the surgeons and assistants were 
 wearily working all night to relieve their distress. While 
 
 engaged with the wounded a voice called out at a short dis- 
 23 
 
178 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 tance, "Dr. Hard, is that you?" I answered the summons 
 and found Lieutenant Arthur Ellis, of the Sixth Wisconsin 
 Infantry, severely wounded in the leg. lie had been a resi- 
 dent of my own village from childhood, and knew my voice 
 although he could not sec mc. We spared no pains to make 
 him as comfortable as his wound would admit. In this 
 memorable battle Daniel Snyder, of Company E, was killed. 
 
 Early in the morning it was found that the enemy had 
 retreated, and our regiment took the advance in the pursuit. 
 In passing over the scenes of the previous night's engage- 
 ment there were to be seen many marks of the. bloody en- 
 counter. Behind a stone fence, where the rebels had been 
 firing, and from which they were driven only by a desperate 
 bayonet charge, lay a number of their dead ; and on the 
 right, where General Hooker's command had so gallantly 
 charged and defeated them, the dead could be counted by 
 scores. 
 
 Our regiment was now divided ; six companies, led by 
 Colonel Farnsworth, taking the main turnpike, and another 
 party taking a route over the mountains, to the left. After 
 passing the summit ^of South Mountain and descending 
 into the valley, we found almost every house and barn con- 
 verted into a hospital for the rebel soldiers. We dismounted 
 at a few places to see how they were being cared for, but 
 before we had made much of an investigation found that the 
 regiment was in hot pursuit, and we were compelled to again 
 mount and follow at a brisk canter. 
 
 It was about three miles from the mountain to the village 
 of Eoonesboro, where a brigade of the enemy's cavalry, 
 headed by Fitz Hugh Lee, made a stand. Colonel Farns- 
 worth ordered a charge, and so impetuous was the onset that 
 the enemy broke and beat a hasty retreat, closely pursued 
 by our men. Several attempts were made by the enemy to 
 rally and form a new line, as often they failed. Thus for a 
 distance of two miles was kept up a running, hand to hand 
 fight until the rebels had scattered on different roads and 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 179 
 
 through fields, making further pursuit unavailing. In this 
 encounter great courage vras displayed on both sides, of 
 vrhich many interesting incidents are related. One of these 
 is that Colonel Farnsworth became engaged with one of the 
 enemy, whom he shot from his horse, but while on the chase 
 after him, another was in pursuit of Farnsworth, and with 
 uplifted sabre was about to strike a deadly blow, when a man 
 of Company B, (I regret that I have not been able to pro- 
 cure his name,) seeing the danger of our loved and honored 
 leader, fired, and brought to the ground the Colonel's assail- 
 ant. Many were the encounters no less daring and perilous. 
 Fitz Hugh Lee was unhorsed, and made his escape through 
 a cornfield. His horse and equipments fell into our hands. 
 Our loss was Sergeant Robert McArthur killed, and twenty- 
 three wounded. Among the wounded were Captain Kelly, 
 
 Solomon Jewell and Jones ; the latter we found lying 
 
 in a field some fifty yards from the road and by his sid« a 
 rebel, who was so covered with blood and dirt that he scarcely 
 looked like a human being. Upon examination, however, 
 it was found that his wounds and bruises were not of a serious 
 nature, and he was taken into camp a prisoner. Jones was 
 shot through the chest ; the ball entering one side between 
 the ribs, and lodging under the skin of the opposite. For a 
 week he was unable to breath when lying; and yet he recov- 
 ered, was discharged, and enlisted again and did good service 
 in the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. Corporal Flagg was 
 severely wounded in the arm, and Morris Stull was struck 
 with a sabre. 
 
 Eight dead rebels were found along the road, and many 
 wounded. One poor fellow, mortally wounded and suffering 
 the most excruciating pain, implored us to kill him outright. 
 We took his name and address, and promised to write to his 
 family ; assuring him he could live but a short time we gave 
 him an anodyne to mitigate his agony, and passed on to 
 attend to others. Returning an hour later we found he had 
 
 expired. Among our captures were four pieces of artillery. 
 
 ( 
 
180 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 The following brief account of a gallant and strategic 
 transaction which well illustrates the daring of our men, we 
 copy from a report of Lieutenant Granger ; 
 
 " On the 15th of September when General Pleasanton's 
 brigade was leading the advance of the union forces through 
 Boonsboro in pursuit of the enemy retreating from South Moun- 
 tain, I had the honor to be one of General Pleasanton's Aids, 
 and as such was in some degree assisting and directing the move- 
 ments of our cavalry in pursuit. It having been reported 
 to me by a Captain of General Richardson's staff that some 
 rebel cavalry were eflfecting their escape by some by-road, to 
 the left of the Sharpsburg road, I sent Sergeant Joseph 
 Clapp, Corporal George Brown, privates Morris and Wecham, 
 under command of Sergeant Will A. Spencer, all of tlie 
 Eighth Illinois Cavalry, whom the officers directed as to the 
 position of the rebels, and they willingly and eagerly started 
 in pursuit. I am happy to report that their success far ex- 
 ceeded my most ardent expectations. Sergeant Spencer 
 and his Squad, surprised and sent back in charge of a single 
 one of their number several men whom they had found armed 
 and equipped ; and when about two miles from Boonsboro, 
 with a force of but three men besides himself, he came in 
 sight of the enemy's strongly fortified picket line. Here 
 this squad of four surprised a corporal and thirteen men 
 from the Third North Carolina Regiment, armed with Enfield 
 rifles and equipments, guns loaded and capped, but so deter- 
 mined was their bearing that the fourteen threw down their 
 arms and marched away from within rifle-shot of their picket 
 lines without even so much as snapping a cap. These four- 
 teen, together with the thirty-four others, making forty-eight, 
 were marched back to Boonsboro, and thence to Frederick 
 City. I may say in addition that in the battle of Fair Oaks, 
 as staff" officers to General E. D. Keys, Fourth Corps, I had 
 occasion to compliment Sergeant Spencer for gallant and 
 courageous conduct, A. P. Granger, 
 
 Lieutenant and Adjutant Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and A. G. 
 Brigade." 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 181 
 
 Our loss in prisoners was trifling, but among those taken 
 were Henry Churchill and A. V. Teeple. An account 
 of the capture of the latter we give in his own language, 
 copied from a private letter, written at Patrolled Camp, 
 Maryland : 
 
 " Our squadron in coming to the front was charged furious- 
 ly by the rebels, and in rallying to withstand it my horse 
 stumbled two or three times, throwing me to the ground. 
 After regaining my feet and while re-mounting, the rebel 
 officers at the head of the company dashed by and struck 
 me on the head. I was soon hurried to the rear, for the 
 shots were pouring through their ranks thick and fast. Tying 
 up my head which bled more than it hurt, I rode by my escort 
 to Williamsport, some eight miles distant, where he waited 
 till I could have it dressed. This was done by a good, union 
 surgeon. He said the skull was not fractured, only cut 
 partially through. This timely aid caused it to commence 
 healing, and it is now quite well. I was taken to Martins- 
 burg, Virginia. Thanks to the kind-hearted cavalier in 
 charge, I had the unusual privilege of riding my own horse 
 to the prison door. I then went to the federal hospital, Dr. 
 Ira Brown in charge, where were sick of the former garrison, 
 including some thirty of the Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, 
 and a few of the Second Illinois Artillery. Among my 
 "Sucker" friends and even former acquaintances, I was 
 quite at home. From this time we drew our third rations, 
 (I mean United States rations,) which, with the bountiful 
 supply of the union citizens, constituted a good larder. Not 
 one of the hospital patients there but would say ' God bless 
 the union inhabitants of Martinsburg.' The whole week the 
 booming of cannon was heard, and it did not recede or lessen 
 in loudness, much to the pleasure of our convalescent party. 
 If ever the roaring, incessant thundering of cannon sounded 
 cheering, we experienced it there. We were parolled Wed- 
 nesday, the 24th inst., and on Friday we started for Harper's 
 Ferry via Charlestown, arriving there Saturday evening. 
 
182 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Next morning took the cars for this place where we arrived 
 to-day. There are at a rough estimate, three to four thous- 
 and here at present." 
 
 Of the wounded among the enemy was Lieutenant Hil 
 Carter, from whose father our men had taken three valuable 
 horses while on the Peninsula. He was severely but not 
 fatally injured. 
 
 The number of prisoners taken in this fight was about five 
 hundred ; and let it be remembered that this was accom- 
 plished by a part of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. I challenge 
 the world for an example of a more daring or better executed 
 charge and one that was better followed up than this at 
 the battle of Boonsboro. General Pleasanton was with us 
 in person, and was delighted with the manner of our fighting 
 and the great success of the day. 
 
 One incident I must relate, and though it necessitates 
 using my own name, I think I should not withhold it through 
 modesty. It was dark before our wounded were properly 
 cared for, and the infantry and cavalry were now passing 
 through the town by thousands and going in the direction of 
 Sharpsburg, whither the army of General Lee had retreated, 
 when some farmers came in from the country and informed 
 us that two of our cavalrymen were wounded, and now at 
 the house of a certain doctor in a little village called Mount 
 Pleasant, some four or five miles to the right. This story 
 was repeated by other parties, and knowing that in the 
 rapid pursuit of the enemy our men had scattered in various 
 directions, we concluded that the report might be true. 
 After consulting Colonel Farnsworth, at about ten o'clock 
 at night, we took an ambulance and an orderly and started 
 in search of our men, our route being in an opposite direc- 
 tion to that taken by the army. On arriving at the 
 village, although it was now about midnight, we found the 
 inhabitants all astir and every house lighted. The events of 
 the two preceding days had been so exciting that everybody 
 was awake and on the alert. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 183 
 
 Upon reaching the doctor's house we found none of our 
 men there, but two rebels had been wounded by our boys 
 and taken there preparatory to being taken to camp. We 
 were about to return when a young man considerably intoxi- 
 cated, came and informed me that in a house near by was a 
 rebel soldier, secreted by the women in the parlor. One 
 wing of the building was used for a store, and thought if I 
 would go through the store into the parlor I could capture 
 him without difficulty. I was inclined to believe his story, 
 and although I knew surgeons were non-combatants, the 
 temptation was too great to resist. So halting in front of 
 the store, after removing my surgeon's sash, we walked 
 through the store and into the parlor without knocking ; and 
 there seated upon a sofa in an elegantly furnished room was 
 a soldier in rebel gray, with a plate of cake and pie of which 
 he was making a supper. In one corner of the room stood 
 his musket, and by his side lay a revolver, while three ladies 
 were treating him to the luxuries of the house and bestowing 
 upon him their sweetest smiles. Presenting a pistol I de- 
 manded a surrender of his arms and told him that he must 
 go with us. He made no resistance ; but the ladies were 
 very indignant, and heaped all manner of opprobrious 
 epithets upon the "impudent yankee who dared to enter their 
 house without knocking," for which we determined to pay 
 them with interest. Coming to the door and seeing the am- 
 bulance he asked if he might ride, as he was very tired. 
 This I thought oflFered a chance for retaliation upon the 
 women, and I inquired. 
 
 "How long since you changed your shirt 'r Are you not 
 lousy?" 
 
 At these questions the women were in a towering rage, but 
 the man very nonchalantly replied : 
 
 " It is about three weeks since I had a clean shirt, and I 
 reckon I have a right smart of graybacks." 
 
 We passed out, but the women overheard the answer and 
 retreated. On looking back through the open door we saw 
 
184 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 them with candles in hand examining the sofa and carpet, 
 and from their excited appearance and the "live" condition 
 of our prisoner, we concluded they found they had enter- 
 tained more "graybacks" than they at first anticipated. 
 Our prisoner was marched before us to Boonsboro, and 
 added one more to the great number already in captivity. 
 
 The union citizens of Boonsboro, of whom there were 
 many, were untiring in their devotion to our wounded, of 
 which service the Eighth Illinois still retain grateful lemem- 
 brance. The regiment marched to near Kecdysville and 
 went into camp. The enemy had taken up a strong position 
 at Sharpsburg, on the Maryland side of the Potomac, the 
 line between the two armies being Antietam Creek ; and our 
 cavalry were employed in ascertaining their position. 
 
 September 16th, we remained in the woods a mile or two 
 in advance of Keedysville, and not more than that distance 
 from the enemy's line, and were engaged in reconnoitcring. 
 The artillery were amusing themselves with desultory prac- 
 tice with but little effect, and infantry and artillery were 
 arriving by thousands. To our left the garrison of Harper's 
 Ferry had been attacked and surrendered to the enemy, 
 much to the astonishment and chagrin of all who learned 
 the sad intelligence. That night a part of the Eighth Xew 
 York and Twelfth Illinois Cavalry eluded the guards and 
 made their escape from Harper's Feri'y, and going around 
 via Williamsport and Hagerstown were enabled to join the 
 union army. 
 
 On the morning of the 17th, a little after daylight, the 
 battle of Antietam was fairly commenced. At first we were 
 held in reserve, but were soon ordered to the front to sup- 
 port a battery near the center of the union line. We had to 
 cross the stone bridge over Antietam Creek, on the turnpike 
 leading from Boonsboro to Shai-psburg, in direct range with 
 the ememy's cannon, where but a few moments before sev- 
 eral of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry had been killed 
 while crossing, among whom was the Colonel of the regiment; 
 
I 
 
BREVET B>RIG.GENL DANIEL DUSTIlN, 
 
 OF SYCAMORE. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 185 
 
 none of our brigade were injured although the fire was 
 terrific and almost incessant. We were soon posted in sup- 
 port of Robinson's battery, under cover of a hill, which 
 afforded some protection from the enemy's shot and shell 
 which, passing directly over our heads, would strike the 
 opposite bank of the stream or dash into the waters. Our 
 own guns were placed on the hill in our rear and also firing 
 over our heads. The roar of the cannon of the opposing 
 armies combined, produced an almost deafening noise. 
 
 Occasionally a slug from the cartridge would fall in our 
 midst. In this manner several of the Third Indiana were 
 wounded. At one time one of the rebel shells fell short 
 without bursting, and striking the hill in our front came 
 tumbling and skipping along, passing through our ranks into 
 the creek some twenty yards in our rear. The men, as by 
 instinct, suddenly opened their ranks and let the unwelcome 
 messenger pass without doing any damage. After remaining 
 in this position for several hours, we moved up the creek a 
 distance of about half a mile, while the shells were passing 
 over our heads from the front and rear, but almost miracu- 
 lously none of them did any damage. On our right the 
 battle raged with varying success. General Hooker was in 
 command in this part of the field, and was wounded, and 
 General Sumner supplied his place. 
 
 To and fro the armies swayed over a field that was repeat- 
 edly won and lost, until the ground was strewn with dead 
 and dying, and neither side gained very great advantage. 
 On our left, at the lower stone bridge across the Antietam 
 where General Burnside commanded, the battle was terribly 
 sanguinary, the crossing was finally efi'ected, but the slaughter 
 was heart-sickening. In the center I think our success was 
 probably better, but purchased with an almost inconceivable 
 loss of life. 
 
 The "Irish Brigade" and One Hundred and Thirtieth 
 Pennsylvania, here made a desperate charge over an open 
 field and dislodged the enemy from a lane, which had been 
 24 
 
186 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 gullied out by the rain, so that it made, with the stones pilei 
 along its edge ready to be made into a fence, an excellent 
 barricade. They also drove them from a cornfield in front 
 of the lane, from which a deadly fire had been kept up for 
 many hours. Night closed upon a hard fought battle, wherein 
 we thought the union army had achieved a victory. 
 
 After dark our regiment was marched back half a mile 
 and rested for the night, confidently expecting to renew the 
 battle in the morning, as we knew the enemy had been 
 forced from their position along the whole line of conflict. 
 The night was spent in caring for the wounded. At a farm- 
 house, used for a hospital, we again met Miss Clara 
 Barton. Many of the wpunded had been taken back to 
 Keedysville, where Assistant-Surgeon Stull and I labored 
 most of the night. Among the wounded we had to treat was 
 Major Sedgwick, who was mortally wounded by a severe shot 
 in the spine. It is useless to recite the tales of suffering. 
 It was a repetition of our former battles with which we had 
 now become familiar. 
 
 It seems that during the progress of the battle, the victori- 
 ous rebel forces from Harper's Ferry had reinforced Gen- 
 eral Lee ; otherwise it is doubtful if he could have held out 
 during the day. Little rest was obtained that night, and 
 all were prepared for an early advance in the morning ; but 
 morning came and went, with no orders to march. 
 
 During the forenoon Dr. Stull and I went out to the 
 field where the "Irish Brigade" had made their famous 
 charge, with the hope of aiding some of the poor, suffering 
 rebels, who still lay upon the field, weltering in thoir own 
 blood and surrounded by their dead comrades. We reached 
 the lane and were attempting to aid a rebel captain, who told 
 us they had not so much as wet their parched lips for thirty 
 hours, and implored our assistance not only for himself but 
 for the suffering ones around him. While we wei*e thus em- 
 ployed some rebel sharp-shooters, who lay concealed behind 
 a board fence scarcely forty rods distant, fired upon us. The 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 187 
 
 first shot struck within two feet of me, throwing the dirt 
 upon mj clothes ; while the second passed in close proximity 
 to Dr. Stull's nose. We thought this was a little too warm 
 work, and that we could not lend these miserable creatures 
 our aid, upon such conditions, and consequently beat a hasty 
 retreat. As we left they sent up a wail for help so piteous 
 and imploring, that to this day I am haunted by the recol- 
 lection. No other attempt was made to rescue them until 
 the next morning, when on visiting the ground again not one 
 was found alive. The captain we attempted to assist had 
 evidently bled to death for want of attention. 
 
 This lane was less than sixty rods in length, and when the 
 dead were taken out to be interred they numbered nearly one 
 thousand. They were buried in pits, two to three hundred 
 being placed in each pit, or hole. No advance or fighting 
 occurred during that day. Most of the regiment remained 
 in camp, while a portion Avent on a scout. 
 
 September 16th. Early in the morning we received orders 
 to advance, but during the night the enemy had escaped 
 across the Potomac. We made a rapid march over the battle- 
 field, and through the village of Sharpsburg. Here nearly 
 every house and building gave evidence of the terrible battle, 
 and several had been set on fire by the bursting of shells 
 and were now mouldering ruins. Even the. " Liberty Pole," 
 in the center of the town had been struck and shattered. 
 Passing on we came up with a few stragglers, but all their 
 troops and valuable stores were on the Virginia side of the 
 Potomac, and the bridge at Shepherdstown had been 
 destroyed. 
 
 As our brigade was ascending a hill the rebel batteries 
 which had been placed in a commanding position on the Vir- 
 ginia shore, so as to enfilade the road, opened upon us a 
 heavy fire. The first shots passed over our heads, and 
 burst in the rear of the column. The firing was very rapid 
 and accurate, but a little too high, and for a wonder none of 
 the shots took efi"ect. The brigade fell back under cover of 
 
188 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 a hill and let the artillery advance, and for a short time 
 there was a lively artillery battle. 
 
 Early this morning, before our arrival, the Fourth Mich- 
 igan Volunteer Infantry crossed the river, surprised and cap- 
 tured four cannons from the enemy, some of which were now 
 turned upon them. In this movement several young men 
 were conspicuous and daring, among whom Avere Lieutenants 
 M. J. Vreeland, Sage, Malty, Bancroft and Gordon, the 
 latter being severely wounded. After the firing ceased we 
 were ordered back. 
 
 Before dsrylight, on the morning of the 20th, Colonel 
 Farnsworth received orders to move with his brigade in the 
 direction of Winchester ; and in due time the command was 
 upon the march. Upon arriving at the river, opposite Shep- 
 herdstown, we found that some of the infantry had already 
 crossed and were engaged with the enemy. One Pennsyl- 
 vania regiment, called the "Corn Exchange," had but recently 
 entered the service, and in this their first fight were sadly 
 defeated, and a large number killed, wounded and taken 
 prisoners. Part of the cavalry had forded the river and 
 were on the opposite shore, while a part were in the water, 
 when they were ordered to countermarch. This command 
 was given none too soon, for the enemy had reached the 
 bluff and had commenced firing into our ranks. Surgeon 
 Beck, of the Third Indiana Cavalry, was riding by my side 
 when a bullet struck his horse just back of the saddle. Our 
 artillery was brought into line, and when all was ready, 
 opened with twenty guns, which not only silenced the rebel 
 guns but drove them from the field. During the cannonad- 
 ing we were greatly amused at the antics of one of the 
 colored servants named Clay. lie was so frightened that 
 he went around ducking his head and at times even lying 
 down upon his horse's neck, with his white eyes rolling 
 around in the most abject fear. 
 
 Some of the members of the Eighth met with very interest- 
 ino- adventures along the river. They fought on their own 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 189 
 
 account, firing like sharpshooters whenever they had a chance 
 to make it tell upon the enemy. 
 
 Companies D and F were sent on a reconnoisance up the 
 river to Falling Water, which they accomplished successfully. 
 
 The 21st was Sunday, and we remained in camp at Sharps- 
 burg. Many taking occasion to go over the battle-field of 
 Antietam. Hundreds of horses lay there in the sun and the 
 stench arising from their putrid bodies was very offensive. 
 All the dead soldiers had not been buried, and their skins 
 had become so blackened and their bodies so swollen they 
 scarcely looked like human beings. Near the^lane where 
 the "Irish Brigade" made their great and gallant charge, 
 boards were placed at the mounds with inscriptions like the 
 following: "Here lies seventy-four rebels," "Here lies 
 General Anderson and eighty dead rebels." " In this hole 
 are one hundred and forty-two dead rebels," and many 
 others, all taken from the short lane we have before de- 
 scribed. 
 
 We now had a respite from hard service for a few days, 
 enabling the ofiicers to make out their muster rolls and dis- 
 charge papers, and the men and horses to recruit their ex- 
 hausted energies. On the 23d, several of those left sick at 
 x\lexandria returned ; among whom were Dr. Crawford, 
 Captains Waite and Forsythe and Lieutenant Hotop ; and 
 those discharged for disability were Sergeant Plummer, W, 
 D. Stiles, Daniel McMillen and Uriah Hazelton. 
 
 The night of the 23d, an order was received to be prepared 
 with two days rations, to march to Harper's Ferry. At 
 early dawn the camp exhibited a lively appearance, horses 
 were saddled, rations cooked and all things made ready ; but 
 no further orders were given until late in the afternoon when 
 the command to "unsaddle" greeted our eai's and all was 
 quiet again. 
 
 On the 25th, a reconnoisance was made across the Poto" 
 mac, Colonel Farnsworth commanding in person. The 
 crossing was effected without opposition, at the ford below 
 
190 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Shepherdstown where the former attempt had been made. 
 Ascending the hill through a deep ravine the body of a 
 soldier was discovered, too much decomposed to be recog- 
 nized. Near the village we encountered the rebel pickets 
 who beat a hasty retreat, but our movements were ordered 
 and executed so quickly and with such celerity, that the 
 village was surrounded and occupied before many were aware 
 of our presence. The place had the appearance of one im- 
 mense hospital, nearly every house being filled with wounded 
 which had been taken from the battle of Antietam. Among 
 them were .some union prisoners which we provided for with 
 great pleasure. ^ 
 
 We drove the enemy some three miles beyond the town, 
 and took about thirty prisoners, among them Lieutenant* 
 Colonel Lee of the Thirty -third Virginia Infantry, He was 
 finely mounted and equipped, and expressed himself greatly 
 chagrined at being captured. Toward evening the regiment 
 returned to camp with their prisoners, proud of their day's 
 work. 
 
 September 27th, S. S. Boone of Company B, received a 
 severe flesh wound. 
 
 On the 28th, our newly appointed Chaplain, Rev. Philo 
 Judson, arrived and preached his first sermon. 
 
 September 29th, a reconnoisance in force was made, General 
 Pleasanton commanding. Colonel Farnsworth being unwell 
 our brigade was under the command of Colonel Williams, of 
 the First Massachusetts Cavalry. Halting for a short time 
 at Shepherdstown, our wounded men, found there, were con- 
 veyed across the river in small boats and sent to Sharpsburg. 
 
 While engaged in the discharge of this duty we observed 
 those in charge of a hospital near the river, took especial 
 pains to prevent our going around a certain house. Our 
 suspicions were aroused, and thinking there might be some 
 soldiers secreted there, one of the officers of the regiment was 
 made aware of the facts. He at once instituted a search, 
 though strenuously opposed by the family. No soldier was 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 191 
 
 found but a fine cavalry horse with full equipments was dis- 
 covered in a cave in the hill, which made an excellent 
 addition to our own animals. 
 
 A few miles further on at a farm-house we found Colonel 
 Magill and other rebel officers, sufi"ering from severe wounds. 
 The Colonel had an arm amputated at the shoulder, which, 
 for want of proper care, was alive with maggots. After 
 dressing their wounds we learned that the Colonel had been 
 educated at West Point, and was a classmate of General 
 Pleasanton. 
 
 The command, as in most cases, was divided into squads 
 wh^htook different roads. The First Massachusetts Cavalry- 
 woke up a rebel battery, and about one hundred of the regi- 
 ment were hotly pursued by the enemy, who followed them 
 on "double quick" until they came to our regiment when 
 the pursuit suddenly ended. The result of this day's work 
 was the capture of a few soldiers, the paroling of about five 
 hundred sick and wounded, the transfering several of our 
 men to our own hospitals and » safe return to camp without 
 loss, after having discovered the enemy's position. That 
 evening Rolla D. Pope accidentally discharged his pistol, 
 wounding two of bis own fingers and three of J. J. Miners, 
 the latter so severely as to require amputation^ 
 
 September 30th one squadron, under Captain Waite, went 
 to Shepherdstown to act as escort for the Provost Marshal, 
 where they had a lively skirmish. A man belonging to 
 Comyany B, made such a sudden dash on a rebel picket 
 that he barely escaped by leaving his pistol and sabre. 
 
 It became necessary that a reconnoisance should be made 
 in the direction of Martinsburg, to see what liad become of 
 the retreating army of Lee. Our army, or a large portion 
 of it, was encamped in the vicinity of Sharpsburg. General 
 Pleasanton, in command of the cavalry corps, was directed 
 to execute this perilous duty, and if possible reach the tovrn. 
 Selecting the Eighth Illinois, a portion of the Eighth Penn- 
 sylvania, and one battery of Regular Artillery, he crossed 
 
li)2 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 the Potomac at Shepherdstown, at an early hour on the 
 morning of the 1st of October, the Eighth Illinois being in 
 the advance. "We had proceeded but two or three miles 
 when the advance guard, under command of Captain For- 
 sythe, came upon the enemy's cavalry. The Captain, -with 
 a furious charge, such as he was in the habit of making, 
 gallantly dispersed their advance, but finding them in too 
 strong force to be easily driven, a section of the artillery 
 ■was brought forward and forced them to retire, which they 
 did very reluctantly, stoutly contesting every part of the 
 road to Martinsburg, a distance of seven or eight miles. 
 
 On approaching the town our troops were ordered to make 
 a dash into it, which they did, capturing a number of the 
 enemy, releasing some of our men held as prisoners of war, 
 securing a quantity of plunder and driving a large force of 
 them out of the place. It was about one o'clock when w^e 
 entered and took possession. During the forenoon the rebel 
 cavalry manifested that stubbornness and confidence which is 
 always inspired by the consciousness of superior numbers. 
 Our forces sustained a loss of several wounded but none 
 killed. We killed one or two of their number. Numerous 
 bodies of the enemy had been seen at a distance during the 
 day, and while we remained in possession of the town they 
 still lingered, keeping up a constant on fire our pickets and 
 advanced posts. Our prisoners showed by their conduct that 
 they had very little idea of being obliged to re-cross the 
 Potomac with us. From the inhabitants, some of whom were 
 union at heart, we learned that a large force was encamped 
 abour us ; and we afterwards ascertained that during all this 
 time, up to four o'clock in the afternoon, the commander of 
 the rebels was engaged concentrating his forces ready to 
 " gobble up " our entire command whenever we attempted 
 to return. However we had a word to say on that subject. 
 
 At about four o'clock P. M., General Pleasanton having 
 gained all the information possible of the situation of the 
 rebel army, made preparations to return. This move called for 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 193 
 
 more military skill, caution and courage than it had requiercd 
 to advance. We were twelve miles from Shcpherdstown, the 
 •nearest ford, with a force not to exceed eight hundred men, 
 (our regiment being very much reduced at that time,) and 
 ■with an opposition of five or six times our number on all 
 sides, well acquainted with the country, of which we were 
 comparatively ignorant. 
 
 On withdrawing, the Eighth Illinois was placed in the 
 rear of the column, the rear guard being commanded by 
 Major Medill. Scarcely had our pickets left their post before 
 the rebel cavalry came pouring along in pursuit. The streets 
 were filled and completely blockaded with them. A section 
 of our artillery, placed on a slight eminence just outside of 
 town, and trained to bear on a bridge, with a few well directed 
 shots held the enemy in check for a short time, and created 
 considerable confusion in their ranks. This enabled our 
 advance to move some distance ahead, when the artillery 
 was withdrawn, leaving Captain Clark, with his squadron, 
 in the extreme rear. Ere long those in the front discovered 
 that the enemy had taken advantage of Captain Clark's 
 position and were sending terrific showers of shot into the 
 midst of his gallant little band. The Captain sent word to 
 Major Medill that it would be impossible for him to hold out 
 much longer, when one squadron of the Eighth Pennsylvania 
 was placed in a commanding position to assist in repulsing 
 the enemy ; but their commander seeing the situation of 
 affairs, and knowing that it would be a warmly contested 
 point, abandoned his position without firing a shot. We then 
 placed two pieces of artillery in position and opened fire 
 upon the rebels to protect Captain Clark. It was, however, 
 like firing against a tornado. The enemy by passing on 
 either side of the road were enabled to rush madly on, seem- 
 ingly determined to surround us at all hazards. Our artillery 
 was obliged to fall back to prevent being captured. 
 
 Major Medill ordered his squadi-on commanders to form 
 their men on the side of the road facing the rear "as 
 25 
 
194 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CA.VALRY. 
 
 quick as ever God would let them." Captain Southworth's 
 squadron was on the right facing towards the advancing 
 rebels. lie scarcely had his men in line before they were 
 upon him, but a couple of volleys from their carbines, at 
 short range, checked the pursuit for a suflBcient length of 
 time, to allow Captain Clark's squadron to pass and take a 
 new position, when the two squadrons, together with that of 
 Captain Farnsworth, discharged such effective volleys into 
 their very faces that they were repulsed and held at bay 
 until the artillery could be placed in proper position, which 
 sent such volleys of cannister into their midst they were com- 
 pelled to yield the field, leaving their dead and wounded 
 
 behind them. 
 
 It was now dark, and after holding our position a short 
 time, until it was thought the enemy did not propose another 
 attack, the General withdrew his forces, and we were not 
 molested again on our return to the Potomac, which we 
 safely crossed a little before midnight. 
 
 General Pleasanton complimented the regiment very highly 
 for the coolness and courage displayed, and also Major 
 Medill for the manner in which he commanded his men. 
 The discipline which our men had undergone, was here fully 
 displayed by our squadrons baiting from a swift march and 
 delivering their fire as regularly and coolly as on the parade 
 cround, and by taking one position after another while re- 
 treating before a superior force and under a severe fire, in a 
 manner which would not have been excelled by any troops 
 
 in the world. 
 
 Official reports showed the enemy's loss to have been one 
 hundred and fifty, of which number forty were killed and 
 buried on the field. The Eighth Illinois lost but sixteen 
 men, twelve wounded and four missing. The rebel com- 
 mander was very much chagrined at not having captured the 
 regiment, and is said to have remarked that " he could never 
 give any satisfactory reason for not having done so." The 
 reason was, we are happy to inform him, our men would not 
 let. him accomplish his object. 
 
THE EiaHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 195 
 
 October 2d was spent by the men in resting and recount- 
 ing the deeds of daring and the narrow escapes of the 
 previous day ; and by way of variety an unpleasant mis- 
 understanding occurred between Captains Hynes and Farns- 
 worth, in regard to the distribution of the horses which had 
 just arrived for the regiment. Such harmony had heretofore 
 existed among the officers, that a little "family jar " was 
 looked upon as a serious matter ; but mild counsels prevailed 
 and all dissatisfaction was soon forgotten. Towards evening 
 the four men who were missing arrived in camp, having 
 been paroled. They reported that they were well treated 
 by General Stuart, who led the rebel charge. The General 
 said "he knew it was the Eighth Illinois Cavalry he was 
 fighting, by the way they withstood his charges." General 
 Fitz Hugh Lee told them that in our charge at Boonsboro, 
 his horse was killed and he had to run into a cornfield and 
 then walk ten miles to effect his escape. In the estimation 
 of the Confederates, the Eighth Illinois was the best, and the 
 Third Indiana Cavalry the next best regiment in the Fed- 
 eral army. One of the rebel ofiicers sent his compliments 
 to Captain Clark, saying "he liked his style — he was so 
 cool — and that he would have been highly pleased if he 
 
 could have made him a prisoner ; but that little d 1 
 
 (Captain Waite,) that was along with Clark was a saucy 
 little cuss." All this was no faint praise, coming as it did 
 from the enemy. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Grand Review by President Lincoln— Bribing a sentinel— Stuart's second raid around 
 the Potomac Army— Harper's Ferry— Advance into Virginia— Battle of Philamont— 
 Battle of Barber's Crose-Roads— Capture of the hospital at Markham'g Station— An 
 Irish woman's generosity— Battle of Little Washington— Battle of Amisville- Captur- 
 ing General Wade Hampton's dinner— Farns worth promoted to a Brigadier-General- 
 Battle of Fredericksburg. 
 
 October 3d, all the troops were ordered out to be reviewed 
 by President Lincoln and General McClellan. The ground 
 chosen was that part of the battlefield where Generals 
 Hooker and Sumner had fought. Our brigade was drawn 
 up in line near the Hagerstown turnpike ; surrounded on all 
 sides by numberless graves, filled with the dead of the recent 
 battles. After standing two or three hours, the review com- 
 menced. The President appeared dressed in citizens clothes, 
 wearing a high crowned hat, his long, lean figure contrasting 
 strangely with the compact form of General McClellan. As 
 they approached, the battery belched forth its thunders in a 
 grand salute ; where, but a few days before, it was dealing 
 death to traitors. The review being ended all returned 
 thankfully to camp. 
 
 October 4th. Colonel Farnsworth's illness had increased 
 to such an extent that it was thought best to have him leave 
 the field for a short time. We accompained him as far as 
 Harper's Ferry on his way to Washington. 
 
 October 5th was the Sabbath, and Chaplain Judson 
 preached in the morning and evening. Lieutenant and Com- 
 missary, B. L. Chamberlain, returning to camp from his 
 captivity in rebel prisons, where he had been since the 6th 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 197 
 
 of May, entertained us with an account of his capture and 
 experiences ; a Eistory of which will he found in another 
 chapter. He met with a hearty welcome from his old com- 
 rades in arms. 
 
 October 6th the regiment removed to a new camp, about a 
 mile nearer Harper's Ferry, situated in a field where there 
 was no timber, and where all the fences were protected by 
 the infantry guards. We were at a loss to know how to 
 procure a few boards with which to make bunks, tables, &c. 
 Some of "the boys" had attempted to obtain some boards 
 from a fence near by, when they were promptly told by the 
 guard that they had orders not to allow the fences to be 
 disturbed. In this dilemma Dr. Crawford, ever ready to 
 invent an expedient, said he could manage it. Taking with 
 him a colored man, a hatchet and a bottle of whisky, he saun- 
 tered around the field until he came to a sentinel guarding 
 the fence near some wheat stacks. After a few moments 
 conversation the bottle was dj-awn from the Doctor's pocket, 
 and the sentinel was seen to imbibe a deep draught, and then 
 walk leisurely round to the opposite side of the stack. The 
 colored boy at once set to work tearing off boards, which 
 were soon brought to our tent. This proceeding occurred 
 in plaiii sight of the regiment ; thinking the guard had been 
 removed, about a dozen men started on the same errand, but 
 ere they reached the spot the Doctor had left, the sentinel 
 was again at his post, and not another board could be taken. 
 
 On the 7th, we visited a barn used for a hospital by the 
 enemy and in charge of their own surgeons. One case in 
 particular attracted our attention ; it was a soldier whose 
 lower jaw, chin and tongue had been shot away, and who 
 was still living. To our surprise the surgeon in attendance 
 had made no eff'ort to cover the wound or protect it from the 
 flies that were swarming around. What the final result of 
 the case was we never learned. 
 
 We remained in camp without much to excite us until the 
 11th inst., when early in the morning the Orderly's call was 
 
198 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 sounded, and shortly after " boots and saddles." The orders 
 were, to be prepared to march "light,'' with three days 
 rations. It was found that a large number of the horses 
 were without shoes, so that but about half the regiment were 
 in a condition to go. It was rumored that General Stuart 
 was making a raid into Pennsylvania, and we very correctly 
 conjectured that he was circumscribing McClellan's grand 
 army again as he did on the Peninsula. All being ready, 
 the regiment, or that part which was able to march, started 
 in command of Captain Clark, General Pleasanton in person 
 leading the expedition. Our course was first up the Poto- 
 mac to Ilagerstown. Halting there a few moments we 
 started for Williamsport, and had gone but a few miles when 
 we came to a halt, fed our horses a few cornstalks, and then 
 counter-marched to Ilagerstown. Passing through the place 
 our course was directed toward the mountains which were 
 reached. We then marched along the base to the Blue 
 Ridge a few miles, ascended, passed over it and down into 
 the valley of the Monococy, at a place called Mechanicstown 
 which we reached at half past ten at night. Some of our 
 men were taken sick and had to be left. The regiment 
 attempted to rest, but had barely unsaddled when orders 
 were given to move forward again, as all were eager to over- 
 take and capture Stuart. 
 
 Our course now lay down the Monococy Valley. The 
 road was good and the regiment went forward at a canter. 
 By the time our sick were cared for, we found ourselves in 
 the rear ; and although we put our horses upon the gallop 
 for most of the time, we rode eighteen miles before overtak- 
 ing the regiment. 
 
 Passing through Frederick City, Maryland, we reached 
 the mouth of the Monococy river about nine o'clock Sunday 
 morning. Here we found the rear guard of the Confeder- 
 ates ; a few shots were exchanged and one man captured ; 
 but Stuart and his raiders had succeeded in re-crossing the 
 Potomac at White's Ford, just in time to evade an engage- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 199 
 
 merit; and thus ended "Stuart's second great raid around 
 the Army of the Potomac." 
 
 General Stoneman, who was in command of a division at 
 Poolville, six miles distant, reached this point a short time 
 after, and why he could not have intercepted the enemy was 
 a mystery to us ; but it is probable he was not informed of 
 their presence until it was too late. 
 
 The enemy had succeeded in taking several hundred 
 horses from Maryland, and getting them across the river in 
 safety. At Chambersburg they captured a large quantity 
 of Quartermaster's stores, consisting in part of army cloth- 
 ing, which they immediately exchanged .for their ragged 
 gray. This deceived our troops and came near being the 
 means of our losing some soldiers. Captain Forsythe, with 
 a squad of men, came upon a number thus dressed in United 
 States uniform, and demanded who they were. lie was an- 
 swered by a shower of bullets. A lively skirmish ensued 
 without our side meeting with any loss or injury. 
 
 We noAv encamped in a field, having marched eighty-six 
 miles in twenty-six hours. Many of the men and horses had 
 given out on the way and came straggling along all the 
 afternoon. During the night, the more to add to our dis- 
 comfort, we had a drenching rain. 
 
 Monday, 13th, we returned to Sharpsburg, a distance of 
 thirty-five miles, greatly fatigued ; the whole distance trav- 
 eled being one hundred and twenty-one miles. It is doubt- 
 ful if better time or more rapid marching was made by any 
 command during the war. The mistake, if any existed, was 
 in our being sent round after the enemy instead of antici- 
 pating his course and intercepting him. All felt deeply the 
 disgrace of allowing the rebel General to pass around our 
 army and gather spoils, which he had now done the second 
 time ; yet no blame attaches to our cavalry. One half the 
 abor and marching, in the right direction, would have inter- 
 cepted him and forced an engagement. 
 
 October 14th, orders were issued early in the morning to 
 
200 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 move camp, and during the day the regiment marched to 
 Knoxville, some five or six miles below Harper's Ferry ; 
 ■without even resting from the effects of their late unprece- 
 dented march. But in time of war orders must be obeyed. 
 Finding a poor place for the regiment to encamp, Major 
 Medill ordered another move, and we went some two miles 
 farther from the river, where we pitched our tents. 
 
 The scenery upon our march that day was unsurpassed 
 east of the Rocky Mountains. The Potomac and Shenan- 
 ^<r^ doah rivers unite and pass through the Blue Ridge mountains 
 ^ at jj^ft g adft S^ Ferry, m.aking one of the grandest gorges ever 
 ^^ beheld. AVirt's description is not in the least overdrawn. 
 5 The place is also memorable for the exploits of John Brown 
 vj^ and his companions, whose visionary and untimely attempt 
 ' at revolution cost them their lives. On the Virginia side of 
 the river, Loudon Ilights were surmounted by cannon, and 
 from Maryland Ilights great batteries looked down on the 
 village and up the river, threatening all who approached 
 from that direction. The wagon road, railroad and canal 
 all pass between the river bank and the mountains ; being 
 crowded so near together, that there is scarcely room for 
 two teams to pass ; while above are over-hanging rocks, hun- 
 dreds of feet high, threatening to fall and crush us to atoms. 
 But there they have hung for ages, and may remain for cen- 
 turies to come. 
 
 October 16th the non-commissioned officers, mustered out 
 under an order from the War Department, started for home. 
 
 October 17th Major Beveridge, having recovered from his 
 late illness, arrived and relieved Major Medill, who had been 
 in command during the entire Maryland campaign. It was 
 known that a large number of our men who had been sent 
 to the General Hospital from time to time, were now detained 
 in a convalescent camp, near Alexandria, and although 
 repeated application bad been made to have them returned 
 to the regiment, they did not reach us. Accordingly I ob- 
 tained orders to go there and examine into the matter, and 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. -01 
 
 in compaDj with Major Medill, visited Washington and 
 Alexandria, and found thirty-two of our men in convalescent 
 camps, a large number of whom were able, and wished to be 
 returned. We succeeded in obtaining the release of a part 
 of them; and with a large amount of our baggage, which 
 had been left at Alexandria, and an unusually large mail, wc 
 returned to Knoxville, Maryland, on the 23d. 
 
 Durincr our five day's absence nothing of importance trans- 
 pired. Our Quartermaster received a lot of horses and 
 clothing to be distributed through the regiment, and Lieuten- 
 ant Beach, of Company A, returned from the city; upon 
 whose arrival, for some reason, yet unexplained, a lew ot 
 the officers had a lively time. There were various rumors as 
 to the cause, but being absent, we are not prepared to vouch 
 for the accuracy of any of the reports. Battalion-Adjutant 
 Lumbard also visited the camp, after a protracted imprison- 
 
 mcnt. , 
 
 We found the citizens about Knoxville in a very unpleasant 
 state Both armies had successively occupied the country, 
 and to avoid molestation, the inhabitants had misrepresented 
 each other, making accusations of being rebels or union- 
 depending upon the army that was present. Families that 
 had lived peaceable neighbors for fifty years, were thus em- 
 bittered against each other ; producing a state of society but 
 little less deplorable than that in Virginia, where the whole 
 country had been devastated. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 27th, Sergeant-Major Sam- 
 uel Smith put his head into our tent and announced " orders 
 to march at seven o'clock." As it had rained all night we 
 predicted a movement. A large part of the army had en- 
 camped in this neighborhood, and a pontoon bridge had been 
 laid across the Potomac river at Berlin. More than a 
 month had elapsed since the battle of Antietam and yet no 
 advance had been made, though all had expected to make a 
 move upon the "sacred soil of Yirginia," before this. 
 While lying here we ascended the loftiest peaks of the Blue 
 2(i 
 
202 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Ridge, and descended into the deepest valleys — in fact had 
 "done up" the country pretty thoroughly; and now only 
 waited the order which came upon this cold, rainy morning. 
 Several of our officers were sick and had taken board with a 
 family by the name of Crampton ; amcmg them Captain 
 E. J. Farnsworth and Lieutenant Van Patten. On account 
 of the illness of the former, our Colonel particularly re- 
 quested me to remain with the Captain. Drs. Crawford 
 and StuU accompanied the regiment. In due time the bri- 
 gade started, leaving a detachment in charge of the regi- 
 mental property, the sick, our Veterinary Surgeon, Corwin, 
 (with his lame and disabled horses,) and a large number of 
 new horses which needed shoeing. Having crossed the 
 Potomac on the pontoons they passed through Lovetsville, 
 and encamped on the premises of a secesh. They made 
 free use of his corn-shocks for the horses, as well as a rea- 
 sonable amount of the good things obtainable in the neigh- 
 borhood for themselves. It was a rainy day and the follow- 
 ing night was very unpleasant. 
 
 About noon on the 28th the rain ceased and the Eighth 
 Illinois dashed forward to Purcelville, where they drove in 
 the rebel pickets, capturing three. Soon after the Eighth 
 New York and Third Indiana came up and passed on. The 
 Eighth New York overtook a rebel battery, and after having 
 three men and several horses wounded, returned and en- 
 camped near our regiment. 
 
 An old secessionist by the name of Gregg, was owner of 
 the premises and "the boys" made themselves free with the 
 chickens, turkeys, sheep, pigs, apples, milk, etc., found on 
 his or adjoining plantations. One old lady implored pro- 
 tection of one of our men which she mistook for an officer, 
 to save her bees ; and while promising her to do all in his 
 power to guard the property and control the men, all the 
 available honey disappeared. These simple people seemed 
 to think that they could send their sons into the rebel army 
 to destroy our country and murder our soldiers, and that we 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 203 
 
 WQuld not only protect them, but spend our time in guarding 
 their chicken-roosts, pig pens and bee-hives. But they soon 
 learned that western soldiers came for other purposes. That 
 afternoon Drs. StuU and Crawford and Samuel Smith made 
 a descent upon a porker weighing about one hundred and 
 eighty pounds, and much to the amusement of the soldiers, 
 who seldom missed their mark, especially when something to 
 eat was the target, after shooting four or five times they con- 
 quered, and brought him into camp. 
 
 During the time they remained in this place, the country 
 was thoroughly picketed and foraged ; the men lived on the 
 enemy, and nothing found in the rich valley was too good 
 for the soldiers. At this place our teams came up with pro- 
 visions, and twenty-seven men from the old camp at Knox- 
 ville, twenty horses and one of the ambulances obtained 
 from the Medical Director. 
 
 On the 30th of October two squadrons of the Eighth 
 Illinois Cavalry and one of the Third Indiana were scouting 
 on diiferent roads, when Captain Ludlam's squadron discov- 
 ered some cavalry in the distance. Lieutenant Russell sent 
 Corporal White forward to ascertain who they were ; not 
 being able to recognize them in time to escape, he was taken 
 prisoner by the rebels, and Lieutenant Russell had a very 
 narrow escape. The Third Indiana captured one prisoner, 
 but we could ill aiford to give an Illinois boy for a rebel. 
 
 November 1st, A great portion of the infantry had now 
 arrived, and orders were given to advance. Our course 
 was directed southerly, along the eastern base of the Blue 
 llidge, and we formed the van-guard of this great army. At 
 Philamont we encountered the enemy ; the Eighth Pennsyl- 
 vania and Third Indiana being the first troops engaged. The 
 above named regiments had several men wounded, and some 
 killed ; and the surgeons found plenty to do in caring for 
 the sufferers. The Eighth Illinois were on duty in another 
 part of the field and suffered no loss. 
 
 November 2d. An account of this day's doings I quote 
 from Dr. Stull's diary : 
 
204 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRt, 
 
 " We moved at eight o'clock, on the road toward Union- 
 town. As we passed through Philamont the Brass Band 
 struck up a tune which made the rebel pickets skedaddle, 
 thinking the infantry had arrived. We had not moved far 
 before the artillery opened, when the fight commenced, and 
 continued all day ; we all the time driving the enemy by 
 inches, and by dark had driven them about six miles. The 
 Eiorhth New York had several men wounded, one from whom 
 I extracted a ball. The infantry of General Doubleday's 
 brigade came up in the afternoon and took part in the battle, 
 losing several men. Our men were in very warm positions, 
 as supports to batteries, but escaped injury until just at 
 night, when Samuel McGonnel, of Company A., was in- 
 stantly killed by a cannon shot. Though the shot and shell 
 fell around them like hail, and their comrade had fallen from 
 his saddle, yet, true soldiers as they were, they never moved 
 from the ranks ; even the brave, fallen hero's horse stood 
 still, although riderless. The nerve that holds men in place 
 in such exigencies is of no common or base kind. A half 
 dozen comrades quietly dismounted and performed the last 
 sad rites of burial, while the artillery sounded the funeral 
 salute ; and darkness closed the scene, but picket firing was 
 kept up all night. 
 
 What loss the enemy sustained in this conflict we do not 
 know ; but our artillery exploded one of their caissons, dis- 
 abling one gun, and there is no doubt they suffered more 
 than we. General Burnside arrived near night and surveyed 
 the scene." 
 
 November 3d. Skirmishing began early and was con- 
 tinued during the day. The enemy was driven back six 
 miles, to Ashley's Gap, near Upperville. In this mountain 
 pass they were nearly secure. No casualties occurred to our 
 brigade. 
 
 November 4th. The regiment was delayed a few hours, 
 waitinor for the teams to arrive with rations, which came 
 before noon. The hard tack marked " B. C," which the 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 205 
 
 boys interpreted " Before the Christian Era," was distributed 
 and the command moved out in the direction of Manassas 
 Gap, but had no fighting to do ; the enemj retreating as we 
 approached. We encamped for the night at Peidmont. The 
 Fifth Regular Cavalry had a skirmish at the Gap and lost 
 two men killed and twelve wounded. One squadron of the 
 Eighth Illinois went to the tovvn of Linden, near the summit 
 of the mountains. 
 
 November Sth. We moved early in the morning, and, 
 passing General Averill's brigade, took the advance. Taking 
 a southerly course along the mountains, we found the enemy 
 strongly posted at Barber's cross-roads. They saluted us 
 with a shot from their cannon, which fell short, and our 
 artillery was brought forward and replied. The Eighth 
 Illinois at first moved to the left to support the artillery, 
 and the Eighth New York, Third Indiana and Sixth Regu- 
 lars were farther to the right, engaged in skirmishing. The 
 artillery practice of our adversaries was excellent. Captain 
 Forsythe barely escaped one of their shots, which threw the 
 dirt over and about him. The road Avas barricaded with 
 rails to protect their cannon from a charge, but Companies 
 B and E made an attempt, and would have captured their 
 guns could they have been followed by a suflicient number 
 of supports at the proper moment. The enemy were in 
 superior force, and by the aid of the barricade and a deadly 
 fire, finally succeeded in withdrawing their guns. " Charge " 
 and " counter-charge," followed in quick succession, and 
 for a short time the fighting was desperate ; but our men 
 were invincible, although attacked by at least a full regiment 
 of Stuart's best cavalry. Three of the enemy were killed 
 and a large number wounded. One, who fell into our hands, 
 was Lieutenant and Adjutant Talaiferro, of the Ninth Yir- 
 ginia Cavalry. His thigh required amputation, which was 
 skillfully performed by Surgeons Rogers and Stull. We 
 also captured four prisoners, one of whom was a Captain. 
 But for the victory we have to record the loss of two brave 
 
206 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 men killed : Corporal William Mace and John Brown ; while 
 eight of our number were wounded, viz : Josiah Richardson, 
 Company L ; Charles Plant, Company E ; George S. Sager, 
 Company E ; B. F. Horner, Company E ; E, H. Burdick, 
 Company B ; Martin Fancher, Company B ; James McConnel, 
 Company E ; Harrison Hakes, Company B. 
 
 During the engagement two hospitals were established — 
 one for each cavalry brigade — and after the battle the in- 
 mates of both were removed to Markham Station, on Manas- 
 sas Gap Railroad, and there placed in a vacant building, 
 which had been used some time before as a hotel. Beds 
 were made on the floors with the blankets belonging to the 
 wounded. 
 
 Assistant-Surgeon S. K. Crawford was instructed by the 
 Medical Director to take charge of the hospital, and with 
 the limited means placed at his disposal, to do everything 
 within his power to increase the comfort and guard the 
 lives of the wounded. He assumed the charge, hoping that 
 tw^o or three days would bring relief, and allow the removal 
 of the sufferers to Alexandria, (the nearest point accessible 
 by rail,) where there was an established hospital. 
 
 However, on November 10th, hope gave way to disap- 
 pointment, for instead of friends coming to his relief, the 
 enemy sent two companies of the Second Virginia Cavalry, 
 under command of Captain H. C. Dickerson, who paroleil 
 the wounded and their attendants with the exception of the 
 Doctor, who was protected by a recent cartel governing the 
 exchange of prisoners, which declared medical officers and 
 chaplains non-combatants. 
 
 Upon entering the hospital they passed from bed to bed 
 very rapidly, frequently stepping upon the wounded ; de- 
 manding whatever they had of value, in money or watches: 
 stealing the blankets from the beds ; pulling the overcoats 
 with unnecessary force from under the heads of the men, 
 who shrieked out piteously as their wounded limbs were 
 thrown about by the violence used in removing their cover- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 207 
 
 ing. These actions were not restrained till after all the 
 desirable clothing had been appropriated by the chivalrous (?) 
 captors. Once through the hospital these men proceeded 
 to the kitchen and there helped themselves to the remaining 
 provisions ; leaving less than five pounds of hard bread, the 
 onlj rations with which to feed thirty Avounded men — and 
 five attendants — for an indefinite period of time. In addi- 
 tion to the above, they also took all the extra clothing of 
 Dr. Crawford, one of his horses, and his colored boy, (who 
 afterwards became the body-servant of General Stonewall 
 Jackson). Through the interposition of one of the wounded 
 rebels, of Avhom there were three in hospital, who wcrr 
 taken away at the time, the Doctor's best horse was left, in 
 consideration of the aid he had extended to the rebe^ 
 wounded. 
 
 Markham Station is located in a basin, having an inlet and 
 an outlet through which commerce is carried on with the 
 outer world. Rebel pickets were posted along the circular 
 hills, who enforced the instruction of their commanding 
 ofiicers, to the effect that we were not to take rails or fence 
 material for fires ; thus leaving the wounded, already de- 
 prived of their blankets, to endure the cold as best they 
 could. The few houses about the station were kept closed, 
 and their very appearance seemed unfriendly. The moaning 
 within the hospital and the quiet without were strangely in 
 contrast. Twenty- four hours passed without evidence of 
 aid reaching the sufferers. Meanwhile the wounded enjoyed 
 frequent drinks of cold water and expressed unbounded 
 gratitude when its cooling effects were felt upon their system. 
 If ever man's heart felt contrition and gratitude blended in 
 thankfulness to God, for His goodness to His creatures, these 
 poor men experienced the feeling. God's liberality, and 
 man's proscription were strikingly illustrated. 
 
 At this time they were illy prepared to receive, as visitors, 
 a rebel Major and a squad of his command. They came, 
 however, and the Major, representing the miniature confed- 
 
208 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 eracy present, assuved the union heroes that 'he United 
 States had "gone up;" that Lineolu was a '• tyrant ha 
 his cabinet olBcers were " thieves and robbers, and that 
 they then represented the ultimate eondition of the army to 
 whi'ch they belonged. To all of this the Doctor rep hed by 
 asking whether the confederate forces would object to th ir 
 leavin.- Markham Station, provided they could get away by 
 their o°wn efforts. The privilege was refused, and the Major 
 returned, leaving the men as melancholy as ,t was in h,s 
 
 power to make thein. , i , 
 
 l!y this time three of the wounded men had become so 
 sick that their condition was really dangerous. One had h,s 
 skull fractured by the blow of a sabre; another was shot 
 through the left lung; and another had h,s leg .njured so 
 as to require amputation above the knee; a U o^-^^^^Z 
 unable to be moved without extreme danger to 1 fc. Hunger 
 be^n to tell upon those less severely injured, and whe.e 
 foo°d could be procured was the gravest of ciuest.ons. To 
 whom could they appeal ? . 
 
 The evening of November the 11th brought a v,s>tor-one 
 least cxpected-au old black woman. Speak.ng m a 
 low voice as she entered the hospital, she .n ormed one 
 of the attendants that she had been sent w.th provs.ons 
 collected by the black people, for the un.on sold.ers- 
 Gd bless 'hem-and remarked, at the same t.me t at 
 they must be very hungry. The viands were gratefuUy 
 received, and the obligation is such that the noble sufferes 
 fldas tLough it could never be fully repaid, and w.ll surely 
 
 never be forgotten. material 
 
 , With the black woman's v.sit came hope and materia 
 
 sustenance and from her and others of her race the inmates 
 
 ftrhos^ital received all they had to eat until November 
 
 16th when the movement toward the union l.nes was pei- 
 
 mi t d by the rebels. Stonewall Jackson's corps was in 
 
 "amp twelve miles from the Station, and three apphcat.ons 
 
 nwriinghad been made to his hoadci«arters, asking per- 
 
THE EIGmil ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 209 
 
 mission to leave, before it was granted; it is probable two 
 of the applications never reached their destination. Per- 
 mission being given, the announcement was made to the 
 patients that a movement would be commenced as soon as 
 possible ; which gave great satisfaction and renewed their 
 energies. 
 
 An old dismantled hand-car was procured three miles 
 down the road and pushed up to the Station, where the area 
 of its platform was increased bj spiking on scantlings, and 
 placing upon them boards taken from the passenger platform, 
 thus making room for twenty-five of the wounded, four of 
 whom were laid upon beds in the center, and the others 
 allowed to sit in a double row around the beds, and thus the 
 car was balanced. The journey was now commenced, and 
 with light hearts they bade adieu to Markham Station and 
 its inhabitants. Gainesville, about forty miles distant, the 
 headquarters of Scigcl's corps, Avas the point toward which 
 they directed their travels. It was now one o'clock, and 
 before proceeding far they came to three heavy trucks on 
 the road, which proved to be rather troublesome. Upon 
 examination it was determined to push them along the track 
 half a mile, and then tumble them over an embankment, 
 which was successfully accomplished and the track effectu- 
 ally cleaned. As night approached, however, they were 
 obliged to proceed with great caution in order to ascertain 
 whether the bridges along the line were in a safe condition 
 to cross ; as the fear of precipitating their precious load into 
 a chasm of unknown depth was too great to admit of any 
 recklessness. Accordingly Dr. Crawford went ahead of the 
 car, and with a rope assisted in dragging it along, at the 
 same time looking well to the condition of the road. On 
 approaching a bridge the car was stopped, and the Doctor, 
 by passing over on his hands and knees, would see if the 
 structure was secure. In this manner they reached a small 
 station on the Manassas Gap Railroad, about twentyfive 
 miles from the place of starting. Here was found a build- 
 27 
 
210 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALIIY. 
 
 ing close by, into which they removed the sufferers, some 
 of whom were greatly exhausted. A fire was soon kindled 
 "which gave heat and light sufficient to enable the attendants 
 to bathe the wounds, and otherwise improve the condition of 
 the patients. The nurses labored faithfully until morning^ 
 •without sleep. 
 
 Early the next morning the journey was resumed. Dr. 
 Crawford and four hospital attendants composing the work- 
 ing force of the party. On approaching Thoroughfare Gap, 
 in the Bull Run Mountains, the grade was found to be steep 
 and the labor correspondingly arduous. At the Gap they 
 met a portion of Seigel's corps, from whom they obtained 
 coffee and a little bread, the first food they had taken since 
 leaving Markham Station. This, together with an hour's 
 rest, was very refreshing. They arrived at Gainesville late 
 in the evening of the second day, and reported their condition 
 at General Seigel's headquarters. His staff officers made 
 every effort in their power to procure food and transporta- 
 tion. The same night a special train was sent to Alexandria, 
 and the next morning the wounded were conveyed to the 
 Mansion House Hospital. 
 
 Besides the wounded mentioned as belonging to the Eighth 
 Illinois Cavalry, and who were included in the paroled list, 
 were some of the members of the Eighth New York Cavalry, 
 the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, the Fifth and Sixth 
 United States Cavalry and Battery A of the Second United 
 States Artillery. 
 
 Notwithstanding the suffering they were compelled to 
 undergo, there is one incident connected with their 
 sojourn at Markham Station, which occasioned so much 
 amusement in camp that I think it worth recording. After 
 the rebels had taken Dr. Crawford's clothing, a poor Irish 
 woman, living near by, took compassion on him and gave 
 him a pair of drawers, which she evidently thought belonged 
 to her husband ; but subsequent investigations proved that 
 she made a mistake, and gave him a pair of her own instead. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALR1% Sll 
 
 It was some time before the Doctor heard the last of the 
 Irish woman's generosity. 
 
 November 6th, our regiment advanced to Chester Gap, 
 hoping to reach that place before the enemy and prevent 
 their crossing the mountains, but before arriving encountered 
 their infantry in strong force. After exchanging some shots 
 and performing a feAV dextrous maneuvers, to obtain advan- 
 tage of position, we returned to camp by way of Barbee's 
 Cross-Roads, marching over a very rough country to Orleans, 
 which place was reached after dark. Here we found the 
 advance of General Burnside's command. 
 
 jSTovember 7th we advanced across the Rappahannock, 
 through and a few miles beyond Amisville. Major Bever- 
 idge, with part of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, made a re- 
 connoisance towards Sperryville where they had a fight, 
 severely wounding one man and capturing two. Companies 
 A and G, in a reconnoisance in another direction, captured 
 a Lieutenant and ten men with their horses and equipments. 
 There was a considerable snow-storm at the time, and with 
 their clothes covered and the flakes falling thick and fast, the 
 rebels did not recognize our men until it was too late to 
 retreat. 
 
 November 8th we again moved forward, and passing 
 through Sperryville at Glen's Cross-Roads, met the Fifth 
 Regulars who had encountered the enemy that morning. 
 Several of the federal soldiers were found wounded and also 
 some of the rebels, who received the attention of Dr. Stull 
 and Hospital Steward Willing. 
 
 A few miles farther on, at Little Washington, General 
 Wade Hampton's command was overtaken. The General 
 and his staff were just sitting down to a bountiful and lux- 
 urious dinner, prepared for him by the citizens of the place, 
 when the booming of the rebel artillery announced the fact 
 that the yankees were upon him. Colonel Farnsworth had no 
 artillery with him, but the disposition of his troops was so 
 well planned, and the charge into the town executed with such 
 
212 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 skill, that General Hampton barely escaped ; and Colonel 
 Farnsworth and his staff officers sat down to the table and 
 enjoyed the viands intended for his adversary. 
 
 Tnis is said to be one of the finest feats performed by the 
 Eighth Illinois Cavalry. After remaining in town three or 
 four hours and doing some foraging, the brigade returned to 
 near Amisville and bivouacked for the night, greatly fatigued : 
 having marched over thirty miles, besides doing some pretty 
 severe fifrhting. 
 
 Xovember 1^'th we remained in camp, with orders to pro- 
 cure forage for two days, Avhich command was fai];hfully exe- 
 cuted, as pork, veal, chickens and turkeys, for the men, and 
 corn, hay and oats for the horses, came in from all directions. 
 While here the wagons, which had been separated from the 
 regiment for a week, came up. We were also informed of the 
 removal of General McClellan from command of the army 
 of the Fotomac, and the appointment of General Burnside. 
 
 Let us now take a look after those left in camp at Knoxville 
 when this campaign commenced. The sick, that had not 
 recovered so as to be able to march, were sent to the General 
 Hospital at Frederick Cit}"-, Maryland. Captain Farns- 
 worth, after a severe illness improved so as to admit of his 
 going to Washington. The camp being broken up, on the 
 Gth of November, the Commissary, Veterinary Surgeon and 
 Surgeon, with horses, ambulances, convalescents and camp 
 attendants started to join the regiment. Passing over the 
 country which had been the scene of the recent battles we 
 found the disloyal element prevailed in most parts ; but there was 
 a Quaker settlement of true loyal souls who bade us welcome 
 and God speed, and who deserve all praise for their steadfast 
 and unwavering attachment to the Stars and Stripes, through 
 all the gloomy days they had passed — having been pillaged by 
 the rebels, and not altogether spared by the union soldiers. 
 
 At Rectortown we came up to General McClellan's head- 
 (juarters and inquired of General Buford, Chief of Cavalry, 
 where we could find our regiment ; but the only information 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 213 
 
 obtained wag that it was in the front. Passing on through 
 Salem, Orleans and Glenville, we reached the wagons and 
 Quartermaster's department at Jefferson on the 8th of 
 November, and all joined the regiment at Amisville, on the 
 9th instant. 
 
 While here, we ascertained that the enemy had stored their 
 tents in houses, (one of which contained probably one 
 thousand,) and had posted a notice, "Small-Pox," on the 
 buildings. Our men at once began to appropriate the tents 
 to their own use. The citizens, thinking to intimidate them, 
 invented and circulated a story to the effect, that some 
 soldiers had died of small-pox in the building, after using 
 the tents for beds. The story, however, was too weak to be 
 believed, and after taking all they could carry away, they 
 set fire to the building, entirely consuming its contents — 
 small-pox and all. When the citizens protested they were 
 met with the argument, that "for safety against the 
 spread of the disease, it was necessary the tents should be 
 destroyed. 
 
 November 10th. General Averill being sick, Colonel 
 Farnsworth was put in command of his (Averill's) brigade, 
 while Major Eeveridge commanded the Eighth Illinois and 
 Third Indiana. All was quiet until about ten o'clock, when 
 it was reported that the enemy were approaching in large 
 force ; and very soon the truth of the report was attested by 
 the sound of their cannon — the shots fallino; among; us to 
 our great annoyance. Camp was soon struck and the 
 artillery brought out to meet theirs. The ground was level 
 for some distance, and then rose a hill of such dimensions 
 that it might almost claim the name of mountain. We 
 could plainly perceive the enemy looking down upon us 
 from this eminence. The artillery practice was lively and 
 skirmishing on the flanks brisk, while the wounded men 
 began to come to the rear. Few battles occurred during 
 the late conflict, where the entire movements of the federal 
 troops could be seen so clearly. The force on our side was 
 
214 THE EIQUTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 ncreasing each moment — regiment after regiment being 
 brought in line or placed in support of batteries — and the 
 roar of artillery was almost deafening, between the dis- 
 charges of which the commands of our officers could be heard 
 distinctly. 
 
 It was soon evident that the enemy had been checked ; 
 but they held their ground until about three o'clock P. M., 
 when they fell back hotly pursued by our cavalry. In the 
 evening we occupied the same field and pitched our tents on 
 the same ground we occupied in the morning. The Third 
 Indiana, Eighth New York and the Regulars, lost several 
 iu killed and wounded, while the Eighth Illinois had but one 
 who received a slight scratch. General Burnside took com- 
 mand of the Potomac army that day. 
 
 AYe remained at Amissville the next day, awaiting the 
 arrival of teams which had been sent after rations. Sergeant 
 Hall, of Company A, having been sent back to obtain some 
 papers needed by his Captain, was surprised and taken pris- 
 oner by a force of the enemy who were dressed in our 
 uniform, thus deceiving him until he was in too close prox- 
 imity to retreat. 
 
 Dr. Stull and Adjutant Lumbard were mustered out of the 
 service while here, under an act of Congress, reducing the 
 number of cavalry officers ; which act allowed two assistant- 
 surgeons to a regiment of infantry and but one to a cavalry 
 regment, although the latter had two companies more than 
 the former. However the act was amended by the next 
 Congress, and the Doctor again appointed. 
 
 November 12th we moved to Waterloo, on the left bank 
 of the Rappahannock, where Ceylon Fassett, one of the 
 paroled attendants from the hospital at Markham Station, 
 joined us. He gave a thrilling account of their capture and 
 sufferings, which was at once transmitted to the Medical 
 Director. 
 
 November 14th we went to Warrenton, where, on the 
 16th, Charles Brvaer of Company C, who made the secesh 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 215 
 
 ladies of Alexandria walk under the national flag, much 
 against their will, accidentally shot himself while cleaning 
 his pistol. The ball took cifect in the brain and he died in 
 a few minutes. He was wrapped in his blanket and buried in 
 a beautiful grove about a mile south of the village. 
 
 Sunday, the IGth, our Chaplain preached upon the death of 
 the men killed in recent battles and by accident. In the 
 evening J. S. Van Patten was appointed Brigade Quarter- 
 master, and twelve pack mules were distributed to the regi- 
 ment to carry the necessary baggage, instead of wagons. 
 One was given to the medical department and one to each 
 squadron. The experiment proved to be a poor one as had 
 many others introduced by the Avise and knowing ones. 
 When they were packed and ready to move, some of the 
 poor, overloaded creatures would lie down, refusing to carry 
 such burdens ; while others would run frantically about, 
 scattering the cooking utensils, with which they were loaded, 
 in every direction. Experience however, which tests all 
 experiments, taught the men what the poor animals could 
 bear, and how to pack them. 
 
 November 17th we marched a few miles from Warrcnton 
 in the direction of Fayetteville. 
 
 November 18th, we passed Fayetteville and Bealmont 
 Station and camped in the woods. Early next morning, as 
 camp was being struck, an ambulance from the Eighth New 
 York Cavalry, (which regiment had taken a route nearer the 
 Rappahannock,) came into camp bearing the body of one of 
 their men who had died during the night, with a note from 
 the surgeon to the effect that he did not know what to do 
 with the body as they had no means of making a coffin. 
 Vexed, as well as astonished, at such stupidity, we set to 
 work digging a grave ; our Chaplain officiated at the burial, 
 which took place in true soldier style — the blankets, being 
 coffin, shroud and funeral pall. 
 
 Forming the rear of the army, and marching through a 
 rainstorm all day, we reached Morrisville, near Kelly's Ford, 
 
21G THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 where we remained all the next day, as the rain fell iu heavy 
 showers. A party of Company I, out foraging, were attacked 
 while at the house of Major xillen, and Solomon White was 
 captured. Another member of the party barely escaped by 
 going into the woods, and then was obliged to leave his 
 horse in the hands of the rebelr-^. lie was compelled to re- 
 main all night in the forest, and with a storm in progress, 
 doubtless, had a severe time. A detachment, under Captain 
 Waite, went in pursuit of the enemy and did them some 
 damage; capturing horses and taking prisoners a feiv 
 citizens, the latter being accused of giving information to the 
 rebels. 
 
 November 22d we again marched in a rain-storm, and at 
 night stopped opposite Falmouth, just above Fredericksburg. 
 It was intended by General Uurnsidc to reach this place, 
 cross the river and occupy Fredericksburg before the enemy \ 
 but the march was too protracted ; when we arrived we 
 found the enemy in force there, and our army occupying 
 Stafford Heights and the country between that point and 
 Acquia Creek, preparing to rebuild the railroad, which 
 had been destroyed. Remaining here but one night, we 
 proceeded to a point on the Potomac called Jjclle Plain, 
 where it was intended to establish a base of supplies for the 
 army. We pitched our camp in a grove of dense under- 
 brush; being almost worn out with our "muddy march," 
 and about destitute of rations. 
 
 On the 24th Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble, who had been 
 absent some time, arrived, and with him our new Quarter- 
 master, J. C. Smith. Rations not arriving, and the men 
 being weary and hungry, they sat up such a call for " hard 
 tack" that Colonel Gamble issued an order commanding 
 silence. 
 
 On the 25th Colonel Farnsworth went to Washington and 
 returned December 9th, a Brigadier-General — which promo- 
 tion gave opportunity for promotion to many other oflficers. 
 We remained here for a while without much of interest 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 217 
 
 transpiring — the regiment scouting and picketing the front, 
 until the 9th of December, when Dr. Crawford returned. 
 
 On the same day I was appointed Surgeon-in-Chief of the 
 Cavalry Division Right Grand Division of the Army of the 
 Potomac, and entered upon the duties of the position on the 
 staff of General Pleasanton. 
 
 On the morning of December llth our brigade was ordered 
 to the heights opposite Fredericksburg, where the fighting 
 men of the army had assembled. The enemy having refused 
 to surrender, notice was given to remove all non-combatants, 
 and after the expiration of the time given, the grand bom- 
 bardment commenced. About two hundred cannon were 
 placed on the bluifs overlooking the city, and the earth was 
 made to tremble with their roar. Our positon was on the 
 hill which overlooks the city, and, with a field-glass, the view 
 was grand beyond description. Under cover of this fire and 
 opposed by the sharp-shooters along the banks of the river, 
 the pontoons were laid ; not, however, without severe loss. 
 A lad named Edward Kelly, (with Lieutenant Taylor, chief 
 ambulance oflScer of the Division,) was in the first boat that 
 crossed the river. At night the brigade returned a few miles 
 towards its old camp ; but early next morning was again 
 marched to Staftord Heights, where we overlooked the firing 
 another day. 
 
 During the night our infantry crossed the bridge and oc- 
 cupied the town, the rebel cannon on the hills in front 
 frowning upon them within easy range. Artillery firing 
 was kept up all day. Major Beveridge, with one Battalion 
 of the Eighth Illinois, crossed on the pontoons under a well 
 directed fire from the enemy's guns, which were trained to 
 l)ear upon the bridge. This battalion remained in the city 
 during the following night, and the remainder of the regiment 
 in the quarters of the night previous. 
 
 Saturday, December 13th, occurred the battle of Fred- 
 ericksburg, proper; though two days of cannonading and 
 skirUiishing had already passed. We were early at head- 
 28 
 
218 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 quarters, where "we had spent the two preceding days. Gen- 
 eral Franklin's corps crossed about five miles below the city, 
 and opened the fight — General Hooker being on the right, 
 and Sumner in the center. The fighting on our left began at 
 nine o'clock. At half-past ten General Sumner became en- 
 gaged, and a little later General Hooker's troops commenced 
 the work of death and carnage. 
 
 I had tried to induce General Farnsworth, who was suffer- 
 ing severely from a swollen limb, to remain in camp, but he 
 would not consent. He was taken to the headquarters in an 
 ambulance, and in that condition commanded during the 
 entire day. During the afternoon it became evident that 
 our forces were suffering terribly, in the center, from the 
 enemy's cannon, which were trained to bear directly upon 
 them from the hills above. On the left, the smoke of Gen- 
 eral Franklin's artillery did not seem to advance ; and our 
 hearts grew sick as the wounded came across the river by 
 hundreds. As the day wore away the fighting increased in 
 fury, and with what inensity we watched the progress of the 
 battle, none but those present can ever conjecture. 
 
 Even after dark a desperate charge was made on the rebel 
 works in the center, and repulsed with terrible loss. Late at 
 night the battle ended, and all rested on their guns, save the 
 wounded and those who were engaged in bringing them off 
 the field. Firing was continued at intervals, all night. One 
 battalion of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry having been relieved 
 by another, they remained on the right of the army, and 
 on Sunday morning, learning that there was work for more 
 Surgeons in the city than they already had, we volunteered 
 our services. With Hospital-Steward Willing and George 
 Heintzelman the cook, we visited the city and took charge 
 of what was called Broad House Hospital, where during, 
 the previous night, the wounded to the number of about 
 one hundred, had been brought ; but none had, as yet re- 
 ceived nourishment or medical attention. A detail of a 
 Sergeant and six men, from the Sixteenth Michigan, assisted 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 219 
 
 US. Beef tea and crackers were soon prepared, and dis- 
 tributed to the famishing men. 
 
 While thus engaged we observed one quiet lad, who sat 
 leaning against the wall, making no complaint. His pale 
 and anxious countenance attracted mj attention and I told 
 an attendant to give him some soup. The attendant went, 
 but soon returned, saying he was asleop or dead. I directed 
 that he be awakened as I knew he must need nourishment. 
 Again he returned, saying he was dead. I then went myself, 
 and found that the report of the attendant was too true, and 
 that the spirit had taken its flight. 
 
 Soon after two lads entered, inquiring for a brother who 
 had been wounded, and whom they had brought off the field the 
 previous night. I directed them to look through the dead- 
 room, and there they recognized this boy, their brother. lie 
 had refused to allow them to remain with him ; telling them 
 to go and assist others, who needed help more than he did. 
 Six died during the day and seven capital operations were 
 performed at night. 
 
 Monday morning, the 15th, the last wounded were re- 
 moved across the river ; not, however, until the rebels had 
 opened upon us with artillery, one shot passing through the 
 building, scattering the brick and mortar over and among 
 us. Monday night the last of our troops were withdrawn 
 and the pontoons taken up. Our army had been beaten in 
 this battle, and we occupied our former ground ; having 
 thousands of our wounded on hand, who were conveyed to 
 Windmill Point, where immense field hospitals were prepared. 
 
 Our regiment had taken no important part in the battle, 
 although one-third of them had been under fire during the 
 progress of the fight. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 GolBg into winter quarters— On picket duty — "Capturing" a mule— Army "stuck in 
 the mud " — A snow storm — Grand review of the Cavalry — Hope Landing — General* 
 Stoueman and Pleaeanton— Stoneman'e raid— General IIooker'8 advance— Battle of 
 Chancellorsville- General Pleaeanton saves the army— Shelling our camp— The Army 
 of the Potomac re-cross the Rappahannock— The phrophetic frogs— Digging rifle pits 
 —Great raid on the "Northern Neck"— Battle of Beverly Ford. 
 
 The army now began preparations for winter quarters as 
 the cold weather was upon us in earnest ; and, after a few 
 days, our regiment went into camp near Belle Plain, On 
 Christmas day Hospital Steward, Robert Sill's, discharge 
 was reeeived and sent to him. He had been at home sick 
 for a long time. The regiment was sent to do picket duty 
 in King George County, relieving the Eighth Pennsylvania. 
 
 On reaching the place, the officers of the latter regiment 
 were found keeping a Christmas holiday, and were intoxi- 
 cated. Lieutenant-Colonel Clendennin, in command, re- 
 ported them to headquarters, which created quite a sensa- 
 tion among those interested. If more such reports had been 
 made it would have been better for the army. 
 
 The remainder of the year 18G2 was passed on picket duty 
 and scouting. No winter quarters were built, worthy of 
 the name. A few tents were erected and huts built, but the 
 men were on duty most of the time — in fact they preferred 
 to stand picket in Iving George County, where they could 
 forao-e freely, to remaining in camp and living on hard-tack 
 and pork. The Eighth New Jersey, Third Indiana and 
 Eit^hth Pennsylvania were in our brigade, and fared as we 
 did. Little could be done in the way of fighting, as the 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. -221 
 
 roads were now very muddy, and the weather cold, wet and 
 unpleasant. 
 
 The line guarded was along the Rappahannock, in the 
 vicinity of Port Conway, a distance of ten or fifteen miles 
 and across the neck of the Potomac. With the exception of 
 sugar and coffee, most of the rations for the men, and a large 
 part of the forage for the horses, were obtained by appro- 
 priating such provisions as could be found upon the planta- 
 tions. Being intensely disloyal in sentiment, the citizens 
 complained of such conduct. 
 
 As an illustration of the shrewdness of our men we will 
 relate an incident which occurred at headquarters : 
 
 A citizen came to Colonel Gamble, riding a mule, and 
 dismounting in front of the Colonel's tent, held his animal 
 by the halter while he made his complaint. He said one of 
 his best horses had been taken by our men and brought into 
 camp. Colonel Gamble inquired particularly about it, 
 making him describe the horse and the circumstances of its 
 capture. 
 
 While this conversation was taking place, the soldiers 
 crowded around him, and between him and his mule. He 
 still held the halter firmly in his hand, and when the animal 
 would pull or jerk the halter, he would sing out "Whoa ;" 
 but so earnest was he in presenting his claim, that he paid 
 little attention to anything around him ; only keeping a 
 firm hold of his halter. One soldier loosened the girth and 
 slipped off the saddle, another took it back into the pine brush. 
 Not being satisfied with this, they next removed the halter, 
 occasionly giving it a jerk to imitate the action of the mule, 
 and quietly led the animal away. When the man had 
 finished his talk and obtained permission to search the camp 
 and take his horse wherever he could find him, he found he 
 had lost his mule. After a fruitless search for both horse 
 and mule, he returned home on foot, " a wiser if not richer 
 man ;" no doubt cursing the yankees, whereas his curses 
 
222 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 should have fallen upon those who instigated the unholy 
 rebellion. 
 
 During the month of January, 1863, General Burnside 
 made another attempt to dislodge the enemy at Fredericks 
 burg. Camp was struck and the grand army marched up 
 the river, intending to cross at the upper fords ; but no 
 sooner were they fairly under way, than a terrible storm 
 arose, rendering the roads impassable for artillery and wagon 
 trains ; in fact the army was "stuck in the mud," and could 
 proceed no further. It soon retreated to its old quarters, 
 now rendered doubly uncomfortable by the destruction of 
 the few huts that had been erected. Soon after this General 
 Burnside was relieved and General Hooker appointed to the 
 command of the army. 
 
 Sometime in January, while out on a foraging or scouting 
 expedition, a party of our men were fired upon by a number 
 of rebels who were concealed in the brush by the roadside. 
 Elijah Hall was shot in the shoulder, the wound proving 
 very severe, and Samuel Peterson was peirced by eight buck- 
 shot, one of which broke his arm near the shoulder. But 
 after a tedious convalescence both recovered. Upon learn- 
 ing the sad news of their being wounded, a party was dis- 
 patched in pursuit of the enemy. A number or citizens, 
 suspected of being concerned in this murderous assault, 
 were taken prisoners, as it was well-known that on the 
 appearance of. our men in force, they would assume to be 
 quiet citizens ; but no sooner did they think they could 
 escape detection than they would prove themselves to be the 
 most lawless guerrillas. 
 
 General Pleasanton bavins; been assigned to the command 
 of the newly formed cavalry division of the army of the 
 Potomac, he retained the staff officers of his late brigade, and 
 I found that my duties were becoming very laborious. Dr. 
 Crawford was with the regiment in King George County 
 and we had no medical officers for the camp at Belle Plain, 
 except Hospital Steward Willing. General Pleasanton's 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 223 
 
 headquarters being six miles from this camp, I found that 
 it required considerable labor to go there, through the mud, 
 several times a week as I did, beside attending to the duties 
 at headquarters. Under these circumstances we urged the 
 appointment of Dr. Stull, as Second Assistant-Surgeon ; 
 Congress having amended the law so as to allow each 
 cavalry regiment to have two Assistant-Surgeons. He was 
 accordingly appointed, and reached camp on the ;^th of 
 February, 1863. 
 
 All this time the weather was very unpleasant. Snow, 
 six or eight inches deep, was followed by rain and mud — 
 a few cold days, then rain again. The roads were indescrib- 
 able. All day and night would the long wagon trains move 
 slowly along through the mud and over the corduroy roads 
 constructed by the army. Thousands of horses and mules 
 died in transporting the immense army stores along these 
 roads. 
 
 Thus the winter passed, until the 16th of February, when 
 a change of base was ordered for the cavalry. Our destina- 
 tion was Hope Landing, on Acquia Creek. Preparations 
 being completed, the Eighth Illinois, and, in fact, the entire 
 division, broke camp on the 17th and began to march in a 
 snow-storm. As the day wore on the storm increased, but 
 by dint of swearing and whipping, most of the wagons were 
 brought through, and at dark we found ourselves in a pine 
 forest on Acquia Creek, with six inches of snow for a bed. 
 Pine boughs thrown on the snow raised us a little above it, 
 and rolled up in blankets Ave slept, or tried to sleep ; and 
 arose in the morning from under a covering of three or four 
 inches of snow which had fallen during the night. Such 
 suffering and hardship as this the soldiers were becoming 
 used to, and those who did not sink under them were surely 
 hardy men. 
 
 The new camps arranged, supplies were obtained via 
 Acquia Creek, and a new method of transportation was 
 adopted. Wagons were again abandoned and supplies trans- 
 
224 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 ported on the backs of mules. The country was hillj, and 
 up the hills and down the ravines these animals waded 
 through the mud, loaded to their utmost capacity. In sev- 
 eral instances the poor creatures sank in the mud and died, 
 leaving nothing visible except a very small portion of their 
 tails and long ears. Jlain and snow alternating almost daily, 
 on the Virginia side, put the roads in a condition it is impos- 
 sible to describe, and yet all the rations both for men and 
 horses must be carried some three miles from the landing, 
 on the backs of mules and horses. 
 
 The sufferings of the men were great and sickness on the 
 increase. A Division Hospital had been established at Hope 
 Landing, where most of the sick were brought and treated. 
 The cavalry lay in this condition until February 25lh. 
 That night, in the midst of a heavy rain storm " boots and 
 saddles " were sounded, and the orders were to march. It 
 was rumored that the rebel, General Stuart, was at his old 
 tricks again. The men crawled from under their blankets, 
 mounted their horses and started. They traveled some forty 
 miles, to near Warrenton, without overtaking the enemy, 
 who had twenty-four hours the start of them. Stuart had 
 made an attack on the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Pennsyl- 
 vania Cavalry, captured a number of men and horses and 
 made good his escape. It is said that he paroled some of 
 the prisoners, by whom he sent his compliments to General 
 Hooker, with the request that he keep his horses in better 
 order ; as he depended on the Pennsylvania cavalry to supply 
 his demand. 
 
 A man belonging to Company 13, of our regiment, lost 
 his horse, and attempted to return on foot. Coming to the 
 picket line, where some of the I'ennsylvania Cavalry were 
 on duty, he Avas captured by them, put on a horse and brought 
 by an escort to headquarters, near Stafford Court House, 
 where, before being given up, he made his escape, and came 
 to the regiment ; thankful for the privilege of such a long 
 ride, as he would otherwise have been obliged to travel all 
 
N 
 
 .Sfe^ 
 
 BREVET BRIG CEN!: D. R, CLENDENN I N 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 225 
 
 the way to camp on foot. His escort was very much cha- 
 grined, for he supposed his prisoner to be a rebel. 
 
 The division returned on the 28th, and resumed its foroier 
 position. The principle duties performed by the cavalry, 
 besides building roads and providing forage, consisted in 
 picketing the country between the liappahannock and Poto- 
 mac rivers, above Falmouth, a distance of twenty miles, and 
 patrolling from thence to the Ocoquan, where they connected 
 with cavalry from Alexandria. By this it will be seen that 
 there were no idle hands ; work day and night — constant 
 work all winter. I wish those patriots who think they did 
 their share by staying at home and spending their money, 
 however freely in the good cause, to make 'a note of this. 
 No money will offset the labor and suffering of one such 
 winter. 
 
 The regiment was on picket in the vicinity of Dumfrees. 
 The guerillas would occasionally fire upon our pickets J 
 especially at night, and some were killed and wounded by 
 this inhuman means. On the night of March 15th, Whit- 
 worth, of Company C, had his horse shot. Captain South- 
 worth, with a squad of men, went in pursuit of the cowardly 
 guerillas, but owing to the darkness could find nothing of 
 them. 
 
 We frequently made sallies into the country, and at differ- 
 ent times captured prisoners to the number of twenty. 
 Numerous casualties occurred which are unavoidable, 
 especially in a cavalry regiment. On March 1st, George 
 Sullivan was thrown from his horse and had his collar bone 
 fractured. Thus the time passed between weary days and 
 sleepless nights ; for not unfrequently were the calls to saddle 
 up, at all hours of night. On the 5th of March, a portion 
 of the Eighth New York and the Third Indiana, being on 
 picket, were attacked, and the whole command were aroused 
 and ordered in pursuit. 
 
 On March 16th, while patrolling from Dumfrees up the 
 Ocoquan, a party of seven men, belonging to our regiment, 
 29 
 
226 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 was overpowered and captured. Captain Farnsworth headed 
 a party and went in pursuit. They captured three rebel 
 prisoners, an officer, two men and four horses. One of the 
 horses had belonged to our regiment. A few days later four 
 more of the enemy were captured. 
 
 March 31st, Captain Farnsworth, with half the regiment, 
 went on another scout after the enemy avIio had captured 
 some of the Eighth New York Cavalry. Starting at mid- 
 night, after a march of two days and nights they returned 
 with twelve prisoners, and reported two killed and several 
 wounded. One of their brave and noble comrades, Fred 
 Frank, fell in a desperate engagement. 
 
 During the winter, furloughs for fifteen days were readily 
 granted, and many were thus enabled to vigit their 
 homes. Colonel Gamble, Major Beveridge and other officers, 
 took their turns in procuring leave of absence ; but as spring 
 approached, fewer were given, and those who were waiting the 
 return of their comrades to be permitted to receive like 
 favors, were sorely disappointed on being refused. Several 
 of the officers, while lying in winter quarters, received visits 
 from their wives or other members of their families, which 
 somewhat, relieved the dull and tedious duties of camp life. 
 Mrs. Davis, living at Hope Landing, did the agreeable by as 
 many as possible of our visitors. 
 
 March 25th Major Beveridge, Dr. Crawford and Sam 
 Smith, returned to the regiment, and others continued to 
 arrive, filling up the ranks, preparatory to the coming 
 campaign*. 
 
 On the 6th of April, a grand review of the cavalry was 
 had near Falmouth, at which President Lincoln and lady, 
 Generals Stoneman, Hooker and Bleasanton were present. 
 It would seem that such an army of horsemen, if rightly 
 handled, would carry dismay and discomfiture into the camps 
 of the enemy ; this being, in all probability, the largest body 
 of cavalry ever reviewed or assembled on this continent. 
 These grand reviews were always hard upon both men and 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 227 
 
 horses, and this proved to be particularly so, as the roads 
 were exceedingly muddy. The appearance of the troopers 
 and their animals were all that could have been expected, 
 after a winter in tlie woods, doing hard service, and being 
 frequently short of rations. Wearily the difi'erent regiments 
 returned to camp. 
 
 On the 9th of April the Eighth Illinois was again sent 
 out on picket, to relieve the Third Indiana ; and in order to 
 give some idea of what transpired from day to day on that 
 kind of duty, I quote again from the diary of Dr. Stull, who 
 accompanied the regiment : 
 
 " At noon we were there, and have been as busy as possi- 
 ble preparing for the night. We relieved the Third Indiana, 
 and they have gone in. 
 
 " April 10th. No alarm along the pickets last night, but 
 we had a little alarm in camp, from a dispatch from General 
 Stoneman, through Colonel Davis, to the effect that General 
 Stuart Avas at Cedar Run with five thousand cavalry! 
 Captain Southworth took forty men and went all through 
 that country this afternoon, but could find nothing of them, 
 
 " April 11th. Nothing new along the line. Little squads 
 have been scouting the country. Corporals Young and Carter 
 had three shots at bushwhackers last night. This evening 
 the report is that Stuart is at Ilartwood Church, about ten 
 miles from here. 
 
 " April 12th. This morning Captain Southworth was sent 
 out with fifteen men to arrest a man, who is accused of con- 
 veying information to General Stuart. The description sent 
 to Major Beveridge to aid in his apprehension was as follows ; 
 " He is described as an old man, grey-headed, grey beard, 
 full red face, short and thick, with bandy legs, and usually 
 rides a white mule with the top of one ear cut off. Lives in 
 the pine woods, about seven miles from Dumfrees, on the 
 Warrenton road." Ceylon Fassett accompanied the expe- 
 dition. The boys had quite a lively time and long race, but 
 could only take one prisoner and two horses. Ceylon made 
 
228 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 a shot at a rebel, killing his horse, just as he was in the act 
 of firing at one of our men. This evening received an order 
 to return to camp and prepare for a forward movement. 
 Started, but in the darkness lost the way, and had to counter- 
 march some distance. Finally reached the old camp at two 
 o'clock A. M., April 13th, and had a short nap before day- 
 light." 
 
 The movement about to be made is known as " General 
 Stoneman's great raid." Generals Stoneman and Pleasan- 
 ton being in command of the cavalry, it was arranged to 
 have Stoneman make a raid around the enemy's rear, cut the 
 railroads between them and Richmond so as to prevent rein- 
 forcements from the south, and engage their cavalry ; while 
 General Hooker attacked them in front with the main army. 
 General Pleasanton was ordered to take charge of the camps, 
 and remain behind with only the Sixth New York, Eighth 
 and Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and such detach- 
 ments of other regiments as were necessary to care for the 
 camp property and the sick; and as his Surgeon in Chief, I 
 had charge of the corps hospital, which we located at iVcquia 
 Creek. This arrangement was very displeasing to General 
 Pleasanton ; as an opportunity to gain military renown 
 would thus be afforded to those who accompanied the great 
 raid, whereas none was in prospect for those left behind. 
 But we shall shortly see that such an idea was erroneous. 
 
 We will first follow the regiment, and then return and see 
 what General Pleasanton did in their absence. The follow- 
 ing facts have been furnished us by Dr. Stull : 
 
 "April 13th. As we had considerable to attend to in the 
 medical department, we were not ready to move until long 
 after the regiment had gone. Followed after them, got lost, 
 and finally came upon General Averill's Second Division, and 
 followed them during the day. "We made diligent inquiries, 
 but could find nothing of our brigade until night, when we 
 learned of Colonel Jones, Third Pennsylvania, that his 
 pickets expected to connect with ours that night. 
 
THE EI&HTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 229 
 
 April 14th. We were up and moving early, following 
 General Averill's picket line, soon came upon our own men. 
 To our surprise, Colonel Davis was very pleasant and did 
 not arrest us as he should have done to be in keeping with 
 his usual course. Willing and I accompanied Captain 
 Farnsworth on a scout, with his own squadron and 
 one of the Ninth New York Cavalry. We took the 
 road to Warrenton, and there had a nice little skirmish 
 with the enemy ; but the Ninth New York Captain 
 pitched in without orders and so spoiled the beauty of the 
 fight. If he had followed Captain Farnsworth's orders, we 
 might have taken thirty or forty of the Black Horse Cavalry ; 
 whereas we took but half a dozen. Captain Farnsworth 
 wounded one man mortally, and the Ninth New York 
 killed two. In shooting back at our men, the rebels wounded 
 a lady living in the village. James Reed's horse ran away 
 with him and carried him into the enemy's ranks, where he 
 fought hand to hand for a while but came out unscarred. 
 
 After the chase Avas over we went to White Sulpher 
 Springs, where we were to await orders from Colonel Davis. 
 We remained till dark, when, Captain Farnsworth thinking 
 it dangerous to prolong our stay, we went down and crossed 
 the Rappahannock at a mill, obtained a lot of wheat for the 
 horses, and going back a short distance encamped for the 
 night at about half past ten o'clock, so tired that we did not 
 cook any supper. Oar rear guard and prisoners not having 
 come up gave us great uneasiness. 
 
 April 15th. One of the most rainy days of the season. ( 
 The rain falling in torrents all day. Captain Farnsworth 
 sent to Liberty for orders and found Captain Smith's squad- 
 ron, (which had been hunting for us all night,) with orders to 
 cross the river where we had crossed, move down and join 
 Colonel Davis. We pressed an old man, once a militia colonel, 
 as guide. lie was a plucky old fellow, and offered " to 
 whip Captains Hynes and Farnsworth both," at a fist fight- 
 Crossing at Freeman's Ford we found Colonel Davis, and 
 
1^30 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 halting at a plantation, Willing and I obtained dinner, and 
 while there heard firing and cheering. Colonel Davi3 was 
 ordered to recross the river, and just as the rear guard was 
 crossing, at Kelly's Ford, the rebels charged down upon 
 them, at the same time firing upon us. Captain Farnsworth 
 ran the line of rebel skirmishers and told Colonel Davis 
 where we were. The Colonel said we would all be " gobbled 
 up," unless we could cross the river immediately. Tiie Cap- 
 tain made his mustang do some tall running up the river six 
 miles and down the opposite side ; and taking us by a cir- 
 cuitous route, we were enabled to join the brigade without 
 loss. The Captain's foresight and gallant conduct that day 
 saved his squadron from capture. We found that the 
 brigade had spent even a rougher time than ourselves. The 
 Third Indiana had lost one Lieutenant and twenty men. 
 Two wounded soldiers had been seen to sink in the river, 
 and the Eighth New York had one Lieutenant shot while 
 fordingf. 
 
 April 16th. Found the regiment in camp at Kelly's Ford, 
 having marched, fought and countermarched, and having 
 made an almost miraculous escape. Rested two days, and 
 then Major Beveridge, with a hundred men each from the 
 Eighth Illinois and Third Indiana, started on a three days 
 scout. Went to White Sulpher Springs and thence to 
 Waterloo, where they captured four soldiers and a Lieu- 
 tenant of the Black Horse Cavalry. The Lieutenant fought 
 desperately and came near killing Captain Southworth. He 
 broke one of the Captain's horse's legs, but was finally 
 obliged to yield. Camped near Waterloo. 
 
 April 19th. Marched in the direction of Orleans, where 
 they charged upon the rebels who beat a hasty retreat. 
 Thence toward Salem, chasing the rebels most of the way. 
 When within six miles of Salem, they took a new route over 
 the mountains toward Warrenton, and stopped for the 
 night at Morgan's plantation, where poultry, flour and cider 
 were found in abundance. The woman of the house was a 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 231 
 
 perfect Amazon, and used every argument to save her 
 chickens and other valuables. But Major Beveridge was 
 immovable and the men fared well. The Indiana boys 
 brought in two prisoners. While here information was re- 
 ceived that a large force, under Mosby and White, were 
 above them in the valley, and at ten o'clock at night they 
 again marched, taking a negro for a guide, and passing over 
 atiother mountain, stopped at two o'clock A. M., within two 
 miles of Warrenton. 
 
 April 20th. Notwithstanding the rain, the expedition 
 marched thirteen miles to Bealton to join the brigade. 
 Found them out in line with six days rations, ready, it was 
 supposed, to make another attempt to cross the Rappahan- 
 nock. This is but a specimen of what a scouting party has 
 to endure. Is it any wonder that men and horses fail under 
 such trials ? 
 
 April 21st. The brigade moved up the river in the direc- 
 tion of Warrenton, where forage and rations were brought 
 them by the railroad. One squadron was sent across the 
 river, and while on picket a squadron of the Third Vir- 
 ginia Union Cavalry came up, were challenged and then 
 allowed to pass. Coming to the Captain's quarters they 
 were mistaken for the enemy. The Captain fired a few shots 
 and they hastily re-crossed. 
 
 April 25th. Captain Farnsworth went scouting and for- 
 aging. Passing through Salem into Carter Run Valley 
 they again called on Morgan, where our Amazon woman 
 resides. This time they only took a liberal supply of hams. 
 They then proceeded to the late residence of John A. Wash- 
 ington, who was once owner of the Mount Vernon estate 
 and late a soldier in the rebel army. On their return they 
 fell in with five members of the rebel cavalry, splendidly 
 mounted, killed one and captured two men and one horse. ' 
 
 April 26th. S. Coppersmith accidentally shot himself in 
 the leg, producing a serious wound. 
 
232 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 April 27th. Major Medill, Captain Ludlam and Lieuten- 
 ant Wing, 'who had been absent on leave, returned. 
 
 April 28th. Captain Clark went on a scout to New 
 Baltimore, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, and then 
 to Salem, where he captured two rebels. That night we 
 marched beyond Bealton. 
 
 April 29th. Moved early, and near night reached and 
 crossed the river at Kelly's Ford. Were soon attacked and 
 quite a lively skirmish ensued, in which several horses were 
 killed ; but the enemy was forced to retire, and a sleepless 
 and rainy night followed. 
 
 April 30th. Rainy, but once more on the march. Noth- 
 ing of note took place until after passing through Culpepper 
 to Cedar Mountain. Captain Forsythe's squadron captnred 
 a Quartermaster's stock of bacon and other valuables, and a 
 few prisoners. Upon coming near the Hapidan river the 
 rebel artillery was awakened. Here we rested for the 
 night. 
 
 May 1st. Men from each regiment were dismounted and 
 placed along the river at Kapidan railroad bridge, to act as 
 sharpshooters. They now came temporarily under command 
 of General Averill, and it was expected they would 
 cross the river, drive the handful of rebels before them and 
 join the great raid, but a desultory fight, only, was kept up. 
 Near night our men made an attempt to burn the bridge, 
 but found that the enemy had already set it on fire. A 
 rebel Colonel, with a squad of thirty men, made a dash on 
 Captain Waite who was at our advanced picket post, killing 
 his horse and making him a prisoner ; but the picket reserves 
 made a gallant charge and recovered their Captain, beside 
 taking two prisoners. Firing was distinctly heard all day 
 in the direction of Fredericksburg, where it was supposed 
 Hooker's army was fighting that of Lee. 
 
 May 2d. Orders were given to follow down the river, and 
 after a weary march of about thirty miles, the camp was 
 pitched near Ely's Ford, and, supper being discussed, the 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 233 
 
 rebels opened a fire upon the camp, which was in easy range. 
 After a short resistance, all was quiet again, not, however, 
 without causing some loss to our party, for Dr. Crawford's 
 favorite horse was shot. 
 
 May 3d. Crossed at Ely's Ford and went down the Rap-~^ 
 pahannock to U. S. Ford, and again came under command 
 of General Pleasanton. 
 
 The Eighth were greatly disappointed at not being sent 
 forward with General Stoneman, and being permitted to dis- 
 play their ability in that particular calling — "raiding." 
 They had marched, scouted, foraged, fought and endured 
 much since the raid begun, and were dissatisfied because 
 they were uot allowed to go to Richmond. 
 
 We will now leave them at U. S. Ford, while we follow the 
 fortunes of General Pleasanton. Having been left in charge 
 of all the camps, of the cavalry corps, he at once set about 
 consolidating the remnants of the diflferent divisions. The 
 corps hospital was removed to the bluff's south of Acquia 
 Creek depot ; and the camps being satisfactorily arranged, 
 the General's headquarters were located at Potomac Creek, iv 
 
 April 28th, the Arm}"- of the Potomac, commanded by 
 General Hooker, broke camp, and General Pleasanton was 
 ordered to accompany him, with what cavalry he had at his 
 command. Leaving Colonel Gamble, of the Eighth Illinois, 
 in command of the camp, we marched up the Potomac to 
 Grove Church, and encamped for the night. At half-past 
 two o'clock next morning, we again advanced and crossed 
 the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford on pontoons. Three 
 corps of infantry, the Fifth, Eleventh and Twelfth, com- 
 manded by Generals Meade, Howard and Slocum, accom- 
 panied us. After crossing the river, our cavalry, followed 
 by the Eleventh and Twelfth corps, marched to Germania 
 Ford, on the Rapidan, while the Fifth corps went to Ely's 
 Ford, On reaching the Ford we surprised a party of rebels 
 
 building a bridge, capturing and wounding several of them. 
 30 
 
234 TUE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 We had one man killed, and Lieutenant Ramsay, of the 
 Sixth New York, wounded. 
 
 The crossing'of the stream, which was deep and rapid, with 
 high bluffs on either side, was very diflScult. Bonfires were 
 built on the banks, and cavalry stationed in the stream to 
 rescue any of the infantry, who, missing their footing, should 
 be carried down with the current. In this manner many 
 were rescued who must otherwise have perished. "We were 
 hours in bringing these poor fellows to life again. The 
 crossing of the Rapidan, illumined by these fires, was a scene 
 worthy the pencil of the most skillful artist. 
 
 April 30th we advanced through "the Wilderness," meet- 
 ing with but little opposition, and reached Chancellorsville 
 before night. The Sixth New York Cavalry, commanded 
 by Lieutenant- Colonel McVicker, went on picket in the 
 direction of Spotsylvania Court House, and where attacked 
 and overpowered by superior numbers. Lieutenant-Colonel 
 McVicker, as brave and gallant an officer as the army could 
 boast, was killed, and a number of others were killed, wounded 
 or taken prisoners. 
 
 May 1st the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry, on picket, 
 were attacked, and had several wounded. The cavalry bri- 
 gade moved back a short distance, giving the infantry the 
 front, and we rested for the night. It appears that the 
 enemy were busy all night preparing for a vigorous attack 
 the following day. All were aware that the crisis Avas now 
 at hand, for two great and hostile armies could not long 
 remain in such close proximity without an engagement. At 
 early dawn" we were at General Hooker's headquarters, and 
 about mid-day the firing in front became very lively, and 
 our forces were driving the enemy before them and capturing 
 prisoners. General Pleasanton was ordered to support Gen- 
 eral Sickles, whose division was engaged, when, about four 
 o'clock P. M., volleys of musketry suddenly broke upon our 
 ears, from the right flank, (held by the Eleventh corps). In 
 a few moments a staff officer rode up saying " the Eleventh 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 235 
 
 corps is falling back in confusion, and want support." Gen- 
 eral Pleasanton at once countermarched his column, and 
 coming out into the open space, sent the Eighth Pennsylva- 
 nia and Sixth New York up the turnpike to the support of 
 the infantry. They met and charged the enemy but were 
 terribly cut to pieces, losing some of their brave and gallant 
 officers and men. The General ordered his staff to assist in 
 stopping the stampeders, now coming down upon us like an 
 avalanche — riderless horses, cannon, caissons, ambulances 
 and wagons, all in the utmost confusion ; and men, demoral- 
 ized and frightened almost out of their senses, came rushing 
 along by thousands. The General gave orders to his artil- 
 lery to " aim low and hold their fire." Several guns were 
 stopped and turned toward the enemy, and a line formed of 
 the runaways, when, in the small pines, not fifty yards in our 
 front, we could distinctly see gathering hosts, and although 
 it was now the dusk of the evening, we could see that their 
 flag bore a close resemblance to our own. Fearing to fire, 
 the General sent Lieutenant Thompson, of his staff, to 
 ascertain who they were. Riding out in front of our guns, 
 to within thirty yards of the flag, he could recognize the 
 stars and stripes. They called to the Lieutenant to " come 
 over," when he discovered their treachery. They vjere rebels 
 carrying our flag ! Wheeling his horse, in a moment he 
 was back among us; when they poured a volley of musketry 
 into our midst. The loud, shrill command of " fire," rang 
 out along our line, and in a moment twenty-two cannons, 
 double-shotted with canister, sent forth torrents of death, 
 which stopped their advance, and laid hundreds hors de com- 
 bat. It was at this time that the rebel General Jackson was 
 killed, and, I have no doubt, by our own fire. For twenty 
 minutes the fire was terrible. Our Light-Horse Battery lost 
 thirty-six horses and a number of men, while among the cav- 
 alry few casualties occurred. My own horse was shot under 
 me, pierced by two balls. Firing^ceased, and all was quiet 
 except the occasional crack of a rifle along the picket line. 
 
236 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 In this condition of affairs 1 took a dispatch to General 
 Hooker, who was at the Chancellor House, informing him of 
 our position, and that we had checked the enemy's advance. 
 We held this position until near day-light, when we were 
 relieved by a brigade of infantry. Retiring in the direction 
 of U. S. Ford, we crossed the river and encamped on a hill. 
 
 With the morning came another desperate attack, which 
 lasted most of the day, forcing the federal army back about 
 two miles, which gave the enemy command of the roads 
 through Chancellorsville. The Chancellor House during the 
 battle was burned to the ground ; and some of General 
 Hooker's staff officers displayed their courage by rescuing a 
 number of ladies from the burning building. The shell 
 which fired the house, struck the portico on which General 
 Hooker was standing, and stunned him severely though not 
 inflicting any dangerous injury. 
 
 May 4th the fighting was mostly .in the center and to the 
 left of our line. General Sedgwick's corps had crossed the 
 river and occupied Fredericksburg ; but the failure of Gen- 
 eral Hooker to conquer Jackson's troops and others opposed 
 to him, allowed them to attack Sedgwick with overpower- 
 ing numbers, and re-take Fredericksburg. 
 
 Before daylight the enemy succeeded in getting a battery 
 in position on the south side of the river opposite our camp, 
 and commanding the corral and ambulance station, and 
 opened upon us a deadly fire. The shells, like meteors, des- 
 cribed the arcs of large circles in the air, and then burst 
 over and among us, stampeding our horses and causing a 
 panic among the drivers. They also fell among the prisoners 
 and wounded five or six men. During the night the army 
 of the Potomac began to withdraw across the river. 
 
 On the 5th a heavy rain storm began, rendering the roads 
 almost impassable, but the following night all were safely 
 withdrawn, the pontoons removed, and on the Gth the army 
 returned to nearly their old position between Fredericksburg 
 and Acquia Creek. Thus ended in failure General Hooker's 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 207 
 
 attempt to drive the enemy from the line ot the Rappahan- 
 nock. Like that of General Burnside's, in December, it 
 appeared to be well planned, but failed in execution. There 
 can be no doubt that General Pleasanton, with his little 
 band of cavalry and Martin's battery, saved the 
 army and General Hooker's headquarters from capture ; 
 for such a stampede and demoralization as that of 
 the Eleventh corps, was never equaled except at the 
 first battle of Bull Run. The Stoneman raid, though it 
 accomplished much in the destruction of property, failed to 
 sever the connections with Richmond, and the enemy were 
 allowed to send re-inforcements to their army, which gave 
 them a great advantage. But they lost their inimitable 
 Jackson, whom they had reason to mourn. His well-known 
 bravery inspired them with courage that no other General 
 had the power to impart. 
 
 An anecdote connected with the expedition is related sub- 
 stantially as follows : 
 
 While the army of the Potomac were crossing the river on 
 the pontoon bridge at U. S. Ford, a large frog stuck his 
 head above the water and cried out, " Big thing. Big thing ;" 
 which was interpeted as an omen of success. But when the 
 defeated army were retreating across the same bridge, in a 
 drenching rain storm, they looked for the prophet frog, 
 which could not be found. In his place came a small, lean, 
 lank frog, who screeched out in a shrill, sharp voice, " Can't 
 see it. Can't see it," which was a fit reply to the former. 
 
 During the night of May 5th, the Eighth Illinois were 
 ordered to Falmouth, where they loaded their jaded horses 
 with forage and then marched, via. Hartwood Church, to 
 Elk Run, which was so swollen by the late rains it could not 
 be forded. After passing a rainy night on its banks, they 
 constructed a bridge and then marched to Kelly's Ford, 
 where a part of the regiment was set to work making rifle- 
 pits to defend the ford, and a part went on to Rappahan- 
 nock Station, six miles above, to defend that place and 
 protect the railroad bridge. 
 
238 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 May the 8th, another squadron ■was sent to Norman's 
 Ford to dig rifle-pits, which, with foraging, seemed to be the 
 business of the regiment. General Stoneman, returning 
 from his raid, reached Kelly's Ford, but was unable to cross 
 on account of the swollen stream. The rain had ceased but 
 all the rivulets had swollen into torrents. At night orders 
 came to return to the army again, and about sunrise we 
 reached Ilartwood Church, and during the day went into 
 camp at Potomac Creek, almost worn out with the incessant 
 marching which had been continued both day and night. 
 
 On the 11th the Paymaster made his appearance, much to 
 the joy of the men, who had been without pay for many 
 months. The men sent home about twenty-five thousand 
 dollars, it being about thirty-two dollars to each man. 
 
 May 14th an immense train of ambulances were sent 
 under a flag of truce to bring our wounded from within the 
 rebel lines. The suS'erings of these poor men, who had not 
 been provided for, baflles human description. Many were 
 alive with maggots, and hundreds must die, who, with proper 
 care, might have been saved. Brigade headquarters were 
 moved within four miles of Acquia Creek, but the regiment 
 remained at Potomac Creek Station until the 17th of May, 
 when orders came for a reconnoisance to King George and 
 the "Northern Neck." Nothing could have pleased our 
 men better, for from their experience in picketing that 
 country, they knew where to find good living. 
 
 The regiment left camp with five hundred men, and four 
 days' rations. The region called the "Northern Neck" 
 lies between the Rappahannock and Potomac, and during 
 the war was the refuge of guerrillas and smugglers ; the 
 former having caused the pickets no little annoyance in 
 various ways. It was for the purpose of inflicting summary 
 punishment on these citizen-marauders, and breaking up the 
 contraband trade, that the Eighth Illinois paid them a visit ; 
 and there is little doubt but that they made a lasting 
 impression. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 239 
 
 After reaching King George Court House Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Clendennin divided his command into three battal- 
 ions, commanded by himself, Majors Beveridge and Medill ; 
 each taking a turnpike road and marching the entire length 
 of "the neck," until they arrived at the junction of the two 
 rivers ; capturing and destroying rebel property without 
 limit. The entire country Avas searched, and every nook along 
 the banks of the two rivers explored. One hundred sloops, 
 yawls, ferry-boats, <fcc., were burned with their contents ; 
 consisting of salt, oil, whisky, leather, stationery, wool cards, 
 percussion caps, boots, shoes, clothing and many other articles 
 of especial value to the rebels. About twenty thousand 
 pounds of bacon and a large quantity of flour was also des- 
 troyed. At Leed's Ferry it was ascertained that the ferry- 
 boat used for smuggling was on the southern bank of the 
 Rappahannock, and it was especially desirable that it should 
 be destroyed. A yankee trick was devised to induce the 
 rebels to bring it across the river. Captain Southworth, 
 Sergeant Cassady and four others, dressed themselves in 
 rebel gray, and taking two of their own men along with 
 them as prisoners, called to the men on the opposite bank to 
 bring the boat over and take them across. The deception 
 was so complete that the rebels brought the boat over, where- 
 upon they were made prisoners and the boat destroyed. 
 
 On the 22d of May, while Lieutenant Ilazleton and Ser- 
 geant Martin, of Company D, were about three miles from 
 camp, they were fired upon by guerillas. Martin was 
 severely wounded, fifteen buckshots taking effect in his per- 
 son. The Lieutenant escaped unharmed. 
 
 On returning from this reconnoisance, the negroes belong- 
 ing to the plantations along the line of march, joined the 
 emancipatihg column, coming in squads of from five to 
 twenty, until there were finally accumulated fifteen hundred 
 men, women and children of the contraband persuasion. 
 They brought with them all their personal property, horses, 
 mules, carts, clothing, &c., and doubtless some that did not 
 
240 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 legitimately belong to them, but which they had confiscated 
 from rebel masters, under the "sequestration act." We also 
 found some very loyal citizens who rendered most valuable 
 assistance to our troops. 
 
 Not the least important result of this expedition was the 
 addition of five hundred valuable horses and mules ; much 
 needed in the service. These animals were with few excep- 
 tions far superior to those purchased by the Government 
 for cavalry service. The stories invented by the rebel 
 citizens to induce our men to leave their horses and mules, 
 were very touching and affecting. In most cases, the men 
 being in the rebel army, the women of the house would 
 appear as a widow with " nine small children, and this ani- 
 mal was the only tiling on which they had to depend for 
 support;" when, not unfrequently, three or four fine horses 
 would be found secreted in a clump of pines near by. 
 
 The regiment reached camp near Brook's Station on the 
 27th, and a more ludicrous procession was never seen 
 than this cavalcade of cavalry, negroes, captured horses, 
 mules, carts, wagons, oxen, rebel soldiers, trotting sulkies, 
 top carriages, tfec, &c. Not unfrequentiy a small mule 
 would be harnessed by the side of a large horse, ox or cow, 
 and when the wheel of a cart or carriage would give out, the 
 negroes would "confiscate" one from the nearest plantation, 
 whether it was smaller or twice the size of the one broken. 
 Three or four children would be mounted on a single mule, 
 all of which added to the laughable appearance of the pro- 
 cession, which was three miles long. 
 
 On reaching Belle Plain, the women, children and all but 
 the ablebodied negro men, were transferred to the steamboat, 
 " Long Branch," and sent to Washington. Once upon the 
 boat their happiness knew no bounds. They cheered, 
 laughed, cried, danced, and went into all manner of gesticu- 
 lations and demonstrations of joy. They called upon God to 
 bless us, and as the boat moved down the bay, their songs of 
 thanksgiving were loud and long. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 241 
 
 As a result of the expedition, wo brought in one hundred 
 prisoners, some of vrhom were guiltj of crimes punishable 
 by death ; also three officers, a few smugglers and upward of 
 five thousand dollars in confederate money, besides some 
 government securities. Of the negroes, three hundred stout 
 field hands were assigned to the Quartermaster's department 
 as laborers. In order to feed this large family while on the 
 march, heavy levies were made upon the graineries of the 
 secesh. The soldiers took possession of their mills, and the 
 men soon convinced the inhabitants that they were equal to 
 almost any emergency, for they speedily transformed them- 
 selves into millers, and thus the command Avas abundantly 
 supplied. 
 
 It was found that some of the wealthiest citizens on " the 
 neck " were engaged in the smuggling business, or contribut- 
 ing in some way to the support of the rebellion ; and these 
 gentlemen were made to pay dearly for their secession 
 sympathies. As their negroes had left them it was thought 
 but just that the soldiers should take their rations. In this 
 manner the "Illinois Emancipators" fared sumptuously. 
 The official reports of the raid show upward of one million 
 dollars worth of rebel property destroyed aside from what 
 was brought into camp ; while the blow struck at the smug- 
 gling trade was the severest one yet dealt. 
 
 After the return of the regiment from this expedition, a 
 few days of rest intervened, during which time the captured 
 horses were appraised and distributed, and one fine stallion 
 given to General Pleasanton. Orders were issued by Gen- 
 eral Hooker, requiring that all the horses and other captured 
 property should be turned over to the Quartermaster ; but 
 upon the representation of the Colonel that the horses were 
 needed in the regiment, they were allowed to be retained. 
 The other property was immediately given into the hands of 
 the proper officers ; not, however, without some anathemas 
 being heaped upon the author of the order. It was rumored 
 31 
 
242 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 that some sutler's goods never found their way to the 
 Provost Marshal's hands. 
 
 On the 5th of June, heavy firing was heard above Freder- 
 icKsburg. A reconnoisance was made which demonstrated 
 what had been reported from Washington — that Lee's army 
 was encamped in the neighborhood of Culpepper, preparing 
 to march north. General Lee was not in favor of this move- 
 ment, but their late success in repulsing the aimy of the 
 Potomac under Burnside and Hooker, had emboldened them, 
 and to appease the popular clamor, he had consented to 
 undertake the invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and 
 if possible obtain possession of not only AVashington, but 
 Baltimore and Philadelphia. After a review of the brigade, 
 which the soldiers considered equivalent to an order to 
 march, on the 6th of June camp was struck and the cavalry 
 marched, via. Stafford Court House and Hartwood Church, 
 to Catlett Station, on the Orange & Alexandria Rail Road, 
 which place we occupied about June 7th, where rations and 
 forage were obtained from Alexandria by railroad. 
 
 The cavalry corps now commanded by General Pleasanton 
 consisted of three divisions and a reserve brigade. An 
 attack, or reconnoisance in force, by the whole cavalry corps 
 was determined upon, to ascertain, if possible, General Lee's 
 exact position and intentions. The First Division and reserve 
 brigade were to cross the Rappahannock at Beverly Ford, 
 the Second Division at Kelly's Ford, and the Third Division 
 at Rappahannock station. For this particular occasion the 
 First Division was divided into two independent brigades — 
 the first under Colonel Davis, of the Eighth New York, and 
 the second under Colonel Deven, of the Sixth I^ew York, 
 and both under General Buford, who also commanded the 
 reserve brigade. We waited the coming of night to advance 
 without being discovered. During the afternoon the resigna- 
 tion of Dr. Crawford was received and accepted, to date 
 January 6th, 1863. We marched that night to within a 
 mile or two of the fords, and awaited the approach of dawn. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 243 
 
 Scarcely had the golden sunlight cast its rays upon the silver 
 clouds that skirted the eastern horizon, when " boots and 
 saddles " were sounded and the busy bustle of camp beto- 
 kened work for the cavalier. The march was commenced 
 for the ford, (the first brigade leading the way,) in the follow- 
 ing order : Eighth New York, Eighth Illinois, and Third 
 Indiana. In consequence of the sickness and absence of the 
 just been appointed Major, but not yet mustered as such, 
 senior officers, Captain Clark, of Company C, who had 
 commanded the Eighth Illinois. The ford was deep and the 
 banks abrupt, and two could only cross abreast. A staff 
 officer of Colonel Davis was stationed at the river and as 
 each company officer came through the stream, he received 
 the order to "draw sabres," which was obeyed. Between 
 the river and the woods in front was an open space across 
 which one squadron of the Eighth JSTew York, led by Colo- 
 nel Davis in person, moved rapidly ; but at the edge of the 
 woods they came upon a barricade of rails which the enemy 
 had constructed to impede their progress. Here the pickets 
 poured into the Eighth New York a deadly fire. Several 
 were killed and several mortally wounded, among whom was 
 the gallant Colonel Davis. Nothing daunted, they rushed 
 upon the rebels with drawn sabres, and drove them for a 
 considerable distance into the woods, where, meeting re-in- 
 forcements, the rebels poured into their ranks a fire they 
 could not withstand, and they fell back in confusion. On 
 reaching the woods the Eighth Illinois returned their sabres 
 and drew their revolvers ; and hastening forward a part of 
 the regiment received the enemy, who vfere pressino- hard 
 upon the Eighth New York, with a yell accompanied by volleys 
 of lead, so well directed as to turn the tide of battle, driving 
 the enemy through the woods into the open fields beyond 
 where they had a battery encamped which barely escaped 
 falling into our hands. On reaching a hill beyond the woods 
 where a body of the enemy were in reserve, they turned 
 their cannon upon us and shelled the woods. Thev also 
 
244 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 made an attempt to turn our left, charging furiously on 
 Company D, but were severely repulsed. To the right a 
 large party of the enemy tried to force our cavalry back, 
 and actually got possession of the road in our rear, but the 
 part of the Eighth Illinois regiment not engaged in the fight, 
 here had an opportunity to display their courage, and the 
 conflict was severe; but the enemy were forced to yield the 
 (/round, after a bloody encounter. 
 
 When the battle opened upon the right, the enemy were 
 in possessson of a stone fence, a little in front of our line, 
 which served the purpose of rifle-pits, from which they could 
 fire almost in safety. A squadron of the Second United 
 States Dragoons, were sent to take the wall, and after doing 
 so, were driven back by superior numbers, losing a Captain 
 killed, and many of their men wounded. General Pleasan- 
 ton called for a detachment of the Eighth Illinois. Yolun- 
 teers from Captain Forsythc's squadron, under Sergeant 
 Clapp, were dismounted and sent out, who attempted to 
 flank the enemy from the right, which at least was a peril- 
 ous undertaking, as nearly double the number sent to make 
 the attack were behind the wall. Not a shot was fired, nor 
 a man visible until our boys were half way across the field, 
 when the enemy came over the hill in the rear of their line, 
 to re-inforce those behind the wall, opening a fire which 
 would have been terrible had they been less excited. Ser- 
 i^eant Clapp led his men forward toward the enemy's right, 
 but found that they were too strong and their fire too severe 
 to admit of his turning their flank as easily as had been 
 imagined. 
 
 Not content to go back without accomplishing their object, 
 our men laid down and commenced firing ; so as to pay their 
 compliments to their rebel friends to the extent of their am- 
 munition. They remained in this position as sharp-shooters 
 until relieved by other troops forming a line in their rear, 
 which event did not transpire until most of them had ex- 
 hausted their ammunition, and one or two had burst their 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 245 
 
 carbines from the rapid firing which their situation neces- 
 sitated. 
 
 A curious incident occurred during their advance across 
 the field. A gallant young Sergeant, Henry Pearson, of 
 Company F, was knocked down by a conical ball, which 
 struck him on the breast, just over the heart, and he 
 would inevitably have been killed in an instant but for a 
 book carried in his breast pocket — the parting gift of a be- 
 loved mother. It was with evident concern that his com- 
 rades ran to him, and were pleased to find that, although 
 felled to the ground by the shock, he was only " wounded in 
 the testament." 
 
 The service of the Eighth Illinois, during the remainder 
 of the day, was in connection with the reserve brigade. The 
 Eighth Illinois was among the first to advance, and the last 
 to withdraw. In all parts of the field the severity of the 
 fight is without precedent in cavalry warfare. Any one 
 who wished to witness stubborn fighting, should have seen 
 the Eighth Illinois and Third Indiana, as they stood in line, 
 firing constantly and maintaining their ground against a 
 much greater number of rebels, equally as stubborn. 
 
 After being under fire twelve hours, the troops re-crossed 
 the river, with the Eighth Illinois bringing up the rear. 
 This, without doubt, was the hardest fought cavalry battle of 
 the war, up to that time. The loss of the Eighth Illinois was 
 severely felt — one man, James Evans, of Company L, killed 
 and thirty-six wounded, several of whom died ; some within 
 a few days, and others weeks later. The following is a list 
 of the wounded : 
 
 Captain A. Clark, Company C, afterwards died. 
 
 Captain J. G. Smith, Company B, afterwards died. 
 
 Captain George A. Forsythe, Company A. 
 
 Captain D. J. Ilynes, Company F. 
 
 Corporal O. G. Hess, Company C. 
 
 Corporal George W. McKinzie, Company C. 
 
 N. Cosman, Company A. 
 
246 THE EIOHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 W. II. Shurtliff, Company B. 
 James McCarty, Company C. 
 George W. Woodruff, Company C. 
 Hiram II. Miller, Company C. 
 
 E. Hughes, Company D. 
 
 Judson Farrer, Company E, afterward died. 
 
 Charles Sliter, Company E. 
 
 Daniel R. Bump, Company F. 
 
 William Young, Company G. 
 
 Judson Annis, Company G. 
 
 James O'Brien, Company G. 
 
 John Knapp, Company G. 
 
 F. B. Wakefield, Company G. 
 John W. Lae, Company G. 
 Sergeant J. N. Brooks, Company II. 
 Sergeant J. C. Clemens, Company II. 
 Sergeant George Hupp, Company K. 
 Sergeant E. R. Buckley, Company C. 
 Corporal S. D. Wessen, Company K. 
 Corporal Amos Churchill, Company M. 
 George H. Fleming, Company K. 
 Henry Aiken, Company L. 
 
 William Snively, Company L. 
 
 Thomas Bolter, Company L. 
 
 Kimber L. John, Company M. 
 
 George Mills, Company M. 
 
 Luman V. Grant, Company M. 
 
 Herman Yelding, Company M. 
 
 George W. Ferry, Company B. 
 The life of the last was saved by the ball striking a testa- 
 ment, as in the case of Pearson. 
 
 Upon the fall of Captain Clark the command of the regi- 
 ment devolved upon Captain E. J. Farnsworth. It is useless 
 to attempt to praise any officers — all did their parts well — 
 reflecting great credit upon themselves and the noble State 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 247 
 
 they represented, and both officers and men were highly 
 complimented by the commanding general. 
 
 Other regiments also suffered severely. The Eighth New 
 York lost Colonel Davis and Captain Foote, the latter shot 
 through the heart and instantly killed. Braver officers than 
 the above named were not in the army. Captain Ward, of 
 the regular brigade, formerly of General Pleasanton's staff, 
 was killed, and fell into the hands of the enemy. The Sec- 
 ond Dragoons are said to have lost eight officers, forty men, 
 and fifty missing. 
 
 The other divisions of the corps crossed the river, as con- 
 templated, and pressed the enemy in their front as far back 
 as Brandy Station. As the enemy's cavalry was forced back 
 upon their infantry, it became necessary to withdraw ; and 
 night found the corps where it started in the morning. 
 A desperate battle had been fought, the loss on both sides 
 very heavy, the position and intention of the enemy ascer- 
 tained, and yet we were compelled to encamp at night upon 
 our old ground. 
 
 We afterward learned that General Stuart, the day before 
 the battle, had a grand review of his cavalry, and had 
 arranged for a grand party the day of the battle, but our 
 attack disarranged his plans, and prevented the rebel ladies 
 from enjoying the treat which they had in prospect. In relat- 
 ing this incident to us, some of the fair ones, though terribly 
 indignant, acknowledged that Stuart was sadly defeated. 
 
 The usual scenes during, and after a battle, were enacted. 
 The wounded were brought to a farm-house where the doctors 
 were busily engaged until late at night. Dr. Stull was des- 
 ignated to take charge of the wounded who were sent to 
 Washington, and on the morning of the 10th he succeeded 
 in getting them into the hospital in the city. 
 
 June 10th the command returned to Catlett Station. 
 Colonel Deven again assumed command of the division, until 
 new arrangements could be effected. The division was soon 
 increased by the addition of the reserve brigade, and Gen- 
 
248 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 eral John Buford placed in command, to whom we reported 
 for duty on the 14th of June. It was evident that, although 
 delayed by our attack. General Lee was again marching 
 towards Pennsylvania ; and orders were issued to be ready to 
 march, so on the loth the infantry having been passing for 
 two days, the cavalry followed, the Eighth Illinois being the 
 rear guard. The roads were exceedingly dusty, and we 
 reached Manassas at night. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 Maryland and Pennsylvania campaign— Battle of Aldie — Battle of Upperville— The 
 march continued — General Hooker relieved — General Mead in command of the army 
 — Skirmish at Fairfield — The cavalry enter Gettysburg— Battle of Gettysburg—Death 
 of General E. J. Famsworth— Hanging a spy — Battle of Williamsport — Death of 
 Major Medill— Fighting near Boonsboro— Battle of Funkstown — Battle of Falling 
 Water— March to Berlin — Into "Virginia again — Fight at Chester Gap — Battle of 
 Brandy Station — Another fight near Brandy Station— Battle of Culpepper— Taking Pony 
 Mountain— Battle of Kaccoon Ford— The Kemper Brothers— Battle of Jack's Shop. 
 
 On the 17th we set out for Pennsylvania. Passing 
 through Centerville, the main column of the First Brigade 
 went in the direction of Aldie ; though much of the cavalry 
 moved by different routes, General Kilpatrick's Brigade 
 taking the advance. At Aldie they encountered the enemy 
 in force. The Fourth New York Cavalry first encountered 
 them, charged and then gave way. The First Maine then 
 drove the enemy back, and, with the First Massachusetts, 
 were ordered to charge them behind a stone wall with drawn 
 sabres. As a consequence the dead union soldiers lay 
 strewn along the road by scores, presenting a terrible spec- 
 tacle. Colonel Dougherty, of the First Maine, and forty 
 men were left dead upon the field. The rebels captured 
 Colonel Sessanole, of the Fourth New York, and nearly a 
 squadron of the First Maine, but lost about eighty prisoners, 
 including one Captain. We counted thirteen dead rebels on 
 the [field, so that we concluded that the Union loss was 
 greatest. 
 
 General Kilpatrick was speaking to Captain Hynes, of 
 the gallant manner in which his men had driven the enemy. 
 The Captain, not perceiving his rank, dampened his ardor by 
 32 
 
260 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 asking -^here the dead rebels were. " I can see plenty of 
 your dead," said the Captain, "but few rebels." 
 
 June 18th the First Brigade made an advance, the Third 
 Indiana in front, driving the enemy across Goose Creek, and 
 as far as Philamont. There was some lively skirmishing in 
 which the Eighth Illinois and Third Indiana both partici- 
 pated, to the great delight of General Buford who compli- 
 mented them highly. Before the return of the regiment 
 across Goose Creek, some staff officer of General Pleasan- 
 ton, either mistaking his orders, or giving orders on his own 
 responsibility, hearing that the cavalry was hard pressed by 
 the enemy, directed the bridge across the creek to be burned, 
 thus compelling the weary cavalry to either ford the deep 
 stream, or march many miles to seek another crossing. Our 
 men forded, or swam, the stream ; not, however, without 
 bestowing hearty curses upon that officer. 
 
 May 19th Colonel Gregg's division had a severe fight 
 near Middleburg, losing a number of men and horses, a 
 large part of the First Rhode Island Cavalry being reported 
 lost, and the Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Maine. Our 
 regiment was on picket, and in the afternoon Company H, 
 while on a scout among the mountains, came upon a number 
 of the rebel wounded who had been secreted by the citizens, 
 Near Aldie lived a Connecticut family by the name of Davis, 
 familiarly known as "Yankee Davis." His barns were con- 
 verted into hospitals, and his noble wife administered to the 
 wants of the wounded to the extent of her ability. He was 
 finally obliged to leave the country, on account of the per- 
 secutions of the secessionists who had threatened to take his 
 life, and made many attempts to accomplish their object. 
 
 Sunday, June 21st, General Pleasanton, with his two 
 divisions of cavalry, advanced in the direction of Upperville, 
 and at Middleburg came upon the enemy. The First Divi- 
 sion was at the right of the main road, commanded by Gen- 
 eral Buford in person, while Colonel Gamble commanded 
 the First Brigade. Fighting began at Goose Creek, about 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 251 
 
 eleven o'clock A. M., the enemy consisting of the Ninth 
 and Eleventh Yirginia Cavalry and Second South Carolina 
 Cavalry. 
 
 After being dislodged from the banks of the creek, they 
 made a stand behind almost every stone fence, which an- 
 swered the purpose of breastworks, and fought with despera- 
 tion, but were pressed back by our gallant troopers. Whil© 
 skirmishing in this way, Hanson Town, of Company A, was 
 shot and instantly killed, and one man of the Third Indiana 
 was shot in the neck and died in a short time. The enemy's 
 loss was at least three times that of ours. 
 
 Near night the rebels were pressed back to the mountains. 
 Here, in splendid position in a number of fields fenced with 
 stone, we came suddenly on their line of battle. There 
 must have been six thousand of them. Our force was but 
 a handful in comparison. The gap through the mountain 
 was directly in their rear, and the mountain protected both 
 flanks from being turned.. 
 
 As soon as General Buford saw the rebels he ordered the 
 Eighth Illinois to charge them. The Third Indiana was 
 acting as skirmishers to our brigade. The enemy were 
 massed in column of regiments in our front, ready to advance 
 as soon as we entered the field, which they occupied. Their 
 artillery was advantageously posted and reserved its fire until 
 we came within range of grape and cannister. The bugle 
 sounded the charge and away we went, Lieutenaut-Colonel 
 Clendeunin leading the Eighth Illinois at the outset. At the 
 first fire of the rebels, Colonel Gamble's horse was killed 
 under him, pitching the Colonel headlong to the ground. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Clendennin was also unhorsed, and Major 
 Medill then took command. Forward was the word, and 
 the gallant Eighth that never yet quailed before the rebels 
 were soon within a short distance of the front line of the 
 enemy, carrying their carbines at the "aim." '-Fire" 
 shouted the Major, and seven hundred pieces blazed away, 
 and scores were rendered helpless by that one volley. In 
 
252 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 an instant our men were upon tliem with their revolvers, 
 cracking at them right and left. They broke and fled from 
 the first field. 
 
 Some fresh regiments of the rebels came forward to rescue 
 their friends, and a few squadrons of the Third Indiana and 
 Twelfth Illinois came to our support. We quickly formed 
 ranks to receive their charge — every carbine was loaded, and 
 our line stood behind a stone fence. We received their fire 
 and gave them one deadly volley, when Major Medill ordered 
 a charge, and at it we went, chiefly relying upon our revol- 
 vers, and the rebels upon their swords. 
 
 They seemed determined to whip us, and held their ground 
 for some time. It was very exciting ; but a shot from a six- 
 shooter, at close quarters, aimed by a western man, is mors 
 than a match for a sword in the hands of the "chivalry." 
 We had in return about forty men wounded, but none killed 
 nor taken prisoners. During the fight an attempt was made 
 to get on our flank, but Captain Hynes, with a battalion of 
 our regiment, galloped around and ellectually repulsed the 
 effort. 
 
 Three times more did the rebels try to regain their lost 
 ground and drive us back, but each time were driven from 
 the field. In some of the charges individual members of our 
 cavalry would be taken prisoners, but by vigorous dashes 
 we recovered them all, not losing a single man. We 
 wounded and captured Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis of the 
 Ninth Virginia, beside one hundred others ; and killed and 
 wounded more than two hundred. I here insert an incident 
 to the credit of Major Medill as related by Captain Waite : 
 
 " While he was rallying after one of our charges, I saw a 
 rebel horseman, with drawn sword, chasing Sergeant-Major 
 Samuel W. Smith, who got mixed up with the "rebs." 
 Major Medill, who happened to be near, put spurs to his 
 horse and with a feAV bounds was close beside the rebel, who 
 raised his sword and shouted "surrender." Medill brought 
 his revolver to an aim, when the fellow threw down his sabre 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 253 
 
 and cried out, " I surrender — don't shoot." He saved his 
 life by just a second, as more than one bullet would have 
 lodged in his body the next instant. The prisoner proved 
 to be a Major of the Eleventh Virginia Cavalry, and big 
 enough to have whipped two of our Major in a fist-fight, but 
 on the day of battle size gives but little advantage." 
 
 General Pleasanton bestowed high encomiums upon our 
 regiment, and the Third Indiana and Twelfth Illinois. 
 
 The instances of bravery displayed in this fight were 
 without parallel. We heard them related in camp at the 
 time, but are unable to recall them at present. One of the 
 prisoners wanted to know who that officer was that wore the 
 red cap, and charged upon them with such recklessness and 
 bravery. He referred to Lieutenant Warner, of Company 
 G. During the battle the Lieutenant had lost his hat, and, 
 fighting in his bare head, his red hair was mistaken for a red 
 cap. In fact our men challenged the admiration of all 
 observers, by the determined manner in which they not only 
 held their ground, but dealt telling blows upon the enemy. 
 Though the opposing batteries were belching grape and can- 
 niater into their ranks continually, they treated it with the 
 utmost contempt, and kept busily at work, unheeding its 
 terrors. 
 
 The Second Division had some severe fighting, but drove 
 the enemy before them, and left us masters of the field 
 and the enemy driven into the mountain fastnesses at Ashby's 
 Gap. 
 
 We formed a division hospital in a bam on. the farm of a 
 Mr. Richardson, where we had forty-three wounded men; 
 nine of whom were rebels. During the night, orders came 
 to place the wounded in ambulances and have them started 
 for Aldie, fourteen miles d'stant, as we should fall back to 
 that point before daylight. One man, I. Picket, of Com- 
 pany F, had been shot in the thigh, severing the femoral 
 artery, and before he could be brought from the field, nearly 
 bled to death. A tourniquet was applied and he was 
 
254 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 left to rally by the use of stimulants while the 
 others were undergoing operations. When the order 
 came to move, our attention was turned to him. To 
 leave him there without an operation would be sure death, 
 and to remove him would be equally perilous. There waa 
 but a feeble, flicl^ering pulse, and the loss of a gill 
 more blood might prove fatal. To add to this, we had but 
 two inches of tallow candle left, and all our Assistant-Sur- 
 geons had given out, either through sickness or exhaustion, 
 save Dr. Sanger, of the Sixth New York, and he was intox- 
 icated. But we thought this desperate situation justified 
 desperate proceedings, and with the assistance of Dr. Sanger 
 and Hospital-Steward Willing, we operated successfully, and 
 tied the artery. 
 
 The wounded were then loaded into ambulances, and be- 
 fore daylight were on the road to Aldie. Arriving there 
 they were put into " Yankee Davis' " barn, and afterward 
 sent to Washington. Picket recovered, and at this writing, 
 (1868,) is not only living and well, but is married and has 
 an interesting family. 
 
 We remained at Aldie until June 26th. On the 25th 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Clendennin, was ordered to Alexandria, 
 and put in charge of the dismounted men at that place — a 
 very responsible position — and Major Beveridge took com- 
 mand of the regiment. While waiting at Aldie a large part 
 oi the infantry arrived, and at four o'clock A. M., of the 
 26th of June, the cavalry took up their line of march for 
 Leesburg, where they encamped for the night. 
 
 June 27th we crossed the Potomac at Edwards Ferry, 
 forded the Monococy near its mouth, and rolling ourselves 
 in our blankets, lay down in a rain-storm, at the base of the 
 Katoctin mountains, near Point of Rocks. 
 
 June 28th marched over the mountains and reached Mid- 
 dletown, Maryland, where we were received by the union 
 inhabitants with their usual hospitality, and where we re- 
 mained during the day. While there we learned that Gen- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 255 
 
 eral Hooker had been relieved of the command of the army, 
 and General Meade was to take his place. We also heard 
 that Lee's army was already in advance of us, making dep- 
 redations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 29th the march was resumed, 
 and that night we rested in the valley, twelve or fifteen miles 
 from Gettysburg, having marched thirty miles, and passed 
 over two mountains. Here we ascertained that the Pennsyl- 
 vania militia, which had been called out to defend their 
 homes, had a skirmish with the advance of the enemy, and 
 had captured and lost some prisoners. But the natives were 
 either so disloyal, or afraid to give information they did not 
 inform us of the position of the enemy, although a regiment 
 of them were within three miles of our camp. 
 
 At dawn of day the column was in motion. Moving on 
 the Hagerstown and Gettysburg road, we reached Fairfield, 
 where we found the enemy in possession. The atmosphere 
 was so foggy that our skirmishers came upon them very un- 
 expectedly. Shots were rapidly exchanged, and a ball 
 struck Thomas Withrow, of Company C, in the stomach, 
 but coming in contact with some hard substance, did not 
 penetrate, though it knocked him off his horse. This made 
 Tom angry, and he swore he would have revenge. Being 
 dismounted, he ran behind a barn and began firing on his 
 own responsibility. At first our men drove in the rebel 
 pickets, but they being re-inforced, our General ordered his 
 men to fall back not wishing to bring on a general engg,ge- 
 raent, ' Withrow's horse followed our men back to the 
 column, leaving its plucky rider at the barn. Tom kept 
 firing until he heard a rebel officer give orders to search the 
 barn, when he hid his arms and then himself in the hay 
 mow. They entered the barn, searched every part, thrust 
 their bayonets down through the hay, but fortunately did 
 not find him. Tom said he could have killed the rebel Col- 
 onel but did not dare, as they would then have discovered 
 him and doubtless taken his life, which he valued more than 
 that of a rebel Colonel. 
 
266 THE ilGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 The wounded were brought into the barn and he over- 
 heard their conversation, from which he learned that we 
 had killed one man and wounded three. 
 
 The rebels soon left the town, and as a citizen entered the 
 barn Tom inquired if there was a chance of escape. The 
 man was at first frightened, and answered, "I don't know," 
 but soon learning that Tom was a union soldier, took him to 
 the house and gave him a good dinner ; being highly pleased 
 with the adventure of the brave fellow. Withrow followed 
 the public road and joined the regiment at Gettysburg. 
 
 The cavalry now withdrew, and now taking the road to 
 Emmetsburg reached that place about noon, where they 
 came upon the advance of the infantry, and from 
 thence to Gettysburg, which place we entered before night. 
 Some of the enemy's cavalry had been there and done a 
 little foraging, but they left as our van-guard entered. 
 The pickets were stationed a few miles in advance of the 
 town, near the mountains, with headquarters of General 
 Buford's Division at the Eagle Hotel, kept by Mr. Tate. 
 
 Early next morning, July 1st, our pickets brought word that 
 the enemy was advancing in force. Captain Dana was in 
 command of the picket line on the Chambersburg road where 
 they first made their appearance ; and here, as in many other 
 of the great battles, the Eighth Illinois received the first fire 
 and shed the first blood. The pickets fell back slowly, 
 making all the resistance in their power, and arrangements 
 wQre made to hold the rebels in check until the infantry 
 could come up. The First Corps, under General Reynolds, 
 and the Eleventh Corps, under General 0. O. Howard, were 
 known to be between Gettysburg and Emmetsburg, to whom 
 notice of the situation was given with a request to hasten 
 forward. Two colored servants of rebel officers had been 
 captured, who gave valuable information as to the position 
 of their forces and who was in command. 
 
 The long line of the enemy came in full view, and their 
 batteries rained upon our men showers of shot and shell, l)ut 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 257 
 
 our brave boys stood firm and fell back only when ordered. 
 The Eighth New York, on our left, was wavering some, but 
 the Third Indiana, on the right, never flinched. About this 
 time it began to be warm work. Sergeant Goodspeed, of 
 Company H, was wounded and taken to the depot where a 
 temporary hospital had been established, and soon after 
 Williams, of Company M, had his arm shattered by a ball, 
 which required amputation. 
 
 The battle raged with great fury, our division of cavalry 
 being all there was to impede the progress of the over- 
 powering numbers of the enemy, for several hours. About 
 eleven o'clock A. M., General Reynolds and staff arrived 
 on the ground, and soon after, the advance of his corps. As 
 they came upon Seminary Ridge and deployed in line the 
 cavalry was withdrawn. General Buford told me that he 
 never saw so daring and successful a thing as was done by 
 one of the Eighth Illinois men. As the cavalry skirmishers 
 fell back, one man, either not hearing the command or deter- 
 mined not to yield, at first stood his ground, then lay down 
 in the grass until the enemy's line was nearly upon him, 
 when he arose and cried out at the top of his voice, "Come 
 on — we have them." Whether the rebels were astonished 
 at his madness, or thought he was an officer leading on a 
 host, we know not, but their line faltered ; just then a regi- 
 ment of General Reynolds corps filed in through the woods 
 behind the rebel line, cutting them off from support, and in 
 this manner we were enabled to capture General Archer and 
 his brigade numbering about eight hundred men. 
 
 On the death of General Reynolds, Generals Howard and 
 Doubleday assumed command — General Howard as senior 
 officer. Our cavalry were actively engaged on the flanks, 
 particularly on the right in front of the College, but fresh 
 hordes of the enemy pressed upon us, crowding in our 
 advance, and it was not until after noon that the Eleventh 
 corps came to our relief. By this time the enemy had a 
 strong force in front of this corps, and a row of batteries 
 33 
 
258 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 which opened a torrent of shot upon us, and we soon found 
 that our hospital, at the depot, was in their range ; some of 
 the shots striking the buildings and tearing them to pieces. 
 We removed our wounded to the Presbyterian church near 
 the center of the town, and were engaged in amputating the 
 arm of a rebel soldier, when a messenger announced a dis- 
 patch from General Buford that we must fall back. Hastily 
 arranging for the care of the wounded, by leaving Surgeons 
 Beck, Rulison and Vosburg to attend tbem, we left the 
 church to find the street crowded by the retreating Eleventh 
 corps ; and as we rode up toward the cemetery the rebel 
 bullets fell thick and fast around us. 
 
 A stand was made just south of the town on Cemetery 
 Ridge, which the enemy did not assault with much vigor. 
 During the day General Buford received an order from Gen- 
 eral Doubleday to charge the enemy in a certain position ; 
 but seeing at a glance the inconsistency of ordering cavalry 
 to charge upon infantry, who were protected by a stone 
 fence, he ordered a part of the Eighth Illinois and Third 
 Indiana to dismount and drive the enemy from their position ; 
 which they did in the most gallant manner, and to the entire 
 satisfaction of their General, who referred to the incident as 
 being a brilliant affair. 
 
 Night found the Union army driven from half to a mile 
 back of the position it had taken in the morning, but still 
 holding a prominent and strong line. During the day 
 David Difenbaugh was killed. 
 
 The Surgeons had but little rest, as the wounded occupied 
 nearly every farmhouse and barn for miles — the enemy 
 having possession of the city of Gettysburg and the battle- 
 field, 
 
 The morning of July 2d broke upon the two armies lying 
 as quiet as though they were friends. Much of our infantry 
 had arrived during the night, a council of war had been held 
 ^nd all were preparing for a desperate struggle. The cav- 
 alry were in line between the enemy and Round Top. Gen 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 259 
 
 eral Sickles' division was advanced across the Emmetsburg 
 pike, and all the movements betokened a renewal of the en- 
 gagement, when it was rumored that our supplies were in 
 danger of being disturbed, and General Buford's division was 
 ordered to protect the train. We left the field of Gettys- 
 burg about one o'clock P. M., (just as the battle was being 
 renewed,) and marched to Taneytown, where we encamped 
 for the night, but July 3d continued the marcli to West- 
 minister — the terminus of the railroad from Baltimore, and 
 the present base of supplies. 
 
 Previous to the commencement of the fight at Gettysburg, 
 three gallant young captains had been made Bi-igadier-Gen- 
 erals — Captain E. J. Farnsworth, of the Eighth Illinois, and 
 Captains Custer and Merritt, of the Regular Army. Each 
 in command of a brigade was actively engaged ; Generals 
 Farnsworth and Custer had been fighting the enemy who 
 were destroying the railroad between Gettysburg and York 
 and distinguished themselves and their commands. General 
 Farnsworth commanded a brigade of cavalry in the Third 
 Division of the cavalry corps then under General Kilpatrick. 
 Before the close of the battle of Gettysburg, General Farns- 
 worth was ordered by General Kilpatrick to charge the 
 enemy over a stone fence which appeared to Farnsworth to 
 be worse than folly and certain destruction. He at first 
 remonstrated and tried to convince General Kilpatrick of 
 the sacrifice it would cause without accomplishing the end 
 desired. General Kilpatrick would not yield the point and 
 told Farnsworth if he was afraid to make the charge he 
 would lead it himself. This was too much for the gallant 
 Farnsworth who had never allowed a reflection upon his 
 courage, and shaking hands with his officers and bidding 
 them farewell he dashed at the enemy, leading his men into 
 the jaws of death and was riddled with bullets. Very few 
 of those who assisted in that charge ever returned to tell the 
 tale. After the battle the body of General Farnsworth was 
 recovered and taken to Illinois. 
 
2(50 THE EiaHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 While we were lying at Westminister the battle of Gettys- 
 burg was progressing, and thousands of rebel prisoners were 
 marched by us on their way to Washington. Next day the 
 rebel prisoners continued to arrive, and cheering news of the 
 result of the battle was received. We here met D wight 
 Sabin, an old friend, who was then engaged with the Christ- 
 ian Commission, and getting permission of our General to 
 allow him to accompany us, we procured a horse for him and 
 he joined the medical staff, and did valuable service in assist- 
 ing in caring for the sick and wounded. 
 
 Before night we broke camp and took up a line of march 
 toward Frederick City. Lee's army had been repulsed and 
 was retreating toward Virginia, and we hoped, by going 
 round by Frederick City and crossing the South Mountains, 
 to intercept him and harrass his troops until the infantry 
 could fall upon his rear and route his shattered army. It 
 had rained very hard and the roads were muddy, but we 
 reached Frederick City at noon the next day. Here we 
 found General McReynolds, of Michigan in command. 
 
 Our troops camped in a field about a mile out of town, on 
 the Boonsboro road. General Buford had been greatly 
 annoyed by what he supposed to be spies, or persons who 
 had been allowed to enter camp under various pretexts. 
 Some he had arrested and sent to headquarters, who were 
 there released. He declared if he caught another he would 
 " hang him and not send him up to be promoted to a Brig- 
 dier-General." 
 
 This afternoon a man by the name of Richardson, who 
 professed to reside in Baltimore, and who was distributing 
 religious tracts, came into camp and was suspected of being 
 a spy, as he had been seen hanging around camp at other 
 times and places. Provost Marshal Mix arrested him, and 
 on his person found letters from rebel Generals vouching for 
 him, and reccommending other rebels to place implicit reli- 
 ance on the information he might give : also passes from 
 both Federal and Confederate Generals. He confessed to 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRt. I6l 
 
 having just come from the rebel lines, but said he had been 
 to visit his three sons, who were in the Confederate service. 
 
 General Buford carefully examined the papers, and then 
 said "hang him." No further trial was had. A few mo- 
 ments were given him to prepare to die, in which he tried 
 to make his escape, but was recaptured. A rope was placed 
 around his neck, one end thrown over the limb of a tree, 
 and three soldiers drew him, fastened the rope and left him 
 dangling in the air. 
 
 Early, on the morning of the 6th of July, the march was 
 resumed. In passing by the field where the execution had 
 taken place, we saw the body, still suspended in the air, and 
 it is said the citizens did not cut it down for several days, 
 nor until every article of clothing was torn from him, and 
 carried off as trophies. We made a forced march through 
 Middletown, over the South Mountains again, where the 
 great battle had been fought, through Boonsboro, and from 
 thence to Williamsport, where we hoped to cut off Lee's 
 retreat, or destroy his wagon train. General Kilpatrick's 
 division marched via Hagerstown, and were to co-operate 
 with us. 
 
 When within two miles of Williamsport, we came upon 
 General Imboden's rebel infantry, who were in charge of 
 their trains, and the crossing at that point ; and a severe 
 engagement ensued. Our batteries were brought forward to 
 match those of the enemy that were opened upon us. The 
 Eighth Illinois was sent forward as dismounted skirmishers, 
 and steadily pressed the enemy, who were in a corn-field 
 beyond and behind barns and out-buildings. Major Medill 
 being on the picket line, in the most exposed condition, was 
 shot in the abdomen and mortally wounded. Gale Carter, 
 of Company G, was killed, and Sergeant Richard C. Vin- 
 son and Alfred C. Bailey were both mortally wounded. 
 Captain Sullivan was shot in the head, but not seriously 
 wounded, as the ball only fractured the outer table of the 
 skull. The wounded were brought back by their comrades 
 
262 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 a short distance, and then placed in ambulances and taken 
 to a barn, designated as a hospital. 
 
 While this battle was progressing and we were driving the 
 enemy before us, General Kilpatrick had been driven back 
 and forced to retreat. His division, falling in our rear, 
 blocked up the only road by which we could retreat, and 
 thus left us to receive and resist the entire force of the 
 enemy. We succeeded in keeping them in check until night, 
 when we fell back, covering the retreat of General Kilpat- 
 rick, and bringing off all our wounded except Carter, who 
 was left dying on the field. 
 
 We went back some six miles to Stone's Corners, put our 
 wounded in a church and attended them during the night. 
 It was evident that Major Medill, Bailey and Vinson could 
 not survive. The Major had endeared himself to his men 
 by many acts of kindness, and by his coolness and undaunted 
 courage in the midst of battle. 
 
 On the morning of July 7th the enemy made their appear- 
 ance in force, and we were ordered to fall back to Boonsboro. 
 The men carried Major Medill on a litter the entire distance 
 as the roads were too rough to admit of his riding in an 
 ambulance. Vinton and Bailey died at Boonsboro, and 
 Medill was taken to Frederick City, where he survived nine 
 days of extreme suffering ; then expired like a true soldier 
 — calm and composed. Before dying he gave his brother 
 Joseph full directions as to his funeral and place of burial. 
 Bailey knowing his hour of departure was near, wished me 
 to inform his parents that he had tried to perform his duty 
 faithfully and did not regret having entered the army. Vin- 
 son was calm and composed and met his fate in a soldier-like 
 manner. Better, or more noble soldiers could not have been 
 found in the army. 
 
 The night following was rainy, but the morning of the 8th 
 found the enemy driving in the regular's pickets, on the 
 Hagerstown road. Our brigade was on the right and Colonel 
 Devins on the left. The left fell back, although supported, 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 263 
 
 but the Eighth Illinois stood firm until relieved by other 
 troops, who were soon forced back to near the village of 
 Boonsboro — the very ground over which we fought success- 
 fully September 15th, 1862. 
 
 The Eighth Illinois was now called upon to re-take the 
 lost ground. Colonel Gamble objected unless he could take 
 his whole brigade to support the Eighth. This arranged, 
 away they went. The left being now able to hold their 
 position, " the boys " dismounted and pitched into the woods. 
 General Buford with them, forcing the enemy to retreat 
 more rapidly than they had advanced. Alter once getting 
 the enemy started, the boys gave them no time to rally, until 
 they were across Antietam Creek, a distance of about two 
 miles. The men had run so fast that they were completely 
 tired out, but were pleased to see General Buford shake his 
 fat sides, as he attempted to keep up with them. He said 
 "these boys beat anything in the world on a foot skirmish." 
 General Kilpatrick used some very harsh language to his 
 men to persuade them to pursue the rebels in like manner ; 
 with what effect Ave are unable to say. 
 
 At night we again fell back to Boonsboro, leaving a heavy 
 picket line in the front. The loss of the Eighth Illinois 
 was Benjamin Weber, Company D, killed ; M. Stevens, 
 Company II, Lieutenant Howard, Company I, Orville Fen- 
 ton, Company K, wounded. The Eighth New York and 
 Third Indiana also lost several. 
 
 July 9th the regiment drew forage and rations, and then 
 advanced again, on the Hagerstown road, and met the enemy 
 at Beaverdam Creek. Butj|little fighting was done until near 
 night, when the boys again dismounted, and went at the 
 enemy driving them two or three miles, and fighting until 
 late in the night. William E. Smith, of Company F, was 
 killed, and it was thought that, being far in advance of the 
 Seventeenth Pennsylvania, he met his death by a shot from 
 one of them, and not the enemy. At night the camp was 
 pitched in the woods, and the tired soldiers rested as best 
 they could. 
 
264 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 July 10th we were up and at the rebels early. The men 
 again dismounted and attacked the enemy on foot, driving 
 them steadily. General Buford dismounted and walked up 
 a hill to see how the day was going, when a bullet passed 
 through his blouse, cutting five holes, and narrowly missed 
 the nose of the writer, who was a short distance in the rear. 
 
 Our men pressed the enemy back upon P^unktown, where 
 their main force lay, and a lively fight ensued. AVe held 
 our position until near night, when were relieved by a 
 division of infantry, which fought until after dark. The 
 loss to our division was heavy. The Eighth Illinois had 
 George Pierson killed, and George J. Dusold and William 
 Allen Avounded. Thirty wounded men of our division were 
 taken to Boonsboro, and placed in Odd Fellows Hall. We 
 had been fighting almost continually since July 6th, besides 
 doing picket duty at night, and the men were " almost used 
 up;" but no rest came. 
 
 July 11th the division marched to Bakersville, three miles 
 above the old battle-ground of Antietam. We were now 
 upon the extreme left, our line reaching to the Potomac. 
 
 Sunday, the 12th, was one of the warmest daj's of the 
 season, and as our dinner was spread upon the ground, there 
 came up one of the hardest rain-storms I ever witnessed. 
 In five minutes the water came down the hills, carrying away 
 some tent-flies we had put up, and stood over a foot deep in 
 camp. The artillery of Heaven had supplanted that of man. 
 Little fighting was done, and only two prisoners brought in, 
 though the pickets exchanged shots, and kept the camp 
 alarmed. 
 
 General Meade having arrived with the infantry, called 
 a council of war, at which the propriety of attacking Lee's 
 army at once was discussed. The Potomac was swollen by 
 the late rains, and Lee's crossing was thereby rendered very 
 difficult. Our Corps Commander, General Pleasanton, was 
 in favor of an immediate attack, and it is said the council 
 was divided, but General [Meade concluded to let the army 
 
ABNER HARD IVI. D 
 
 3URGE0N OF THE 8ti: ILL CAVALRY 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 265 
 
 have a short rest, as they had marched a long distance, and 
 were very much exhausted. Accordingly we rested — if stand- 
 ing picket night and day, and skirmishing and watching the 
 movements of our adversaries, can be called resting — until 
 Tuesday, the 14th, when the cavalry advanced to the attack. 
 The enemy had hastily erected earth-works, but we found 
 them abandoned. Lee's main army had crossed the river at 
 Falling Water. The cavalry pressed forward, Kilpatrick's 
 division on our right. We came upon the rear guard con- 
 sisting of two brigades of the enemy about two miles from 
 Falling Water, and at once attacked them. One brigade of 
 the enemy was behind some earth-works, on a hill, in front of 
 which was a wheat-field, where the grain had just been cut, 
 and stood in shocks. The late rains had rendered the ground 
 so soft that horses would sink to their knees. 
 
 General J3uford's division went round to the left, to Hank 
 their position, hoping that General Kilpatrick would menace 
 them in front, and hoid them until he flanked them, but 
 scarcely Avere we out of sight, and one-fourth of the distance 
 desired, when one squadron of his brave Michigan boys were 
 ordered to charge the enemy in the works. The brave men 
 rode up to the muzzles of the rebel guns, and some actually 
 went over their works, alas ! never to return. The enemy 
 slew them by scores, and few returned to tell the tale. This 
 prevented our taking them in the rear by surprise. 
 
 However, wo were soon on their flank, and our men went 
 in with their usual spirit. One man, who was severely 
 wounded, was brought back and placed under a tree where 
 General Buford was standing, and not seeing the General, 
 as I examined his wounds, he remarked, " I am glad it is not 
 the General who is wounded." This brought tears to Gen- 
 eral JSuford's eyes, and he very frequently related the inci- 
 dent. Such devotion of men to their commander has seldom 
 been witnessed. 
 
 The enemy fought desperately, but were soon either driven 
 from the field or captured, We tqqk about four hundred 
 34 
 
266 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, 
 
 prisoners, and Kilpatrick's division some six or seven hundred. 
 Our loss was severe. Walter J, Kennicott and John W. 
 Cole were mortally wounded, and John Cargy, Ira Sher- 
 wood and Captain Wells, severely. The enemy were now 
 across the Potomac. No further work could be done here, 
 and with the large number of our own wounded, the rebel 
 wounded and prisoners, we returned to Bakerstown, over 
 roads made so muddy by the recent rains, that they can 
 hardly be described. The wounded were kept here and at- 
 tended until morning, when they were sent in charge of Dr, 
 Curran to Boonsboro, 
 
 July 15th we were ordered to march again, and the sick 
 Were sent to Frederick City, under charge of Dr. Stull. 
 The command marched to Berlin. 
 
 On the 18tli of July we crossed the Potomac, encamping 
 three miles beyond Lovetsville. We were now going over 
 the same ground traveled after the battle of Antietam ; as 
 Lee's army was marching up the Shenandoah Valley, making 
 its way back toward Richmond. 
 
 July 20th we reached llectortown and rested a few hours, 
 when our teams came up and the hearts of the ragged sol- 
 diers were gladdened by the distribution of clothing. The 
 First Brigade started for Chester Gap via Salem and Bar- 
 bee's Cross-road, and the reserve brigade to Manassas Gap ; 
 hoping to reach these places before the enemy, and prevent 
 their passing. The Second Brigade marched to the left, and 
 we sent all the sick, Quartermaster's and Commissary stores 
 with them. 
 
 July 21st Lieutenant Wade, son of Senator Ben. Wade, 
 while bringing a dispatch from General Pleasanton to General 
 Buford, in passing through Salem, accompanied by a single 
 orderly, was attacked by two guerrillas, that came out from 
 behind some houses, and ordering a surrender, fired upon 
 them. The orderly attempted to return and was captured. 
 The Lieutenant put spurs to his horse, but seeing the guer- 
 rilla in hot pursuit, he turned and gave him the contents of 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 267 
 
 his pistol, killing him almost instantly, and then rode safely 
 to our headquarters. 
 
 We shortly after advanced to Salem and saw the dead 
 body of the guerrilla. The rebel inhabitants thought it was 
 "terrible for our soldiers to kill the son of a poor widow." 
 Oh, what consistency ! 
 
 The First Brigade, in command of Colonel Gamble, 
 marched to Chester Gap and found the enemy's infantry 
 already in possession, and after "marching up the hill," they 
 were obliged to " march down again," not, however, with- 
 out taking some prisoners and seventeen horses. 
 
 July 22d the enemy pressed on our pickets that were 
 annoying Longstreet's passing column, and in the afternoon 
 sent two brigades with fixed bayonets to charge upon them. 
 Quite a severe fight ensued, in which our brigade had one 
 man killed, six wounded and several missing, and the rebels 
 were punished quite as much. This engagement is said to 
 have added new laurels to the Eighth Illinois and Third 
 Indiana boys. The reserve brigade, at Manassas Gap, also 
 fought the enemy and suffered considerably. 
 
 July 23d we encamped about Barbee's Cross-Roads. 
 Unfortunately " apple-jacK " was found too plentifully in 
 Virginia cellars, on which account one man was captured by 
 the enemy and his arms taken away from him, but he was so 
 so drunk they could not march him off; so after getting 
 sobered up he came to camp 
 
 July 27th marched to Bappahannock Station — the Rap- 
 pahannock river being the dividing line of the contending 
 forces, as it Avas when we fought so fiercely on the 9th of 
 June. 
 
 July 28th we sent our sick and wounded, one hundred and 
 thirteen in number, to Washington to be put in general 
 hospital. The next day some of our absent officers and men 
 returned to the regiment; among them Captains Ludlum, 
 Waite and Southworth. The latter we feared was still too 
 sick to endure camp life. 
 
268 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 August let, at three o'clock A. M., according to orders, 
 tlie regiment were in line of battle. After hard marching 
 and counter-marching, we crossed the river, formed in line 
 and engaged the enemy. The rebels were forced back past 
 15randy Station to near Culpepper, a distance of ten or 
 twelve miles, fighting as they went. Their course lay across 
 the plantation of John Minor Botts. They made a desper- 
 ate resistance at the Kenedy House, about a mile to the left 
 of Mr. Botts' residence, where they charged the Eighth New 
 York and produced considerable confusion, but after a 
 severe struggle Averc driven with heavy loss. They finally 
 brought up a division of infantry and several pieces of 
 artillery, and our forces gradually retreated to near the river. 
 This was a well executed reconnoisance, and revealed what 
 was wanted — the position and force of the enemy. The loss 
 on our side was twenty killed, one hundred wounded and one 
 hundred and forty-eight missing. We took a number of 
 prisoners, and the loss of the enemy must have greatly ex- 
 ceeded our own. 
 
 Captain llotop's squadron did a fine thing in which they 
 took one Lieutenant and mortally wounded another officer. 
 It being dark before we reached the river, we telegraphed to 
 have a train sent to convey our wounded to Washington. 
 
 August 3d the enemy made a demonstration upon our line, 
 and the division was hurriedly called out, but the rebels soon 
 retreated and little fighting was done. 
 
 August 4th, about noon, the enemy came upon us in force 
 — with artillery and cavalry — and attempted to drive us 
 back, but we were quickly in line and a brilliant engage- 
 ment commenced, which lasted two hours. Major Chapman, 
 of the Third Indiana, distinguished himself by taking a bat- 
 tery right up to the skirmish line and silencing a rebel bat- 
 tery, which was annoying our line to an alarming extent, 
 i^. Pray, of Company Cr, fought for a while on his own 
 account, bringing down two rebels and himself receiving a 
 wound on the leg, but not being seriously injured. Pray 
 
• THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 269 
 
 was one of the best shots in the regiment, especially when 
 the mark was a rebel. The loss of the First Division was 
 one killed and five wounded. 
 
 At night the enemy again made an attack, but saw fit to 
 retreat, as they found our men with their eyes open and 
 ready for them. 
 
 August 6th the Regular Jirigade received orders to go to 
 Washington to recruit, leaving only two brigades to hold the 
 line, daily menaced by the enemy. 
 
 August 7th the Paymaster made the regiment a visit to 
 the great joy of the soldiers. The man who would have re- 
 ceived the next warmest welcome, would have been the 
 sutler, who had not been allowed with the troops in our 
 division for some time. 
 
 August 8th, General Buford received ten days leave of 
 absence to visit his home in Kentucky. Since the first day 
 of August he had lost a daughter, a sister-in-law and a father- 
 in-law. Upon Buford's taking his departure General 
 Merritt assumed command of the Division. 
 
 August 9th we withdrew across the river and encamped 
 on the farm of an old secessionist by the name of Payn'e, 
 from whom in the spring of 1862, we had captured a fine 
 little cream colored horse. 
 
 On the morning of the 15th, camp was struck and we 
 marched by the way of Warrenton Junction, where we left 
 our sick at Cavalry Corps Hospital, toward Dumfrees, as far 
 as the junction of Cedar river and Elk Run. 
 
 On the 16th we had an accession to our medical staff, by 
 the arrival of Dr. E. L. Bliss, of Plainfield Illinois, for whom 
 we had obtained a situation as Acting Assistant-Surgeon, 
 United States Army, and who proved to be very valuable in 
 caring for the sick and wounded soldiers. 
 
 We remained here until August 31st doing picket duty, 
 the weather, meanwhile, being very warm and sickness on 
 the increase. We were lying by the side of what was called 
 the "Jersey settlement," about forty families of loyal people 
 
270 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 who furnished but one solitary Confederate soldier. Private 
 Farley was thrown from his horse, producing concussion 
 of the brain, which, after a few days of suffering, proved 
 fatal. 
 
 August 31st the division again went forward, taking all 
 who were able to vide in an ambulance along with the regi- 
 ment, and arrived at Hartwood Church after dark. 
 
 September 1st we marched to Falmouth, where we halted 
 to be in supporting distance of General Kilpatrick, who had 
 gone down to King George County to try and destroy some 
 gunboats said to be there. Our boys were on picket but 
 had no fighting. Lieutenant Truman, Culver of Company 
 C, was the hero of an expedition down the river that cap- 
 tured about half a dozen mules. One deserter from the 
 enemy came to us, and we regret to record the fact that 
 William Preston, of Company M, went over to the enemy. 
 A division of rebel infantry occupied Friderick City. The 
 best feeling seemed to exist between the pickets and no 
 firing occurred. General Kilpatrick's raiding party found 
 little to destroy, and lost two men killed — one of them a 
 member of his staff. 
 
 September 3d we marched back to Hartwood Church, 
 and the next day to Weaverville where we remained until 
 September 12th, Our Commissary succeeded in getting 
 bread from Alexandria, which was a luxury — having eaten 
 " hard-tack " a long time. 
 
 On the 12th our division went to Rappahannock Station, 
 expecting to cross the stream next morning, as the whole 
 corps seemed to be concentrated. 
 
 September 13th we crossed the river at the above named 
 point, while Kilpatrick's division crossed at Kelly's Ford. 
 The First Brigade encountered the enemy before reaching 
 Brandy Station and drove them to Culpepper, where they 
 made a junction with the Second Division. The scene en- 
 acted here was but a repetition of former engagements — 
 General Kilpatrick's men capturing three cannons. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 271 
 
 After passing the town our brigade took the advance, and 
 the enemy made a stand near Pony Mountain, with their 
 artillery well posted, one shot from which killed seven horses 
 of Company M. But our men steadily advanced, making 
 them "limber up," and leave in haste. Some of them took 
 refuge in a brick house, and fired from the windows, which 
 annoyed our men greatly, One of our brass cannon was then 
 trained upon the house, and the shots fired, which were so 
 effective that the rebels left in haste. It was found that a citi- 
 zen, after remonstrating with the rebels, had taken refuge in 
 the cellar of this house, and both he and a little child were 
 instantly killed, and the child's mother severely wounded. 
 
 At this point Pony Mountain rises several hundred feet 
 high, and much of it is thickly wooded. Here the enemy 
 thought they had an impregnable position, and had on its 
 top a signal station, from which they were able to note all 
 our movements. This must be taken ; so up the mountain 
 our line of dismounted cavalry advanced, each member of 
 the Eighth Illinois seeming to vie with the other in reaching 
 the summit. The enemy stoutly resisted but it was oi 
 no use — our men were resolved to take the mountain, and 
 they did take it, causing the " graybacks " to leave on 
 double-quick. The capture of this mountain was of great 
 importance, and merited the approbation and praise of both 
 General Pleasanton and Buford. The rebels were driven 
 five miles beyond Culpepper, and night ended the pursuit. 
 Our loss was considerable. Philip C. Bettys, Company L, 
 was killed, and buried by his comrades on the battle-field. 
 
 On the 14th the march began early, and as the Second Bri- 
 gade took the advance the Eighth Illinois hoped to have less 
 work ; but by some means the second brigade took the wrong 
 road, and we were again in the front. The enemy disputed 
 every rod of ground, and when near Raccoon Ford an oflBcer 
 rode up to General Buford saying that some rebel batteries 
 were posted on the opposite side of the river having range 
 of the road, and we had better move some other way. He 
 
272 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 had not finished .speaking, however, when a shell hit a tree, 
 not a rod from him, and, glancing, struck the ground in our 
 midst, the fuse burning and hissing. As if by instinct, the 
 General and staff spurred their horses, and barely escaped 
 as the next moment the shell exploded, the fragments pass- 
 ing over our heads without doing any damage except killing 
 an orderly's horse. The shell fell thick and fast on all sides 
 for a few moments, and killed one man, wounded a few 
 others, besides killing several horses. 
 
 The Third Indiana, Eighth New York and Twelfth Illinois 
 being dismounted, advanced as skirmishers, driving the enemy 
 across the Rapidan river. Near the ford, on our side of the 
 river, the bank rose to a considerable height, back of which 
 was lower ground, thus forming a hill, behind which was 
 comparative safety. But whenever a head rose above the 
 hill it was a mark for sharpshooters, and one had to stoop 
 considerably when standing behind the hill, to let the bullets 
 pass overhead. As the skirmishers were hotly engaged, the 
 surgeons were operating in this hollow ; not daring to stand 
 erect. 
 
 Two brothers belonging to the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry 
 by the name of Kemper, tall, and firmly built — one a Ser- 
 geant and the other a private — were on the picket line, when 
 the Sergeant was shot in the lung, making a fatal wound. 
 His brother, seeing him fall, sprang to his assistance, and 
 was bringing him off the field in his arms when he, too, fell, 
 a rebel bullet lodging in his chest. They were both brought 
 back, carefully examined, their wounds being found to be 
 mortal, and they were informed of their danger. Being 
 placed in an ambulance Avith other wounded, and started for 
 Culpepper, the train was directed to move slowly and stop 
 often. Before reaching the hospital the Sergeant remarked 
 that the Doctor said he could not live, and he felt he would 
 survive but a short time. "Brother," said he, "before I 
 die lets sing the Star Spangled Banner." He raised him- 
 self upon his elbow, and the two brothers sang the whole 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 273 
 
 song — from the first to the hast verse, in a beautiful and 
 melodious tone. Having completed it the Sergeant sank 
 down and expired. The brother lived to reached the Gen- 
 eral Hospital and Washington, Avhere he died the glorious 
 death of a soldier. 
 
 The firing, both with artillery and small arms, continued 
 until night, when we encamped near the ford. A Miss 
 Stringfellow was shot in the ankle, bj a rebel bullet, while 
 in the upper room of her house, and came under our sur- 
 gical care. 
 
 September 15th the line remained the same as the day 
 before, but the Eighth Illinois were sent down the river to 
 Morton's Ford, and below it. Two companies, ¥ and C, 
 went on a scout to Germania Ford, crossed the river and 
 drove the rebel pickets for some miles ; returning at dark. 
 
 September 16th the enemy crossed above us in front of 
 General Kilpatrick's division, but were forced to retire. They 
 also dashed across the river at Kelly's Ford and captured 
 some of the Fourth New York, killing and wounding a few 
 men, but were soon driven back. The Fourth New York 
 lost two killed, three wounded, and twenty-four captured. 
 For this surprise their regimental colors were taken from 
 them. 
 
 Companies G and K went to Germania Ford, crossed the 
 river and returned without any incident of note. 
 
 September 18th the rain fell in torrents. A division of 
 the Twelfth corps of infantry came to relieve us from picket 
 duty, and a march was made to Stevensburg. While some 
 of Company A were out after forage they met one of the 
 Eighth New York men, running as if for life. He had gone 
 into a barn for hay, when he came upon a rebel Sergeant by 
 the name of Whetstone, from South Carolina, who grappled 
 with him and attempted to shoot him with a pistol. But the 
 Yankee was too much for the Sergeant and fired first wound- 
 ing him severely. Seven other rebels then sprang from the 
 mow, and our yankee beat a hasty retreat, Qur men now 
 35 
 
274 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 pursued, but the rebels all made their escape except the 
 wounded Sergeant, who was sent to the hospital at Culpepper. 
 
 September 2l8t a reconnoisance in force, by the two cav- 
 alry divisions, star.ted in the direction of Madison, intending 
 to feel the enemy about Orange Court House, They marched 
 to near Madison Court House, Kilpatrick's division in ad- 
 vance, aud occupied the town, while our regiment encamped 
 near Robertson river. 
 
 September 22d the command moved early ; Kilpatrick's 
 division on the right, and General Buford's on the road to 
 Orange Court House. At a little village called Jack's Shop 
 we suddenly came upon the enemy, the Third Indiana being 
 in advance. The first intimation we had of the rebels mak- 
 ing a stand was some shots from their artillery, and a charge 
 upon our advance with an order to surrender. But the 
 " Hoosiers" sent a volley from their pistols which made them 
 stagger. The Eighth Illinois was soon dismounted, and 
 went at them through a piece of woods from which the rebels 
 were quickly driven. 
 
 Our men were told to only hold the ground, hoping that 
 Kilpatrick's men would be able to come in and cut off thei 
 retreat, but this they failed to do, by getting on the wrong 
 road. So the order was finally given, and at them our boys 
 went, making quick work of the matter. I think they never 
 did the thing up more handsomely, for the rebels ran in the 
 utmost confusion. In their retreat the enemy fell in with a 
 part of Kilpatrick's men, who had a lot of led horses, and 
 captured the horses, beside killing and wounding some of the 
 men. The loss of the rebels must have been from fifteen to 
 twenty killed, about sixty wounded and forty prisoners. 
 Our regiment had eleven wounded — Sergeant James A. Bell, 
 of Company I, was mortally wounded and died in a fcAv 
 days. "We took two rebels out of the road whose legs were 
 so shattered as to require amputation, and carried them to a 
 private house, performed the operation, and while there found 
 some rebel sutler's goods which Provost Marshal Mix con- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 275 
 
 fiscated. Among other things was about two thousand dollars 
 worth of plug tobacco, which was distributed among the men. 
 
 The rebels were driven across the Rapidan, at Barnet's 
 Ford, and we then encamped for the night, having our own 
 and a few rebel wounded with us. Among the latter was a 
 Colonel of the Georgia Legion, a Lieutenant and a Surgeon. 
 
 September 23d, with our large load of wounded men, we 
 returned to Culpepper, where they were put in hospital, and 
 the regiment returned to Stevensburg;. The roads were 
 rough, and the wounded suffered greatly. We operated on 
 Martin Fancher, performing resection of the shoulder, and 
 gave the best of care to the poor rebels, but the Colonel and 
 Lieutenant died. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The Army forced back upon Manapsas— Battle of Stevenslnirg— Fight at BreutsviUe— 
 Resignation of Major Beveridge— Battle of Hazel River— Culpepper and the Line of 
 the Rapidan—Battle of Mine Kun— Death, of General Buford— Resolutions of Res- 
 pect—General Merrit's Order— Cold Weather — To Warrenton and Return — The 
 Eighth Illinois Veteranize— Return Home— Recept'on in Chicago — Camp at St.Charles 
 —The Ranks filled up— Return to Washington— Giesboro Point— Camp Relief The 
 Detachments- The Situation— Early's Invasion— Battle of Monocacy— Baltimore and 
 Cockeysville— Battle in Defense of Washington. 
 
 September 25th the Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps 
 passed our camp, going toward Washington, en route for Ten- 
 nessee, where, with Generals Hooker and Howard, they after- 
 wards distinguished themselves. 
 
 September 30th Major Schofield paid the regiment, after 
 which there was a visible change in the usual programme of 
 camp amusements. My readers must not understand by this 
 that we were idle at Stevensburg. On the contrary, we 
 were busily engaged in picketing the line of the Rapidan. 
 
 On the night of October 7th, John Loser, of Company E, 
 was on picket at the third post from the river, and George 
 A. Whitaker at the first. During the night some rebel 
 infantry crossed the river stealthily, and making their 
 way around through the brush came up in the rear of Loser, 
 and he, thinking they were our own men coming from that 
 direction, suddenly found himself a prisoner. Hurrying 
 him toward the river they came upon the outpost held by 
 Whitaker. Thinking all was not right he halted them, when 
 they immediately fired, two bullets taking effect in his right 
 leg, besides killing his horse. Although severely wounded 
 he fired four shots at them and then made his escape. Loser 
 
'the ETUHTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 277 
 
 taking advantage of this fight, plunged into the grass and 
 weeds, and the rebels, fearing for their own safety, beat a 
 hasty retreat without him, but taking with them his valuable 
 horse. 
 
 We have now to record the memorable retreat of the army 
 from the line of the Rapidan to Manassas, and its subsequent 
 return. The part the Eighth Illinois took in this was very 
 
 important. 
 
 October 10th the First Brigade advanced and crossed the 
 river at Germania Ford, while General Buford with the rest 
 of the division crossed at Morton's and Raccoon Fords. Oar 
 brigade was to make a junction with him on the other side, and 
 all hoped that this would be a veritable move upon Richmond. 
 The Eighth New York dashed across at Germania Ford, 
 surprised and captured about fifty prisoners in the rifle-pits 
 before they could get back to their horses. Pressing on, the 
 horses were also taken. 
 
 The Brigade then marched up the river to Morton's Ford, 
 but failed to communicate with General Buford. During the 
 night aids and orderlies were running hither and thither 
 hunting for General Buford, with orders for him to fall back ; 
 and about midnight our whole division train was ordered to 
 re-cross the Rappahannock, and they immediately started. 
 Word was received that the enemy had driven General Kil- 
 patrick back, and that the infantry that had come to our 
 support was also ordered back. This did not look much 
 like going to Richmond, but more like retreating to Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 11th, Captain Steel, of the 
 Twelfth Illinois, charged upon a rebel breastwork, and took 
 five prisoners ; having but one man hurt. About this time 
 the rebel infantry attacked General Buford, whose com- 
 mand had began to re-cross the river. It was a difficult ford, 
 but the crossing was safely accomplished by putting artillery 
 in position to cover the retreat, the Ninth New York and 
 Twelfth Illinois making a gallant charge and holding the 
 rebels at a respectful distance. 
 
278 THE EKJHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Scarcely had the fording been effected Avhen the rebel 
 cavalry was discovered crossing above. The Eighth Illinois 
 dismounted and went out to meet them, but the rebels advanced 
 with great boldness in consequence of their superior numbers. 
 They seemed determined to ride down our men, who held 
 their fire until the head of the rebel column was almost upon 
 them, when they opened a fire and the column seemed to 
 melt away before them. 
 
 The enemy was driven back and our men even pressed 
 hard upon their artillery, but they opened with cannister at 
 short range and we had to fall back. They then made a 
 charge upon us in an open field, but the noble Illinoisans 
 boldly stood their ground and emptied many a rebel saddle. 
 Among others whom we killed was the Colonel of the Fourth 
 Yirginia Cavalry — his men called to him to come back, but 
 it was too late. The rebel infantry now came up in over- 
 powering numbers, and we were forced to retire. One of 
 our men, George Ringman of Company E, Avas killed here. 
 Our men fell back slowly past Stevensburg, keeping the 
 enemy at bay all the way to Rappahannock Station — a dis- 
 tance of about twenty-two miles. J-Jefore reaching the latter 
 place their ammunition gave out and the men were obliged 
 to receive the fire of the rebel infantry without being able to 
 reply. 
 
 Night was spent in bringing in and providing for the 
 wounded, among whom was Wirt Roberts, of Company A, who 
 suffered amputation of the thigh. As the ambulances had 
 been sent across the Rappahannock, some of the wounded 
 were left on the field. John Scaberg, of Company D, was 
 brought two miles by his comrades, in a blanket. Our loss 
 was heavy, but our men by their dauntless courage had 
 covered themselves with glory — though nearly out of amu- 
 nition. The Third Indiana (whom we think are good judges,) 
 said they never saw the Eighth Illinois fight better ; and our 
 men bestowed equal praise upon their hoosier comrades. 
 Correspondents made particular mention of Major Bever- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 27 P 
 
 idge and Lieutenant Humphrey, who rode along the picket 
 line, amid showers of lead, giving orders as cool and collected 
 as though on parade. After the wounded were sent to 
 Washington by rail, we again crossed the Rappahannock 
 and advanced toward Culpepper, this time supported by a 
 force of infantry, and going over the very ground we fought 
 over the day before, without aid. 
 
 On arriving at Brandy Station, two of Kilpatrick's men 
 were found vfho had been wounded and left on the field, and 
 also a largo number of the dead whom the rebels had 
 stripped and left unburied, The Avounded were sent back 
 and the dead properly interred. 
 
 The enemy were now forced back to near Culpepper, 
 when their infantry came up in heavy force, our cavalry 
 retired to Brandy Station, arriving after dark and went into 
 camp without rations or forage. About midnight orders 
 came to move at once and re-cross the Rappahannock — Gcu 
 Lee's army was Hanking that of Mead's and moving on 
 Washington, and we were to bo rear-guard again. We now 
 found that the infantry camps in our rear were vacated, and 
 our advance had been made only to deceive the enemy and 
 cover a retreat. Once more across the river and the splen- 
 did railroad and wagon bridge was set on fire and consumed. 
 While a scanty breakfast was being prepared, the last of the 
 waiions left for the rear, and soon the enemy made their 
 appearance on the opposite side of the river. 
 
 At about one o'clock P. M,, on the 13th of October, our 
 cavalry fell back to cover the retreat. A number of strag- 
 gling infantry were found who needed assistance, and it was 
 with the utmost difficulty that we were enabled^ to carry 
 them along. That night we reached Warrenton Junction. 
 
 October 14th we were told, early in the morning, that the 
 little train of seven thousand wagons of General Mead's 
 army, was intrusted to the especial care of General Buford's 
 cavalry division for protection ; and to add to the interest 
 of the information, it was said that General Stuart would 
 
280 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 probablj attack us upon the right. As soon as the " An 
 aconda" could uncoil itself, which took half the day the regi- 
 ment started ; and then came the trial of patience. Job's 
 stock would have been exhausted at the outset. 
 
 As we reached Brentsville the Second Army Corps was 
 having a severe fight at Bristo Station, only four miles distant. 
 Not knowing how the battle was going, we expected not only 
 Stuart's cavalry, but the infantry also, would attack us. 
 The Second Corps however was victorious, capturing five 
 pieces of artillery and thousands of prisoners. As was pre- 
 dicted, the enemy made an attempt to molest the wagon 
 train, and just at night were seen advancing through the 
 woods. Our boys at once undertook to dislodge them which 
 was successfully accomplished. In this skirmish Sergeant 
 Sewel Flag, of Company E, was shot in the head and 
 instantly killed. His loss was deeply regretted by all who 
 knew him. Since being wounded at Boonsboro he had a 
 presentiment that he would not survive the war. He made a 
 request that in case he should fall our first Chaplain, Mat- 
 lack, would preach his funeral sermon from a text which he 
 had carefully selected. His request Avas complied with and 
 his funeral attended by a large concourse of friends at his 
 home in Wheaton Illinois. Here the regiment remained for 
 the night with orders to "stand to horse;" and notwith- 
 standing the perilous situation, officers and men were having 
 a lively time, as Captain Ludlam, Captain Hynes, Lieutenant 
 Smith Lieutenant Humphrey, Commissary Chamberlain and 
 Dr. Stull will recollect. 
 
 Just before daylight the last wagon had left for Alexan- 
 dria, to the great relief of those charged with the duty of 
 their defence. The regiment followed, breakfasting on dry, 
 hard bread, and were not disturbed until the train was cross- 
 ing Bull Run, when Stuart made a furious but unsuccessful 
 attack. Our men held him back until dark, when the whole 
 train was across the river and went into camp near Fairfax 
 Station. 
 
THE EiGIITlI ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 281 
 
 During this retreat but one wagon was lost, excepting 
 ttiose that gave out on the way. 
 
 October 16th the rain gave the men a thorough drench- 
 ing. The regiment was drawn up in line to witness the 
 execution of a deserter from the First Division, Third Corps. 
 
 At one o'clock on the morning of October 18th the regiment 
 was called up and " stood to horse " until daylight. Then 
 marched to Fairfax Court House, up the pike toward Aldie 
 and returnedto within a short distance of Fairfax Court House 
 without fighting. Lieutenant-Colonel Clendennin arrived the 
 same day and assumed command of the regiment. 
 
 October 19th the army again advanced, and our division 
 was put in charge of the wagons. They re-crossed Bull Run 
 and rested for the night. During the day there had been 
 fighting on our right. 
 
 October 20th we marched via Hay Market through 
 Thoroughfare Gap to New Baltimore and thence to War- 
 renton. 
 
 October 21st Captain Waite, haying been on a scout, 
 reported that Stuart had crossed the Rappahannock, and 
 after a march of several miles the regiment returned to 
 Warrenton. The regimental wagons had not been able to 
 keep up with us in this march, and an occasional yell of 
 "hard-tack," kept those at headquarters pretty well in- 
 formed that the men were hungry. 
 
 While lying in camp an instance of rebel outrage came 
 under our observation. A Lieutenant belonging to the Fed- 
 eral army was wounded at Sulphur Springs and left on the 
 field, when the rebels stripped him of all the valuables he 
 had in his possession, including his hat, boots, coat and five 
 hundred and fifty dollars in money, and left him to his fate. 
 Some negroes finding him took care of him until our arrival. 
 
 October 25th we again marched ; this time to Fayette- 
 ville, which is a town of one house and two chimneys, the 
 latter marking the place where two houses once stood. 
 October 26th, the enemy having crossed the river above. 
 36 
 
282 THE EIGUTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 were attacking General Gregg's division when our regiment 
 was ordered to his support. In the engagement which 
 followed, the Third Indiana suffered considerable but the 
 Eighth Illinois lost none. That night camp was pitched 
 near Bcalton, after a day of marching and counter-march- 
 ing of usual magnitude. 
 
 October 28th the regiment were sent on picket duty. 
 Captain Buck, of Company E, and one man from each 
 company, were detailed to go to Illinois on recruiting service. 
 
 October 21}th the men obtained rations of beef by driving 
 an ox out of a man's barnyard and killing it before his door. 
 We were soon after relieved by the Third Indiana, and on 
 returning to camp found our newly appointed Chaplain, 
 Will A. Spencer, and Major Forsythe had just arrived. 
 
 The enemy in forcing the army of the Potomac back on 
 Washington, had destroyed the Orange & Alexandria Rail 
 Uoad, which was being re-built as rapidly as possible, and 
 the prospect began to grow brighter of being able to obtain 
 better rations. Not too soon, however, for the condition of 
 both men and horses plainly showed the need of better fare. 
 
 Sunday, November 1st, Chaplain Spencer preached his 
 first sermon to the regiment. 
 
 November 4th Major Beveridge and Samuel Smith left 
 the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. The Major's leave-taking was 
 a touching scene. I venture to say that no officer in the 
 army ever possessed the confidence and love of both officers 
 and men to a greater extent than did Major Beveridge. He 
 resigned his position to accept the Colonelcy of the Seven- 
 teenth Illinois Cavalry. 
 
 November 8th. Last night the "long ndl" was sounded 
 in the infantry camps, and, as expected, early in the morn- 
 ing the cavalry were moving towards Sulphur Springs, while 
 the infantry marched to Happahannock Station, and had 
 some fighting. 
 
 November 9th wc crossed the Rappahannock, and passing 
 through Jefferson, moved toward Culpepper. We crossed Hazel 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 283 
 
 river and captured a prisoner. A short time after the Third 
 Indiana, who were in advance came upon the enemy in force. 
 The Third dismounted and began skirmishing with them, 
 and the Eighth Illinois came up mounted, but were told to 
 look out for the rebel infantry, who were in our front in 
 large numbers. The regiment halted, when Colonel Chap- 
 man, than in command of the brigade, rode up and ordered 
 Captain Waite's squadron forward. The Captain under- 
 took to explain the condition of affairs, when the Colonel, 
 who is near-sighted, and could not see the enemy, repeated 
 his order very peremptorily. Our men charged forward, but 
 met a murderous fire from rebel infantry, not only in front, but 
 ont he flank. The Captains oft he respective companies ordered 
 their men to fall back, which they did as soon as possible, when 
 they dismounted, formed in line and held their position bravely. 
 The artillery was brought into position and the fight was 
 continued until darkness put an end to the contest. The 
 Third Indiana and the artillery lost a number killed and 
 wounded. The loss of the Eighth Illinois was two killed, 
 one of whom was Sergeant Sherman llorton, the other un- 
 known. We also lost twelve wounded, as follows : Georo'e 
 Archer, James Ewing, George Highland, L. A. Fitch, John 
 W. Williams, Lester W. Fulsom, Corporal A. Plank, J. Pifer, 
 Myron Hall, Sergeant Charles Eradley, Lieutenant John 
 Sargeant and Lieutenant J. A. Stevens ; Orlan Ilewes was 
 wounded and captured, and afterwards died at Andersonville, 
 July 13th, 1864. 
 
 November 9th we moved early in the morning and found 
 that the enemy had escaped in the night. We buried the 
 two men who were killed, and, with the wounded, marched to 
 Brandy Station, and finding the Sixth Corps ready to start, 
 went from there to Rappahannock Station. 
 
 We learned that the day previous the Sixth Corps had 
 succeeded in capturing about two thousand of the enemy, 
 and had won a splendid victory. 
 
 The cavalry again marched to Culpepper, and went to 
 
284 THE EIGHTH Illinois cavalry. 
 
 picketing and scouting the surrounding country. In making 
 this advance the enemy wore driven from the snug quarters 
 they had erected on the plantation of John Minor IJotts. 
 They must have been industrious as ants, for they had built 
 long rows of log cabins in which they expected to spend the 
 approaching winter, but our sudden and unexpected advance 
 deprived them of that luxury. Captain Ilynes and his men 
 captured two prisoners, who came to the line by mistake, and 
 when challenged by Sailes, of Company K, replied : 
 
 " Friends." 
 
 "Friends to whom?" said Sailes. 
 
 "Rebels," was the reply. 
 
 He fired three shots and ordered them to come in, wliich 
 they did, being terribly frightened. They said they were 
 at the Hazel River fight, and that A. P. Hill's corps was 
 also engaged ; that they never before saw such gallantry 
 displayed by cavalry as the Eighth did in charging upon a 
 corps of infantry. We remained in camp near Culpepper, 
 doing picket duty, without anything of note transpiring until 
 November 21st, when General Buford became so ill it was 
 thought best to send him to Washington. 
 
 November 24th Sergeant Cassidy, of Company G, was 
 severely wounded in the arm, by the accidental discharge of 
 his own carbine. He was one of our best soldiers, and was 
 f^reatly missed by the regiment. In a skirmish with the 
 enemy the Second Brigade experienced quite a loss, having 
 Lieutenant Hoffman killed, two men wounded and twenty-two 
 captured. 
 
 November 25th orders came to remove all the sick and 
 wounded to Washington or Alexandria, and the night was 
 spent in performing that duty. 
 
 November 2Gth the whole army was in motion, and our 
 cavalry marched to Stevensburg, and were there put in charge 
 of the immense wagon train again, and next morning marched 
 to Ilichardsville. Firing was heard, meanwhile, across the 
 river, and at four o'clock P. M., heavy volleys of musketry 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 285 
 
 told of another battle, •which proved to be that of Mine Run. 
 Our cavalry were all needed to guard the train and act as 
 orderlies. We learned that at Brandy Station the guer- 
 rillas had destroyed the wagon train belonging to the Sixth 
 Corps, and an attack on our train was expected hourly. 
 
 November 28th fighting at Mine Run continued. 
 
 November 29th the fighting at the front did not appear to 
 abate, nor did our troops seem to advance. 
 
 November 30th the battle still progressing in the front, 
 and eight companies of the Eighth Illinois on picket. Two 
 men, belonging to Company I, were captured by guerrillas, 
 and stripped off all their valuables. They were among our 
 best men. 
 
 A large number of General Gregg's cavalry, who were 
 wounded in a hard battle, fought in *'the Wilderness," had 
 been sent to this point for care and attention. 
 
 December 1st. Meeting with greater opposition than was 
 expected, and the frequent rains having rendered the travel- 
 ing very difiicult. General Meade ordered the army to with- 
 draw, and another the was commenced. The Eighth 
 Illinois had four men captured and Isaac Coquilette mor- 
 tally and Nichols Cossman severely wounded by guerrillas. 
 
 December 2d we returned to Culpepper ; the army of the 
 Potomac having failed in another attempt to go forward to 
 liichmond. The duty of the regiment now consisted in 
 picketing the front, and making ourselves as comfortable 
 as circumstances would allow — being without tents. 
 
 December 16th a dispatch was received announcing the 
 death of General Buford. The Division Staff at once pro- 
 ceeded to Washington to attend his funeral. The following 
 resolutions of regret fully set forth the esteem in which he 
 was held by his command. 
 
 RESOLUTIONS OP REGRET. 
 
 At a meeting of the officers composing the staff of the late 
 Major General John Buford, it was resolved, 
 
 First. That we, the staff ofiicers of the late Major Gen- 
 
286 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 eral John Buford, fully appreciating his merits as a gentle- 
 man, soldier, commander, and patriot, conceive his death to 
 be an irreparable loss to the cavalry arm of the service. 
 That we have been deprived of a friend and leader whose sole 
 ambition was our success, and whose chief pleasure was in 
 administering to the welfare, safety and happiness of the 
 officers and men of his command. 
 
 Second. That we deeply sympathise with his bereaved 
 family, and tender them our heartfelt appreciation of his 
 merits, in this, their hour of affliction. That we look upon 
 his character as a model of high integrity and modesty, 
 united with the sympathies of a heart alive to every tender 
 emotion, as well as indiflference to personal inconvenience 
 and danger. That to his unwearied exertions in the many 
 responsible positions which he has occupied, the service at 
 large is indebted for much of its efficiency, and in his death 
 the cavalry has lost a firm friend and most ardent advocate. 
 That we are called to mourn the loss of one who was ever 
 to us as the kindest and tenderest father, and that our 
 fondest desire and wish will ever be to perpetuate his memory 
 and emulate his greatness. 
 
 Third. That the division staff of the First Cavalry Divis- 
 ion, Army of Potomac, wear the badge of mourning for thirty 
 days. That these resolutions be published in various papers, 
 and a copy presented to Mrs. John Buford. 
 
 Fourth. That these resolutions be submitted to the 
 officers of the First Cavalry Division for approval. 
 
 T. C. Bacon, Captain and A. A. G. ; M. W. Keogh, 
 Captain and A. D. C. ; Craig W. Wadsworth, Captain and 
 A. D. C. ; A. P. Morrow, Lieutenant and A. D. C. ; A. 
 Hard, Surgeon-in-Chief ; II. Winsor, jr.. Captain and A. A. 
 I. G.; M. F. Hale, Captain and C. S. ; J. II. Tallman, 
 Captain and A. Q. M ; A. B. Jerome, Lieutenant and Signal 
 Officer ; J. M. Kennedy, Captain and A. C. M. ; E. E. 
 I^ana, Lieutenant and Ambulance Officer; J. K. Malone, 
 Lieutenant and Ordnance Officer; G. M. Gilchrist, Lieuten- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 287 
 
 ant and Provost Marshal. A. 13. Jerome, Recorder. 
 
 Upon his return to the Division, General Merritt issued 
 the following general order : 
 
 Headquarters First Cavalry Division, 
 
 Culpepper, Virginia, December 22d, I860. 
 General Orders. 
 
 Soldiers of the First Cavalry Division, we hav»6 lost our 
 chief. Our gallant leader, our heroic General, our kind and 
 sympathising friend has been taken from us by the afflicting 
 hand of Divine Providence. We bow submissive to the dis- 
 pensation, but we mourn, as mortals must, our irreparable 
 loss. 
 
 It is not for me to relate his virtues. Kot a soldier in this 
 
 command need be told of his qualities. You know his 
 gallantry and chivalric nature. Gettysburg attests his glory. 
 Beverly Ford and the scenes around you here bear witness 
 to his never-dying fame. You need not be reminded of 
 his goodness of heart, his sympathetic nature, his high, 
 sensitive, noble feeling ; they were all exhibited in the kind 
 tenderness he has always shown for our sick and wounded 
 comrades, and the solicitude for the safety of each man in 
 his command. His master mind and incomparable genius as 
 a cavalry chief, you all know by the dangers through which 
 he has brought you, when enemies surrounded you and des- 
 truction seemed inevitable. The dying words of your 
 wounded comrade, "/ cnii glad it is'nt the General," bear 
 testimony to your unutterable love. 
 
 But now, alas ! "It is the General!" "He has fougbt 
 his last fight !" No more forever will you see his proud 
 form leading you on to victory. The profound anguish 
 which we all feel forbids the use of empty words, which so 
 feebly express his virtues. Let us silently mingle our tears 
 with those of the nation in lamenting the untimely death 
 of this pure and noble man, the devoted and patriotic lover 
 of his country, the soldier without fear and without reproach. 
 
 W. Merritt 
 Brigadier General of Volunteers Commanding. 
 
288 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 December 22d. The subject of re-eulistin^^, as veterans, 
 had been agitated for some time. An order had been issued 
 to the effect that if two-thirds the regiment would re-enlist 
 for three years, each veteran soldier should receive a bounty of 
 three hundred dollars, a furlough of thirty days and free 
 transportation to Illinois and return. That afternoon we 
 called together as many as possible and discussed the matter 
 from a pile of rails, as the men will doubtless recollect, and 
 nearly enough to obtain the desired furlough, concluded to 
 " veteranize." 
 
 December 23d the camp was all excited about " going 
 home," but the regiment had to go on picket which detained 
 them a few days. 
 
 December 25th. Christmas. All quiet and the infantry 
 arriving. 
 
 December 26th we moved camp some two or three miles, 
 and had to go through with the work of re-building bunks, 
 which was no small matter in winter. 
 
 December 27th was very rainy. Orders were received 
 for those who were to be granted furloughs to go to Stevens- 
 burg, a distance of about ten miles, for pay ; but after going 
 through the rain they returned, after dark, without the 
 money ; and there was some tall cursing and swearing to say 
 the least. 
 
 December 28th Lieutenant Carr and Dr. Stull started for 
 Illinois on veteran furloughs. 
 
 December 29th Colonel Gamble, who had been absent on 
 leave, arrived and took command of the brigade. 
 
 December 30th two hundred and two men, belonging lo 
 the Eighth Illinois, left camp for home on veteran furloughs 
 of thirty five days. 
 
 December 31st. The year closed cold and gloomy, leav- 
 ing the men very uncomfortable, they having neither tents 
 nor huts. 
 
 January 1st, 1864. The mud was deep, the weather un- 
 pleasant and growing colder every day; yet the First 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 289 
 
 Brigade of cavalry was ordered to Warrenton on picket 
 duty, to relieve General Gregg's men, who were sent to 
 assist General Averill in the Shennandoah Valley. They 
 remained at that point until the 6th, when they returned, 
 and three-fourths of the regiment having certified their 
 willingness to re-enlist as veterans, preperations were at 
 once made to have them discharged and re-mustered, so as 
 to receive their veteran furloughs, which occupied the time 
 until the 11th, when the veterans left Culpepper, at ten 
 o'clock P. M., for Washington, on their way to Illinois. 
 Those who remained to serve out the balance of their three 
 years, were put under command of an officer of the Third 
 Indiana Cavalry and served with that regiment. Of their 
 labors, losses and exploits we will speak hereafter. 
 
 The night the regiment started for Illinois was severely 
 cold, and when the train arrived at Brandy Station it was 
 delayed an hour, so that Washington was not reached until 
 the night of the 14th, when the men were loaded in box-cars 
 and kept on the side track until near midnight, though the 
 weather was so cold a good fire was a thing of necessity. 
 The^ cause of the delay none knew. Finally the agent, a 
 Mr. Koontz, was wakened and informed of our situation, 
 and he then directed the train to be started. Baltimore 
 was reached before morning, after which the journey to 
 Illinois was more endurable. At Pittsburg the usua 
 hospitality was extended to the soldiers. The ladies had a 
 dinner prepared which did credit to their kind hearts and 
 hands. Passing through Ohio in the night, at Columbiana 
 our train came in collision with a freight train, smashing up 
 the engine of the former and severely injuring the breaks- 
 man. Our men received some bruises. At Alliance a Mr. 
 Sourbeck, who kept an eating house, refused to open his 
 doors or furnish a breakfast though he had been telegraphed 
 some hours in advance to have a meal ready. Our men 
 were indignant at such treatment, and had they not been 
 the most orderly regiment in the service, would have shown this 
 37 
 
290 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 man how Virginia mansions were cleaned out. They were 
 received in a very different manner at Fort Wayne, where a 
 sumptuous meal was provided on short notice. They reached 
 Chicago at nine o'clock on the 18th of January. The regi- 
 ment was received at Bryan Hall ; where a splendid dinner 
 was prepared and speeches of welcome made by General 
 Farnsworth, Miss Anna Dickenson and several others. 
 
 After this the men received their furloughs of thirty days 
 each, and recruiting to fill the ranks to the maximum at once 
 began. Camp was again established at St. Charles, Illinois. 
 
 The camp was not conducted upon the same plan that 
 the original " Camp Kane" was, for experience had taught 
 us to have fewer guards and less labor. The Seventeenth 
 Illinois Cavalry now commanded by Colonel Beveridge, 
 and largely officered from the Eighth Illinois, were encamped 
 here, and barracks in which to quarter the Eighth were 
 erected near those of the Seventeenth. A hospital was 
 established in the capacious rooms over Dr. DeWolf's store, 
 and the routine of hopsital and camp life resumed ; but re- 
 cruiting and mustering in new men took the place of scout- 
 ing, picketing and fighting. Some of us who were expecting 
 a thirty days leave, found our labors increased rather than 
 lessened, as the examination of recruits proved to be no 
 small task. And besides, small-pox, measles and the usual 
 diseases of camp made their appearance among us, and a few 
 of the recruits died. 
 
 The following order issued by General Gamble speaks 
 for itself: 
 
 HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, ) 
 
 St. Charles, Illinois, February 18th, 1864. / 
 All leaves and furloughs to officers and men are hereby 
 revoked, and all will join the regiment at St. Charles, Illi- 
 nois, without delay. 
 
 The regiment is ordered to active service in the field at 
 once, where it has been continuously in the front during the 
 last two and a half vears. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 291 
 
 It is a high compliment to the regiment to be ordered 
 back again inside of thirty days, while other cavalry regi- 
 ments have been permitted to remain over two and a half 
 months at home, evidently showing that the Eighth Illinois 
 Cavalry is two and a half times more efficient than some 
 other regiments. I will therefore expect that the regiment 
 will assemble promptly and be ready to fight its way through 
 as heretofore, without expecting or receiving any favor from 
 any source. The fighting reputation of the old Eighth must 
 be retained without any fictitious puffs so much depended on 
 by others. William Gamble, 
 
 Colonel Commanding Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
 
 February 25th. The greater portion of the regiment 
 started for Washington, leaving Major Waite in command 
 of the camp ; as there were some sick in hospital, and a few 
 recruits yet to arrive. I remained in charge of the sick. 
 
 March 7th a second squad of one hundred and thirty men 
 started to join the regiment ; and March 14th another 
 detachment took their departure, leaving nothing behind but 
 the sick and their attendants. 
 
 April Gth the last squad, including convalescents, started 
 in charge of Lieutenant Howard and Sergeant McKorth. 
 The delay in getting these different squads to the regiment, 
 was due, in a great measure, to the want of a general 
 hospital to which we could transfer the sick. 
 
 Those who left St. Charles on the 25th of February, went 
 via Michigan Southern Railroad, thence by Cleveland & 
 Pittsburg Railroad to Pittsburg. While passing through 
 Ohio one of the men was injured by the cars, having one 
 foot terribly crushed. At Pittsburg they were placed in box 
 cars, which gave great dissatisfaction to the men, who 
 thought those that were fighting to save their country, 
 deserved as comfortable means of transportation as the travel- 
 ing public, who were protected by the soldiers standing 
 between them and rebel bullets. 
 
292 THE EiailTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 They arrived at Washington March 1st, and were received 
 at the "Soldier's Rest," and assigned to barracks number 
 four. But a large portion of the officers and men found 
 board at the hotels in the city. The snow was several inches 
 deep and thawing, but notwithstanding, on the 3d of March 
 the regiment was sent to Geisboro Point, and encamped by 
 the side of the government corral, where were kept from ten 
 to fifteen thousand horses for mounting cavalry and for 
 artillery purposes. 
 
 The regiment remained in camp, drilling, receiving horses 
 and equipments and attending to the ordinary routine of 
 camp duties until the 21st of April, when one half the mem- 
 bers removed to Camp Relief, situated on Seventh Street, in 
 the suburbs of Washington City. 
 
 April 30th the remainder of the regiment joined them, 
 and were assigned to the duty of patroling the city, and 
 such other labors as they were directed to perform by the 
 General in command. Two companies had been on duty in 
 the city some time. 
 
 The camp now occupied was superior to anything we had 
 heretofore enjoyed in soldier life ; except that the last occu- 
 pants (Scott's Nine Hundred,) had left the barracks so filthy 
 that our men would have preferred the open field to these 
 dirty buildings. 
 
 We will spend but little time in narrating what occurred 
 during our stay in the city. During the day the men were 
 on guard at the headquarters of General Auger, and at 
 other points, and were occasionally sent out on scouts in 
 various directions. At night they patroled the city and en- 
 tered every suspicious place, to arrest every halpless soldier 
 who should be found without a pass. This duty revealed 
 the fact that in the great city of Washington — the capitol 
 of the American Union — there was over one hundred houses 
 of prostitution, where a greater or less number of soldiers, 
 from all arms of the service, and all ranks — from generals 
 down to privates — were found to congregate nightly, and 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 293 
 
 when found without passes they were arrested and sent to 
 the Armory. But this work, although it amused the men 
 for a time, and was arduous to perform, did not satisfy those 
 who longed for more active service. 
 
 May 7th Company D was ordered to Alexandria. May 
 10th Companies C and F were sent to Acquia Creek. 
 
 Colonel Gamble, now Brevet Brigadier-General, was put 
 in command of camp Stoneman, situated on the bluff above 
 Giesboro. This camp was the rendezvous of all the dis- 
 mounted cavalry of the armies in this part of the country, 
 where they were armed, equipped, mounted and forwarded to 
 the front. 
 
 On the 8th of May, when General Grant moved his armies 
 upon the enemy across the Rapidan, the Eighth Illinois felt 
 that they were out of their place, in not leading the van as 
 they had done heretofore. We were lookers on while the 
 bloody battles of the Wilderness were in progress ; but did 
 not remain in that condition long. 
 
 May 13th Major Forsythe received permission to go to 
 the front and report to General Sheridan, and served on his 
 staff during the remainder of the war. On the 15th Colonel 
 Clendennin, with five companies, went to Belle Plain to keep 
 open communication between the river and Grant's army, 
 and protect the trains from the depredations of guerrillas. 
 The thorough acquaintance of our men with this part of the 
 country, made them doubly useful in this service. The regi- 
 ment was now divided as follows : One company on duty at 
 Alexandria, two at Acquia Creek, five at Belle Plain and 
 four in Washington. 
 
 June 2d that part of the regiment on duty down the Poto- 
 mac returned, having performed very valuable service, and 
 received the highest commendations from their superior 
 officers. 
 
 June 8th Company F was ordered to report for duty at 
 Camp Stoneman. On the same day Dr. E. L. Nelson was 
 mustered as Second Assistant Surgeon of the regiment. 
 
294 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 June 19th occurred the solemn and impressive service of 
 the funeral of seventeen young ladies, who were killed by an 
 explosion of fire-works at the United States Arsenal, Wash- 
 ington, District Columbia, 
 
 June 22d one squadron, Companies I and B, were ordered 
 to Muddy Branch, some twenty miles up the Potomac, to 
 assist some Massachusetts troops in guarding the fords, pro- 
 tecting the canal, unloading canal-boats and fighting Mosby's 
 and White's guerrillas, who had made their appearance in 
 considerable force. 
 
 June 23d Companies E and II were sent to join the first 
 squadron at Muddy Branch, and on the night of the 24th 
 crossed the Potomac at Conrad's Ford, some nine miles 
 above Muddy Branch, and marched all night. They reached 
 Leesburg at daylight, and succeeded in surrounding the 
 place before the slumbering citizens were aware of their 
 presence. A party of nine rebels, coming from Point of 
 Rocks, were captured. They then returned to camp via 
 Drainsville, bringing with them their prisoners and six valu- 
 able horses. 
 
 July 4th found the Eighth Illinois Cavalry as follows : 
 Headquarters of the regiment were in barracks at Camp 
 Relief on Seventh Street, Washington, Lieutenant-Colonel 
 Clendennin in charge — Colonel Gamble being in command 
 of Camp Stoneman : Company F at the latter place ; Com- 
 pany J) at Alexandria, keeping an eye to the smugglers and 
 bushwhackers as far down as the Occoquan, having already 
 killed two, wounded three and captured five guerrillas, nine 
 deserters, nine stands of small arms and thirty-five hundred 
 dollars worth of goods, together with the noted smuggler, 
 King, of Prince William County. Company L on duty in 
 the city, as escort to military funerals ; Companies E and II 
 at Muddy Branch, Maryland, Lieutenant Russell, of Com- 
 pany 11, acting the important part of Provost Marshal, at 
 Camp Stoneman, Captain Lincoln also on duty at this camp, 
 and the writer in charge of the hospital and medical (de- 
 partment at the last named place. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 295 
 
 The regiment performed duty in the city and elsewhere 
 when ordered, within the department of Washington. Heavy 
 details were made daily, classified as follows : Videttes, 
 escorts and patrol ; the first for preserving order throughout 
 the city, the second acting as provost-guard and the third 
 arresting stragglers, "speculators in government property," 
 and all officers and enlisted men found in the city withou 
 passes. 
 
 At this time the armies of the Potomac and the James, 
 under General Grant, were investing Petersburg and Rich- 
 mond. The navy was laboring to obtain possession of the 
 forts and cities on the Atlantic coast; and General Sherman 
 was pressing his adversary far into the interior of the rebel- 
 lion. The rebel General Early was in the Shenandoah Val- 
 ley preparing to invade Maryland, and even entertained the 
 design of capturing Baltimore and Washington. This was 
 the condition of aifairs when, on the 4th of July, the rcgi 
 ment, or so much of it as was in camp, was ordered to 
 march to oppose as was supposed the incursions of Mosby, 
 but as it proved to confront the rebel army under General 
 Early, who had come down the valley of the Shenandoah 
 and who was threatening Frederick City and Maryland. 
 Companies E and H were already on the ground, and the 
 remaining five companies, I, 13, C, M, and K, left the camp 
 of the regiment at Washington under command of Lieuten- 
 ant-Colonel Clendennin and took up a hasty line of march 
 to intercept Mosby, who was understood to be making for 
 Point of Rocks, to cross the Potomac there. (The five other 
 companies did good service, which I will mention anon.) 
 Colonel Clendennin marched his men twenty miles that night, 
 and encamped abont one o'clock, and at six o'clock 
 the next morning the march was resumed, and about 
 noon they reached Point of Rocks. Here Mosby opened 
 upon them from the opposite side of the river with two pieces 
 of artillery, his sharpshooters sustaining the guns. Colonel 
 Clendennin dismounted his men and deploying them as 
 
296 THE EIGUTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 sharpshooting skirmishers, drove the rebels from the opposit 
 bank. Mosby then withdrew and proceeded down the river, 
 attempted to cross at Nolan's Ford ; but the troops of the 
 Eighth were there in time to head him off, and he failed in 
 his attempt. That night the detachment encamped opposite 
 Nolan's Ford. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 6th, Companies K and C, under Cap- 
 tain Sullivan, reconnoitered up the river as far as Sandy 
 Hook, and upon their return the entire detachment marched 
 to Frederick City, sixteen miles from Point of Rocks. On 
 the next morning (Thursday,) orders were received by Colo- 
 nel Clendennin to make, with his regiment and a section of 
 Alexander's Baltimore battery, a reconnoisance on the Mid- 
 dletown pike, and feel the strength of the enemy and ascer- 
 tain his position. Some of the Maryland Home Guards had 
 been sent out by General Wallace on the same purpose, and 
 had run back into the city at the first sight of a grayback. 
 The Eighth, with its artillery support, went within a mile 
 and a half of Middletown, which place was occupied by the 
 rebels, who now appeared in force. This was Bradley John- 
 son's Brigade. The detachment of the Eighth and the single 
 section of artillery — not over two hundred and fifty men in 
 all — fought this whole brigade several hours, gradually fall- 
 ing back towards Frederick, and keeping the rebels at bay, 
 until preparations could be made by General Wallace to 
 receive them at that city. The gallant troopers of the 
 Eighth never did better fighting than this. The heat was 
 very oppressive. The rebels charged twice on our men, but 
 were each time handsomely repulsed. As the Eighth neared 
 Frederick they were joined by Colonel Gilpin with four or 
 five hundred Maryland troops, and also about two hundred 
 cavalry from Stahl's command ; and right here let me say 
 that the entire force under General Wallace, with which he 
 fought about five thousand cavalry of the rebels, was less 
 than five hundred. Colonel Clendennin was placed in com- 
 mand of all the mounted forces at the disposal of General 
 Wallace. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 297 
 
 Our forces having made a stand in front of Frederick at 
 two o'clock, Johnson made a desperate fight to get possession 
 of the city. This fight lasted till dark, during which 
 Lieutenant C. S. Gilbert, of Company C, a brave and gal- 
 lant officer, was mortally wounded. He was left in Freder- 
 ick City when the city was evacuated and is supposed to have 
 died. Five other men of the regiment were wounded during 
 the day, four of them seriously and one killed. 
 
 On Friday morning, the 8th, the enemy having disap- 
 peared from our front. General Tyler, who had arrived from 
 Monocacy and taken command, gave Colonel Clendennin 
 orders to send his cavalry out and ascertain the position of 
 the enemy. One company was advanced on the Harper's 
 Ferry Pike, guarding that road during the day, while Major 
 Waite, with companies B and C and one gun from Alexan- 
 der's battery, moved out on the Middletown pike, encount- 
 ered the enemy's skirmishers and drove them back to the 
 mountain pass. About half way up the mountain, on the 
 pike, there was a hotel kept by a secessionist which was 
 known as Hager's Tavern, and which appeared to be the 
 rebel headquarters. Major W., by a careful use of his 
 strength and a judicious disposal of his men, succeeded in 
 bringing his gun up nearly to his skirmish line, and got in 
 position unobserved by the enemy, when he suddenly opened 
 upon the rebel nest, A general stampede from that point 
 was the result. The Major held his position during 
 the day, skirmishing with the enemy and keeping him in 
 check. 
 
 Colonel Clendennin had sent Captain Morris, of Company 
 M, out on another road to the right of Major Waite, and 
 during the forenoon the rebels massed a battalion of cavalry 
 in the timber and suddenly charged upon Captain Morris. 
 The Captain and his company fought gallantly and with des- 
 peration, but were forced back by superior numbers, and 
 Captain Morris was killed, having received a shot in his 
 hip, from which he died in about an hour and a half. He 
 38 
 
298 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 
 
 remained conscious to the last, and died without a murmur, 
 as he had fought without fear. 
 
 An incident which occui'red while the rebels Avere charging 
 upon Captain Morris is worthy of mention, as showing, not 
 only the pluck but the sagacity with which the Eighth Illi- 
 nois boys fight. The right of Major Waite's skirmish, or 
 rather picket line, extended to near the road where Captain 
 Morris was stationed with his company. As the rebels were 
 making their first charge down the road upon Captain M., 
 Sergeant Hakes, of Company B, who had charge of the 
 skirmishers of the extreme right of Major W.'s line, got 
 together some six or eight of his men, and moving rapidly 
 up near the road down which the rebels were charging, se- 
 creted his squad in the timber, and when the rebels came 
 rushing on, poured a volley into the column. Taken by 
 surprise, and thinking they had a force on their flank the 
 rebels suddenly brought their charge to a halt, which, though 
 they afterwards renewed the charge, gained some valuable 
 time to Company M; and this gallant and timely act of Ser- 
 geant Hakes and his handful of men probably prevented the 
 loss of a number of prisoners. 
 
 During the night of the 8th our troops evacuated Freder- 
 ick City, and the cavalry under Colonel Clendennin formed 
 the rear guard, the men of the Eighth Illinois being last to 
 leave the city, which they did about one o'clock. The cav- 
 alry reached the Monocacy about daylight, and had only time 
 to make coffee, when, without sleep, they were obliged to 
 enter upon the duties of the day, and play their part in the 
 battle of the Monocacy. 
 
 A portion of the Eighth — Companies I and li — opened 
 the battle in the morning by skirmishing Avith the enemy's 
 advance, but upon being relieved by infantry, the five com- 
 panies of the Eighth were placed upon the left of the enemy's 
 line to watch the approaches in that quarter and guard the 
 fords and bridges of the Monocacy. 
 
 Company C, under Lieutenant Sargeant, was sent down 
 
THE EIGHTH iLLINOtS CAVaLHY. 290 
 
 the river early in the morning to burn a bridge and watch 
 some fords, and later in the forenoon Major Waite, with 
 Companies I, M and K, was ordered to proceed still further 
 down theMonocacy to support Company C and burn another 
 bridge. Company B was left guarding a ford between the 
 left of our infantry line and the lower fords, whither Major 
 Waite was marching. When the latter had got a mile on 
 his way the rebels in large force forced the ford, which Com- 
 pany B was guarding, and drove the company back; but 
 this gallant company, under Lieutenant Corbit, made a 
 stubborn fight, and yielded slowly, making the rebels pay 
 dearly for every retrograde step they were obliged to take. 
 The rebel regiment, however, dismounted and succeeded in 
 driving Lieutenant Corbit still further back and gaining the 
 road down which Major Waite had gone, thus cuttino- him 
 off, and also Colonel Clendennin, who was endeavorino- to 
 reach him. The Colonel, however, managed to get word to 
 Major Waite by an orderly, (an Eighth Illinois Cavalryman 
 can pick his way most anywhere,) to get one company throuf^h 
 to the relief of Company C down the Monocacy if possible 
 and himself with his other two companies to get back to our 
 lines as he best could, notifying him that he was cut off. 
 Major Waite sent Captain Wells with Company I as ordered. 
 The Captain reached Company C safely, and after the 
 bridges Avere burned, with his own and that company, unable 
 to join the army under General Wallace, fell back and took 
 the road to Washington, which he reached in safety al thou o-h 
 closely pressed by the enemy. 
 
 Meanwhile Major Waite with his tvro companies, makino-a 
 feint of charging the rebel brigade obstructing the road the 
 dust deceived the rebels as to his force, and they fell back 
 giving him time to make a detour across the fields and through 
 the woods, and outflank them, thus regaining our line. Col- 
 onel Clendennin, who came near being captured, also es- 
 caped, and thus the rebels were cheated of their prey of 
 which they thought they were sure ; for not a man of the 
 Eicfnth Illinois fell into their hands. 
 
300 THE EIGIITH ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 
 
 When General Wallace Avas obliged to fall back. Colonel 
 Clendennin, with three companies of his regiment, fell back 
 through Urbana closely pursued by the Seventeenth Virginia 
 Cavalry, one thousand strong. This regiment seemed deter- 
 mined to capture the Illinois boys. They made a desperate 
 charge, coming on with a yell ; but they were received as 
 the Eighth generally receive their rebel visitors, and fell back 
 with the loss of their battle-flag and the capture of their 
 standard-bearer. During the charge Lieutenant Kinley, a 
 brave and gallant officer of Company K, received a severe 
 wound, a rebel bullet lodging near his heart. The rebel 
 Major then tried to rally his men for another charge. He 
 rode boldly forward of his regiment and fired bis pistol into 
 our ranks, at the same time addressing his men in loud tones. 
 The rear guard of the Eighth, under Lieutenant Trask, of 
 Company K, stood their ground manfully. Sergeant Hakes, 
 of Company B and Corporal Mighell, of Company K, were 
 in the front of our line exchanging shots with the rebel 
 Major and one of his men, when Mighell gave the reins of 
 his horse to Hakes and dismountiog leveled his carbine at 
 the Major and killed him at the first fire, and at the second 
 brought down his companion. For this gallant act a Union 
 lady of Urbana addressed a letter to the Corporals wife, in 
 Illinois, complimenting him in the highest terms. The enemy 
 became disheartened and gave up the pursuit. 
 
 The manner in which the skirmishing during this retreat was 
 done was admirable. The detachment was divided into small 
 squads, each officer taking a few men in charge in order to 
 make the most of the small force. Captain Sullivan kept 
 the saddle all day, though quite ill ; Lieutenant Fowler, of 
 Company M, and Lieutenant Gregory, of Company I, were 
 especially active and alert during the skirmishing, besides 
 the other officers named. ^Jiut every private seemed to fight 
 as though he had all the pride and responsibility of a com- 
 missioned officer. The enlisted men of the old Eighth are 
 every one a hero — God bless them ! 
 
THE EmilTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 801 
 
 Adjutant Humphrey, brother of Colonel T. W. Humphrey, 
 of the Ninety-fiifth Illinois, during his retreat had a very 
 thrilling adventure. Having been captured by a rebel officer, 
 who "run him down" in a corn field, Humphrey was on 
 one side of a fence and the rebel on the other, and the rebel 
 caught him when his horse stumbled at a gap in the fence 
 between them, the rebel had yelled several times, " surren- 
 der you son of a b h ! and each time the Adjutant 
 
 turned and fired a shot, as he said, for his mother. After 
 exhausting his charges he threw his pistol at the rebel. As 
 the rebel did not fire, he judged he was short or out of am- 
 munition ; so while Mr. lieb. was holding the reins of 
 Humphrey's horse, he slipped off" from him and into a corn- 
 field near by and escaped. After traveling two days without 
 food, dodging about in the bushes, he finally reached our 
 lines. Lieutenant Humphrey also had a horse shot from 
 under him at Frederick City. 
 
 Late on Saturday night. Colonel Clendennin with his com- 
 mond, joined General Wallace's forces at Newmarket, and 
 from that time until the arrival of General Wallace at Bal- 
 timore, on Monday noon, the Eighth Illinois formed the rear 
 guard of the column by day and picket in front of the troops 
 by night. To say that the men and horses were exhausted 
 when they reached Baltimore, after their week's campaign, 
 would be superfluous. 
 
 From Baltimore the regiment was sent to Cockeysville to 
 protect the railroad from the depredations of the rebels who 
 had sent their scouting parties in all directions and had done 
 no little damage to the railroad bridges, While here Dan- 
 iel O'Conner, familiarly known as "Coon Creek," of Com- 
 pany B, was killed by Corporal Roe. " Coon Creek," being 
 intoxicated, challenged Roe to run horses and upon his refusal 
 " Coon Creek " drew his revolver to fire, whereupon Roe 
 drew his revolver, also, and both fired at the same time. Coon 
 was instantly killed and Roe received a shot in the right 
 hand. No blame was attached to Roe as "Coon Creek" 
 
302 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 was a dangerous character when drunk, and had on several 
 occasions fired at his comrades. 
 
 While at this place a detachment under Major Waitewent 
 into the country and re-captured INCajor-General Franklin 
 who had been taken prisoner by the enemy. 
 
 As the enemy advanced upon Washington there was great 
 excitement within the city and all the preparation was made 
 to receive them that Avas possible under the circumstances, 
 as but few troops were there for its defense. The dismount- 
 ed men at Camp Stoneman were armed mid held in readiness 
 to fight as infantry, and that part of the Eighth Illinois which 
 remained in the District was on duty constantly. On the 
 11th of July the Sixth Army Corps began to arrive, coming 
 up the Potomac river in boats; and on the 12tli the Nine- 
 teenth Corps followed. The latter corps having just arrived 
 at Fortress Monroe from Louisiana, was ordered to Washing- 
 ton before being disembarked. These re-inforcements came 
 just in time, for (ieneral Early made his appearance before 
 Washington on the 12th. 
 
 The four companies of the Eighth Illinois in the city, 
 with the two that had been cut off" at the Monocacy made a 
 vigorous stand before the defences of Washington, holding 
 the enemy in check for several hours till the Sixth Corps 
 could march to their relief. Our men fought as was expected 
 of the Eighth Illinois men, stubbornly. The killed and 
 wounded in these battles were as follows : 
 
 Killed, Captain I. V. Morris, Company M, July 1st; 
 Lieutenant Charles S. Gilbert, mortally wounded — left in 
 the hands of the enemy, July 7th ; Thomas Baker, Company 
 K, July 8th ; Charles Greenville, Company Iv, July 7th, 
 and George McGregor, Company B, July t)th. 
 
 Wounded, Lieutenant J. A. Kinley, Company K, July 9th; 
 Sergeant J. Remington, Company B, July 7th ; Sergeant 
 Alfred Van Fleat, Company K, July 7th ; Corporal Loran 
 Carver, Company I, July 7th ; Corporal K. Humphrey, 
 Company ], July 7th; William Percival, Company B, July 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 303 
 
 7th; Thomas Wilson, Company I, July 7th; M. M. Am- 
 burgh, Company B, July 7th, Wilhelm Steinkey, Company 
 M, July 8th ; William Tafflemire, Company M, July 8th, 
 and O'Brien, Company M, July 8th, 
 
 Wounded in the defenses of Washington, were Sergeant G. 
 S. McNorth, Company E, severely; Sergeant Benjamin F. 
 Lee, severely; Clarence Williams, Company L, severely; 
 William Allen, Company C, slightly ; Frederick Bartling, 
 Company L, severely ; Erasmus W. Seaman, Company H, 
 slightly, and William J. Johnson, Company C, slightly; 
 Gideon V. Bachelle dispensing clerk in the regimental hos- 
 pital, having had no opportunity to be engaged in battle, 
 shouldered a carbine and went into the rifle pits in front of 
 Fort Stevens, but soon returned having been shot in the 
 arm. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 General Early's Eetre:it— Pursuit into Virginia— Capture of Sergaut Chase— Return to 
 Washington— Mosby attacks Company E, and captures twelve men— Scouting in 
 Virginia— Mustering out three years men— Their Iliistory — Reconnoi^cance in force 
 —Fight at Upperville— First Separate Rrigade— Fairfax Court House— More Scout- 
 ing — Surrender of Richmond — Assassinaiion of Presiident Lincoln — Bull Run Mon- 
 uments—The Regiment ordered to;Missouri— Sinking of the Steamer Olive — Order 
 for.Mustering out — Organization of the Eighth Illinois Veteran Association — Tho 
 Constitution— Reception in Chicago— Regimental Roster. 
 
 On the 13th the enemy retreated from before Washington, 
 and our cavalry followed in close pursuit. At Poolville they 
 were overtaken and a lively skirmish ensued, in Avhich we 
 captured a number of prisoners. The enemy having crossed 
 the Potomac, our cavalry picketed along the river until the 
 16th, when the Sixth Corps crossed the river following up 
 the retreating rebels. The regiment having returned from 
 Baltimore and concentrated most of its scattered detach- 
 ments, crossed the river and reported to Colonel Lovel, who 
 was in command at Lecsburg, and was used to guard tho 
 left flank of the army and the wagon train which moved to 
 Snicker's Gap, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 
 
 On the 20th the Eighth Illinois passed through the gap, 
 crossed the Shennandoah and reached the front at Berrys- 
 ville. They remained in the vicinity of Berrysville and 
 White Post till after dark, and then moved back to the gap, 
 being the rear guard and, as usual, having the honor of hold- 
 ing the post of danger. As forage had to be obtained in 
 the country, several parties were sent out for that purpose. 
 One party consisting of Sergeant Aaron W. Chase, of Com- 
 pany I, Oliver S. Dake, of Company B, and eight others, not 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 305 
 
 underchargeof any particular commander, had not gone a mile 
 from camp, Sergeant Chase in front, when they discovered 
 a party advancing by fours from the direction of the camp. 
 All had on blue pants and red shirts, their coats being 
 buckled to their saddles. Among them were some recognized 
 as "our men," and they were supposed to belong to Com- 
 pany C of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, as that Company was 
 known to be out foraging. In a moment they were upon 
 our men, and when asked by Chase who they were, answered 
 by presenting a pistol to his head and ordering a surrender, 
 saying they were Mosby's men, but he should be treated 
 like a gentleman. As the enemy were greatly superior in 
 numbers our men made a virtue of necessity and delivered 
 up their arms, and were marched off as rapidly as they could 
 be made to go for fear of being discovered by the federal 
 forces. Chase at once determined never to be taken to 
 liichmond and incarcerated in a rebel prison, and with 
 anxious eyes watched for some cross-road or path which 
 would lead in the direction of camp. One rebel demanded 
 his watch, but he refused to deliver it up, another demanded 
 and finally obtained his hat band. Feeling secure of their 
 prisoners the rebels did not keep as vigilant a watch upon 
 them as was necessary, and seeing an opening in the fence 
 and knowing the fleetness of his horse, Chase struck spurs 
 to his sides and dashed off. The officer in charge having the 
 best horse in the squad, started in pursuit, firing his pistol 
 as he went. For a short time the race was close and ex- 
 citing, but the rebel horse soon gained upon the Sergeant ; 
 •one shot had already taken effect in Chase's left shoulder 
 and another struck him in the right side which took his 
 breath away, and being unable to continue the race longer 
 he again found himself in the hands of his captors. Too 
 weak from pain and loss of blood to ride unaided, he was 
 supported on his horse by the rebels, who hurried him along 
 for several miles till he nearly fainted, when arriving at a 
 county poor-house they placed him on the porch and went 
 
306 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 on with the other prisoners. A citizen vrent to the federal 
 camp for a surgeon who carae and dressed his wounds. Ho 
 lay there some fourteen days occasionally attended by a 
 physician from Union and frequently annoyed by Mosby's 
 guerrillas, who threatened to take him to Richmond as soon 
 as he was able to walk. As he grew stronger, the determin- 
 ation not to go to a rebel prison retuj'ned and he embraced 
 the first opportunity to escape ; in this he was aided by the 
 keeper of the house and a colored man wh.6 acted as guide. 
 Starting out in the night he Avent some three miles to a house 
 where he hoped to put up in safety, but was unable to wake 
 the inmates, as the dogs would not allow him to approach 
 the door ; upon going to a negro hut he was informed that 
 four confederate soldiers were in the house he had tried to 
 enter, and that the dogs in preventing his going in had proved 
 his best friends. Here another negro, acting as guide, con- 
 ducted him to the house of a quaker, where he was kept 
 until morning, when his wounds were dressed and a consul- 
 tation held, which resulted in his stopping there secreted two 
 days — at the end of which time the quaker and his wife 
 dressed him in a disguise and took him some fourteen miles 
 to the Potomac river. On the road they passed seven of 
 Mosby's men but the disguise was so complete that they did not 
 mistrust anything wrong. After crossing the river Chase 
 was taken into the hospital at Sandy Hook and from there 
 sent to Parol Camp, Annapolis, Maryland. The other cap- 
 tured men were taken to Richmond and placed in prison. 
 The history and account of the sufferings of each would only 
 be a repetition of the misery and distress experienced by 
 our soldiers in southern prisons. 
 
 July 21st the regiment marched on the right of the army, 
 and at night had nearly re-crossed the Loudon Valley, a dis- 
 tance of sixty miles. 
 
 July 22d another hard day's march was made across fields, 
 through woods and over the Katoctin mountains, and at 
 night camped at Difficult Run, a stream well named. Com- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 807 
 
 pany G, having lost the command in the dark marched nearly 
 all night. After a hard march on the 23d of July, the regi- 
 ment, tired and dirty, reached its old quarters at Camp Re 
 lief, Washington, having accomplished feats and labors, since 
 the 4th of July, which our friends at home could consider 
 almost impossible to be performed. 
 
 The Potomac was again picketed by the Eighth Illinois 
 up to the Monocacy, Company E being at the mouth of the 
 Monocacy. On the 30th of July Mosby crossed the Poto- 
 mac with a large force of cavalry, and made a descent upon 
 the picket post of Company E and succeeded in capturing 
 twelve men, yiz : Herman Jefferson, Frank Crosby, Gilbert 
 Mott, John Stoner, John Murry, Mike Boss, Henry Patten, 
 William Hudson, George Sager, James Ward, Asahel Rob- 
 ertson, Henry Dusenburg. Jefferson, Patten and Hudson 
 died in prison. The affair is described by Captain Delany 
 in the following private letter which I take the liberty to 
 copy: 
 
 "In reference to the fight at Monocacy, in the absence of 
 other officers of the squadron, (H and E,) the duty of com- 
 manding the picket line along the Potomac, from a point 
 two miles below White's Ford to a point about the same 
 distance above the Monocacy bridge, distance eight miles, 
 fell upon me. Company H was stationed at White's Ford. 
 Company E, in command of a Sergeant, was stationed on a 
 bluff near the bridge over the Monocacy. As I visited E's 
 post I discovered mounted troops crossing the ford two miles 
 above Monocacy bridge. At first I felt quite easy, suppos- 
 ing if they were the enemy the guard at that ford would give 
 the alarm, (said guard being a squad of infantry sent to 
 communicate with our line from Point of Rocks.) I very 
 soon made up my mind that something was wrong and accord- 
 ingly galloped up to the point of crossing with six men of 
 Company E, reaching the ford just as the rear of the column 
 was ascending the steep bank from the river to the tow path 
 of the canal, which runs parallel with the Potomac. On 
 
308 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 account of an abrupt turn in the road we could not see them 
 until we were Avithin a few yards of them ; and as we 
 galloped up so rapidlv and as it seemed to them so boldly, 
 and from the nature of the ground not being able to ascer- 
 tain our full force, the rear of the column scampered on to 
 close up, yelling 'close up,' 'move on faster in front,' 'get 
 to the bridge and form in the field,' as you know troops will 
 when placed in a position where formation for battle is im- 
 possible, and being pursued as they supposed by a strong 
 force. In this chase Ave captured six men — just one for 
 each — and brought them Avithin the lines safely, thence to 
 headquarters. From these Ave learned that the rebels were 
 of the Mosby persuasion. The main force moved in the 
 direction of Point of Rocks and crossed the canal about two 
 or three miles this side on a bridge, the one spoken 
 of above, and seemed to take a northerly direction, soon 
 shaping their course, hoAvever, to bear toward the 
 Monocacy. I then divined fully their plan, as I 
 afterAvards learned, Avhich Avas to cross the Monocacy at 
 a point about six miles up the river, and make a dash on 
 Company E's post with a view to capturing it. I accord- 
 ingly ordered pickets posted as I deemed necessary for the 
 security of the post, and instructed the Sergeant in charge 
 to hold his command ready to 'fly' if necessary at any 
 moment. I also instructed him to leave a good reliable non- 
 commissioned oiTicer in charge of the post, and take a squad 
 of men and post them at available points along the bank of 
 the Monocacy at such places as fording was possible ; also, 
 to move along the bank of the river himself Avith a few men 
 and folloAV the stream up as far on this side as the main body 
 of the rebels on the other side, as the rebels kept in sight 
 most of the time, to prevent the possibility of a surprise ; but 
 the Sergeant took his squad and moved up the Potomac in 
 the very track of the enemy, Avithout posting his men as 
 directed or preparing his men for the danger which threat- 
 ened them; the company on picket meanwhile being all 
 
THE EIGHTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 309 
 
 unconscious of what was passing. In the meantime my 
 duty called me back to the post occupied by Company II 
 and in charge of Lieutenant Brooks, informing the pickets 
 on my way of what had taken place above. I may here 
 state that I found a simultaneous crossing might be attempted 
 at Lieutenant Brooks' station, but upon reaching White's 
 Ford learned that all was quiet. A report of what had 
 taken place was then forwarded to headquarters at Pool- 
 ville, detailing my views of the intctitions of the enemy and 
 giving my dispositions of the troops under my command. I 
 then received instructions not to fall back if the enemy 
 did cross, as Major Thompson of the Second Massachusetts 
 had orders to go and fight them with a command of six 
 hundred men. Upon receiving such instructions I rode back 
 from White's Ford to Monocacy, leaving instructions with 
 Lieutenant Brooks in case he was attacked. Before reaching 
 the bluff near the bridge I discovered a force riding down on our 
 side of the Monocacy towards the Potomac. I knew I had 
 directed pickets to be stationed along this point and no 
 alarm having been given, I concluded it must be the Ser- 
 geant on his patroling tour ; but as they approached I dis- 
 covered too much 'gray,' and immediately put spurs to my 
 horse in the direction of 'E' post, feeling confident that at 
 least everything must be in readiness there for a 'smart run' 
 or a lively fight. On approaching the camp I found on my 
 left a line of skirmishers bearing towards the post, and 
 according to our relative distance from the post, their 
 chances for reaching it in advance of me were good. I 
 pushed through as I feared the worst in view of the want of 
 opposition shown by the men on the post. I was soon dis- 
 covered by the rebels, but not before I reached the inside 
 track and they then gave me chase. I reached the post, 
 however, about five minutes in advance of them, and to my 
 utter astonishment found no Sergeant in command ; many of 
 the horses unsaddled, some of the men cooking, some 
 reading, and others asleep, and but one picket out. In 
 
310 THE EiailTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 an instant they were upon us, and while I was rallying the 
 men as best I could under the circumstances, I discovered 
 Major Thompson of the Second Massachusetts, distant not 
 more than one-fourth of a mile, and I supposed of course he 
 would reach us in a few moments — so wc Ibught with every 
 confidence, keeping the enemy at bay long enough to make 
 twice the distance Thompson had to make ; but as soon as 
 he heard the firing, instead of rushing to our relief he paraded 
 hia men, and I've no doubt 'received' them as is sometimes 
 customary with great Generals preparatory to fighting. 
 His troops were soon in battle array but not a step nearer 
 us. While he (Thompson) was thus engaged, the enemy had 
 so completely overwhelmed us, in a numerical point of view, 
 we were compelled to succumb. In this fight we lost one 
 man, Joseph Neff, killed and Sergeant Frank Schuster 
 and myself wounded. I was wounded in the left leg and 
 captured by a drunken rebel, from whom I escaped after 
 being in custody long enough to surrender my revolver. 
 The enemy then began crossing the Potomac to reach the 
 Virginia shore ; and as soon as the firing ceased and 
 most of the enemy had effected a crossing, Major 
 Thompson, holding a six-shooter in one hand a sabre 
 in the other and the reins in his teeth, advanced gal- 
 lantly, 'six hundred strong,' and upon reaching the bank 
 of the Potomac, opened a vigorous fire upon the enemy 
 most of whom had reached the opposite bank. My re- 
 port to General Augur embraced nearly all of the above. 
 Major Thompson was requested to resign. Colonel Taylor, 
 A. A. G., had a peculiar faculty of rendering such in a 
 polite and dignified way. The evening of the engagement 
 I was left on the field and was picked up about nine o'clock 
 P. M., by a colored man who carried me a distance of nearly 
 two miles to the house of a gentleman, (I am sorry to say 
 I do not recollect his name,) who with the aid of his good 
 wife rendered me every assistance in dressing my wounds 
 and administering to my comfort. ISText morning I was found 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 311 
 
 bv Lioutenant Brooks who was ia search of me, and con- 
 veyed me to Washington." 
 
 It is probable the Sergeant in charge of Company E mis- 
 understood the order of Captain Delancy, which if obeyed 
 to the letter, would no doubt have prevented a surprise, as 
 Company E was one of the best companies in the noble regi- 
 ment. The post thus surprised consisted of eighteen men, eight 
 of whom made their escape by jumping down a precipice some 
 twenty-five feet. They were Morgan Hughes, George Ileim, 
 William Chadwick, Wm, Theman, Charles Culver, William 
 
 , Benjamin Howard and Frank Schuster. The latter 
 
 though wounded escaped with the others. In this little fight 
 the enemy suffered severely ; their actual loss, however, we 
 were unable to learn. 
 
 On the 5th of August the reserve brigade of cavalry and 
 several other regiments having; come from the front near 
 Petersburg, started from Washington for the upper Potomac to 
 join the command of General Sheridan who was to look after 
 the rebel General Early and his marauding soldiers. The 
 Eighth Illinois remained at Muddy Branch and along the 
 river scouting and guarding the fords. 
 
 August 10th J. Fletcher accidentally shot his comrade 
 Cyrus Brunson, the ball passing through his body. He 
 died almost instantly. Brunson had won the esteem and 
 affections of his comrades by his genial manner, kind heart, 
 ready wit and soldierly bearing. The regiment remained 
 on duty along the river till August 22d, when a reconnois- 
 ance into Virginia under Major Waite was ordered. They 
 crossed the Potomac at Young's Island and marched via 
 Leesburg, Gun Springs, Aldie, Purcelville, Hamilton, Water- 
 ford and Taylorsville to Point of Rocks, where they re-crossed 
 the river and then marched via Licksville and Poolville to 
 Muddy Branch, which they reached on the 23d, bringing 
 with them sixty-two prisoners and eighty horses. 
 
 On the 30th the Eighth Illinois crossed the Potomac for 
 another raid, killed one of Mosby's men and wounded four ; 
 
312 THE ElGUTIl ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 they captured thirty-two guerrillas dressed in farmers' garb, 
 fifty-six horses and mules, destroj'ed four wagons and 
 brought two into camp loaded with cotton yarn, said to be 
 worth five thousand dollars in cash. The}^ burned a cotton 
 factory together with about five thousand dollars Avorth of 
 wool and cotton ; marched one hundred and twenty miles in 
 thirty-two hours — and returned to camp on the 2d of Sep- 
 tember with a loss of one man wounded, W. J. Fellows of 
 Company A, in the head, badly. 
 
 On the 1st of September a squad under Lieutenant Culver 
 of Company C of the Eighth Illinois succeeded in cap- 
 turing a man by the name of Thomas J. Austin, who cut 
 the telegraph wire when the rebels made their invasion, and 
 who had evaded our scouts ever since. 
 
 The regiment then returned to Muddy Branch with their 
 prisoners, horses and plunder. This expedition, like many 
 others that proceeded it, was one requiring great courage 
 and endurance. Marching from thirty to forty miles and 
 SKirmishing most of each day, lying down on the ground at 
 night and rising in the morning to repeat the labor of 
 previous day, was a work to be endured only by veterans 
 like those of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
 
 September Gth, a detachment under Major Ludlum made 
 another raid into Virginia and returned with four prisoners 
 and a goodly number of horses. They Avere followed by a 
 lady who claimed one of the horses and who stoutly 
 refused to return without her favorite animal. 
 
 The regiment had been so detached that a detailed account 
 of their doings could hardly be collected ; and the duties it 
 was called to perform now served to separate the detach- 
 ments still more, the distance of Muddy Branch to Port 
 Tobacco being sixty or seventy miles. 
 
 September 8th, part of the regiment was sent down the 
 Potomac, on the Maryland side, to the vicinity of Port 
 Tobacco to look after and arrest blockade runners, which 
 duty though arduous and sometimes perilous served to amuse 
 
i%' 
 
 iX ^W/i^lMj©^, giONJD^J Wy©Q© 
 
 Ghicsto Lnt'o-,iiThm« Ih 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 313 
 
 the men, and was very different work from that of facing and 
 fighting the rebels, which they were always prepared to do. 
 
 September 18th, those of the regiment who did not re- 
 enlist as veterans, one hundred and eighty, having served the 
 three years for which they enlisted, were mustered out, and 
 left for their homes, carrying with them the good wishes and 
 pleasant recollections of their comrades in arms, who were 
 determined to "fight it out on that line" until the struggle 
 was ended. 
 
 The following is the only account of their operations I have 
 able to obtain : A part of them were detailed about the first 
 of May as a body guard to General Wilson, and the remain- 
 der acted as orderlies to different commands. 
 
 On the 3d of May the corps to Avhich they were attached 
 was first put in motion and moved to Germania Ford, where 
 the first fighting occurred ; that of the " old brigade" under 
 command of Colonel Chapman. A short time after, 
 detachment of the Eighth Cavalry under Lieutenant Long 
 of the Third Indiana Cavalry, was sent with General Wilson 
 and his division to a place near the head of the Po 
 river, when they encountered the enemy in strong force and 
 a sharp skirmish ensued. General Wilson finding the enemy 
 too strong gave orders to retire. The Third Indiana, by 
 this movement, being in advance and dismounted was in 
 danger of being overwhelmed by the enemy and captured. 
 General Wilson observing this, ordered his body-guard, a 
 detachment of the Eighth, to make a charge, which they did, 
 successfully checking the whole rebel column until the Third 
 Indiana mounted and made good their retreat. In this fight 
 the Eighth Illinois lost Corporal T. J. Clute, Company G> 
 killed, Corporal Smith, Company A, and private II. II. 
 Chappell, Company G, wounded, and Sergeant E. Duck- 
 worth, Company K, Corporal A. R. Cole, Company L, 
 privates George Perry, Company B, Samuel Maxwell, Com- 
 pany C, Erederick Scoville, Company K, missing. In about 
 eight days afterwards Duckworth, Cole and Perry made their 
 40 
 
814 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 gscape and came into our lines. During General Sheridan's 
 ereat raid, this detachment of the Eighth met with no losses 
 except on the 12th four or five horses killed. On the 25th 
 they returned to our lines. 
 
 As the-4WMi«>t' election for President and Vice-President 
 of the United States was approaching, orders were given 
 to grant furloughs to all who were unfit for active duty in 
 the field, that they might go home and vote ; and large 
 numbers thus obtained leaves of absence — the government 
 furnishing transportation. Our regiment, however, received 
 little benefit from this order as few were at the time on the 
 convalescent list. 
 
 On Thursday October 28th Major Waite was ordered to 
 send a squadron from Rectortown to Salem, to hunt Mosby. 
 His men and horses were already tired, having just returned 
 from a long scout down the Blue Ridge Mountains to Sperry- 
 ville, in the face of General McCausland's brigade which was 
 then in that country. Although they were tired and it was 
 night and nearly two hundred rebels reported on the route, 
 Companies L and K, under Captain Berry, started promptly 
 and pushed through to Salem that night. 
 
 On the morning the squadron started out and after march- 
 ing a mile or so ran upon the pickets of a heavy force, and 
 with a dash captured the pickets, w^hen an order came from 
 the commander of the post at Salem for Captain Berry to 
 f*ll back immediately, which he did carrying back his prison- 
 ers and making a very successful expedition. Captain 
 Berry commanding squadron and Lieutenant Clapp com- 
 manding Company K, seemed able to go anywhere with such 
 good backers. 
 
 On the afternoon of the same day (Friday) a heavy storm set 
 in and Major Waite ordered Captain Russell to take Compa- 
 nies F, D, M, I and B, and move to Snicker's Gap at night 
 and arrest certain citizens and such rebel soldiers as he 
 might find. Rain, rain, rain — heavy and cold fell the rain, 
 and at midnight Russell and his battalion started, the tramp 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 315 
 
 of their horses and the jingle of sabres deadened by the 
 heavy rain and the storm. They marched twenty miles 
 before daylight and then turned their course homeward — a 
 heavy line of skirmishers following them" on their retreat. 
 Captain Russell and his men, through the exertions of his 
 company commanders, Lieutenant Pearsons of Company F, 
 Lieutenant Verbeck of Company D, Captain Sargeant of 
 Company M, Lieutenant Corbet of Company B and Lieuten- 
 ant Gregory of Company I, conducted the scout successfully, 
 bringing in a lieutenant and fourteen men of Mosby's com- 
 mand and a number of fine horses. 
 
 On Saturday Captain Lincoln was sent on another scout 
 towards Upperville, with Companies C, I^, G, II, K and L. 
 After reaching the vicinity of Upperville the enemy's skir- 
 mishers appeared on every hand and finally charged on the 
 rear guard, under Lieutenant Clapp, and on the advance 
 almost simultaneously. Lieutenant Clapp and his men from 
 Company K held their ground against great odds as lon^ as 
 they could, and finally fell back giving away to the right and 
 |eft so as to let Lieutenant Corbet charge the enemy with 
 the men of his squadron, consisting of Companies C and 13. 
 Meanwhile about one hundred and ten charged the advance 
 in impetuous style, but the gallant and steady bearino- of 
 Captain Wing's squadron of Companies G and H saved our 
 men from any damage. Captain Wing and Lieutenant 
 DeLancy of Company H, both reserved the fire of their com- 
 mands until the enemy came up and then poured in a well 
 concentrated volley. Just then Captain Berry came up 
 with his squadron and by a well directed volley sent the 
 enemy flying, and joined Captain Wing in the headlong 
 pursuit after the Virginia chivalry. Sergeant Chauncey 
 Gonsolus was captured in this engagement. The remainder 
 of the list of casualties was Corporal George Sherman, Com- 
 pany G, Corporal George Bell, Company B, I. Williams 
 Company B, and Disboro, Company II, all wounded in the 
 leg, and William Johnson, Company C, iujured by a fall. 
 
316 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 
 
 We lost one man captured. The enemy lost four killed and 
 as many wounded, according to their own reports as since 
 gathered. 
 
 Nothing of much importance transpired with our men 
 until November 21st, 18G4, when they were sent to Fairfax 
 Court House — a now command having been organized, 
 called the First Separate Brigade of the Department of 
 Washington, Under Command of Brigadier-General William 
 Gamble. Its duty was to guard the line extending from 
 Prospect Hill on the Potomac river to Burkes' Station on the 
 Orange and Alexandria Railroad, a distance of twenty miles, 
 and to scout and forage the country in our front to the Rap- 
 pahannock river. The brigade consisted of the Eighth Illi- 
 nois Cavalry, Thirteenth and Sixteenth New York Cavalry, 
 Two Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Infantry, Fourth 
 Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery and the Sixteenth Massachu- 
 setts Battery of Horse Artillery. General Gamble retained 
 a part of his former staff, Captain Wickersham, A. A. G., 
 Captain Lawrence, Q. M., Lieutenant McGuire, Aid-de- 
 Camp, and Major Kennedy, I. G. The remainder of the 
 staff was taken from the Eighth Illinois Cavalry and other 
 regiments in the brigade. 
 
 The winter was spent in a very agreeable manner for 
 soldiers. The finest houses in Fairfax were used as head- 
 quarters; the men built excellent huts for their protection 
 and barracks were erected for the horses. When building 
 their huts some soldiers asked permission of General Gamble 
 to take bricks from an elegant mansion, the "Love House," 
 to construct their chimneys. The General gave permission 
 to take none but loose bricks. In forty-eight hours that fine 
 building was aheap of ruins. When questioned as to exceed- 
 ino- their permit the soldiers replied that they brought away 
 "none but loose bricks." A fine church building was in 
 like manner made to contribute to the comfort of the men. 
 
 The headquarters of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry were at 
 at Fairfax Court House, but parts of the regiment were 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 317 
 
 stationed at Falls Church, Fairfax Station and Burkes' 
 Station ; and these latter posts were occasionally annoyed 
 by Mosby's men. An attempt at one time was made to 
 capture a train of government wagons engaged in obtaining 
 wood near Burkes' Station, but a part of Company K in 
 charge of Lieutenant Hupp was too much for the enemy, 
 and they escaped with the loss of several of their men. At 
 another time Captain DeLancy and six men having been sent 
 out from Fairfax Station at the request of General Albright, 
 to look after the enemy who were supposed to be prowling 
 about, were captured ; an account of which will be found in 
 the chapter on '"captures." At still another time, our men 
 from Fairfax Station made a dash on a squad of Mosby's 
 men who had made arrangements to capture a train o 
 wagons going after wood. The rebels were driven through 
 the country on "double •quick" across Bull Run, leaving 
 two of their men severely wounded. 
 
 December 15th, sixteen officers recently appointed re- 
 ceived their commissions and determined to celebrate the 
 occasion in the evening, which they did in the most approved 
 army style at headquarters. The occasion will long be re- 
 membered as they pretty generally "wet their commissions!'' 
 
 December 20th, Major Clendennin in command of one 
 thousand men of the brigade made a reconnoisance into 
 Louden Valley, and returned the third day bringing Avith 
 him fourteen prisoners, and wounding two who were left at 
 private houses. 
 
 December 23d, two men of the Sixteenth New York Cav- 
 alry, Sergeant Lee and private Flynn, who had been taken 
 prisoners by the enemy in an attack made upon Colonel 
 Switzer and a party of his Sixteenth New York Cavalry, 
 came to the hospital. They made their escape from the 
 enemy near Culpepper while their guards were drunk ; trav- 
 eled two days and nights over the frozen ground. In cross- 
 ing the Rappahannock river on a raft constructed of rails 
 i-hey wet their feet and hands which were soon severely 
 
318 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 frozen, but tliey finally succeeded in reaching our lines and 
 after a tedious convalesence both recovered. 
 
 Nothing more worth recording occurred before the close 
 of the year 1864. January, 1865, found the regiment per- 
 forming the ordinary duties of winter life in the field and at 
 the headquarters both of the brigade and the regiment. 
 Frequent parties and social gatherings enlivened and re- 
 lieved the monotony of camp life. A grand New Year's 
 ball was given at the brigade headquarters, where a num- 
 ber of guests from Washington and no small number of 
 Virginia ladies were present. 
 
 January 5th, a grand sleigh ride Avas undertaken — a large 
 sleigh with four horses was driven by the Adjutant-General; 
 when the horses taking fright, ran away, upset the sleigh 
 filled with young ladies, and although several were bruised 
 none were severely injured. On Sunday, January 8th, 
 divine service was attended in a room fitted up for a chapel 
 by the exertions of our worthy Chaplain, Will A. Spencer. 
 The room was formerly occupied as a printing office, and on 
 the walls could still be seen advertisements of runaway 
 slaves, for the recovery of which large rewards were oifered. 
 
 Frequent scouting parties scoured the country in all direc- 
 tions. Febuary 21st, a party commanded by Captain Corbit 
 of Company B, captured Colonel Carter, a Captain, a Lieu- 
 tenant and five men. 
 
 March 4th a large number of officers, soldiers and ladies 
 went to Washington to witness the second inauguration of 
 President Lincoln. The morning was rainy and very un- 
 pleasant; but just as the President appeared upon the porch 
 of the east front of the capitol, the clouds broke away, letting 
 a beam of light shine upon his face, which added much to the 
 sublimity of the occasion. 
 
 On the morning of March 7th, as an escort of the Six- 
 teenth New York Cavalry were coming to our headquarters, 
 they were attacked in sight of camp by a party of guerrillas 
 and lost two killed and eight prisoners. 
 
THE EIGUTII ILLINOIS CAVALllY. 319 
 
 March 8th, a party from camp, accompanied by a num- 
 ber of ladies, rode out to the Bull Run battle-field, which 
 place to our surprise presented a most shocking appearance. 
 Thousands of human skulls lay bleaching on the ground un- 
 buried, and it occurred to us to report the fact to head- 
 quarters, with the hope of having the bones decently interred. 
 Captain Lawrence drew up the necessary report and an order 
 was obtained to bury these remains, and permission given to 
 erect two monuments, one on the first and one on the second 
 Bull Run battle ground. 
 
 March 10th, a party of four hundred and fifty men of the 
 Eighth Illinois Cavalry were sent out ; and on their return 
 brought in a goodly number of prisoners. 
 
 March 20th, a grand review of the entire brigade took 
 place at Flint Hill. 
 
 March 23d, General Gamble headed a scouting party of 
 five hundred men of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, a section of 
 the Sixteenth Massachusetts battery, and after three days 
 absence returned ; the usual result being obtained — a few 
 prisoners and a large amount of forage. Some men had the 
 audacity to capture a few turkeys and chickens from Gen- 
 eral Gamble's quarters the evening the party returned. The 
 General exclaimed, "heavens on earth," in more than his 
 usual emphatic manner. 
 
 April 3d, news of the fall of Richmond and Petersburg 
 was received, which created the wildest enthusiasm. A 
 grand review was ordered, the news announced and a salute 
 of thirty-six guns fired in honor of the event. The rebel 
 citizens professed to disbelieve this report but stood in fear 
 and trembling. 
 
 April 10th, the surrender by General Lee of the army of 
 Northern Virginia to General Grant, which took 23lace at 
 Appomattox, was received and a salute of two hundred guns 
 was ordered at the post in honor of the great victory. 
 
 All loyal hearts now rejoiced, while the rebels hung down 
 their heads and expressed themselves willing to submit if only 
 
320 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALllY. 
 
 their lives ^vould be spared. I believe no people were more 
 completely whipped, to use a homely phrase, than the rebels 
 of Virginia. On this day Captain Warner in command of 
 Companies G and 11, attacked one hundred and fifty rebels 
 at Brinston Hill and drove them ten miles, capturing a Lieu- 
 tenant, four men and nine horses. The rebels had come to 
 capture a mule train which was drawing wood to the Rail- 
 road, but were sorely defeated. 
 
 Arrangements for a party at headquarters of the brigade 
 were made for the 15th of April, and among those who had 
 accepted an invitation to be present and enjoy the festivities 
 of the occasion was the young and gifted tragedian, J. 
 Wilkes Booth. Ko small number of the ofiicers of Eighth 
 Illinois and others were at the office of Captain Charles I. 
 Wickersham on the evening of April 14th, when the click- 
 ing of the telegraph in an adjoining room announced the sad 
 news that President Lincoln had just been shot at Ford's 
 Theatre ; and an attempt had been made to assassinate Sec- 
 retary Seward and Assistant-Secretary Fred Seward, both 
 of whom were seriously and probably mortally wounded. 
 This news was as unexpected as a clap of thunder in a clear 
 sky, and cast a gloom over all present. Another half hour 
 brought us word that President Lincoln could not survive 
 long and that Secretary Seward would probably die. In 
 quick succession came orders to scour the country in all 
 directions for the assassin, who had made his escape from 
 the theatre, and was no other person than J. Wilkes Booth, 
 who was expected at our party the next evening. The com- 
 mand was soon ordered out, and the country so thoroughly 
 picketed and searched, that a rabbit could have hardly made 
 his escape through our lines without being discovered. 
 
 Little rest was obtained that night, and when the morning 
 dawned the sad intelligence went from soldier to soldier and 
 from house to house, announcing the death of President 
 Lincoln, who expired at seven and one-half o'clock A. M. 
 April 15th. A deep gloom was cast over all loyal hearts, 
 
TUB EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 321 
 
 and each seemed to have lost his only friend. The rebel in- 
 habitants appeared to regret the catastrophe nearly as much 
 as ourselves ; not that they had any love for Lincoln, but 
 they expected his successor, Andrew Johnson, would show 
 theiii no mercy. 
 
 The Court House bell was tolled once a minute during the 
 day, and all the troops that could be spared were put on 
 duty. Nothing had occurred during the war, not even our 
 greatest battles, that produced such a profund sensation as 
 this crowning act of the rebellion. Not a word of disre- 
 spect for our honored dead, would a soldier tolerate from 
 any one. 
 
 Captains Corbitt and Sargent had gone out on a recon 
 noisance to Warrenton the day previous, and this morning 
 captured Brigadier-General Paine, his Adjutant-General and 
 three men and brought them into camp. I doubt very much 
 their having been able to bring them to camp alive, had it been 
 known that Abraham Lincoln was murdered. These officers 
 were kept over night in the hospital under strict guard 
 and next morning sent to Washington. Upon reaching the 
 city and being put into the hands of the Provost Marshal, 
 there was an attempt made by the throng to rescue them 
 from his hands for the purpose of lynching them. In fact 
 the excitement knew no bounds 
 
 Monday, April 17th, General Gamble received orders to 
 proceed with his staff, the Eighth Illinois Cavalry and 
 Sixteenth New York Cavalry to Washington,' to attend the 
 funeral and search for the assassin of President Lincoln. 
 The Eighth were at once sent down the Maryland side of the 
 Potomac, in the vicinity of Port Tobacco, which country 
 they thoroughly searched, leaving no nook or corner in which 
 the assassin could be secreted. The well known rebel sen- 
 timent of this part of Maryland made the duty extremely 
 arduous, for no information would the citizens give which 
 they could possibly withhold. Booth, however, had suc- 
 41 
 
322 THE ElGHTn ILLINOIS CAVALHY. 
 
 ceeded in crossing the river into Virginia, and was finally 
 captured by other cavalry. 
 
 The funeral of Abraham Lincoln, probably one of the 
 most imposing spectacles ever witnessed on this continent, 
 took place on Wednesday the 19th of April, 1865. The 
 Brigade staff, the Sixteenth New York Cavalry and a detach- 
 ment of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry took part in the cere- 
 monies ; and at night General Gamble and General Slough, 
 with their respective staffs, took charge of the body in the 
 rotunda of the capitol. Next day the remains were taken 
 by a special railroad train, via the principal cities of the 
 north to Springfield, Illinois. The staff returned to Fair- 
 fax Court House ; but detachments of the regiment were on 
 duty in Maryland and Virginia for sometime, their duty con- 
 sisted in arresting smugglers and keeping order through the 
 lower counties of Maryland, a repetition of former duty in 
 that vicinity. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Clendennin was chosen a member of 
 the court to try the conspirators. 
 
 April 25th the regiment was ordered to Camp Casey, near 
 Washington, and did not return to Fairfax Court House till 
 May 23d. 
 
 April 29th we received news of the surrender of General 
 Johnston and his army to General Sherman, which we con- 
 cluded was virtually an end of the rebellion. Following this 
 event, rebel soldiers came by scores to our headquarters to be 
 paroled, as the same terms were granted them as were given 
 the soldiers of Lee and Johnston. 
 
 On the 12th ot May the Fifth Corps passed Fairfax on 
 its way to Washington, it being the advance of the grand 
 armies on their return from the many sanguinary battle- 
 fields where they had fought, bled and conquered; following 
 this was the Second Corps. 
 
 May 15th the cavalry corps arrived and camped at Fairfax 
 Court House for the night. There were General Devin, 
 General Custar, Colonel Penington, Major Robinson and 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 323 
 
 many others, with whom the Eighth Illinois had marched 
 and fought for nearly three long years. The meeting and 
 greetings were warm and enthusiastic ; but a sadness came 
 over us when we thought of the many fallen braves whose 
 warm grasp of the hand would no more be felt. Their 
 names are legion and we will not attempt to enumerate^ 
 them. 
 
 Following the army of the Potomac, came the armies of 
 the Tennessee, Georgia and the Cumberland. The men who 
 had marched and fought with Generals Sherman, Howard, 
 Hooker and others from the Mississippi to Atlanta, and 
 from Atlanta to the sea. The march from Eichmond to 
 Washington was unnecessarily rapid and many poor fellows 
 who had endured the perils and toils of marches and battles 
 for four years, as they were now returning home to enjoy the 
 fruits of that peace they had fought to gain, sank down and 
 died of exhaustion. We picked up a large number of dis- 
 abled soldiers and kept them in the hospital until they re- 
 covered. 
 
 May 28th orders were received for the Eighth Illinois 
 Cavalry to repair to St. Louis, Missouri, and we at once 
 went to Washington to make arrangements to turn over the 
 government property in our possession ; but before anything 
 further was done the order was revoked by General Grant. 
 
 June 11th the two monuments at Bui Run erected by Gen- 
 eral Gamble's brigade were appropriately dedicated, Generals 
 Heintzleman, Wilcox, Farnsworth and others, with a large num- 
 ber of citizens from Washington and the !N"orth being present. 
 The brigade performed many evolution on the very spot 
 where charge and counter-charge were made at the Bull Run 
 battle, and Captain Scott with his Sixteenth Massachusetts 
 battery fired a salute from the spot where Rickets' battery 
 was captured. 
 
 One of these monuments stands on the old Bull Run battle- 
 field where the fiercest engagement occurred. The other 
 stands a mile distant near Groveton where the hardest firrht- 
 
324 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 ing of the second Bull Eun battle took place. On the latter 
 field our soldiers interred more than two thousand four 
 hundred human skulls, that lay bleaching on the ground. 
 
 June 16th orders were again received for the regiment to 
 go to Missouri ; arrangements were rapidly made, and on 
 the 19th the Eighth Illinois bid farewell to Fairfax and Vir- 
 ginia. We marched to Washington and took the Baltimore 
 and Ohio railroad to Parkersburg, West Virginia. At that 
 place we were taken on board of steamboats. On arriving 
 at Cincinnati, Ohio, Companies I and M were transferred to 
 the railroad and went to St. Louis by cars. At Lawrence- 
 burg Companies B and E were disembarked and sent to St. 
 Louis by railroad. Companies I and M reached East St. 
 Louis June 25th, and Companies B and E June 27th and 
 that afternoon crossed the river and went into Benton Bar- 
 racks. John L. Hiller, of Company D, was shot and in- 
 stantly killed by the accidental discharge of a carbine. The 
 majority of the regiment came in boats by way of the Ohio 
 and Mississippi rivers, — Colonel Gamble and staff and Com- 
 pany L on the steamer Olive. In going up the Mississippi 
 at Tea-Table Bar about eleven o'clock on the night of the 
 28th of June, the Olive >truck a snag and sunk. Some of 
 the men jumped into the water and attempted to swim 
 ashore. Frank Meacham of Company I, and A. C. McKin- 
 ney of Company L, swam three miles down the river before 
 they could effect a landing. They finally succeeded in 
 reaching the shore nearly exhausted and made their way to 
 a farm house where they were cared for and provided with 
 sufficient old clothes to cover their bodies, as nearly all their 
 clothing was lost in the water. 
 
 Lieutenant Aaron W. Rundle, First Sergeant Arick II. 
 Berzell, Willis W. Keyser, John L. Wilson and Henry H. 
 Green, all of Company L, were drowned. Their loss was 
 deeply felt by their comrades and all who knew them ; 
 their noble and heroic devotion to their country during the 
 war was worthy of all praise. One hundred and four horses 
 
\ 
 
 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 325 
 
 were drowned, among the number Colonel Gamble's fine 
 gray stallion. Company L lost all their baggage and com- 
 pany books ; and the Colonel and stafi" lost nearly all the 
 Headquarter baggage. They, however,, saved the regimental 
 records. 
 
 July 1st orders were received to proceed to Fort Riley, 
 Kansas, which gave great dissatisfaction. The men claimed 
 that they re-enlisted for three years or during the war ; that 
 now the war was over and having fulfilled their part of the 
 contract they should be mustered out. A petition embodying 
 these views was signed by all the officers present belonging 
 to the regiment, and sent to General Pleasanton, chief of 
 cavalry in Missouri. The General telegraphed the substance 
 of the petition to Washington with a hearty indorsement ; 
 and on the 4th of July an order was received to turn over all 
 government property and be mustered out. When the order 
 was read to the men such a shout as went up from them had 
 not been heard since their victories over the rebel cavalry in 
 Virginia. That afternoon Colonel Beveridge and Major 
 Matlack, both formerly of the Eighth Illinois, but now of 
 the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, made us a visit. The men 
 assembled at headquarters where speeches were made by 
 many of the officers, and if there ever was a "happy family," 
 it was the Eight Illinois Cavalry. 
 
 On the 6th of July General Pleasanton made us a visit 
 and a speech, in which he recounted the deeds performed by 
 the regiment in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania while 
 in his command, and complimented us in the highest terms. 
 At the close of his speech the "boys" gave three hearty 
 cheers for their old and honored leader. The time from the 
 4th to the 17th of July was spent in turning over property 
 and preparing the muster-out rolls. General Grant had 
 given as one of the reasons for sending the regiment to Mis- 
 souri that the horses were needed in the western department, 
 which was no doubt correct. Yet in twenty-four hours after 
 the horses were transferred to the Quartermaster at St. 
 
326 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Louis, on going into the city, we saw some of the best 
 animals in the streets drawing carriages and carts. They 
 were branded " I. C." which means " Inspected and Con- 
 demned ;" and sold to citizens. How much benefit Uncle 
 Sam received from the horses we turned over we are not able 
 to say. 
 
 On the 10th and 11th of July the officers held meetings 
 and perfected an organization, the subject of which will 
 commend itself to every friend of the regiment. The follow- 
 ing is the Constitution adopted : 
 
 Constitution of the JEiglith Illinois Veteran Cavalry Associ- 
 ation, Adopted at a Meeting of the Eighth Regiment 
 Illinois Veteran Cavalry, at Benton Barracks, Missouri, 
 July 11, 1865. 
 
 PREAMBLE. 
 We, the undersigned, members of the Eighth Regiment 
 Illinois Cavalry, believing that the four years of active war- 
 fare in camp and field, in the face of the foe, and in the many 
 hotly contested battles in which we have stood by each other, 
 in defence of our common country, and all we hold dear on 
 earth, have so connected us together, that nothing can efface 
 the pleasant recollections of the deeds of noble daring per- 
 formed by our comrades — now, as we are about to seperate, 
 hereby associate ourselves together for the purpose of 
 friendly intercourse and mutual benefit, and ordain and sub- 
 scribe to the following constitution : 
 
 NAME. 
 
 Art. I. This Association shall be called the "Eighth 
 Illinois Veteran Cavalry Association." 
 
 MEMBERS. 
 
 Art. II. The members shall consist of all who are now 
 members of the Eighth Regiment Illinois Cavalry, or who 
 have been honorably discharged from ii, as well as all others 
 who have been directly connected with the regiment. 
 
 I 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 327 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 Art. III. The officers shall consist of a President, Vice 
 President, Secretary and Assistant-Secretary, — the Secre- 
 tary also performing the duties of Treasurer. Said officers 
 to perform the duties usually required of such officers ; to 
 hold their offices for one year, and until their successors are 
 elected — their offices becoming vacated on their removal 
 from the State of Illinois. In case of the death, or removal 
 from the State, of the Secretary, the Assistant-Secretary will 
 receive the books, records and money of the Association, 
 receipting for the same, and assuming the duties of Sec- 
 retary. 
 
 ELECTION. 
 
 Art. IV. The officers shall be elected, annually, by 
 
 ballot. 
 
 duties of members. 
 
 Art. V. Each officer shall be required to pay one dollar 
 upon signing the Constitution, and shall furnish the Secre- 
 tary with his name, age and residence, and shall also 
 promptly furnish the Secretary with written notice of his 
 change of residence. 
 
 EXPULSION. 
 
 Art. VI. ISTo member shall be expelled except by a two- 
 thirds vote of the members present at an annual meeting. 
 
 ANNUAL MEETINGS. 
 
 Art. VII. This Association shall assemble on the 18th 
 day of September, of each year — that being the day on 
 which the Regiment was mustered into the service of the 
 United States, September, 1861 — at such a place as the 
 Association shall select. The selection of the next place of 
 meeting shall be made at the Annual meeting ; and each 
 member shall be considered honorably bound to attend such 
 meetings, unless unavoidably detained, and to continue to 
 uphold and sustain the Annual Re-Unions so long as two 
 members are living. And in case any annual meeting fail 
 
328 THE EIGIITU ILLINOIS C-VVALRY. 
 
 to appoint the place for the next meeting, the power shal 
 be vested in the officers of the Association to appoint the 
 place of meeting. 
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 Art. VIIl. No alteration or amendment shall be made 
 to this Constitution, except it be proposed by a majority 
 vote of the members present at the previous annual meeting, 
 and adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members present. 
 J. F. Farns Worth, President, 
 William Gamble, Vice-President, 
 
 A. Hard, Secretary. 
 
 B. L. Chamberlain, Assistant- Secretary. 
 Sunday, July 16th, Chaplain Will A. Spencer preached 
 
 a farewell sermon, taking his text from the first chapter of 
 Ruth, 16th verse, "Whither thou goest I will go &c." 
 
 July 17th the final muster-out was completed, and on the 
 18th we started for Chicago which place we reached on the 
 evening of July 19th. Although expected in Chicago at 
 eleven o'clock the regiment did not arrive until half past 
 five p.m, too late an hour for the reception to take place at] the 
 Court House, especially as the men were weary and hungry. 
 They were therefore marched directly to the Soldiers' Rest, 
 where an excellent dinner had been awaiting them since noon. 
 The men did good service in clearing the tables, which were 
 bountifully provided with far better repast than usually con- 
 stitutes soldiers' fare, and when all appetites were sated. 
 Colonel Bowen called them to order to hear some brief 
 remarks of welcome. 
 
 Hon. II. F. Waite first addressed the regiment, warmly 
 welcoming it back, and referring in eloquent terms to the 
 gallant service it had done in the cause of our country, say- 
 ing the history of the army of the Potomac would never be 
 written without including a history of the Eighth Illinois 
 regiment. 
 
 Brigadier-General Farnsworth was the next speaker. He 
 greeted them back with feelings of the deepest pleasure, 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 32J 
 
 and proceeded to seview in extenso the history of their scr 
 vices. He spoke of the high encomiums passed upon them 
 bj Generals Stoneman, Pleasanton, Sumner and Sheridan. 
 In conclusion he proposed three cheers for the ladies who 
 provided the banquet, which the boys gave with a hearty 
 good will. 
 
 Colonel Gamble (Brevet Brigadier-General,) being then 
 loudly called for, briefly addressed the regiment. He said 
 that when he first entered the rervice, twenty years ago, 
 General Sumner took a fancy to him and gave him an excel- 
 lent piece of advice, which was, "keep your eyes and ears 
 open and your mouth shut." The advice he had always 
 followed, and therefore was no speech maker, indeed, the 
 most of his talking was on official business. In conclusion 
 he pronounced the highest encomiums upon the regiment 
 which had been under his command, expressed his regret at 
 parting with them and assured them of his intentions to do 
 all in his power to facilitate their final payment and dis- 
 charge. 
 
 Major Russell was loudly called for, but instead of mak- 
 ing a speech he proposed " three more cheers for the ladies 
 of the Rest," to which the boys again responded in tones 
 which caused the very walls to tremble. 
 
 This concluded the reception. Those who did not go to 
 their homes in the city were quartered at the Rest for the 
 night, and next morning at nine o'clock the whole regiment 
 moved out to Camp Douglas. 
 
 The final payment and discharge was not completed until 
 July 21st, when all separated to meet annually on the 18th 
 day of September, so long as two members survived. 
 
 During four years service, the Eighth Illinois Cavalry not 
 only kept its ranks well filled, but furnished a large number 
 of officers for staff" duty with many Generals in the army of 
 the Potomac, viz: Generals Sumner, Pleasanton, Howard, 
 Richardson, Buford, Merritt, Auger, Keys, Casey, Negley 
 Chapman, Devin and Sheridan. It furnished twenty-two 
 42 
 
330 THE EIQHTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 officers for colored regiments. Major Daniel Dustin became 
 Colonel of the One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Volunteers, 
 and many others in that regiment were from the old 
 Eighth. 
 
 Of the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, Colonel J. L. Bev- 
 eridge, Lieutenant-Colonel D. J. Ilynes, Major L. Mattlack, 
 Surgeon S. K. Crawford, Assistant-Surgeon Robert Sill, 
 Captain Samuel W. Smith, Captain J. F. Austin and a num- 
 ber of others were all from the Eighth Illinois Cavalry. 
 
 James S. Van Patten was promoted Captain, A. Q. M., 
 W. S. Robertson was promoted to the same rank and Philo 
 Judson to Captain C. S., Captain "Woodbury M. Taylor was 
 promoted Major and Chief Commissary upon 'Gen. Pleasan- 
 ton's staff, and Captain Amasa Dana was promoted Lieu- 
 tenant-Colonel, A. A. G. And finally the Eighth Illinois 
 Cavalry furnished two full Brigadier-Generals and five Brig- 
 adier-Generals by Brevet, to-wit : Full Brigadiers, John F. 
 Farnsworth and Elon J. Farnsworth. Brigadier-Generals 
 by Brevet, William Gamble, Daniel Dustin, John L. Bever- 
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CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 On Captures— Lieutenant George Gamble's Capture and Experience— Captain John W. 
 DeLancy's Capture and Experience— William H. Leckey'g Capture and Experience — 
 Corporal William Y. Heather's Capture and Experience— Lieutenant B. L. Chamber- 
 lain's Capture and Experience. 
 
 LIEUTENANT GAMBLE'S ACCOUNT OF HIS CAPTURE. 
 
 " I was captured at Mj-dison Court House, Virginia, on 
 the 22d of September, 1863, while on the staff of General 
 Chapman, and taken to Libby Prison. I remained there 
 until the movements of General Grant in June, 1864, when 
 I was taken to Danville, Yirginia, and from there to Macon, 
 Georgia, where I remained two months. From Macon I 
 was taken to Charleston, South Carolina, and kept under 
 the fire of the United States guns for six weeks, to stop the 
 firing on the city. We were then moved to Columbia, 
 South Carolina, where I remained until the 22d of Novem- 
 ber, 1864, when I escaped and reached General Sherman's 
 lines in front of Savannah, South Carolina, after twenty 
 nights' travel through the swamps of South Carolina and 
 Georgia, going a distance of about three hnndred miles. I 
 made five escapes before, but was re-captured every time. 
 
 George H. Gamble." 
 
 CAPTAIN JOHN W. DE LANEY'S STATEMENT. 
 
 " Of the affair in which I was captured I will state : I 
 was ordered to take six men and move a few miles outside of 
 camp ; the commanding officer having heard, through the 
 reliable agency of an "intelligent contraba,nd," the enemy 
 wore hoverinor about. The six men furnished me were re- 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 343 
 
 cruits, and upon being attacked, they, with one exception, 
 proved to be "recruits" in every sence of the word. They 
 with myself were all captured, however ; but received from 
 our captors very courteous treatment as soon as the excite- 
 ment was over and we were enabled to inform them of the 
 organization to which we belonged. At FredericKsburg Ave 
 were placed in charge of the confederate authorities, who, 
 also, treated us kindly and seemed glad to see us in view of 
 the fact that we belonged to the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and 
 were Western men. From Fredericksburg we went to Rich- 
 mond by rail — where we were recognized as belonging to the 
 Eighth Illinois Cavalry, by a man who had lost a valuable 
 white horse on the Northern Neck. This was (as the stranger 
 said to the other upon an answer in the negative as to whether 
 he used tobacco,) 'agin us,' and we took as much abuse and 
 profanity as if saints ; owing to the peculiarities of our sur- 
 roundings, however, more than to our saintly proclivities. 
 
 " Libby prison was next visited ! Here I was separated 
 from the men, they being assigned 'rooms' with the enlisted; 
 I, after being searched vigorously by a ' Yankee renegade,' 
 who acted in that capacity for an extra ration, was ' shown ' 
 my ' apartments.' Meats were served a la European, being 
 brought to our rooms by a squad of Yankee renegades in 
 charge of a rebels who in my opinion far exceeded any one 
 of them in manly principles. Two weeks in Libby prison 
 and we were invited by the ' authorities ' to an excursion, 
 with a view of .paying a somewhat protracted visit to Dan- 
 ville. Here we found but little difference so far as diet, etc., 
 was concerned, except that the facilities for cleanliness were 
 far inferior to those of Libby. Our food consisted of a pint 
 of corn-meal each day, ground, all the time cob and all. I 
 got, perhaps, one and one-half pound meat during my stay, 
 which was just three months. The stories circulated during 
 and since the war about the manner in which prisoners have 
 suffered have never as many supposed been exaggerated. 
 The whole truth could not be justly portrayed to any one 
 who did not pass through the ordeal. J. W. DeLancy." 
 
344 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 WILLIAM II. LECKEY'S SToRY. 
 
 I was taken prisoner on the 11th day of November, 1864, 
 at Manassas Junction, Virginia, taken to Hichmond and put 
 in Libby prison, to serve, I knew not how long. Of my 
 treatment while in that prison I have not language adequate 
 to convey a correct idea ; however, I will tell it as best I 
 can in as few words as possible : I was very thinly clothed, 
 bareley enough to cover my nakedness, had no blanket or bed 
 and was compelled to sleep on the bare floor. Our rations 
 consisted of corn-cob meal made into thin cakes about four 
 inches square and one of these divided between four men. 
 Each man received a small piece of 'salt horse' about the 
 size of a walnut. These two constituted our food. 
 
 I will relate a little incident that occurred while I was in 
 Libby prison. One night two of the boys got out of prison. 
 The next morning when the officer came and counted us and 
 found two missing he wanted to know where they had gone. 
 Of course none of us knew. He then said we should have 
 nothing to eat until we had told him where they had gone. 
 After a while, however, he returned with our grub of corn 
 cake and 'salt horse.' But he never found out the where- 
 abouts of those two men, and we would have starved to death 
 rather than give him any information. 
 
 We remained in Libby about four weeks and were trans- 
 ferred to Salsbury, North Carolina, to a miserable 'hog hole' 
 of a place, too filthy for human beings. Man never laid 
 eyes on a ' nastier ' place. There we spent most of the 
 winter of 1864. The weather was intensly cold, and I, 
 without shoes, hat and only a piece of a shirt and a pair of 
 ragged pants, experienced great difficulty to keep from 
 freezing. Our food in Salsbury was worse than in Libby 
 prison, and we had less of it. For eight weeks we did not 
 get any meat. Twenty-four sticks of wood, about four 
 feet long, were allowed to each one hundred men for fires- 
 That amount contributed but a small share towards supplying 
 us with warmth for twenty-four hours. One day a dog 
 
THE EIGUTU ILLINOIS CAVALllY. 343 
 
 came into our prison and the boys killed and skinned him. 
 Some cooked, the meat and others ate it raw. You may 
 imagine they had pretty strong stomachs. One time one of 
 the boys went up into the third story of a house which 
 stood in the prison grounds, where they confined some 
 rebels who would not serve in the army, to buy something. 
 The rebels stripped him of his clothing and pitched him out 
 of a window. That I saw with my own eyes. Just as sure 
 as we would gather in crowds we would be fired upon. I 
 am out of their hands now and have had my revenge ; if, 
 however, there should be a call to go through the south and 
 'clean them out,' I will be one among the first to enlist. 
 
 CORPORAL WILLIAM Y. HEATHER'S NARRATIVE. 
 
 " About the 15th of October, 1863, I was detailed from 
 the regiment to report to Captain Hale, Commissary of the 
 first division of cavalry, who gave me charge of seven men, 
 Richard Hillman, Harrison F. Adams, Cornelius Ilollenbeck, 
 Frank Livings, John Brindle, Joe Proctor and Lyman Pratt, 
 to guard the beef cattle of our division. We liked the busi- 
 ness, and all went well until the 31st of October, when four 
 men dressed in blue made their sudden and unwelcome 
 appearance in our camp, near Waterloo, and demanded us to 
 surrender. Our man on picket gave us no alarm, being 
 deceived by their dress. We had no chance to dress, to say 
 nothing of getting our arms, [and of course surrendered. 
 In a few moments we found ourselves mounted and on our 
 way to Dixie. Brindle and Proctor happened to be absent 
 at their respective companies, and did not share our unhappy 
 fate. Lyman Pratt, who belonged to my own company, 
 being mounted on a fast horse made his escape at the first 
 opportunity. The other four and myself were committed 
 to the Hospital Laundry prison at Richmond on the 2d of 
 ]S[ovember and remained there about two weeks, during which 
 time we saw exhibitions of diabolical cruelty too outrageous 
 to be believed if told. In two weeks we were removed to 
 the tobacco warehouse or Pemberton building opposite Libby 
 44 
 
344 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 prison. Here in a room ninety by thirty feet were three 
 hundred and forty men living in dirt and fed on about one- 
 fourth rations. Alany were taken sick but none received 
 any medical aid. After being there a short time I was con- 
 vinced of the truth of the reports of inhumanity. I have 
 seen men so hungry that they Avould go to the piles of dirt 
 swept up, and pick out little crumbs of bread and eat them. 
 I have even seen them go to the spittoon boxes and get the 
 few particles that had fallen there and eat them without the 
 least hesitation. I have seen tobacco-chewers pick up and 
 chew old quids of tobacco that had been thrown away by 
 those who had been so lucky as to escape being robbed ; as 
 it was the common practice in Dixie to rob prisoners, when 
 committing them to prison. Three men went crazy from 
 gradual starvation. 
 
 On the 21st of January, 1864, we were removed to Belle 
 Island, where we were doomed to more suffering than ever ; 
 being turned out of a warm room into a cold atmosphere 
 with no tents and the cold earth for our bed. We had very 
 few blankets and very little clothing — some were almost 
 naked. One man froze to death for want of clothing — his 
 dress being only a pair of drawers, llere our diet consisted 
 of one-third pint of buggy pea soup and two and a. half 
 inches square of hard corn bread without salt. This was our 
 food for about two months. The boys went without meat so 
 long they killed every dog that came into camp. I remember 
 that our little squad killed a dog one day, and it was snatched 
 with such eagerness that I did not get a mouthful. Our 
 squad had a few blankets, but some were destitute and 
 would run around all night to keep from freezing. Under 
 this treatment our boys died very fast. I remember seeing 
 seven of our dead boys lying around for eight days and the 
 hogs were often seen rooting them about. The most I know 
 of freezing to death in one night was five. Our brave and 
 helpless boys were often shot for the slightest provocations 
 and sometimes for the violation of some order they knew 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 345 
 
 nothing about. One day there was a notice put up in a 
 back ^,place in camp of which very few of the boys had 
 heard, until some of them went within six feet of a certain 
 place which had been forbidden in the notice, when the brute 
 on guard fired into them killing two and wounding one. 
 
 " On the Gth of March our little party was sent to Americus, 
 Georgia. We resolved to get away or die trying ; but the 
 attempt seemed useless as we were put in a box-car with 
 only two doors, one locked with a massive lock, and just 
 across the car at the other was a guard of two men stationed. 
 A guard was also on top. Things looked gloomy. A little 
 Yankee ingenuity, however, soon laid the plan to escape. 
 JJick Hellman was to take a pocket-knife and unscrew the 
 lock while I was to stand between Dick and the guards ; 
 the other boys were to interest the guards as much as they 
 could by talking and quareling with each other. Dick 
 worked with all the skill and speed he could command and 
 finally succeeded in removing the lock. We now awaited 
 an opportunity to escape unnotied. Just as the train was 
 leaving a station a little ways from Kaleigh, North Carolina, 
 we carefully shoved the door aside and Hellman and Adams 
 made good their escape ; I quickly followed. We then held 
 a council, when we determined to stay in the woods in the 
 daytime and travel by night in the direction of Halifax, on 
 the Roanoake river. We inquired our way and begged food 
 of the negroes during our nocturnal marches. We prosecut- 
 ed this plan for eight days when we came across Hallenbeck 
 of the Third Indiana Cavalry. He had made his escape a 
 little after we did. We were greatly rejoiced to meet each 
 other. We all continued on the same route until we got 
 within a few miles of Halifax when we learned that there 
 were pickets ahead on the road and that' they had.captured 
 some of our soldiers the day before, who were trying the 
 same plan of escape. Instead of going on we left the road 
 and struck the Roanoake three miles below thejjpickets. The 
 next night, with the aid of some negroes, we succeeded in 
 
346 THE EiaHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 crossing. After traveling two nights we found ourselves in a 
 loyal neighborhood that fed and secreted us for about three 
 weeks, when we were informed that the gunboats would meet 
 us at Winsor, on Kishi river, a distance of about forty miles. 
 By this time our party was joined by three more Yankees 
 who had escaped from the Danville prison, five rebel de- 
 serters and thirty-two runaway negroes, thus making our 
 party forty-four strong. We set out together in search of 
 the long-looked for Yankee gunboats. After going about 
 twenty miles through swamps and marshes we struck off into 
 the wood to stay through the day. By some means the 
 rebels found us out, and about ten o'clock (just as we all hap- 
 pened to be asleep,) they made a descent upon us and fired a 
 volley into our midst, killing three of the negroes. We 
 took to our heels in every direction for personal safety. 
 Three of the whites did not wake up in time to escape. One 
 of them belonged to our little party of four, C. Hollenbeck. 
 After I halted I found that li. Adams, of the old squad, 
 was all the companion I had, the rest having all got separ- 
 ated during the sudden retreat. Adams and I made up our 
 minds to return to the loyal neighborhood. After staying 
 there about a month longer we determined to try to reach 
 our lines at Plymouth. The citizens hired a guide to pilot 
 us and eif^ht citizens through, which he accomplished, reach- 
 in »■ our lines at Portsmouth on the 9th of May. I joined 
 the regiment on the 13th of May. 
 
 William Y. Heather." 
 
 CAPTAIN B. L. chamberlain's EXPERIENCE. 
 
 " On the 5th day of May, 1862, the battle of Williams- 
 huY(T was fought. We were ordered up and took part in the 
 fight, I was acting as battalion Quartermaster of the 
 Eighth Illinois Cavalry, together with Lieutenants IIuls and 
 Jiisbey. Lieutenant J. S. Van Patten was Quartermaster. 
 On the morning of the 6th, after the regiment had left in 
 pursuit of the fleeing rebels, I was ordered to take a wagon 
 train to Williamsburg. I was the only Quartermaster in 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 347 
 
 camp ; Yan Patten being sick, Bisby looking over the 
 battle-field and Huls having gone back to see Van Patten 
 and bring np some part of the train that had been left 
 behind. Our wagons, twenty-two in number, had been all 
 unloaded for the purpose of making sleeping places for the 
 teamsters. When the orders came, I and Quartermaster 
 Sergeant Grimly (since Lieutenant, Company I,) were all 
 the officers in camp with not a man to help load up except 
 the teamsters, and they were scattered over the battle-field 
 seeing the sights. We immediately commenced loading, 
 and a hard time we had of it ; but by a good deal of 
 heavy lifting we accomplished the work and immediately 
 moved up to Williamsburg, and parked the train on the hill 
 outside of the village. Not long after I received an order 
 from Colonel Farnsworth, in the presence of General 
 McClellan, to go out to a certain plantation, supposed to be 
 ahout one mile, and see if I could procure any forage for the 
 regiment, as it was understood we were to camp on that 
 ground. My order was to go and see if there was any for- 
 age and if so to report to Major Beveridge, who would take 
 his battalion and teams and go out and get it. I must say I 
 did not like the order, for I had been doing Lieutenant 
 Bisby's work all the morning — that is, 'running the train.' 
 Previous to this time we had divided the work of the regi- 
 ment, Lieutenant Bisby |was to attend the train, Lieutenant 
 IIuls the forage and I the commissary business of the regi- 
 ment, while the Quartermaster-in-Chief attended wholly to 
 the office work. I immediately left in no very good humor 
 to fulfil the orders, together with my son, Sergeant Stanley 
 and private J. D. Rickart. We had not proceeded one 
 mile before I discovered men crossing the street in front of 
 me, evidently in a hurry. I put spurs to my horse and suc- 
 ceeded in overtaking a 'colored gentleman,' who informed 
 me that they were men residing on the other side of the 
 ' timber,' and were not accustomed to traveling in Virginia. 
 I believed his yarn and proceeded at least another mile when 
 
348 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 we came to a log shanty inhabited as I found out by a 
 colored family belonging to the very plantation that I was 
 in search of. The woman told me that no soldier of any 
 kind had passed there in two weeks. I then hesitated about 
 going any further, as until that time I had supposed our 
 cavalry had passed that way. Very near this place I met 
 Captain Forsythe who informed me he had been scouting 
 the country and had not seen a rebel. I proceeded through 
 a small piece of timber and came in sight of the house I was 
 in search of. I noticed a man standing in front of the house 
 and remarked to my comrades that he did not act like a 
 'darkey;' still I did not hesitate but rode up to the house, 
 distant about eighty rods. As I was in the act of dismount- 
 ing to a,scertain if there was any forage in the numerous 
 barns, we were surrounded by a squadron of the Third Vir- 
 ginia Cavalry, numbering one hundred and ten men, and 
 commanded to surrender. Looking around I discovered 
 numerous double barreled shot guns pointing towards us, 
 evidently with the intention of being discharged in case of 
 our refusal to surrender. As I could see no hope of 
 escape and thinking a live prisnoer might be of more use to 
 my family than a dead hero, I concluded to surrender and take 
 my chances of what might follow. The rebels were in about 
 as bad a predicament as I was, for they were entirely at a loss 
 to know what I was out there for. They had seen Captain 
 Forsythe pass and were in ambush for him, but he eluded 
 them by taking the left hand road instead of the right. 
 Immediately after, I was stripped of my fighting materials, 
 which was done' in an unceremonious manner, Lieutenant 
 Lichfield, of King George County, Virginia, presented a 
 pistol to my head and swore he would blow out my brains, 
 and I really thought he would. Hut I put on a bold front 
 and told him he would not do any such thing. He wanted 
 to know why he would not. I told him in the first place I did 
 not think he wanted to, and in the second place he dared 
 not do it. Just at this time, greatly to my relief, the Major 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 349 
 
 commanding the s(iuadron rude uj) and told him to stop his 
 threats and treat his prisoners well. The same Lieutenant 
 Lichfield was dit^patched with sixteen men to guard us to the 
 rebel camp, distant about six miles. We were hurried to 
 our utmost. In passing towards Burnt Ordinary where we 
 were destined to camp, we passed on our left, a body of cav- 
 alry standing to horse about one-half mile distant from us. 
 I enquired who they were and was told they were 'yankces.' 
 I afterwards learned it was a part of our own regiment under 
 command of Lieutenant-Colonel Gamble. I expected every 
 moment they would charge down upon us, and I think the 
 guards thought so too, for they drew their pistols, all that had 
 any, and held them in close proximity to onr heads, as much 
 as to say 'you won't get away anyhow.' If tfiere was ever 
 a time I would like to hear bullets whistle, it was just then. 
 I would have taken my chances if I could have seen those 
 fellows put to flight. We traveled about two miles when we 
 came to the rebel pickets and soon after arrived at General 
 Johnston's headquarters. I was taken before the General to 
 be examined. General Fitz Hugh Lee was then Adjutant- 
 General on Johnston's staff. Lee did the questioning, which 
 did not amount to much. I was told that I was not com- 
 pelled to ansAver any questions. The questions were, " Who 
 Avas in command in the fight at Williamsburg;" "where 
 was General McCcellan ;" " how many men had McClelan ;" 
 all of which I answered to my own satisfaction if not to 
 theirs. I passed through a portion of their army and they 
 were evidently getting out of the way as fast as possible, 
 althongh I saw nothing like disorder in their ranks. That 
 night our horses were taken from us and we had to travel on 
 foot to liichmond, a distance of sixty miles. We made the 
 trip in two days. We fell in with a number of prisoners at 
 Burnt Ordinary, that were taken in the fight at Williams- 
 burg. 
 
 " Once at Richmond, we were marched through the city 
 to Libby prison, the little bugler playing ' Dixie ' on his 
 
350 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 trumpet bugle. I was there separated from my son and 
 comrades and put in a room containing one hundred and 
 sixty other poor devils that had been taken prisoners. 
 Amongst the number were forty Bull Run prisoners taken 
 at the first battle of Bull Run. They were held as hostages 
 to be hung in case our government hung the privateers. 
 I there found Lieutenant Lumbar of our regiment, who was 
 taken in our first advance to the Rappahannock early in the 
 spring. I also became acquainted with Colonels Corcoran, 
 Wilcox, Vodgees and Potter, all of them since Mojor-Gen- 
 crals in the Union Army. We were packed pretty thick in 
 the prison — only about three feet space for each cot and a 
 little space in the center to set our tables. One great 
 luxury we had was a large bathing tub with plenty of waterf 
 We were not destined to stay long in Libby, for McClellan 
 was making it hot for the rebels in and around Richmond. 
 On or about the 20th of May we were told we would be re- 
 moved to Salsbury, North Carolina, the next morning. 
 Immediately a great bustle took place preparatory to getting 
 ready to move. Our rations at Libby prison consisted o 
 plenty of good bread, some fresh meat, a little salt and a 
 very little soap and a tallow candle to every twenty men. 
 No coffee or tea was ever issued in a single instance. In the 
 morning we were ordered to pack up in a hurry, and soon 
 after Ave knew the reason by the sound of cannon not a great 
 way off. I have never ascertained for a certainty what was 
 going on that morning or where the fight was, for the chiv- 
 alric gentlemen of the south stole my diary and all my clothes 
 while coming from Salisbury afterwards. We tried to find 
 out where the fight was from the officers in charge, but they 
 either did not know or would not tell. I remarked to an 
 officer by my side that it could not be more than six mile^ 
 distant, and one of the privates standing by my side as a 
 guard raised four fingers as much as to say only four miles 
 I think it must have been at Gaines' Mill. We were hurried 
 to the cars and put through to Petersburg, twenty-two miles 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 353 
 
 distant, in short order, and there we lay nearly all night. 
 The cannon still booming in our ears was music to us, for 
 we expected it would be the downfall of Richmond. We 
 were three days getting to Salisbury, and all that time wo 
 were not permitted to get off the cars, consequently got no 
 sleep. When we arrived we were as miserable a looking set 
 of fellows as one might wish to see. 
 
 At Raleigh, on our way, (it being Sunday,) we were 
 visited by a great many people, mostly women, who showered 
 upon us the most bitter taunts and threats that ever came 
 out of the mouths of any people. I really believe those 
 women would have hung every one of us could they have 
 had their way. One woman said it would afford her special 
 delight to see us all hung up, and advised the guards to do 
 it. But we had no fears on the subject for we were worth too 
 much to be thrown away for nothing. We found our quaters 
 at Salisbury much preferable to Libby ; a large prison yard 
 of about twelve acres, fenced in with a tight board fence ten 
 feet high. There we found about fifty officers and seven 
 hundred privates, mostly Bull Run men who had been there 
 until they had obtained a residence. The prison proper 
 was a large brick cotton factory six stories high, capable of 
 holding an innumerable number. This was occupied ex- 
 clusively by privates. The officers occupied numerous small 
 brick tenements that were formerly used as dwellings by the 
 operators of the factory. Here we staid nearly four months 
 through the heat of the season. Our rations consisted of 
 poor bread and four ounces of bacon to a man, which could 
 only be kept from moving by putting a stone on it to keep 
 it down ; as the worms claimed it and we were obliged to 
 resort to various expedients to keep them from it. We also 
 received a little salt and a little soap, and occasionally a few 
 black beans. We had the privilege of buying anything 
 outside that we were able to pay for ; and here let me say that 
 the officers who had money were in every instance willing 
 to divide with their comrades, and no one went hungry for the 
 45 
 
354 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 want of money when there was any in the mess. I am partic- 
 ularly indebted to Captain Drake, of a New York regiment, 
 for money he loaned me while in prison, as I had only twenty- 
 one dollars when taken there. That amount, with fifteen 
 dollars borrowed of the Captain, supported me nearly four 
 months. I was sick nearly all the time while there with 
 a chronic diarrhoea, and I believe all that saved my life was 
 blackberries. Medicine was out of the question. One sur- 
 geon had a little opium which he had obtained somehow, and 
 occasionally gave me a dose which relieved me for the time 
 being. We v/ere not without our amusements even here, for 
 we could play euchre and cribbage, and we formed a base- 
 ball club, and got to be quite proficient, so much so that we 
 talked of challenging other parties to play with us. But 
 they must have come to our grounds as we were so full of 
 business we could not leave on any considerations. 
 
 We were in great anxiety to hear from the army but were 
 denied the privelege of reading newspapers. We occasionally 
 eluded the vigilance of our guards and obtained the Richmond 
 Examiner, through the subtilty and 'kindness' of a colored in- 
 dividual, for the moderate sum of four dollars per number. 
 On the 4th of July we had a celebration that I think will com- 
 pare favorably with the generality of such gatherings ; but 
 we were in want of the stimulants and consequently kept 
 sober. We had the reading of the Declaration of Independ- 
 ence, Washington's Farewell Address and some odes by the 
 officers ; then a greased pig performance, sack foot races, 
 &c., &c. The rebel officers attended in a body but only as 
 spectators. 
 
 In the center of our yard was a pen built for citizen 
 prisoners who were debarred of all the little privileges we 
 enjoyed. They suflFcred accordingly. I saw as many as 
 six corpes taken from that jail in one day, out of a number 
 of about one hundred and fifty. Those prisoners as a mat- 
 ter of course resorted to various expedients to effect their 
 escape. One night it was rumored in camp that they had 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 355 
 
 arranged a plan to leave in the night, and we all watched to 
 see the fun, and fun it was. About ten o'clock P. M. it 
 commenced raining and was very dark ; a better night could 
 not be wished for such a raid as they intended to make. 
 As we listened intently, we heard a crash and presently heard 
 the tramping of feet close to our quarters. "We knew they 
 had broken through the inner enclosure and were making for 
 the outer fence. In less than a minute we heard the chal- 
 lenge of the guard, a discharge of his gun, and a screeching 
 of a man, and knew the shot had taking effect. Unfortun- 
 ately for the rebels the shot missed the one it was intended 
 for and went into the hip of a rebel Lieutenant sleeping in 
 his tent at the lower end of the yard. The long roll was 
 sounded, the soldiers run to their arms, got into line double- 
 quick and started for the upper end of the yard where they 
 usually formed. In passing up to the rendezvous, it being 
 intensely dark, the Orderly, a man weighing at least two 
 hundred and forty pounds, missed the beaten track and in- 
 stead of keeping the path, unfortunately for him, run into the 
 privy vault of the camp, at least four feet deep and six wide, 
 and before the column could halt two more fell in on top of 
 him. Before they could be rescued the Orderly had nearly 
 suffocated. They were a pretty looking trio when got out. 
 It caused a great laugh in our quarters the next morning when 
 we heard of it ; and the rebels had as much fun over it as 
 we. The prisoners, in the meantime, effected their escape, 
 and I think got away, for we never saw them again and never 
 heard of their being captured. 
 
 " We lost one officer while there, a Lieutenant of a Wis- 
 consin regiment. We petitioned the Colonel commanding to 
 let some of us follow him to the grave, but were refused. 
 The ' dead cart' was backed up to the gate, the coffin put in 
 a Mr. BarTcey seated himself on the coffin, the whip cracked 
 the gates closed and that was the last we saw of our comrade. 
 
 " Rumors were afloat that there was to be an exchange of 
 prisoners and we were, of course, greatly delighted ; but days 
 
356 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 and weeks passed and stilled no order came for our removal 
 and we began to get discouraged, when, one morning an order 
 came for our immediate removal to Richmond for the purpose 
 of exchange. If ever there was great rejoicing it was in 
 our camp that night. I don't think any one slept much. 
 The next morning we bid adieu to Salisbury. On our way 
 to Richmond we were as usual packed into the meanest cars 
 that could be found, but we did not grumble for we were going 
 *home.' We were two days going to Richmond, arriving 
 just at night and were marched to Belle Island to pass the 
 night. At this time the nights were quite cold, and as we 
 had humanely left all our blankets and spare clothing to the 
 citizen prisoners at Salisbury, we suffered much on that damp 
 island. In the morning I met with Peter C. Simmons and 
 Barney Carlin of St. Charles, the former one of my old 
 friends and neighbors, a private of Company A. I found 
 him in tolerably good health, but in a wretched condition in 
 regard to wearing apparel. He had on an old chip hat, 
 an apology for a pair of pants and a linen duster buttoned up 
 to the chin, for the purpose as I supposed to conceal from us 
 that he had no shirt. I could do nothing for him as I had 
 no money and my clothing was about as bad as his — consist- 
 ing of an old slouch hat, one woolen shirt, one pair of soldiers- 
 pants, badly worn, part of a vest, but no coat, and a pair of 
 stoga boots. I conversed with him for nearly an hour and 
 learned that he was taken prisoner on the Peninsula. We 
 then crossed the river to Richmond and marched to Libby 
 prison. There was a murmur from every one when we found 
 we were going to that place, and we began to fear that the 
 report of an exchange would prove to be a canard. After 
 staying there three days the joyful news reached us, that on 
 the morrow we must be prepared to leave for Aiken's Land- 
 ing to meet the flag-of-truce boat. In the morning we started 
 in hacks hired for the purpose at the rate of five dollars per 
 man, and arrived at the landing long before noon. We had 
 not gone three miles from the city before we met any quantity 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 357 
 
 of troops going north ; and we were at a loss to know what 
 it meant, for we supposed they were watching McClellan at 
 Harrison's Landing. After getting to our destination 
 we began to look for the boat, but it had not yet arrived. 
 We then concluded to go into camp and make our beds in 
 a straw pile ; and we were comfortably quartered 
 and ready for sleep when the steamer hove in sight with the 
 white flag flying. Not a sound escaped our lips until all 
 were duly labeled and handed over to the proper officer, and 
 the boat floated from shore. Then such a shout went forth 
 as only 160 men can give when they feel that they are 
 free again. In the morning we put down the stream intending to 
 stop at Harrison's Landing and see the army, but when we ar- 
 rived there not a man was to be seen. The camps were broken 
 up and gone. We knew then what was up. The rebels, in- 
 stead of following McClellan, were taking the back track 
 and going for Pope. We arrived at Fortress Monroe and 
 found at least one thousand sailing craft in readiness to take 
 McClellan's army to Washington. We took a steamboat for 
 Baltimore and went from there by rail directly to Washing- 
 ton. There I took my first ' white meal ' at the Metropolitan 
 with the gentry, who looked upon me with contempt for not 
 being dressed up. I did not wonder at it for a more forlorn 
 looking being never went to a table in the great city. We were 
 mustered at the War Department and took a leave of absence 
 for twenty days. I arrived at home after fourteen months 
 absence and found my family in good health, but greatly con- 
 cerned about me, not having heard from me since my capture. 
 I rejoined my regiment at Sharpsburg after McClellan had 
 driven Lee and his army across the Potomac. I acted as 
 commissary of the regiment during the remainder of the war. 
 
 B. L. Chamberlain." 
 
LIST OF CASUALTIES. 
 
 The following is a partial list of the losses of the Eighth 
 Illinois Cavalry, from the casualties of war, disease, &c. Of 
 the many who died in the general hospitals, and in rebel pris- 
 ons, from wounds and disease, but few are mentioned in this 
 list : 
 
 FIELD AND STAFF. 
 
 Major Alpheus Clark, mortally wounded in the battle of Beverly Ford, 
 Virc;inia. 
 
 Major William H. Medill, mortally wounded in the battle of Williams- 
 port, Md. 
 
 Lieut. Col. Wm. E. Gamble, wounded at Malvern Hill, Va. 
 
 COMPANY A. 
 
 Blanchard Lieut. N. L., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Boonville Joseph, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Conly Michael, died of disease. 
 
 Downey Michael, died of disease. 
 
 Davidson A., died of wounds. 
 
 Evans Stephen, died of disease. 
 
 Gage Amos, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Haskins H. P., died of disease. 
 
 Jenks C. C, died of disease. 
 
 King Andrew, died of disease. 
 
 Martin Thomas, died of disease. ...-^ 
 
 McGonnel Samuel, killed in battle, Philamount, Va. 
 
 Ortway Lafayette, died in Andersonville prison, July 28, 1864. 
 
 Plopper Corporal Charles, died of wounds. 
 
 Town Hansen, killed in battle. 
 
 Wanzer Charles, died of disease. 
 
 Woodruff F., died of disease. 
 
 Younglove George, died of disease. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 Burges L, S., at Boonsboro, Md. 
 Brown P. G., by Guerrillas in Va. 
 Casper Peter, at Upperville, Va. 
 Cossman N., at Upperville, Va. 
 Davidson A., by Guerrillas in Va. 
 Davidson Daniel, at Boonsboro, Md. 
 Fuller Webster, on the Peninsula, Va. 
 Fillmore Sergeant L., at Williamsport, Md. ■ 
 
360 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Forsythc Captain George A., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Hall Elijah, at King George, Va. 
 
 Galligher Sergeant J. M., in skirmish in Va. 
 
 Morrow N., in skirmish in Va. 
 
 Peterson Samuel, at King George, Va. 
 
 Roberts Wirt, at Stevensburg, Va. 
 
 Ryan Sergeant John., at Gaines' Mills, Va. 
 
 COMPANY B. 
 
 Allen Abner, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Banister Charles F., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Buck Ellis, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Chambers Amos B., killed at Mechanicsville, Va. 
 
 Close Robert, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Disbrow Edward, died of disease, Fairfax, Va. 
 
 Farrel Edward, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Gillette Robert M., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Haskins Elmer, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Hyland George G., died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Iiigalls Charles, died of disease in transit to N. Y. 
 
 McGregor George, killed at Urbana, Md. 
 
 Mace William, killed at Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 
 
 O'Conner D., killed at Cockeyeville, Md. 
 
 Reed Joseph J., died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Smith Captain J. G., mortally wounded at Beverly Ford, Va. ; died in 
 
 Washington, D. C 
 Weaver Isaac, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 ■WOUNDED. 
 
 Braker Burnett, Mechanicsville, Va. 
 
 Burdick E. H., Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 
 
 Boone S. S., Madison Court House, Va. 
 
 Bell George, Upperville, Va. 
 
 Fleet Charles, Middletown, Md. 
 
 Fancher Martin, Barbee's Cross-roads and Jack's Shop, Va. 
 
 Frasier Thomas, Barbee's Cross-roads and Jack's Shop, Va. 
 
 Hakes Sergeant Harrison, Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 
 
 Hyland George G., Gettysburg, Penu., and Jack's Shop, Va. 
 
 Mayclain James, Culpepper, Va. 
 
 Partlow C, Va. 
 
 Roach John, Rectortown, Va. 
 
 Remington Sergeant J., Frederick City, Md. 
 
 Shurtlitf William, Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Van Amburg M., Frederick City, Md. 
 
 Williams J. B., Upperville, Va. 
 
 Wright Sergeant E. B., Stevensburg, Va. 
 
 Wilicox Daniel B., Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 COMPANY C. 
 
 Brown Charles, killed at Piedmont, Va. 
 
 Canfield Jerry, died of disease. 
 
 Conrad Adam, died of wounds. 
 
 Davis N. J., died of disease. 
 
 Duggan John, killed at Malvern Hill, Va. 
 
 Edgely George, died of disease. 
 
 Gilbert Lieutenant Charles, killed at Frederick City, Md. 
 
 Heaton W., died of disease. 
 
 Martin Austin, died of disease. 
 
 Pratt W. D., died ofwounds. . 
 
•:^ii^iW^ 
 
 THE EIGHTU ILLINOIS CAVALKY. 361 
 
 Patten John, died of disease. 
 
 lieed James, killed at Piedmont, Va. 
 
 Shelby A. H., died of disease. 
 
 Sholes R. C, died of disease in Alexandria^ Va. 
 
 Hands Ezra, killed at Morton's Ford, Va. 
 
 Wilson John E., died of disease. 
 
 Zimmerman AVilliam, died of disease. 
 
 Ellis Buck, died of disease, AVasliiugton, D. C. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 Allen William, Funkstovvn, Md. 
 
 Adams M. N., Malvern Hill, Va. 
 
 Buckley E. II., Funkstown, Md. 
 
 Conrad Adam, Upperville, Va. 
 
 Cargy John, Falling Water, Md. 
 
 Chasey Peter, in skirmish. 
 
 Hesse O. G-., Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Henshaw 0- II) Middletown, Md. 
 
 Jones C. II., in skirmish. 
 
 Lincoln D. A., in skirmish. 
 
 Miller H. H., Beverly Ford and White S.ind, Va. 
 
 McCarty James, Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 McKenzie G. W., three times in skirmish and at IStevensbuni-, Va. 
 
 Pratt W. D., Stevensburg, Va. 
 
 Rhodes F. C., in skirmish. 
 
 Stewart J., Stevensburg, Va. 
 
 Stokes George, Culpepper, Va. 
 
 Slining John, Culpepper, Va. 
 
 Sherwood Ira, Falling Water, Md. 
 
 Wilder T. J., Stevensburg, Va. 
 
 Woodrulf G. W., Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 COMPANY D. 
 
 Coe C. H., died of disease in general hospital, Va. 
 Dusold John G., killed at Funkstown, Md. 
 Ehle John H., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 Gilg Conrad, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 Hattendorf Phillip, killed at Fair Oaks, Va. 
 Hiller John L., killed at Benton Barracks, Mo. 
 Muzzy E. O., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 Rehling Herman, died of disease, Washington, D. C 
 Sharp John P., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 Sedgwick E. P., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 Segers Henry, killed at Culpepper, Va. 
 Seabury John, killed at Morton's Ford, Va. 
 Volker John, died of disease, Washington. D. C 
 Webber B. F., killed near Boonsboro, Md. 
 Zooch Fred, accidentally killed. 
 Gearhart Livingstone E., died a prisoner. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 Chessman George, by Guerrillas. 
 Dunning Andrew, at Madison C. H., Va. 
 Eggleston S. G., at South Mountain, Md. 
 Farr Sergeant A. W., at Williamsport, Md. 
 Hughes Elhanan, at Madison C. H., Va. 
 Martin Lieutenant S. D., by Guerrillas in Va. 
 Nash DeWitt, at Stevensburg, Va. 
 Brandt Auten, at Hazle River, Va. 
 46 
 
362 THE EIGUTU ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 COMPANY E. 
 
 Brown John S., killed ni Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 
 
 Campbell John, died of disease, Washin^^on, D. C. 
 
 Flagg Sewell, killed at Brent sville, Va. 
 
 Farrar I. W., killed at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Geweeke Fred, died ofdisea.se, Washington, D. C 
 
 Mills George A., died of disease. 
 
 McNorth George S., killed in battle, Washinglou, D. C. 
 
 Pierson George, killed at Funkstovvn, ]\Id. 
 
 I'atton Henry C, died in Danville (N. C.) pri.son. 
 
 Kingman George, killed at Morton's Ford, Va. 
 
 Snyder Daniel, killed at South Mountain, ]\Id. 
 
 Sly'er Charles, died of wounds received at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Sellick Charles, died of wounds received at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Ncir Joseph, killed at Monocacy, Md. 
 
 Tobias William J., died of disease. 
 
 Ward Charles H., died of wounds. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 Kelley Captain E. S., at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 Buck Captain Daniel, at Stevensburg, Va. 
 
 Churchill H., at Boonsboro, 3rd. 
 
 Davis Samuel, at Culpepper, Va. 
 
 Frank Benjamin, at Morton's Ford, Va. 
 
 Flagg Sewell, at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 Gro.ss Daniel N., at Malvern Hill, Va. 
 
 Horner Sergeant Ben., at Barbee's Cro.ss-road.s, Va. 
 
 Jewell S. W., at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 Jones Wdliam, at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 McConnel J. 11., at Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 
 
 Plant Charles, at Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 
 
 liingwood George, at Mechanicsville, Va. 
 
 Sager George A., at Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 
 
 Scheuster F. B., at Upperville, Va. 
 
 Whittaker George A., near Morton's Ford, Va, 
 
 COMPANY F. 
 
 Butler Sergeant A. S., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Baker George A., died of disease. White House, Va. 
 
 Bailey A. 11., died of wounds received at Willianisporl, Md. 
 
 Cave Robert, died of wounds received at Culpepper, Va. 
 
 Cole John W., died of wounds received at Falling Water, Md. 
 
 Cook B. II., died of disease. 
 
 C'ark A. F., died of disease. 
 
 Clough G. R., died of disea.^e. 
 
 Howes George C, died of disease. 
 
 Hewes Orlan, died at Andersonville (Ga.) pris(>n. 
 
 Kennicott W. J., died of wounds received at Falling Water, Md. 
 
 Quackenbush A., died of disease. 
 
 Smith W. E., killed at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Shepherd William H., killed at Manassas, Va. 
 
 Stine William N., died of disease. 
 
 Thatcher William H., killed near Culpepper, Va. 
 
 Morris B. C, died of disease. 
 
 AVheeler A. H., died of di-sease. 
 
 Wilder O. A., died of disease. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 Brown Q, A., at Upperville, Va, 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 363 
 
 Bump D. R., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 Bowes George, at Middletown, Mii. 
 Dubridge Samuel, in skirmish. 
 Hughes G. B., at Gett^'sburg, Penii. 
 Lull F. R., near Richmond, Va. 
 Pickett E. J., at Upperville, Va. 
 
 COMPANY o. 
 Baker W. S., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 Bradford E. A., died of disease, St. Charles, III. 
 Carter J. G., killed at Williamsport, JMd. 
 Coquillette Isaac, died of •wounds. 
 (yOttingham Thomas, died of wounds. 
 Coppersmith Anthony, died of wound.^. 
 Clark Silas, died of disease. 
 Clute Thomas, killed at Wilderness, Va. 
 Comegess B. F., died of disease. 
 Diffenbaugh D., killed at Gettysburg, Penn. 
 Emmett T. H., died of disease, Alexiuidria, Va. 
 Fink Eli, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 Hitchcock W. II., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 Knapp Andrew, died of disease, Seneca, 111. 
 McManus James, died of disease, Fairfax, Va. 
 Nichols B. F., died of disease. New York. 
 Stowell Harvey, died. 
 
 Woolang George, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
 Young William, died of wounds. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 Annis Judson, at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Barefoot James, at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 Crawford Jesse, at Stevensburg, Vii. 
 
 Champion Fred, at Antietam, JVId. 
 
 Doviel Joseph, at Upperville, Va. 
 
 Fitch L. A., at Hazle River, Va. 
 
 Ilynes Captain D. J., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Justey L. P., in reconnoissance. 
 
 Ketcliison C, in skirmish. 
 
 Knapp John, at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Lillie Gilbert, at Rectortown, Va. 
 
 Luther James, at Upperville, Va. 
 
 Lae J. W., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 O'Brien James, at Beverly Ford, Va, 
 
 Pray L. C, at Brandy Station, Va. 
 
 Sherman P., at Upperville, Va. 
 
 Sherman George P., at Hazle River, Va. 
 
 Spears James, at Upperville, Va. 
 
 Stull M. C, at Upperville, Va., and Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 Wakefield F. B., at Middletown, Md., and Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Weston L., at Culpepper, Va. 
 
 COMPANY n. 
 
 Burr Davis, died of disease, general hospital, New York. 
 Bronson C. M., died of wounds. 
 Clemens David F., died of disease, Alexan^lria, Va. 
 Disbro Edward, died of disease, Alexanilria, Va. 
 Dilcox William, died of disease. Alexandria, Va. 
 Hooker Captain R. M., killed near Mechanicsville, Va. 
 Gates E. W., died of disease. 
 
304 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 Nicholl William, died of disease. 
 
 Pierce William B., died in prison, Andersonville, Ga. 
 
 Uolhermell J. J., died of disease. 
 
 Rorer Clinton D., died of disease. 
 
 Smith L. A., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Stafford A. A., died of disease, Alexandria, Ya. 
 
 Smith A. C, killed at Upperville, Va. 
 
 Spra!?ue W. L., died in prison, Andersonville, Gn. 
 
 Van Wert Abram, died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 DeLaney Captain J. W., at JNIonocacy, Md. 
 
 Austin W. H., at Middletown, Md. 
 
 Alberty Chauncy, at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 Brooks Lieutenant J. N., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Brott Silvanus, on picket. 
 
 C'lemens Julius, at Boonsboro, Md., and (Hilpeppcr, ^ a. 
 
 Disbro J. E., at Upperville, Va. 
 
 Goodspeed Sergeant Charles, at Gettysburg, Penn, 
 
 Johnson A., at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 Seaman E. W., iu skirmish. 
 
 Stevens ;N[artin, at Boonsboro, IVId. 
 
 Sullivan Charles, at Culpepper, Va. 
 
 Fink Lewis, in battle. 
 
 Sutton George, at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 Smith F. B., at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 Teeple A. V., at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 COMPANY I. 
 
 Bell James A., died of wounds received at Jack's Shop, Va. 
 
 Cronk Eugene, died in rebel hospital. 
 
 Erkison John, accidentally killed. 
 
 Fox Charles, died of disease. 
 
 Foulke Marc, died iu rebel hospital. 
 
 Howe George, died of disease. 
 
 Johnson J. W., died of disease. 
 
 Robb Williani D., died of disease. 
 
 Kodgers D. M., died of disease. 
 
 Shehe John, killed on railroad. 
 
 Ross Albert, died of disease, St. Charles, 111. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 Brown Thomas, at Gaines' Mill, Va. 
 
 Cummings W., near Madison Court House, Va. 
 
 Chase L., near Madison Court House, Va. 
 
 Carver L. A., near Middletown, Md. 
 
 Clni'-e A. W., near Snickers' Gap, Va. 
 
 Humphrey R. C, at Monocacy, Md., and IMadison Court House, Va. 
 
 Howard Lieutenant A. W., at Boonsboro, Md. 
 
 Fulsom L. W., at Middletown, Md. 
 
 Pfifer Joseph, at Middletown, Mti. 
 
 Williams J. M., at Hazle River, Va. 
 
 AVilson Thomas, at Monocacy, Md. 
 
 Wells Captain A. L., at Falling Water, jVId. 
 
 COMPANY K. 
 
 Baker J. R. (bugler), killed at Frederick City, JId. 
 liruso John, dieil of disease. 
 Bond Cuarles, died of di.sease. 
 
THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 8b5 
 
 De Forest William, died of diseaso. 
 
 Farley Peter, killed by lall from his horse. 
 
 Frank Fred, killed on a scout. 
 
 George Daniel, died of disease. 
 
 Greenville Charles, killed in battle. 
 
 Hubbard L. S., died of disease. 
 
 Hall J. M., killed in battle. 
 
 Pierce E. F., died of disease. 
 
 Stem W. A., died of disease. 
 
 Suydam Cornelius, died of disease. 
 
 Vinson Sergeant R. C, killed at Falling "Water, Md. 
 
 Weld Hiram H., died of disease. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 Fenton O., at Boonsboro, Md. 
 Fleming G. H., at Culpepper, Va. 
 Gould George, near Hanover Court House, Va. 
 Hupp George, at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 Hettinger .Jolm, at White Sand, Va. 
 IngersoU H. J., at Culpepper, Va. 
 Kinley Captain J. A., at Urbana, Md. 
 Sullivan Captain D., at Williamsport, ]V[d. 
 Wesson S. D., at Culpepper, Va. 
 
 C05IPANT L. 
 
 Briggs K. J., died of disease, Fairfex, Va. 
 
 Bump Albert, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
 
 Blanchard E. J., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 
 Burzell A. H., Sergeant, drowned in Mississippi river by sinking of 
 
 steamer Olive. 
 Rundell Lieutenant A. W., drowned in Mississippi river by sinking of 
 
 steamer Olive. 
 Keyser W. W., drowned in Mississippi river by sinking of steamer Olive. 
 Wilson J. L., drowned in Mississippi river by sinking of steamer Olive. 
 Green H. H., drowned in Mississippi river by sinking of steamer Olive. 
 Bettys Philip, killed at Culpepper, Va. 
 Carr Jay A., killed at White Plains, Va. 
 Colby Clark, died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
 Evans James, killed at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 Fish Robert, died of disease. 
 Horton S. R., killetl at Hazle River, Va. 
 Howard L. .J., died of disease, Alexandria, Va. 
 Moss Sergeant O. J., killed at JNIalvern Hill, Va. 
 Noonan John, killed at Stevensburg, Va. 
 McGuire .John, killed at Readtown, Va. 
 Perkins D. B., died of disease, Washington, D. C. 
 Phillips Joseph, died of disease, Anna]iolis, Md. 
 Sessions Sergeant S., killed at White House, Va. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 Archer George, at White Plains, Va. 
 
 Aikin H., at Stevensburg and Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Bartling Fred, at White Plains, Va. 
 
 Bradley Captain C L., at Hazle River, Va. 
 
 Burke Luke, at Stevensburg, Va. 
 
 Butler S. L., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
 Daggett E. E., on reconnoissanee. 
 
 Dodge S. S., at Mechanicsville, Va. 
 
 Ewing James (bugler), at Hazle River, Va. 
 
3G6 THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 (JrLswold G. W., at Upporville, Va. 
 
 Gungzolas Chauncy, at Stevensburg, Va. 
 
 Jordan J., at Madison Court House, Va. 
 
 Lee Lieutenant B. F., at Upperville, Va., and Wasliingtou, D. C. 
 
 McKinny A., at White Plains, Va. 
 
 ilcllea Pliilip, at Stevensburg, Va. 
 
 Parks Oscar, at Middletown, jMd. 
 
 Richardson J. E., at Malvern Hill and Barbee's Cross-roads, Va. 
 
 liodgers S. H., at Malvern Hill, Va. 
 
 .Sheklon William, at White Plains, Va. 
 
 Stevens Lieutenant J A., at Hazle River, Va. 
 
 Sniveley William, at Beverly Pord, Va. 
 
 Tliompson William, at Mechanicsville, Va. 
 
 Waitc Captain J. M., at Madison Court House, Va. 
 
 Walden J. H., at Upperville, Va. 
 
 Welden A. W., in skirmish. 
 
 COMPANY M. 
 
 Burdick Henry, killed at Manassas, Va. 
 
 Barnes Horace, died of disease. 
 
 Blair John G., died of disease. 
 
 Easterly H., killed at Manassas, Va. 
 
 Hogie E., died in Libby Prison, Va. 
 
 Kennedy A., died of disease. 
 
 ILullarky Charles, killed at Manassas, Va. 
 
 Makepeace N., died of disease. 
 
 Morris Captain J., killed at Monocacy, Va. 
 
 ilcArthur Sergeant Robert, killed at Boonsboro, ^Id. 
 
 Preston Charles W., died in i)ri.son, Andersonville, Ga. 
 
 Slund Fred, committed suiciilc. 
 
 Seaton W.; died of disease. 
 
 Rice L. A., died of disease. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 Bryan William, at Frederick City, Md. 
 Churchill A., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 Denison U. H., at Middletown, Md. 
 Finley Logan, at Malvern Hill, Va. 
 Gilford D. A., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 John Kimber L., at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 ^[iller George, at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 Overacker W. D., at Frederick City, Md. 
 Smith William, at Frederick City, Md. 
 Stecnkic William, at Frederick City, Md. 
 Sargent Captain .John, at Ila/le River, Va. 
 Swan Lyman, at Boonsboro, Md. 
 Todlemirc W., at Frederick City, Md. 
 Williams John, at Gettysburg, Penn. 
 Woods E. S., at South Mountain, Md. 
 Yalding IL, at Beverly Ford, Va. 
 
Noil Commissioned Staff, 
 
 Giving Name, Hank, ivhcn Enrolled, wliere Enrolled, and 
 lUmarks. 
 
 Frank Calkins, Sergcant-Major, August 30, 18G1, St. Charles, 111., trans- 
 ferred to Co. L, July 1, 18(52. 
 John C. KctchisoB, Sergeant-Major, January 1, 18C4, Culpejipcr, Va. 
 George E. Corwin, Vet. Surgeon, August 4, 18(52, Batavia, III. 
 Johu R. Manville, Q. M. Sergeant, January 1, 1864, Culpepper, Va. 
 James A. Soules, Com. Sergeant, " " " 
 
 G. A. Bartholomew, Bugler Serg't, " " " 
 
 W. D. Ilazlet, Saddler Sergeant, " " " 
 
 Ceylon A. Fasset, hospital Steward, November 30, 1863, Ely's Ford, Va. 
 Gideon Von Bachelle, hospital Steward, January 29, 1864, Chicago, 111. 
 
 Discharged hy txjnnition of Term of Service. 
 Andrew J. Willing, hospital Steward, September 18, 1861, St. Charles, 
 
 111., discharged September 28, 1864, at Chicago, 111. 
 Discharged for DisaUUty. 
 George J. Johnson, Com. Sergeant, September 12, 1861, Blackberry, 111., 
 
 diseharffed at Camp Illinois, D. C. 
 Gcorjre A. Nichols, hospital Steward, September 12, 1861, St. Charles, 
 
 111., discharged March 9, 1862, at Alexandria, Va. 
 Benjamin Plummer, Com. Sergeant, September 8, 1861, Chicago, III., 
 
 discharged September 22, 1862, at Sharpsburg, Md. 
 John G. Chambei's, Com. Sergeant, September 14, 1861, Franklin Grove, 
 
 111., discharged April 10, 1862, at Alexandria, Va. 
 I'ransferred. 
 C. C. Crawford, Bat. Vet. Surgeon, September 27, 1861, Sj^camore, 111., 
 
 transferred to company. 
 Hiram DeWitt, Bugler Sergeant, November 30, 1863, Culpepper, Va., 
 
 transferred to Company B, January 11, 1865. 
 C. A. Bishop, Bat. Saddler Sergeant, August 27, 1861, Sycamore, 111., 
 
 transferred to Company B, August 1, 1862. 
 John Ilyan, Color Sergeant, September 12, 1861, St. Charles, 111., trans- 
 
 lerred to Company A, as Sergeant. 
 S. A.| Turkington, Bat. Saddler Sergeant, August 27, 1861, Sycamore, 
 
 III., transferred to company, December 4, 1861. 
 Discharged by Order. 
 Mark H. Bisby, Bat. Q. M. Sergeant, September 18, 1861, St. Charles* 
 
 111., by order, promoted to Bat. Q. M, 
 Robert S. Brown, Bat. Q. M. Sergeant, September 7, '61, Woodstock, III., 
 
 by order. 
 
368 THE EIGUTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 
 
 J. AV. Ik'inis, Bat. t^ergcant-Major, by order War Department, October 
 
 14, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
 P"'rank Clendoimin, 1st Chief Bugler, August 18, '(31, Oregon City, III., 
 
 l.)y order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, JId. 
 Oeorge II. Gamble, Bat. Sergeant-Major, August 25, '01, Chicago, 111., 
 
 by order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, ]\Id. 
 Thomas Grimley, Bat. Q. ]\I. Sergeant, September 12, "01, Huntley, 111., 
 
 by order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
 Robert W. Gates, Bat. Q. M. SergeanS August 28, '01, Bloomingdale, II'., 
 
 by order, September 1, '02, Sharpsburg, IVId., to receive prom<)tion. 
 Hardy II. Helper, Bat. Sergeant-Major, September 14, '01, Macomb, 11!.. 
 
 by order, to receive promotion. 
 H. V. F. IIuls, Bat. Q. M. Sergeant, August 30, '01, St. Charles, 111., by 
 
 order, S. O. o2. Army of Potomac, September 1, '02. 
 J. B. Hull, Bat. Com. Sergeant, September 18, '01, St. Charles, HI., by 
 
 order, appointed Bat. Q. M. 
 George Hyde, Bat. Com. Sergeant, September 17, '01, Evanston, 111., by 
 
 order War Department, September 10, '02, Barnesville, Md. 
 David .1. Hunt, Bat. Vet. Surgeon, September 10, '01, Sandwich, HI., by 
 
 order War Department, October 10, '02, Knoxville, ]\[d. 
 Pliilo P. Judson, Reg't Com. Sergeant, August 1:5, '()2, Cliicago, HI., by 
 
 order War I)e]>artment, October 10, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
 Lucius S. Kemp, Bat. Vet. Surgeon, Seplember 28, '01, by order, S. O. 
 
 208 C. S., Headquarters C. C, Nov. 11), '03. 
 Charles Kimble, ho>pital Steward, by order War Department, October 
 
 10, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
 Henry Lind, 2d Chief Bugler, September 5, '01, Milton, III, by order 
 
 War Department, October 10, '02, Knoxville, i\Id. 
 .John V. Morri.s, Bat. Sergeant-]Major, October 18, '01, Washington, D. 
 
 C, by order War Department, October Ki, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
 Walter S. Robertson, lleg't Sergeant-]\Iajor, January 1, '04, Culpepper, 
 
 Va., by order promoted Bat. Adjutant. 
 Samuel W. Smith, Reg't Sergeant-Major, September 10, '01, Naperville, 
 
 HI., by order S. O. 152, W. D., A." G. O., to take eflect April, 4, '04. 
 Robert Sill, hospital Steward, September 18, '01, St. Charles, 111., by 
 
 order S. O. 294, Headquarters C. C, November 1, '0:1 
 Theodore W. Stull, hospital Steward, September 18,' 01, Marengo, ^11., 
 
 by order promoted to Assistant Surgeon, Harrison's Landing, Va., 
 
 July 1, '02. 
 Earl D. Tliomas, Reg't Sergeant-Major, January 1, '04, Culpepper, Va., 
 
 by order S. O. 175, W.^D., A. G. O., dated April 18, '05. 
 Richard Van Vlack, Bat. Q. M. Sergeant, August 25, '01, St. Charles, 
 
 111., by order promoted to 2d Lieutenant Company A. 
 A. A. West, Bat. Saddler Sergeant, September 12, '01, Marengo, 111., by 
 
 order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, Md. 
 (Jhailes W. Wright, Bat. Vet. Surgeon, September 7, '01, Woodstock, 
 
 111., by order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, ]Md. 
 W. W. Wilson, Bat. Saddler Sergeant, September 5, '01, JMilton, HI., by 
 
 order War Department, October 14, '02, Knoxville, j\Id. 
 George R. Wells, hosi)ital Steward, January 1, '04, Culpepper, Va., by 
 
 order promoted to 2d Lieutenant Company K, May 20, '05. 
 E. M. Rayworth, Bat. Sergeant-Major, March 14, '63, Chicago, 111., bj' 
 
 ordei\ 
 Gus. A. Stanley, Bat. Com. Sergeant, September 7, '61, Newark, 111., by 
 
 order. 
 
 Desei'ted. 
 Philo Howe, Bat. Saddler Sergeant, September l'^, '61, Chicago, III., Al- 
 exandria, Va., February, '63. « 
 
)