© ^"The Eagle Regiment> 8th Wis. Infty Vols. A SKETCH OF ITS Marches, Battles and Gafflpaigns. FROM 1861 TO 1865. WaTH A COMPLETE Regimental ,vo succes sive charges were made by the enem\ which were gallantly repulsed by thc Sth Wis. holding the entire ' rebel force in check for more t'nan an hour The balance of our force having by that time fell back across the swamp the Sth retired in good order, bringing wit'n them all tlieir killbd and wounded and preserving so stern and unflinching a front to the enemy as to win the highest enconium of -praise from Gen'ls. Paine and Stanley and receiving especial mention in General Orders, During the early part of the day Maj. Jefferson, with Co. "A" Capt. Redfield, and detach ments from other regiments, had charge of the outposts and for ove' four hours held the e:iemy In check, all liie time under a most galling Artillery and Musketry iirc, unallv retiring in good order and rejoining their respective commands. Our loss in this engagement was 5 killed 14 severely and 19 slightly wounded, as follows: Kieled;— Capt. John E. Perkins, Oo. "G:" Lieut. Bichard D. Bemish and Corp. Jolui White "G," Osgood G. Leonard "D:" Zebulon Johnson "I;" 6 Sevebki/S Woondedi— Jiio. 0. Green, Geo. W.Quimby "A;" Wm. Buckley, J. D. MoCau- ley "Oi" Corp. Aug. Ludkie "D;" Sergt, Bedford Bush, B. iV. G.riiBn, H. W. Allen "Fi" Oorpi Alvah Wood, Jas. Rogers, Ever Oleson, Jas. KendaU, Geo. W. Trade, Sam. B.Oos"G." li In General Orders read soon after this action, after highly compliment ing the Regiment for uufliiiching bravery and good conduct, the com manding General adds; "The Old Badger State miy feel proud to havo the honor of being represented by so gallant a ; eg ment as the Sth Wis consin Infantry." We remained a; Camp Redfield until the 13th when we moved our camp to the ' eights near the hamlet of Farmington,- put up our tents and began an' exten j"ve system of en trenchments, be'iind which We re mained until May 28th, when we moved out toward?- Corinth ^out' one and a half miles, to mest the ad vance of the enemy. The Artillery opened early in the morning and maintained a heavy firo until 12 m. noon, when their inf antry advanced and the musketry fire be came very gaUing. Out regiment ocoup'ed ihe extreme right of the line as support for the 2d Iowa bat» tery, and on whic'i the "rebs".. (10th. -Tenn.) made a most furious charge a- bout 2 p. m. For a few moments the fire was mu.derous, but the ene my was finally compelled to flee, leaving, in our handj, over 200 killed and wounded, and their knapsacks and blankets. This repulse prevented the tuming of the light flank of our army and we were again highly complimented by Genls. Tyler and Plummer in Geneir ;al Orders, Among the offioers who won honorable mention in this en gagement were Capt, Britton, Co.. ."G'.' and Lieut. Smith, Co. "K" who was promoted to a captaincy for gal lantry displayed. Our loss was two killed and 22 wounded, as follows: Killed;— Paul Erickson Co. ''I:" Ralph Coon -'K;" 2 Wounded Se eeely; — W, H, Hurkman "Di" Paul Harvey "G;" John Flynn "I;" Chas. K. Noyes, A. S, Henderson "K." 5 with 17 slightly wounded. During the entire night following the engagement the regiment was engaged in throwing up breastworks and preparing for another fight. ¦ The next day they were under a heavy artillery fire but being pro tected by rifle pits suffered no casu alities. On the night of the 29th, Corinth was evacuated by the enemy andthe following morning we started in rap id pursuit, capturing large quantities of stores and baggage and following liim by Clear Creek, Rienzi, Danville, to Booneville, 30 miles. Remained in bivouac at Booneville and Hickory Grove until June 13th when we came back to Clear Creek and established a summer camp, Here we remained until Aug. 18 receiving instruction in corapany. Battalion and Brigade drill, making on June 29th, 30th and July 1st a reconnoisance to Booneville and Dan ville. Here we were brigaded with thc llth Mo., 47th Ills., Sth Minn. and the 2d Iowa Battery as 2d Brig ade, Col. Murphy, 2d Division, Brig. Genl. J. B. Plummer, Army of tho Mississippi, Maj. Gen- D. S. Stanley. After a Grand Review and Gener al Inspection by Maj. Gen'l, W. S, Rosecrans and Brig. Gen'l D. S, Staaly; (and boys, How many of you remember the ''grand sensation produced in the command v.'hen a certain Captain wishing to move his company by the right flank, and be ing unable to remember the com mand "File Right," shouted, with all the strength of his lungs, "Co Co Gee! G— D— it!' Gee!" and who on being asked by Gen'l Rose crans "If he often drilled his men in that style of tactics," Replied "No Sir! but by G 1 couldn't think of "File Right." Maybe the "house didn't come down." Well, the gray old Captain has long since passed over to the other shore, leaving a brave and honorable record, but it was lots of fun for the boys about those times.) Aug. 18, 1862, the 2d Brigade, consisting of the llth Mo,, 26th and 47th Ills,, 5th Minn, and Sth Wis,, with Spoor's 2d Iowa Battery under command of our Col, R, 0, Murphy left Camp Clear Creek and marched by way of Burnsville, 12 miles, luka, 10 miles, Buzzard Roost, 14 miles. Cane Creek, 12 miles, to Tusoumbia, 12 miles, where we arrived Aug. 32d and the Sth immediately detailed as Provost Guard, except, (Co. "F" Capt. J. H. Green, who were order« ed for similar duty to Florence, three miles distant on the Tenn. river), with Col, Murphy in command of the post and Maj, JefEerson as Provost Marshal, leaving Lt, Col, Geo. W, Robbins in command of the regiment, Aug Slst, the regiment was order ed to Town Creek bridge, 16 miles east, where we remained until Sept, 7th when we came back to Tuscum- bia, and were rejoined by Co. "F" (and by Maj. .leflerson, with four companies, who had been sent to Courtland, on a reconnoisance, on the 4th )and on the Sth we came back on the Corinth road 12 miles, to Cane Creek, arriving at 3 p. m., after a rest of two hours we came to Buzzard Roost and camped about 2 a. m. on the Oth, On the 10th, the llth Mo., 26th and 47th Ills, and one section of the battery were ordered to Cor inth and the Sth Wis., 5th Minn, the other section of thebattery and two companies of the 7th Illinois Cavalry went back to Cherokee Station, 4 miles, expecting an attack from "Ro- dy's cavalry, but after remaining in line of battle for several hours, and sending out several parties of skirm ishers, finding no enemy we returned to Buzzard Roost, and on the follow ing day our small force returned to luka, 14 miles, whioh place we found had been evacuated by the balanc- of our forces several days prcvioiH. On the 13th wo Were attacioiJ b) "Armitage's" cavalry, the ad\ jmcc ol Gen. Price's array, 25,000 strong, and •ikirmished heavily all day, being a- ble however, to maintain our line un til about 4 p.m, on the Mth, when the whole rebel army being in close proximity, and our own bagg; ge and' transportation well on its way to the west, we evacuated the place and marched rapidly to Farmington, 30 miles distant, accompanied by nearly 2,000 "contrabands," The regiment lost at luka, 15 wounded , and 24 priiwers, Col. Murphy was strongly censur ed and relieved from command for leaving luka, as a considerable quan tity of provisions were stored tluu.' which fell into the rebel liand.s, l)ut to us, who were nearly 30 hours (m the skirmish line, and under heavy fire, and who did not leave until thc whole rebel army was in sight, (Co. 'H' was rear-guard,) it looked as if it was about all that could have been done to save the entire command, a- bout 1,400 men, from capture. Itwas "skedaddle" or surrender. The 8th Wis. had about 700, 5th Minn. 400, 2nd 111. cavalry 300. Col. Murphy was restored to com raand after some months, but Col, Joe. Mower, of the llth Mo., led the brigade through the lively campaign that followed. The march to Farm ington was very fatiguing, as v,-e arere obliged to stop and deploy as sk-irmishera several times to protect ¦-.ur reac from the rebel cavalry, but 1.^. KBrious engagement occurred. Aftpi' a fow hours rest at Farming. ton, tho brigade, under Col. Mower,, waa oi'der-ed back to Burnsville, 12 miles, where wis arrived about mid night on the 15th, on the 16th made a reconnoisance to within 1^ miles of luka, at three different times, in an attempt to draw out and discover the the forces of the enemy, getting to camp at Burnsville during the night, tired, wet and hungry, having been almost constantly on the skirmish line, on short rations, ('hardtack' that had fallen out of the wagons and heen tramped in the mud, being eat en greedily, and in instances edd for fifty cents each,) a heavy rain falling and liaving marched nearly 36 miles, we appreciated the few hours of rest that followed, until 4 p.m. of the 18th when we started for Jacinto, at which place we rested for the night. On the morning of the 19th (Sept. 1862) the whole force, with the divi sion of Gen'l Hamilton in advance, moved at daylight towards luka, and met theenemy, a. out 25,000 strong, ,under Gen'l Price, 2^ miles out, when was begun one of the most desperate battles of the war, lasting fully three hours, or until darkness ¦ closed the contest. The musketry fire was not in volleys, but one.tremenduous roll andithe fighting in the frequent charges made, was sword to sword and bayonet to bayonet, one battery, llth Ohio, was taken and retaken four successive times and when the battle closed, two disabled pieces lay on the neutral ground between the armies, the other two having been fi nally -drawn off the field by the rebel infantry, the horses having all been killed. Our regiment was in reserve and not actually engaged, but was several times under a heavy artillery and musketry fire and had five men slightly wounded, the most seriously being Capt, Redfield, Co. "A." During the night the rebels evac uated the place, leaving his killed and wounded, and fell back in a S-E. direction to Ripley, we followed brisk ly at daylight and had several slight skirmishes during the day, went as far as Crippled Deer, 30 miles and finding that further pursuit was use less, we came on the 22d to Jaeinto, and on the 24th to Rienzi, engaged in watching the movements of Genls. Pricoand VanDorn, whose forces had fcSected a junction and were moving by a circuitous route towards Corinth Miss., our base of supplies. On the 1st of Oct. we came to Kos- south, about 15 miles from ' Corinth, , where we remained until the morn ing of Oct. 3d,' when knowing bythe sound of heavy cannonading that an attack had been made, we made a rapid march to Corinth, arriving a- bout 3 p.m., and were at- once de ployed in line of battle and actively engaged the enemy for nearly four hours, when, (a portion of line to our left having given way,) we were o- bUged to fall back about half a mile, to rectify our alignment, and where we rested until nearly daylight next morning, when we were again form ed in line of battle on the extreme left of our (defenses, a little to the left of Battery's Williams and Robinette, and between them and Battery Phil» ipps, of which we were the support. Our position on the 3d was on thc N-W side of the city and very near ly in thte centre of the line of attack, where the firing was particularly heavy and our loss was correspond' ingly great, on the 4th'' although un der fire several times we were not ac tively engaged and our casualitiasi wqre slight. Our entire loss in the two days engagements was 21 killed S3 wounded and 18 missing, as per list below ;t— KiLi,EB!— Thomas Toistenson, Co. "A-" Corp, James M. HOgan, pvt Wm, Stag" 'B'- J. A. Mills, 0, R, Curtiss, Newel Hanscome' d. Meith, "O"! John 0. Wilson, "D"; jpba 13 Penick, Clark Blackledge, Monroe Silver, Wm. ^Urry, '•£"; Corp. John Shell, John Petere, 'T"; W. P,Tllin;j:worth, "H", Barn ey Traiiier, Levi Holbvoolv, Olo Lnrson, J. W. Thorp, Iver Oleson, "I"; Andrew Evaus, "K''. -21 Sevekely Wounded;— Lt, Col, Robbins, Maj. Jefierson, Prastou Hiiyward, A. J. Put nam, D, M. Gano, -'A"; Sergt. Dan. O'NejI, Corp. A. Underbill, Fayette Bunoe, Wm, tary, F, Lester, ''B"| Sergt. Christian Shell- kopf, 3. l\ Hill, A. Stallman, Geo. W. Eiley, A. B, TymsU, E. H. Paine, A, P. Thurstoa, Hgvel 8wan8on, Gab. Gebhard, "0"! Oapt. W.J, Dtiwfis. Frauds Gale, t'etfluPftoe, Ohae, Smith, Fred S&Am', Dun. Morcifl, .\U3. Bart, Jos, Palmer, "D„i Sam'l 0. Edwards, Ed. Shaffer, John Burr, Jacob Brader, Geo, Bar- wood, Mike Hogan, ''E"| Corp, W, B,BroTvn, J, Phillips, H. Hines, Geo. C, Sticlcuey, John Btovoncoa, Julits Love, Jolins Trumbly, Dare H»rvey, Joa. Kaae, Wm, MoNair,"Q"; Oapt, Estee, PMl. Gould, P. H, White, NeU son Heal, L. Roberts, 8, Cluston, D. S. Ed. wards, "H"i G. W, Glover, J. B, Wright, Ohas. Brown, Ed. Cronan, Wm, Hewitt Nel" BOB Qoiggle, F, J, Oase, Thos, J, McMahon, "I"|,Lt, Fellows, Sidney Wentworth, Den nis Murphy, Ole Anderson, Jos. Herma, Henry Collins, VV, H, Geary, Andrew B. Ev- nne, "K"j 70 aud 13 othera slight ly, among thera being Sergt, 8, K. Ellsworth Jacob Corbin, Wm. Hartly, Isaac Waldron and J. M. Williams, Oo. "H"; Ben, F. Haynes, .Vu^'OSt 'I'licil, "C'l H- A. Hookama "D", This was oue of the most iicrccly contested battles of tho war, consid ering thc number of troops engnged. The rebel force waa commanded by Gen'ls Price, VanDorn, Lovell, Villipiguc and Hust, and numbered by their official report 88,000 mou, while our whole force, as reported by Gen'l ^^'. S. Rosecrans in his testiraony ou the conduct of the war. •was only 15,700 Infantry and Ar tillery and 2,500 Cavalry. Our to* tal lose was 315 killed, 1813 wound« f>d iitifi '••'•1'- iii'^sinf.',, « <'.>'.•'! of 8;8o9, The rebel loss was killed, [4.2^, wounded 5,092 and jn-isonors ~.2 IS a total of 10,;)G3. Having Ijcaten the (.'neiiiv at cverv point of our lincy, and finding liim in full retreat, Geii, llosccrans al ouce ordered liaveraaclis and cart ridge ' boxes iilled, aud put the col umn in motion in pursuit. On Sunday, the 5th, pressing thp enemy hard in his rear, and Hurlbut attacking him iu the front, wo cap' j tured many prisoners, aud caused 1 him to abandon! Lid entire train, con- i sisting of ainunitiou, quartermaster's I stores and arms, which ^>-cro strewn j for miles on the trail of hia retreat, i October Oth and 7th were still in pursuit of the enem\', driving him to and through Ripley, i^Iiss., a distance from Corinth of forty-one miles, at j which place thc pursuit by tho infan- I try ceased, when Major Jeffei-son I was assigned to thc commantl of tbc 1 post, by Gon. Kosecran.s, and the Stli I ^\'isconsin detailed as Provost Guard, ! Capt. Greene being assigned as Pro' j \oH Marshal, j Tlie enemy having broken up and j scattered, ou the 10th, thc regiment, with Stanley's T'lvirioi;, raaroln.'d back to Corinth, arriving on tho 12th, where thc regiment went into cainp near the town, reui-niuing initil tiu' ' '.id of Xovcmber, durinir which time i the regim.ent was engaged in build- iing fortifications and performing ; guard duty, On the 'n!btli of Oet. we changed our old Harpers Ferry muskets for new Enfield rifles Uijd our i^tyle of drill tactics fruut '-Scott'' Vj 'ilar» 0-:i me 2d of November, 1862, the . igiment, ^vith a large force, nnder command of Gen. C. S. Hamilton, of Wisconsin, marched for Grand Junc tion, Tenn., where it arrived, after a fatiguing march of fifty miles, on the night of the 4th, when the regiment bivouacked in a large cotton field — the nights being cold, the men sought but little rest. Hemaitied in this position until the 14th, when it moved camp three miles to the front. On the 17th marched five miies, to "Davis' Mills," where it remained until the 28th performing guard duty, etc., when tho force marched south fourteen miles, and encamped on Cold Water Creek, On the 29th marched ten aiiies lo "Lumpkin-'' Mills," passing through Holly Sprfngs, Miss,, duri.'^g the day. Next day moved camp t>i'o miles aouth, and on the •ith of December, marched four miles, and encamped at Waterford, near the Tallahatchie river, where we remained until the 10th, during which time large de« tachments^ the regiment, under command of Capts, Britton and Young, were engaged in building and repairing burned bridges on the Mississippi Central Bailroad. December 10th crossed the Talla- hatohe river and marched twelve miles to Abbeville. (Here company "E," Capt. Young, with a large de taohment of the 47th Illinois volun teers, was detaohed from the com mand, being ordered back lo the "Tallahatohic," to rebuild a, buiasd bridge, where it remained several days, taking -.ii.- ¦[ .iav..er3 v, a plant er's house, near thj .iv.;.". '-. -i vejO'.n- ed the command, ac O.viOr."., on the 19th.) On the llth the regiment marched fourteen m.les to Oxford, Miss., where it was detailc-I oa provost guard, remaining on ^Lat duty until the 20th of December, when the brigade, with regiment, m&rched to rdlroad depot, and took cars ior the "Tallahatchie," at which plaoo we disembarked, and had a skirmish with the euemy. The cars having returned to Ox-' ford to bring up reinforcements,^ the reg'.ment proceeded on foot to Wat erford, seven miles north of the river whereit remained during the night, companies "G," «H" and "K" being detailed foe picket. On the 31s«, the regiment, with about 5,000 other troops, marched for Holly Springs, eigiitecii miles distant. Arriving, was at ouce as signed to duty to restore order in the city. The enemy after -sacking the'' town, raade good his escape beforef- our arrival. '''^ Co'. R. C. .'.ia.pl.j, of our fegl' ment, had beeu in command of the post and had f r its deTense the 101st Ills, (a new regiment 1100 strong), two squadrons 2d 111. Cavalry and one section of Spoor's 2d Iowa Bat tery. The Infan try were surrendered without firing a gun, but the Caval* ry and Artillery cut their way out and escaped to meet our forces com ing from Oxford to reinforce them, StOMB to the valije ol over ?-i.nf)(). 000 fell into tho rebel hands and wero destroyed or carried oil and it is needless to saythat Col. ?i[urphy was at once ignominiously dismissed from the service by Gen'l Grant, and he was not slow in getting out of the country, as the boys who were at Grand Junction Jan. 24, will well remember, as well as tho "cuss words" loud and deep that found vent M the train passed around the "Y" without stopping'. It was an Unhealthy climate for "Murphy's" there about that time. Remained on duty until 11 p. in, of the following day, when the regi ment, together with the 17th and 82d Wisconsin, and 93d Indiana Volunteers, in compliance with or ders from Gen, Hamilton, procooded immediately to Grand Junction. Marched all that night, halting one hour only at daylight, and reach ed the "Junction" samo afternoon about 4 o'clock, having marched a distance of thirtyfive miles in six- tesn hours. The regiment biv ouacked in a cotton field adjoining the town, and this being one of the raost fatiguing marche 3 the regiment ever participated in, and the men having had no sleep for three nights previous, without tents, blankets or covering of any kind, they found but little rest during the night. On the 24th December marched to La Grange, Tenn., a distance of throo wiles, at whioh place the regiment went into camp inside of a fort con structed of cotton bales, and on the ^oth December, this day being "?cystmas," thc regiment eelokatcd the day by hoisting an immense flag on the works. Remained at this place until Jan uary Sth, 1863, during wliich time the regiment was occupied rebuild ing bridges, working on forti fie uti '.inl and performing guard duty. Ou the Sth January loft Lagranf.'f for Corinth, marching via Bolivar, Tenn., and arriving at Corinth f'n the 13th, after a tiresome march of eighty miles, without tents to (sheU'.'i' the meu from the cold frosts of Jatj' uary. It just occurs to us to ask if H, C. Mallett, "Billy" Craven and "Paddy" Morrison of Co. "H;" "Phil" Currie or Jake Brader Co. "E;" or Sergt. Briggs remember anything of what l)eca:neof those t::; bottlo.j of wIi:o that "came down" from the general's Head Quarters about 2 o'clock in the morning of Jan. 10th, when we were standing about in the swamp above Bolivar, Tenn,, with the rain trick ling down our spinal column, but with a pleasant smile and "a go-go- jTogle" on the other side of our ana- tomy. Wonder if that little Dutch C, S. got any satisfaction out of the aroma of their breath next morning. Oa this march, on the 18th of Jan. the regiment made its best record as a fast marching command, when we covered 13 miles in 2J hours, in a race with the 9Bd Ind. Inft, On the morning of the 20th J anu- ary companies "B" and "G" were or dered to proceed by rail, via Jackson and Bolivar, to Germantown, Tenn. On the Slst, companies "E" and "lv" proceeded by same route, and on the following day the remaining companies, under conimand of Lieut. Col. Robbins, left Corinth by same route, and arrived at Germantown same day, a distance of 120 miles. During the remainder of the month and tho month of February, and un til March llth, the regiment was em ployed building fortifications and pcrfuriuiug pjsjvost aud picket guard duty, On the llth March, the regiment with brigade, took its departure from Germantown, marched twelve miles, and went into camp three miles east of Memphis, aud ou the IStli, march ed into the city and embarked on steamer Empress, and proceeded down the Mississippi river, eight iniles south of Helena, Ark., where it arrived on the IDth, a distance of 108 milos. Aud what a "Jubilee" we had with the sutlerg, the bakers and the pro- Vost guard. Thc demand for "stone coal" was also active and its move- menta brisk; , ^ How soared(l')we all were when the guns of thc old fort were trained on us and that regiment of "red leg ged 'Hoosier'," started our way. Wonder if "Lew" Wallace's shoulder, where the coal hit, was sore next day and if he liked the way he "ran a bluff" on old Joe Mower. On tho 16th of March we disem barked opposito "Yazoo Pass" at "Chuck-a-luok" Island, (Mostly en gaged in devoting our time to a so lution of the mysteries ofthe "histor- K game" frw^ whioh that particular locality derived its name.) and re mained until the 29th when we em barked on the steamer Ben Franklin and came down the Miss. River to Lake Providence and Stevens Point, "Transylvanie Landing'' a distance of 150 miles, 31st March came down to Youngs Point, 142 miles, and dis embarked April 1st at "Duck Port" La., opposite tlie mouth of the Ya' SCO Hivcr, and went into e&mp. During the niuiith of April , the regiment was employed on fatigue duty, digging on canal, building roads, performing guard duty, and preparing steamers to run the block ade. On the 2d day of May, 1803, the regiment with Gen. Tuttle's Division, marched en route for Hard Times Landing, La,, prooeeucd ten miles and went into camp for the night. On 8d, marched fourteen miles and encamped at Richmond, La. Ou 4th marched eighteen miles, and camp ed on Smith's Plantation. Ou otii, at sundown, arrived and went into camp at Perkins' Planta tion, on Mississippi river. On the Cth marched teu miles aud encamped ou the shore of Lake St, losoph. May 7th marched ton miles, arriv ing at Hard Times Landing at 4 p. m., where regiment embarked on gun boat Louisville and crossed the Mis sissippi river to Grand Gulf, four miles — disembarked, and on the fol lowing morning proceeded sixteen miles over the .roughest, hilliest road south of Mason's and DLxon's line,' to camp, near Port Qibsoiii 17 On Qth marched to Rocky Springs, Miss., a distance of eight miles, where we remained until the morn ing of the ,11th, when the forces a- gain resumed the march, and pro ceeded sixteen miles, camping on Barr's Plantation, near Edwards De pot. May 12th marched sixteen miles — skirmished with the enemy at Four teen Mile Creek,(over which we had to build a bridge,) and went into camp about sunset. On 13th passed through Raymond, skirmished with the enemy, driving him to Mississippi Springs, where we went into cainp, having marched twelve miles this day. May Mth marched fourteen miles, and advancing on tbe enemy, drove him to Jackson, Miss. At 12 o'clock m,, formed line of battle, charged the rebel batteriles and took posses sion of the city at 3 p.m. The Sth Regiment was among the first that entered the city, driving the rebels through the streets, capturing many prisoners, eighteen pieces of artillery, and vast quantities of stores and ammunition. Lieut. Col. .Jefferson was appoint ed Provost Marshal by Gen. Sher man, and the regiment together with the ., rigade, was detailed to guard the city, and under the supervision ofthe Provost Marshal was ordered to destroy confederate stores, cotton factories, railroads, etc. Estimated value of property destroyed $10,000, 000. On 15th still in .lackson — head quarters of the regiment in state house. On the 16th evacuated the city, passed through Clinton at 7 p. m., continued the march until 2 a. m. on the 17th and bivouacked a distance from .Jackson of eighteen miles to Walnut Hills. At 5 a. m. same day, marched to Blac'; River, at Messenger's Ford, a distance of fourteen miles, and bivouacked for the night, and on the 18th crossed the river on pontoon bridges, and encamped in the woods near the river bank. On the 19th, marched eighteen miles to rear of Vicksburg, Miss., and formed in line of battle under the enemy's guns. 20th and 21st, maintained same position, and on the 22d May, took part in the grand as sault made on the rebel fortifications at Vicksburg, and succeeded in gain ing the outer slope of the enemy's works, but not witiiout sustaining a severe loss. Number of killed, 4; wounded, 16. Killed :-TSergt. Orson Bunxpns, Co. "A;" Seth C. HaskeU, "D;" 2d Lieut. Chapmam "¥;" Capt. Stephen Estee, "H," (who died in a few months, of his wonnds.) 4 Sevebkly wounded; — Maj. Jefferson, Geo. B. Leonard, Thos. T. Carroll^ "A;" Daniel Wyman, "C;" Johnathan Hawley, "D;" Sergt. M. Sales. J. W. Smith, Patrick Welsh, "E;" Corp. Geo. Kobbins, Geo. Sterling, "F;" A, Cooley, "G;" 'Sergt. S. K. EUsworth, Jos. Lewis, "H;" Panl Oleson, Abe Pronett, Rob ins Bassett, "I." 16 At dark the regiment, with the brigade, by orders of Gen. Sherman, withdrew from the position gained during the bay. In the ensrao-ement the reo-iment on, ^ was highly complimented by the commanding- General for the gal- lant. conduct it displayed on the oc casion. 28d and 24th remained in same position as on the 20th and 21st. At 9 p. m. on the 25th May, regi ment with a large force, marched to within three miles of Haines' Bluff, and bivouacked inside of the enemy's old fortifications on the Yazoo River. 'On the 27th took up the line of march en route for Mechanicsburg. 29th skirmished with the enemy and drove him through Mechanicsburg, where the regiment bivouacked for the night, forty miles distant from Vicksburg. The object of this expedition was to make some discoveries of the re ported advance of the rebel Gen. Jo. Johnson, this being accomplished, the following morning,' marched back towards Haines' Bluff, entered the Yazoo Valley and destroyed vast quantities of cotton marked "C. S. A." burned an immense amount of corn, captured 1000 head of cattle and as many mules, skirmished with. the en emy's cavalry who harrassed our rear, and reached Haines' Bluff at 3 p. m. on the 31st, a distance of thirty miles, a total of 550 miles marched this month. On the 1st and 2d of June were encamped on Haines' Bluff. On 3d embarked on transports and proceed ed up the Yazoo River with the fleet, convoyed by five gunboats to Satar- tia, arriving at 6 a. m. on the 4th, a distance of eighty miles. Disembarked and immediately proceeded towards Mechanicsburg^ the Sth Wisconsin takingthe advance. Met the enemy 1000 strong, com posed of cavalry and mounted infan try, with four guns, when an engage ment ensued, which continued about two hours, when the enemy fled, leaving his dead and wounded, and about forty prisoners in our hands. During this skirmish the Sth Wis consin was the only regiment en gaged, and both officers and men conducted themselves with great gal lantry. Capt. Greene, of company "F," deserves great praise for bravery dis played in leading the skirmishers. Our loss was two men severely wounded, one of whom has since died, ! and the other disabled for life. Regiment remained at Mechanics-' burg until the morning of the Gth, when it marched for, and arrived at Haines' Bluff on the evening of the 7th, a distance of thirty miles, and on the 9th embarked on transports • and proceeded down the Yazoo Riv er to Young's Point, La., where the regiment disembarked, going into camp on bank of the Mississippi Riv er. June 14th, the regiment, with bri gade, marched en route for Rich mond, La., a distance of eighteen miles. On 15th met the enemy, and after. a severe engagement of two hours, completely routed him and took pos session of the town, capturing some thirty jw-isoners, including the wound ed whioh he. left on the field. The following day returned to Yourlg's Point, where the reo-iment went into camp, remaining through the month of .June, and until .July 12th, during which time it was en gaged as sharpshooters in front of Vicksburg, great portion of the time being under a heavy fire from the enemy's shore batteries. Young's Point being a very un healthy locality, a large proportion of the regiment were taken sick, but under the skillful treatment of Sur geon Murta, who labored day and night, the number of deaths was com paratively small. The regiment for the past forty-siK days had been with out tents, marohincr and bivouackinsr much of tliat time in stormy weather, without a change of clothing, and many of the men without shoes. For sixteen days, commencing on the Gth of May, t'.ic regiment drew but four days rations in that time. This being an average of one cracker per day to a man, and yet, during all these hardships, not a word of complaint was uttered by any one in the command. On the 12th of -July, the regiment, with brigade, embarked on steamer Omaha, and proceeded to Vicksburg, a distance of seven miles below, where it disembarked and took cars for Big Black River Bridge, fifteen iniles east, arriving at 12m. on the following day. On 16th and 17th marched twelve miles to Champion Hills, returning to camp at Black River on the 20th. On 22d marched six miles to Mes senger's Ferry, where we remained until the 25th, when the brigade moved one mile north of the Ferry, and again went into camp, remain ing until the 27th when it moved four miles to "Camp Sherman," near Bear Creek, Miss., remaining in this position until September 26th, dur ing which time the regiment was constantly employed performing guard and fatigue duty, and drilling. On the evening of the 2Gth the brigade with regiment, received or- derb to proceed forthwith to Big Black River Bridge, Miss., twelve miles distant — marched all night and arrived next morning, when the reg iment went into camp on same ground it occupied some months previous. Notwithstanding the severe priva tions and hardships which the Sth Wisconsin has undergone during the past two years, it still can compare favorably in numbers, health and discipline, with any regiment whose organization dates as far back as this, or even, with the regiments raised under the President's second call, who have done far less service. Having served under some of the ablest generals now in the field, and receiving from them, on many occa sions, congratulatory ordfers for ser vices rendered, we still hope to mer it in the future, a continuance of the good name the regiment has so nobly earned, and return to the State, we have the honor of representing, bear ing with us, our favorite American Eagle, who has participated in every engagement, exciting the admiration of both friend and foe. Here ends the second year of our service. For many of the facts and incidents in the foregoing pages, we are in- debted to the "History of the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry" published by Geo. W. Driggs, Sergt. Major ofthe regiment in the early part of the year 1864, we also kept a diary of daily events, and haye consulted freely with Quiner's "Military His tory of Wisconsin'' and the Adj. Gen'ls Reports. In the pages that follow we _ shall use the last two authorities, with our diary supplemented by letters writ ten during that time by various oifi cers and non commissioned officers and by reports made to the Adj't Gen'ls office at Madison. On arriving at Big Black River Bridge Sept. 27th, 1863, we relieved the 55th 111. Infantry from guard du ty and took up our camp on t!io same old ground we occupied wlien we were here before. Our principal dutv was keepiuir a lieavy picket guard east of the Bigf Black River towards Champion Hills and when not on guard duty puttinjj in about 8 or 10 hours a day an Co. Resft'l and Brierade Drill. Sept. 30th we were uuder arms all day expecting an attack from rebel cavalry, but it failed to materielize. On the 14th of Oct, our brigade marched six miles to "Messen o-ers Ford" where we wore joined by Gen'l John A. Logan's Division, two brigades of McArthur's Division, five regiments of Cavalry and one of Mounted Infantry, in all about 8,000 men, on the 15th marched to Browns ville, 15 miles, and had a lively lit tle skirmish with some rebel e.-ivalry in which they lost ono man killed and the balance "skedadled." On the 16th marched about 7 miles, meeting with considerable op position from the rebel cavalry, but sustaining no serious loss. On the 17th we had considerable long range cannonading and towards evening a brisk little skirmish, but the "Johnnies" as usual "skipped out" before any one got badly hurt. On the 18th we come back to 14 mile oreek, by way of Clinton, . 20 miles, and at 3 p. m. on the 19th reached our old camp at Big Black, and resumed our old duty as pickets and doing drill duty. Received two months pay Oot. 29th. Nov. Gth took the cars on the Vicksburg and .lackson R. R. to ^^ickrfburg, 15 miles, where wo re mained during the 7th and Sth until about 10 p. m. when we went a-. board the steamer "Continental" and started up the Mississippi River, passed ".Afiliken's Bend" at daylight on tlip 9th .and reached Napoleon, Ark, abo-.it 1 p. m, on the 10th, pass ed Helena, Ari;, early on the morn ing of the llth and anchored in the stream about 25 miles above, to wait for orders from the Brigade Head Quarter Boat "War Eagle," which arrived during the afternoon and pro ceeded us to Memphis, Tenn., where we arrived about 3 a. m. on the 12th. At daylight disembarked and took the oars on the Memphis and Charles ton R, R, for Lagrana^e, Tenn., a- bout 40 miles eastward. In passing through a. big cut at White's Station, 8 miles east of Mempliis, the train was fired on by 21 guerillas and 3 men of the 5th Minn. wounded, our regiment escaping without loss, although we were strung along on top of the cars and a tip top target to shoot at, On the 13th we put up our tents in a beautiful grove of pines near by and christened it "Camp Evergreen" and resumed our usual camp and guard duty, not forgetting a full al lowance of company and battalion drill. Nov, 23d Cos. "A," "I," "D," "E" and "K" went by rail to Salisbury, Tenn., to guard the railroad at that point. Dec. 2d we left "Camp Evergreen" Lagrantre, Tenn., at daylight and marched towards Corinth, Miss. Our force consisted of fivo com panies of the Sth Wis.; 5th Minn.; llth Mo.; 47th Ills.; Waterhouse's Battery and 6 Regiments of Cavalry. At Salisbury we were joined by the balance of the Brigade, and camped for the night at Wolf river having marched 25 miles. On the 3d we took the back track to Laorrange, Tenn., having learned that the rebel force under "Forrest," "Lee" and "Furgeson," were tearing up the railroad track in our rear. On the 4th of Dec. we were kept under arms all day expecting an at tack from a rebel force that display ed itself on the hills south of town, but it proved only a "feint" as the main rebel force crossed the railroad at Moscow and CoUiersville, 10 miles west of us, tearing up the track and doing considerable dainage. Remained at Lagrange until Dec. 15th when we came to Salisbury, Tenn,, to guard the Post and railroad and where we fixed up very nice and corafortable quarters. Jan. 2d, 1S64, our boys began re- enlisting as Veterans the following members of Co. "H" being the first to enroll themselves: — -W. A. Craven, C. P\ Faulkes, W. B. Rayner, Henry Mauar and .John R. Develin. About one third of the regiment re-enlisted during the next three weeks. On Jan. 27th after having pretty well demolished our fort, we march ed by way of Grand .Junction, Tenn. to Lagrange and on the following day came on the cars to Memphis, Tenn., and marched out to the fort of Poplar Street, 2 miles, and estab lished a camp which during the bal ance of the enlistment of the three years men, was our permanent camp although we inarched and rode sev eral thousand miles during the re mainder of the year. On Jan. 31st we went on board the steamer "South Westem" and the following morning, Feb. 1st, left Memphis down the famous old "Fa ther of Water," passed Helena, Ark. during the night and Napoleon at noon of the 2d and on the 3d at 8 a. m. arrived at Vicksburg, Miss., where we disembarked and moved out three miles to the same grxjunds^ that we occupied before and after' the as sault of May 22d, 1863. Feb. 4th marched to Big ¦ Black River Bridge and camped on the old camp, being a little too late to- ^ join the big raid of Gen'l W. T. Sherman to .Jackson and Meridian, Miss., which started on the 3d. From the 4tli to the 27th of Feb. we were employed in doing picket and camp guard duty and drilling-. Enlistments as Veterans continued quite briskly and about one half of the regiment had enlisted up to that date. The offioers and non commissioned offioers who had been sent to Wis consin some months before, returned and brought with them quite a large number of recruits and the old regi ments began to assume quite respect able proportions again. On the 27tli the regiment left Big Black in charge of a train of wagons loaded with supplies for Gen'l Sher mans Army and marclied by way of Champion Hills, Clinton to .Jackson, Miss,, where they met the advance of Gen'l Sherman's command on its re turn, they then turned Northward a- long the Miss. Central R. R. to Can ton Miss,, which place was captured and destroyed, March 1st, An immense amount of railroad and army stores and other property, amounting to over 12,000,000 fell in to our hands at Canton and after fill ing all our empty wagons to their fullest capacity, the balance was to tally destroyed. The regiment returned to camp at Big Black, March 3d having march ed in this expedition about 175 miles. On the 4th and 5th of March we came into Vicksburg and camped on the flats south of the city until the morning of March 9th, when we went on board the steamer "Des Moines" in readiness for a move down the river. About dark on the lOtli the com mand left Vicksburg down the river, the steamer '-Des Moines," on which our regiment was, flying the head quarter flag of Brig. Gen'l .Joe Mow er, arrived at Natchez at daylight of the llth and at about 2 p. m., tied up near the mouth of Red River to await the arrival of Admiral Porter's fleet of gunboats and "tinclads." Maj. Gen'l A. .1. Smith assuming command of the land force. On the morning of the 12th about 10 o'clock Admiral Porter's fleet started up R,ed River, the transports following at 11 30 a. m. and after steaming up the "Rod" about 11 miles, we turned down the Atchafay- laya Bay and came about 5 miles, at which point the rebels had erected quite a formidable earthwork, mount ing several heavy guns. On the 13th we made a reconnois ance in the direction of the rebel fort (Fort Scurry,) but the garrison did not wait for an attack and taking the name of their fort for their motto, "skurried" away across the country to a place of safety, leaving the en tire armament of the fort and a con siderable quantity of stores for our particular benefit. At 10 o'clock that night we marched out to Col. Howard's plan tation and in the morning came by way of Moroville, Mansura and Marksville to Fort DeRussy, about 40 miles, had several brisk skirmish es aiong our line of march and when we arrived at the fort, tha Ijt and 2d Brigade, (ours) of the 3d Division were at once formed in line and led by Gen'ls A. .J. Smith and Mower in person, stormed the fort, captur ing its entire garrison of 350 men, 10 heavy pieces of Artillery and a- bout 400 horses and had established a camp with the usual line of pickets, before the fleet of gunboats under Admiral Porter arrived. Our list of casualities in the charge was small, being only 7 kill ed and 41 wounded, none however being from the Sth Wisconsin. On the 15th of March, the gunboat fleet having arrived, we onoe more embarked and came up the "Red" a- bout 15 miles to "Point Cotile" and tied up for the night, on the follow ing day, March 16th, came up to Alexandria, La., where we disem barked and formed camp just east of the city, to await the arrival of Maj. Gen'l Banks and his forces,wlio were marching from Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Remained in camp until March 21st, when a detachment of our Brig ade and the 3d Brigade, marched out to Henderson's Hill, about 21 miles, to reconnoitre a rebel camp in that locality. During the night of the 21st, the 35th Iowa, 33d and llth Mo. Infan try "took a sneak" on the enemy, (while the balance of the force built fires and made a big show in their front) and attacking them from the rear, captured the entire force of 350 men and 4 pieces of Artillery without firing a gun. They captured a courier and from him obtained the "Countersign," by means of which they were able, in the darkness to pass as friends and thus gain a most decided advantage. The "Johnnies" like "Crockets' coon" saw the point, and "came down" as gracefully as possible. V\^e spent a few hours here, feast ing- o).\ sweet potatoes,fresh pork and beef, spring chickens etc., and on the 23d returned to Alexandria to find that Gen'l Banks and his force of about 20,000 had arrived and camped just on the west side of the city. The weather for several days had been foggy and rainy, but on the morning of March 26th it cleared up and the entire army took up its line of march along the bank of the Red River towards Shreveport, Gen'l Banks force taking the advance. Camped that night near Hender son's Hill and on the 27th came 8 miles, in the rain, to "Red River Landing." The month of March had been a yery active one and as the fruits of our labors, we could count the cap ture of 17 pieces of artillery, part of them large siege guns,700 prisoners, one Col., one Lt. Col., 8 Capts., 30 Lieuts., 500 horses and mules and a large quantity of beef, pork, sugar, cotton, etc. Saturday, April 2d, we again em barked on the boats and came up the river about 30 miles, on the 3d came up the river and disembarked near the city of Nachitoches, La., and fix ed up camp for a short rest. On the 3th sent out a forage party who came back with every wao-on loaded and driving a large herd of cattle. On the 7th, marched 17 miles and camped in a dense pine woods. On the Sth, came to Pleasant Hill as rear guard to the train, and did not get a chance to take a hand in the big fight that occured at Sabine Cross Roads, a few miles in advance and in whioh a large detachment of Gen'l Banks army was taken prison ers, together with several pieces of artillery and many wagons, (This battle was known for a long time as the baggage train battle.) We arrived at Pleasant Hill about sundown and just in time to form line of battle and assist in checking the victorious "rebs" and make them skedadle towards Shreveport at a lively rate, leaving behind them many prisoners and considerable of the captured propertv they had taken from Banks that morning and the day before. We worked all night picking up the wounded and burying the Union dead, but had not time to perform the same duty by the "rebs," who we left laying as they fell. Soon after midnight of the 10th we started back down the river and on the afternoon of the llth reached our old camp at Grand Ecore, 3 miles from Nachitoches. Here we remained until the 20th having an occasional "scare" and getting out in line of battle. Several foraging parties were sent out from this point, all of whom re turned well loaded and to say, that we lived on the fat of the land, would be drawing it rather mild. On the evening of the 20th we inarched to Nachitoches and occu pied quarters in the city where we stayed until the 22d when we started again down the river, having several lively skirmishes with the enemy in our rear, in fact it was rather hard to decide whioh way we were going, for after a hard days march and fight we were only about six miles from our starting point when we stopped for the night. The 23d we marched until 3 p. m. when we reached the village of Clouterville and stacked arms for a rest, (camping was not on the cata logue that night,nor for several nights following.) Three quite lively, little battles were fought by portions of our com mand this day, the 23d, known as Monetis Bluff, Cane River and Clou terville in whioh the Union loss was 350 killed and wounded and the Rebel loss a little over 400. As a regiment the Sth Wis. was not actively engaged but several companies had detachments under fire, while acting as skirmishers and there were a few casualities, but these only slight. Capt. J. B. Redfield, Co. "A," I, N. Groves, "F," Thos. Bowles, Con rad Pahn, "G" were among the most seriously wounded. On the 24th marched 30 miles and bivouacked for the night at Red River Landing. 25th marched and countermarched 25 all day, had one or two brisk skirm ishes, in wliich as usual no one was hurt, and stacked arms for the night 7 iniles from our starting point. On the 26th came 18 miles, to Alexandria, where we found Gen'l Banks and his army already encamp ed. The boys of the Nineteenth Corp took considerable offence at tlie re marks of the boys of the "Buzzard Brigade" but the bully old 13tli Corps turned out to a man to greet and cheer the "Eagle boys" safe ar rival. We remained here until May 2d having an occasional skirmish with the "rebs" and watching the arrival and loading- of boat load after boat o load of sugar and cotton,which some of the boys were unkind enough to say, were "confiscated" by Gen'l '•X. P." and "David." We also were silent partners in the big dam scheme, by which the gunboat aud transport fleet were safely gotton over the rapids of the river, but as a regiment took no ac tive part in the enterprise. !May 2d we left camp in the direc tion of Henderson's Hill and after proceeding five iniles and enjoying the pleasure(?)of a couple of lively skirmishes, we camped for the night. May 3d marched 7 miles in a south easterly direction towards Capt. Jones' plantation and stacked arms. On the 4th, out on skirmish line all day and fired from 30 to 60 rounds of cartridge to a man. The 4th and 5th we were also ad vancing slowly, skirmishing heavily at tinies and near eveninor of the Gth o drove the enemy across Potter's Bridge on Bayon La Moure. The 7th skirmished andbushwack- ed all day with but little result and camped for the night at Gov. Moore's plantation. Sth, 9th, 10th and llth we had daily "dress parades" for the benefit of "Dick Taylor" and his friends who were at times inclined to be a little to intimate in their attentions, but a "salute" or two from our "Enfields" was usually sufficient reminder, that tliey had business over the other side of the swamp to "see a man." On the 13th marched five miles and camped on the bank of Red riv er. 14th marched all day down the river, having an occasional "shoot ing match" at the ".Johnnies" on tlie o other side. 15th came 14 miles and camped at the old Fort De Russy. 16th came to Marksville before daylight and at sunrise formed line of battle and after a brisk fight drove the rebs 4 miles on a pretty lively skedadle. At dusk we marched back across the bayon and stopped for the night 4 miles east of it. The regiment lost 34 wounded in this affair, which took place on the_ open prairie where we were for sev eral hours exposed to a terrific artill ery fire and which tried the nerve of every man in the line. The severly wounded were Corp. .Jas. Stoddard, Tim B. Rogers, Co. "B:" August Raetz, "D;" Lt. Leffer, Sergt. Ed Cassiday, Corp. Denzil Holmes, Chas. C. Miles, "E;" Wm. Geery, "K." 8 and 26 others slightly, but whose names were not reported. The men fired an average of a- bout 50 rounds each. On the 17th we were the rear guard and were sent back two miles,on the double quick, for our usual early morning "matinee," which resulted in a brisk artillery fight,in which we captured one 50 pound rifled parrot gun and two brass six pounders. The fight lasted until nearly dark, when we crossed Bayo De Glaize and which was the name given to the action. Capt. Chas. P. King, of Co, "G" severely wounded. On the 18th we recrossed the Bayou and engaged the enemy and had one of the heaviest fights of the whole expedition, but as the Sth Wis. was detailed to protect the left flank of the line, it was only engag ed in a few desultory skirmishes and in one of which Lt. McClure of Co. «'D" was killed. At dusk we again crossed to the east side of the bayou where we re mained all day the 19th, watching the 13th and 19th Corps cross the Atchafaylaya, on the famous bridge of steamboats. At 4 a. m. of the 20th we were a- roused by an attack from the enemy, but they were soon beaten off and a- bout 4 p. m. we crossed the "steam boat bridge" and camped a short distance from the Atchafaylaya. The 21st came across the country 8 miles to the Mississippi river and embarked on the stearaer "Des Moines. At daylight of the 22d started up the Miss., passed Natchez at dark,on the 23d, at 2 p. m. passed Grand Gulf and at dark were about 40 miles from Vicksburg, Miss., where we arrived a little before midnight. Here we were mustered for pay and paid off, the Veterans receiving their first installment of "Veteran bounty." The days until .June 3d were spent in visiting different points of this historic city and especially the ground over which we made our grand assault, a year ago in May. About noon of the 3d we struck tents and went on board the steamer "Clara Belle" and at noon of the 4th started slowly up the river, passing Lake Providence during the night and at 4 p. m. on the 5.h landed at "Sunnyside" near Columbia, Ark. and camped in the cypress woods close to the river bank. At 8 a. m. of the 6th started across the country in a driving rain to look for a force of the eneray that for some weeks past had been seriously annoying the steamers passi'no- up and down the river, both at Gaines' Landing and Sunnyside,whioh points were only about 10 miles apart by land, while by the channel of the riv er it was nearly 30 miles. Met the enemy about 11 a. m. and for three hours there ensued the hot test little fight the regiment was ev- ' er engaged in. The rebs were well posted on the west bank of a bayou, in the timber and had a splendid battery of four guns, exceedingly well served and ably seconded by a regiment of mounted infantry and battalion of cavalry. We were entirely without protec tion of any kind and unable to cross the bayou by reason of its steep banks and deep water. Eventually a detachment of our cavalry succeeded in crossing the bayou at a point lower down, and approaching the oiiomy in flank and rear caused them to fall back in great haste, leaving their dead and wounded in our hands and also two of their pieces of Artillery. Oui- total loss was 40 killed and 70 wounded, the following being from tho Sth AVis, Kir.i.Ei): — Corp. J. W. Miller, John Esl(>ily, Co. "B;" C. A, Mason, "F." 3 WouNnED: — O, M. Whitman, Co- "A;" Sergt. 11, A, Daley, Davis Gorman, Chas. (^orbitt, "B;" Sergt. Geo. M, Ross, Corydon Broughton, Daniel Baker, S. P. Ariiiitage, .Jas. Richards, II, C. Chamberlain, A. F. Lathom, "]);" Corp, Frank Wagner, Frank Brady, "I'';" Daniel Slawson, "G"Wm, Brown, Abo Pruett,"l."lG This battle was known as Lake Chicot, Ark., and for the forces en. gaged was one of the most stubborn ly contested of tho wiir, the losses footing up fully one third of the force engaged. On tho following day, June 7th. came to Cainos' Landing and em barked on the steamer "Hamilton" and on the morning of the Sth start ed up the river again, passing Napo leon about 5 p. m. and tieing up for a little while at the mouth of White river, just above. Towards morning again steamed up the river passing Helena at 4 o'clock in the afternoon and arrived at Memphis about midnight. Friday morning, the 10th, we dis embarked and marched out to our old camp at the foot of Poplar Street where we soon had tents up and were settled down for a few days rest. Below we give a verbatim copy of the orders granting the Veterans leave of absence: HuADQUAETEES RiGHT WiNG 16 A.C Memphis, Tenn., June 16, 1864; S^^JJ^^JJ^^^IexteaotV. Ijt. Col. J.W. .Jefferson, commanding. Three-quarters' of the Sth Regt. Wis. Infty Vols., having re-enlisted as veterans under general orders. No. 191, war dept., series 1868, it is hereby ordered that all volunteers so re-enlisted, with their officers, pro ceed to Madison, Wis. and report through the Governor to the Supt. of General Recuiting service for fur lough and re-organization in com pliance with general orders No. 376, series 1863. A suitable number of commissioned officers to be selected by Lt. Col. Jefferson from his regi ment, will remain here in charge of the non veterans. The arms of the veterans will bo taken with them to the state rendezvous; those of the non veterans will be left with them and also their proportion of camp and garrison equipage and also the land transportation will be turned over to the Post Q. M. taking receipt there fore. The Q. M. department will furnish transportation. By order, Maj. Gen'l A. J. Sraith. J. Hough, A. A. G. On the 17th of June the Veterans left Memphis on the steamer "G. W. Graham" for their long deferred fur lough in Wisconsin, leaving Capt. Williaras in comraand of the nonvet- erans. On the 18th, Cos. «H" and "E" (of the "Bobtails," as the nonveterans were termed) were consolidated un der coraraand of Lieut, S. K. Ells worth, who had just received his commission and proved a raost effi- ciant officer. Quite a large nuraber of recruits were also received here who were rapidly initiated into the raysteries ofthe "Goose step" and the thousand and one other exceteras of a soldiers life. On the 22d left Memphis on the cais ofthe Memphis and Charleston R. R. and came as faras La Fayette where we disembarked and were at once detailed as "pioneers" to assist in rebuilding the railroad bridge a- cross Wolf river and which kept us busy for the next three days. On the 27th marched 12 miles to La Grange, Tenn., and took np a camp near our old carap"Evergreen". Another little rest and drill squad was indulged in here,until the morn ing of .July .Jth when we raarched to Davis Mill's, 7 railes, and all hands went blackben7ing,the love for that luscious fruit, being rauch superior to our fear of any stray "Johnnies" that might be in the vicinity. On the Gth came to Salem, 12 railes, and on the 7th raarched 13 miles and caraped for the night in another blackberry patch, 7 miles from Ripiey, Miss. On the Sth raarched through Rip ley and camped about 5 miles south of that village. On the Oth marched to New Al bany, where we forded the Talle- hatchie river and caraped on the high ground just south of the river. On the 10th marched 12 miles and caraped in the woods where berries and "forage" were plenty. The next day, the llth marched 7 miles to Pontotoc,the most of the way in line of battle -with a strong skirmish line in front. Took about 70 prisoners and caraped in the valley just south of town. This was one of the finest towns we ever visited in the south and the boys had lots of fun out foraging. On the 13th started for Tupelo and when passing "Carraargo Cross Roads," we were fired on by a regi ment of bushwackers hid in the thick bnish by the side of the road and Ole Severson, a recruit of Co. "H" instantly killed. We returned their fire at a lively rate and soon charged them out of the woods and resumed our march for Tupelo, caraping for the night one raile south west of the villao-e. 29 At 8 a. m. on the 14tli the rebel force under Gen'l Forrest, of Fort Pillow fame, advanced and sorae most desperate fighting took place until about 4 p. m. when the enemy were driven off the field, badly de moralized and with very serious loss. Our loss in the entire fight was 85 killed, 576 wounded; confederate loss, 110 killed, GOO wounded, the only loss by the 8th Wis., was that of Ole Severson killed, as above stated and Albert Pooler Co. "H" slightly wounded. About -2 p.'m. our brigade partici^ pated- in the final charge, with fixed bayonets and unloaded guns and drove the eneray nearly two miles, and did much towards securing the success of the day. The most serious loss on our side was that of Col. Wilkins, of the 9th Minn, who was instantly killed," while reconnoitering the enemy. On the 15th- had another slight skirmish, whioh resulted in our favor, after which we.marched S iniles, the rebs following at a safe distance in our rear. After we had- camped for the night a small force advanced and began to shellour camp,' but a well executed flank movement by the 33d Wis., llthMo. Infty., 7th, Kans. and 2d Iowa Cav., succeeded in getting in their -rear and capturing their entire force- of 300 men and 2 guns and the balance of our march was uninterup- ted. The evening of the 16th camp ed at Elwelltown, 12 miles; 17th, came 12 miles to New' Albany; ISth, 22 miles; 19th, 18 miles to Salem; 20th, 12 miles to Davis Mills; 21st came to Lagrange, S miles, and em barked on the cars for v,Colliersville, where we staid all night; on the 22d came back to Memphis at our old camp, having marched over 250 miles since we left here just one month since. We found more recruits awaiting us as well as a lot of convalescents and we spent the next two weeks in the usual camp,guard' and drill duty. On the 31st at 7 p.m. the veterans came marching into camp from their furlough and we had a jolly time listening- to the news from home. On the 2d of August took the cars for Grand Junction and Holly Springs, Miss., and got as far asOold Water where -we lay all night; next day, 3d, went back to Lamar and left the 47th 111. for railroad guard and then came on to HoUy Springs,^ where we disembarked and marched to Lumpkins Mills and on the 4th marched to Waterford where we re mained until the 9th, when we marched to and crossed the Talla- hatchee river and caraped two miles south, near the village of Abbeville, Miss., and got caught in one of the most fearful rain storms it was ever our fortune to experience ; on the 13th went out to Hurricane creek, 6 miles, charged and captured a rebel battery stuck in the mud, and came back to Abberville to our old camp, (Barker of Co. "A" tilled.) Remained at tliis camp until Aug. 20 on scant rations of coff'ee and sugar and one ear of greeii corn per day;' on the 21st, marched to Hurri- cane'Creek and' on the 22d came "to Oxford, had a slight skirmish, losing one man killed, "[U.A.Tewksbury, Co "C",] finally came back to Hurricane Creek and camped for the night, on the following day came back to our old camp at Abbeville, but about 12 o'clock forraed in line of battle and had a lively skirmish, losing 1 raan mortally, and 4 slightly wounded, as follo'ws;- J .Ryan, Co. "K", mortaUy, J.R.Devlin, C.M.Jones, Al. Pooler V.W.Johnson, Co. «H'' slightly. On Thursday the 25th we recross ed the Tallehatchie on a temporary log bridge and came to Waterford, 8 miles, on the 26th marched to Holly Springs and on the 28th carae to within 2 miles of Lagrange, on the following morning marched to that city and took the cars on the Mem phis and Charleston railroad for our old camp 'hear Memphis, where we arrived about 12 a.m. all safe and sound, and where we remained untU. the "bob-taUs," (as the non-veterans were called,) were mustered out. The Veterans, Lieut. CoL Britton in command, left Memphis on the steamer Silver Wave, Sept. 3d for an expediton up White river and be yond, and the rest of whose history we shall have to follow, as best we can, from official reports, and le1;ters from the various officers and comrads our term of service having expired Sept. llth 1864. Friday Sept. 15th Cos. A. C, F & K, non-vetems, were raustered out, and on Tuesday the 19th they started for home, leaving the balance of the "bobs" under the coramand of Lieut. Butler, Co. C; Col. J. W. Jefferson having been mustered out. Sept. 21st the remaining compan ies "I," «D," "H," "E,'^ «B"&"G" mustered out and took the boat for home. Arrived at Cairo,Ills.,Friday Sept. 23d, and at midnight were off for Chicago by the III. Cent. R. R. Arrived at Chicago Sept. 24th and at Madison 4:30 a. m. Sunday, Sept.. 25th, drew our pay and had a final settlement -with "Uncle Sam" Tues day at 10 a. m., "doffed the blue" and were off for home to see the old folks and the "girls we left behind us." Our veteran Eagle "Old Abe" came with us and was deposited -with the Quartermaster General for safe keeping and of whom we shall have something more to say a little farther- on. Our connection with the Sth hav-' ing now come to a close the balance ¦wUl be less particular but we shall endeavor to bring out all important facts in the subsequent history, which was far more arduous than anything they had yet experienced, but in which they acquitted themselves -with ever increasing honor and won a name that shallbe preserved as long as the annals of the war shall find a place in history. As before stated the veteran reei- ment left Memphis, Tenn., by steam er Sept. 3d, 1864, arriving at St. Charles, Ark., 90 miles, the same af temoon. On the morning of the 6th started up White river and "tied up" near Duval's Bluff the same e venmg. On the 7th, disembarked and ' on thei 10th started for Brownsville,Ark. where they arrived on the afternoon of the llth and put up camp. On the 17th the regiment with -Brigade started for an overland march to Cape Girardeau, Mo. Very little attention was paid to roads or the few small towns on the route, but as nearly a "bee line" as possible was taken, over hill, through valleys and swamps, fording streams all the way from ankle to arra pit deep, the water icy cold and the ra tions, both as to quantity and quali ty, rather slira. Perhaps the following extract from a letter written by the Acting Hos pital Steward,under date of Nov. 19, 1864 will give a pretty fair idea of what the "boys" endured on the trip;— St. Louis,Mo.,Nov.l9,18G4. Dear old comrade; — ^.^^."I should have answered your letter of Oct. 5th much sooner but from the fact of our being on the move, either by boat or marching and it has been very inconvenient to write, to say the least; — Since you were raustered out, the regiraent has harder times than ever before, I can tell you, you need not l^ugh for I can prove it to be a fact, — unless it is that you are out of the scrape, for if you call chasing "Pap Price" over eight hundred railes on'foot,/M«; "I'll look for something," besides 700miles by steamboat. Of all the "tojams" I ever was on, th6 one from Brownsville, Ark. to Cape Girardeau, Mo., heads off; — nineteen days on ten days rations — and those — well, the "hard tack" was bread and meat, too (fresh at that) while the bacon and coffee were not — and the d — dst roads ever trod by the foot of raan, (or beast.) We forded "Little Red," "White" and "Black" rivers, the latter three tiraes, the water frora ankle to should er deep, and cold oh! I guess not(?) We raarched on that trip 350 railes and got to the "Cape" Oct. Sth, many of the boys barefooted, all rag- ged, dirty and lou — oh ! well, we had lots of '-Grayback soup" and you know what that nieans, took the steamer for St. Louis and may be we didn't enjoy our clean clothes and a good square meal."^^^ On the 1st of Oct. the regiment was at Poplar Bluff. Mo. and arrived at Cape Girardeau on the afternoon of the 5th and after drawing rations immediately embarked on the boats for St. Louis. Left the "cape" on the Gth, got to St. Louis Oct. 9th,. Here the regiment drew new clothes and such equipments as were needed, and on the 15th started for Jefferson City, Mo. where they ar rived the sarae day and carae on the cars the 16th to Lamoille Bridge and bivouacked until the morning of the 19th when they marched in pursuit of Gen'l Price into southwestern Mo. About the most graphic account of the trip after Price, is contained in the letter from the Hospital Steward spoken of before. He writes as follows; — On the 15th carae by boat to .Jefferson city, and to Lamoille Bridge in the cars, on the 16th. On the 19th started again on foot through Sedalia, Lexington, Inde pendence, Mo. to Little Santa Fee, Kansas, at which place we gave up the chase and turned our noses to wards St. Louis, following them at a "dog trot." Then carae our troubles thick and fast. Be it known unto you that before we got to Jefferson city we met -with a severe loss, at least the boys think so now, .at any rate, "Old Joe" (Brig. Gen'l Jos. A. Mower, who had up to this time been either Brigade or Div ision commander) left us for duty at Nashville and Col. Wood detailed for the command of the division. We were joinedi at Harrison ville, Mo., hy Brig. Gen'l J. McArthur who assumed command of the 1st , Division. . It carae to pass in the days of McArthur,; in the llth month and the 7th day thereof, that two regi ments or bodies of men, were sent to the town Westphalia, in the land of Missouri, and who were encamped by the bank of a creek. When sud denly the winds blew and the rains fell, and the waters of the creek raised iike the D^l, and drowned out the aforesaid regiments complete ly, making the boys "skedadle" for dry land or tall timber in their sh — I dam't write it all for fear you may show this letter to some of your lady friends, but it is sufficient 'that in their costumes they were not pre sentable in polite society. The worst of it was, we had to stay in the water until nearly noon of the next day, before we could get a bridge fixed to cross. But J. M. the toughest tirae you or I ever saw in the servixje was Nov. 3d 1864, a snow storm ;over a foot deep caught us on the prairie beyond Sedalia and I surely thought we would freeze to death before we got to the timber, or get a fire going after we got there. It was t'wice as tough as the • march from Lagrange to Corinth, (Jan. 1864)more mud especally after the snow went off. Thfe weather now that we have got into good quarters is fine. We are to be paid off tomorrow and leave by steamboat the next day for Memphis or Paduch, I don't know which and don't particularly care." Greely says:"Mower joined A. J. Smith at Lamine R.- R. bridge Oct. 16 and having drawn five days ra tions, his command started on the morning of the 19th in pursuit of Price to Dunksburg and Warrens- burg, Mo., reached Lexington at 7 p. ra., Oct. 20th. Crossed the Little Blue river on the 22d. Independence was reached on the 23d at 5 p. m. Marched thence for Hickman's ' MUls and on arriving there learned of Prices escape south westward. On the 25th of Oct. took up their Une of march for St. Louis, Mo., which they reached Nov. 15th, after a most toilsome march, on very scant rations, clothes and shoes in" ' ¦liii tatters and tlio weather, biting cold." Tliis was one of the hardest march es ever made by the command, but the "Old Eighth" as usual were al ways "to the fore," and endured their suffering with scarcely a mur mur. The regiment remained at St. Louis until the 23d of Nov. when they took boats for Nashville, Tenn., arriving at that city Nov, 30th, 1804 and wero at onoe assigned a position on the right of the line of defonoes, and as usual at the (extreme front. The weather was exceedingly cold and our troops did little l)ut main tain a strong picket line and keep a sharp look out for the forces of Gen'l Hood who were strongly posted but a few hundred yards in their front. On the morning of Dec. .1 5th the weather having moderated, but a dense fog prevailing, Gen'l Smith, s command moved but on the Hardin pike to feel the strength of the ene my and act as a support for Hatch's Cavalry division who were harrass ing the enemy's left, Gen'l McAr thur's Division (in which was the Sth Wis.)assisted in capturing two strong redoubts with eight guns and 300 prisoners and about 1 p. ni. partici pating in a grand charge whioh drove the enemy to a new position on tho "Harpeth" hills and inflicted on him a loss of several guns an 500 prisoners. A report of the days battle says: "The day's work had given us 16 guns, 1200 prisoners, many small arms and 40 wagons. Never had men fought with more alacrity or gr(^ator steadiness than tiios<^ who now lay down on their arms, prepared to finish their work on the morrow." On the morning of Dee. 16th the fight was opened by the division of Gen'l Wood, promptly followed by (ieii'l Smith's command and the whole force advanced until within 000 yards of tho rebel line. Several (Oiarges and much despe rate fighting occured until 3 p. m. when a (j-eneral assault was made a- long the whole line and the enemy Kwept entirely out of their works, ami fled through Brentwood pass, jeax'ing most of their guds and many of tlieir men as prisoners. The pursuit was kept up, to and through Franklin, across the Har peth river, until the fleeing eneray had become utterly demoralized; had lost the greater part of his cannon .and wagons, vvhile a heavy and con tinuous rain storm had made the roads almost impassible ; when the pursuit was abandoned and our array raarch ed to Clifton, on the Tennessee river, 150 miles, and formed a carap. After remaining here four days, Gen'l A. J. Smith's Army Corp was taken by boats to Eastport, Tenn., 160 miles, and went into winter quarters. Below we give the official report of Lt, Col. W. B. Britton to Gov. Lewis, of the battle of Nashville: Headquarters Sth Wie. Vet. Infty. In the field, Deo. 21st, 1864. To his excellency,Goy. J.T. Lewis. Madison, Wis. I have the honor to report the part taken in the battle of the 15th and IGth of Dec. by my regiraent, 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 16th A. C. It was engaged nearly all day on the 15th and participatedin four dis tinct charges on the eneray's line, being successful in every one. On the 16th were under fire and heavily engaged all day and took part in the grand final charge at 3:30 p. m. driving everything before us in perfect rout. In this charge we captured a six gun Georgia Battery, 400 prisoners, 2 stands of colors, one a Mississippi flag, and the other a Veteran flag of the 24th S. C. infantry, we also cap tured small arms withput number. On-the 15th, Co's "D" and "B" were thrown out as flankers, during one of the charges, and surrounded and, captured 200 prisoners, the two companies numbering scarcely 40 men. I had only eight companies engag ed, one company being detailed at Division Head Quarters and one at Corps Head Quarters as Provost Guards. During both days offioers and men behaved with such gallantry that to paritieularize would be unneocessary where all did so well.' There were only 9 offioers with the regiment on duty, of these one was killed, three severely, two slightly ¦wounded and three unhurt. Lt. Wm. H. Sargeant, Co. «G," a brave and gallant officer, detailed on the staff of Coh Hubbard, 5th Minn., commanding the brigade, was killed in the afternoon of the IGth after the ! enemy's last line of works had been carried, by a stray shot frora some of the enemy's skirmishers. Herewith p.lease find a list of kill ed and wounded in both days battle^, I have the honor to be your obed ient servant, W. B. Britton, Lt.Col. Comd'g Sth Wis. Vet. Infty. Below will be found a list of the killed and wounded at the battle of Nashville, Tenn., fought Dec. 15th, and 16th, 1864, from the Sth Wis. Vet. Vol. Infty. Killed:— David Hull, Co. "B;" H. C. Chamberlain, Chauncy F. Payne, "D;". Joseph Henry, "F;" 1st Lt. W. H. Sargeant,"G;" Corp. Michael Mansion, "H;" W. H. And- ' dree, James Mellor, "I;" Nels Jen sen, Ed Mason, "K." 10 Wounded:— Lt. Col. W. B. Brit ton, Sergt. Maj. Aug. Weissart: Tru' man Rich, Cb. "A;" 1st Sergt. Chas. P. Stewart, James Toothacker, Geo. A. Johnson, «B;" Capt. B. S. WiU iams, Corps. J. C. Noteman, J. S. Palmer, privates,J. A. Carlisle, Chas. Dutoher, W. G. Hall, Fred P. Sip- her, John Van Fliet, "D;" Geo. Brader, Enoch Robbins, .James And erson, Charles Hebbe, Geo. Barrows^ "E;" 1st Lt. J. W. Greeman, Benj. F. Greeraan,"F;" Sergt. Geo. B. Van Norman, Geo. Payler, Jacob Rutherford, John T. Jones, John F. Roy, WUl Pooler, Wm. Foy, San ford Cluxton, Ole Anderson, "H;" Capt. D. A. Kennedy, Sergt. James B. Aney, Andrew Broadbent, H. J. Beckwith, Casper Fopper, Ole Fred- rickson, Jerorae Goodenough, David Langdon, Orlow Robinson,John Sul livan, Frank M. Sacia, Ranson Sage, Jacob Sampson, Joseph Stewart, Al bert Van Toor, "I;" 1st Lt. Theo. A. Fellows, Sergt. John PhiUips, Thos. Tarre, Christopher Lind, Ed Karts- chok, "K." 52 The regiment arrived at Eastport, Tenn., .Jan. 10th, 1S65 and reraained there until Feb. 7th, in winter quart ers. Just how much they enjoyed the situation can be gleaned from a short extract from a letter frora the Hos pital Steward, dated Jan. 29th. yyyYour letter carae around about a week ago and found us in winter quarters at Eastport, Tenn., got here Jan. 10th, and have things fixed up pretty well. Are on the river but don't get mail very regular, or "grub" either. Drew shelled corn and nothing else yesterday, pork and flour the day before, and flour alone to-day, coffee and sugar are among tlie things that used to be, get beef once in a while, that is so poor they have to lean it up against a fence to knock it down. The boys lay all the blame on "old Smith'' and d — m aU the Quar termasters between here and Wash ington, and I don't blame them much either. I have had enough so far as I board with the "C. S.'" "^^ The regiment left Eastport by steamer Feb. 7th, 1SG5 and proceed ed down the Tennessee and Missis sippi rivers to Memphis and New Orleans where they arrived Feb. 22d and went into camp five miles below the city, near the old "Chalmette bat tle ground," where was fought the closing battle of the war of 1812 — 14. March Sth they embarked on the steamer "Guiding Star" and took their first dose of seasickness on the Gulf of Mexico, !March 6th, landed at Fort Gaines Dauphin Island, Mobile bay on the 7th. On the 20th again steamed up the bay to Fish river, about ten miles, where they disembarked and went into camp about 25 miles from Mo bile. On the 23d had a brisk skirmish in which Joseph Petit, Co. "B," lost a foot. On the 25th marched to the in vestment of "Spanish Fort" which was completed on the 27th. On which day there was heavy fighting, the Sth however lost only ten slightly wounded and Chas. T. KeUy, Co, «G" and Geo. W. Rich ards, Co. "D" severely wounded, both died soon after from the ef fects of their wounds. Dug entrenchments and rifle pit and made preperations for a siege, which carae to an abrupt termination AprU 9th when the "rebs" evacuated and the army moved on Fort Blakely whichwas carried by a dashing charge in which the regiment lost Thos. J. GUbert, Co. "E" kiUed and Joseph Lewis, "H" and Preston Hayward, "A" slightly wounded. After the surrender the 16th Army Corps took up its Une of march for Montgomery, Ala., 180 mUes distant. Reaching that city April 25thj where they went into canp and were employed on picket and provost guard duty until May 10th, when they marched for Selma, Ala,, reaching there May 14th and on the 19th took the cars on the Mississippi and Ala baraa R. R. for Uniontown, 30 miles west, arriving there the same day and went into camp, where they re mained until mustered out. The duty was light and the "boys" went into almost all kinds of specu lations, financially, matrimonially and otherwise, some of them made pretty good bargains, while some got "bad ly left," but all the same had "dead loads" of fun and gained some ex perience. That same Hospital Steward wrote us from this point soraething as fol lows: ^^.^."This place is about as large as Belleville (about 350) and the most "Secesh" hole you ever "went any where," plenty of girls — but "Je- whillikens" they wont look at us "Yanks." There are about as many "Con- feds" here as "we uns," very docile though. "Me" and "Betsey" are running a hospital on a big scale, "Confeder ate Officers Hospital" it was called before "we uns" "busted" the con cern, have 100 beds and every thing to match. Only have seven patients, so we use part of it for Head Quarters for the "Field and Staff," every officer has one or more rooms for his own benefit, I have only three. We are living on the "top shelf," have all the milk, butter, eggs, chickens and vegetables we want, so you can imagine we are not in a hur ry to "go somewhere" unless it is to muster out and oome liome, but I see no siyiis of that yet. .j^^.^ Brigade Headquarters -ivere at Demopolis,Division Headquarters at Selma and Corps Headquarters at Montgomery, and the Corps was strung out at different points along the Ala. and Miss. R. R. for fifty miles, engaged in duty similar to the Sth at Uniontown. Their duty was very light and as the inhabitants became accustomed to their presence their -antipathy gradually wore off and the "last days of their stay were made more pleasant then their first," as see ex tract from another letter from the H. S. dated Aug. Gth, 1865. .js-^tx^i'^c® I wrote you last I have got on terms of intimacy with a num ber of the fair sex and "mirabile dictu," their hauteur has wom off entirely by coraing in contact with Yankee "mud sills." I board with a Mr. McAuley, in company with Q. M. Sergt. C. H. Joosten and Com. Sergt. Jessie Cole. The family consists of Mr. McAu ley, his wife, son of 15, and three daughters aged respectively 17, 19 and 20; they are good singers, have a piano, and one is a splendid play er, so you can imagine the time does not hang heavily on our hands, as we ^'occasionally" pass an evening there.".^^..^. At dress parade on the evening of Sept. 4th, 1 8G5, the following order ¦sr' was read to the battalion: Head Quarters,Dist. of Montgoraery, Montgomery, Ala.,Sept. 4,1865. ^PJ^^^^^g"/'^^'} Extract 9. The Sth Wis. Vet. Vol. Infty. Lt. Col. W. B. Britton, com'd'g, will, after having turned over all land tramsportation and animals to the Q. M. Department at Demopolis, Ala. proceed without delay to Madi son, Wis., reporting to the Cheif Mustering Officer of the state for fi nal payment and discharge. The Q. M. Dept, wul furnish the necoessary transportation. By command of Maj. Gen'l Henry E. Davis>.Jr, Offiicial James D. Comstock, A. A. G. In pursuance of the above order the regiment proceeded to Demopo lis, Sept. 5th and were mustered for pay and on the following day started by rail for Madison, which place they reached Sept. 12th, were paid off and receiyed their discharge the following day, Sept. 13th, 1865 and the famous old "live Eagle" Sth Wis. Vol. Infantry as an organization dis appeared and was absorbed in the busy, bustling and free American people, A few days were spent in Madison by the "boys" after their discharge, before returning to their respective homes to take up their duties as citi zens and never were holidays better earned, or more thoroughly appre ciated. In its four years of service the reg iment had travelled over 14,000 miles, about as follows, 4,200 miles by railv 4,820 by steamer and march ed 5,125. A total of 14,145 mUes. Indeed no brigade of infantry in the entire army had developed the marching qualities of the old 2d Bri gade which consisted of the 5th Minn., llth Mo., Sth Wis. and' 47th 111, infantry and Spoors 2d Iowa bat tery. We had tried our metal with doz ens of different commands and had beaten them "clean out of sight,"the 93d Indiana being the only regi ment able to keep within half a days march of us. On one expedition we guarded, a baggage train for a division of Cav- ' airy under Gen'ls Hatch and Grier son and only got left one half days march in nearly 500 miles, whioh ex ploit won for the brigade the euphon ious title of "Joe Mower's Jackass Cavalry." It had taken part in thirty-two battles, which were inscribed upon its battle flag, as follows; Fredrioktown,Mo. Oct, 22d 1861 New Madrid, " April 7, 1S62. Island No. 10," " 8, Farmington, Miss, May 8, " 28, ,, j Sept, 14, I " 19, " Oct. 3 and 4, " May 14, Corinth, luka. Corinth, Jackson, " Champ'n Hills, Vicksburg " MechanicsV.," Richmond, La. Fort de Russy," " 14, " 22, June 4, " 14, Mar. 14, '62 '62'62, '62'62 '65 '63 '63'63'63 '63 '64, Grand Ecore, " Pleasant Hill, " Cloutierville, " Potters Bridge," Mansura, " Moroville, " Bayou de Glaize," April 4, '64. " 9, '64. " 23, '64- May 7, '64. " 16, '64. " 17, '64. " 18, '64. Lake Chicot, Ark. .June -6, '64. Carraargo X roads,Miss, .July 13, '64. Tupelo, Miss. July 14 and 15, '64. Hurricane Creek,Miss. Aug.l3, '64. AbbeviUe, " " 23, '64. Nashville,Tenn. Dec. 15 and 1G,'G4. Spanish Fort, Ala. March 25,'65 Fort Blakely, " April 9, '65. besides about 40 skirmishes some of which were so sharp as to almost de serve the name of battles, and a rec ord of never having been driven from the line of battle, always camp ing, either on, or in advance of the line of fighting, and of being in only one campaign that did not accom plish all it set out to do, this one be ing the "Red River Expedition" un der Gen'l Banks in 1864, when by poor generalship, the enemy were al lowed to get in our rear and cut off our communications and source of supplies, and which resulted in a nuraber of hard fought battles and skirmishes, but in every one of whioh the eneray was driven from the field with severe losses of both men and materiel. We had killed in action during our service; Co. A 4 B 4 C 6 D 3 E B F 6 G 4 H 4 I 9 K 2 total 45. We had severely wounded, result ing in some perraanent disability. Co. A 9 B 15 C . 6 D 36 E 21 F 13 G 9 H 17 I 35 K 15 total 177. Original Regiment as organized in 1861 at Carap Randall contained 990 officers and men, we gained by re cruits, in 1863—52; in 1864—236; in 1865— 62; substitutes— 16; draft ed raen — 3; Veterans — 301; Total 1643. We lost by death, 255; raissing, 3; desertion, 60; transfer, 41; discharg ed, 320; rauster-out, 964. An abstract of our raorning Report on Oot. 12th, 1861 showed Present: Officers, for duty, 39 men 921 men sick, 18 men extra duty 8 Total offioers 39 men 947 986. Absent: men without leave 3 men sick 1 4 ~ Aggregate, 990 After two years service, on the raorning of Oot. 1st, 1863 the report showed Present: Offioers, for duty 19 men 302 officers sick 2 men " 29 officers, extra dut}' 5 men " " 66 men in arrest 3 Total offioers ¦ 26 " men 400 Absent: Offioers detached service 7 raen " 78 offioers on furlough 3 ¦' without leave ' sick ' in arrest Total absent officers 36 " " raen 163 42 9 33 1 Total j officers ( men Aggregate Loss 36 563 599 391990 15, There was mustered out Aug. 1865 and Sept. 5, 1865 officers 30 men 397 Total 427 This closes the history of one of Wisconsin's most famous regiments, one whose fame is as wide as the na tion and whose proud position was won at the cost of constant and ardu ous seryice and whose losses in kill ed and wounded nearly equal that of any other regiment that left the state and is far above the average. Its members are now located in almost every state in the union and wherever they are, they have made good substantial citizens and have never had occasion to be other than proud of their connection with the "OLD EAGLE EIGHTH." THE END. In the pages that are to come will be found brief sketches of each indi vidual Company and a complete ros ter of its members, short biographies of some of the comrads, the present address, as far as known, the roster of those attending the Encampment at Milwaukee in 1889, a sketch of "Old Abe" and some other incidents that may possibly be of interest to particular members of the command if not to all. We have endeavored to make the history as near correct as possible and weere we have failed, it has been because the necoessary data could not be obtained. Ha-ring now followed the raove ments of the regiinent frora its or ganization to its disbandment, cover ed with honors, at the close of the war, we shall now take up the histo ry of that glorious bird that gave to the command a full share of its fame and without whic'.i a history of the Sth ^T'iscoi.sin Infantry would be as incomplete as a play of "Hamlet" with t'-.e prince left out. ^OLD*ABE:*^ The world famous eay ie was cap tured duriig sugar-making time in 1861, on tbe Flambeau River, near the line between .-\shland and Price counties, in Wisconsin, by a Chippe wa Indian narned Chief Sky. His birthplace was in a large tub like nest of mud and sticks, on a taU pine, which the Indian felled, a- midst the screams and menaces of the old birds, for the purpose of cap turing the young. Chief Sky was the son of Thunder of Bees, chief of the Flambeau band of Chippewas, who, a few weeks la ter, led his people down the river for the purpose of disposing of their baskets, furs and moccasins, Whilo on ted road he sold the young bird to Daniel McCann, of Eagle Point, for a bushel of com. And for this paltry sum was the noble bird sold from freedora to cap- ti'vity, from barbarisra to civilization, frem the moan of pines to the crash of battles, from obscurity to farae. McCann carried the eagle to Chip pewa Falls and attempted to sell him to a company just recruiting there for tho First AVisconsin Bat tery. Fiiiling in this, he proceeded a little later to Eau Claire and offer ed the bird, now nearly full-grown and handsome, but spiteful as a scorpion, to the Eau Claire --Bad- ger," that subsequently became Com pany C, of the Eighth or Eagle Reg iment. Capt, John E, Perkins hesitated at first about accepting such a strange volunteer, but finally agreed to take him to the front. It was mainly through tlie sagaci ty and foresight of R, F. Wilson, an influential resident, who argued "nothing could be better chosen, not even the flag itself, to ensure fame and success," they looked upon it in favorable light, and after a surgeon like examination of the eyes, claws 41 beak, wings and plumage, concluded by a jocose vote to accept "the new recruit from Chippewa." A little flurry ensued about contributions, when S. M. .Jeffers, a civilian, pur chased the bird for two dollars and a half, and presented it to the cora pany. In due tirae the Eagle was sworn into the United States service by putting around his neck red, white and blue ribbons, and on his breast a rosette of the sarae colors. James McGinnis craved the prive- lege of superintending the eagle, to which all tacitly assented. In a few days he produced quite a respectable perch; and two patriotic ladies raade some little flags to be carried on each side of him, when on the march: and gay and imposing indeed did he appear as he rode in imperial state beneath those minia ture "stars and stripes," through the principal streets of Eau Claire, inspir ed by martial rausic and cheered by the enthusiastic people. The Eau Claire Free Press, of Sep teraber 5, 1861, published the first newspaper notice of his honor: "The Eau olaire Badgers are going into battle under the proteotive regis of the veri table American Eagle. It -was captured by the Indians of the Chippewa River, and pur- chased by the Badgers, Its perch ie to be the flag-fctaff of the Stars nnd Stripes. Who could not fight under so glorious emblems?" On Sept. 6, 1861, with bands play ing, banners flying and people shout ing, the Eau Claire Eagles marched from camp down to the Chippewa River, on their way to Camp Randall, at Madison, where they were to be mustered in. Abe, though somewhat astonished, seemed to thoroughly enjoy the nov el and inspiriting scene, perched proudly on his shield between the flags presented by the Ladies' Aid Society, his smooth, graceful neck encircled with ribbons of red, white and blue. Right heartUy did the people cheer the boys as they raarched a- way! Many remarked: "They will never be whipped while they follow that bird," and the Free Press prop erly enquired: "Who could not fight under such glorious emblems?" The boys boarded the steamer Stella Whipple amidst the sobs, bless ings and good-byes which all soldiers have witnessed and will never for get, and in a gloomy rain-storm which nobody noticed. Toward evening of the next day, when within hailing distance of La Crosse, Wisconsin, the steamer sent forth her semi-bugle notes, an nouncing arrival. . In ten minutes the news was her alded through the city, that a "Com pany of soldiers from the Chippewa Valley has come with a live Ameri- con Eagle!" Crowds lined the wharf, and, just as the boat landed, a salute from the 1st Wisconsin Battery, by order of Capt. Foster, was fired, followed by cheers from civilians and soldiers. All eyes were upon the Eagle, and deafening were the hurrahs in his favor. It was a thrilling enthusiasm of all that heaving mass of patriots. Capt. Perkins was here offered two hundred dollars for the Eagle. Quite a sudden rise in value from a bushel of corn. Courteously de clining, the Captain replied, "The Eagle belongs to the company, and no money can buy hira." AUGUEY op SUCCESS. Arriving at Madison, on the 9th, the company marched to a raartial quick-step through the principal streets of the city, passing the Capi tol, the colors and Eagle displayed in fine style. The reception was earnest. At Camp Randall was a raost inspiriting scone. As the cora pany approached the hill, its musi cians struck up the tune of "Yankee Doodle." The 7th Wisconsin and fractional parts of the Sth were there awaiting accessions; seeing the Eau Claire Badgers and their Eagle com ing, they ran to the gate of entrance and. opened right and left. During all this commotion, the majestic bird sat quietly on his perch; but just as the company was passing the gate, defiling between those liv ing rows of spectators, with a dart of his piercing eye to the flag floating close over his head, the Eagle seized one end of it within his beak, and spread his wings with a continuous ly flapping motion, expresssve of in spirational ambition It was spontaneous; the bird seem ed to understand his raission, and grandly did he illustrate it as he proudly held the flag during the time of crossing the grounds,through the excited crowd, to the front of Col. R. C. Murphy's headquarters. A correspondent of the Eau Claire Free Press thus describes it: "When the regiment marched into Camp BandaU, tbe instant the men began to cheer, he spread his 'vrings, and taking one of the small .flags attached to bis perch in his beak, he remained in that position until borne to the quarters of the late Col. Murphy." The Madison State Journal, of the 10th, thus mentions the incident: "An incident occured yesterday, as the Chippewa company arrived at Camp Ran dall. They bore in advance of them a plat form on whioh was a live eagle, surmounted by a small American flag. Just as they en tered camp, the eagle expanded his wings and seized the flag in his beak. The inci dent attracted much attention, and if it had happened in other days, in a Roman camp, would have been regarded by the augurs as a singularly favorable omen. NEW PERCH. At Madison, the Eagle's visitors numbered thousands, and araong them were dignitaries of civil -and military professions. Here, by Capt. Perkins, he was donned with the ti tle of "Old Abe," in honor of Abra hara Lincoln, the faithful President and patriot. By vote of the corapany, the "Bad gers" were to be styled the "Eau Claire Eagles," and, by voice of the people, the Eighth Wisconsin was designated as the "Eagle Regiraent". As the Eagle was then a soldier bird, sworn into the service of his country. Quartermaster Francis L. BUUngs, at the expense of the State, had a new perch constructed. It was a shield in the shape of a heart, on which was inscribed the "stars and stripes," and along the base were legibly painted, 'Sth Reg. W. V." Raised a few inches above the shield was a grooved cross-piece for the Eagle's roost, and on each end of it were three arrows, pointing outwards, representing war as in the great seal of the United States. In the shuffle of war these were broken off. Evi dently such a perch must have been a heavy weight for one soldier to carry, during the long and tiresome marches through the enemy's coun try ; but he had no other task than this, under strict orders to care faith fuUy for the bird. When in Une, the Eagle rode al ways on the left of the color bearer, in the centre of the regiment. In bat tle or mareh, the Eagle was carried in the same manner as the flag. The bearer had a belt around him, to which was attached a socket to re ceive the end of the staff, which was about five feet long. Holding it firmly in his hand, the bearer thus raised the Eagle high above his head in plain sight of the column. A leathern ring was fastened to one of the Eagle's legs, to which was con nected a strong hemp cord frora six teen to twenty feet long. When marching, or in an engagement, the surplus cord was wound around the arrow head, leaving the Eagle but about three feet length, or just e- nough to circumscribe him to his shield. TR.VXSIT THROUGH CHIC.VGO. On the 12th of October, 1861, the aggregate strength being nine hun dred and ninety men, the regiment, under command of Col. Murphy ,took its departure for the theater of war. Asthe long train of cars passed through the villages and cities of Wisconsin, great was the enthusias- am of the people ; they poured forth rounds of cheers that fired every soldier with electric inspiration. At Janesville, the crowd was iraraense and intensely excited. It will be reraerabered that Rock county had given the first fruits of her patriotism to the country — company G, of the Eighth, led by Capt. Wm. B. Brit ton — hence the peculiar interest of the people on the occasion. After a continuous ovation through the whole line of route, the regiment arrived at Chicago, near the close of the day, and raarched through the city with the Eagle under the color. How the scene electrified Chicago! A correspondent of the Eau Claire i^rie Press says: "Formed in platoons, we took our way through the city, our Colonel and Governor Alex. Randall leading us ou horseback. Our progress was marked by many demonstra tions of enthusiasm — the regiment as a whole, and our 'glorious bird' carried aloft at the head of our company, appearing to divide about equally the general attention and applause. I fancied the Eagle seemed for onoe to be of more importanoe than the 'Eagles,' and received cheers and flattering comment enough to spoil any less sensible bird," The Chicago Tribune, under date of October 13, thus aUudes to the reception: "A noticeable feature among them waa the Cliippewa Eagles— Capt. Perkins' com pany — a company of the first-class stalwart fellows. The live Eagle whioh they brought with them was an object of much curiosity. He is a majestic bird and well trained. When marching, the Eagle is carried at the heal of the company, elevated on a perch at the top of a pole. The Eagle was caught on the head waters of the Chippewa River by au Indian. Capt. Perkins' company takes it to the war. The men were offered a large sum for it in Bdadison, bnt they will not part with it, They swear it shall never be taken by the enemy. No doubt the Chippe wa Eagles and their pet bird will be heard of again." HERALDRY OF FREEDOM IX ST. LOUIS. On the morning of the 14th, the regiment arrived at the Mississippi, opposite St. Louis. The ferry-boat steamed to the shore and received the "Wisconsin caro-o" with brisk orders. When approaching the city, the band played the "Star Spangled Banner," hearing which, the ladies waved their handkerchiefs in proud welcome. Knowing that Union sol diers had recently been fired upon by rebel citizens, difliculties were anticipated; but, what was their sur prise, instead of rebels, Unionists showed signs of belligerency. What did it mean? Like the Coufederates, our soldiers were then dressed in gray, and, therefore, were at first taken for a rebel regiment. Though excessively hot, they were obliged to put on their blue overcoats to satisfy the patriotic populace that had been outraged a few days before. When the regiment was preparing to enter one of the priaoipal streets, a promiscuous crowd huddled around, and, seeing Lhe Eagle, cried out, "a crow!" "a wild goose!" "a turkey buzzard!" As if resolved upon a demonstration of defiance to these insults against his highness, "Old Abe," .crouching low for a spring, half -poising his wings, sprung impet. uous, breaking the cord that held him to his perch, and scud just over the heads of the motley crowd, even flapping a few caps with the tips of his pinions, and, thence shooting higher, sailed up, up, a thousand voices shouting after him, and ma jestically alighted upon the chimney of an aristocratic mansion. The whole regiment was thrown into exciteraent, especially corapany C, that could scarcely be wheeled in to rank and file for raarching order through the city. In the general confusion, several soldiers sped after their Eagle, scattering in different alleys and constantly watching him on his inaccessible eyrie. The flight heightened the curiosity of the spec tators. Being informed it was an Eagle from the North, they were in ecsta sies. Meantirae, "Old Abe" sat on his new perch of a chimney, leisurely surveying the sea of heads, and, after a half hour's liberty alone in his glo ry, scooped down to an obscure side walk, where he was caught, and thence conveyed to his regiment. This being the first band of war riors from the North-west, bringing, too, a live Eagle, with the loyal peo ple the reception was raagnificent. "The little darkies hurrahed for the Union, and one old 'Dinah,' in par ticular, wUl be long reraerabered, she laughed so heartily, showing her white teeth and 'big eyes,' and cry ing out at the top of her voice, 'Go in, boys! go in! God bress ye!' " Halting at one of the principal hotels, the regiment was welcoraed to the city by Governor Garable,who, in the course of his patriotic address, frequently pointed to the Eagle, cheered by the soldiers. Arriving at Benton Barracks, they 46 were addressed by Secretary Camer on and Gen. Thomas, who highly complimented them for their fine ap pearance, with a good word for "Old Abe." A gentleman in St. Louis offered the company five hundred dollars for the Eagle; and, somewhere in the South, subsequent to this, an lUinoi- sian offered a valuable farm. Com ing up from a bushel of corn! But all proffers of this kind were deolin- ed. Capt. Perkins' saying became proverbial. — "No money can buy him." "ON TO THE FRONT.,, "For thee they fought, for thee they fell, And their oath on thee vas laid; To thee the clarions raised their swell' And the dying warrior prayed. Thou wert,thro' an age of death and fears, The image of pride and power, Till the gathered rage of a thousand years, Burst forth in one awful hour." Scarcely had the regiment unpack ed, ere it was ordered to advance, and, on the evening of the 15th of October, 1861, that inexperienced band rushed forward on their long and perilous adventure. Who could read the future ? Could the prophet bird of sun-lighted vision? It was a gala time. At Big River — the bridge burned by tho enemy — as the men transport ed their baggage across on their backs, wading waist deep, the Eagle noticing the ripples and fishes, whist led a merry note with the rest. The feeling was universal, that no better companion could inspire hilarity and enthusiasm under difficulties. As he led the van of the column, in sight of all the soldiers, over that variegated country, and thence in all their subsequent marches, he was not only a constant reminder of their oath of trust, but of loftiness of am bition. He often played under the waving colors, watching other birds in the far-up blue where no human eye could penetrate, panting and as piring to rise on peerless wing, mon arch of all. A BATTLE. A march all night, on the 20th, a sleep in the streets of Fredericktown Missouri, till noon, a reinforcement, and — hark! — the bugle calls; the en emy is discerned in the woods. There is hot haste; it is such an earnest! The Eighth is a reserve. Chained on the roof of the court house, only half a mile distant from the scene of action, the Eagle sees the rush and line of dark-winged battle. His trepidation is that of a soldier when going to face death. There comes the clash of arms, the spurring of the ambulances, the wounded soldier returned, bleeding, groaning, dying; he is wild with ex citement, reveling and tearing, and, one observer says, "gnawing his perch with his beak," as if crazed at the new experience, but calms down with the lull of battle — tho first vic tory ! "There fell a moment's silence round,— A breathless pause I— a hush of hearts that beat, * And limbs that quivered," "aISk" .\>'D THE DOG "FRAXK," After winter quarters at Sulphur Sprimgs, Mo., "Old Abe" was ne.\t seen at Cairo, 111. Up to this date, January 19, 1862, he had experienced enough of military life to render him stern and heroic. Like the soldiers, he was sure to retaliate injuries; his motto was American — justice. One of his playmates was th© dog"Frank," that voluntarily eame to the regi ment whilst at Madison. The Eagle felt an Epiourian inter est in this animal, on account of the spoils of the hunt, WTienever he heard that sharp, familiar bark in the woods, he would bend low his head to catoh the welcome sound, for it betokened a fresh meal; and the momentthe oanine; hunter returned with a squirrel or rabbit in his mouth such a coaxing from the perch, such a chuckling and rustling of wings, such a gratelul "-Thank you, Frank!" In the absence of more agreeable company, the soldiers were real Sel- kirkg, whiling away monotonous hours in teaching these pets various cunning tricks. Thus, a mutual at tachment sprung up between thera, constituting at length a "marriage on interests," and quite happily did they live together in their odd asso ciation, mutually sharing the patri mony of their frienda. But, aa is common with such "union,"a. divorce took place under the most unfortu nate oiroumstanoesi One day there was a constant draft upon his patience; but this he oould have endured, had no one tor mented him with sticks and mock ings. Feeling forbearance too long suffered is no Eagle virtue, he bit, and tore, and yelled but oould not get near enough to his besiegers to vindicate his sense of justice. Un« fortunately "Frank" came within the circle of his cord, and,quick as light ning, he pounced upon him, sticking his talons into the hide, and "mak ing the fur fly," Such a pow-wow was never before heard in a military camp. Ever after, "Frank" kept at a re spectful distance, and from that time "Abe" has had an eternal hatred for dogs. He evidently believed they were not "well mated." Early the next spring, the "Eag les" moved to New Madrid, and, on the llth of March, occupied rifle pita at Point Pleasant, preventing rebel transportation to Island No. 10, and frolicking with oannon and sheU, "Old Abe" often sending a screara to the boys from the camp near by, en joying the "pegging business" with the rest. The gunboat "Carondolet" sweep ing both shores of rebel batterieSjthe island oaptured,the Eagle chased the flying enemy, and saw his comrads seize six thousand prisoners, who, beholding this living erablem of na tional feality, "quailed before his piercing look, that sent the fire of convicting justice to their hearts." The opening of the Mississippi, hy conquest of that blockade of batter ies, nearly to Meraphis, was the be ginning of a series of yiotories,so im portant. Gen. J. B. Plummer com manding the brigade of the"Eagles," annovinoed the order of Gen. Pope, for all tho regiments and battalions of his command to inscribe on their flag, "New Madrid and Island No. 10," As "Old Abe" rode under these new colors, he appeared indeed th© "Bird of Jove," that ^'armed tlie skies." STRATEiiT AT PAEJUXGIOX. Proud of their achievement, aim ing at atest of the strength of the euemj at Corinth, ''the Army of tlie Kagle" sailed wp the Ohio and Ten- ne^ee rivers, stopping af Pittsburg Landing, where lay the "Blue and the Giay" — peaceful now in haif- eoveted giav^. Disembarking ,it Hamburg, in qui^ of G«n. Beauregard, they at length formed in Use of battle at Faniungtan,^Iiss.,oa ^e 9th of May. 1862, Maj. JeSerson commanding tiie outposts. Th© odds -were great— 1!5,000 of tiie enemy against one brigade. The "Eagles" and tJGth Hlinois were sent forth to rake the -woods. Up rose tiie foe, quick, sullen, defiant; but th^^s two regiments held the ground for haM an hour in that raking fire. Anxious for "Old Abe,''CapT, Per kins ordered the Bearer to keep well in the rear, but within hailing dis- ; tance of his company. As the hosts of the enemy pressed on, nothing oould stand before the swath of de struction. Simultaneously, they prostr.-ited themselres on the ground, in the o- , pen field behind a knoll, the leaden rain poanBg over them. Not beinor ooiKpioaoaslj expcraed, the Bearer determined to remain upright, but the Eagle, seeing the men lying there^ imitated their example. He was picked up, witli stem or-iers tc heisp his perch, but refused to obey. This experiment w as tried five or six times. Gjving him his own way, '•Jim" at last threw the perch on the ground, and ciouched low with the rest, when the Eajjle crept close to his side, remaining so till, at the bu gle sound, he leaped voluntarUy to his perch with the rising of tiie men, a signal of heroism through all the battle- The author of a little work, entit led '¦Army Life and Stray Shots from a Stafi Officer of th© Eighth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers," thus desciibes this scene; "At the battle of Fanaington, May 9,1SS2, the men -were ot^tered to lie down. The ia- stent they did ao, it was impts^ble to fee^ him upon his perch. H$ insisted on beius protected as -well as they, and, when liberat ed, flattsned hiiaself on the gionnd, and tiiere Tsmained till the mea arose; -when, mth oBispiead mi^s, he itemed Ms place of peril and held it till the dose of the oon- tK*.» David McLane, a member of com pany C, says, in a letter daT<>d"Camp near Yicksburg, Miss,, Feb. 1S,1S65: "Ihe first dght lhe ^bs^e was in was the battle of Farmington, Miss, where he show- a great d<5al of sasacity. Wheu we were or dered to U© down on ths groniid, under a dreadtail artJUeiy £re feom the enemy's bat ten^ he fle-w aa Ma parch, gettrn-: as low as he oonld, and lay there laitil he saw the regimeut nse to advance, when he flew up on his pen^h again, end reaiained there thwmgh the engagejaent." In this battie Capt. Perkins fell. monaijy wounded — a bnive soldier aad true patriot — Lieut. Victor "NTolf succeeding- in comaian-i. In his re port, Gen. Palmer highly compli mented the "Regiment that bore the Eagle." ¦-'Old Abe" was in the battle he- fore Corinth, on the 28th of May. As the whole army sent up its shout at sight of the Union flag on the en emy's works, he, the herald of the victory, was seen "whirling and dancing on his perch." Battles made him voracious, A soldier avers that, soon after the cheering, while he was eating a rab bit, the bugle of his regiment calling to pursue the enemy, a convalescent soldier, ordered him to mount his standard, when, as if appreciating the urgency of the moment, "Old Abe" devoured the remaining half with one swallow, and leaped to his perch, wiping his beak aa he rode to the colors, saying, in his manner, "Well equipped, boys!" When at the front, the question rose, "Who shall carry the Eagle?" his Bearer being sick. Among the many vol untary applicants, Capt, Wolf select ed Thomas J, Hill, of Eau Claire, re marking, "Tom is worthy of it," Shouldering his living musket, "Ton,"in his hurry to keep up, una voidably entered a clump of bushes, where "Old Abe" initiated his new Bearer into the apprenticeship of the "perch business," Getting entan gled, he tore away exasperated, but was hustled up rather roughly, when wishing to give his master a trial of military patience, "Abe" stuck his talons into his face; but no court martial was held! U.N'DERGOINd rilMCIPUNE, Scattering the enemy,"01d Abe's" brigade went into summer quarters near Clear Creek, in a charming lo cality. Here he attonted his "mili tary school," The live long days he busied him self — ^running at large — catching crazy bugs with his claws in puddles of water, fishing by "make-believes" in the creek, catching bullets rolled upon the ground, running off with the ball in the hilarious game, tip ping over water pails, visiting the sutler's tent, tearing up the soldiers' clothes when hung upon the line, with no chance for indemnity, for "too much indulgence spoils the child," and "the conquering party dictates terms," One day a soldier out off the heads of some chickens, and left them a few moments to flutter, while pre paring to cook them, when "Old Abe" noticed the movement at a lit tle distance down the street,and slily hurried to the spot, passing some soldiers, who warned the cook of the foraging attitude; and as a man turned to look for his chickens in one direction, "Abe," perceiving one in the grass just behind him, snatch ed it up and whirled off like a rock et, amid the jeers of the spectators, the cook just behind, puffing and swearing, unable to secure scarcely enough for the captain's meal. He "went in swimming" with the "other soldiers." During one of these water frolics, Mr. Hill was ac costed by a semi-Unionist farmer, who offered to give the Eagle a chicken, if shown to his children. Arriving at the hou8e,among them appeared a fair young lady who vainly coaxed the bird for the privi lege of only touching his kingly pUi- 49 mage, remarking, she "never ex pected to see the celebrated Eagle which the Confederate soldiers say is carried by a Yankee regiment," Soon "Old Abe" was set at liber ty among the fowls, when, after the style of a lion — a peculiarity of hab it always noticed on such occasions — he threw his head from side to side, walked around his selected victim with a stealthy air, and made his ter rible lunge; missing it, he measured the distance again with his geomet ric eye, and succeeded. Drawing the chicken directly under hira, and standing defiantly upon it, he open ed his wings to a hovering motion, bent down his tail spread out like a fan, rustled up his feathers, and ut tered a vengeful satisfaction; these incantations over, he plunged his beak into the heart, and devoured it palpitating. Looking on and shuddering, the children exclaimed "Oh! Mister! — Oh!" But "Tom" gave the beauti ful brunette a significant wink, say ing: "He is from old Wisconsin; you see how he likes the South!" Unless extremely hungry, "Old Abe" never eats anything tainted or decayed. He enjoys his meals best if allowed to kill his own game. If he rejects anything from his perch, he frequently looks down at it with a dignified scorn. He drinks like a hen; but, during war time, when no better chance availed itself he would throw back his head, open his mouth, and permit his Bearer to pour the water down his throat from a can teen. To the soldiers he served as a ba rometer. If the weight of the at mosphere indicated a storm, he was uneasy to find a shelter ere it came on, and, if secured, was very lively. No one but his Bearer oould ap proach him then without an Eagle's severe reproof; for they were his sa cred hours of communion with the Borean gods, when his every motion said, "No admission, gentlemen, ex cept on military business." If the lightning flashed,his eye was lighted with a new fury; and as the thunder followed, he would listen with rapt suspense, and then scream aloud in terrible revelry for a few rainutes; but as the rain beat steady and heav- y, he would grow calra, and, hiding his hoad under his wing, "sweetly snoring," await the sunshine. "Abe" would shake hands with his Bearer, grasp the fingers in his bill, pressing harder, chuckling, "Does it hurt?" Very sensitive as to his rights, he resented every abuse, and never forgot it. One day a ser geant tormented him with rough handling, and affronted him by mim icking his manner of self-defense; and, like an Indian, he laid up a store of vengeance for him. "VMien the sergeant returned,several months afterwards, from a journey, "Abe" fixed his eyes upon him, and, the mo ment he came into his presence, flew at his head with fuiy, and actually drove him off. It takes an Eagle to teach sorae men the laws of etiquette. CH.VSI^'¦G THE NEGKO. One day, just after a bath in the creek, a negro addressed the Eagle 60 in a rough style, tormenting him ; in an instant he was after the "young sauce box," his eyes darting fire, his claws protruding,his beak wide open his feathers rufiled by wrath. By striking his wings upon the ground, and springing on his elastic feet, he leaped after his assailant with en gine speed, accompanied with a re- yengeful screech. Hotter and hotter grew the race, the negro gaining advantage only by turning short corners. "Hurrah! Nig!"shouted the laughing soldiers, enjoying the fun. Looking back with a side glance, he caught a glimpse of that awful mouth extend ed close to his head, when, dodging downwards, the infuriated bird just grazed his wool. The negro was more respectful after that race; a lesson we all should learn, never to insult the American Eagle ! At Camp Clear Creek a change of bearers was ordered. Mr. Hill being appointed to a regimental position, it was tendered David McLane, of Menomonie, Wis., on the 18th of Au gust, 1862. lUKA. Towards the close of summer, an army three miles long, "Old Abe" this time in the rear, marched into northern Alabama and rendezvoused in beautiful Tuscumbia, famous for its mineral springs, "where charming ladies in their teens, well trained by their loyal mothers, pointed their ti ny fingers at our Eagle, making mouths prettily, and wanted to know if we called it Yank! Tank!" It is the 18th of September, 1862. It is daylight; the army is stirring. The forces are concentrating on lu ka. Stanley is there; Oglesby, Ord, the Wisconsin Hamilton, Hackle- man, Kirby Smith, the "Eagles," "Old Abe," Rosecrans command ing, — these are there. There is" a moment of perturbation. Who shall report a soldier's look-out of soul to the gathering storm, as he thinks of home? Who can register for the pon dering ages coming, how civiliz ation hung upon the issues of a great bat tle? Who can tell the chancery angel of the reckoning day in the e- ternal world, what feelings throbbed in the bosoms of Northern and Southern mothers, as their sons, the noblest of the country, there met in deadly grapple? Oh, those three hours of unceasing conflict, sword to sword, bayonet to bayonet, tramp ling brothers under feet! A nation hears that awful clash of arms; it is victory at last, and the war Eagle sends its news that night in a wild scream over the martyrs. Though the dead lay in heaps, no harm be fell him; he was carried safely through by McLane. On the same day of the luka vic tory, at Jackson, Tenn., expired James McGinnis, the 1st Eagle Bearer. He carried the Eagle through the battles of Fredericktown, New Madrid and Farmington. ATTEJIPT OP GEN, PRICE TO OAPTURE "OLD ABE." On discovering that the enemy was concentrating for a grand at tack on Corinth, then held by our forces, Rosecrans rallied his hosts Oh 51 the 3d of October, 1862, to meet the issue against 42,000 Southern troops combined under Price,Van Dorn and Lovell. In the attempt to gain the brow of a hill overlooking the town, the rebels charged upon our lines with a yell and dash, but were promptly met by a wall of adamant that turned the tide. Again they formed and hurled themselves for ward like an angry wave of the sea to capture our batteries, but were re pulsed. At this time the "Ealgles" stood near the base of the hill, clear in front of the line,"01d Abe" in the regiraental advance. Before the battle commenced, Gon. Price hav ing heard of the Eagle and his fame, and, knowing his capture would e- lectrify the South, ordered his men to take him at any hazard. A staff officer of the regiment, who was not only an eye witness but an actor in this battle, says: "At the battle of Corinth, the reb- Gen. Price, having discovered him, ordered his men to be sure and take him; if this they could not do, to kill him, adding he had rather get that bird than the whole brigade." Da vid McLane, in his letter of the 18th February, 1865, also says: "The rebel Gen. Price saw him there and ordered his men either to capture, or kill him, at all hazards av t ng that he had heard of that bird before, and -would rather cap ture him than the -whole brigade. I had this statement from ]-ebel prisoners and be- leive it to be true," Col. J. W. Jefferson, furnishing valuable facts for this work, verifies what others have testified: "One of Gen. Price's men, who waa cap tured by us, told me, Price said to his men that he would rather have them capture the Eagleof the Sth Wisconsin than a 'dozen battle-flags,' and that if they succeeded, he would give the lucky (or nnlncky) Confed erate 'Free Pillage in Corinthl' The val iant rebels did not succeed, however, but, instead, many of them were captured." A rebel soldie r, brother of a guer illa chief, visiting Madison, in 1875, informed Geo. W. Baker, one of the Eagle's attendants, that, while in the Southern service, during one of the battles,he heard a rebel general say, "I rather capture 'Old Abe' than a whole brigade." During a lull in the battle, as the enemy was preparing again to fire from the brow of the hill, distant not over thirty rods from the Eighth reg iment, the Eagle being exposed in plain sight of the rebels, a Confede rate officer was heard by several in company C to say "There he is^ — the Eagle — capture him, boys!" No sooner was this command giv en, than the rebel artillery opened upon our forces, under whose cover a column just discerned in the gath ering smoke, moved briskly over the crest to break and scatter our steady front, and capture the prize. All this while, the Eagle scanned with fire-lit eye every movement on that hill, and as the rebel infantry hove clear out insight, he, it is said,whist- led a startling note of alarm, and in stantly both arraies struck each other in deafening shook, commingling with the boom and crash of cannon that trembled forest and valley. Shouts from both sides rent the air, while death mowed his swath clear through both arraies, and yet the bloody gaps closed up again and n again. Such is war! In the general con- fiict,the Eagle leaped up with a des perate spring, breaking his cord or else it was cut by a Minie ball, and was seen by the combatants,circling, careering,exultant, as if sure of their prize; the bullets flew as hailstones; there was a wavering of a wing — was he hit? — but the war-bird rallied again, and, as he rose higher, many a rebel shot went up to bring down the American Eagle ! — but on he sped towering above that awful din, screaming back to his assailants, eyeing the battle from his sky-eyrie, when, catching a glimmer of his comrads in the fight and the colors where his Bearer stood gazing up ward with suspense — as if inspired by the very Roman gnds — he de scended, like a "bolt of , Jove," tothe left of his regiment, where McLane, flying after him, easily caught him up in his arms, trerabling and pant ing with ardor, and whistling with his peculiar air of satisfaction. By permission, his Bearer immediately carried him cautiously from the field to the camp, where he remained till tha close of the next day of battle, whicli ended in a Federal victory purchased at a dear cost. On exara ination, it was found that the Eagle vv-as hit by a rebel bulletin the feath ers of a wing near the flesh. Many a correspondent of the army writing home about this attempt of Gen. Price to capture "Old Abe," threw out the challenge — "Let him come and take him!" They would have shot and buried the Eao-lo in the raidst of a battle, rather than permit him to fall into the hands of the enemy, CROPPING THE EAGLE, Soon after the battle of Corinth, some one in the regiment had the dastardly audacity to crop the tail and a wing of the Eagle, to prevent his flying away during an engage ment. It was argued by the shabby party concerned, that he "might get lost." After all, he oould soar into a tree, rbut he no longer looked like himself ;and much did his appearance mortify the soldiers generally and regimental officers. Disgusted with the treatment of his bird, McLane resigned his Eagle commission, on the 1st of Nov,, 1882, when Edward Humaston, of Eau Claire, was ten dered the honor. Having been reared among the Green Mountains of Vermont, where in boyhood he watched the eagles' flights every day, he took to "Old Abe" with a natural instinct. Their friendship for one another was very strong; indeed, "Ed" and "Abe were brothers, thoroughly understanding each other. THE eagle's vernacular. Mr. Homaston translates the Ea gle's idiom into English. He found "Old Abe" varies his voice accord ing to emotions. When surprised, he whistles a wild melody, toned to a melancholy softness; when hover ing over his food, he gives a spite ful chuckle; when pleased to see an old friend, he says a "how do you do?" with a plaintive cooing. His scream in battle was wild, command- 53 ing, uttering five or six notes in suc cession with a most startling trill that was perfectly inspiring' to the sol diers. Strangers could never ap proach and touch him with safety, but those of his regiment that treat ed him with courtesy, he was ever glad to see. David ]\IcLane says: "He has his particular friends and his en emies. There were men in onr company whom he would not let oome near him; on them he would fly, and tear them with his talons and beak in a way not very pleasant; bnt he would never fight his Bearer. He knew his own regiment from any other, and would^ always cheer with it, bnt never for any other regiment during the war." MORALE OE APPETITE- Liite in the faU of 1862, Gen. Grant, theu commanding the Missis sippi Division, formed an expedition to gain the rear of Vicksburg and use up Price in l.is retreat. Our war Eao'le was in that imposing army, the recognized signal of success. Passine- throush Grand Junction, Tenu., thence over a country infest ed with guerilla hordes, they arrived at Cold A^"ater early in the winter, and, chilled, fatigued and hungry, prepared for encampment. After they had fairly stacked arms, and were leisurely resting in various at titude, "Old Abe,"whose wings were yet "a little awry," as if understand ing the laws of regimental hygiene by dispelling a camp gloom, broke his cord and awkwardly flew for tlie woods, drawing after him a goodly number of his regiment, running in different directions. A soldier climbed a tree in which he had a- lighted, and, catching him, tlirew him roughly to the ground, when up he flew, enraged,into another. This time they tried to bring him down by throwing clubs and stones at him. As was his custom at play, these he caught with his claws; one of them caused his mouth to bleed profusely, and he was stubborn. Finding that method uselsss, they procured a live chicken, tied it with a long string to the tree, and thus tempted him to docility. After that stampede,they never forgot the mor al of the incident — that the persua sion of the appetite is better than brute force. .i^NOTHER OOQUETISH FLIGHT. On tlie Sth of December, the "Ea gles" encamped at Waterford,on the Tallahatchie River. The Eagle's camp was a beautiful bower under tho hollies,and there "Abe"and"Ed" slept together. The author of "Opening of the Mississippi" says: "The 12th Wisconsin, Col. Bryant, is en camped about half a mile from us (at Wat erford). As his regiment was passing onr last camp a few days ago, the Eighth bronght out the Eagle, and formed in line by the roadside. As they caught a gUmpse of our old bird, they oommenced cheering; and many here found friends and relations whom they had not seen for over a year." As the Colonel made a brief speech recounting the hardships they had mutually endured, and the justice of their cause, the Eighth cheering, "Old Abe," jumping up and down on his perch, sprung with such force, the cord broke, and away he sped, soaring into the ether in gay lite. When he had satisfied his ambition he gently descended to a distant tree top, where the daring Philip Burk r.4 captured and returned him thence to the regiment. "yahkeb buzzard!" When fairly ready to enjoy the new homes at Waterford, marching orders came to "move on to Oxford." Disappointed, but faithful to duty, they promptly obeyed, and in one Week reached the place, through which they marched in platoons. When fairly in the principal street, "a lady of the Emerald Isle" cooly asked, "Why don't you shoot that buzzard?" Going a few rods furth er, a young Miss, standing on the sidewalk with the crowd, gaily attir ed, inquired, "What is that bird you carry?" On being informed, "It is an American Eagle," she replied, "You can't fool me; that is a turkey buzzardl" Turning a corner, and keeping a steady lookout, another lady, "of decidedly Southern origin, rushed from a stately mansion by the wayside, with arms extended and hair streaming wildly in the wind, and, witn scornful sarcasm, exclaim ed, 'Oh, see that Yankee Buzzard!'" By this time the soldiers conclud ed a return ffre would not be inap- plicable,and a hundred voices shout ed back, " 'Wher s is your Southern Pelican?' in so unmistakable empha sis, that she retreated for the house on double quick." As the regiment remained here a- bout a week, keeping provost guard, all such inquisitors soon learned the species of the bird when first "they met his terrible eyes of justice to re bellion." Some boys there, it is said, provoked the Eagle and annoy ed the soldiers. One day, a little boy, with bare feet, approached the bird,then on the ground. The boy's feet, by much exposure, were about the color of a toad's back, and about the size, in general appearance, of" average specimens of those amphi bia. The Eagle began to turn his head right and left, peering at them. "Take care of your feet, boy," said one of the men. "The Eagle will pounce on them, if you don't stand back." "Oh, I guess not,'" said another. . "He isn't hungry now. We fed him a small boy a little while ago." The boy took a retrograde move ment without further delay ;and,af ter that, ho and his grade of mates kept at a respectful distance from the Ea gle. "KKE DAT YANKEE BIRd!" Flying, on the 20th, to Tallahat chie, on the cars, there skirmishing with the enemy,reinforced with 5,000 troops, marching thence eighteen miles, resting that night on the cold sods, with"bay onets for their wives," they rose with the dawn of the 2l8t, and stood on a hill overlooking Hol ly Springs, all spread out to view in grand perspective, when, simultane ously, the whole army sent up a jub ilant shout that startled the people in every street. "Old Abe," beholding the scene, exulting in the enthusiasm, joined his slinll voice as the addenda always of military rejoicing. Price had oc cupied that city the day before, hav ing sacked the town and made good his escape; and now came the N'orith- 55 ernera, with banners unfurled to the breeze, headed by martial music,and tlie Eagle at his post in heraldic dig nity, marching into tliat proud,beau- tiful city. ~ "Abe" was tlie thk GtriNKA HKN. Again changing front to rear, "Abe" was ne.\t domesticated, on the 24th of December, at LaGrange, Tenn. Here no meat oould be pro cured for our Eagle. Capt. Wolf made several unsuccessful attempts to buy a chicken of a semi-Unionist. Getting spunky over it, he took the Bearer and his hungry bird witli him one day to that gentleman's house, and, by a porter, made the same de mand as before; and the same pro voking denial was returned. Learn ing that the Captain had tlie Eagle there under tlireat to let him (the bird) select his own chicken, "the half-and-half loyalist" came out, and B6 to compromise the matter, offered ^ Guinea hen, provided the Eagle oould kill her in a fair fight. About this time quite a crowd had gathered, among which were several regiment al officers, to witness "the battle of birds." Eying his prey with a measuring glance, "Abe"sprung forward, when the hen uttered her peculiar squall — a sound altogether new to his quick ear — which so startled him that he paused for further examination. Im proving this"cessation of hostilities," she scud off to the opposite corner, "facing the music." Enraged at such procedure, the Eagle made an other dash, which was followed by the same unearthly squall, and this by another pause. There was no possibility of outflanking the hen, neither did she dare to meet him in "mortal oombat,"so round and round they flew, amid roars of laughter, neither of the "flying squadrons" the victor, till at length Madam Guinea escaped into a chink under a building, where Monsieur Eagle could not penetrate. The general fun evoked a fellow feeling; and "Old Abe" was next permitted to seize a fat shanghai with one unerr ing spring, when the grave looking "Abraham" enjoyed a feast. "OOTTON IS KING." At LaGrange, "Abe's" rendezvuos was a fort composed of cotton bales, which furnished him new arause raent. "Cotton is king!" said the Southrons, for nearly a century, and Church and State bowed to this Mo loch of Slavery, whose foot was upon our Sable brother, pressing out the bloody sweat to refresh the famished Eden of the West; but our "Bird of Liberty," inspired with the free idea of the age, evidently disdained the "King," and proved that despot was only "stuffed cotton," after all, as he tore it out with a frolicking chuckle, and trod it under his feet for a soft bed to lie on in the sun. On Christ mas day of 1862, the soldiers hoisted an immense flag on these works, and then gave three rousing cheers for the Union. "Old Abe" was stand ing at the time right under it, close to tlie staff. When the last cheer died away, he gave his startling war- scream with trilling vibrations, when another shout went up in a general "Hurrah for the Soldier Bird of Wis consin !" "BRAVO, OLD ABE." Vibrating back to the old battle grounds of Corinth, and thence to Germantown, Tenn., the "Eagles" there made a church their headquar ters, during the remainder of the winter. Whether it was because of fashion, or asense of religous duty, the boys do not>epprt, but "it was most comical to see him going to church to prey so earnestly!" On the llth of March, 1863, they were ordered to Memphis — most wel come news, for they anticipated a rest amid the gayeties and luxuries of city life. "Old Abe"remained on his perch all that day, watching the preparation, becoraing impatient the next morning, and evidently think ing so long delay in filling an order unlike "the swift Eagles," the mo- 57 ment he heard the blast of the bugle, so electrifying was it to his patriotic nerve, he snatched up the cord, then stiffened by a recent oold rain, and bit it in two clear and smooth, as if cut by a knife, and, to,signify"Come on, boys, it is high time to march," soared over the regiment with a whir of exultation, high, higher, on easy wing, sailing round and' round in the dark sky, and when up to a shooting point, scooped far off in. a grand cir- . cle, and back over the army again, the whole brigade gazing,and thous ands of voices shouting, "Bravo, Old Abe!" They could not march with out their pet bird, and as the whole army paused in the general excite ment, IIomaston,flying with the rest, requested the frantic fellows to keep cool while he and a German lad would burelv capture him at his old A< atering place, where he had then alighted, .Vpproaching cautiously, Le put the perch at tho right angle, and coaxing him to mount, at length secured liim fast. When returned to the regiment, amid acclamations, the bugle rounded again, and" Abe," with the rogue in his eyes, and pat riotism in his air of dignity, said, "Steady, sir, go on!" CONFEDERATE RESPECT. When at Memphis, certain Con federate citizens gave Mr, Homaston money to purchase meat for his Ea gle. They respec ted the living em blem of that Union for which they had a heart, though conventionally arrayed acrainst it. The following clipping from the diary of Joseph Lawton, Sergeant of Company K., who kept a record of all the army movements, shows how earnest was the respect at Memphis: "On Steamer 'EImfbess,' Mbhphib, Tehn., March U, 1863. "Yesterday afternoon, as we marched throngh the city of Memphis to embark on this steamer, the regiment and the Uve Ea gle attracted great attention, as usual, and many red, white and blue flags, and white handkerchiefs sainted ns on onr march." Their "long rest" at Memphis was only for a few days. The order was imperative — to Helena, the"Soldiers' Sepulchre." "Old Abe" did not like the journey; steamboats and "mule wagons" were his disgust. When arrived at Yazoo Pass, while the boys wero freighting the "Ben Franklin"' with war equipraents, the rain poured in torrents, and the wind "blew like a southem hurricane," be fore which the trees fell crashino; all around the m^n. In the desperate struggles tq save his life, "Old Abe" Sfot the cord so awkwardly around him, that he was actually hung in a tree ; and one of his logs was much bruised, larning him for several weeks. Landing at Ducksport, near Young's Point, on the 1st of xVpril, 1863, they went into camp on the Louisiana side,only nine miles above Vicksburg and two miles above the famous fleet anchored there to sub due the city, employing their time digging canals, building roads, and preparin£f steamers to run the block ade. Here they were addressed one day by Gen. Thomas, Adj. Gen. U. S. A,, and, during his patriotic re marks, he feelingly alluded to the imraortal Emancipation Proclamation 68 of President Lincoln, ordering the freedom and enlistment of negroes, and urged that such deserving pri vates as their officers might recom- mendjlshould present them selves as candidates for commanders in colored regiments and corapanies. As his eye glanced over the stalwart ranks, he caught a view of "Old Abe," whom he had not seen since the greeting in St. Louis, about two years before; and, with a new lustre firing his vision so tense and deter mined, he added, "I supposed that all present were strangers to me, but I see one familiar personage at least — that majestic Eaale of the Sth Wis cousin, the emblem now of universal freedom in the Republic." In Gen. Tuttle's Diyision, march ing, counterraarching, through Rich mond, La., camping on Smith's plan tation, on Perkins' Plantation,on the shore of Lake St. Joseph — ever encouraged by the negroes who thanked "de Lor' thet massa Lin kum's army hab delibered us from slabery" — they reached Hard Times Landing, on the 7th of May, when, just as each company had stacked arms in the middle of the road. Gen erals Mower, Smith, Sherman and Grant came dashing by, inspecting the army, and, as they passed the old Eighth, they doffed their hats to the Eagle, at whioh the regiraent cheer ed, and the bird responded with pat riotic civility by his wings and in imitable voice. Crossing the Mississippi on a gun boat, marching thence to Grand Gulf, to Fort Gibson, to Rocky Springs, the "Eagles" skirmished,on the 12th, with the enemy at Four teen Mile Creek. Here Gen, Sher man, frequently riding with his Staff during the day in their rear, and no ticing the dash and skill of those brave men driving the rebels with easy adroitness,afterwards paid them a high compliment, remarking,^' You are worthy to carry the American Eagle, and proud must that bird be that is so honored." The next day, entering Raymond, our Eagle wit nessed another skirraish, driving the enemy to Mississippi Springs; "and it was fun," says a soldier, "to see how drolly he watched the 'butter nuts' as they skedaddled into the tangled brush." CHARGE ON JACKSOX. On the 14th of May, 1863, Gen. Grant, with his gallant army, stood before Jackson, Mississippi, McPher son at the head of the right wing, and Sherman the left, in which the Eagle was placed. A violent storm poured out its vials of wrath upon friend and foe. Gazing at the heavens,the eyes of the Eagle seem ed as lightning; and as the clouds pealed forth their fiery thunders, commingling with the roar of can non, shell and rausketry, he was in deed the erabodiment of a sublime fury. The boys say, "the lightnings played upon his pinions," and that when he stretched them forth and dashed the electric drops of rain up on the soldiers, they were inspired with an inexpressible enthusiasm. - Swift as a mountain avalanche 59 swifter, swiftest, was that "For ward!"— the "Eagles" led by the in trepid Col. Robbins — until it be came the acceleration of Jupiter's bolts, hurling with resistless weight - against the enemy, bravely defend ing his entrenchments. A creek was before the Federal forces; un heeding, they plunged into it — the Eagle carried aloft on his standard — and ploughed across, backing the swelling current till it rose to the waist, and, springing up the opposite bank by the aid of the advance par ty, the last up pulling out his next neighlor, they formed again, and, in a wild "Eaorle yell" swept over a level tract like a dark, whirling tor- tornado, right on to the guns of the enemy in the woods. Nothing on earth could withstand that charge. The rebels fired, fought like brave men well, but, quailing at last, fled amazed. The "Eagles" with their screaminc bird were among' the first to enter the city. Amid the wild huzzas of the victors, they flew through the streets, just as Gen. Joe Johnston with 8,000 men retreated out in a southernly direction; and, reaching the Capitol, in a moment tore down the rebel flag and hoisted the "stars and stripes" on the same staff, when cheer upon cheer, louder, yet louder, "lifted the delivered city," says one of the more enthusiastic, "a hundred feet into the victorious air, when 'Old Abe' showed those old sinners how to proclaim liberty throughout all the land. The battle lulled to a repose, dread and pensive over the "slain of the daughter of my people;" and there, too, hovered the Northern Eagle, conscious of a dearly purchased victory, perched on his starry shield just on the steps in front of the Capitol where was quartered the Union array. What a contrast of occupancy! what a retribution in example ever to be remembered as a lesson to na tions, that oppression reacts to de struction ! A gentleman from the North, visiting the city of Jackson, in 1860, just before the war broke out, and, standing before that same State House, saw a large body of people asserabled in the Capitol Park, witnessing and participating in the sale of slaves at auction, be longing to a planter that had recent ly died: "As 1 stood there, an in telligent, good looking negro, about twenty-two years old, occupied a stone pedestal at the side of the front steps of the Capitol, the auctioneer selling him offi to the highest bidder." One year, over two years of blood shed, and the sons of brave mothers from the North possess that Capitol by force, every room and chamber honored by Yankee Soldiers, the true flag floating from the dorae, the Eagle that our Revolutionary Fath ers chose for their and our national emblem, flapping his wings and screaming his terrible war-cry of victory from the very spot where three years before stood that auction eer selling a human being for gold! APPEARANCE 0E"0LD ABe"iN BATTLE. Jackson evacuated and needlessly left almost a desolation, the elated array following up its conquest, Na- .60 poleon-like, carried its victor Eagle clear through the enemy's ranks at Black River Bridge and Champion Hills, on the 16th, driving those out posts closer to the doomed city. The constant exciteraent of march and battle, of the hurrying and af frighted populace, roused all the na tive fire and inspiration of our mili tary bird. His appearance was per fectly magnificent. To be seen inall his glory was when the battle cora raenced. At the sound of the regi raental bugle, which he had learned to recognize, however enjraged he might be, he would start suddenly, dart up his head, and then bend it gracefully, antio.ipatin£r the coming shock; and, when conscious of its re ality, his eyes would flash with un common luster. Thon, with a silent, excited, ani mation, he would survey the moving squadrons, and, as they rushed into line, his breast would tremble like the human heart, intensified to war ring action between hope and fear — an undaunted suspense — a blending of caution and courage — a precipi tancy of will, inspiring and sublime. Click would go a thousand locks, and he would turn again, curving that majestic neck, scrutinizing the ranks, and dipping his brow forward to await the crash ;and when it came, rolling fiery thunder over the plain, he would spring up and spread his pinions,uttering his startling- scream, • heard, felt and gloried in bythe des perate soldiers. As the smoke en veloped hira, he would appear to be bewildered for a moraent, but when it opened again, folding up from the soldiers like a curtain, he would look down intently, as if inquiring, "How goes the battle,boys? What of that last charge V" "As the engagement waxed hot,'' says the Washington Chronicle, "as the roar of the heavy guns shook the aarth, and the rattle of smill arms pierced the dim and sulphur ous cloud that hung about the line of bat tle—the Eagle would flap his wings and mingle his voice with the tumult in the fiercest and wildest of his screams." "When the battle is commenced," says a newspaper correspondent, "the Eagle, with spread pinions, jumpi np aud down on bis perch, uttering sncti wild, fearful screami as an eagle alone can utter. The fiercer and louder the storm of battle, the fiercer, wild er and louder the screams. What a grand history he will have — what a grand Eagle he will be a hundred years hence! Pilgrims will come from all parts of the world to see the Eagle that was borne through this, our seeond war for Independence," "When the battle raged raost fiercely," says Harpers' Weekly, "and the enthusirsm of the soldiers was at its highest, 1 hen it was that 'Old Abe' seemed to be in his own ele ment. He flapped his wings in tne midsl ut' the furious storm, and, with head erect, fac ed the flying bullets and the crashing shells with no signs of fe.ar. 'Old Abe" triumphs with tbe triumph of the flag; and seems in some measure conscious of his relationship with the emblem of a victorious Repnblic." Col. J. W. .lefferson, who led the gallant Eighth in raany of its battles, thus describes the war Eagle on pa rade and in battle: " 'Old Abe' was with the command in nearly every action. He enjoyed the excite ment; and I am convinced, from his pecu liar manner, he was well informed in regard to army movements, dress parade and pre parations for the march and battle. Upon parade, after he had beeu a year in the ser vice, he alwaya gave heed to 'attention!' With his head obliquely to the front, his right eye directly turned upon the parade commander,he would listen and obey ordera noting time accurately. After parade had 61 been dismissed, and the ranks were being closed by the sergeants, he would lay aside his soldieriy manner, flap his wings, and make Mmself generally at home. When there was an order to form for battle, he and the colors were flrst upon the line. Sis actions upon those occasions were uneasy, taming his head anxiously from right to left, looking to see when the line was com pleted. Foon as the regiment y;ot ready,faced and put in march,' he would assume u steady and quiet demeanor. In battle he was al most constantly flapping his wings, having his mouth wide open, and mauy a time would scream with wild enthusiasm. This was pattioularly so at the hard-fought battle of Corinth, when our regiment repulsed and charged, or, you might say, made a counter charge on Price's famous Missouri brigade." "The Eagle seems,"write3 David McLane, "to have a dread, like all old soldiers, of heavy musketry; but is in all his glory when the roar of artillery commences, I have had him up to batteries when they were firing into the rebel ranks as fast as they could load, and then he wonld scream, spread his wings at every discharge, and revel in the smoke and roar of the big guns." Nor was "Old Abe" indifferent to the casualties of war. When a poor soldier was wounded and bleeding, just fallen, he would often give at tention and watch his comrade till carried from the field. ASSAULT ON VICKSBUKG, Having chained Vicksburg on all sides with batteries by land and wa ter. Gen, Grant ordered a combined charge to commence at 10 o'clock on the morning of the 22d of May,1863. At the very minute the gunboats be gan their vengeful bombardment, McClernand on the left, McPherson in the center, and Sherman on the right with the Eagle, simultaneously moved on their columns with fixed bayonets. It was "a time that tried men's souls." Tho enemy burst up on the Northmen in a general pan demonium of destruction; and yet they advanced, climbing higher for the piles of the slain, treading u[)on their fallen companions, up furiously to "enter the lion's angry mouth." The frowning fortifications stream ed forth forked lightning, blast after blast, upon our uncovered ranks be low. No enemy was discernible; only solid earth works, rolling^ sul phurous clouds, lurid fires, missiles of death, confronted them. Must they not reach that volcano — that crater of fire, and smother it? One hour — two hours — walking over heaps of the accumulating dead and dying, and yet they struggle on; they reach the ditch; they pass it; they scale the ramparts; they plant there the Union flag; a shout goes up, but in an instant it is hushed in the throttle of death, when fresh troops corae on to swell the slaught er, and yet the main works of those Southrons, so worthy of our steel, yield not an inch. Meanwhile the Eagle clinched his claws fast to the grooves of his perch, and, standing under the proud colors, bent his head, soldier-like, on a listening angle, his fierce eyes re flecting th e glare of the battle, his wings outstretched, his voice heard, as oft before, cheering his compatriots to the shock for conquest. In the general wildness and confusion,Hom- aston, rushing to keep at the head of the company, central in the regi ment, accidentally stepped on a slip pery canebarke, and fell; when, in an instant, the Eagle, shocked,doubt- 62 less, by the concussion of a bullet that glanced with a quivering pres sure on his breast, mounted up with a desperate spring for a flight; but the Bearer held fast to the perch, whilst "Abe," at the other end of the cord, having gained great speed, lifted him from the ground, dragged him forward with such an impetus that it brought him abreast against a rough log, jerking back the bird and hurling them both together into the brush on the other side. The blow stunned Homaston, and "near ly knocked the breath from his body," for he lay there apparently dead, for a few moments. Whether we call it Providence or not, that Eagle's flight saved the life of his Bearer. Had he not fallen at that instant, the well aimed shot of the eneray at those conspicuous standards, pour ing right there in waves of fire, would have killed Homaston, and thrown the company into confusion. Lieut. Thomas B, Butler, gallantly commanding, had in the outset giv en Serg, Adolph Pitwch special in struction to "watch the .fate of Hom aston," and, if he got wounded or killed, to "be sure and secure the Eagle," Seeing him fall, and noting the few moments of suspense, the Sergeant rushed toward him, just as he revived, and, finding him not kill ed, returned to bis duty. Placing the Eagle upon his perch again, Homaston hurried forward to his post on the left of the regimental colors, bome then by Sergt. Myron Briggs, and with him, Lieut. Butler and others, stood under a large tree in front and in plain sight of the rebel batteries, not a hundred rods dis» tant. Evidently espying the Eagle and colors, the rebels poured a spe cial fire of grape upon the daring group, and sent a well aimed shell, which, hitting the top of the tree,cut it off, crashing to the ground, and burst with a horrid scattering, the pieces of which tore many holes in the flag, and killed several, among whom were Lieut, W, D. Chapman, of Company F, and Capt, Stephen Estee, of Company H. Tbe Eagle sprung for a flight again, but was held fast, and botb be and bis Bear er escaped unharmed. Lowering the colors and Eagle, they lay down under that shivered tree expecting annihilation, but, re solving to die at the best price, con tinued to fire upon tbe eneray, when an Adjutant rode briskly to tbe spot and announced tbe order to "go for ward into tbe ravine, and avoid the useless slaughter," Tbe regiment recoiled over swaths of tbo slain; but Butler and bis company, in tbe dire confusion tbat followed, finding a perfect jam of men interoepted a passage to the right, swung over an abattis hugely piled up in sharp, threatening points; and on tbis tbey retreated a third of a mile in full sight and range of tbe enemy in front, flring inoessantly at tbe daunt less boys who moved witb tbe ut most difficulty and peril, carrying tbeir Bagle witb tbem safely to the ravine below. It was indeed an eag'e leap from a maelatrom of con suming fire. As the crowd gathered in tbe ra- vincj a soldier, chuckling over bis trophy and running with tbe rest in high glee, brought in his band a live rabbit whioh he caught in the bush es, when tbe whole company, forget ful of self, exclaimed— "Let's bave him for Abe!" "Here, Abe!" said the sweating soldier boy, "you've well earned tbis fellow," and threw it to tbe perob, tbe Eagle catching it in his olftws, and there in the raging battle.as shell and oannon were play ing freely overhead be devoured bis prey, heedless of noise and excite ment, How much like a soldier! His self-possessed demeanor pleased the lioya vastly, it was so brave and military. Leaving the Eagle to enjoy his meal, his Bearer took several can teens to flll with water at a spring directly under the enemy's gun8,and whilst busy at bis duty, a shell fell with its thundering crash near bimj one 'of the exploded pieces, hitting his canteen, dashed it to piepes; but, paying no attention to it, be deliber ately filled tbe rest. "You take it oooi, Ed," said a waiting boy, stand ing by, "Yes, oooi place, tbis," re plied Ed; "but run and see if Abe is hurt!" Tbe pet bird was still unin jured, gorging on his rabbit. So it was everywhere; tbe soldiers forgot pergonal peril in love of tbe Eagle; any day tiie whole regiraent would have fought for bim. Sharing alike tbe dangers of march and battle, the Eagle wai oompanion and warrior, sign and seal of victory. "Run and see if tbe Eagle ia hurt," ia the earn est expression of a soldier's undying attachment and devotion to tbe lib erty which tbe noble bird so grandly emblemized. On carefully examining"01d Abe," Homaston found be was bit probably witb a spent Minie ball, and natural ly concluded it occured when he lifted bim up and flung him against tbe log, Tbe ball passed down bis neck and breast, cutting off tbe feathers in its traok. Had it glanc ed tber other way, tbe proud bird would bave fallen; but being shot in tbe direction of tbe lay of tbe feath ers, as be faced tbe foe, tbey saved bia life. Another ball passed through the web of bis left wing, making a round bole in it. He ia a scarred veteran to tbis day, STJBBENPEB OF VICKSBUBG, Having foiled eveyy strategy of tbo enemy to place the besiegers be tween tbe fires of Pemberton and Johnston, our war-bird, ever as po tent in battle as tbe ark of Isreal, flew witb bis peers to Young's Point near Vioksburg, Here be was one of tbe "sharpshooters," under tbe enemy's fire from tbe abore batteries. Many a poor soldier fell; but,tbougb constantly expoaed, no harm touched tbe charmed Eagle. For forty-aix daya, tbe boys bad been without tents, subjeot to every possible kind of hardship and p©ril,without change of clothing, and many without aboes, being feet-bliatered and bleeding; and, for sixteen days, tbe average to a man per day was but one eraoker; but not a word of complaint was ut tered by a single soldier in the oom- 64 mand. Young's Point being a ma larious locality, a large proportion of the regiment was sick; but, under the skillful manageraent and fidelity of Surgeon Murta, and the inspirit ing influences of the Eagle, ever re minding them of the holy cause for which they were suffering, they con quered almost the pestilence What but the talismanic Eagle could bea con hope and triumphant freedom a- raid destitution and sickness, when fiery batteries were also voraiting upon them their contents of destruct ion ? It was at this dangerous point that Pemberton's forces, in their mad precipitancy to escape from Grant's coils,made their last attempt to cross the river in flatboats; but Eagle eyes were on them, and when they' push ed forth on tbat desperate alternative that invulnerable brigade closed up the gaps with a destructive front that drove the enemy back to his re cluse. It was like "Abe's" econmi- cal reserve of his prey for another occasion of need; and speedily did that occasion present itself by a flag- of -truce from Pemberton,and a meet ing with Grant under that memora ble oak tree to stipulate terms of sur render, followed the next day, by the entree of our army. Gen. .John A. Logan at the head, with "stars and stripes," with streamers from the fleet, with martial music, with boom ing cannon, with a huzza which our Eagle heard and echoed in a war- scream from his post of duty, as his regiment joined its cheer in that grand jubilee which a nation at home celebrated with TeDeums of thanks giving. We are apt to credit great victories to the Generals, but notice not the faithful privates that win them. Let us do justice, even to an Eao'le. Thouirh a jirivate without pay, he iuspii'cd the array to health amid pestilences; and, by his prow ess, evoked unfaltering daring, that French impetuosity, that shiver of patriotic nerve which delivered the City to its rightful owners; let our war-bird, then, be mentioned in his tory as the inaugural of that event ful celebration on the 4th of July, 1863. "trSVEXED TO THE SFA." With an acumen characteristic of the Araerican mind, the Congress of the Southem Confederacy foresaw, that a possession if the^ Lower Mis sissippi would be virtually tbe estab lishment of a seperate govemment; and witb a wonderful alacrity was a policy, aiming at this result, execut ed early in the war by fortifying the high bluffs of both shores at the most comraanding and impregnable points to prevent northern naviga tion, and by organizing a land force sufficient to baffle a Federal attempt to break the blockade. When the Union army entered upon its con quest, the Confederacy held the country from Columbus down to New Orleans. To open the Mississippi was the problem. The rivals were of equal bravery; the difference was in the riorhteousness of the cause. Of the strategical raoveraents it is needless to speak here, save that when the fleet of Earragut, conquer ing the raouth of the river, reducing- New Orleans to order under Benj, F, Butler, corabined with the fleet of Foote, raoving down the river from the North, both backed by their "three hundred thousand more," nn der the leadership of such men as Banks, Pope, McClernand, McPher son, Logan, Stanley, Blair, Wash burn, Buell, Mitchell, and others of like calibre, — when the northern wing, after several experiments, at length gained the rear of Vicksburg under the comraand of Maj. Gen, Grant, subduing the city by a delib erate siege, necessarily followed by the surrender of Port Hudson to Gon. Banks, only four days after, — then the "Father of Waters," blockaded and chained by rebel batteries for more than two years, "ran unvexed to the sea;" then this "poasession of Araerica," that deprived the enemy of sustenance from the west, became the initial of Sherman's Great March to tho Atlantic, which bisected tiie Confederacy east and west, leavin j? the invincible Grant the honor of finishing the rebellion in Richmond. Thus our emblem-warrior of the dark wing — "Old Abe" — was a conspicu ous actor in the most gigantic and far reaching strategy of generalship ever known in military annals; and in it all, moving with his column in every possible direction, unconscious of this magnificent design, he was hailed as the swift messenger of jus tice by all that proud and victorious army. The triumph of our arms was purchased at the cost of "the flower of the North," at the cost of brave hearts in the sunny South — though misguided — till our mutual weeping rose to Heaven for raercy; but, as our lamented Lincoln said on the battle-field of Gettysburg, — "From these honored dead take increased devotion lo tlio cause tor whioh thoy gave the last full measure of devotion, and their high resolve, that the dead shall not have died in vain; that tho nation shall, under God, have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the people, by the peo ple, and for the people,shall not periah from the earth," (;iIASTlSIN(i TUK ILMNOrs SOLDIKR. While "Old Abe's" regiment was stationed at Messenger's Ford, the latter part of July, there protecting property and life against guerilla hordes, a squad of the 98d Illinois came one day purposely to seo tlie Easle, Havino; heard of his dislike of strangers, one of them was quite shy, careful not to approach within tho lengtii of hia cord; but the boys of tlie Eighth, ever on the alert for fun, importuned hira to throw up his cap and "seo how nice the Eagle will catch it," The plumaged pat riot was then in a tree surveying his guests with severe scrutiny, Up went the cap; when "Abe," catching it with his claws, glanced down at the soldier with a roguish whistle, and trampled it under his feet, hov- erini,'- and rustling his wings, and then holding it there, tore it up with his beak, fllinginij tiie shreds down with a disdainful— "How do you like to insult an Eaefle, sir?" Soon after this incident, while "Abe" was on his perch surveying the trappings of war, a negro passed under hira very carelessly, when, quick as .a dart, he reached down and snatched offi the 66 grimacing darkie's cap, tore it up chuckling over the ruins. He wish ed to teaoh the negro,\yhom he carae to emancipate, a proper deference to superiors. "TAKING A glass!" "Old Abe's" honor was not al ways at par. A few days after, while the regiment was on picket guard at Bear Creek,he followed the example of certain dignitaries of the army — -got drunk! A soldier, hav ing bought some peach brandy,pour- ed out a saucerful, left it a few mo ments on the ground, and turned to attend to some camp duty, when "Abe,"alwayson the watch for spoils, "took a glass," and, in a little while, was intoxicated after the usual style of hard drinkers. He lolled his head and tried to vomit, flapped his wings heavily upon the ground,rolled over, and behaved in an unbecoraing man ner for an Eagle ! BED EIVEE EXPEDITION. In September, Mr. Homaston re signed his responsible office, when the gallant Lieut. Butler, then com manding, conferred the honor upon John Buckhardt, of Eau Claire, who was initiated into the military art of bearing the Eagle in McPherson's and Logan's victorious charge upon the enemy at Brownsville, October 14, 1863. After various oscillating marches in every important movement of the campaign, "Abe" was next seen proudly marching with Gen. Sher man's army,on the 27th of February, 1864, into Central Mississippi, as the Roraan heraldry of success. Arriv ing at Canton, his regiraent was sud denly ordered back to Vicksburg to. guard it against its being retaken by the enemy. It was a precipitate march on foot of one hundred and fourteen miles, in seventy hours, with the swiftness of an Eagle in pursuit of the hawk. Pestilence, fatigue, hunger, battle, had depleted the ranks. The loyal bird missed fa railiar companions at alraost every ad venture; yet his spirit was unconquer able like that of his compatriots. At Vicksburg, fresh recruits awoke new vigor. It is said "Old Abe" actual ly manifested a decided pleasure while scanning the raen on dress pa rade. Soldierly in his instincts, he seemed to understand that the war was to be carried to the bitter end — to the last dying gasp of an enslav ing rebellion. That army had conquered the Mis sissippi, but one of its raain arteries — Red River — remained blockaded by the eneray. Should the"Eagles" advance, or have a furlough to which they were entitled? "Country first!" said all; "every tributary even shall be restored!" Such was"01d Abe's" vote, if there were anything signifi cant of consent in his warlike aspect. Under coraraand of Gen. A. J. Sraith, they erabarked on transports, the 10th of March,1864, with a force of 20,000, accorapanied by Admiral Porter's fleet, down the Mississippi, up the Red River, up the Atchafa- laya, to Simmsport, Louisiana, where a portion of the troops landed,march- ing four miles to Fort Scurry, situat ed at the junction of Yellow Bayou 67 with Bayou de Glaise, and struck an effectual blow at the enemy — the Eighth being in the 'advance with their invincible Eagle. Following the Bayou de Glaise, on the 14th, they marched over a charming coun try and were greeted with joy by the French or Creole people. As they displayed white flags and waved their handkerchiefs, "Old Abe," ac customed raainly to raenacing or scornful attitudes from the Southern populace, eyed their demonstrations with his sharp eyes without a response as if to say, "Who knows whether you are loyal?" But, when his reg iment cheered, he lustily flapped his wings. Advancing to Fort de Rus sy on the Red Rivor — which the spring before destroyed our fine iron-clad -'Queen of the West" — they iramediately invested it, on the 15th, and, by assault, carried it in twenty minutes, with the Eagle- scream heard upon the raraparts. Here, joined by the fleets, they proceeded the next morning up the river, fifty miles, to Alexandria, where a request was made by sever al regiraental officers and captains for company C to transfer the Eagle to the regiraent. "He is a national bird," was the argument,"and should be regimental," Quite an aniraated disputation ensued, ending in a writ ten statement of the original claims of the corapany, which was sent to Gen. Mower, who decided in favor of the company as the lawful owner. YANKEE TEICK. While waiting the arrival of Gen. Banks at Alexandria, the "Eagles," in the second brigade under Gen. Mower, "marched, on the 21st, along Bayou Rapide, over very rauddy roads, a distance of twenty railes, to Henderson's Hill, where the eneray was discoyered in strong position,de- f ended by artillery" (see Adj- Gay- lord's Report for 1864, p. 36). Find ing it irapractical to attack the ene my in front, the brigade made a de tour of fifteen miles, through cane swamps, where the eneray supposed a passage could not be effected. It was then midnight, and "dark as Erebus." Stealthily they moved. Quick — a single note of the Ea gle's whistle^ — -it was a sign, "Be on the guard!" What was it? A step approached. It was a courier from the rebel fort, bearing dispatches from the commander to Gen. Dick Taylor, then only four miles distant with a force of 12,000 strong, asking for re-enforcements to "repulse the Yankees in front." The man, sup posing at first in the darkness that he was with Confederate soldiers, divulged the rebel countersign. He was captured and forced to lead the "Eagle army" into the fort by the talisman of that countersign — the very dark our Providence, — when three hu ndred and fifty strong, with four guns, four hundred horses, and a supply of ammunition and stores, were captured. It was a descent of the Araerican Eagle upon his prey; the rebels cursed and swore at the "Yankee trick," as "Abe" screamed his war-cry of victory. Returning the next day to Alex andria the "Eagles" were in motion 68 again on the 26th, traveling thirty- three miles on Red River to Cotile, where they raade. a junction with Gen. Banks' army, and, on the 2d of April, embarking on transports, found the enemy, eighty miles farth er up, in force at Grand Ecore. Here another question of dispute arose as to what corapany should carry the Eagle, for corapany C was assigned the post of Provost Guard at Diyi sion Head Quarters. It was finally tendered Company I, with the regi mental colors — the only instance when he was out ofthe hands of com pany C during the whole war — and carried by Mr. Buckhardt through all the rest of that expedi, ion, COVEEING THE RETEEAT, It is a reraarkable fact, that even in retreat, when hard pressed by the enemy, that part of the army in which the Eagle fought with his bra ?es by his screams and furious wir 'S, was also irresistable in a con- tesl ing battle. At Grand Ecore, Gen, Banks' army commenced its most vigorous operations. Detach ments of the Eighth were deployed as skirmishers, the rebels retiring ,with a show of resistance, as if to lead into their jaws of destruction. "At this time the river was rapidly falling endnnirering their communications, and Gen. Hanks' army having passed on in ad vance towards Pleasant Hill and Mapsfleld, for Shreveport, Gen. Smith's forces [Eagle Corps] marched in the same direction, on the uioiningof the 7th, and having toiled upwards of thirty miles through rain and over horrible road9,prrived on the following day at Pleasant Hill, During the early part of the day, a portion of (Jen, Banks' army had been defeated at Sabine Cross Roads. and driven back in the direction of Pleasant Hill; when Gen. Smith's army was at once placed in position to rally our retreating forces, and check the advance of the enemy, who attacked our lines vigorouBly,on the 9th and after a severe contest, lasting four hours, was repulsed at all points, and driv en from the fleld. The Eighth, having been posted to prevent a flank movement of the enemy, was double-quicked th the front,Bnd joined in the pursuit. After the battle.a re treat was ordered, and the army returned, on the llth, to Grand Ecore."— Adjutant General's Report, 1864." 'If we must retreat, let it be a victory," seemed to be "Old Abe's" motto; and "No surrender!" was his watchword; and well did he illus trate it during the reraainder of the retreat. As his corapatriots fired back, now on a rush, now on the de liberate aim, now flying to gain a shelter of defense, our Eagle, furious and on flre, scanned friend and foe through the chinks of the curling smoke, cheering his own witb the splendor of his example. It was but to look at that Eagle, raised a- loft, with wings flapping, with eyes of lightning, with voice like the In dian warwhoop, and know that the angury war hopeful and their cause was just. This rendered them un conquerable even in disaster. Cov ering the retreat for a distance of eighty miles, they held a bridge a- gainst the enemy, on the 24tb, at Nachitoches; in the evening of the same day they fought him at Clou terville, driving him back in confu sion, as the army made further ad vance in that retreat. Day and night, our Eagle was on the march and battle, the inspiriting and un faltering messenger of the invinci ble Eighth, that saved Gen. Banks' 69 army from utter rout, till safely ar rived at Alexandria, on the 26th, subsisting on short rations, weary, repulsed in the main, but not dis heartened. The evacuation of Red River being now determined upon, the "Eagle-wing of the Array," un der Gen. Smith, moved up Bayou Rapide, "Old Abe" on his heraldic post, to check the enemy during the construction of the celebrated dam, by which, through the engineering skill of Col. Bailey, of the 4th Wis consin, our fleet was saved. On the 3d of May, the Eagle was with his skirmishers, covering the front ofthe army from Bayou Roberts to Bayou La Moore, constantly under fire till the 13th, when the retreat of our whole army was resumed. On the left of the retreating column oould be seen our Northern Eagle of tire less wing, turning, backward wheel ing, advancing, almost shooting the enemy with those war-lit eyes; and, as his braves fought on, over all those weary miles, back to Fort de Russy, resting only two hours there, on to the battle of Maysville, to the battle of Mansura, to the battle at Calhoun's Plantation,to the battle at Bayou de Glaise, to the battle at Atchafalaya, he was indeed a vete ran soldier in exaraple of fortitude and daring, ever the sign above the heads of the raoving columns of the eventual triumph of our arms. Cross ing the Atchafalaya, pressing to the mouth of that river, on the 21st, our unconquered Eagle was at last safe with the surviving members of his regiment on board a transport, land ed at Vicksburg, on the 24th. Learn ing that the enemy, inflated at their seeming success, was attempting to blockade the Mississippi again, the regiment and "Old Abe" rushed with other forces to Lake Chicot, and, on the 6th of ,Iune, blasted the design, and left the river in its "free course to run and be glorified," The gallant Col, .1. W. .lefferson said, in his report to Gov. Lewis, of this con tinuous battle of twenty-seven days: "Half the time my men have been on short rations, and no opportunity of get ting clothing for them in the past three months. My noble soldiers are barefooted and in rags, nevertheless the health and efaciency of the men were never better. The campaign is a failure, but in every in stance thaf onr army (Smith's) has had oc casion to flght the enemy, we have whipped him and driven him in disorder. The regi ment has been first to the front and last to leave it." On the 19th of June, 1864, those war-scarred veterans, with their re nowned Eagle, left Memphis and ar rived at Chicago on the 21st, wel comed at the Soldiers' Rest. The State authorities in Madison received a telegram from Chicago, stating that the Eighth Wisconsin Veterans, numbering two hundred and forty strong, would arrive at that city on the 22d. They were re ceived with a raost cordial welcome. The Madison State Journal, of the 23d, thus sums up the imposing scene: "The re-enlisted veterans of the 8th Wis. consin regiment arrived on the afternoon train, Tuesday, and after - a good dinner prepared for them at Mosher's Railroad House, marched up town tothe Capitol Park where the reception took place a little after six o'clock! A large concourse of citizens 70 had assembled to witness the spectacle. Flags were displayed along the streets, the bells of the city rung, and a national salute flred, "The live Bagle, 'Old Abe,' and the tat tered and riddled colors of the regiment at tracted all eyes. Since we first saw him at Camp Randall, In 1861, 'Old Abe' has grown ¦oonsideiably, and has acquired dignity and ease of bearing. He sits on his perch nn- disturbed by any noise or tumult, the im personation of haughty deflance. He has shared all the long marches of the regiment including Sherman's great raid and the cam paign up Red River, and passed through a great number of battles, in which he has onoe or twice had some of his feathers shot away, bnt hes never received a scratch from B rebel bullet sufficient to draw blood. He is the pet of the whole regiment." After the regiraent had been drawn up in the Park, Gov. Lewis being then absent, the soldiers were elo quently addressed by Gen. Lucius Fairchild, Hon. J. H. Carpenter, Hon. Chauncey Abbott and Adj. Gen. Augustus Gaylord. Nor was our Eagle forgotten in the general hilarity. An object of majestic interest, well had he fulfill ed the augury of victory, three years before heralded in that city: "We welcome your Eagle, that National emblem, whose fame has been widely spread and become historio through pen and song. I have often wondered what sensations must have filled the mind of rebels aa you have borne him proudly with your regiment, and while they remember the present attitude they maintain toward our government, one would think that the very sight would cause them to hide their heads in shame. Bear liim ever aloft ¦with your advancing shout, and let the rebels remember — yes, teach them that— 'Ne'er shall tbe rage of the conflict beo'et, And ne'er shall the warm blood of life cease to flow. And still 'mid the smoke of the battle shall soar. Our Eagle— till scattered and fled be the foe.' "At the conclusion of Gen. Fairchild's re marks, Col, Jefferson briefly responded, re turning the thanks of the regiment for the cordial welcome that had been extended to them, and proposed 'three cheers and a big Eagle' for the Union, the President of the United States, and the State officers of Wis- consin. Three cheers were given with great enthusiasm by the boys of the Eighth, the Eagle evidently understanding his part, and at the third hurrah, stretching himself to his full height, and expanding his wings to the utmost." KETUBN TO EAU CLAIKE. Early on the morning of Sunday, June 26, a reranant of company 'C with "Old Abe" arri/ed at Eau Claire, and was greeted with boom ing cannon, raartial music, patriotic songs, and an abundant feast. It was a greeting of civilian and sol dier, a welcome of gratitude, a kind ling of the meraories of the heroic dead, a rejuvenation of hope to our bleeding country. The Eagle, as signed a spacious yard under a shad- ing oak, received his old acquaint ances with his uaual dignity — so much dignity, that scarcely any one dared to touch even a kingly feather. How had he honored his native State! How proud were the Eau Clairians of that monarch bird! The Eau Claire Free Press thus speaks of those soldiers and their Eagle: "It will be remembered, that nearly three years ago, a band of the atalwart sons of Wisconsin, numbering one hundred strong, under command of Oapt, J, E, Perkins— who fell while gallantly leading hia men in the battle of Farmington, Miss.- left their homes in the Chippewa Valley, and all that was dear to them, and joined the Eighth regiment at Madison,"!to defend our nation from the grasp of rebellion, A couch npon the tented comp life, was willingly accept ed for the sake of country. They swore that they wonld defend our national banner to the last drop of their blood; and they 71 have kept that oath. "The company has been filled np several timea, and now only fifty-six are left of the gallant band. Excepting the few discharg- ad, the rest are numbered with the honored dead. Thirty have re-enUsted, thinking their services are as much needed now as when the rebellion first broke out. All hon or is due them for their patriotism. They bring ¦with them the 'Eagle,' whence the regiment derives its name. , » "The brave old Eightn has with stood the repeated charges of rebel infantry the daring dashes of their cavalry, the gall ing tire of their musketry — never flinching. The Eagle is returned to us unharmed. Well may Eau Claire be proud — proud that she has a representative company in the Ea gle Regiment — proud that the Eagle, so fa mous, la a native of the Chippewa Valley." CELEBRATION AT CHIPPEWA FALLS. In a few days "Old Abe" visited his own country — Chippewa — where he heard again the mellow flow of the waters that kiss the ferns of his wild home, caught with fiery glances the sunlight that dusts with gold the lakes where , 'Chief Sky" snatched from his eyrie our plumaged hero and gave hira to the "pale-face," as if to indicate an equal claim to a protective freedora thus emblemized to his "sable brother." On the 4th of July, 1864, the Union people cel ebrated our Day of Independence at Chippewa Falls. Several soldiers with "Old Abe" were present. A huge wigwara was constructed, in which was served a great feast, the proceeds being for our suffering sol diers. Headed by a band of music and the Eagle on his old perch, fol lowed by his compatriots in arms,the enthusiastic procession marched through the streets; it was inspiring. A correspondent, writing about it, says: "The boys of the Eighth, with their pet bird, honored the stand. The dignified and noble looking creature remained qniet nntil Mr. Barrett addressed the veterans and their Eagle, when he, (the Eagle), turned his head with admirable grace, and with a most intelligent expression in his eyes, lis- tened uttentively to the peroration, and, when it was finished, with his beak he smoothed down the feathers of hia breast, manifesting great pride at tbe attention be stowed upon him. At the close of the speech three cheers were given for the old starry flag, three for the brave boys of the Eighth, and three for the War-Eagle, and instantly that Eagle, catching the enthusiasm, rose upon his perch, flapped bis wings, and with a look expressive of delight, uttered a sharp, shrill cry, calling forth the applause of the excited multitude." "OLD abe"a gentleman passengee. Furlough days having expired, the regiment on different routes hurried back to Meraphis, about the first of August, ItwiU be reraerabered that about that time a Union patriot did not calculate courtesy to our coun try's enemy against principle; that the bravery of a soldier rose to audac ity, when the occasion warranted it. Confident of "Old Abe's" rights, Mr, Buckhardt took him on board a pas senger car of the Illinois Central Railroad, amid the stare and cheer of hundreds. The conductor soon ap peared, and seeing the bird occupy ing half a seat, demanded double fare. The Bearer refusing to pay only for himself, high words ensued with considerable swearing. "Pay for that thing, or I'll put you out!" again muttered the enrag ed conductor, placing his hand with heavy force upon the Bearer's shoul der. "Te Eakel is von free pirdt — free 'Merigan Eakel; — he ride free." 12 Matters grew squally, the con ductor seized him by the collar, when, with a rush and a menace, several soldiers circled around John and hia Eagle, demanding "fair play for 'Old Abe.' '' Seeing this unlook ed for motion, and realizing the fact that nearly all the passengers syra pathized with the Gerraan, the con ductor, showed his valor by sliding backwards with an adroit expertness out into another car, "Copperhead!" shouted the boys with a laugh; "might aa well fight such sneahs as reba, John, eh?" The result was the soldier-bird rode the entire route as a "gentleman pas senger," much to the satisfaction and arausement of the Union friends on board, BALD HEADED VETERANS, Soldiers left at Memphis could scarcely recognize "Old Abe," he had changed so by his northern trip. In fact he had become white headed; so they called him "Bald Headed Veteran," Indian traders say the head and neck feathers of this spe cies of eagle, for the first three and four years, are dark, after which they gradually turn to white. Thia a- grees with the fact atated of "Old Abe," for at the time of his furlough he was between three and four years old, Maria S, Cummings, in tbe Octo ber number of "Our Young Folks," for 1866, giving an outline of "Old Abe's" career, draws the following beautiful moral about what she styles "Our Bald Headed Represen tative:" "He belongs to the Bald-Head, or more correctly the White-Headed family, a spe- cies tbat in some respects are all young vet erans, inasmuch as, at three or four years old, their head- feathers which were original ly brown, have become snowy white, giving them a dignified and venerable appearance. The other uame of Bald-Head is derived from a spot between the beak and eyes which is almoat wholly destitute of feathers, BO that the Bald Eagle, whioh is the emblem of America, aseumes in his youth the honors whioh belong to a bald head and a hoary crown, although one would think he might afford to wait longer for them, aa the eagle is a very long-lived bird, instances having been known of his living to be a hundred yeara old, "And so with the country of which the Bald-Head is the representative. Although America is a young nation, she has had so much experience, and haa progressed so much faster than the nations of the Old World, that, if she could aee herself in the mirror of history, she would appea r with a fresh, ruddy face, and a strong frame, but a little wrinkled and bald about the temples, and with hair which care aud anxiety have turned prematurely gray. But long life to her, and a high place among the nations! and if she too haa become a veteran in her youth, may it be with her as with our Ea gle, — only the courage, strength, and wis dom which she haa acquired on her many hard-fought fields that entitle her to the name." "OLD ABE's" LAST BATTLE. Rallying again around the flag and the Eagle, in Gen. A. J. Smith's division, there was a rush, August 13th, 1864, after Forrest and his hosts. Crossing the Tallahatchie River, and skirmishing near Abbe ville — "Old Abe," on his war-shield, carried by Mr, Buckhardt — the Un ion army met the enemy at Hurri cane Creek, Miss. Having two bat teries on a distant eminence, to back his advance. Gen. Joseph Mower, who had so long distinguished him self, led his faithful brigade within 73 a raile of the hill that peered up a hundred feet above the open field. The batteries of the rival forces play ed upon each other until night, when, under its cover, our cavalry by an ex pert raovement, flanked the rebel lines on both sides, leaving the front open for a charge. On they rushed, intercepted by a muddy creek, and thick clump of alders, but forming on the other side,the steady columns moved like a tornado, the "Eagles," wheeling to the back of the hill, when "Old Abe," again in all his glory, with eye of lightning, with head and neck elongated to swiftest dash, with a whistle quick and start ling to nerve and pluck, charged with thera up, up the ramparts, flinging the eneray off as with the sweep of an Eagle's wing, frighten ed, dismayed, broken, narrowly es caping at a fearful loss. As the dead and wounded lay side by side — brothers there, as by right they should be, at the portal of death — the very ground trembled for the shout of the victors, while the scream of the war-bird was heard clear and distinct amid the general carnival of groans and rejoicings. This was "Old Abe's" last battle in the Great Rebellion. It was the seal of his perpetual conquests. He was the hero of about twenty-five great battles, and as many skirmish es. To what agency must we at tribute his "charmed life," when the story must be told again and again by patriot; sires to their worthy sons, that, though in the fiercest fights, not a Bearer of the colors or of the Eagle — ever conspicuous marks for the enemy — was shot down. The Bagle seemed as protective to these Bearers as was the standard of the cross in the battles of Constantine, In the great battle against Lucinius, which gave Constantine the undivid ed raastery of the Roraan world, one man, who, in terror, transferred the standard to another, was immediate ly pierced by a spear, while the Bearer of it passed on unhurt amid a shower of javelins, and not a man in its immediate neighborhood was even wounded. If the Eagle could dodge bullets, as the soldiers declare he did, not so the Bearers. Many a sharpshooter fired at these boys, but failed to kill one of them. In the bloodiest carnage, they and their liv ing standard were unharraed. Did it not portend the preservation of the Union? a Providence, holding death at bay,as with our Washington,wben British soldiers singled him out, to prove that the Araerican Eagle of .Justice oan never fall at the hands of an enemy? "OLD ABE'S" BATTLES, 1861. Fredricktown, Mo. Oot. 21. 1862. New Madrid and Island "10." Mch & Apr Point Pleasant, Mo. March 20. Farmington, Miss, May 9. Corinth, Miss. May 28. luka. Miss, Sept. 18. Burnsville, Miss. Sept. 13. luka, Miss. Sept. 16, 18. Corinth, Miss. Oct. 3, 4. Tallehatchie, Miss. Dec. 2 1863. Mississippi Springs, Miss. May 13. Jackson, Miss. May 14. Assault on Vicksburg, Miss. May 22. 74 Mechanicsburg, Miss. June 4. Richmond, La. June 15. Vicksburg, Miss. June 24. Surrender of Vicksburg, July 4. Brownsville, Miaa. Oct. 14. 1864. Fort Scurry, La. March 13. Fort De Ruasey, La. March IB. Henderson's Hill, La. March 21. Grand Ecore, La. April 2. Pleasant Hill, La. April 8, 9. Natchitoches, La. April 20. Kane River, La. April 22. Clouterville and Crane Hill, La. April 23. Bayou Rapides, La. May 2. Bayou La Mojfire, La. May 3. Bayou Roberts, La. May 4-6. Moore's Plantantion, La" May 8-12. Mansura, La. May 16. Maysville, La. May 17. Calhonn's Plantation, La. May 18. Bayou De Glaise, La. May 18. Lake Chicot, Ark. June 6. 1864. Hurricane Creek, Miss. Aug. 13. Two battles were fought by the regiment while the Eagle and veterans were home on furlough, — Carmargo X Roads, Miss. July 13 and Tupelo, Miss. July 14 and 15. WAR BEARERS OF THE EAGLE. 1. James McGinnis. of Ean Claire, from Sept, 1, 1861, to May ,^0, 1862, 2. Thomas J. Hill, Eau Claire, May 30 1862, to Ang. 18, 1862. 3. David McLane, of Menomonie, from Aug. 1862, to Oct. 1862. 4. Edward Homaston, of EauClaire, from Oot. 1862, to Sept. 1863. 5. John Buckhardt. of Eau Claire, from Sept. 1863, to Sept. 1864. 6. John F. Hill, of Eau Claire, during the journey home, from Meraphis to Madison in Sept, 1864. "ABE'S" PEACE ATTENDANTS. 1 John McFariand, State Armorer. 2 Angus R. McDonald, llth Wis. Infty. 3 John G. Stock, 4th Wis. Cav. 4 E. G. Linderman, ,5th Wis. Infty, 5 Wm. J. Jones, 16th Wis. Vol. Infty. 6 Geo. W. Baker, 19th Wis. Vol. Infty. 7 I. E. Troan, civilian. 8 John F. Hill, Sth Wis. Vol, Infty. 9 Peter B. Field, civilian. 10 Mark Smith, 7th Wis. Vol. Inf.ty. 11 George Gillies, 2d Wis. Vol, Infty. MUSTERED OUT. Returning to Memphis, on the 29th, in pursuit of Forrest, who was then fighting the patriotic Gen. C. C. Washburn, "Old Abe" parted with the regiment for the last time. Hay ing served the three years' enlist ment, a portion of Corapany C was to be raustered out. Now the seri ous question arose, "What shall be done with the Soldier- Bird?" A discussion followed. Sorae were in favor of giving him to the County of Bau Claire, others to the National Governraent at Washington, others to the State of Wisconsin. All things considered, the latter raotion prevailed, and was finally voted un animously. It was an affectionate adieu to their "corapanion in arras.'' The main body of that veteran regi ment remained till the close of the war, fighting other battles, under gallant offioers whose record is un- sullied,campaigning in eleven states, tra.'eling by rail, river, and on foot, 15,179 miles, and was mustered out at Demopolis, Ala., Sept. 5, 1865, crowned with palms of victory, bless ed by a grateful country. Twenty-six of Company C took their precious charge — "Old Abe" — and wended their way north, reach ing Chicago, Sept. 21, 1864, where Buckhardt resigned his "Eagle Com mission" to .John F Hill, brother of Thomas. Beinff disabled from a wound receiyed at Corinth, he was obliged to rest occasionly at the cor ners of the streets, where knots of citizens gathered to learn of the ca reer of the Eagle. He was return- ing from the war with the proudest and most faraous bird that ever fan ned the breeze of heaven. The"Ea- gle-Veteran" of the Great Rebellion with eye unblanched, with fearless and untiring wing, with talons still grasping the lightnings of battle. comes home to rest, crowned with honors. Oit had he by example cheered the desponding, roused am bition, and encouraged sacrifices. He had enlivened the dull hours of camp life, and stood aloft with un furled pinions, and with wild, terri ble shriek, lead the deadly charge to victory. Under the war-fla.or, tatter ed and torn, yet blazing witli the stars he loved, this '-Bird of the Un ion" had taught bv his spirit the true art of conquest, and evoked a pur pose, a daring, a martiiT spirit, that can be felt only in like hearts that love liberty better than life, that gives us the cross and the future the TKAXSFERKKD TO THE STATE. Arrivin£>- at Aladisou, on the 2'Ja of Sept., 1S64, those war-scarred soldiers were paid for their services: and now the Eagle must have atten tion. The hero-bird, on his old perch, was taken across the shady park and thence into the aisle of the Capitol, where Capt. Wolf and ^Ir. Hill, with a few other soldiers, were met by Quarter Master Gen. X, F, Lund, who immediately entered the Executive Department and inforraed Gov. Lewis that -OKI Abe" was in waiting. The Madison State Journal thus described the event: "An interesting presentation was made at 3 o'clock yesterday (the 26th),ifternoon, in the Governer's room. This was nothing less than the presentation of the celebrated Ea gle of the Sth Regiment to the State of Wis consin. Capt. Wolf, of Company C, the color company, and the one having the care of the Eagle, presented it to Gov. Lewis, stating how it was valued by the regiment; how it had been in their midst, between .their fiags in many a victorious conflict with the enemy, and how it had cheered and kept up their spirits by its bright eye and daunt less mien during weary marches and the te dium of camp Mfe.' It had been with them for three years; and when the time of the men of the company expired, and they were abont to leave the service, they and the vet erans voted that the Eagle should be pre- senfed to the State, to bc kept as an honor ed and inspiring memento o." the 8th Regi ment, and the times in which it had fought the battles of the nation with the true and strong men who rallied around the flag. ¦'Got. Lewis, on the part of the State, had pleasure in accepting the famous Eagle of the Sth Regiment, and assured the Captain, that it would be well eared for at the Capi tol, where it would remain to invoke inspir ing memories of the brave boys who had carried it with such honor to thamselves and the State. "The Governor then handed the Eagle on its perch to Quarter-master General Lund, who si.id he wonld see that 1: was suitably kept. "The Eagle never looked better than at present, its plumage being full and glossy and its eye piercingly bright. It will be an honored curiosity at the Capitol, and the many tales connected with its service in the field with the gallant Sth. will often be told and re-told to the admiring crowds that per haps for years and years will eome to see the Badger Eagle."' The following is a copy of the re ceipt of the Eaole from Gov. Lewis to Gen. Lund: ••Madison, Sept, 26, 1S64. "Received from the Governor, the live Eagle, '013 Abe' of the Eighth Reg't ^^"is. Yol, Infantry. •'The Eagrle was formally presented to the Governor, iu his ofBce, to-day at 3 o'clock, 76 by Capt. Victor Wolf, of Company C, in be half of the company and the regiment, the above named company having brought the Eagle into Camp Randall, in September, 1861, from Eau Claire, and carried him through all the marches and battles of the regiment aince that time. This having been the color company, the Eagle has been borne by them beside the colors of the regi ment. The majority of the company had within the past three days been paid off and mustered out of service. They arrived here on the 22d inst. In presenting the Eagle to the Governor, Capt. Wolf said he had been a good soldier, and never had flinched in battle or march; that he had been well oar ed for by company 'C,' and he hoped he would be as well taken eare of by the State, In reply, the Governor assured the Captain that the Eagle shouldbe well and carefully taken care of, and as safely kept as possible, as long as he lived." Gen. Lund and Adj't Gen. Gay lord, in their annual reports for 1864 speaking of the old flags of the regi ments returned to the State — "torn and shattered by shot and shell,often all that remained of them beino' a few 'honorable rags' " — classifies "Old Abe" with the War Relics. The State authorities and citizens of Madison at large, are rauch attach ed to "Old Abe," and often inquire how he fares. Like any other illus trious veteran, ho is brouoflit out and paraded on occasions of publio mili tary exercises or review, and is al ways sure to excite attention and en thusiasm. Even novv, at his quiet horae in Madison, under the shadow of the Capitol, this brave bird is rauch excited by the report of fire arms, flappincr his wings and other wise raanifesting his familiarity with their use. At present he hasa pleas ant and well-lighted room in the basement of the Capitol, in which is a permanent roost; he also has the freedora of an adjoining roora, and, in the suramer, the Capitol Park is his, under the care of his attendant. "OLD abe's" fight with "axdy ,T0HX.SOX." A few years ago, -'Abe" had an eagle-mate from the Rocky Moun tains, that came into the possession of the 49th Wisconsin Regiment, near the close of the war, and subse quently was given to the State. This "vicious bird," as he was called bore the honored name of'Phil Sher idan," but it was afterwards changed to "Andy .Johnson." Whenever these eagles raet, there was sure to be a terrible battle of wings, beaks and claws, "holding on like bull dogs," each intent on the mastery. It was always necessary to part the "Chippewa and Rocky Mountain Ea gles," to prevent their injuring each other in those desperate fights. One day, "Old Abe" being somewhat un well, was fairly whipped by his an tagonist. Laying up a store of ven geance, subsequently "Abe," with a cunninor instinct flew upon the top of the open door, and when, at last, "Andy" appeared, he descended up on him with a loud screara, and fast ened his claws in the neck of his en emj- and completely vanquished him. "Andy"soon after pined, and died in the spring of 1874— doubtless from the effects of "Abe's" talons— when his skin was properly stuffed and is kept, as a relic of the war, in the Historical Rooms. The victo rious Chippewa Eagle showed no whimpering over the demise, but 77 seemed to glory in at last being sole monarch of the "Eagle Department of State." COMPANIONSHIP OE "OLD ABE." Since the war "Old Abe" has had many to care for him. First, .John H. McFariand, State Armorer, suc ceeded by Capt. A. R. McDonald, during Gov. Fairchild's, Washburn's and part of Taylor's adrainistration; subsequently by Capt. .John Stock and E. G. Linderraan, present State Armorer. Beinor a railitary charact er and public property, he belongs in the Department of the Adjutant General, now filled by Gen, Geo. A, Hanaford, who takes a great pride in the war-bird. Wm. .1. .Jones, Hugh Lewis, Eugene Bowen, Geo. W. Ba ker — each of whom has the honor of an "armless sleeve" — Harry W. Lovejoy, another "scarred veteran," Thomas Welch and I. E. Troan have had more or less charge over hira. Bearers and attendants haveinvar- - iably cherished a strong affection for "Old Abe." There is that about him which always engenders a deep and lasting friendship. So intelli gent arid grateful for fidelity to his needs, so keenly just, heis indeed the most winning warrior that ever fought a battle. Capt. McDonald, who was uncommonly successful in manacring his "Eagle Highness,"had him so well trained that if any one entered the "Eagle Department" whora the Captain did not want there a look and word to "Old Abe" were sufficient hints for him to drive such out with-a furious onslaught. The bird knew even his master's step,and would cheer and chuckle before he opened the door. He is good com pany all the live-long day. Occa sionally, when the Captain put a gun in a vice to repair it, "Abe" would hop on to the other end, intently watching the process, and if his mas ter dropped his hamraer, down would jump the Eagle, pick it up and run off with it for a mutual frolic. When specially invited, he would carefully walk up the Captain's arm, and, standing upon his shoulder, affect ionately rub his white head against his master's face and corab his beard with his beak, ever whistling a mer ry appreciation of such confidence and companionable attention. Though a bird of prey, of merci less reputation, he has sometimes ex hibited wonderful forbearance and even friendship for his victira. Af ter the war, a beautiful red rooster was given to him for a dinner, and not only did he spare the creature's life, but became his fast friend, both playing and roosting together onthe same perch. His memory is as keen as his friendship. After the war, Edward Horiiaston chanced to see the Eagle in a crowd at the depot in Madison. He knew his bird, but feigning oth erwise, he exclairaed, "Why, here is an Bagle!" and instantly put out his hand to pat him on the head, when his attendant checked him, saying, "Take care, there, the Eagle will hurt you!" "Hurt me?". said Hora- aston, almost embracing "Old Abe." "See here, man!" It was a beauti ful sight, indeed; the Eagle extend- 78 ed his wings, screeched and cooed, overjoyed at once raore greeting his old Bearer. A similiar recognition occurred soraetirae in the year of 1867, in the Eagle's apartraents in the Capitol, as related by Mrs. Ole Bull. This lady, and some friends, were visiting "Old Abe," careful not to approach too near, when a gen tleman, whom they afterwards learn ed was one of the Bearers while in active service, entered the roora, and instantly "Abe" screaraed aloud and flew to hira — the ladies, alarraed, thinking it meant fight — and alight ed upon his shoulder, pressing his bald head against his cheek with a familiar "How do you do, ray old friend of battle tiraes?" northwest saxitary fair. The Eagle was taken to the Chi cago Fair — opened May 30th, with railitary cereraonies — under the aus pices of the State, together with the flags and other relics and trophies, entrusted to the superintendence of J, H, McFariand, State Armorer,and to John F. Hill, as assistant. His place was in the "Eagle Depart raent," central amid the parapherna lia of war frora all parts of the coun try — amid the vast speciraens of ag ricultural, mineral, coraraercial and artistic wealth of the nation — amid a world of beauty, intellect and pat riotism. Every body went to see this famous bird. Prices for his quills or feathers rose as high as flve dollar'? each, but the demand could seldom be supplied. Not a feather was allowed to be plucked from his beautiful plumage — not for any price. A rich capitalist reraarked that he wouW'give 110,000 for that Eagle:" and Mr. Wood, of the Chicago Mu seum, was authorized by P. T. Bar num to give $20,000; but, of course, the proposition to Gov. Lewis was only laughed at. Statesmen, poets, editors, warriors, men and woraen of all professions paid him their cora pliraents, and, araong them.Generala Grant and Shermon, who remarked that they had seen "Old Abe" at different times and places while con nected with their arraies, mentioning specially "Mississippi Rock and , Rayraond, Miss., where we had a brush with the enemy." A sketch of the Eagle with his photographs sold at the fair for over $16,000. "OLIJ abb's" reproof to gen. SHER MAN. While GeTi. Sherman was address ing the people, one day, in the main room of the Exposition Building, flred to enthusiasra over the victory of our arras,mentioning the erableras of the nation around hira, and araong them the Eagle, he precipitately put out his hand to stroke the plumage of our hero, when he wheeled upon his perch with a savage screech at the General, his white feathers ruffled, trying to fight him for such presump- . tion. The vast audience roared with laughter, when the orator blushing- ly remarked — "Beat this time!" "Old Abe" would have even victor generals understand, that the plu mage of the American Eagle is too sacred to be touched with careless hands. 79 MIL'WAUKEB SOLDIERS' HOME FAIR. Milwaukee had been a home for the sick and wounded soldiers; dur ing the year ending Apr, 15, 1865, in one single building on West Wa ter St. were entertained 8,000 sol diers, representing different parts of the country; having a reputation for patriotism and charity, and the ob ject being so noble, to venture was to succeed in building a perraanent "Soldiers' Home." Every branch of business in the State and country at large was represented. There in magnificent profusion were our fine arts in conspicuous display, our edu cational interests, relics of all the wars of the nation and bf by-gone times of men and deeds now historic speciraens illustrative of geological and natural history, our State and National literature and patriotism. But a short time prior, Lincoln had been martyred, and anything associ ated with his meraory was of pecu liar attraction, even to the "assassi nation flags" — the one that caught Booth's spur and the one the Presi dent seized when shot. As the Wis consin War-Eagle bore his "Yankee Narae," and was renowned for his railitary exploits, he was, as ever be fore, the central figure in that vast array of wealth and grandeur. His position was outside the massive raain building, on Huron St., in a large tent, entitled "Tangled Feat- ure,"superintended by Mr. McCrack en, but placed under a special charge of John F. Hill, who brought him from Chicago. In the center of this tent were extensive evergreen rings. rising one above another, and at the topmost was a pretty circular plat forra whereon the Eagle sat, "mon arch of all I survey," for below him were mud-turtles, peacocks, Devon cows, sheep, cranes, hawks, owls, rabbits, foxes, badgers, doves, a bloodhound, a bear, a coon which the 12th Wis. Battery had in the war and afterwards gave to the State,and "four other eagles, on their several perches, of different species," said the Sentinel of June 30, "called re spectively 'Old Abe,' the famous battle Eagle of the Sth Wis., 'Gen, Grant,' 'Phil. Sheridan' and 'Gen, McClellan.' " But "Abe" had the uppermost seat of honor. Tho Home Fair Journal thus de scribes this hero of twenty-five bat tles: "Beneath a canopy of green, aits the Vet eran Eagle, Old Abe,'the bird that for three long years was the oompanion of the gal lant boys of the Eighth Wisoonson Regi ment, marching and camping and going in to battle with them; and when tbe battle grew hot, and threatened death to all, leav ing his perch, and soaring aloft with a scream that roae above the roar of battle,he cheered hia companiona to victory. With an eye that aeems as if it would pierce yon through, he calmly and with the profound est dignity, surveya'the visitors, aa if he were looking down in pity upon them. There is something grand in his presence, and, as you look upon him, you cannot bat feel that you are looking npon an import ant personage; and verily you are, for has he not been in the service of his country? and has he not contributed thousands of dollars to the relief of his companions in arms? Looking upon the splendid bird, we did not wonder that the eagle was chosen by the war-like and all-conquering Romans as their emblem, nor, that he was chosen by the liberty-loving patriota of the Revolutioji aa the emblem of thenew Republic." 80 Many pictures, photographs, litho graphs, and portraits, of "Old Abe" have been taken and painted for charitable and benevolent purposes and many thousands sold, 8100,000 would probably be a mild estimate of the amount thus collected for the benefit of sick and disabled soldiers. A few feathers from his glossy plumage have also been sold at al most fabulous prices and are held by their possessors as most precious rel ics. Leonard W. Volk, the sculptor, made a clay model of "Old Abe" in 1865, from which several bronze and marble statues were made. The model was destroyed in the great Chicago Fire of 1871. PITTSBUR(;1I AND PEORIA (;ATHERINi;s. In 1866, when Congress and Pres ident Andrew Johnson were in a struggle over what means should be adopted for the proper reconstruc tion of the lately rebellious states, a raass convention was called to meet at Pittsburgh, Penn,, on Septsraber 25 and 26, to "sustain the measures adopted by Congress for the restora tion of the Union." It was one of the most mas^nificent outbursts of popular feeling ever manifested in the history of our country. There were representatives from all the Northern states and some of the Southern — tbe great West prepond erating in numbers — and,sittinor side by side with them on the plat£orm,to indicate the democratic spirit of the convention, were such privates as L. Edwin Dudley, "the patriotic cleik of Washington;" Robert Hender- shott, "the Drummer Boy of the Rappahannock;" John Burns, the fa mous hero of Gettysburg; and Serg- Geo, Robinson, of Maine, who saved the life of Secretary Seward on the night of the assassination of Presi dent Lincoln. Old Abe had been invited, and, of course, accepted the invitation to be present. Having recevived many ovations on the journey, he reached Pittsburg on the 24th in care of Capt. McDonald, and was quartered at the St. Charles Hotel with a large number of other warriors not less distinguished tban himself. The City Hall, in which the con vention was held, was decorated with evergreens, flowers and flags. Between the windows hung badges of twenty-five army corps, and on the platform were the emblems of war and peace — white flags and sheaves of wheat. Over the entrance was inscribed: "There ean be no lasting p?ace while the flag ofthe Un ion ean not wave unmolested over the graves of our fallen comrads . " The hall was densely packed; in one of the aisles stood delegates from a neighborhood sixty strong, every one of whom had been wound ed in tbe service, with their colors. The jam of people was so great at the door that. Capt. ^McDonald found it almost impossible to advance' with his eagle. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler had just begun a speech, when the presiding officer, Gen. J. D. Cox, catching sight of Abe, interrupted and shout ed to the dense throng to "make 81 way for the veteran war-eagle of Wisconsin." The crowd parted like magic, and McDonald, with Abe perched like winged Jove above his head, march ed up to the platform. The audi ence arose and sent up cheer upon cheer, fairly splitting the air, while the band played raartial music, Abe, recallinop the excitiment of other days in which he reveled, flap ped his wings and sent fortii his wildest scream — such a scream as was never heard in the City Hall of FHttsburgh before or since. On motion of Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, Abe was assigned a position near the chairraan, where he stretch ed up and flapped his pinions, every time the people cheered Gen, But ler, who was speaking. On tlie evening of September 25 a torchliorht procession five miles in length inarched throuorh the city, led by Gen. Xeofley. "The streets,'' said a newspaper account, "were a- blaze, and filled for iniles with peo ple. Such popular enthusiasm has seldom been equaled. The city was one glorious illumination of blazing banners and sentiments steeped in fire. There was an unsurpassed dis play of beautiful designs and raodels in brilliant lights in moving lines. Old Abe, gaily decorated with red, white and blue, sat on his perch in an open carriage drawn by four white horses. As he moved along, the most conspicuous object in the procession. the people shouted and cast into his carriage wreaths, mottoes and bou quets without number. It was an inspiring scene, and one which Abe enjoyed, his eyes flashinor like dots of lightning. FOR OLD ABE NOMINATES GRANT PRESIDENT, The next public appearance of our plumaged warrior was at Peoria, 111., on October 11, 1866,whitherhe went with Capt. A. G. Weissert and Capt. A, R. McDonald, state armorer, to dedicate a soldiers' raonuraent. Forty thousand people, a large portion of thera veteran soldiers,were present,and greeted Abe with shouts and huzzas. The great speeches were by Gen. .John A. Logan, the Black Eagle of Illinois, Col. Robert G. Ingersoll and Gen. Benjamin F. Butler. Abe was perched near them on the grand stand, where he cheer ed with the crowd and in e\ery way added spirit to the occasion. One of the notable gatherings of the period was the Soldiers and Sail ors' Convention, which met in Chi cago on :\ray 19, 1868. The truth is, that caravans of soldiers gathered from all the Xorthern states to de mand the nomination by the Repub lican-Union National Convention, then in session in the same city, of Unconditional Surrender Grant;. and a niiijhty gathering it was. The delegates marched in proces sion to Turner Hall, headed by Gen. Jeremiah ^M. Rusk, with the tattered hattle-flao-s of Wisconsin, and an his right Old Abe. "The procession," said a current newspaper occount, "was three-quar ters of a mile in length and four sol diers deep. The streets along the 82 entire route were thronged with peo ple. The march was full of life and incident, the line joining in singing their old battle-songs as in the Southern marches. Upon entering the hall the scene was one of wild enthusiasm, cheer upon cheer being given for the portrait of Grant which hung over the platform, the bust of Lincoln which stood upon the ros trum, and for Old Abe, the war-ea- gle." As his bearer marched with Abe to the platform, where sat such men as .John A. Logan, Daniel- E. Sickles, Lucius Fairchild, Alfred Pleasanton, John Cochrane and Joseph B. Haw ley, "At onoe there rose so wild a yell Within that dark and narrow dell, As all the fiends from heaven that fell Had pealed the banner-cry of hell." And in that great shout theire was no sound so piercing, wild and pow erful as the scream of Old Abe. He caught up the spirit of the soldiers and reveled in the excitement and enthusiasm of the moment. Said the Chicago Tribune: When the resolution proposing Gen, U, S, Grant as candidate for the Presidency was passed, as the vaat multitude rose and cheer ed, and the band s'ruok up "Hail to the Chief," Old Abe, as if understanding it all stretched high his proud form and repeated ly fiapped his wings, in approbation of the nomination. CELEBRATIONS AND REI'NIONS. During this year, 1868, Eugene Bowen, a one-armed veteran of the 92d New York, carried Abe to Whitewater, Wis., to participate ina Fourth of July celebration. The bird rode on a oannon in the proces sion, attracting much attention. The weather was dry and the streets dusty. The heat, the long, march and the clouds of dust caused Abe to become so thirsty that he whistled for water. It was brought to him in the usual form of glass goblets, out of which he drank with evident satisfaction. The populace were pleased to observe the eagle drinking with his bearer from the same glais. At a State soldier's reunion, held in Milwaukee on September 27 and 28, 1870,'Gen. Harrison C, Hobart forraally presented Old Abe to the audience while cheers rent the air, and Col. Charles H. Clark read a po era which contained a clever refer ence to the bird. On the following day, with Abe by his side. Matt. H. Carpenter ad dressed, on the fair grounds,- thirty thousand people. The eagle was cheered everywhere, and was show ered also with sweetraeats and knickknacks. From this period on Old Abe was kept so constantly raoving about to fulfill his reunion engagements that it is almost-impossible to follow him. He went with Capt. McDonald to Fond du Lac, Burlington,La Crosse, Evansville, Racine, NeiUsville, and elsewhere, and attended several re unions at his horae in Madison, and was always the center of attraction. At the reunion of the First Wis consin Regiraent in Madison on Feb ruary 22, 1872, Abe sat beneath an archway in the Park Hotel, scanning the crowds in dignified silence. He 83 listened to all the poems and ad dresses without making any demon stration, but when he heard a ring ing response to the toast, "The fede ral Union — may wisdom cement what valor saved," he stretched up and screamed his hearty approbation. In the spring of 1875 Old Abe fell ill from neglect and hunger — so ill, in fact, thai he was pushed aside as dead by some unfeeling, if not hos tile, habitues of the capitol at Madi son. While in this condition he was discovered by a friendly who veteran, wrapped him in a warm blanket and for three days nursed and watched the old warrior, finally bringing him out all right. But for this timely discovery and tender vigilance. Old Abe would not have survived, having fallen,through a change of administration, into un friendly hands. He had scarcely recovered his full strength and spirit when the reunion of the Grand Army of the Republic took place in Chicago, lasting from May 11 to May 14, 1875, at which he was an honored guest, with head quarters at the Grand Pacific Hotel with Generals Sherraan, Sheridan, Hartranft and other distinguished military leaders. On May 18 occurred the proces sion, which was witnessed by 150, 000 people. The Chicago Times said that "Abe, perched on his shield,was loudly cheered whenever the crowd caught sight of him," and that "he frequently flapped his wings and looked raajestic." The Tribune also observed: The greateat feature of the procession, a- side from the veteran organization, compos ed of men who know what it is to be a sol dier, and whose tattered regimental flags indicated the services they had done, was the war-eagle, Old Abe, a noted leader of the Eighth Wisconsin; he was the chief lion of the day, sitting upon his perch with im mense dignity, flapping his wings and- screaming. While the procession was moving toward the exposition building a band of patriotic ladies presented to the eagle, who rode in a splendid barouche, a large wreath of roses set in evergreens, which was at once placed around his perch. He ap peared pleased with the gift, scann ed it closely and then cast his flash ing eye up to the crowded balconies as much as to say, "What do you think of that?" During the same year Abe attend ed, in state, an extensive reunion at Milwaukee, during which, a cold steady rain setting in, he became so thoroughly chilled that he was cora pelled to retire from the procession. Usually he was a pretty rugged bird, but at this tirae, probably,there still lingered about hira traces of the spring congestion which carae so near taking his life. While, at these many reunions,the boys never tired of singing "March ing Through Georgia" and other stirring songs, they frequently sur rounded Old Abe and struck^up L. J. Bates' composition, rausic by, T. Martin Towne, entitled "The Battle- Eagle:" "They come, but the ranke are shrunken and thin; Oh! large be the welcorae that gathers them in! 84 They come with the flags in the glad sun light, A cloud of peace, that is feathery white. And still o'er the standards they bear on high. There hovers the Eagle of Victory- Hurrah for the Eagle, our bold battle-Ea gle! The terror of traitors and king ofthe sky!' AT THE CENTENNIAL. It was now time to prepare for the magnificent Centennial celebration which took place at Philadelphia during the following year, the hun dredth anniversary of the birth of freedom in America; and Old Abe was down on all the Wisconsin pro- gramraes. The "Women's State Centennial Executive" had been appointed, and the people were active everywhere throughout the State. For the pur pose of kindling the fires of enthusi asm and patriotism, a meeting of the Centennial Club of the State was called to celebrate Independence Day at Madison, on tne evening of ¦July 5, 1875. For the occasion Mrs. Ole Bull, wife of the famous Swedish violinist, whose home was in Madison, design ed a tableau which she called Old Abe. Although, as the Wisconsin Stat? Journal declared, "the entire ovation" was one of which they "were proud to speak," the tableau was the principal feature. The assembly charaber in the state capitol had been transformed by ar tistic hands into a fairy grotto, a mysterious curtain hanging near the speaker's desk. "The Day We Celebrate," the personation of King George's time by Gen. Geo. B. Sraith, the floral exuberance, the eloquent addresses of E. G. Ryan and Col. W. B. Slaughter,the representation of Gen. Washington making his "first visit to the fair young widow, Mrs. Cus tis, who, with her two children play ing at her feet, is surprised at his entrance," the proffer of the services of Gen LaFayette to Washington to help fight the battles of Araerican liberty — all these were, indeed, life- dramas of the Revolution seldom surpassed in beauty of personation. But another scene eclipsed thera all. When the curtain rose, there stood the faraous war-eagle on his perch, surrounded by state and national flags and stands of arms, as the liv ing ideal of our prowess a hundred years ago. Maj. C. G. Mayers, in the costurae of Paul Jones, recited in a very spirited manner a poera by Ijizzie Doten, entitled "The Eagle of Freedora." Under the auspices of this sarae committee, Abe received an invita tion to attend a "Legislative Leap- year Party," given in the legislative halls of the capitol in Madison, on February 17, 1876. The terpsiohorean drama, says J. 0. Barrett, opened with the Mar seillaise hyran, by Mrs. H. M. Page, who, attired in appropriate costurae, appeared as the "Daughter of the Regiment," admirably singing and tapping her drura, with accorapani- raents by Bach's band. The war- bird, on his Centennial perch, stood one side, a little in front of the viv- andiere, listening with a noticeable C5 dignity, aniraated most at the sound of the drum that recalled the reveille of other days; and when she finished the "Star Spangled Banner," feel ing the deep inspiration of the au dience, he encored with a loud clap ping of wings. Of course Old Abe was going to the Centennial. The Wisconsin Legislature, by joint resolution, authorized Gov. Harrison Lud ington •to detail a veteran soldier, at state expense, to take the bird to Phila delphia and care for him during the exposition. If any person or thing in this broad Republic was to remain quiet ly at home on such a splendid occa sion, it would not be the pluraaged warrior of the Eighth Wisconsin; so the utmost was raade of his name and fame e ,'erywhere. Under the legislative resolution mentioned, Gov. Ludington appoint ed John F. Hill, of Eau Claire, one of tbe first volunteers in the original Corapany C, to go with Abe to the Centennial: and he took with him, to sell to the millions of visitors to that stupendous panorama of pro gress and civilization, many copies of Barrett's "Old Abe," a little book which has been pf much service in compiling the volume now in hand. Minnie B, Culver, of Madison, al so painted a medallion of Abe for the Women's Department of the Wisconsin branch of the Centennial, concerning whioh,on March 26,1876, she herself wrote the following hap py letter: The portrait of the Eighth Wisconsin ea gle, which ifc to be painted for the Centen nial Exposition, I would aay, is to be some thing leas than half life- size, on a gilt me dallion, to be framed in carved ebony and placed upon the top of an ebony cabinet. This state cabinet is to contain the books and music written by the women of Wiscon sin, also choice ornaments and specimens of art. The panels in the sides aud doors of the lower part are to be decorated with flowers, grasses and vines, done in oil. The upper part is open, the shelves are irregular, after the Japanese style, and are surrounded by elegant hand -carving, executed by Mr, G. Hang, of Milwaukee. On Wednesday, the 15th of March, Old Abe honored me with a sitting; he was attended by his keeper, to whom he seems greatly attached. I was astonished at the color and expression of his eye, which forcibly reminded me of the description given by a countryman, who said, "The eagle has a shrill eye!" and at the size and cruel strength of his beak, which had the appearance of yellow ivory. The sharp look of inquiry he gave me seemed to ask, "what is all this bother about, any way?" Fortunately, for my peace of mind, the mahl-stick seemed to make this king of birds quail. He stood upou his standard with the United States shield beneath him, gazing over the waters of Mendota with a far-off look, but a tap of my brush on the eaeel would recall his though' s and cause him to turn his head quickly iu the desired position. It was in one of these moments of surprise that I caught the expression of his "shrill" eye. When nearly through with the sitting, the flag ,was draped in his talons over the standard. The sight of the stara and stripes seemed to arouse old memories and he uttered several screams which I thought might mean a declaration of war. His keeper assured me, however, that it was only a feeling of joy that animated him; but as he began to tear the bunting with his great beak in a very decided manner, andas his meal-time was approaching, he having fasted two or three days as is his custom, this part of the picture was rapidly executed and he went off to his dinner of rabbit, which I hope he enjoyed as fully as I did my morning with Old Abe, Abe's presence at Philadelphia was one of the popular features of 86 the great Centennial celebration. He had a place in Agricultural Hall, and was constantly, during the entire period of the exhibition, surrounded with visitors. His fame had long before penetrated Europe, and for eigners appeared to be as interested and as nuraerous around his perch as Araericans. Of course Abe went further into history by receiving honorable men tion in the great tomes comprising the official report of the Centennial exposition, and his photographs and pamphlet copies of his life were sold to visitors by the thousand. TWO MONTHS IN BOSTON. Perhaps the most satisfactory trip Old Abe ever made was that to Bos ton, where for nearly three months, in the winter of 1878-9, he was a conspicuous and admired figure at the Old South Church fair. This church is an ancient building in Boston in which, during the Rev olution, the British stabled their horses. In order that it should not fall a prey to the destroying march of business, and that it might remain to nourish our pride and love of country in the future, patriotic la dies purchased the structure for the sura of $400,000, and began holding fairs therein for tlie purpose of rais ing money to liquidate the debt. It was proper, under these circum stances, that Abe should attend the fair of 1879 and aid in swelling its incorae. Gov. AVm, E. Smith,there- fore, consented to grant the request of the lady managers, and despatch ed Peter B, Feld with the proud old bird to Boston in Deceraber, 1878. He attracted a great deal of at tention and received raore callers, probably, than any other feature of the fair. He had a rooray cage in the church, and Field had perraission to go to market daily and purchase, at the expense of the fair, fish, pig eons, pheasants, chickens and other delicacies for his bird, who lived like a prince all winter. For the amusements of the visitors * he would perch upon Field's arm or head and raarch through the crowds, and, to show his powerful spread of wing, would sail gracefully over their heads and return to his proper place. On speech-raaking occasions,when the audience cheered Abe flapped his wings and screaraed, to the a- museihent and delight ofthe Boston ians, who never knew before that an eagle understood the proprieties of enthusiastic public meetings. The bird became so popular in Boston that many persons who were unable to leave their rooras asked to have hira brought to thera. W^hen- ever possible. Field coraplied with these requests, and on one occasion received a liberal check from a help less but wealthy lady in Beacon street. He also attended a private theat rical f)iven at the Tudor raansion, in Beacon street, for the benefit of the Old South Churoh fund, and was royally welcomed. Field drolly re lates that he was "not compelled to take a check for his overcoat, which was of such common stuff he knew 87 he would get it back again; no one would take it." Araong Abe's visitors in church were sorae blind children who wish ed to touch the plumage of the old warrior. Field placed his arm over the bird's neck and head, so his ter rible beak could not reach their ten der hands, and the sightless sight seers smoothed the eagle with many expressions of delight. While strangers 'were never allow ed to lay hands on him, Abe receiv ed the caresses of soldiers in uniform with apparant satisfaction. Scores and scores of tiraes had this been il lustrated, and was again proven in Boston when a uniformed soldier frora the arsenal entered the church, walked straight up to the bird and stroked his plumage. On these oc casions Abe curved his neck grace fully and said gently: "Teete-teete, teete-teete." MORE REUNIONS THE GRANT BAN QUET. During the three years of his stewardship Field also carried Abe to many soldiers' reunions — to St,, Paul, Minn,, Newark, O,, and other places. In relation to these gather ings it is the same old story: the boys cheered the old bird and he cheered thera; they all raarched, ate hard-tack and "sow-belly," sang "Marching Through Georgia," and had a glorious good tirae. At the Newark, O., reunion, in July, 1878. Abe had a rousing re ception, A military delegation, headed by a band, met hiin at the depot and escorted him to the resi dence of Co]. C. D. Miller, where he was quartered under a shady walnut- tree. And when Maj. Miller issued the report of the Newark reunion, in a handsome volume of 300 pages, he could not resist the temptation to de vote Chapter II to "Old Abe, the War Eagle," and to adorn the book with a portrait of the famous bird. Mark Smith succeeded Field as keeper, in 1879, and carried Abe more or less continuously for a year. At the soldiers' reunion at Aurora, 111,, in the autumn of 1879, where there were 150,000 present for seve ral days, Smith was pretty thorough ly tired out. He stood day after day and answered the countless questions of strangers, each and every one be ing anxious to know all about the bird — what he ate, how he slept. where he was caught, how he acted in battle, etc., etc. When night came, after these sieges, he was so hoarse he could not speak aloud. i\t this reunion Smith slept on a cot in the City Hall and Abe was locked in one of the cells, of which there were a large number, in the basement. He says he could have sold every one of the bird's wing and tail feathers at $10 each. Partisan newspapers had repeated ly asserted that Abe was dead, and that the eagle alleged to be the gen uine war-eagle was a fraud. In 1879 Smith carried the bird to a re union at Menomonie, Wis., near the place of his birth and enlistraent. Numbers of the old Eighth Regi ment were present and instantly recognized the eagle as Old Abe, 88 though they had not seen hira in fifteen years. And the boys emphatically claira the bird recognized them, too, and was delighted to see them. One of the memorable occasions to which Abe lent grace and spirit was the banquet given to Gen. U. S. Grant in 1879, on the return from his trip around the world. He had been on the road for some days and was, therefore, weary and sleepy. He did not take a place in the pa rade, but had a conspicuous position at the banquet in the Palmer House. On arriving at the door ofthe ban quet hall the managers proposed to take in Abe, but not his keeper. Smith. "No, sir," said Mark. "Where this bird goes, I go." "But,'' interposed the esthetes, "this is a *private dinner and you have no invitation." "All right," responded Mark. I was good enough to fight with Grant if I am not good enough to eat with hiin. If this place is too good for rae, it is too good for Abe," and he turned to go. That speech did the business, and Mark, with his long raven looks, broad sombrero hat and flashing black eyes, stumped up to the head of the hall on his wooden leg, and sat by the side of his pluraaged vet eran until 3 o'clock of the following morning. Abe was so tired that he did not take a very lively interest in the proceedings, but when Col. Wm. F. Vilas mounted a table and uttered the splendid tribute to Grant which made him famous, and, the Chicago Tribune claims, made him also Cleve land's postmaster-general, he flapped his wings and responded with one of his piercing battle-screams. During the Northern State Fair at Oshkosh, Wis., Sraith and Abe were present, quartered in a tent, for en tering which a fee of ten cents was charged. The proceeds went to the Methodist Church Association. He had many s-isitors. While there Smith gave his bird a fine Dominique rooster for a feast. Crowds gathered to see how he kill- and devoured his prey; but, curious ly enough, he looked kindly on the handsome young rooster, raade friends with hira and thereafter the two roosted contentedly together on the same perch until the fair closed, when the Dominique was released. Smith was succeeded in the spring of 1880 by George Gillies, a sturdy Scotchman, who was Abe's last keeper. The latter had much raore traveling to do than the earlier keepers, because, as Abe's fame spread and soldiers' reunions became more numerous, the deraand for his presence on such occasions was al most constant. , , At the great reunion in Columbus, O., in 1880, George and his bird were quartered in a fine private res idence in the suburbs. When night of the first day came the hostess gave Abe one of the nic est rooms in the house. "Oh!" ex claimed the practical keeper "Don't give to the bird the like of that; let him sit in his cage on the porch." 89 "No," insisted the ladies,"nothing is too good for Old Abe and his keeper; put him in there." And so in he went, into a room richly car peted and elegantly furnished. George also carried the bird to the reunion at Canton, O., during the sarae year, where the veterans enjoyed themselves heartily. "Man, man," says he yet, "but Ohio is the State for you. There was nothing good enough for Old Abe or me in the entire coramonwealth. We rode free, ate free, and had the best of everything everywhere." In 1880, while 100,000 people were assembled in Chicago in the Republican National Convention, a soldiers' reunion on a vast scale was being held in Milwaukee. The vet erans published a daily newspaper and also a "Reunion Roster" — a quarto volume of liberal thickness, containing names, regiments and similar information in relation to sol diers. Old Abe was there, sleek and ma jestic, but well-pleased. In that great procession, which required hours to pass a given point, no two figures attracted so rauch attention as the eagle and Gen, Grant. The two were close together near the head of tho colurans, with front and rear covered by bands of music and either fiank by veterans bearing tat tered regimental colors. It was a stirring scene. No outward 'sign on the face of the grim commander indicated that he knew aught about the desperate struggle of three giants of the Ee publican party — Roscoe Conkling, John A, Logan and .J, Donald Cam eron — only eighty miles away, to compass the defeat of Blaine and the nomination of himself for the Presi dency; and Abe, close to a noisy drum-corps, was equally complacent and self-satisfied, though his mag nificent eyes blazed with the inward excitement and pleasure always man ifested on military occasions. That was the last public appear ance of Old Abe in Wisconsin. The people cheered him lustily, showing that though he had been before the public for twenty years his populari ty had increased rather than dimin ished. OLD abe's SEMI-TRAGIC DEATH. Toward evening of a cold day in the winter of 1881 a fire started mysteriously in a quantity of paints and oils stored in the basera ent of the capitol, near Old Abe's large cage. The blaze created an enor mous volume of black and offensive smoke, which at once filled the cage to suffocation, Abe, understanding full well the nature of what was going on around him, sent forth such a scream as had never before been heard in that building. Attendants and watch men rushed below to learn the cause of the startling outcry, and before attacking the flames, opened the door of the perch-room. The eagle, with another piercing screech, swept swiftly out and away from the smudge. He seemed to be either frightened or injured by the smoke, for his 90 breast heaved, his heart labored heavily and his plumage was dis heveled. Nor was he ever well thereafter. He ate sparingly or not at all; his eyes lost their wonderful luster; he sat around in a half-coma tose condition for a few days, and on March 26, 1881, with a slight tremor and a few feeble flaps of his wings, expired in the arms of his stout keeper, George Gillies. George said that Abe seemed to know he was about to die, for when hs asked solicitously, "must we lose you, Abe?" the old bird raised up his head and looked wistfully into his keeper's face and then sunk back into his arms and passed away. A- round him were numbers of one-leff- ged and one-armed veterans whose sad faces showed that they had lost a beloved corarad. At first the general desire araong the soldiers was to have Abe buried in the beautiful Forest Hill. Ceme tery, where rest two hundred Union and one hundred and fifty confede rate dead, with appropriate railitary ceremonies, and under a handsome monument. The suggestion that the taxider mist's art would preserve him to the sight for an indefinite period dispell ed these notions, and he was turned over to Maj, C. G. Mayers,who, after preserving and stuffing the warrior- bird,fixed him firmly to a neat perch as he now stands in the War Mu seum of the capitol. Maj. Mayers was familiar with Abe's habits and appearance and was, therefore, successful in secur ing that majestic poise cf the head, graceful curve of the neck and ani mated flash of the eye which are re membered by those who have seen him when a strain of lively martial music first fell on his ear. While preparing Abe's carcass for preservation, Maj. Mayers discover ed that the lungs had grown firmly to the ribs, which fact explains the fatal result of the sraoke and fright. The cause of this malformation is alleged to have been numerous colds and congestions resulting frora changing the bird suddenly frora his warm cage in the basement of the capitol to the cold outer air in win ter. On the day following the death of Old Abe the Milwaukee Hepublican contained an interview with Maj.W. J. Dawes, who coramanded a com pany in the Eagle Regiment. It contains some interesting points, stated in a soldier's hearty way, as follows : Old Abe was well known all overthe world. His reputation is as wide-spread as that of auy general who fought in the same battles with him : My first acquaintance with him was in the spring of 1861, just about twenty years ago, now. The Eighth Wisconsin Kegiment, a company of which I had the honor to com mand, was going into camp at Camp Ran dall, in Madison, and with one of the com panies—that commanded by Capt. Perkins —came the eagle, then a chicken about half or two-thirds grown. Whether the idea had been formed before he came into camp of making him a part of the regiment for the war, or whether it was developed afterwards.I do not now recollect- but it was understood before we left camp that the bird had enlisted, aud he was chris tened Old Abe. 91 , One of the tallest men in the regiment was detailed to carry and take care of him, with the understanding that at the end of the war he was to convey him to Washing ton and present him to his namesake, the President. A standard, with a slanting platform on it, over which was a carved quiver and ar rows for him to stand upon, was obtained, and upon tbis he made his way when ou the march. A cord attached to his leg secured him to this standard, and standing on his perch, over the shoulder of his bearer and near the colors of the regiment, he was the observed of all observers. Several times he escaped from the boye, but never for a long time. The most noted was the battle of Corinth. Gen. Mower's horse was shot under him; I lost one-third of all the men I had, either killed or wounded; waa shot rayself, and a bullet cut Old Abe's cord— all in a moment of time. The Johnnies were down on us with a whoop and a yelL I saw our eagle soaring (that is a pretty classical word to us, but it alone can express tbe dignity of tbe flight) away over the rebels, and supposed he had gone for keeps, as did we all, and sorry e- nough we were. We were in trouble enough; licked for the time being, our frienda killed and wounded, old Joe's horse shot (we all liked the old fellow on bis master's account), and, above all, our eagls gone over to the rebs. Some of the men gathered me up in a blanket and took me along the best they could, and we had not gone far before Old Abe came swooping baek to his perch, which was being brought along, for we did not mean to let the Johnnies crow over that, anyhow. Tbis sounds almost too poetical to be be lieved, but there were too many eye-witness es to it to be successfully contradicted, I know these things of my own knowledge, and assert them (o be true. How do you account for tbe eagle know ing the regiment, and where to find bis place? was asked of Maj, Dawes. I don't account for it. All I bave to do is to state facts. If you want reasons and causes, you must go to some philosopher, I believe the eagle knew our regiment as well as we knew it ourselves, and that he could tell it as far off as any of us. When soldiers from otber regiments visit - ed us and called ou him, as they usually did, he did not appear the same before them as before any members of the Eighth that hap pened to be near him. It was a common understanding among the boys that Old Abe knew wbo belonged to his regiraent and who did not. This was not a peculiarity of the eagle alone. The colonel had a dog with us that evidently knew the personnel of the regiment entirely- better, perhaps.than any one belonging to it. I am not superstitious, but I fully believe that bird could think. As to food, confederate chicken aeemed to agree with his constitntion remarkably well. He never suffered for want of edibles as the rest of us sometimes did. I have seen the whole regiment on chase after a rabbit for bis supper across the field.after a hard day's march, whooping like fiends. Of course it was fun, but being in behalf of the eagle helped the fun wonderfully. During an engagement he was always in the thickest of the fight, near tbe colors, us ually on the ground, occasionally flying to his perch and screaming terrifically. He se emed to know tbat business was being transacted and the nature of it. He would stand by a cannon which was being served with tbe greatest rapidity, without fiincbing, and tbe rattle of small arms appeared to delight him. Of course he did not know wbat it was to be hurt by the balls, but I believe that he appreciated tbat trouble came to those about him by tbis means. Army men were then and have been since enthusiastic about Abe. He was a bird only but he was the embodiment of a principle, a companion of our service, which was a good deal. And there will be a great many wet eyes when tbe news of his death reaches tbe survivors of tbe Eighth Regiment. I have about as much dignity as people gener ally have, but I would not feel that it was in the least compromised by my acting as pall bearer at tbe funeral of Old Abe, sbould he be buried. 92 THE Veterans' Year. From the Diary of the Hospital Steward. Sept. 2d, 1864 to Sept. 13th, 186,5. Friday, Sept. 2d, 1864: Left carap at Memphis, Tenn., and came down to the levee and embarked on the steamer "War Eagle," leaving the "bobtails" in charge of the camp. At 6 a. ra. on the 3d started down the Miss, river and arrived at the raouth of White River at 10 p. • m., where we tied up. Arrived at St. Charles, Ark., at 4 p. m. on the 5th and disembarked and remained un til 9 p, m. of the 7th when we went aboard the "War Eagle" again and steamed up the river, getting to "Duvalls BlufE" at 8 p. m. on the Sth. Here we again disembarked and went back from the ri7er about a mile and caraped. On the 10th started for Little Rock and marched 20 miles, on the llth marched 9 railes to near Brownsville, where we went into camp until the 17th when we started. in a north-easterly direc tion and marched six miles, next day marched 18 railes, camping a- bout 4 p. m.,' the next day we pass ed through "Searcy" forded the "Lit tle Red" in water about waist deep and camped at 3 p. ra. having cov ered 18 miles, the 20th marched 15 railes over the roughest road I ever saw traveled by "humans." 21st started at 4 a. ra. and reaohed White river,near Batesyilleat5 p.m., distance 18 miles, the road worse than yesterday, in faot all "turned up on edge," 22d camped at Black river, having marched 20 miles, on the 23d crossed Black River and marched seven railes, the 24th we made twenty-one miles through a very good country and regaled our appetites with a feast of "paw paws." The 25th covered 24 miles reach ing Pocahontas, and camped at 5 p. ra. The 26th raade twenty miles, in heavy timber, the 27th, 18 ¦ miles in the rain all day,18th forded Black River again and marched 14 miles after dark, and the darkest night I ever saw, camping at midnight. The 29th floundered through rain and mud eight railes and concluded we had got enough for one day and camped. Sept. SOth passed through Poplar BlufE, forded Black River for the third time and camped after march ing 15 miles. On Oct. 1st it was "terrible moist" but we came thirteen miles along the wilderness,the 2d we reached Green ville, Mo,, after tramping 12 miles and concluded that it was a good place to stay all night. Left Green ville at 6 a. m. on the 3d and camp ed at Castor Creek, 17 miles. "Old Joe" made up his raind that it wasn't healthy for us to sleep too much, so he started us at 2 a. m. of the 4th and sent us 28 miles to Dal las, through a drenching rain, the next day the 5th after a brisk tramp of 18 miles we reached Cape Girar deau, on the Miss, river, at 5 p. m. and surprised our storaachs with a good square raeal, the first in eight een days. Spent three days here, raostly making appropriations from the "comraissary department" to supply our "inward deficiency" and raake raids on the "graybacks." Saturday, Oct. 8th we went a- board the steamer "Mars" and started up the river. This was quite a surprise to us, as we had got so used to fording streams that we expected to have to wade the Mississippi, or take it along with us, but it seems "Old Joe" having plenty of leasure proposed to try steam instead of "muscle" for a little while, passed Sulphur Springs, Mo. on the 9th and arrived at St. Louis, early on the morning of the 10th. Tuesday, the llth, we shifted our quarters from the "Mars" to tlie"On- ward" and steamed onward up the Miss., until dark when we "tied up" at the mouth of the Missouri. The 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th we steamed up the "Big Muddy" all day tieing up to the bank at dark, arrived at Jefferson city about 10 a.m. on the 15th and immediately disem barked and went on board the cars, ran out to "Lamine" bridge where we reraained until Saturday the 22d, on which day we marched fifteen railes and caraped near Sedalia, Mo. Oct. 23d raarched to"Knobnoster," nineteen miles, and on the 24th came fourteen miles to Warrens- burg, Mo., and went into camp, here we stayed until the 28th, when we made a forced march of forty railes and reached Harrisonville, Mo. at 11 p. m. Sunday the SOth, marched to Spring Hill, 15 miles, Slst mustered for pay by Lt. Col. Britton and in afternoon marched eighteen railes, the weather biting cold. Nov. 1st in a cold north east rain we traraped twenty-five miles and on the 2d came to Sedalia, twenty-four miles. On the morning of Nov. Sd we were greeted with a lively snowstorm,but all the same, we tramped 16 miles to Lamine bridge, facing the worst storm it was ever my fortune to be caught out in. Friday, the 5th we found the snow a foot deep across the prairie but waded through ittwenty miles. The Sth left twenty miles of snow behind us, and sixteen more the 6th. On which day we arrived at JefEerson city and had fairiy comfortable quarters for the night. Came to the "Osage" fourteen miles on the 7th, and on the Sth were ferried across that stream in wagons during the forenoon and in the afternoon came to Westphalia, 8 miles. Wednesday, the 9th at daylight found ourselves completely "drownded out" and the water still rising rapidly "grabbed a root," 'climbed trees' and in fact did raost any way to get "in out of the wet." Along towards night we finally succeeded in getting on dry land a- gain. On the 10th marched four teen miles to Lynn, Mo., the llth marched to, and forded the "Gascon- 9t ade" making sixteen railes. The 12th made twenty miles over rough frozen roads and on the 13th twenty- five miles, the Mth twenty-eight miles and on the 15th at 3 p. m. marched into quarters at Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, having made twenty-two miles. Here we remained until the 23d of Nov. enjoying a few days of rest and getting new clothes and rauni- tions. On the 23d at S p. m. erabarked on the steamer '^Maggie Hayes" and at 2 p. m. on the 24th started down the Miss, tieing up at Sulphur Springs at dark, reached Cairo, 111. at 6 p. m. on the 26th, and Liberty, 111., on the Ohio river at 1 p. m. on the 27th. Reached "Smithland Key" at 8 a. m. on the 28th and at 1 p. m. started up the Curaberland river, lashed to the steamer "Prairie State," passed Clarksville at noon of the 29th and tied up at Nashville a- bout midnight. Onthe SOth disemibarked and moved out to a camp two miles west of the city. At dark of Dec. 1 mov ed camp again about one half a mile and threw up breastworks, where we reraained intently watching the movements of our "misguided breth ren" in gray, who were -making themselves particularly troublesome and noisy a short distance in our front and mostly in plain view. The pickets and skirmishers ex- cha,nged; "minie compliments" nearly every day, until Deo. 15,1864 when we raade a general advance all along the line, in an endeavor to culti/ate a closer acquaintance with the "Johnnies," who did not seem to raake the boys particularly welcome. However we ma-naged to turn their left flank and without much diificul- ty throw them from their position and captured a fine six gun Battery of Artillery and a lot of prisoners. Kept up the battle until dark and the old 2d Brigade had placed to its credit 16 pieces of artillery and 600 prisoners as the result of the days' work. The Eighth lost, 2 killed and 9 wounded. On the 16th the battle was opened again lively,the artillery doing sorae terrific cannonading, the infantry made several minor charges and had a good, deal of desperate fighting, until 3 p. ra. when the grand final charge wrs made, which routed the "rebs" from every portion of their line and drove them in wild confu sion ofE the field in the direction of Franklin. Our old brigade "go'b- bled" today 20 guns and more than 1000 prisoners, the loss in our regi ment was five killed and forty-six wounded. On the 17th we followed the re treating enemy to Brentwood, 11 miles and on the 18th seven miles further to Franklin, the 19th fifteen further in a heavy rain. On the 20th only moved about two miles as it was raining very heavily, freezing as it fell, and the roads were well nigh impassible. On the 22d came seven miles to Columbia. The 24th marched to and forded Duck river and proceed ed about seven miles to camp. The 95 26th marched eighteen miles and on the 27th only made five miles, as we were out of rations and waiting for the supply train to come up. Our camp was near the village of Pulaski. On the 29th marched west, twelve miles and caraped. The SOth, Slst, .Jan. 1st and 2d marched 55 miles and camped near Clifton, Tenn., about a mile from the Tennessee river. Here amidst a oold drizzling rain and on rather scant rations, we lay until Jan. Sth when we packed up once more and went on board the steamer "Caroline." at midnight lashed to the "Izetta" we started up the crooked Tenn., passed Pittsburg and Hamburg landings in the after noon of the Oth and about lip. ra. tied up at Eastport. Disembarked on the morning of the lOth and put up carap for winter quarters about two railes out frora the river. Here the regiment remained until Feb. 6, 1865. The weather raost of the time very cold, interspersed here and there with cold, drizzling rains and snow storras, with "nothing to do and plenty to do it" and plenty of time to "love each other freely." On th3 morning of Feb, 6th broke camp and occupied the day in load ing our camp and garrison equippage aboard the steamers preparatory for a move somewhere. At 6 a. m. of the 7th started down the Tennessee for Cairo and the "great beyond." On the Sth passed Paducah, Ky. a- bout S a. m. and at 11 a. m. tied up for coal and supplies at Cairo, Ills., remaining until 1 p. m. of the lOth when we stearaed down the mighty "Father of Waters," passing our old campaign ground at New Madrid and Point Pleasant about sundown. Arrived at Memphis at 7 a. m. onthe llth and on the 12th proceeded on down the river reaching Helena,Ark. at p. m. where we tied up for the night, passed White river soon after sunrise of the 14th and anchored in the stream a little below Lake Prov idence, La., about dark on account of fog. Vicksburg was reached at 10 a. m. on the 15th and the regiment disem barked and camped on the flats be low the city and near the old "whist ling Dick" battery. On the 16th marched out to "Four Mile" bridge and put up our camp,enjoying beau tiful weather, until the 19th when at 10 a. m. we again went on board the steamer "Mississippi" and some tirae during the night started again down the "rolling river." Passed Natchez at dark of the 20th, Baton Rouge at 8 a. m. of the 21st and at 5 p. m. reached the "Crescent city" in the midst of a heavy southwest squall, tieing up on the opposite side of the river at Algiers, On the raorning of the 22d ran down the river to the old "Chalmette battle ground" of 1815, where we diserabarked and went into carap. Rain and raud and moving carap in a vain endeavor to find dry land were our principal arauseraents un til March 5, 1865 when we were taken aboard the stearaer "Victory" whicli soon transferred us to the Ocean Stearaer "Guiding Star" and 96 at 4 p. m. we stearaed slowly down the river. Daylight of the 6th found us "stuck in the raud" on the bar at South West Pass, from which we were finally hauled ofE by the tug "Gladiator" and put to sea a little after 12 m. noon, 2,000 of us stewed away like sardines in a box. About 2 p. ra. went out of sight of land and began to enjoy (?) the pleasures of a sea voyage; but principally "casting up accounts" with "old Nep." Fearing I should soon be "hors du combat" like the rest I went below and to bed from which I did not emerge until we anchored off Dauphine Island at the mouth of Mobile Bay and the steamers "I. D. Swain" and "J. M. Brown" came out and took us offi the ship and landed us at the pier near Fort Gaines at 2 p. m. we marched up the beach two miles in a vVesterly direc tion and bivouacked for the night on the sand. Here we remained enjoying the rain, wind and cold until our tearas came over frora New Orleans on the 17th of March when vve got raarch ing orders and lay under arms two days waiting to move. At 8 a. m. on the 20th we marched back to the pier at Fort Gaines and went on board the steamer "N. W. Thomas" and steamed across the strait, and bay to Fish river, up which we tried to go, but found the water so shal low that we went back to its mouth and tied up for the night. At 11 a. m. of the 21st we were transfered to the "tinclad" Elk No, 47 and at 12 noon again essayed the trip up Fish river, up which we pro ceeded until 2 p. m. M'hen we landed and marched out into the heavy tim ber about one mile and bivouacked for the night. At 8 a. in. our pick ets were fired on and the whole cora mand moved out about ^ a raile in line of battle, when we were halted and put to work throwing up breast works. Skirraished nearly all day of the 2Sd and repulsed one charge of the rebs, losing only one raan, Jos. A. Petit Co. "B" wounded. Skirmishing was kept up on the 24th and the regiment was in line of battle several tiraes in the forenoon but no engagement followed. On the 25th moved six railes to the front and again threw up in trenchments, skirmishing with the "Johnnies" briskly several tiines during the day. On tne 26th again raoved six miles, but as we were rear guard to the baggage train did not have to skirraish or dig "gopher holes" On the 27th opened the ball on the extreme advance at 8 a. m. and had a lively skirmish for three miles until about noon when their artillery opened and our brgade was advanc ed to within half a mile of "Spanish Fort and lay under a heavy fire frora their batteries until dark, when we threw up intrenchments under alive- ly shoM'er of bullets f jom the rebel pickets and skirmishers; loss of the Reg't today, one killed and ten wounded. The 28th was another lively day I spent most of the day on the skirm ish line, as the woods in the rear were 97 too full of 7 inch shells to be eith er safe or pleasant; fired 50 rounds of cartridges but we managed to keep so low that no body got hurt, whether the chaps over on the other side were so lucky or not, we had no raeans of fiilding out. The 29th, SOth, 31st of March and April 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and Sth were lively days, the woods full of bursting shells and the skirm ish line hotly engaged every day,the only places of safety being in the "borab proof" or far in the rear. On the Sth of April the Sth Iowa raade a brilliant charge on the works and captured over 300 prisoners, with fourteen coraraissioned officers. At 2 a. m. of the 9th we • were ar- roused by the report that the "John nies" had "skedadled" and evacuat ed the Fort, which on investigation we found to be true, they left be hind them raany stores and sraall arms and 40 pieces of heavy artillery. At 10 a. m. we started in pursuit and raarched to, and crossed the Tensaw river, a distance of four miles, apd went into camp^ about 10 a. ra. ofthe llth we had to "dig out" of our carap as one of the rebel batteries had got our range and with their usual "cussedness" were dropping seven inch shells in araong us in a raanner that was not very favorable to longevity or good digestion. So out of respect for their so openly ex pressed aversion to keeping good corapany, we "packed up our kit" and raoved up the river a raile or so out of range. Wednesday, April 12 we received the news of the occupa tion of Mobile with a great deal of satisfaction and on the raorning of the 13th picked up our carap and started on a trarap in a northerly and northeasterly direction moving 10 miles, on the Mth twelve railes, 15th sixteen railes, 16th twenty railes, 17th eight railes, crossing Es- canabia river on a pontoon bridge, 18tli sixteen railes taking a svviin a- cross one lively little creek on our way, 19th twenty railes, 20th ten miles, 21st reached Greenville, Ala. having raarched sixteen railes, 22d lay at Greenville waiting for the baggage train, which got up about dark, 2Sd eighteen railes, 24th ten railes, 25th arrived at Montgoraery, Ala. about 4 p. m. and went into camp about three miles north, hav ing marched twenty-two miles. Here we remained in camp for sev eral days taking a little much need ed rest. On Thursday, May 4th. we received the news of Lee's and- John ston's surrender, officially, and the close of active hostilities. We cele brated of course, and felt the end of our "togaming" was near, if not entirely over. But on the 10th we had orders to raove again and as us ual "Shanks' Mules" were to be the conveyance. We came to the city of Montgom ery crossed the river on a pontoon bridge and marched out four miles further, a total of seven railes, before we caraped for the night. On the llth we raarched fourteen railes, passing Prattsville, Ala. about 11 a. ra., the 12th carae sixteen railes, 13th eighteen miles over a very r ough 98 and hilly country and camped at 2 p. ra. pretty well tired. Sunday the 14th an easy march of nine miles brought us to Selma, Ala. and carap at 2 p. m. On the 18th we marched down to the railroad and lay in rain all day and night waiting for a train which Started about 8:30 a. m. on the 19th and at 11 a. ra. landed us at Union- town, Ala., where we diserabarked and took possession of the town us ing the late "Confederate Ofiicers Hospital" for a Hospital and Head Quarters. Here we spent the balance of our terra of service in taking the world easy, drawing rations, and receiving mail regularly, spending a couple of hours each day in company and bat talion drill and dress parade, many of the boys on detached service as sisting to "reconstruct" the "new south" and occasionally engaged in some little speculation of their own that sometimes resulted favorably (for them) and soraetiraes it didn't, until Sept. 5, 1865, when we pro ceeded to Demopolis by rail, turned over our govemraent property and arms and were mustered out, leav ing for Madison, Wis. immediately. Arrived at Madison, Sept. 12th and were paid off and received our discharges and said good-bye, Sept. 13, 1865. Mighty glad to "get out of the wilderness" into "God's country" again. The Hospital Steward from whose diary the dates in the "Veteran Year"are taken is once more in the eraploy of "Uncle Sara" as the fol lowing extract frora a letter dated May 14th, 1890 will show: My Dear Old Comrade, You will no doubt be surprised npon re ceiving this, but it is a faot I am again in Uncle Sam's employ. Had no more idea of it when I saw you in Milwaukee last sum mer than tbe man in the moon, bnt an ap pointment to a $1200. clerkship came nnso- lioited to me last Jannary, so I rented my farm in Iowa, pulled up stakes and here I am in the Govemment Printing Office, one of ten clerks iu the Chief Time Clerks room helping make out pay-rolls for the 2600 em ployes in this big print ahop; the Gov't ia a little more generons than it nsed to be with us boys, pays better wages and pays them regularly twice each month instead of when it was convenient as with us. I've been here since March lOtb. B. P. E. 99 ROSTER OF THB Field and Staff OF THE 8th Reg't Infantry Wis. Vols. Robert C. Mukphy, Colonel. From July 11, 1861, To Jan. 10, 1863. Was in comraand of the 2d Brig ade, 2d Division, Army of the Miss., during Sept. and Oct., 1862 and from the latter part of Nov., 1862 to Jan. 10, 1863.- When he was dishonorably dis raissed frora the U. S. service by Maj. Gen'l U. S, Grant, for surrend ering the post of Holly Springs, Miss, to an inferior rebel force under Gen'l VanDorn, without an effort in its defence, and by reason of which military stores to the value of $4,000, 000 fell into the enemy's hands or were destroyed. He resided for sorae years after the war, in Philadelphia, Penn., and died about the year 1880 in very re duced circurastances. Geo. W. Robbins, Lt. Colonel. Frora Aug. 15, 1861, To Dec. 20, 1862. When he was proraoted to the' Colonelcy after the dismissal of Col Murphy. He was severely wounded at Cor inth, Miss., Oct. 3d, 1862; and again at Vicksburg, Miss., May 22d, 1863. He had a leg broken soon after by the falling of his horse and became perraanently disabled, for which rea son he resigned his coramission Sept. 1st, 1863. (For portrait and further history see Biographies.) John W. .Iefferson, Major. From Aug. 26, 1861. To Dec. 20, 1863. When he was proraoted to the Lieut. Colonelcy. Was coraraissioned as Colonel, June 7th, 1864, and raustered out Oct. llth, 1864. He was seriously wounded at Corinth, Miss., Oct. 3d, 1862 and again at Vicksburg, Miss., May 22d, 1863. (For portrait and further history see Biographies). William B. BEiTTON,Capt. Co."G" Frora Aug 16, 1861, To Deo. 20, 1863. When he was coraraissioned as Major. Proraoted to the Lieut. Col onelcy, June 7th, IS64 and to be Colonel, Mar. Sth, 1865. Mustered out Sept. 5, 1865, at Demopolis, Ala. (For portrait and further history see Biographies.) 100 Jas. O. Bartlett, 2d Lieut.Co.K From Aug. 7, 1861, To June 23, 1862. When he was promoted 1st Lieut. Co. "K" and was raade Capt. Co. "K," Sept. 7th, 1862. Coraraissioned Major, Feb. 21st, 1865 and Lieut. Colonel, March 28, 1865, but was not raustered. Mustered out Sept. 5, 1865. (No further history.) •Sam'l B. Thornhill, Surgeon. Frora Aug. 22, '61, To Nov. 14, '62. When he was dismissed frora the service and died at St. Croix Falls, Wis., a few years later. .Ioseph E. Murta, Surgeon. 2d Ass't Surg. Sept IS, '61. 1st " " Jan. 4, "62. Surgeon, Nov. 14, '62. Mustered out, Sept. 5, '65. He returned to Lagrange, Tenn., and begari the practice of raedicine but has been for sorae years at Mos cow, Tenn., which is his present ad dress. William HoBBiNS,lst Ass't Surg. Frora Aug. 15, '61, To Jan. 4, '62. When he resigned. (No further history.) L.M.Armstrong, 1st Ass't Surg. 2d Ass't Surg., Sept 11, '62. 1st " " Nov. 14, '62. Resigned, Nov. 29, '62. Henry M. Murdock, IstAss'tSurg. 2d Ass't Surg., Dec. 2, '62. 1st " " Nov. 29, '62. Mustered out, Sept. 5, '65. He resuraed the practice of medi cine at his muster out and has accu mulated a corapetence. He was a splendid physician and nurse and a great favorite with the "boys." He was, at Milwaukee in 1889 and none received a warmer welcome than "Betsey" (excuse us. Doctor, the old pet name would come out in spite of us,) His present address is New Richmond, Wis. Reuben Wilson, 2d Ass't Surg. From May 5, '63. Resigned Aug. 22, '64. Ezra T. Sprague, Adjutant. From Sept. SO, '61, until proraoted Colonel of the 42d Wis. Infantry, July 29, '64. (See portrait and Biography.) Wm. H. Sargeant, Adjutant. 1st Sergt Co. G, Aug. 1, '01. 2d Lt. May 9, '62. 1st Lt. Dec. 20, '62. Adjutant Nov. 21' '64. Was killed in action at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 16, '64, Avhile acting as aid to Col. Hubbard, 5th Minn., who was commanding the 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 16th A. C. Henry M. Bull, Adjutant. Enlisted as Corp. Co. G, Sept. 5, '61. was proraoted to first Sergt. and then to Adjt., Jan. 6, '65. Mustered out, Sept. 5, '65. ICl Pascal M. Hovey, Quartermaster. From Aug. 22, '61, To Sept.-S, '61. when he resigned. Fr.vncis L. Billings, Quarter master. From Sept. 10, '61, To Jan. S, '64. Resigned. Hriai My Rich George AUen " Jamea Minton " U A Eobinson Dayton C Kinsman Fremont Lt M B Patohen New London Wis LD Wentworth Chas H Sheldon Thorp Wis J A Taylor Northport Wis C L Wood Royalton Wis John H Pickle Fremont Wis Michajl Amen Wanawa Wis Oramel A Rich Weyauwega Wis W H Rogers Wlnnecome Wis W H Bennet Medina Ohio O M WTiitman Hartley Iowa Thos T Carroll Taooma Wash. John C Green Rural Wis J .\ Jones Jas E Brown Milwaukee Wis These weee not at Milwaukee. David Gano Tacoma Wash Judson H Sheldon Neleigh Neb VanBuren Rice Neleigh Neb Geo W Quimbly Manawa Wis Milo Sheldon Royalton Wis Schyler Gardineer Manawa Wis. *C0.i"B."* » » » History and Roster or Co. "B," Sth Wis, Inf'ty Vols. Co."B" was organized in the town of Greenbush, Sheboygan County, in June, 1861, and kept up a series of drills through the raonths of .June, •July and August, when their were called to Camp Randall, by the Gov ernor, at which place they arrived, were mustered in, and assigned as Co. "B," Sept. 12th, 1861, with the following commissioned officers: Capt David B Conger Ist Lieut John A Smith 2d Lieut Carlos E Stevens whose oommissiona all bore date of June Ist, 1861 Of theae, Capt Conger resigned June 23 '62; was sncceded by 1st Lieut Albert E Smith, from Co K, who was commisaioned Oapt June 25 '62 and mustered out Deo 11'64 his term of service expiring. He waa suc ceeded by Oharles P Stewart who enlifet- ed June 1st '61, re-enlisted as a vet eran and waa Sergt, lat Sergt; promoted let Lieut Jan 14 '65, Capt May 17 '65, was se verely wounded at Naahville Deo 16 '65 and mustered out Sept 5 '65. 1st Lieut John A Smith was mustered out Sept 17 '64, term expired. 2nd Lieut. C. B. Stevens, died at Pilot Knob, Mo. Nov 6th '61, of disease. 2nd Lieut. Emerson H Weber enlisted Jly 31 '61, was lat Sergt. and commissioned as 2nd Lieut. Nov. 6 '61, resigned June 25 '62. 2nd Lieut, David Conger enlisted Jnne lat '61, waa Sergt.; promoted 2nd Lient, June 26 '62 and muatered out Sept. llth '64, term ex pired. ROSTER. Non- Veterans. Albert E Smith Capt Jane 25 '62 Johu A Smith Ist Lt June 1 '61 David Conger 2d Lt June 25 '62 Bunce, Fayette Drinkwine, Larry EUicson. Seymor Lester, Fielding Mellan, Albert A Payne, William Steele, Joseph Stewart, Silas E Corp Taylor, Chas F Thorpe, Elisha S VanPatten, Peter B Wade, Edward S 15 • Veterans. Ohas P Stewart Capt May 17 '65 Arndt, Daniel Baldwin, Thoa R, Corp Barber, John A " Barrows, Wm 0 Bon, Wm N Campbell, Nath, Carpenter, Edwin A Cole, Jessie, Corp, Oom Sergt Corbet, Charles A Cornweil, Stepbea A Cornfeldt, John H Gorman, Darius C Gross, Daniel F Hazel, William Hinkley, Philander Hobbs, Abraham Hogue, John F Hollihan, WiUiam Hull, Daniel Jepson, William Corp. Sergt. Johnson, George A Jones, Rufus T Corp, Lee. William Mathias, Adolph Corp, Sergt. McCutcheon, David Corp. Mead. Levi D Corp Sergt 1st Lient. Miller, John W Miller, Ephram Coip Sergt 2nd Lieut. Nolan, Michssl Nolan, John Patterson, Archibald musician 109 Pettit, Joseph A Platskie, Christoph Plugge, Wm H Corp, Sergt Sawyer, Chester D Stearns, Orson E Stoddard, Silas G Corp Stoddard, James A " Trowbridge, Lewis H " , Tucker, Edward T Warner, Ben F Wifier, John, Corp 43 Died. Carlos E. Stevens, 2nd Lieut., Pilot Knob Mo. Nov. 11 '61, of diaease. Arnold Jamea W July 22 '62, Hospital boat "Naahville" of dieeaee. Eenjamin,Herbert L July 15 '63, Vicksburg Miaa. of disease. Butler, John Dee 5 '61 Irontoh Mo. of dis ease. Butler, Charles M April 6 '61 Hospital boat "Lady Gray" of disease. Crandall, Alfred B May 23 '63 St. Louis Mo of diaease. Dobbins, William H Sept. 2 '64 Memphis Tenn. of disease. Dobbins, Solomon Nov 25 '61 Ironton, Mo. Durke, Walter F Feb 20 '63 Germantown Tenn Elmore, Sylvanus J Ang 8 '63 Bear Creek, Mias Grant, Alvin L June 6 '62 Evansville Ind. Hodges, Thomas Nov 16 '63 LaGrange Tenn Hogue, James M Oct 5 '62 Corinth Johnson, Geo A Feb 21 '65 Nashville Monk, Elias Apr 4 '62 Mourd City 111 Odell, Thoa M Mar 15 '62 Cairo 111 Root, Augustus July 29 '63 Black River Miss Shaw, Joseph Mar 12 '62 Sykestown Mo UnderhiU, Arnold Aug 5 '63 Black River Upson, Hezekiah Feb 35 '65 Memphis Znfelt, Franklin Nov 28 '61 Ironton Mo Recruits: Albert E Smith Capt from 1st Lt Co K Bntler, Chas M Dobbins, Wm H Drummond, Hugh Goodenough, Isaac R Holihan, Wm Lamphear, Elisha Nolan, John Rogers, Timoth K Upson Hezekiah 10 Discharged. David B Conger Capt. resigned June 23 '62 E H Webster 2d Lieut " " 25 '62 Benjamin, Daniel June 7 '64 disability Cough, Caleb N Sergt June SO '62 " Cary, Wm Feb 16 '63 wnds, Corinth Mias Conklyn, Anatin Jan 16 '63 diaability Corbet, Chaa A Nov 22 '65 wnds Lake Chi cot, right leg amp Corbet, Henry Oct 26 '63 diaability Comwell, Stephen A Nov 26 '64 " Couch, B C Corp Dec '62 " OrandaU, Henry E Sergt July 30 '62 dis Dailey,Henry A. Sergt wnds Lake Chicot Gorman, Darius C '' " " Hinman, Reuben C Apr '62 disability Hinman, Aaron B Oct 13 '62 " Hobbs, Wm June '62 " Hull, Aaron P Feb 19 '62 " Johnson, Enoch B Aug 13 '62 " KitteU, John Sept 28 '62 " Lamphear, Elisha May 31 '65 " Larrabee, John July 8 '62 " Matthias, Julius Aug 33 '63 " OdeU, Zachariah Sept 8 '62 " Pettit, Jos A May 33 '65 wnds Spanish Fort rt foot amp Pierce, John T Sept 17 '62 dis Smith, Phineas Feb 9 '62 dis Stannard, Henry Apr '62 dia Stoddard, Henry Sept SO '62 by order Tomelty, John Sept 9 '62 dis Toothaker, Jas L Sept 1 '62 dis re-en- hated Nov 17 '63 wnd Nashville Ulerioh, Henry Oot 11 '62 dia UnderhiU, Nathan Sept '62 dis Wade, Andrew E Corp Jan 19 '62 dis Zufelt, Horace Mar 1 '63 dis Killed In Actiojj: Esterling, John Lake Chicot June 6 '64 Hull, Daniel NashviUe Deo 6 '64 Milter, John W Lake Chicot June 6 '64 Stagg, Wm Corinth Oct 3 '63 Wounded: Capt Stewart, Nashville Bunce, Fayette Corinth Campbell, Nat Spanish Ft Cary, Wm Corinth Corbet, Chas A Lake Chicot rt leg amp Dailey, Henry A " " rt hd amp Gorman, Darius " " Hinkley, Philander Spanish Ft Hogue, Jas M Corinth Died Oot 6 '62 Johnson, Geo A Nashville died Feb 21'66 Petit, Jos A Spanish Ft rt ft amp Rogers, Tim K Mansura Landing Stoddard, Jaa A Red river ex Toothaker, Jas L Nashville UnderhiU, Arnold Corinth Promoted : Albert E Smith 1st Lt Co K to Capt June 26 '62 Chas P Stewart Sergt 1st Sergt 1st Lt Capt May 17 '65 Emerson Webster 1st Sergt 2d Lt Nov 6 '61 res June 25 '62 David Conger Sergt 2d Lt June 25 '62 Jessie Cole to Com Sergt Nov 1 '64 Wm Connor Corp to A A Gen'l U S Vol July 14 '63 Levi H Mead Corp Sergt 1st Sergt IstLt July 17 '65 not mustered Ephram Miller Corp Sergt 2d Lt July 17 '65 not muatered Daniel E O'Neil Sergt Capt 71 U S C T Mar 21,64 9 Deserted : Barrett, Joseph from hospital CrandaU, Rnstus W Corp May '62 Stoddard, Jas W Corp Vet Jan '65 Recapitulation : Orignal company Recruits Total Re-enlistedNon-veteranaMnstered out at cloae of war 1 bfiicer 40 men Killed in action Died of disease and wnds Disch for ¦' " " PromotionsDesertedPresent at 23d national encamp ment at Milwaukee Present addresses known 108 10 118 4316 41 4 3134 93 3429 The following Comeads bepobted at Camp VanNobman, Milwaukee, in 1889. Peter R Barret, Wessington Springs, S Dak T B Baldwin, Artesian City, S Dak C A Corbett, Greenbuah, Wis Seymour EUicson, Forrest, Wis Lt J A Smith, Glenbulah, Wis Henry Stannard, Armstrong, Wis Wm Carey, Dotyville, Wis J A Pettit, Amity, Wis N L UnderhiU, Medford, Wis Peter B VanPatten, Abrams, Wis Lt David Conger, Janesville, Wis E S Thorp, Miladore, Wis E Lamphear, Thorp, Wis J T Pierce, Black Creek, Wis Rev Jessie Cole, Sheldon, Iowa S E Wade, Fond du Lac, Wis L H Mead, Shell Rock, Iowa David McCurton, Ellsworth, Wis E T Tucker, Sheboygan, Wis Archibald Patterson, Morrow, Kan C D Gorman, Olivet, Wis E Miller, Ashton, Iowa Orison E Stearns, Fullerton, Neb E H Webster, BaldwinsviUe, Wis These webe not at Milwaukee. Stephen Comwell, River Falls, Wis Capt B S Williams, Yankton, S Dak John Pulaski, Pilot Monnd, Minn Walter Houston, Oshkosh, Wis W H Rogers, Butte des Nortes, Wis 7^ History and Roster op Co. "C," Sth W^is. Inf'ty Vols. Co. "C" was recruited in the city of Eau Claire as the "Eau Claire Badgers," in August, 1861, and was organized August 29, '61, with the foUwing coraraissioned officers,whose commissions were dated August 29, 1861: Capt. John E. Perkins 1st Lt. Victor Wolf 2d Lt. Frank iMo Guire They left Eau Claire Sept. Sth, '61 bringing with them the young eagle, which on their arrival at Carap Ran dall, was named "Old Abe" in honor of our beloved president, and who gave to the regiraent the title of the "Eagle Regiment." They were raustered in, and assigned as Co. "C" the color corapany, Sept. 9, '61. Of their officers Capt. Perkins was mortal ly wounded at Farmington, Miss., May 8th, '63 and died of his wounds two days later. 1st Lieut Victor Wolf waa commissioned as Capt. May llth 1862 and was diacharged on account of failing health Mar. 38 1865. 1st Lieut Thomas G. Butler enlisted July 30th 1S61; was commissioned 1st Lt May llth 1863; Capt June 6th 1865 but not mustered and was mustered out Sept 5th 186.'). 3d Lt Frank McGuire enlisted July 30 '61; commissioned Aug 29 '61 and resigned Oct 5 '61. 3d LtSeth Pierce enlisted Aug 27 '61; was lat Sergt; commiasioned 2d Li Oct 8 '61 and resigned May 11 '62. 2d Lt John Woodworth enUsted Aug 19 '61 was appointed Sergt Major of the regiment Sept 20 '61; commissioned 2d Lt May 6 '62 and mustered out June 21 '64. ROSTER. Non-veterans. Avery, Wm Barnes, Alpheus R, Corp Brigga, Myron, Sergt Buck, Frederick, Corp Burkardt, John Dickey, Harrison Dodge, Robert Corp Griffith, S W Corp Haynes, Ben F HiU, John F HiU, Thos J Hill, Jnlius Kimball, John Corp Morse, Frederick Parker, Chas H Phillips, Chas J Corp Selb, Paul Stahlman, Adolph Corp, Tuttle, Andrew B Whitney, Milton F Wilcox, Ephriam 21 Veterans. Victor Wolf, Capt. Thomas G Butler, 1st Lieut. Aaron, Jacob Barber, George Corp Barrett, Frank Burk, Philip Button, James B Corp Sergt Cannell, William Demarest, Burnett J Corp Ser^ Lieut Deckersheid, Martin Emery, PhiUp Gebhard, Gabriel Goddard, Marshall N Corp Homiston, Edward Lenz, George MoFait, Charles McLain, David Monteith, WiUiam Noble, David Corp Sergt Oleson, Peter Ole Pitwich, Adolph Corp Sergt Pappel, Nathaniel Corp Prine, Elijah H Quick, Walter Corp Riley, George W Scholkoff, Christian Corp Sergt 2d Lieut Smith, Dighton Strasburg, Charles West, Thoa White, Harry D Wygant, Sidney T Wyman Daniel A Died: Atwater, James; May 28, '62, La Crosse Wis Beeman, Alphonse, Deo 4, '61, Ironton, Mo Brown, Geo A, Mar 22, '63, Cairo, 111 Canfield, Nat S T, June G, ,62, Farmington, Miss Delap, William, Aug 30, '63, Camp Sherman, Miss Farley, David, July 11, ,63, Young's Point, La Guppee, Wm H, Apr 28, '63, Hst Boat Em press Hooper, James W, Nov 19, '63, Memphis, Tenn MoGinnes, Jamea, Sept 19, ,62, Jackson, Tenn Miles, Junius A, Oct 31, ,62, Corinth, Miss of wnds rec'd Oct 3, '62 Parker, Frank N, July 5, '63, Young's Pt, La Ritger, Andrew, June 39, '63, Young's Pt, La Roberta, Edwin, Mar 9, ,62, Cairo, 111 Ruasell, Ohas, Corp. Deo 10, '63, Benton Barracks, Mo Sargeant, Chas M, Mar 4, '63, Germantown, Tenn Swenson, Hoel, Sept 5, '63, Camp Sherman, Miss Worth, Max, Aug 7, '63, Bear Creek, Miss 17 Strasburg, Charles Thiel, August 19 Recruits: Becker, Henry Brown, Andrew Brown, Adam Cannell, William Ohatwood, William Dickersheid, Martin Dodge, Robert Oorp. Graaser, Ferdinand Hitchings, George Lenz, George McFait, Charlea Meith, Christian Miller, Chriatian Page, WiUiam F Parker, Frank N Sibbald, Mark Soal, John Discharged: Victor Wolf, Capt, Mar 28 '65 Frank McGuire 2d Ll Oct 5 '61 Seth Pierce 2d Lt May 18 '62 Anderson, Robt H Sergt Oct 28 '62 dis Brown,Andrew transf to V B C Sept 26 '63 Brown, Adam disch to enUst in Marime Brigade Mar 7 '63 Buckley, Wm July 10 '62 wnds rec'd at Farmington, May 9 '62 Canfield, Stephen Sepf 12 '62 disabiUty Coon, Thos B Deo 29 '63 " Fuller, Solomon Jtly 17 '62 by order FuUer, David S July 17 '62 " " Grinnell, Henry Dec 23 '62 disabled Heth, Jacob Mar 6 '62 Kirk, Wm G Corp Dec 12 '62 " McCauley, Jas D Feb 13 '63 McCord, Wilbur F Aug 2 '61 " Page, William F Jan 5 '63 Palmerter, Silas M Oct 6 '62 PhiUps, John W Feb '63 to enUat in Ma rine Brigade Randall.Nicholas D Feb 10 '62 disabled Segar, Charles Jan 10 '63 " Schmidtmeyer, Francia Sergt Deo 31 '63 Shipman, Curtiss F Feb 12 '62 Thiel, August Feb 3 '63 Thurston, Alfred Mar 38 '63 TyreU, Andrew B Jau 10 '63 27 Killed in Action: John E Perkins, wnd Farmington, Mias, May 9 '62 died May 11 '62 Brown, Nathaniel K miaaing in action Cor inth, Miss Oct 3 '62 Curtisa, Edmund Corinth, Miss Oct 3 '62 Hanscom, Newill " " " 4 '62 Meith, Chriatian " " " 3 '62 Stuoksburg, Urial A Aug 7 '64 by Guerillas near Waterford, Miss Wounded: Buckley, WiUiam Farmington Miss Haynes, Benjamm F Corinth Miss Miles, Junius Thiel, August Thurston, Alfred Tyrell, Andrew 113 Promoted : Victor Wolf 1st Lt, Capt May 11 '62 Thos G Bntler Sergt, 1st Sergt, 1st Lt May May 11 '62 Capt June 6 '65 not mustered. Seth Pierce Ist Sergt 2d Lt Oct 8 '61 Res May 11 '62 John Woodworth Sergt Major Sept 20 '61 2d Lt Co C May 6 '62 Mo June 21 '64 •Benj F Cowan Corp 1st Sergt 2d Lt Co I 30 Wis Ang 5 '62 Demarest Burnett Corp 1st Sergt 1st Lt Jnne 7 '65 not mustered Christian Scholkoff Corp Sergt 2J Lieut Sept 13 'Go not mnstered Deserted: Devoe, Isaac May 11 '62 Hedge, Riley Oot IS 62 Loomis. Geo A May 31 '63 Harrison B Jnly "iii McLeod, CoUin S July 17 •62 Palmer, Geo Apr 18 '62 R KC A PITU LATION : Original company 100 Recruits 19 Total 119 Re-enlisted 32 Non-veterans 21 Mnstered ont at close uf war 2 officers 39 men 41 KiUed in action 6 Died of disease and wnds 17 Discharged 27 Deserted 6 Present at Milwaukee 24 Present addresses known 31 The following Comeads kkpobtkd at Cakp VamXobman. Milwaukee, is 1889. Thos J Hill, Eau Claire, Wis Geo Lenz MA Briggs, " " Chas Strasbnrg, FaU Creek, " Angust Thiel, " " " S M Falmertier, .Augusta' B F Cowan, Eau Claire. LtJBDemere.st. " '• Jaoob Aaron E H Prine. MaivUle. A B Barnes, Albia, Iowa C J Philips, Vanoeburgh, Wis Thos West. Coimers\-iUe, " Dunn Co Johnnie HiU, Chippewa Falls, " E Wilcox, Angnsta, " William Ohatwood, Rio, " Daniel A Wyman, Rockwin, " M F Whitney, White HaU, " H Grinnel, National Home, Milwaukee William G Kirk, W^aabeok, Pepin Co Wis Thos Coon, KUbom city, " John Woodworth, Elgin, Dis 6 Gripheart, MinneapoUs, Minn Frank Barrett, Cedar Rapids, Iowa These weee not at Milwaukxe. F R Buck, Skowhegan, Maine John P KimbaU, Forrest city, Minn R B Dodge, Webb city, Mo Capt Victor Wolf, Eau Claire, Wis David McLain, Menominee, " W H Dickey, Laveme, Minn Capt Thos Bntler, Badger MiUs, Wis 114 :Co.i"D." History and Roster of Co. "D," 8th Wis. Inf'ty Vols. (Written by S. C. McD.) This Co. was recruited principally in Fox Lake and vicinity in Dodge Co., during the months of July and Autjust, 1861, and were called Fox Lake Volunteer Rifles and raoved to Camp Randall at Madison in the be ginning of Sept. and raustered into the U. S. service on Sept. 11. The original officers of the cora- pany were; Wra J Dawes, Capt Benj S Williams, 1st Lieut Hirani T Williamson, 2d Lieut S C McDowell, Orderly Sergt Geo T Woodard 2d "' Corydon Boughton, 8d " Andrew Davison, 4th " Osgood D Learned, oth " .Jonathan E Hawley, 1st Corp David H Hatton, 2d " Enis T Reed, 3d Aujrust Lidkie, 4th " Wm H Austin, Sth " Geo S Newberry, 6tb " Allen J Hunter, 7th " Wm H Becker, 8th Calvin Spracpue, Drummer and 75 privates makings a total of 92. The first change in com, officers was .Tan 9, "62 when 2d Lieut Will iamson resigned and 1st Sergt S C McDowell was promoted to fill the vacancy. On 4th of June, '64 Capt W J Dawes was assigned to the Vet eran reserve Corps and 1st Lieut B Williamson proraoted to Capt and 2d Lieut S C McDowell proraoted to 1st Lieut and Corydon Boughton pro raoted from 1st Sergt to 2d Lieut, Jan 9, '65, 1st Lieut S C McDowell was mustered out his term of service having expired. The changes araony the Non, Com. Officers I ara unable to give. Early in June '62 Adj't E T Sprague was appointed A A Gen on the Brigade staff and Lieut McDowell was de tailed as A Adj't of the rpgiment whicli position he occupied uutil he was mustered out. ROSTER, . NOX-VETKRANS. Armitage, Thos .Austin, Wm H, Corp Becker, Wm It, Corp Bigness. Lawrencu Burrington, Sam'l L Fauanaught, Sam'l Hatton, John V Jaster, Fred W Joerek, Julius Mansur, Carlo F McGlnchlin, Alex Smith, Micliael, Corp Sprague, Calvin. Drum Major Winslow, Ira 14 Veterans. Benj S Williams, Capt Apr 27,'64 1st Lt July 26, '61 Sam'l P McDowell, 1st Sergt 2d Lt Jan 9, '62 1st Lieut June .3, '64 Corydon Boughton, Sergt l.'st Sergt 2d Lt Jan 28, '64 1st Lt Jan 19, '65 Adama, Aaron B Aney, James P Apple, Jacob Armitage, Sykes P, Corp 115 Armitage, Ambros, Sergt Baker, Daniel, Corp Bartz, Edwin " August BlaisdeU, Franklin, Corp Carlisle, John A Chamberlain, Henry C Christie, James A Chtrchouse, Bobt J Fitts, William, Corp Hall, Wm G Hatton, David H Herman, Georije Latham, Albert F Markln, Jacob McMum, Geo H Morrison, Jolm Newberry, Geo S, Corp Sergt 1st Sergt 3d Lt May 17 '65 not mnstered Noteman, Jacob C (Hiver, Orville J " Hartley L Owen, AViUiam Palmer, Joseph S Parker, Adelliert Pala.sk., -lohn BoUeuhaaen, August Ross, George, Corp Sergt Stokes, William, Corp Sergt • Thomas, Graves 0 Wines, James P 37 Robinson, Henry J, Aug 9 '63 Bear Creek, Miss * Robinson, Avery, July 1 '64 wnd at Yellow bayou. La Whirry, Geo H, May 1 '62 St. Louis, Mo Wines, Charles, Apr 14 '62 New Madrid Woodward, Geo T, Sergt 1st Sergt Jan 31 '64 Memphia, Tenn Died: Adams, Aaron B, transferred to V B 0, Dec 1864 died Jan 20 '65 Jeffersonville, Ind Adams, Ernest, May :« '62 Farmington, Miss Badger, Wm W, Nov 9 '63 Vicksburg, Miss Bart, Calvin, Apr 6 '63 Cairo, III Criderman, James L, Feb 19 '62 Cairo, Ills Fletcher, Elisha. Dee 19 '61 Pilot Knob, Mo Green, James B, Mar 19 '62 New Madrid.Mo Halsey, John, July 10 '63 Clear Creek, Miss Hanshaw, Joshua, May 4 '62 St. Louis, Mo Hill, Augustus A, May 31 ,63 Farmington. Miss Jones, Chas, Jan 4 '65 Nashville, Tenn Learned, Osgood D, June 1 '62 Farmington, Miss wnd May 9 '62 MaxweU, John, Sept 9 '63 Memphis, Tenn Osborn, WilUs H, Mar 6 ,65 New Orleaks Plank, George L, Disch Oct 28 '62 Re-en listed Aug 23 '64 died at Uniontown, Ala Reed, Ennis T, Corp Sergt Apr '63 Richards, Geo W, Mar 29 '65 wnd at Spanish Fort, Ala Recruits: Adama, Aaron B BeU, George 0 Bowles, Thomas J Cf.jer, Calvin W Chadwick, James L Day, Charles E Day, William Dutcher, Charlea ¦Edwards, Robert Field, Harrison B Fussleman, Marcus Gale, George H Jones, Charles Lester, Sebastian Lett, Henry G Lewis, Thomas F Martin, Henry Melton, Frank McRoberts, Edward Murphy, Henry Osborn, William Palmer, Charles W Perry, Job W Rama, John W Reynolds; Jamea H Richards, Geo V,' Sipher, Frederick P Strever, John Van Fleet, John Wiatenhavtr, Charlea A 30 Disciiaroed: WiUiam J Dawes, dipt to accept Comin V. R, C, Mar 31 '64 a 0 McDoweU, 1st Lt, Jan 9 '65 H T WiUiams, 2d Lt, res Jan 9 '62 Bell, Geo 0, July 4 '61 Chase, Otis F.Dec 22 '62 Cobb, Manville, July 4 '62 Finhe, Eli B, May 10 '62 Gale, Francis, Feb 2 '6S Hall. Hamilthn, J^LUg 27 '63 Hawley, Jonathan E, trans to V R C Novi '63 Hayes, Jaa F, Apr 2 '62 Hockama, Henry W, Ang 11 '62 116 Hunter, Alien J, Oct 14 '62 Lester, Sebastian, trans to V R C Jan 7 '65 Ludkie, August. Aug 24 '62 wnd at Farm ington Magee, Wm H H, Deo 8 '62 Marquait, John, Ap. 21 '62 McDoweU, Chester, Apr 21 '62 Morris, Daniel, Jan 13 '63 wnds Newman, Peter, Jan 16 '64 Noleman, Jacob C, Corp May 26 '65 wnd at Nashville Pace, Peter, Dec 12 '62 wnd at Corinth Pardy, Ed nund, Aug 15 '62 Smith, Charles E, Feb 3 '63 Weber, Dwight N, Oct 6 '62 Wisner, Frank O, Aug IS '62 Killed in Action: Chamberlain, Henry F, Nashville, Tenn Dec 16 '64 Haskell, Seth 0, Vioksburg, wnd May 22 and died next day Wilson, John C, Corinth, Miss Oot 3 '62 Wounded: Capt W J Dawes, Corinth Capt B S WiUiams, Nashville Lieut C Broughton, Lake Chicot, Ark Armitage, Sykes, Lake Chicot " Ambroae, Spanish Ft Baker, Dan, Lake Chicot Bartz, Edwin, Clouterville, Ark " August, Corinth and Mansura Bigness, Lawrence, Yellow bayou Cajer, Fred J, Spanish Ft Carlisle, John A, Nashville Chamberlain. Henry C, Lake Chicot killed at Nashville Dutcher, Chas, NashviUe Gale, Francis, Corinth Hall, Wm G, NashviUe Haskell, Seth C, Vicksburg 22 died May 23 Hockama, Walter, Corinth Jaster, Fred, Corinth Lathan, A F, Lake Chicot Learned, Osgood, Farmington May 8 died June 1 '62 Ludkie, August, Farmington Markla, Jacob, Spanish Ft Morris, Daniel, Corinth Noteman, Jaoob C, Nashville Pace, Peter, Uorinth Palmer, J S, Big River Bridge, Corinth and Nashville . Palmer, Chas W, Mansura and Spanish Ft Parker. Adelbert, Lake Chicot Pulaski, John, Spanish Ft Richards, Jaa R, Lake Chicot " Geo W, Spanish Ft died Mar 29 Robinson, Avery, YeUow bayou died Jnly 1 Ross, Geo M, Lake Chicot Sipher. Fred P, NashviUe Van Fleet, John, " Promoted: William J Dawes, Capt July 26 '61 dis charged Mar 31 '64 to accept commis sion in V R C, Brevet Maj Mar 13 '65 Mo accept commission as 2d Lt 43 U 8 Inf'ty Jan 16 '67 lat Lt July 20 '67 Retired with rank of Capt Dec 15 '70 Benj S Williams, Capt Apr 27 '64 lat Lt July 26 '61 S C McDowell, 1st Lt June 3 '64 lat Sergt 2d Lt Jan 9 '62 Mo Jan 9 '65 Corydon Broughton, 1st Lt Jan 19 '05 Serg 1st Sergt 2d Lt Jan 29 '64 Newberry. Geo S, Corp Sergt 1st Sergt 2d Lt May 26 '65 not muatered Pugh. Robt T, 2d Lt 22 W'is Co F, Aug 30 '62 Sprague. Calvin. Drum Major July '62 7 Deserted: Field. Harrison B, Apr '64 Melton, Frank, Apr '04 Reynolds, Jaa H, July 23 '64 Recapitulation: Original Company, i)8 Recruits, 30 Total— 128 Re-enUsted •SJ Non-veterans 14 Musteied out at cloae of war. 2 oificers, 47 men 49 Killed in action 3 Wounded 35 Died ot diaease & wounds 22 Discharged for disability 26 Promoted 7 Deserted S Preaent at 23d National Encamp ment at Milwaukee 18 Preaent addresses known 21 117 The pollowinq Combads bepobtbd at Camp V.\nNobman, Milwaukee, in 1889. 0 W Palmer, 675 Walker St, Milwaukee Wis E B Finney, Eau Claire Wis A S Davidson, Beaver Dam Wis Sam'l C McDowell, Fox Lake Wis John Morrison, " '' " Edmund Purdy, " ." " Jamea Fausnaught, Reedaburg " Fred P Sipher, Weyauwega " William Day, Newton " Geo S Newberry, Charles city Iowa Ambrose Armitage, Oakfield Wis Thos J Bowles, Eli P O H W Hockama, Washington Minn S P Armitage, Seymour Wis R T Pug'i, Racine " Wm G HaU, Sparta Otis F Chase, Oshkosh " Franklin Blaiadel, Brushville Wis 18 These WEBE Nor at .MriiWAUKEE, Capt B S Williams, Yankt.in S Dak John Pulaski, Pilot Mo.uul Minn Walter Houston, ( >ahkijsli Wis History and Roster of Co. "E," Sth Wis Inft'y Vols. (From report of E W P) Co. "E" as the "Rough and Read- y Guards" was organized at Fitch burg, Dane Co., on May 14, '61, by electing Wra. C. Young, Capt; D.F. Salisbury 1st Lieut.; Wra. H. Ney- heart, 2d Lieut, E. W. Palmer, 1st Serg't and had about 30 merabers. The company met each week for drill and the usual routine business, and early in Juno '61 raade its first public appearance at a" Pole raising" at Oak Hall, when a beautiful flag 8x32 feet was unfolded to the breeze on a pole nearly 100 feet high, Na thaniel B, Ames, a veteran of the Revolution, over 100 years of age, handling the haliards. Nearly 1000 people were present and speeches were made by Gov. A. W. Randall and other distinguished raen. Again, sixty strong, they joined in a parade and celebration at Oregon July 4th where they were greeted with loud hurrahs and highly cora plimented on their fine appearance. On the 22d of July, they voted to and tendered their service to Gov. Randall for military duty and were at once accepted and ordered to go into quarters at Oak Hall, and pro ceeded to recruit the corapany to the maxiraura nuraber required by law. 118 On the 3d of August the raerabers by vote selected the following officers: Capt, Wm C Young 1st Lieut, James M Gilbert 3d " Marion H Hilms 1st Sergt, E W Palmer 3d '• Thos Gilbert 3d " Wm H Neyheart 4th •' Geo Murphy 5th " Robert Ranson and on the Sth Young, Gilbert and Helras received their commissions, E. W. Palmer was detailed as re cruiting Sergeant and the company was soon filled up by recruits from the towns of Oregon, Fitchburg, Dunn, Verona, Springdale, Middle- ton and Madison. The company spent a most enjoy able time while in camp at Oak Hall as the patriotic citizens vied with each other to see who could do the most for their welfare. Among those raost conspicuous in proraoting the corafort of the boys were, James Adams, Wm. True, G. W. Clapp, Harvey Pritchard (who also furnish ed raartial music), .Mrs. E, W. Palm er, Mrs. D, F. Salisbury, and Mrs. .James Adams, Sept. 1st, '61 Capt. Young receiv ed orders to report his company at Camp Randall, Madison, where it arrived and was assigned as Co. "E" 8th Wis. and mustered into the U.S. service by Maj. Brooks U.S.A. on Sept. 12, '61 with the followinjr non- coraraissioned officers: Sergt. Thomas J. Gilbert, orderly E W Palmer Jacob Leffler Geo Murphy Harrison Sayles Corporals. .John Pinniok Edwin Harper Edward Cassaday Wm Brown Eli Bitney John Smith George Braider Denzil Helms Of the commissioned officers; Capt Wm O Young commanded the company until July 3."itli '64, when he was commissioned Maj. and was mustered out Sept 2*2, '64. 1st Lieut James M Gilbert resigned Jnne 23, '62. 2d Lient M H Helms waa promoted 1st Lt June 23 '62 and was mustered ont Deo 12 ' '64 his term having expired. Non- roster. VETERANS. Capt Wm C Young Ames, Laban L Ash, Henry Bellsfield, David Bitney, Eli Corp Evans, Eli N from Co "I" Fisher, Valentine Harper, WiUiam Hogan. Miohael McGan. Frank Miles, Sam'l C Palmer. E W Ist Sergt Walker, Joel W Williams, .Tohn E Wood, Nelson 15 Veterans: Jacob Leffler, Capt Ames. Geo R Anderson, Jamei Corj} Andrus, Mortimer L Barrows, Geo BeU, John Bellsfield, Sam'l Braider, Geo W Corp " Jacob Brown, Wm Sergt Cassiday, Ed Sergt Currie, Philip Davis, John J Corp Edwards, Sam'l O Gilbert, Thos J Gilbert, Chas L Giles, Gardner A Corp Ham, David Corp Sergt 119 Harper, Edwin Sergt Hebbe, Chas W Hebbe, John' A Helms. Denzil Corp McPherson, Wm B McWilliams, Ira Corp Sergt Murphy, Geo Sergt 3d Lt May 17 '65 not mnstered Murphy, Andrew Corp Oberle, John Paine. Chancey W Smith, Chas A 1st Sergt let Lieat May 17 '65 not mustered Smith, John W Corp Sergt Walker, Repha A Welch, Patrick S3 Died: Day, Eli, July 5 '62 Farmington. Miss Douglass, Robt H, June8'64Viokabnrg.Mi.ss Gifford, Myron S, Dec 11 '6:! " Hastings. Seth. Mar 9 '63 Cairo, 111 Johnson, Oliver, Mar 1 '65 Mdmijliis, Tenn Neyheart, Wm il, June H '62 Fanuiiit,'ioii, Mi^s Sayles. Mordicai, Aug 24 '62 St. Louis. Mo Silver. Monroe, Oct 21 '62 Oorinth, Miss Spears Jas F, Sept 12 '62 Duvalls Ululf, Ark Story. Wm, Nov 12 '62 Keokuk, \owa 10 Recruits: Baun. Charles F Bellsfield. Samuel Bitney, Alfred Braider, Nathaniel Broughton, Henry S Curtias, Andrew J Denson, Obediah T Douglass, Robt H Gates, James M Kelly, Samuel M McBride, Jeremiah McGan, Thomas McPherson, AVilliam B McWatty, Bobert McWilliams, Edward Miles, Charles 0 Neyheart, Samuel Prindle. Alexander A Bafferty, Michael J Robbins, Enoch E Spears, Joseph F 21 Discharged: Lieut Jaa M Gilbert resigned Jnne 23 '62 Bosaa, John, Apr 8 '63 dis Burr, John, Jan 6 '63 wds Carrol, Michael, Jan 15 '63 to enlist in Ma rine brigade Colby, Silas E, Mar 14 '62 dia Driggs, Geo W, Feb 23 '65 die Flick, Leonard, June 30 '62 wds GiUiland, Jamea, Feb 38 '63 Hare, Merrill, July 9 '62 Henshue, Theodore, Sept 20 '62 dia Hollis. Francis, Mar 9 '62 Johnson, Eli, July 5 '62 dis Kimball, Avander, June 17 '62 wds Lamor, Pat, June 3 '63 dis McBurney, Jas, Mar 9 '62 MoWillinms, Edward, Mar 16 '65 dis Morgan, Freeborn W, Mar 9 '62 Neyheart, Samuel, Feb 17 '63 dis Pierce, William, Feb 6 '63 dis Sayles, Harrison, June 3 '64 wnds leg am putated Shaffer, Edwin, Feb 36 '63 wds White, Ed B, Nov 21 '62 dis Whitney, Alva L, Sept 10 '62 wds Wyman, Andrew P, Jan 10 '63 dis 24 Killed in Action: Blackledge, Clarkson, Corinth Oct 3 '63 Gilbert, Thos J, Spanish Ft Mar 27 '65 Paine, Chancey E, wnd Nashville Deo 16 died Dec 29 '64 Pinick, John, Corp Sergt Corinth Oct 3 '64 '62 WUson, Peter, drowned Apr 15 '62 Tipton ville, Tenn Wounded: Lieut LefHer, Mansura La Ames, Geo R, Spaniah Fort Anderaon, James, Corp Nashville and Span ish Fort Barrows, Geo, Farmington, Mias Naahville Baum, Chas F, NashviUe Braider, Geo W, Nashville Braider, Jaoob, Corinth and Naahville Cassiday, Ed, Sergt Mansura Hebbe, Chas W, Naahville Helma, Denzil, Corp Mansura Hogan, Michael, Corinth Kimball, Avander, Farmmgton Miles, Chas C, Mansura May 16 '64 Abbe viUe Aug 23 '64 Paine, Chancey E, NashviUe 120 Bobbins, Enoch E, Naahville Saylea, Harrison, Sergt Vicksburg leg amp Shaffer, Edwin, Corinth Silver, Monroe. Corinth Smilh. John W, Vicksburg Story, Wm, Corinth Whitney, Alva, Parmington Pro jioted : Capt Wm 0 Young, Maj July 25 '64 not mua tered 2d Lt M H Helma, lat Lt June 23 '62 M 0 Deo 12 ,64 Driggs, Geo W, Sergt Maj Dec 18 '62 rejoin- Co Sept 3 '64 dis for dis Feb 23 '65 Murphy, Geo, 3d Lt May 17 '64 not muatered Smith, Chas A, 1st Sergt lat Lt May 17 '65 not mustered but comminded Co at NashviUe and Spanish Fort 5 Andrew Murphy Harrison Mich Jacob Braider Scranton Iowa W B McPherson Spencer Wis Alfred Bitney Madison " Lieut Jas M Gilbert Fitchburg " Michael Hogan Lake View " Deserted : Bellsfield, Sam'l July 24 '64 Cassiday. Edward Sergt Feb 10 '65 Fennell, Abel S Aug 18 '61 Hayward, Levi T May 25 '63 Raflerty, Michael Jas /f^^ Recapitulation: Original Company, Recruits, Total— Re-enlisted, Non-veterans,Mustered out at close of *ar 1 oificer, 89 men. Killed in action. Died of disease and wounds, Discharged of dia. and wnds. Promotions, Present at Milwaukee, ' Present addresses known, 83 31 1(14 33 15 40 3 10 34 5 16 16 The FOiLowiNQ Comeads eepoeted at Camp VanNokman, Milwaukee, in 1889. Geo Barrows Oskaloosa Iowa Washington Shaffer Samuel 0 Edwards Oswego N Y Ira McWilliams La Valle Wis E W Palmer Fitchburg " J T Temby Avoca " Samuel Bellsfield Rook Valley Wis J W Walker Postville ' • Harrison Sayles Cross Plains " Laban L Ames Farmers Valley Neb 121 •Go.i"F." History and Roster of Co. "F," Sth Wis. Inf'ty Vols. (Report of A M B.) Co. "F" was recruited in Crawford, Vernon and Grant counties, with head quarters at Prairie du Chien. We had no particular designation until assigned as Co. "F" after our arrival at Carap Randall. The men from Crawford eounty were enlisted by Capt. .1. H. Greene, those frora Grant county by Capt. Greene and Lieut Beach and thoae from Vernon county by Lieut. Ber- We left Prairie du Chien on the morning of Sept. '6, '01 for Camp Randall where we arrived about noon of the sarae day. Sept, 0 we were organized and raustered in the U. S. service and assigned as Co. F with the following officers: Sergts. Jaraes T McClure, orderly Bedford Bush Alexander M Beach Benjamin F Allison Willard Chapraan Corporals. Sarauel McClough Byron Hewitt George H Sterling Wellington KForshey Chas H Green Michael Maloney Sarauel L Tillotson James Patterson Capt. J. H. Greene commanded the corapany until mustered out Feb 27, '65. 1st Lieut. Zenas Beach resigned .Tune 23, '61 2d Lieut .lames Berry resigned June 18, '62, afterwards Capt. Co A, 25th Wis Infty and now resides at Sperry, Adair Co., Mo. 1 » I ROSTER. Non-veterans. Allen, Henry W Corp Allison, Ben F lat Sergt Beach, Alex M lat Sergt Brady, Francis Burns, William Butterfield, Henry Copsey, Edward D Elder, John Finley, Martin Fish, Justus Groves, Isaac N Groves, Joshua S Joaeph, Jeremiah L Nichola, George Parker, Chaa W Kuba, Ferdinand Welch, Darius 17 Veterans. Capt Jas H Greene lat Lieut John W Greeman Allen, Alonzo Bowdish, Bailey Sergt Burlook, Sam'l J Bush, Bedford Sergt Green, Charles Sergt Henry, Joseph Lacey, Thurlow W Pelland, Michael Pixley. Eben Bobbins, Geo M lat Sergt Roaenback, Chaa A Ruff, Joseph Sallenter, Michael Corp Seara, Alex P Sherwood, Aden Shrake, David Corp Shulka, Anton Stephenson, Wm Sterling, Geo M Corp Thurston, Francis Corp Sergt 122 Tillotson, Sam'l L Corp Sergt Wagner, Francis Corp Sergt 24 Died : Belriohard.'Chas, July 18'62St. Louis, Mo Olark, John, Oot 25 '61 Madison, Wis Cummings, Seymour, Oot 2 '62 Jackson.Tenn Dawson, Stephen, Jan 7 '62 Sulphur Springs Dunn, Geo M, Apr 10 '62 Pt Pleasant, Mo Ellis, Edward, Feb 16 '64 Chicago, 111 Forshey, Wellington K, Aug 8 'Gl Anderson ville. Ga Fox. Samuel, June 11 '64 Memphis, Tenn Green. Samuel, Apr 10 '65 Madison, Wis Grifin, Jos H, Jan 2 '63 St. Louis wds Griffin, Adney H, June 16 '62 Farmington, Mias Groves, Wm C, Apr 18 '62 New Madrid, Mo Groves, Eli M, Apr 16 '63 Bear Creek, Miss Groves, Ben P, Jan 12 '62 Farmington, Miss Hamilton, Jas P. Apt 19 '62 New Madiid.Mo Henderson, Alex, July 16 '63 St. Louis, Mo Irwin, Chas S, Jan 18 '62 Sulphur Spring.s Joseph, John P, July 7 '62 Farmington ¦ Lang, Fred, Oot 1 '63 Eastman, Wis Lewis, Lemuel, Jan 4 '62 Rising Sun, Wis Mallory, Albert, Aug 11 '63 Batavia MoClough, Sam'l, July 10 '63 Youngs Pt McQueen. Zachariah, Feb 7 '63 St. Louis Munn, Chas, May 27 '62 Hamburg, La Nyland, Martin, Apr 25 'G2 Hosp Bt Ostrander.Ed, May 10 '62 H B" Silver Moon' Sallenter, Wm, July 15 '63 Vicksburg Shaw, Alex P, July 17 '64 EUistowii, .Miss Shumwa, Francia, June 27 '62 Parmington Smith, John L, July 22 '63 Black River Thomas, John, Nov 17 '61 Ironton, Mo Wilder, Truman A, Jau 6 '64 Memphis,Tenn Walford, William, Nov 25 '61 Ironton, Mo Recruits: Fox, Samuel Green, Welland Greenman, Benjamin Shaw, Alexander P Discharged: 1st Lt Zenas Beach resigned June 23 '02 2a Lt James Berry " June IS '62 Allison, John AV July 18 '62 dis Bickford, Amoa W Apr 27 '62 to V R C Buaher, Gonzague Deo 31 'Gl dia Copsey, William Jan 10 '63 Dwight, Edward C Jnn '63 dis GrifBn, Blake W Aug 1 '62 wnds Groesbeck, Stewart June 2 '63 to V R 0 Groesbeck, Philander Oct 31 '63 dis Hayden, Eben Ootl '63 to V R C Jacobs, Milton Mar 1 '62 dis Joseph, Thos E July 18 '62 " Joseph, Harrison C July 7 '62 dis Lemons, Jos Oot 27 '62 Parker, Robt Oot 20 '63 dis Paul, Jacob Deo 18 '63 to V R C Perkinson, Rich Mar 21 '64 to V R C Pitcher, Wilson July 10 '62 dis Smith, John W Mar '6:^ Temby, Jas T July 18 '62 " ThompEon, Wm H May 22 '63 dis Killed in Action: 1st Lt Jas T Mculure Yellow bayou La 2d Lt W D Chapman Vicksburg May 22 Henry. Joseph Nashville Tenn Dec 15 '64 Marston, Cornelius A Lake Chicot Ark Peters, John Oct 3 Co,inth Shell, John W Corinth Oot 3 '62 6 Wounded: 1st Lt J W Greenman NashviUe Allen, Henry W Farmington Brads, Francis Lake Chicot Burlook, Sam'l J Farmington Bush, Bedford Farmington and Jackson Greeman, Benj Nashville Griffin, Jas H Farmington Griffin, Blake W Farmington Groesbeck, Stewart Farmington Groves, Isaac N Cane Biver La Henderson, Alex Mechanicsburg Miss Lacey, Thurlow W Corinth Parker, Robt Farmington Robbins, Geo M Corinth and Vicksburg Sterling, Geo M Parmington and Vioksburg Wagner, Francis Lake Chicot 16 Promoted: Jas T MoCluie 1st Lt June 24 '62 John W Greenman Ist Lt June 3 '64 Corp 1st Sergt Capt Sept 9 not must Bowdish Bailey Corp Sergt 2d Lt May 17 '65 1st Lt Aug 24 '65 not must Greenman, Benj Brevet Capt Apr 6 '62 Hewitt, Byron Corp Sergt 1st Lt Co H 1st Wis Inf'ty Dec 9 '62 Lacey, Thurlow W Drum Maj Mar 1 '64 Robbina, Geo M Corp Sergt 1st Lt May 17 '65 not muat SalJenter, M Corp Bvt 2d Lt Dec 16 'Gi 123 Wagner, Francis Oorp Sergt 2d Lt '65 not must Ang 24 Deserted: Barnes, Ferdinand Mar 14 '63 Dennison, James May 13 '63 Earle, John T Apr 30 '63 Groesbeck, Louis Nov 6 '61 Heavrin, James H June '62 Love, Alfred May 13 '62 Maloney, Michael Mar 14 '63 Recapitulation : Original Company, 107 Recruits, 6 Total— 113 Re-enlisted, 24 Non-veterans, 17 Mustered out at close of war 2 officer, 21 men. 23 Killed in action. 6 Died of disease and wounds, 33 Discharged of dis. and wnds, 22 Promotions, 9 Deserted, 7 Present at Milwaukee, 10 Present addresses known, 17 The following Combads bepobted at Camp VakNoeman, Milwaukee, in 1889. O W Parker, Mt Hope Wis I N Groves, Springville " J S " Viroqua " Bedford Bush, Wanzeka " M J Sallender, Retreat " Lt A M Beach, Prairie du Chien Wis Byron Hewitt, Rookford 111 E D Copsey, Handerson Neb H Sears. Mt Sterling Wis Capt J H Greene, Medina Ohio 10 These weee not at Milwaukee. Lt Zenaa Beach, Eastman Wis Alonzo Allen " " Frank Brady " " Henry Allen, Minn J W Greenman, Salt Lake city Utah Anton Shulka, Eastman Wis Lt James Berry, Sperry Adair Co Mo 7 « ? « History and Roster of Co. "G," Sth Wis Inft'y Vols. Co. "G" was enlisted at Janes ville, Rock Co. by Capt. W. B. Brit ton, (who was subsequently Maj.,Lt. Col., Col. of the regiment) and was raustered into the U. S. service at Camp Randall by Maj. Brooks, Aug 1, 1861 with the following officers: Capt. Wm B Britton 1st Lieut. Charles P King 2d Lieut, Richard Bemish Sergt. Wm H Sargeant, orderly M H Doty Jaraes Croft M Williamson Henry Whittier Of these Capt Britton was promot ed Major Dec 20 '62, Lieut Col June 7 '64, Col Mar 28 '65 was severely wounded at NashviUe, Tenn Dec 16 '64 and mustered out Sept 5 '65 1st Lieut Chas P King promoted Capt Dec 20 '62 wounded at the battle of Bayou de Glaize and raus tered out Dec 10 '64 2d Lieut Richard Bemish was kill ed in action at Farmington, Miss May 6 '62 ROSTER. Non-veterans. Capt Chas P King 1st Lt Aug 16 '61 Bray, John Brown, Wm 0 Caldwell, Thos re-enlisted Feb 7 '65 124 Clark, Richard M Croft, James J let Sergt Culton, William Davis, Norman Drummond, John W Corp Sergt Godert. Miohael Griffin, Edward P Griffith, Geo L Corp Ide, Geo P Love, Julius Marshall, Jas N McNair Jamea M Corp McNair, Wm E Sergt Peters, Robert Slack, Alfred Slawson, Daniel H Corp Surgt lat Sergt Stickney, Adelbert M Stickney, Geo , Thompson, Alex Tiderman, Henry Corp Tramblie, Julina Traak, Wm Williams, Benj P 27 VnTEREN.'i: 1st Lt W H Sargent Adjt Nov 21 '61 killed at Naahville Deo 15 '64 Lieut Milton H Doty Capt May 17 '65 not must Bowles, Thos Corp -Sergt Cooley, Arthur 0 Davis, Joseph Drake, Edwin , Flagler, John Corp Sergt Flynn, alichael Corp Gravea, Eraatna L Corp Harvey, David G i/orp Huggins, Jas B Oorp Sergt 2d Lt May 17 '65 not must Jooster, Christian H Q M Sergt May 21'61 Kane, Joseph Keeley, Wm W Kelley, Chas D Corp Krebs, James Lee, Ohas H Corp Sergt 1st Sergt lat Lt May 17 '65 not must Palm, Conrad Phillips, Henry J Sergt Viney. Charles Corp Vinpy, George Corp Sergt Wright, Emile 22 Died: Byran, Chaa K Jan 29 '62 Cairo 111 Conroy, William Jan 15 '64 Memphis Tenn Dave, Jolm Oot 2 '63 Biaek River Fisher, Fred Aug 7 '63 Bear Creek Holloway, Andrew Jan 24 '62 Cairo 111 Johnson, Amanzo M May 24 '62 Farmington Misa Paul, Alexander Mar 10 '63 Germantown Tenn Shampanor, Sam'l Aug 8 '63 Monnd city IU Smith, Jaa B Jan 16 '62 Sulphur SpsMo Whittier, Honry W July 12 '63 Youngs PtLa WilUamson, Manson L Aug 29 '62 Inka Miss 11 Recruits: Bear, John J Bear, Joaeph L Byers, Bloomfield II Ellis, .\rthur Lawrence, David Miles, Orville J O'Brien. Edward J Peteraon, Jamea F Robinson, Cornelius W Ruuga, Fritz Russel, John L Semilie. William G Shampanor. Samuel Stanton, Daniel E Tramblie, Philip Tramblie, Jonas Whittier, Francis 0 17 Discharged: Anderson, Peter Mar 4 '62 dis Blood. Andrew J Mar 4 '62 dis Davis, Loren J Mar 4 '62 Farvour. Reuben Sept 24 '61 Harvey, Solomon Oot 11 '62 Hines, Collin E Jan 7 '63 rt arm amp Corinth Keefe, James Dec 7 '63 to Co F Sentenn, Benj, Jau 23 '63 Siephenson, John Mf.r 15 '64 to V R C Watson, William Feb 20 '62 dis Whittier, Francia Dec 26 '63 order Wilson, Leonard W Mar 4 '62 dis Wilaon, Martin P Mar 4 '62 dia 15 Killed in Action: 2d Lt Richard H Bemiah Farmington Mias Carney, John Pilot Knob Mo accident Kelley, Chas D Spaniah Fort White, Johu A Farmington Mias 4 125 Wounded: Oapt Ohas P King Bayou de Glaize La Brown, Wm 0 Oorinth Harvey, David G Corinth Hines, Collin E Corinth rt arm amp Kane, Joseph Corinth Love, Julius Corinth Rogers, Jamea Farmington Miaa Slanaon, Dan H Lake Chicot Stickney, Geo Oorinth 9 Promoted: Capt W B Britton Major Dec 20 '62 Lt Col June 7 '64 Col Mar 28 '65 Lt Chas PKing to Oapt Deo 20 '62 Wm H Sergeut 1st Sergt to 2d Lt May 9 '62 lat Lt Deo 20 '62 Adjt Nov 21 '64 Milton H Doty Sergt 2d Lt Dec 20 '62 1st Lt Nov 21 '64 Capt May 17 '65 not mnst Joseph Huggins Oorp Sergt -'d Lt May 17 '65 not must Christian H Jooater Q M Sergt May 21 '64 Chaa H Lee Oorp Sergt 1st Sergt lat Lt May 17 '65 not muat Alfred Lang to Ist Miss Ool Cav Leavitt Noggle Q M Sergt Sept 4 '61 Deserted: Bewley, Henry Feb '63 Brittain. Bacon at Vicksburg during seige Cooley. Arthur July 30 '64 Gowans, Wm W '68 Keeley, Wm H July 20 '64 Phillips, Henry J Oot '64 Tifft, Parry W Sept 19 '62 7 Recapitulation : Original Company, 86 Recruits, ^7 Total- 102 Re-enlisted, 22 Non-veterans, 27 Mustered out at cloae of war 1 officer, 32 men 33 Killed in action, 4 Died of diseaae and wounda 11 Discharged of dis and wnds 15 Promotions, " Deserted, 7 Present at Milwaukee, 14 Present addresses known 17 The roLLOwiNQ Combads bepobted at Camp VanNobman, Milwaukee, in 1889. Capt W B Britton Maj Col Janesville Wis Wm Watson Chicago III Gen'l Delivery Thos Caldwell West Concord Minn Emil Wright Milton Wis Geo F Stickney Dunkirk N Y Dan H Slauaon Greentop Mo Chas H Lee Janesville Wia J L Bear " " Geo Vinney " " 0 W Robinaon " " M H Doty Lt623 Grand Ave Milwaukee E L Gravea Chicago IUa J D Tramblie Rookford Ills Chas Vinney Janesville Wis 14 These webe not at Milwaukee. A M Stickney Nat'l Home Milwaukee H J PhilUps Footville Wig Chas N Riker Florida 3 126 History and Roster of Co. "H," Sth Wis Inft'y Vols This company was recruited at Belleville, Dane Co. under the narae of "Sugar River Rifles" and organiz ed by electing Stephen Estee Capt ain, Lafayette Munsell 1st Lieut.i and Peter B Willoughby 2d Lieut., on .June 17, 1861 and the officers commissions bear that date. All were farmers, Lt. Munsell having seen service in the army in the war with Mexico. • Their first appearance on a public occasion was at a "Fourth of July'' picnic at "Kirkpatricks," two mile? east of Dayton, where they turned out 50 strong and gave an exhibition drill under Lt. Munsell. Tuesday, August 27th, they were sworn into the service of the State of Wisconsin by Lt. D. C. Poole, adj't of the 1st Wisconsin Infantry, then at Milwaukee reorganizing for three years. Gov. Alex. W. Randall and a large crowd of Madison people were present andth^day was observed as a grand gala day. Tvvo weeks were spent in "Camp Estee," on the farm of Capt. Estee, one mile south of Belleville, and on Monday Sept. Qth, in obedience to orders from Gov. Randall, the company was transport ed to Camp Randall, at Madison (by team) and on Wednesday the llth, Lt. Munsell and 55 men were sworn into the U. S. service by Major Brooks, U.S.A.; A.C.M. The coinpany lacked a few raen of being up to the nuraber required and Capt. Estee and Lieut. Willoughby returned to Belleville to recruit. They returned to Carap Randall, Saturday the 21st with the necoessa ry mon and were mustered in, and the company organization corapleted byelectino;' non commissioned officers on Tuesday the 24th. The company was assigned as Co. "H" and frora thence forward their history was that of the regiraent. The original roster of officers wsa: Capt Stephen Estee lat Lieut LaFayette Munsell 2d Lieut Peter U Willoughby Sergts. Nelson Francis orderly Sherman K Ellsworth James P Corbin Heury F Illingworth Andrus L Wood Corporals. Girden T Vermilyea Walter S Heal Robert A (Jliver Clement C Corbin Emmet C Faulkea Voltaire W Johnson Patrick M cFarland John M W illiams Fifer, Abraham Burt The first change in the commissioned offi cers occurred when Capt Eatee died at Belleville Wis Sept 20 '63 from the effects ot a wound received at Vickaburg Miss May 22 '63 2d Lt P B Willoughby waa promoted Capt Oct 10 '63 and mustered ott Sept 5 '65 lat Lt L F Mnnaell was mustered out July 15 '64 hia term having expired Sergt Sherman K EUaworth was promoted 2d Lt June 28 '64 and 1st Lt Oct 19 '64 mus tered out Sept 5 '65 Sergt P licFarland was promoted 2d Lt May 17 '65 but waa not muatered muatered out Sept 5 '65 127 ROSTER. Non-veterans. Barker, Robt A Brownell, Ruaaell Se: gt Camp, Alfred Coibin, Jaoob Oorp Devine, Wm G Goas, Ohas H Halstead, Houston Heal, Walter S Corp Johnaoh, Voltaire W^ Corp Lewia, David R Corp Mallette, Henry 0 Nogale, Chriatopher Oliver, Henry Robinson. Irvin Koas, Milton , Ross, Wm H Spears, Earl D Stevena, Willlam WiUiama, J M Corp 19 Veterans: P B Willoughby Capt S K EUaworth 1st Lieut P McFariand 1st Sergt and 2a Liout G B VanNorman 1st Sergt R A Oliver 2d Sergt D S Edwards 3d Sergt C E Faulkes 4th Sergt Wm Hartley 5th Sergt A W Morely Corp J R Devlin 2d Corp W A Craven 3d Corp Patrick Goggin 4th Corp Thos Green 5th Corp jerry Ham Oth Corp Joseph Lewis 7th Oorp' Henry Mahar Sth Oorp Cluxton, Sanford Cutler, W H Gilbert. Jas Hastings, Jas D Impkey, John Jackson, Wm Jones, C M Jones, John T Mansion, Michael Morrison, Elias Morrison, Daniel Peregoy, Ban F Petis, Chas Raynor, W B Waldron. Isaac 81 Died: Stephen Estee, Capt wnd May 22 '63 Vicks burg, Misa., died at Belleville, Wis. Sept 26, '63, of blood poisoning. Barnes, Wm E, at MilUkius Bend, July 9 '63 Bennett, Isaac D Cairo, 111, March 5. '62 Chamberlain, Jamea 0, Clear Creek, Mias July 31862 Corbin, Clement C, Cairo Ills Jan 18 '62 Corse, Chas Vicksburg Miaa Nov 14 '63 Dean. Jamea F Memphis Tenn Aug 28 '63 Devine, Albert Sulphur Springs Mo Dec 30 1861 Devine, Clark St Louis Mo May 17 '62 Ellsworth, David R Ironton Mo Nov 22 '61 Flinn, Jamea Memphia Tenn Aug 5 '64 Gould, Philip H Corinth Misa Oct 20. '63 Illingworth, John P Corinth Miss Oot 5 '63 Judd, Chaa A La Grange Tenn Jan 22 '63 Long, Jacob Memphis Tenn Ang 22 '64 Loomis, Orson B Cairo Ills Jan 24 '62 Lovejoy, Wm H NashviUe Tenn Dec 13 '64 Milem, Robt Hospital boat "D A January" Feb 5 '65 Oleson. Nels Keokuk Iowa Aug 4 '62 Oliver, Wm J Jefferson Barracks Mo Oct 10 1862 Palmer, Edwin home in Wia Dec 6 '64 Perry, Geo Eaatport Misa Jau 23 '65 Powell, John M Jefferson Barracks Mo Aug 12 '63 Roberts, Leonard Young's Pt La Apr 25 '63 Thornton. Wm Jeffersonville Ind Feb 25 '63 Thornton, John W Germantown Tenn Mar 16 '63 Waldo, John Corinth Mias Oot 6 '62 26 Recruits: Anderson, Ole Anderson, Ezra Behr, Julius Bennett, Wm A Bethel, Wm Carr, James Chatterton, Wm W Dean, JaaF Donn, ChasL Dorn, Hiram Dom, Dewey EUingaon, Elling EUis, Lewia N i':8 Flinn. Jamea Fox, Thoa Foye, Wm W Gould, Joaeph Higday, Albert H Humes, Edward W Jacobus, Elias Johnson, William A Johnson, Andrew Joslin, Luke Judd, Charlea A Lee, Harry Long, Jacob Lovejoy, Wm H Lucy, Daniel Merritt, James Milem, Mathew Milem, Robt Oleaon, Hans Oleaon, Ed H Otis, Cora Palmer, Edwin Paylor, Geo Perry, Geo Phinney, Jabus Pooler, Albert Pooler, Wm H Randall, Lauren E Robinson, John Roy, John F Roy, Lafayette D Russell. John L Rutherford, Jaoob S Sanders, Lorren 8 Severson, Ole Shaw, Francis D Sylvester, J ohn C Thompson, Horace L Thornton, Wm M Titus, David Discharged: Andrus, James F Oct 14 '62 Baxter, Chas H Nov 26 '62 Bright, Samuel July 14 '62 Chyle, Nathan Feb 26 '62 Dudley, Jno H Sept 12 '62 Francis, Nelson Oct '62 Heal, Nelson Jan 6 '63 wds Spears, Edmund June 24 '62 Spears, Robert Dec 31 '61 Thompson, Otis Jan 31 '63 Thompson, Ferris Jan 23 '62 Vermilyea, G T Oct 17 '62 White, Pliny H Jan 9 '63 wnds 53 Wood, A L July 12 '62 Lt L F Munsel Jnly 16 '64 J L Russell to VRCApr24'66 Luther Haven to 2d U 8 Art while at Cairo 111 Jan 1862 17 Killed in Action: WmP Illingworth Corinth Mies Ole Severson Tupelo Miss Michael Mansion Oorp NashviUe Tenn By accident: Henry F lUingworth Sergt Fredericktown Mo accidentally shot Frank B Shaw Columbia Tenn fell from wagon Wounded: Capt Stephen Eatee Corinth Miss, also at Vickaburg Miss Capt P B Willonghby Mansura La Lt S K Ellsworth Vicksburg Miss Anderaon, Ole Nashville Tenu Cluxton, Sanford " "' Foye, Wm W " " Gould, Philip Corinth Mias Heal, Nelson " " Jones, John T Naahville Tenn Lewis, Joseph Spanish Fort Paylor, Geo Nashville Tenn Pooler, Wm H " " Pooler, Albert Abbeville Miss Roberts. Leonard Corinth Miss Boy, John F Nashville Tenn Rutherford, J S NashviUe Tenn VanNorman G B NashviUe Tenn White, Pliny H Corinth Miss 18 Promoted: P B Willoughby 2d Lieut to Capt Ocf 10 '63 S K EUsworth 2d Sergt to 2d Lieut Jnne 17 '64 to 1st Lt Oct 19 '64 P McFariand 1st Sergt to 2d Lt May 17 '62 not mustered James P Corbin Sergt to 2d Lt Co G Slst Wis Inf'ty Vol Aug 4 '62 Ben P Entriken to Hospital Steward Sth Wis Dec 16 '64 Abe Burt to Fife Major Sth Wis June 28 '63 Deserted: Carr, James July 14 '65 Dorn, Dewey Nov 23 '64 Humes, Edward July 30 '65 Johnson, Wm W Feb 27 '65 129 Johnson, Andrew Nov 11 '62 Jones, WHH Nov 2 '62 Pooler, Albert Nov 23 '64 Stephens, Henry Jnne '62 Recapitulation : Original Company, 90 Recruits, .¦53 Total— 143 Re-enlisted, 31 Non-veterans, 19 Mustered ont at close of war 2 ofiicers, ,52 men, 54 Killed in action. 4 Died of disease and wounds, 26 Discharged of die. andwnda. 17 Promotions, 6 Deserted, 8 Present at Milwaukee. 29 Present addresses known, 42 These 'webe not at Mil'WAUkee Nelson Francis, Custer city, Penn. Ole Anderson, Morris, Minn Elias Morrison, South Minneapolis, Minn R A Oliver, Montrose, Wis Chas H Baxter, Monticello, Wis Pliny H White, Monroe, Wis Henry 0 Mallette, Springfield, Minn Jas F Andrus, Chetek, Wis John H Dudley, Moscow, Wis Jerry Ham, Union, Wis Henry Mahar, Beloit, Wis Geo Paylor, Brooklyn, Wis Andrus L Wood, Sonth Wayne, Wis 13 The following Comeads bep. eted Camp V\nNobman, Milwa-ukee, in 1889. Geo B VanNorman Milwaukee Capt P B Willoughby Frankfort Ind Jas D Haatinga Pine laland Minn Walters Heal Evansville W'is J M WiUiams Belleville Wia Wm Chatterton Basco Wis Wm Jackson Paoli Wis J R Devlin Merrimac Wis Patrick Goggin Mt. Vernon Wis Lt S K EUaworth Madison Wis John Sylvester Stoughton Wis V W Johnson Alpha, Iowa Lt L L F Munsell, Red Cloud, Neb Wm H Roas, Dayton, Wis Mathew Milem, PaoU, Wis David R Lewis, Weat Salem, Wis J H Gould, Lake Geniva, Wis Daniel Lucy, Mazomanie, Wis Milton Roas, Clear Lake, Iowa Jaoob Corbin, Argyle, Wis David Titus, Oregon, Wis Ben P Entriken, vVashington, D 0 Otia Thompaon, Brooklyn, Wis Wm A Craven, Whitcomb Stearns P O Wia Ruaaell Brownell Sparta, Wis Thos Green, Albion, Wis Patrick McFariand. HoUy Springs, Iowa R F Thompson, West Union, Iowa Abe Burt, Albany, Wis 29 130 •Co. I "I." History and Roster of Co. "I," Sth Wis. Infty Vols. Co. "I"' was recruited in La Crosse county and carae into Carap Randall Sept. 13, 1861 and was mustered and assij|ied as Co. "I" the same day. The offioers commissions bore date July 31, '61 and were as follows: Capt., Milo M Baker 1st Lieut., Alonzo D Hickok 2d Lieut., Henry M Lathrop Of these Capt MM Baker resigned Aug 31 '62 1st Lieut A DKickok was promot ed Capt from the same date and he resigned .luly 15 '63 2d Lieut Henry M Lathrop resign ed June 29 '62 ROSTER. Non-veterans. Brown, William Brown, Charles Cox, Samuel B Downer, Cyprian Ferguson. John Hidinger, John Key, George Liverman, Moaea Oleson, Paul Painter, Franklin J Corp Sergt 1st Sergt Pruet, Abram Wright, John B Sergt 13 Veterans: Capt Duncan A Kennedy lat Sergt 2d Lieut July 1 '62 1st Lt Aug 31 '62 Capt July 5 '63 Major May 17 '65 not must 1st Lt Sam'l J Sergent Sergt 2d Lt Aug 31 '62 Capt Sept 13 '65 not must 2d Lt HoUister S Phillips Corp Sergt lat Sergt lat Lieut Sept 13 '65 not must Adams, Hiram Corp Andree, Wm H Corp Sergt Aney, Jas P Corp Sergt Baker, Henry Case, Franklin Corp Sergt Oronon, David Corp Cunningham, Thoa Corp Davia, David Downer, David Corp Donnelly, Patrick Corp Flynn, Johu Corp Sergt Gladson, Andrew Corp Sergt Gladaon, John Corp Sergt Hall, David Janaon, Christian Corp Sergt Johnson, Alfred J Corp Sergt Kottenger, Gustavus Corp Langston. David Mahoney, Allen Corp Sergt Mellor, James Northup, Manley Penfield, Wm E Plunges, Peter Corp Richarda, John Rogers, Robt Corp Schenk, Martin Sullivan, John Corp Trade, Geo W VanLooi , Hyndart Corp 32 Died: Allen. Alvin K June 17 '63 Young's Pi La Allen, John June 30 '62 Farmington Asbury, Sam'l Sept 16 '63 Bear Creek Mias Basaett, Martin Sept 13 '63 luka Miss Baaaett, Robbina July 25 '63 Black Riuer Beardaley, Benj P Sept 1 '63 Inka Miss Cinnamon, Waterman H Sept 2 '63 Bear Ck Conboy, Isaac Jnne 20 '63 Young'a Pt La Downer, Anthony Sept 11 63 Memphis Tenn Dyer, Benj Api 14 '65 New Orleans La Edgar, James C Sept 12 '64 New Orleans Garmon, Geo L Sergt Feb 13 '62 Cairo 111 Janson, Chriatian Jan 1 '65 Keokuk Iowa Jolmson, Zebulon June 6 '62 Farmington Kendall, James July 30 '63 McNeil, Hiram A July 16 '63 Vicksburg Miss Mellor, James Jan 2 '65 Louisville Ky wnds N ash, Jonathan W June 9 '62 Farmington Nash, Abram J Mar 30 '62 Cincinnati Ohio Oleson, Christian June 19 '64 Cairo 111 Oleson, John May 21 '62 St. Louis Mo Overen, Si-uou June 30 '62 St. Louis Mo 131 Quiggle, Nelson Feb 13 '64 Farmington Wis Rogers, Robt July 6 '65 Selma Ala Sanders, Nelson N Apr 12 '02 New Madrid Teed, Dan Apr 25 '65 Baton Rouge La Recruits: Anderson, Syvert Aney, Jaoob W Baker, William Bassett, Robbins Beckwith, Henry J Broadbent, Andrew Chandler, Orvin P Cooper, James Corbin, Dura Corman, Theodore Covey, Sylvester Deys, John Downer, David Downer, Simon L Downer, Anthony Lowing, Elias Dyer, Benjamiu Fooper, Casper Foi sythe, Robert Frayu, John Fredrickson, Ole Grilley, Henry Hall, Jennison Harper, Samuel Hewitt, James Hewitt, Isaac Hill, Harmon Honk, Lanton K Honk, Francis F Johnson, Alfred J Jordan, Henry Kaiser, Miohael Kennedy, Daniel A Lavone, Clarence Leavitt, Justin J Ludlow, Robert Martin Rudolph Moore, Alfred Murphy, John Noyes, Osgood J Oleson, Christian Oleson, Oluff Oleson, Swenum Oleson. Andrew Perham, Victor Pettingill, Oscar Pinkerton, Joseph Pinkerton, John Richards, John Robison, Orion Saoia, Franklin M Sage, Ranaorae Sampson, Jaoob Sly, Geo A Stewart, Joseph Sullivan, John Teed, Dauiel VanLoon, Paul VanLoon, Albertua Viets, Henry L Watson, Joaeph Watson. Samuel Worden, Henry D 63 Discharged: Capt Milo Baker res Aug :^1 '62 Capt A D liickok res July 15 '63 2d Lt H M Lathrop rea Jnne 29 '62 Bloom, Martin Jan 19 '63 dis Calver, Frank B Nov 30 '62 Cronon, Edward Nov 24 '62 arm amp Corinth Davis. David to V. R. C. Dec 28 '64 Glover. Geo W Mar 31 '65 dia Groenveldt. Genau Ang 25 '62 dis Hall, Jennison June 16 '65 dis Hare, Decatur C Nov 24 '62 Hewitt, Wm E Nov 24 '62 leg amp Corinth Holbrook, Chas to enlist in Marine Brigade Mar 11 '65 Honk, Oliver B Oct 28 '62 dia Janson, Mack Feb 6 '62 dia Jordon, Henry Apr 5 '63 dis Lavone, Clarence May 13 '65 dis McMahan, Thos J Deo 12 '62 wnds Corinth Myers, John Newton, John Dec 31 '62 Oleson, Oluf July 24 '62 Perham, Eugene Oct 11 '62 dis Perham, Victor Ang 14 '62 Saoia, Harmon D Nov 27 '62 Shore*, Johu July 28 '62 Sisson, Oscar O Dec 2 '62 to enlist in 2 U S art Swienink, Heury Mar 4 '63 Sykes, James Oot 13 '62 Underwood, John A Nov 13 '62 VanLoon, Albertus May 5 '65 Villboom, John Deo 9 '62 Wightman, Edmund Oct 1 '62 32 l:!2 Killed in Ac tion: Andrew, WmH, Sergt, NashviUe Erickson, Paul, Corinth Holbrook, Lora, Corinth Larson, Ole, Corinth Northup, Maney, drowned June 5 '64 Oleson, Iver, Corinth Thorp, John W, Corinth Tramir, Barney, Corinth Vernon, Eldmore, Boliver Tenn Wounded: Oapt D A Kennedy Nnahville Dec 16 '64 Aney, Jaa P Nashville Beckwith, Henry J Naahville Broadbent, Andrew Naahville Brown, William Lake Chicot Brown, Chas Corinth Case, Frankhn Oorinth Cox, Sam'l B Farmington Cronon, Edward Corinth arm nmp Edgar, Jas C Sugar Mills La died Sept 12 '64 Flynn, John Corinth Fopper, Casper Nnahville Fredrickson, Ole Nashville Glover, Geo W Corinth Goodenough, J B Nashville Spanish Fort Hewitt, Wm E Corinth leg amp John, Zebulon Farmington leg nmp Kendall. James Farmington Langston, David Nashville McMahan, Thoa J Corinth dia Dec 12'62 Mellor, Jaa Nashville died Jan 2 '65 Oleson, Paul Vicksburg Oleaon, Swenim Naahville Oleson. Iver Farmington killed Corinth Pruett, Abram Lake Chicot Quiggle, Nelson Corinth Robinaon, Orion Naahville Sncia, Franklin Naahville Sage, Ranaom Naahville Snmpaon, Jaoob Nashville Stewart, Jos NashviUe Sullivan, John Nashville Trude, Geo W Farmington VanLoon, Albertus Nal^hville Wood, Allen Farmingtin(and miaaing) Wright, John B Oorinth liC PuKMdTKli: Alonzo D Kickok Capt Aug 21 '62; lat Lt Jly 31 '61;rea July Ifi'Dl! Duncan A Kennedy, Capt July 15 '63; lat Lt Ang 31 '62; 2d Lt July 1 '62; Maj. May 17 '65 not mustered Sam'l J Sargent, lat Lt July 15 '03; 2d Lt Aug :u '62; Capt, not muatered. Sept 13 '65 HoUiater S Philips 2d Lt Deo 21 '61; IstLt Sept i:l '65 not inuat. Dan'l A Kennedy, Corp Sergt 1st Sergt 2d Lt Sept i:! '65 not must. 5 Desektkd: Aney, Jacob W Deo 15 '64 Donnelly, Patrick Hammond, John Mar 20' 63 Harrington, Inman Oct 5 '61 Rkcaitj'hi. ation: ()rij,'iual Company, 107 Recruits, 68 Total— 170 Re-enlisted, :!2 Non-veterans, 13 Musteied out at cloae otwnr 1 officer, 32 men 04 Killed in action. 9 Died of disease and wounds 26 Diacharged of dia and wnds :i2 Promotions, 5 Deaerted, 4 Present at Milwaukee, 4 Preaent addreaaes known 18 The FdijLOwiNO Combads bepoutkd at Camp VanNouman, Milwaukfib, in 188'J. D 0 Hare Independence, Wis Edward Cronon, La Croaae Wia J Sykea, Melrose Wia John Myrea, Iroquis III These weiih not at Milwaukee. HoUiater 9 PliiUipa Mindoro Wis John Gladson Marshland Wia Peter Plungoa La Crease Wis Henry J Beckwitli Mindoro Wis Bobt Foreaythe Minneapolis Minn Jaa Sykes North Bend Wis O B Honk Mindoro Wis H B Saoia GalesviUe Wis Thos Cunningham Bismark N Dak A D Hickok, CaldweU Kan Frank M Saoia, Stevenson Wis John Pinkerton, BauKor Wis Jaa Pinkerton, Bangor ^Via Jamea Hewitt. Bangor Wia 14 183 Co. "K."^ 1 » < Hi STOKY AND ROSTEB OF Co. "K," 8th Wis Inft'y Vols. Co. "K" was raised in Racine county and carae into Carap Randall Sept. 17, '61 and were mustered and assigned tlie same day. Their original officers whose com missions bore date of Aug 7 '61 were as follows; Capt, Wra P Lyon 1st Lieut, Albert E Smith 2d Lieut, .laraes O Bartlett Of these Cajit Lyon was jiromot- ed Colonel 13th Wis Inf'ty Aug 5 '62 1st Lieut A E Smith was corarais sioned as Capt Co "B"8th^^'ls Inf'ty June 25 '62 and mustered out Dec 11 '64 2d Lieut J O Bartlett was pro moted 1st Lieut .Tune 23 '62; Capt Sept' 7 "62; Majpr Feb 21 '65; Lieut Col Mar 26 '65 but not mustered. Mustered out Sept 4 '65 ROSTER. NoN-yKTKll.VNS. Baker, Horaoe Cotton, Dilwinu S, Oorp Feloh, Isnao N Harrison, Wm H Hatoh, Uriah T Holmes, Geo S Hntohinson, Joe Kiokok, Wm E Lathrop, Lucas B, Oorp Lawton, Joseph, Sergt Loss, Leonard McPherson, Wm D Nesaon, Nelson A Dip Henry Owtoa, Owen L Pritchard. Hugh RandaU, CedrioB Smith, Wm J, Sergt Wyman, Frank D, Oorp VETEK^iNS, Oapt Jas O BarUette Lt Theo A. Fellows Lt Chas Palmertier Boutwell, Geo W BneU, Henry Byrne, Jns Carey, Jas A Ohristienson, Neil Coffin, Mathew Dawson, Thos Dickinson, Chas Dinham, Ohas Fernald, Clarence Geery> Wm W Grestigen, Isnno Hermes, Jos 3 James, Erasmus Jones, John F Knuteson, Goodskolt ' Lind, Christian Mason, Edward Miller, Christopher Nobes, Robt H Phillips, John Rutenber, Menzo Ryan, Johu W Thomas, David Torre, Thos Tupper, Silas W Walker, WmH, Sergt Weed, Jas L Wentworth, Sidney T Whonn, Wm WiUiams, Wm W 19 34 Died: Barrow, Jacob J, Keokuk Aug 21 'G2 Burke, Myron, Vioksburg June 1 '64 Caldwell, Walter S, Prairie du Ohein Feb 18 '65 Collins, Henry, Yonngs Pt June 13 '63 Ehrans, Andrew, Corinth Oot 17 '68 wnds Humphrey, John B, Str "Cholean" May 2G.64 VA Jamea, Geo 8, Racine Wis Aug 28 '64 Losee, Geo. JeffersonviUe Ind Dec 30 '64 lowe, John H, Sikestovn Mo Apr 22 '62 Maine, Albert D. St. Louis Mo May 17 '62 Manning, Chas B. Sulphur Sprs Dec 23 '61 Mason, Edward, NashvUle Dec 28 '64 wnds Massey, John, Racine Oet 2 '62 drowned Motte, Josiah, Hamburg Tenn Apr 13 '62 Paddock". Herbert G, New Madrid Apr 22'62 Peterson. Louis, JeffersonviUe Dee 28 '64 Bouse. Wm N. St. Louis Oct 23 '63 Rouse, Edwin E, Racine Oct 5 '63 Ryan. .John W, Milwaukee Sept 9 '65 of wnds rec'd at AbbeviUe Miss Thompson, -Jas, New (gleans Apr 15 '65 Tupper, Silas ^V, IndianapoUs Feb 12 '65 to VRCDec28'64 VanNeas, Edwin, Farmington May 27 '62 White, Andrew, St. Louis Nov 27 '64 White, Orrin, Sykwtown Apr 25 '62 Wyman, Geo, Germantown Feb 3 '63 25 Rei'kuits: Adama, George P Anderson, David J Barksdale. Ferdinand Barrows. Jacob J BeU, Martin Blacklock, James Bimch, Isaac C Burke, Myron CaWweli Walter 8 Chandler, George Christenson, Peter Cook, George Dawson, Thos Faulkner, John Graham, John HaU. Timothy Hardin, Milford O Hardin, Cyrus T Hichor, Alfred A James, Erasmus James, George 8 James, John D Janaon, NeiLa Jones, Richard W Kartachoke, Edward Kimball, David E Krogh, Lndwig Lathrop, Edmund E Lawton, John Losee, George Lowe, John H liUfae, Balph Neilson, James Neilson, NeUs D Olesun, James Oleson, Jacob Falmetier, Jared Perkins, Frederick B Peterson, Louis PUmpton, George N Rasmnssen, Christian Rouse, William N gummerton, James Thompson, Jamen Vandnsen, William H Wadsworth, George Walker, John D Walker. Bobt M White, Andrew Wyman. Frank D Wyman, George Disch aeged: Anderson, Ole Dec 1 '62 arm amp Corinth Coon, Cieo W Apr 2 '62 Coriie, Jonathan Mar 18 ,62 Crennill, Thos Oct 13 '62 Dunham, Chas Jnly 22 '64 by order Farley, Edwin Dec 15 '63 prom 3d D 8 Cav Faulkner, John Nov 6 '63 Fernald. Fred Dec 15 'V, prom 3d U 8 Cav Field, Francis M May 2 '62 Finch, Albert B Sept 8 '62 Geery, AVm W Dec 15 '63 to 3d U 8 Cav Hart, Geo N Mar 18 'G2 Henderson, A 8 May 28 '64 to 1st Mi«s Cav Hubbard, John Sept '^ '62 Johnson, Andrew Jan 24 '63 Jones, Richard W Dec 9 '64 Erogh, Lndwig to V B C Apr 24 '65 Larson, Geo Jan 15 '6S Mack, Herbert C Oct 24 '62 McPhereon, Bobt B May 7 '62 dis re-enlisted j Ang 18 '64 M O Aug 15 "65 Merideth, John to V R C Jan 16 '64 Miller, Amos J Jan 3 '63 Nelson, Hans J Oct 13 '62 Hoyes, Chas A Sept 10 '62 wnd rec'd at Farmington OsterUdgh, Frederick Sept 16 "64 i Patney. Jos J Jan 9 .64 to 3d U 8 Cav BoUow, Francia Sept 6 '62 Shai:ghnesBy, Pat J Oct lb 'eS Smith, Wm R Sept 19 '62 Smith, Jas C Aug 1 '62 Smith, Chas W Feb 17 '67 to 3d V 8 Car Spencer, Alfred Dec -'i '62 135 Weeks, Levi July 5 '62 33 Killed in Action: Coon, Ralph M, Corinth Miss Janson, Neils, Nashville, Tenn Wounded: Capt T A Fellows Nashville and Corinth Anderson. Ole Corinth arm amp Collins, Henry Corinth Evans, Andrew E Corinth died Oot 17 '63 Geery. Wm W Corinth Henderson, A S Corinth Kartachoke, Edward Naahville Lind, Christian NashviUe Mason. Edward Nashville Murphy Dennis Corinth Noyes, Chaa A Farmington dis Sept 10 '62 Phillips, John Nashville Ryan, John W Abbeville Torre, Thos Naahville Wentworth, S T Corinth 15 Puojeoted: Capt W P Lyon, Col. 13th Wis Aug 5 '62 Jas 0. Bartlett, 2d Lt Aug 7, '61; lat Lt Jnne 23 '62; Capt Sept 7 '62; Maj Feb 21 '65 Theodore A Fellows, 1st Sergt 2d Lt June 23 '62; lat Lt Sept 7 '62; Capt May 5 '65 Albert E Smith, let Lt Aug 7 '61 to Tapt Co B June 25 '62 Chas Palmertier. Sergt 2d Lt Sept 7 '02; 1st Lt May 5 '65 not must. Levi J Billing, 2d Lt Co K 28 Wia Aug 4 62 Henry L Bull Corp lat Sergt Adj Jan 6 '65 Jas A Carey, Sergt 1st Sergt 2d Lt May 17 '65 not mustered Edwin Fdrley to 3d D S Cav. Frederick Fernald to 3d S U Cav Wm W Geery to 1st Miss. Col'd Cav. Alfreds Henderson to" " " Jos J Putney to 3d U S Cav. Chas W Smith " " " Aug. G. Weissart to Sergt. Maj 15 Desekted: AUen. William H Sept 20 '62 Benedict, Henry C July '62 Christenson, Peter absent without leave atMo Hadfield, Jos J May '02 Powderly, Wm H Aug 18 '62 Skewes, Thos B Oct 4 '62 Walls, Nelaon ret to 39 Ills aa deaerter 7 Recapitulation : Original Company, 103 Reoruita, 51 Total— 154 Re-enlisted, 34 Non-veterana, 19 Muatered out at cloae of war 1 officer, 51 men 53 Killed in action. . 2 Died of disease and wounds 25 Discharged of dia and wnds 3 Promotions, 15 Deserted, 7 Present at Milwaukee, 29 Preaent addreaaea known 31 The following Combads bepobted at C AMP VanNobman, Milwaukee, in 1889. Horace Baker Weatherford Texas J L Weed Neoma Boone Co Neb R W Jonea Racine Wia A J Miller Genoa Junction Wia John Faulkner Genoa Junction Wis Jerome Palmertier, Winthrop, Iowa. Fred Fernald, Winthrop, Iowa. Timothy Hall, Elkhorn, Wis. John Graham, Paokwaukee, Wis. David Tomas, Oshkosh, Wia. Neila D. Neilson, Washington, Kan W. H. Harrison, Genoa Junction, Wis. U. T. Hatch, Whitewater, Wia. Capt. T. A. Fellows, Genoa Junction, Wis. J. A. Cary, Racine. Wis. Wm. J. Smith, Racine, Wis. 846 Park Ave. L. Losa, Racine, Wis. C. Palmertier. Lake Geneva, Wis. C. A. Noyes, Lake Geneva, Wis. A. B. Finch, Racine, Wia. Capt. Wm. P. Lyons, Madison. Wis. I. N- Felch, Racine. Wis. Joaeph Lawton, Grand Croaaing, IUa. Patrick J Shauneasey Racine Wis John PhiUips Racine Wis W D McPherson Racine Wis Levi J Billings Rhineland Wis Capt A G Weissart Milwaukee Wis These weee not at Milwaukee Geo Larson Light Houae K Racine Wia Lucas B Lathrop Racine Wia Joe Hutchinson Nat'l Home Milwaukee 136 GENERAL RECAPITULATION: Co. B was the largest original company, 108 Co. E was the smallest original corapany, 83 Co. I had the most recruits, 63 Co. F, the least nuraber of recruits, 6 Co. I had the largest total of men enrolled, 170 Co. G had the small number of men enrolled, 102 Co. H was the largest company at muster out, 2 officers, 52 men Co. F was the smallest at must«r out, 2 officers, 21 men Co. I had the most men killed in action, 9 Co. K, the least nuraber killed in action, 2 Co's. H and K had an equal nuraber registered at Camp VanNorman, Milwaukee, in 1889, 29 Co. I had the fewest registered at Milwaukee, 4 Co I had the tallest man in the regiment. Co. E had the shortest, Sam'l O. Edwards. i:i7 PORTI^AITS AND ^Biographies. * IVlajop General JOSEPH A, MOWER. Gen'l Mowor onlcrcd the ser vice early in 1S(U ;i,s Cnpt. Co. "A" 1 Ith Missouri Vol. liirty and saw considerable iiotivi^ sc^rvitn^ in that slate during- the siimuier anil fall of that year. In Man^h \HiV.l when tho Eighth Wis. Wiis brigadeii with lho llth Mo, the 47lh and 2(5th Ilia at Toinl Pleas ant, Mo., ho had risen tci be Lieut. Colonel of the regiment wilh ,1. 13. Plummer (lolonol. AVhen Col. Plummer was. promnled to Brig. Gen'l in tho latter part of March 18U2, Lt. Col. Mower was corarais sioned as Colonial and coraraanded the llth Mo. until in Sept. 1862, wIkmi (!()1. Murpliy was teinporiirily relieved from his command by Gen'l Rosecrans for evacuating luka. Miss. without orders and allowing a large quantity of army stores to fall into the eneray's hands, ( 'ol. Mower was given command f)f the brigade. He was in command of the brigade at the battle of luka. Miss, Sopt. • 19 and also at Corintli, Miss., Oct. 3d imd 4th. On Oct. 4th, in the highth of the lu'tion, his horse was shot un der him and he vvas taken jirisoner and escorted toward the rear, but at ahout tlui same time a successful counter- cluir^re of our array, drove the rebels to tho rear inhothaste,and in tho confusion Col. Mower (who al ways kept one eye open), saw an op portunity, which he was not slow to improve, to bid his captors good bye and in less tiino than it takes to tell it was on a "big skeddadle" for our lines, which he succeeded in reach ing safely and was raost warmly irreeted by lhe coniraiind, with whom lie WHS iilready a i;'roiil favorite. In Deceinbor 18(52 ho was coni- missionod as Briij;iidier General and iriv(Mi tlio command of the 2d Bri- oiule, ;id Division, ITlth Army Corps, and as such wns vvith us through the Vicksbiiri;' (^iiinpaign, takiiiir a prom inent part in all tlie battles of that moniiii'iible march iiiul seie'c. lie eoinuiandiHl ono Division of A. ,1. Smith's command during the fa mous Red River Expedition of Gen'l Banks in 1804 and at Fort Scurry 138 and DeRussy led the troops over the parapet. He still was commanding the Div ision during- Gen'l Price's raid into Missouri in the fall of 1S04 and was called in October to comraand a Div ision of Gen'l W. T. Sherman's army on the famous march from Atlanta "Down to the sea." For gallant and raeritorious con duct he was soon coraraissioned as Major General and was with Gen'l Sherraan, at the final surrender of Gen'l .loe .Johnson at Raleigh, N. C. After the war he was placed in cora mand of the Department of Louisiana with Head Quarters at New Orleans, in which city he died during the yel low fever epidemic in 1878 He was an ideal soldier, brave al raost to rashness, but always thought ful of the wants and necessities of his raen. Strict in his discipline, he yet allowed the raen a certain liber ty that they knew too well never to exceed. Always ready for any ,un- dertaking, no matter what its dangers or hardships, he was always ready to take advantage of any incident that would lighten the labors or amelior ate the exposures of his command. While exacting all the courtesy due his rank he was still on friendly terms with all his men and rather Hked the familiar title of "Old .Joe" bestowed upon him by those he al ways called "his boys." His meraory will always be honor ed as long as any of the "boys in blue," who knew him and loved him remain to tell the story of his heroic deeds. Goloi)el GEORGE W. ROBBINS CoL Robbins, whose portrait we present (taken in 1863, soon after he resitrned), was commissioned Lt Col onel of the 8th Wis, Aug. 15th '61 and was raade Col., Dec. 20, '62. He was quite severely wounded at Corinth, Miss. Oct. 3, "62 and at Vicksburg, Miss, his horse fell on him breaking his leg, and from the result of whicli he was oblio-ed to leave the service, Sept 1,'63 In the spring of 1864 he went to Nevada and remained until 1870. While in Nevada, he was located at Austin, White Pine and Silver Bend part of the time engaged in the mining business and part of the time keeping the "Pilot Creek" hot el, at the base of the Diamond 139 Mountains. On account of poor health, and unable to live in the rare air of those high attitudes, in 1870 he removed to the village of Avon, Mass., where he is now located, in the Livery and Express business. In a personal letter dated .June 1, 1890, Col. Robbins thus speaks of the "Old Eighth;" ***"But the memory of such a gallant lot of aoldiei a as the "old Sth" was, under my command cau never be forgotten, and I doubt not they carried the aame good name to the end of the war. I ahonld have been proud to have been with you on your return to Madison and would like 1 to have led you on the Grand parade.*** Ihave no doubt that yoa appreciated thnt grand event aa you alwriya sto id high in th« eatimation of every commander in whatever army we were in *** Among tiiose you mention I remember VanNorman of Capt Estee's Co. "H." In the engagement on the 28th of May before Corinth, Miaa. He was a brave soldier and o.i thia 03 casion aet an example of coolneaa and bravery thi tcne seldom sees.*** I shall never forget the gallant old Eatee, yonr Capt., who wns mor tally wounded before Vicksburg, Mis,^.,May 22d, '63. You would have had hard work to flnd a man of hia years to fill his place. He waa never wanting when duty called. I would call your attention to one other officer and soldier who gave his life on this occasion, Lieut Chapman Co. "F" Capt J H Greene's company. Again I would call your attention to Judge J E Perkins, Capt. Co. "C," who gave his life at Farmington, Misa., May 9 '62, how could one speak of thia old man except in the higheat and most fervent terms. Judge, Captain, Soldier, a good man, never found wanting. Also Lieut Beemish Co "G" Capt Britton's Co and Corporal John White who wer e both killed at the aame time brave, noble men who gave their life that their country might live. No words can too strongly express the kindness and reverance we should hold their memory.*** Convey to all the officers and ¦men of the "old 8th,' a cordial invitation to come and see me feeling assured they are one and all heartily welcome for I aasure you I wonld do all in my power to make their atay pleaaant. I am very truly youra Col. Geo. W Robbina Avon, Maaa. ©oloi^el JOHN W. JEFFERSON Col. .JefEerson was commissioned Major of the Regiment Aug. 26, '61 promoted to Lt. Col. Dec. 20 '62 and to Colonel .June 7 '64. Was serious ly wounded at Corinth, Miss., Oot. 3 '62 and slightly at Vicks.jurg, Miss., May 22, '63. He was raustered out by reason of his term having expired Oct 11 '64. He at once returned to Memphis, Tenn., and engaged in the business of buying and shipping cotton and has also for many years been largely engaged in cotton raising in the State 140 of Arkansas.As to his history we can offer the following. His first military experience was ia 1856 or 7, he in company with Gen'l Geo. E Bryant, Col. Chas. L. Hains and others in Madison organ ized that noted military company known as the "Governor's Guard" and to which he remained a member throughout its existance. This com pany it is well known furnished raany distinguished ofificers in the war of the Rebellion. Col. .JefEerson was first coraraission ed as "Aid de Carap" with rank of Major by the Governor of Wis. in 1857. As a raeraber of the "Gover nors Guard" he was one of those who benefited by the military skill and knowledge of that prince of soldiers. Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, of the N.Y. Fire Brigade, who vvas for some raonths their drill master and Col. .Jefferson says, "what I know "little or much" of railitary skill I attribute to his instructions," and when he left Madison to bejjin his brilliant career in Chicago, Col. Jefiferson was one of the last to shake his hand and bid him "good speed." He applied to Gov. Randall early in '61 for a Major's commission, al though prompted by friends, among them Hon. B. F. Hopkins, to ask for a colonelcy. He was then 25 years of age and felt that the ilajor's position was what he was best qualified to fill and on Aug. 26, '61 his wislies were gratified and he was assigned to the 8th Wis. He completed his entire terra of service as Major, Lt. Col. and Col onel and was raustered out Oct. 11, 1864 at Madison, Wis. The following frora "Meraphis Illustrated" will give his history since his rauster out. I. W. IEFFERSON & CO- .January 1886 COTTON AND COMMISSION MERCHANTS, XO. 274 FRONT STREET. Mr. .1. W. .Jefierson, the founder and sole member of the above firra, was raised in Wisconsin, and came to this city in 1864. From thattirae to the present this gentleraan has been closely identified with the int erests and welfare of Memphis, and is justly entitled to raost favorable raention in this work as one of the raost enterprising-, liberal and pro gressive men that this city has ever known. Mr. .Jefferson was one of the original projectors and sole own er of the Continental Cotton Com press Company, now, with other com press companies, the Merchants cot ton press and storage Company, and up to 1873 was the very largest ship per of cotton in this entire section of country. He has been ongaged in number less enterprises tending to the pub lic good, and was among the first who effected the shipraent of cotton on through bills of landing direct from Memphis to Europe. In order to do this ho made several voyages 141 to Liverpool, Breraen and Antwerp and other large cotton markets, and by argument "boomed"' Meraphis shipments in preference to New Orleans. While he is still dome; a o large cotton business his iraraense planting interests in the adjoining State of Arkansas take up rauch of his tirae. He buys cotton on orders, and does a large business in furnishing supplies, not only to his own planta tions, but to others also. His offices and sample-rooras are situated at No. 274 Front street, and co.ton receiv ed is stored with the Memphis Com press Warehouse^ in whioh he is a large stockholder and director. Mr. .Jefferson's long and honorable career is worthy of eraulation, and he cer tainly is entitled to the otium cum dignitce which he is now enjoying. Iteras of brief mention of what sorae erainent Generals have said a- bout our 8th Wis. Re^i't. (Extracts from Col Jeifersons reports.) At St. Louis Oct., 1861 Secretary of war, Gen'l Simon Cam eron said: "Major your Begiment ia a auperb body of men." Adjutant Gen'l of the U. S. Array Lorenzo Thoraas (who was near by) said: "Major how did yon pick out such fine men? They cannot be excelled." At Fredricktown Oct 21 '61 Maj. Schofield (then of Gen'l Hal leck's Staff, now Maj. Gen'l com'd U. S. Army) said: "You have a soldierly body of men, sir!" Maj. Gen'l David S Stanley has repeatedly spoken to rae about the soldierly qualities of the 8th Wia. and their reliable bravery. Gen'l W. S. Rosecrans, at Ripley, Miss., Oct., 1862 (after the battle of Corinth) our forces having driven the eneray under Gen'l Price through and out of the town, our reg'iment was restin g on the outskirts when I received through Gen'l Stanley from Gen'l Rosecrans an order which read to Stanley, "Send iramediately one of your best regiraents, the 8th Wis. Maj. Jefferson, through the Hatchie bottoms to scout and capture all the rebels therein." I proceeded at onoe with the regi raent and halted for a moment in front of Gen'l Rosecran's Head Quarters, he having preceeded us in the town and had established his Quarters at the house of the rebel Col. Faulkners. I reported and pointed to my reg iment, and asked for a guide simply to put us on right to the Hatchie road. "Rosecrans said hehad just receiv ed word from our cavalry who were pushing the eneray close and now I need not proceed further, and or dered me to take command of Ripley whioh I did and said. Major it is a high honor to comraand such a regi ment as that (pointing to the 8th) and you, sir, ought to have a star where that leaf is now on your should er strap." Gen'l Sherman has a number of times spoken to me in the highest terms of the 8th. (See his letter of Sept. 23 '63 herewith to the Gov. of 142 Wisconsin.) December, 1862, after marching back from Oxford, Miss, to Holly Springs, we were camped at Grand .Junction, Tenn. One night I received a dispatch frora Gen'l Grant at Holly Springs through Gen'l Chas. S. Harailton, directing me to reportto Army Head Quarters at onoe. I did so by rail. I being a guest there at Gen'l Grants Head Quarters and complet ing ray business, Gen'l Grant re marked to me after breakfast that morning, that he had the highest considerations for the 8th, that he had kept track of us ever since he knew the regiment at Cairo, 1861-()2 and in effect he had no better regiraent in his array. I met Gen'l Grant here the last tirae after his return frora his trip around the world and he a- gain spoke of the Sth and asked a- bout it in the warmest manner." During the winter and spring of 1889 and 90 it was desired to extend the limits of the city of Memphis (or as it is styled the taxing district) to include sorae valuable property and bring in a large accession to its inhabitants and as the necoessary legislation could only be secured by a special enactment, the Governor was requested to call a special ses sion of the legislature for that pur pose. He declined to do so unless the expense of such a session were defrayed by the parties interested, i. e. the citizens of Memphis. Col. .Jef ferson at once telegraphed to Nash ville that he would assume, if nec oessary the entire expense, about 16,000. and the extra session was called and the enabling act passed. The followinir extracts from the Memphis Appeal of March 16th 1890 will show the spirit of Col. .Jefferson and the high esteera iri which he is held by the citizens of that city. (Telegram.) While X conaider myaelf no wealthy man compared to hundreda of othera here, I hav ing no pecuniary or other aelfiah ends to serve, but simply an honorable pride for Memphia to enoompaas. aud take in the ter ritory and population that rightly belongs to her, you oan draw on me for a contribution of |100, on costs of holding the Legislature, aud if needa be, rather than Memphis to miaa this (otherwise ten years deferred) op portunity, you oan assure the Governor I will defray the entire expenses of the extra session. J. W, jEJTEBaON. The foUowintr gentleraen iramedi ately came to the aid of Col. Jeffer son and subscribed the araount re quired. NAPOLEON HILL, W. R. MOORE, J. W. COCHRANE, J. M. PETERS, J. K. SPEED, GEORGE ARNOLD, R. H. VANCE, R. J. BLACK, J. W. JEFFERSON, JOHN R. GODWIN, The Appeal would like to see these names blazed in lettera of gold upou an entabla ture erected by their grateful fellow-citizens in atteatations of their good citizenship, They have ahown their love for Memphis, The> have demonst'^ated their faith in the most convincing way. They have given the city a tremendous impetus, and with them muat be linked in honorable mention the Commercial Association, under the auspices of which the project began. If, a-nong theae gentlemen, The Appeal singles out for special distinction Col. J. W. Jefferson, no one will offer objection, for it waa he who held the fort until the hurrying re-en forcement arrived. He waa willing t 143 be one of the many or stand alone. A city which includes auch earnest, plucky, liberal and ready men is bound to proaper. * * * The telegram of col. J. W. Jefferaon offer ing to pay the whole amount, if necessary, was the firat inspiration, but was soou fol lowed by others, so that the committee as sured the Governor that Memphis was equal to any emergency, and the cash would be forthcoming. Thia ended the suspense. Ttie "Evening Herald" says: "This call is a novelty, something never heard of before. The idea that Memphis would succeed in calling an extra session to consider her mat ters and blandly say; 'I will pay the bill, is aimply appalling to the staid citizena of Naahville. The town has not been able to geta its breath." ©olor)el WILLIAM B. BRITTON, WiUiam B. Britton enlisted Aug. 1st '61 and recruited a company, that was afterwards known as Co. "G" 8th Wis., and was sworn into the state service Aug 1st. His cora raission as Captain is dated Aug. 16, '61. His corapany carae to Carap Randall and was mustered into the U. S. service on the 5th of Sept., by Major Brooks, U. S. A. He was promoted to Major Dec. 20 '62 and served in that capacity until June 7 '64 when he was coraraissioned as Lieut. Colonel and had cotnmand of the battalion when the Veterans carae home on furlough in .July 1864. Soon after their return Col. Jeffer son was raustered out and Lt. Col. Britton had coramand of the regi ment, while on the arduous march from Little Rook, Ark. to Cape 144 Girardeau, Mo. and upon the pursuit of Gen'l Price in his famous raid in to Missouri in the fall of 1864. He was also in coraraand at the battle of Nashville, Dec. 15th and 16th and was quite severely wounded. Major J. O. Bartlett was terapor arily in coramand of the regiraent, but Col. Britton's wound could not long confine so active a raan and he was soon back at the hewd of the regiraent and continued to share with them all the toils and privations of the closing carapaign of the war, and led thera horae in Sept. 1865 to 'en joy the peace they had so nobly helped to conquer. He was a raan of raost kindly dis position, brave as a lion but always thoughtful forthe comfort ofhis raen, and araong all the officers of the reg iraent, none becarae more endeared to them than Col. Britton. After the war he returned to Janes ville and engaged in the Furniture and Undertaking business, the firm narae being "Britton and Kiraball" and was the largest in that Hne in the city. He proved a careful business man and he was able a few years ago to retire frora active business life, with a worthily acquired corapetence that in his declining years will assure hira all the coraforts and raany of the lux uries of life. He was at Milwaukee in 1889, showing the ravages of tirae on his once stalwart forra, but able to take comraand of the battalion on dress parade and none seemed to en joy the occasion raore or to receive a heartier welcome than the "Old Colonel." In speaking of the final years' ser vice of the regiraent under his com raand, of the return frora the pursuit of Gen'l Price in Missouri in the late fall of 1804, he says: "We returned on foot the most de jected, ragged and foot sore lot of soldiers that ever was seen, slept in snow 8 inches to a foot deep, and Washington's array at Valley Forge, was not in a worse condition than wo were, for vve could be tracked by the blood of our feet in the snow, when we arrived in St. Louis." He furthur says: "You cannot put it too strongly, in giving the regi raent the greatest of credit in its raoveraents in Missouri after Price, and at the battle of Nashville they raore than covered theraselves with glory. At Mobile they were at the front during the entire siege. I nev er felt so proud of the "boys" as at Nashville, and I shall never forget the scenes of that raeraorable occa sion." The Colonel still makes his home in the city of Janesville, Wis., and any of the old comrads who visit that city will find a cordial welcome at the horae of Col. Britton and his es timable wife. L ong may they live to enjoy the honor and respect of those he so nobly coramanded. 145 Adjcitant, EZRA T, SPRAGUE. Adjutant Spnio-uo Wiis comniis- sionod with rank of .1st Liout, Sopt. 30, '(U whilo at Camp K'andall, ^Vis. and notod in that o;ipacity until ciir- ly in Juno lS(i2 whilo at Ciuup Cloar Crook, Miss., ho was appointed as Ass't .\dj't Gon'l on tho staff of Brig. tJon'l J. B. Pluinmor thon cominanding the 2d Brio-ado, 3d Diyision, array of tho Mississippi. llo oontinued to aot in that onpno- iiy undor Col. Murpliy, and Col. (afterwards Mn.j. tioii'l) Jos. .V. Mow er until July -W 1864 when ho wns prouiotod lo bo Colonol of the 42d Roo't Wis. Vol. liif'ly and at onco proooodod to Wisconsin to tako his ooniniand. His rooimont was at onco ordered to Cairo, Ills., and ho was appointed as "Commander of the Post." He was Brovotod Brig. iien'lU.S. Vols. Juno 20, 1865 and was niustered out Juno 20, '65. iVftor his return to ^^^isconsin he resumed tho practico of tho law at \Vatortowii and Madison but his health failino-, owiui^- to his exposure whilo at tho front, ho went to the Wostorn Mountains and eventually settled at Suit Lake City, Utah, and became a raost successful lawyer. He was appointed IT. S. District .Tudgo for tho district of Utah and hold that olHoo at tho timo of his (loath oarly iu the sprino; of 1889. As a man Con'l Sprague was a- bovi^ roproaoh, honorable and earn est, doing what his hand found to do with might and strength. As an ollioor ho was universally rospoctod by his brother officers and loved by all tho men of his command and no man of all tho Grand Union Army over rocoivod promotions and hon ors more worthily bestowed, or which mot with raore o-onoral satis faction to all who know him than Ezra T. Spnio-uo. 146 1st L^iedteriar)!, SAMUEL C, McDowell, Co: "D," Acting Adjutant. Lieut, McDowell entered the ser vice as a private of the "Fox Lake Rifles," afterwards Co. "D" Sth Wis. and on the final ornfanization of the company at Carap Randall was ap pointed as Orderly, or First Sergeant and served in that capacity until Jan. 9, 1862, when he was coraraissioned as 2d Lieut. He received his promotion as 1st Lieut. June 3, 1864 and was muster ed out Jan. 9, 1865. In June 1862, when 1st Lieut and Adj't Ezra T. Sprague was appoint ed as A. A. Gen'l on the staff of the brigade coraraander, Gen'l J. B. Plummer, Lieut. McDowell was ap pointed as acting Adjutant, which position he filled to the eminent sat isfaction of the commanding officers, all the members of the regiment, un til his rauster out. Lieut. McDowell was a careful business raan and the affairs of his office were always in the best of or- order. He was a prirae favorite of all the line officers and the boys in the line thought that "Adj't Sara" was about correct. After the war he returned to Fox Lake and engaged in business and as a result of his methodical busi ness habits has achieved success. He was with the "Boys" at Mil waukee in 1889 at his old post of Adjutant and on the "Dress Parade" both Tuesday and Wednesday after noons, of Encampment week, read to tho battalion sorae original orders from our coramanding officers while we were "way down South in Dixie," that brouifht back the raemories of those days of toil and danger in a most vivid manner, and proved one of the most interesting portions of our raost remarkably happy reunion at Camp VanNorman. "Mo" was one of "Uncle Sam's" census enuraerators in 1890 and is still hale and hearty and if any of the old "rajrged — 8th', ever stop at Fox Lake, Wis., they will be sure of a raost generous soldiers welcorae at his hospitable home. "Sam" still combs his hair high in front(?)but all the same he isn't a bit stuck up. He is Secretary of the "Eighth Wis. Reunion Association" and will one of these days send you an invi tation to another jolly gathering, and you may be sure that none of all who survive to be there will g^ive you a heartier welcorae than Lieut. S. C. McDowell. 147 Assislai)! Sdrgeon JAMES A, JACKSON. The above portrait represents Doc tor Jackson as he appeared wlion as "Jiraraie" he was must;ered into the U. S. service Sept. 12, 1801 as Hos pital Steward, and many of the "boys" who were tho recipients of his kindly ministrations as steward and acting assistant surgeon will in stantly recognize the features. He had immediate charge of the regimental hospital and served an entire term of three years service, toward the last of whioh he was or dered to perforra the duties of As sistant Surgeon. He was with the reg-iment in near ly every battle and was frequently under fire of the eneray while ^vith his Ambulance Corps he was engag ed in looking after and caring for the killed and wounded. He participated in nearly all its cam paigns and his post was one of con stant activity and one of more than ordinary responsibility, in caring for the sick and wounded, on the battle fields and in quarters and in whioh he always acquitted himself honora bly and well. To properly care for the wounded on the battle-field, often obliged to carry them to tho rear under a heav- V musketry and artillery fire; to move an ambulance train through mud and rain and darkness, over unknown and almost impassible roads on a flank movement, or to escape capture by the enemy ;-to properly eare for and alleviate the suffering and privation incident to a field hos pital, with the want of alraost all the requisites for the proper care of the victiras of disease or injury,-required ability and resources of no ordinary kind, and these Dr. Jackson showed himself, (by his almost unvarying success,) to possess in a more than ordinary degree. He was commiss ioned as Assistant Surgeon in the fall of 1 864, but decided to leave the ser vice at the expiration of his tei'm, to complete his medical studies, and he was mustered out Sept. 16th '64. On leaving the regiment he was mado the recipient of a handsome present and testimonial from the officers as a token of their high re gard, and which is one of the raost cherished mementoes of his service. Soon after his muster out he went to Xew York city and corapleted a full course of study at "Bellevue Hospital ]\Iedical College" from which he graduated with the honors of his class in 1866. 148 After receiving his Diploma the Doctor began the practice of medi cine, locating at Stoughton, Wis., where he remained four years, when he removed to the city of Madison, Wis., which city has sinve been his home. He has been raore than usually successful and has acquired a repu tation for care and skill that is scarce ly limited by the boundaries of the state. His arduous labors, begin ning at so early an age, have told heavily upon his personal appearance, but he is still, as ever, actively and earnestly striving to do all in his power to alleviate the pains and suff erings of those confided to his care and with always a hearty welcome and hand shake for the comrads of the, old "Eagle Eighth." :fr; WILLIAM P. LYONS, eaptair) Go. "H-" At the commencement of the war Capt. Lyon was a promising young lawyer in the city of Racine, but when the 2d call of President Lin coln came for 300,000 more, he threw aside his "Blackstone" and "Coke" and donning the "array blue" was commissioned as captain and iraraed iately proceeded to recruit a cora pany of stalwart men, who were mustered into the service Sept. 17, 1861 as Co. "K" 8th Wis. Capt. Lyon entered heartily into the railitary duties of his position and soon became so proficient that his services were called for in a high er and more responsible position,and on Aug. 5, 1862 he was by the Gov. of Wisconsin, commissioned as Col onel of the 13th Wis. Inf'ty, and he 149 at oiice took his departure for his new coraraand. He served with distinction in the departments of Kentucky and Tenn essee and was mustered out Sept. 11 '65 but in recognizance of his valu able services he was on Oct. 25, '65 made a Brevet Brigadier Gen'l by the President. He returned to Racine and brush ed the cobwebs frora his neglected law books and went earnestly at work in his chosen profession, in whicli he was so eminently success ful as to win an election as Judge in his Judicial Circuit. He served several terms as Cir cuit .Iudge with ever increasing hon or and was then elected as one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin and is at this time one of its most honored and learned raem bers. His horae is in Madison on the shores of lovely Lake Mendota where his old comrads of the "Eagle Sth" always receive a welcome. He is still in the prime of life and bids fair to live to a ripe old ag^ and to receive, as he deserves, a crown of ever increasing honors. Bpe\'el Gaptaii) AUGUSTUS G. WEISSERT. "Auggie" Weissert as he was, and still is, familiarly known to the merabers of the Sth Wis., enlisted when scarcely 17 years old in Co. "K," on Sept. 10, 1961. He raade several previous attempts to enlist but his slight forra and del icate looks had prevented his being accepted and only his most persist ant persuasions finally induced Capt. Lyon to place his name on the rolls of the company. He served with his corapany through all the marches, battles and campaigns of the command until Sept. 3, '64 when he was appointed Sergeant Major of the regiraent, June 6, '64 he was breveted Captain for "gallant and meritorious oon duot on the Red River campaign and at Lake Chicot, Ark." wo He still continued at his post of duty and at the battle of Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 15, '64 he was seriously wounded in the leg by a rebel sharp shooter and sent to the Hospital and as soon as able to travel to Wiscon sin. The circumstances under which it was received are prima facie evi dence of the fact that the volunteer soldiers had quite as much to do with the success of the Union arms as the commanders. When the array was in the line of battle at Nashville, Sergeant Major Weissert traversed the lines to ascertain whether his regiraent was properly supplied with araraunition, and when the du ty was completed, he received orders from Col. Britton, the commander of the Sth, to remain with headquart ers at the rear to make up the regi mental retums, then 1 5 days be hind, on account of the constant campaigning of the regiment. A- bout the sarae raoraent the order to advance was given and when the Colonel chanced sometirae later, to go along the line, he found Ser geant Major Weissert in his posi tion with the regiraent. He reraind ed hira of his Order and received the following reply frora the Sergeant Major: "I deeraed this my place and thought I would go with the regiment, and finish the reports af ter the battle." Soon after he was with the advance of the line whioh opened the battle of X-Bshville, on the extreme right Dec. 15th, 1864. About two in the aftemoon, the "Sth" was with Hubbard's brigade in a charge on a fort, the command capturing more prisoners than the brigade numbered. Soon after, Ser geant Major Weissert was wounded as stated, while his regiment was preparing to charge the second line of rebels, and was carried to the rear and sent from the field hospital to New Albany, Ind. When able he was removed to Wisconsin under special requisition from the Gover nor of Wisconsin for his return to the jurisdiction of that common wealth. After the battle of Nashville and the subsequent campaign and pur suit of Hood's Army, the Sth with a large nuraber of the troops belong ing to Thomas' array, were ordered to Mobile and iook an active part in the siege and capture of that reb el stronghold. They then went to Montgomery, the capital of Alabara- a, then to Selma, and were finally raustered out at Deraopolis, Ala., Sept. 16, 1865. Comraander Weissert belongs to the foremost ranks of the legal fra- temity of Wisconsin. He read for his profession under the guidance of Hon. W. P. Lyon, for many years one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin and was admit ted to practice in the Circuit Courts of the State in 1869. In the follow ing year he was admitted to practice in the higher court of the State and in the Federal and Supreme Courts of the United States. He held by appointment from the Govemment several civil positions, and he was a number of years an influential and 151 prominent member of the Milwau kee School Board. He was, for a long time, Chairman of the High School Coraraitte and the splendid building which adds its share to the fine appearance of the Cream City is largely due to the persistent and untiring efforts of Coraraander Weis sert, He refused a third appoint raent in view of professional duty and a contemplated visit to Europe. He became a member of the Or der of the Grand Army in 1866 and is one of the strono-est merabers of the Order in Wisconsin and has been several times elected to represent his Post (E. B. Wolcott) in the De partment Encampments, fle was one of the representative of the De partment of Wisconsin at St. Louis in 1886at the National Encampraent, and was actively prorainent at Col urabus in securing the Encampraent of 1889for Milwaukee. He has been for years a Trustee of Wolcott Post. Feb. 16, 1888, he was elected Com mander of the Wisconsin Depart ment for one year. In Feb. 1889 he was unanimously re-elected Department Commander of Wisconsin to succeed himself. Was elected President of the Execu tive Council, having in charge the arrangements for the 23d National Encampment G. A. R. at Milwaukee, and was unanimously elected Senior Vice Coraraander in Chief of the G. A. R. at the Encarapment held at Milwaukee in August, 1889. Commander Weissert is at the acme of life. In the prime of man hood, successful in business, popular among his fellow-raen, trusted by his forraer comrades in arms, he evi dences the representative Araerican citizen. He is descended from an cestral stock synonymous with liber ty in a struggle for freedom which forms one of the most glorious pages in the history of the world and, in his career and private life alike, he sustains the prestige of his descent, his nationality and his heritage of patriotisra. OTIS F. CHASE, Go. "D-" Otis F. Chase Co. "D" enlisted at the orgaization of the regiraent; dis charged for disability Dec, 1863; partially regaining his health, re-en listed at the organization of the 46th Wis. Inf'ty as a private in Co. "C;" promoted to Sergt. Major and sub sequently to 2d Lieut, of Co. "K" sarae regiraent and was raustered out with regiraent Sept. 27, 1865. At general election 1865 was e- lected County Clerk of Winnebago county; re-elected each subsequent two years, raaking a continuous ser vice in said oifice for twenty years. At present employed as a member of the Overflow Commission to ad just damages between citizens and the U. S. caused by governraent daras at Menasha and Appleton. P. O. address, Oshkosh, Wis. J. M. WILLIAMS, fi. P. r?. R. Go. "H-" J. M. Williaras first entered the service of the State of Wisconsin as a private in what was then called the "Portage Light Guard," but was subsequently known as Co. "G," of the 2d Regiment Wisconsin Inf'ty Vol., on May 3d, 1861, when only 17 years of age. When the regiment was mustered into the U. S. service for three years he was rejected on account of his age and slight build, but remained in camp and took part in their drill and other military instruction until they started for Washington, D. C. June 20, '61 when he returned to his home at Belleville and at once took part in organizing the "Sugar River Rifles" and was with them a- gain mustered into the State service at Belleville, Aug. 27, 1861. Sept. 11 he was raustered into the LT. S. services at Camp Randall, with the company which was assigned as Co. "H." He was appointed one of the non coraraissioned officers of the cora pany and served in that capacity un til June, 1862, when he retumed to the ranks and was detailed as a clerk in the office of E. T. Sprague, Ass't Adj't Gen'l at the Head Quarters of the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, Army of the Miss., where he remained- for several inonths. During the luka Corinth and Vicksburg campaign's he was with his corapany as company clerk and part of the time perform ing the duties of First Sergt. After the captureof .Jackson, Miss., Lieut. Col. .Jefferson was appointed Provost Marshal of the city and J.M. Williams, chief clerk, with Myron Briggs Co. "C" as assistant. After the surrender of Vicksburg Capt. Jas. F. Greene, Co. "F" was appointed as provost Marshall at Black River Bridge and here Mr. Williams was again chief clerk and owing to the poor health of Capt. Greene, virtually in charge of the office. He decided not to re-enlist with his corapany (although offered every inducement, in the way of pro motion) and was accordingly muster ed out at Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 16, 1864 and paid off at Madison, Wis., Sept. 22, 1864. Soon after the Act of Congress was passed authorizing the enlist ment of a picked Corps of Veterans to be known as "Hancock's Veteran Array Corps" he again enlisted in that organization being inustered in on the Sth of Feb. 1865 and at once 153 appointed recruiting Sergeant and proceeded to recruit for Cos. "A" of the first and Cos. "C" and "G" of the Ninth Regiraent of that Corps. Owing to sickness he did not pro ceed to Washington until April 18, 1865 and being at that tirae unas signed to any coinpany was appoint ed as clerk in Ass't Adj't Gen'l office on the Staff of Major Gen'l Hancock whose Head Quarters were then at Baltiraore, Md. Early in .lunc 1865 the office was transferred to Washington, D. C, and at his own request he was as signed to Co. "C" of the Ninth Reg iment, that organization being larcre- ly oomjiosed of Wisconsin men. On joining his coinjiany he was at once detailed as clerk by his Capt. and served in that capacity until Ju ly 10th, when he was placed on de tached service as "safeguard," on the plantation of llr. J. EI. Bayne,' Major U. S. A., eight miles south of Washington. Piere he remained until Oct. 30th when he rejoined his company at Rock Island Arsenal, 111. and was almost immediately detailed as a clerk in the Ordinance office and in a few weeks appointed "Ordinance Sergeant" and as such was inustered out Feb. 7, 1860 havin^o- served over four years and a half. After his discharge he attended Colletre in Chicas-o from whioh he irraduated first in his class and went at once to Iowa where he was some inonths on^'airod in railroad buildint^ and then returned to Wis. and en gaged ill the buikUiiif ajid Furniture trade. For the last four and a half years he has been engaged in newspaper work and is now Editor and Proprie tor of the "Sugar River Recorder" published at Belleville, Wis. Is a raeraber of Joe Mower Post 121 G. A. R., was four years its com mander and is now Adjutant of the Post. LAFAYETTE MUNSELL, 1st luieat. Go. "H-" Lieut. Munsell was a veteran of the Mexican war, having seen service under Gen'l Winfield Scott, and was wounded in the right hand at the battle of Chepaultepec. At the organization of Co. "H" he was elected 1st Lieut., his commis sion being dated .June 17th '61, and he served as such until his rauster out .July 15th '64. He was with the corapany on all of its marches and campaigns, and in every battle up to the time of his leaving the service. Upon his return home he engaged in farmina- near BelUeville for sever- al years, and then removed to the vi cinity of Red Cloud, Neb., which is his present home, and vvhere he is do- hw well. He was at Milwaukee in LSSU looking as if he had many years of life and enjoyment still left him. 154 VICTOR WOLF, Gaptaii), Go. "G." • ? * Captain Wolf was of Gerraan pa rentage and had seen service in the army in his native land and when the war of the rebellion came, he was one of the first to offer his service to his adopted country. .lohn E. Perkins, .Judge of the county of Eau Claire was chosen Captain and Victor Wolf, 1st Lieut. of the company that was afterwards famous as Co. "C" of the Sth Wis.; the company that brought the live eagle "Old Abe" into Camp Randall and carried him triumphantly through three years of arduous service and o- ver forty battle fields. At the battle of Farmington, Miss., May 9, 1861 Capt. Perkins was mor tally wounded, dying May 11, from his wound, and Lieut. Wolf was pro moted Captain from that date. He commanded his company through all the marches, battles and carapaigns of the"army of the Miss." until March 28, 1865 when he was discharged. He then returned to Eau Claire and became engaged in the Livery business and also opened a valuable stone quarry near th:.t city, from the proceeds of which he has araassed a sufficient fortune to assure him every comfort in his declining years. His post office is Eau Claire, Wis. P. B. WILLOUGHBY, Gaptaii), Go. "Yi," » ? « Capt. Willoughby was commis sioned 2d Lieut, of the "Sugar River Rifles" June 17, 1861 and as such was sworn into the state service at Belleville, Aug. 27, 1861. At the muster of the corapany into the U. S. service. Sept 11, there was not men enough to entitle the company to three officers and I.,t. Munsell only was sworn in, Capt. Estee and Lieut. Willoughby being sent horae to re cruit. Sept. 21 they retumed to Camp Randall with a sufficient num ber of recruits and were raustered in. Oct. 10, '63 he was promoted Capt. in place of Capt. Estee, who died of wounds, and coramanded the cora pany until its muster out except a few months in the fall of '63, when he was home on recruiting service. After the war he engaged in the Mercantile business at Juda, Wis., but finally sold out there and went to Frankfort, Ind. and engaged in the lumber business. He was at Milwaukee and had a pleasant greeting for all his old boys, who were equally pleased to meet their old Captain. His presenthome is Frankfort, Indiana. GORI^ESPOEDEESE , » ? I Headquarters 15th Army Corps. Camp on Big Biack, Sept. 21, '63. To his Exellency the Gov. of Wis. Sir: Col. J. W. Jefferson of the Sth Wisconsin is about to start for his home on a short leave of absence — during the period of rest allowed us by the lull of Militarj- events in this quarter. I avail myself of the opportunity i to express to you my personal and \ official approbation of this officer and j the entire regiment. Since I have \ had the honor to count it as one of I my command. The Sth Wisconsin | has ever done its whole duty in the ! camp, on the march and in battle. j It has shared with us all the hon- Ii ors and success of our conquest of ] the Mississippi and has displayed pe- 1 it will share with us our future labors and honors, If within your power, I hope you will fill its thinned ranks and then I will promise all I can ensure its re turn to your State, bearing a full share of honor and fame in the es tablishment of our general Govem ment on a basis so firm, that no in temal or external power can shake it during this generation. With great respect &c. W. T. Sherraan. Major-General. Headquarters Armies of the United States City Point, Va., Xov. 15, 1864. Col. .1. W. .Jefferson, 8th Wis. Vols. My Dear .Sir: I am personally cognizant of the culiar zeal and courage under its | services rendered our country ky gallant Jefferson at Jackson, May 16 j-qu. x have always found you an and throughout the siege of Vioks- | efficient, zealous and faithful officer. burg. j Having sen-ed the full term in the It also cleared the west bank of i amiy for which you entered the ser- the river, driving the enemy out of j vice» you are entitled to all the priv- Richraond and bore patiently and i ijeo-es granted to Loyal citizens and manfully the deadly sickness of jjj ^y judgement should be shown a Touno-'s Point until the f all of Vicks- buriT adraitted of its recall, to ]0in us on this higher and more healthy ground. I am glad to report that the men are fast recovering from the sickness caused by that exposure and I hope preference over those who have ren dered the nation no services in the field. U. S. Grant, Lt. Gen'l 156 St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 4, 1864. My dear Colonel: I take pleasure in comraending you to the kind consideration of all ray old array friends and acquaint ances as a gentleraan worthy of the highest consideration — and one of my gallant regiraental coraraanders in my sanguinary battle of Corinth. Having faithfully and zealously served our country for the full term and now honorably discharged, I ex tend to you my best wishes for your future and subscribe myself your friend. W. S. Rosecrans, Major-General. Extract from the War correspond ents published letter in the Madison State Journal under date of .June 10 1864 in reference to the battle of "Bayou Chicot" June 6, 1864. * "The Sth Wisconsin being oppos ed to the enemies left, where their artillery was mainly posted, suffered severely, loseing 19 killed and wounded. The dead were buried on the spot and the wounded are now in Mem phis. Col. .Jefferson had his favorite charger shot from under him twice, the latter pierced by five balls. The horse fell upon the Colonel's legs and for some minutes he was unable to extricate himself. Col. .Jefferson is yet on earth — but it was a loud call for hira. He is one of your true soldiers, with discretion and pluck, half the amount of which has won many a "Star" since the war has been raging. The regular "Live Eagle" spirit prevades the entire regiment from camraander to Druraraer boy, and I trust Wisconsin will give thera the warm reception they deserve on their return to the State." Headquarters, District of West Tennessee, Meraphis, Tenn., April 22, '65. Maj. General S. A. Hurlbert, Cora'g Dep't of Gulf. General: This will introduce to you Col. J. W. Jefferson late of Sth Wis. Vols. Col. Jefferson has done the country faithful service and was a brave offi cer. He surely is entitled to any consideration that the raost loyal man is. I am General your ob't S'vt C. C. Washburn, Major-General. 157 GEORGE K. VAN NORMAN, Cc. ''H" Sth X^"^is. "v^eo?. ~^oil,. larr^'T-s-- por- with Above we present the boys a trait of Comrade VanX orman, whom we spent Encampment week at Milwaukee in 1889 and a short sketch, taken from the Milwaukee "Sentinel" of Friday morning of that week, and we can only say th.at it does not half express the feelings of the old comrades who enjoyed his hospitality. "George B. "\''anNorman, who is so handsomely entertaining his com rades of the Eighth Wisconsin Live Eagle regiraent, is a New York boy, having been born at Elmira in 1842. When he was 13 vears of age his parents moved to Iowa county in this state. When the rebellion broke out young ^"an Norraan at once enlisted in Corapany H, of the Eioht Wisconsin Volunteer infantry under Capt. Estee, at Belleville, and was sworn into the United States service at Madison under thc com mand of Col. R. C. Murphy, just 27 years ago. Mr. VanNorman started ought to fight the rebels as a plain private, but in a short time his brav ery was recognized by his being pro moted to sergeant. As such he serv ed until '64. Taking charge of a company as second lieutenant he joined the non-veterans at Memphis, Tenn., and turned his cornpany over to' Lieut. Ellsworth. Mr. VanNor-. man waited patiently here for his commission as second lieutenant, but inasmuch as it required sixty-five men to entitle each company to three officers his commission was withheld. Mr. VanNorman was most of the tirae in the Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army corps: His last service was under Gen. A. J. Smith, commander of the Sixteenth, who visited his old corarades at Camp VanNorman, Wednesday. Mr. Van Norman participated in every en gageraent that his regiraent took part in during the war. The Eighth Wisconsin became noted as the Live Eagle .regiment as it carried all through the rebellion that great American bird of freedom known as "Old Abe." The eagle was present ed to the regiment by Capt. Perkins, of Chippewa Falls. Mr. Van Nor raan was mustered out of the service at Uniontown, Ala.,in the fall of '65. He then made arrangements to pur chase a large plantation there and commence raising cotton, but as the .Johnnies intimated tbat they might make it pretty warm for him after the blue coats left, he decided to abandon his plans and return home with his regiraent. When the old Eighth returned to Madison they were given a grand ovation by the people there. Mr. VanNorraan then coraraenced his successful business career by opening a handsome store at Spring Green, Wis., but he did not like the business and sold out the same year. He then engaged in the live-stock business, doing con siderable shipping to Milwaukee and Chicago. Although ho did very well, Mr. VanNorraan had a longing for Wisconsin,s metropolis, and ac cordingly he moved here fifteen years ago, and has been engaged in the live-stock commission business at the union stock yards ever since. He has been very successful, and has a comfortable share of this world's goods. Mr. Van Norraan is a raeraber of E. B. Wolcott post No. 1, and an active member of the National Driv ing club. For several years he was a raeraber of the Light Horse squad ron, being second lieutenant of the organization but he was compelled to resign owing to the deraands of his business. When it was known that the Encampment would be held in Milwaukee, Mr. Van Norman at once made preparations to entertain his comrads, and wrote to Col W. B. Britton, of Janesville, asking hin to take command of the old reiriment during the Encampment. The col onel promptly accepted the invita tion, and has been in command at Camp Van Norraan all of the week. The survivors of the reo-iment. 250 in number, have regular dress parades every night, and the raen present a fine appearance for old soldiers. Yesterday afternoon the veterans took supper at an early hour, and at 5 o'clock boarded omnibuses and were conveyed to the lake front, where they were assigned seats as a body to view the naval battle, for which the veterans desire to return thanks to Capt. Pabst and the mem bers of the Executive council, as well as to all others who interested themselves in behalf of the old Eighth. Carap VanNorman is located at the corner of National and Nine teenth avenues, and consists of Mr. Van Norman's spacious residence and grounds. The house is gaily decorated with flags and bunting, and a large sign in front bears a por trait of "old Abe" and the name of the camp and nuraber of the regi ment. The sleeping quarters are lo cated in the large loft of the mag nificent barn, 40x80 feet, having ac commodations for 200 men. Fifty cots have been placed in the house to accommodate the ladies. The dining room erected on the beautiful lawn is 22x50 feet and has a capacity for 170 people. The veterans are greatly pleased with the manner in which they have been received and entertained by Corarade VanNorraan, and will never forget his hospitality." THE NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT AND THE EIGHTH WISCONSIN REUNION. The grand gathering of the old "Bojrs in bine" is over, and we like the rest are once more at home and have taken np our nsnal duties with hands and hearts made lighter and more -willing by the happy memories of the occasion. For five too rapidly passing days we have once more stood side by side and shonlder to shonlder, and looked into the faces, and shaken the hands of comrads tried and tme, of those fearful years of war and death and desolation, comrads who were then in the flush of yontti, or robust strength of manhood, bnt whose once erect forms are now bent with age or infirmities, and whose heads are streaked with silver, bnt whose hand clasp is just as warm and words' of greeting just as fervent as when in the darksome days more than a quarter of a cen tury ago we stood together upon a score of bloody flelds and saw the emblem of treason go down in ruin and disaster before our vic torions eagle. We left our home in Belleville at 5.40 a.m. Monday, and a few moments past 10 a.m. registered our name at Camp VanNorman, and received a hearty welcome from oomrad VanNorman and his amiable wife and daughters. "Camp VanNorman" was located at the corner of National and Nineteenth Avenues, and consisted of the spacious residence of comrad Geo. B. VanNorman, to which had been added in front, a large "marctuee" or tent for a registering office and lounging room, the front of which was elegantly drap ed with Red, White and Blue bunting, and bore a banner emblazoned -with a spread ea gle and the legend, "Head Quarters Sth Wis consin, 'Live Eagle' Regiment. Camp Van Norman." A stuffed bald eagle brought by a detachment of Company 'C from Eau Claire, and bearing a strong resemblance to "Old Abe," added to the completeness ofthe scene. At the back, was a spacious hall 24 by .50 feet with tables to seat about 170 peo ple, and presided over by four professional cooks, who were 'gentlemen of color,' bnt masters of their art, and who were assisted by half a dozen young lady table waiters, and who cared for the wants of our "com- missary departments" in a style not excelled by any hotel in the city. Oomrad VanNorman's elegant home was turned into a sleeping room for the ladies, of whom about 70 enjoyed his generous hos pitality ,-while his mammoth barn, 40 by 80 feet, which had been especially fitted up for this occasion, furnished sleeping room for , 200 comrads, and it was taxed to its fullest capacity. Quite a number of old company 'H' and the Sth were on hand before us and they were arriving all through the day. Among those known to many of our home readers were; Capt. P. B. Willonghby and daughter Mrs, Nellie Pyott; Lients. L. F. Munsell and S. K. Blisworth; Patrick Mc Farland; J- R. Develin; Thomas Green: Wm Jackson; Will W. Chaterton; W. H. & Milton Ross; Russell Brownell, D. R. Lewis; Jas. D. Hastings; Patrick Goggin; W. S. Heal; V. W Johnson ; and Mathew Milem. Col. Britton, Capt. A. G. Weissart, Lient. McDowell, Surgeon Murdock. Capt. J. H. Greene, Co. 'P', Lieuts. Doty, Co. 'G', Gil bert, 'E', Patchen and Favill, 'A', Conger, 'B', Demerest, 'C, Beach, 'F' and Palmer tier' 'K' were present to meet, and enjoy the pleasures of the occasion -with old com rads and friends. Tuesday we participated in the grand pa rade and in the evening had a Dress Parade at which 162 officers and men were reported for duty, and on Wednesday evening anoth er at which the number was increased to 208 officers and men. Tuesday night a Reunion was held in the spacious dining hall and a permanent or ganization effected and au Executive oom- mijitee appointed with authority to call an other meeting at such time and place as they might deem most advisable. Wednesday and Thursday were devoted to seeing the sights of the city with its beauti- jul and elaborate dooorations, and to a gen eral hand shake aud good time with snch friends and comrads of our own and other regiments as we wore able to meet. Thursday afternoon promptly at 3 o'clock the commaud was gathered on the spacious lawn in front of the camp, and in a few well chosen, eloquent words, Comrad A. R. Barnes, of Albia, Iowa, extended to Comrad VauNorman and family the thanks of the comrads pre.'sent, for their kindness and gen erous hospitality, and as a slight token of esteem, presented them with an elegant Sterling Silver sett, of 54 pieces, while on; behalf of the ladies he presented to each of comrad VanNorman's charming daughters, ¦Jennie, Alma and Lizzie, a beautiful golcL bead necklace. Supper followed immediate.} ly after the presentation and at 6 p.m. aeven omnibuses of the Davis Transfer Company, that had been previously arranged for by comrad VanNorman, arrived and the entire party were conveyed to the lake front to wit ness the naval battle, (and where again the ever thonghtful, "Van" had, by special ar rangement with Capt. Pabst, secured reserv ed seats,) and at its close were on hand to return us to camp. A few of the party left for home immediately after the close of the battle, bat the majority returned to camp to spend the night. Friday morning breakfast was served at an early hour to accommodate those who were compelled to leave by morning trains, and the day generally was apent in final par tings and hand shakes, aud -with hearty prayers for the continued prosperity of our old comrad VanNorman and family, and with our kindly regard and love for the old boys of the Eagle regiment revived and in tensified, and with a hope that we might be spared to meet in many more equally happy reunions. Among the many pleasant events of the week was the visit of our old commander Gen. A. J. Smith, of St. Louis, on Wednes day when he was escorted to camp by com rads D. T. Hatch, Horace Baker and John Woodworth and spent a couple of hours in hand shaking and ple'.isant conversation with the "boys." In the course of his re marks hs said that he held a higher regard for the Eighth Wisconsin than for anyother regiment that he ever had the pleasure to command, and the fact that ours was the on ly camp, of the many in the city that he vis ited, gives evidence of his sincerity. Too high praise cannot be given to com rad VanNorman and his family for their kind and courteous hospitality, and their memory and the recollection of the five hap py days spent with them in Milwaukee at the grand Encampment in 1889 will long be held in pleasant remembrance. Kil EIGHTH WISGOHSm INFANTET. LIVE EAGLE REGIMENT. Minutes op the Reunion held at Mil WAUKEE, Aug.- 27th. 1889. The meeting was called to order by Adjutant S. C. McDowell and Col W. B. Britton was elected Chairman, but pleading defective eyesight and hearing, he was excused and Lieut, McDowell elected instead, Lieut. P. McFariand, of Climbing Hill, Iowa, I was elected Secretary, and J.M. Wil liaras assistant. Corarad Rev. Jessie Cole was invi ted to invoke tbe divine blessing. A few moments were then devot- id to correcting -the Roster and add ing a few naraes of those who had failed to register, and resolution pas sed allowing two days for any oom rad in the city to report. It was resolved to effect a perma nent organization of the Resriment, and to have other reunions at sucli liraes and places as the Executive coramittee might designate. Corarade G. B. VanNorman was elected permanent President; Capt. S. K. Ellsworth, Vice President; Lt. S.C. McDowell, Secretary and Treas urer; Rev. Jessie Cole, Chaplain for life; and an Executive Committee of three was appointed by the chair as follows; CoL W. B. Britton, Capt. A. G. Weissart and J. M. Williaras. : Capt. J. H. Green, Co. 'F', Capts. Willoughby and Ellsworth, Lieuts. Munsell and VanNorman, and Ben. Entriken, Co. 'H', Lieut. Woodworth Co. 'C, and corarads U. T. Hatch & Horace Brker, Co. 'K' were called for and each raade a few pertinent remarks Col. Britton, Capt. Ellsworth, Lt. Woodworth, comrads U.T.Hatoh and Horace Baker were appointed as a comraittee to wait on Genl's Sherm an and A. J. Smith and invite them to visit our camp at some time dur ing the encampment- Lieut. Patrick McFariand, Co. 'H' read a poem entitled, "A tribute to the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry," that was received with applause and long continued cheers, and ordered print ed with the records of the meeting. The following resolution was also adopted ; Resolved,-That the Officers and Executive Committee of the Reun ion Association, most urgently re quest that when any meraber of this jilegiment shall be "mustered out" by reason of "service no longer need ed," any surviving comrad who shall be knowing to the fact shall immedi ately communicate the fact to these Head Quarters. Geo. B. VanNorman. Milwaukee, President. S. K. Ellsworth, Madison, Vice Pres'dt. S. C. McDowell, Fox Lake, Secy and Treas. Jessie Cole, W. B. Britton, A. G. Weissart, .1. M. Williaras, Sheldon, Iowa, Chaplain. Janesville, ) Milwaukee, V Belleville, \ Executive Coramittee. 1C2 The following poem was read at the rieunion Tuesday evening, by Serg't McFariand, and by a rising vote ordered printed with the record. Tbibute to the LIVE EAGLE REGIMENT Composed by P. McFabland, ist Sergt. Co. "H," Sth Wis. Inf 'y The, Eighth Wisconsin Regiment Into the southern states was sent, To help preserve the nation; In old Missouri it did land. With Col. Murphy in command. Soon after its creation. The eagle bore a prominent figure, ¦• Admired by all, even the "nigger," While passing on the route; Moving along, with pomp and pride- Eagle and banner side by side— "Secesh" was made to doubt. At Iron Mountain, in said State, The regiment well nigh met its fate, In camp at Pilot Knob; Guerrillas thick, and very bold. The ground was wet and icy cold. While men slept on the sod. To Fredericktown Jeff Thompson came; For this rash act he was to bia ne — He took us to be green; So figuring to be wondrous wise. His thought to take us by surprise, Was plainly to be seen. , For two long hours the battle lasted; AS for Old Jeff, his hopes were blasted— His heart went pit-a-pat; He realized a sore defeat — Commenced at once to make retreat — Left nothing but his hat. We ohang'd our course to SnlphnrSprings To guard the citizens and things. Our duty to fulfill; We liked the change of situation. But all for insubordination. All day were forced to drill. At Cairo next, with patriot blood. For may weeks we drilled iu mnd. Our rations rather hard; No matter Whether rain or snow. With bayonet fixed the boys must go To stand their trick on guard. While here in camp we got an order To go to old Kentucky border. As Grant required more men; But somehow Beureguard got there first. For. General Grant it turned out worse, His ranks became too thin. The Eighth Wisconsin took no part In Shilohs battle on the start; The boys were not to blame; Although they were at times behind, The Johnnie Rebs did always find "They got there just the same." At Corinth, the Johnnies made a stand. Again with Beureguard in command, Astride his army saddle; The Eighth Wisconsin made a charge — Although our forces were not large — Which caused him to skedaddle. Our Colonel then gavo us a rest. At Camp Clear Creek, the place the best Uould find for summer quarters; The men could forage corn and pigs. And all those who required no wigs Could court the plant' rs danght'rs But soon our General, brave and tme, Pound something else for us to do. And ordered an inspection. Some guns were bright and others rnsty; Some garments clean and others dusty, Subject to rejection. The general in command found ont By moving on a certain route. Could find a host of cotton. Men in the ranks, the story goes. Not pleased with this,turned up their nose 'In Denmark somethings rotten.' So off we marched clear to Decatur, On hard-tack, coffee, but "narytater," And loaded up the train With cotton bales and nigger babies. Abandoned by the colored ladies; Our labor all in vain. Then at luka in September, As many comrades may remember, VanDorn sought to inveigle. 163 And set a trap for us, forsooth! Declared he'd give all he was worth, To capture the Live Eagle. To this old Abe ivould not consent. Over his perch his head he bent. And spread his wings asunder; And screeched aloud, as if to stay, VanDorn must stand defeat to-day. For making such a blunder. The Eighth Wisconsin also stood In open combat with old Hood, At Nashville, near the river. Altho' the odds were much against them, All day they fought as valiant men — Were never known to quiver. At Vicksburg city in sixty-three, As near all histories agree. Old General Pemberton Mounted his guns, then m.ide a tender To Uncle Sam. and there survendc'red Thirty thousand men. During the seige,'as you may see. The Eighth Wisconsin held the key. Right oppo=iite the cily, By silencing the rebel guns, Smoking their pipes, exchanging puns; Which made the Johnnies gritty. Now after all these mirthful pranks. An order came to follow Eanks As far as Natchitoches; But at Sabine, Banks "took a i>ill," Which cansed him to appear quite ill; This campaign proved all"bosh." The Eighth Wisconsin, all well drilled, With others met at Pleasant Hill, The Johnnie Rebs next day; With Smith and Mower in command, The rebels could not "play their hand," We therefore gained the day. And then we did our steps retrace. And made a twenty-five day race, With rebs in front and rear, Until we reached our starting point. With trousers torn, legs out of joint; A victory won, but dear. We then were furloughed to our homes; There met our friends,an' some old drones Who stayed at home to grumble; Did not believe we ever could Conquer the men with Southern blood, And make secession tumble. These men in war at home remained — Sold corn and wheat and other grain. Likewise high-priced potaters. The wealthy gentlemen I mean, In every city may be seen; They are known as soldier haters They howl, and say it is not right To pay the men who thus did fight. Such rates allowed as pensions; They fold their arms,and stand and won- [der If Corporal Tanner still will squander Snch snms of large dimension. Now comrades, pardon this digression, From noble deeds to rank secession; Return to veteran deeds: Success of arms in war depends Greatly on the class of men Who in the battle leads. In this, the Sth could not complain; Our officers are men of brains, Somedeeds of whom are written; But none among them in the war, Were more entitled to a "star," Than our last Col. Britton. But soon we'll all be mustered out, For we're no longer strong and stout, Our warfare will be over; The nation then can call a halt, Can keep i he surplus in the vault. And that will please ()ld Grover. And how he happened to be chief, To rule the states his term so brief. Was to me a mystery. He's now ruled out and feels quite sore. Despite his gift of legal lore; "A fly speck on the page of hist'ry." ¦'W; 104 The extracts below are from a letter writ ten by W. B. McPherson, that became mis laid nntil too late to appear in their proper place, in the company history, bnt as they contain a well merited tribute to the memo ry of three brave and gallant officers, who have "crossed the river," we insert them here, beging the comrads pardon for the o- vereight. Ed. CaptaIn Wm. C. Youxg. ***In December, 1862, Capt. Young was detailed in comraand of the Pioneer Corps of the 3d Div. 15th Army Corps, at its organization. Previous to this time Capt. Young had been detailed in charge of a large detachment frora the different regiments of the brigade to build a bridge over the Talahatchie river near Abbeville, Miss.,on Grant's raid down that line of road whioh was IB checked by the capture of Holly Springs hy Van Dorn's cavalry, and in this work the Captain had shown engineering and raechanical ability of a high order. He continued in coraraand of the Pioneer Corps till the expiration of his term of service. Befoi'e being mustered out he re ceived a coraraission as Major of the regiraent but did riot muster in as such. He died at his horae in Wa seca, Minn, where for many years he was post master, and later, County Judge in the spring of ISSa.-^"** Lieut. Chas. A Smith. ***In Dec, 1864 the command of the company devolved uponlstScBg. Chas. A. Sraith. In such cases it is usual to detail a commissioned offi cer from some otlier company to take charge, but such was the confidence ofthe Colonel in Sergt. ^ Smith's a- bility, that he was left in coramand t6.1ead the company successfully- through the battle of Nashville, and in the spring of '65 in the attack on Spanish Foit, Ala. A little later he was commissioned 1st Lieut., but o- wing to lack of mon did not muster. Seeg't Thomas J. Gilbert. ¦ Thc raan lost in the service whom his comrads must always regard as the hero of the corapany was ."^erg't. Thos. J. Gilbert. Tom went out as 1st Serg't; generally good natured and pleasant, he had a quick temper whioh we all know is not compatible with the duties of Orderly; so Tom. soon made some enemies among thc boys, and in the fall of 1862 an ab sence in hospital was made the ex cuse for reducing hira to the ranks. As soon as he rejoined the corapany some of his whilora enemies were quick to tell hitn he was only a pri vate, no higher in rank than them selves. Tom looked thouyhtful for a moment, then recov^ering his self possession replied, "Well, I'll make a d — d good private." And so ho did. In thc spring of 1864 he re-cn- listed as a private. In Sprinfr of "05 at Uaup'ijin Island, lie was again proraoted to Sergt. At this time he was acting as bu- , gler for the regiment but he took his gun and place as Sei-gt. in the com pany, at the same time con'inuingto blow the necessaiy bugle calls in camp. Tom and the writer played the "tatoo" and "taps" on thc ninht 165 of March 26, 1865. The next day we moved on Spanish Fort. Tora went with the corapany on the skir mish line, and in the fallen timber before the Fort, just as he was tak ing the gun frora a rebel prisoner he was struck in the raouth by a rifle ball, whioh broke his neck and killed him instantly. He was the ideal soldier, brave in action, always ready for duty, his de votion to country over riding all self ish scruples and interests, faithful to his friends, and generous even to his enemies, his loss in the very last fighting that fell to our lot, touched the hearts of his comrads as nothing else during the war had touched them. Peace to his ashes and long live his memory.*''*'* In closing these columns the fol lowing little story at the expense of Col. Geo. W. Robbins raay not come in araiss. It occurred at Carap Clear Creek, Miss, in 1862 when he was in cora mand of the regiraent. One day for a little muscular ex ercise he had taken off his coat and vest and without any mark of his rank about him, took hold of an ax, mounted a log near the cook house, and was proceeding in a business like way to prepare a little fire wood for cooking supper. A young officer, an aid to Gen'l Hamilton,rode up with orders for our regiment, but seeing no one but a young and beardless boy chopping wood, he hailed him and said in a tone of voice often assumed by fel lows in his position; "Say, bub! oan you tell me where the Colonel commanding this regi ment is?" The abruptness and tone of the question, coupled with the perti nence of inquiry, took the Colonel completely by surprise, and to say that he was most decidedly "rattled" would be drawing it mild. After a moraent of hesitation, du ring which surprise, erabarrassment, and almost misery, were depicted in his countenance, he stepped down from the log, wiped the sweat (and blushes) from his forehead, and with what dignity he could assume, in a hesitating voice replied. "I — I be lieve I have that honor, I am Col. Robbins!" The surprise and bewildered looks that were as instantly transferred to the face of the Aid-de-camp, were a study and it was with much difficul ty that he oould recover sufficient composure to deliver his raessage, which he finally did, and with a has ty salute, rode off glad to be out of his perdicaraent. The Col. glanced at the orders and then the whole grotesqueness of the affair seemed to recur to him and he broke into a most hearty laugh in whioh the writer, who was a sentinel at the commissary depot a few rods away and had been a witness of the whole comical scene joined. After several moments of merri raent in whioh the Col. joined he ICG Stepped into a tent near by and soon came back with some fine cigars whioh he handed to the sentinel with the remark. "Keep your own coun sell, my boy, and don't let those fel low? of line (meaning the company offioers) get hold of this," and with another hearty laugh he returned to his tent where he was speedily ar rayed in full regimentals on which his "silver leaves" were decidedly conspicuous. One other laughable incident that most of the boys will remember oc curred in the fall of 1863 as we were leaving LaGrange, Tenn., for Grand •Tunction. One of our musicians, who for short, we will call "Joe," had been indulging in a little too large supply of "commissary," and had got his legs in a badly tangled condition, and had also acquired a most inordinate thirst. As we crossed the little creek just east of the town, Joe got down on his hands and knees on the bank, and endeavored to get a drink, but he had got on a little too large a load and miscalculating the distance from his nose to the water, lost his balance and pitched head first into the water, which was only about 3 inches deep. After a mighty effort, .loe succeed ed in turning over on his back, and with his knapsack strapped on his shoulders, lying in the water, and his legs on dry land, he did some lustv kicking in his efforts to regain terra firraa and his equilibriura. Finally in despair he ceased his exertions and endured, as best he could, the jeers of his corarads as they marched past. At last Joe's Captain, Fellows, of Co. "K,'"' carae along and taking in the situation at a glance, said, in his peculiar, dry way; "Corae, corae Joe, get on your feet and go on." Joe looked at the Captain a raoment in a hopeless, dazed way, and then drawl ed out; "I'd like to, most alfired ¦\ve'-l, h c, but Captain, hic, how in thunder is a fellow going to get on his legs-/i}e,-when he has to feel up for the ground." The yell that fol lowed seemed to relieve the feelings of the boys and Joe was speedily on his feet and trudging away to the head of the regiment, but it was many a day before he heard the last of his fruitless attempt to "feel up for the ground." "BREAK RANKS, The Parade is Dismissed!"