87th Ill

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=95 BGCOLOR="#000033" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="0db005f0ddtham.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFF33" FACE="Arial" ><B>They Were the 114th O.V.I.</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="They Were the 114th O.V.I."><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id129.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="8th Indiana Infantry"><U>8th Indiana Infantry</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id130.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="49th Indiana Infantry"><U>49th Indiana Infantry</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id131.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="69th Indiana Infantry"><U>69th Indiana Infantry</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id133.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="11th Iowa Infantry"><U>11th Iowa Infantry</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id134.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry"><U>42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id135.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="118th Illinois Infantry"><U>118th Illinois Infantry</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id198.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="54th Ind"><U>54th Ind</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id136.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Grape and Canister"><U>Grape and Canister</U></A>   |   <B>87th Ill</B>   |   <A HREF="id205.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="18th Ind"><U>18th Ind</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id206.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="16th Ohio"><U>16th Ohio</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=190 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="0dc622d3.png"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=385 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="0dd622d3.png"> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>                                          <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >WHITE COUNTY'S OWN</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>                                         <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >A History</FONT> </div> <bR> <bR> <div>                                         OF THE 87<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY</div> <div> by   J. E. Mayse</div> <div> 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT>  ILLINOIS INFANTRY</div> <bR> <bR> <div> The Eighty-seventh Illinois infantry regiment was enlisted in August 1862 in Shawneetown, Illinois with Col. John E. Whiting, Lieutenant Col. John M. Crebs, and Major George W. Land as their Senior officers.  This regiment was composed of companies A and E from Hamilton county, H company from Edwards County, D company from Wayne county and companies B, C, F, G, I, and K from White county. In the latter part of August 1862 the companies went into camp at Shawneetown, Illinois (called Camp Logan by the troops but with the official name of Camp Mather). This is where the organization of the regiment was effected, with the regiment mustered in on October 3, 1862, with the muster to take effect from August 2, 1862. By the end of 1862 the regiment consisted of 920 officers and men. </div> <div> The 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>, was placed under orders from General John A. McClernand, to be "retained at Shawneetown to guard that frontier."  While stationed at Shawneetown, the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> made a number of scouts into Kentucky, which was then infested by guerrilla bands and Adam Johnson `s rebel cavalry.  Special Orders Number 167 from Headquarters Department of Ohio, dated December 19, 1862, ordered the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> at Shawneetown Illinois to proceed without delay via Bowling Green Kentucky to Nashville Tennessee and report to Major General W. S. Rosecrans; commanding Department of the Cumberland.  In December 1862 the regiment was assigned to the District of Memphis division, Left wing of the 16 corps of the Department of Tennessee.  </div> <div> A letter from Dr. Daniel Berry, to his wife dated January 20, 1863 discussed problems two companies of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>  (most likely companies A and E) from was having accepting the President's Emancipation Proclamation.  According to Dr. Berry, the men stacked their arm and swore they would not fight.  In an article in the White County Democrat, Berry reports that LT. Colonel Crebs  "made a talk of not more than 2 minutes.  During the talk he told them that they were misguided and did not known what they were doing… that they were sworn into the service of the United States and that I  (LT. Colonel Crebs) would give them just two minutes to pick up those guns.  If at the expiration of that time they are not picked up, I shall consider you as rebels, and in an hour you will be on your way to Fortress Monroe as prisoners of War.  This ended the situation.   This account is supported by Special Order Number 167, dated February 12, 1863, from H. W. Hallech, General and Chief of all Union Forces. It stated  "To Major General Horation G. Wright Cincinnati, Ohio: It is reported that two companies of Colonel Whiting's regiment at Shawneetown Illinois are in a state of Mutiny.  You will immediately take measures to suppress any such mutiny, and have this regiment sent into the field; and also all other not absolutely required in Illinois." Again according to Dr. Berry this event lasted less than one day and in his opinion had much to do about new regulations limiting alcohol drinking.    </div> <div> On January 31, 1863 the regiment embarked on two transports Freestone and May Duke for Memphis Tenn., arriving there on February 4, 1863. Upon arrival, the regiment went into camp three miles southeast of the city, where the regiment performed picket duty.  During this transfer and its first camp at Memphis, measles broke out, costing the regiment 250 men either dead or disabled.  Dr. Berry writes, on February 8, 1863, of 40 men sick with measles and three deaths (from the disease). On the 15<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> of February Dr. Berry writes of measles and pneumonia on the rampage, with the regiment mustering only 400 men. </div> <div> On April 4 1863 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> regiment pickets were attacked, by a Confederate force of approximately 20 men, with two men of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> regiment wounded.</div> <div> While at that city, on March 17, 1863 the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> and 63rd Illinois regiments, under the command of Colonel McCrillis, made a raid on Hernando, Mississippi.  According to the official regimental history the Union forces are credited with capturing a great deal of property and putting a stop to the incursions of Col. Bligh's partisan Confederate cavalry.  According to Dr. Berry the regiment went 15 miles and halted at the house of a Captain McGinnis of the Confederate Army; where the two regiments and assigned cavalry proceeded to strip the area bare of all food and live stock. This was much to the dismay of Mrs. McGinnis and her daughter.  The McGinnis' cotton gin, cotton bales, and some of their slave quarters were burned.  The next day in Hernando, again according to Dr. Barry, stores, banks, official records and personal property was either looted or destroyed by the Union forces.  Brig. General James R. Chalmer (Confederate Army) reported on March 18, 1863 that an apart of his command under Major G.L. Blythe, skirmished with Union forces near Hernando. This raid pre-dates the famous Grierson raid of April 17 to May 1863. The 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> regiment may have been used to support Colonel Grierson's raid, as Dr. Berry writes about the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> regiment, on his letter of April 23, 1863, as brigades going below Hernando to Cold Water.</div> <div>  During March of 1863 the regiments was assigned to the 3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> Brigade of the 16<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Corps of the Department of the Tennessee.  </div> <div>  On May 10, 1863 the regiment embarked on board transports for Vicksburg, Mississippi and it reached Young's point on May 11, 1863.  On May 24, 1863 six companies, ( may have been five companies, official records differ), of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> regiment were ordered back to Warrenton to perform guard duty and assist with unloading of boats on the Mississippi. </div> <div>  The remaining companies, commanded by LT. Colonel Crebs, as part of the 2nd Brigade (63<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT>, 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>, 120<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>, and 131st Illinois regiments, under the command of Colonel McCowan) joined in the Vicksburg campaign closing up the gap on the extreme left of the line of investment. There they remained for 6 hours under a steady fire of shot and shell from the enemy's works at Vicksburg.  During the six hours of engagement regimental sharpshooters engaged confederate batteries. Private Henry McKnight (F Company) was shot in the cheek. On June 24,1863 the Warrenton detachment rejoined the regiment and was assigned to the 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> Brigade, 12<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT> division, 13 Corps of the Department of the Tennessee, where they were sent back into the trenches surrounding Vicksburg.. </div> <div> After the fall of Vicksburg, on the night of July 4.1863, the regiment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Crebs, along with the 47<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Indiana, 56<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Ohio, 24<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Iowa, 28 Iowa, 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> Ohio Battery and one section of 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> Missouri Battery, moved out on a five day march to Jackson Mississippi.  During this march the regiment suffered from fatiguing and extreme heat.   On the morning of the 10<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> one company from each of the assigned regiments advanced as a line of skirmishers, encountering Confederate pickets. .  After a few well directed volleys from the skirmishers, the Confederate forces retreated behind their fortifications at Jackson.  The union forces entrenched and continued fire upon the Confederate position.  After seven days of the siege the Confederate forces evacuated Jackson Mississippi.  During this engagement the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> reported 3 wounded.  The regiment returned to Vicksburg Mississippi on July 25, 1863 and embarked for Natchez.  There it made an excursion back in the county to Kingston, capturing a vast pile of Confederate cotton.   </div> <div> In August 1863 the regiment was assigned to the 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> Brigade (Colonel James Slack Commanding 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Illinois, 47<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Indiana, 24<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Iowa, 28 Iowa, 56 Ohio, 1st Missouri Light Artillery Battery A, and 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> Ohio Battery), 3rd Division (General A. L. Lee Commanding), 13 corps of the Army and Department of the Gulf (Major General Wasburn command in the absence of Major General Ord). On August 10, 1863 the regiment, along with the 47<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT> Indiana Regiment, embarked on transports and proceeded to Natchez Mississippi, arriving on August 12, 1863.  They went into camp below the city.  According to the report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT> regiment was the first western troops making the decent of the Mississippi River. On August 13, the regiment marched toward the Big Black River and camped near Kingston.  It then returned to Natchez and embarked on transports for New Orleans and debarked at Carrollton Louisiana.  The regiment, along with 13<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Corps, was reviewed in formation by Major General Banks, on August 27, 1863.. The regiment remained in camp until the September 13, 1863, during which time General Grant reviewed the regiment, together with the whole army stationed there.  </div> <div> From September 1863 until February 1865, the regiment was mounted and served with the Cavalry primary with the 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> and 3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> Cavalry brigades of the Army and Department of the Gulf, under the command of General A.S. Lee. On September 13, 1863 the regiment crossed the river to Algiers and moved by rail westward to Brashear City on Berwick Bay where it remained until September 28, 1863.</div> <div> Colonel John E. Whiting resigned his commission on October 8, 1863 with LT. Colonel John M. Crebs receiving his promotion to full colonel and command of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT> regiment on the same date.  </div> <div> The regiment crossed Berwick Bay and moved to Opelousas, arrives there on October 23, 1863.    During September and October 1863 the regiment was engaged in the movements along the Atchafalaya River and Bayou de Paul.  On November 8, 1863 the regiment marched to Vermillion Bayou, returning to New Iberia on November 16, 1863.  "Order of Battle" dated November 30, 1863 has the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>, 16<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Indiana, and 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> Louisiana as First Brigade commanded by Colonel Thomas L. Lucas; under the overall command of General A. L. Lee (commanding cavalry). The regiment remained at New Iberia until January 2, 1864, when they fell back to Franklin Louisiana where they went into winter quarters until March 13, 1864.</div> <div> During January 1864, the regiment conducted a recruitment drive in White County and surrounding county area.  Ninety- eight men were recruited after January 19, 1863.  Of the last forty men recruited, for the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT> regiment, only three mustered out with the regiment.  Twenty-eight were transferred to other regiments (mostly to the 18<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT> Illinois infantry) and three others died of disease.     </div> <div> On April 7, 1864 in the advance of General Bank's forces up the Red river, the 3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> cavalry brigade 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Illinois and the 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> Louisiana), Colonel Harai Robinson commanding, the brigade moved up the road towards Mansfield and at Wilson's farm, 3 miles distant from Pleasant Hill, encounter a large force of Confederate cavalry (General Green's Texans) and immediately attack.  The Confederate forces were posted in the woods on a hill beyond a clearing with their left flank protected by a ravine. A small hill ¼ mile in front of the Confederate line was immediately occupied by the dismounted 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>.  The 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> was deployed to the right with the 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> Louisiana (Union) dismounted and deployed to the left.  The 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> Louisiana (Union) was placed in reserve.  The Confederates attacked, driving the 3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> brigade about 100 yards.  The 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> brigade (Colonel Lucas commanding 14 New York, 6th Missouri, and 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> Louisiana) dismounted, reinforced the 3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> brigade, and impetuously charge the enemy driving them and in turn breaking their lines and dislodging them from their original position.  A pursuit was ordered and continued until near nightfall with the Confederate forces being driven to Carroll Mill (10 miles beyond Pleasant Hill) on Bayou de Paul.  Confederate force opened up with 4 pieces of artillery and could not be dislodge.  General A. L. Lee's after battle action reports states  "had not the ammunition of a large proportion of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> regiment been entirely exhausted the Confederates could not have even temporarily driven them from their ground."   That evening Col Landram, commanding the 4<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> division of the 13<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> corps, ordered Emerson's brigade to the assistance of the cavalry.  Emerson arrived at the bayou at daylight and the fight was commenced.  Again the enemy was forced from his position, gradually falling back toward Sabine crossroads.  The number of Confederates killed and wounded was not reported, but 23 were captured.  Union losses were 11 killed, 42 wounded, and 9 missing, of which the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> reported 4 killed (Private Draper, Private Samuel Smith, and Samuel F. Smith of G company, Private Robert Cary of A company) 15 wounded and 2 missing.   Lt. John Graham was wounded.  This battle is called either the battle of Wilson's Plantation or the battle of Wilson's Hill. </div> <div> The next day the regiment took part in the battle of Sabine crossroads (also called the battle of Mansfield).   On the morning of April 8, 1864 the infantry of General Bank's Red River Expedition moved from its position at Pleasant Hill toward Mansfield and at Sabine crossroads the skirmishers became sharply engaged, the main body of the enemy being posted on a hill on both sides of the road, protected by a heavy growth of timber.  The cavalry under General Albert L. Lee was thrown forward to hold the enemy in check until the 19<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> corps, under General Franklin could take position.  For some hours the opposing forces were stationary but at 4:30 p.m. the enemy made a general attack, the heaviest assault being on the Federal right flank.  General Banks' battle report states that overwhelming numbers compelled the Union troops to fall back, several attempts to get to the rear being repulsed.  At the edge of a strip of timber the 3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> division of the 13 corps formed the basis of a new line.  This second line was attacked with great impetuosity and Federals again gave way, with 10 pieces of artillery falling into the enemy's possession.  The ground was badly obstructed by the supply train of the cavalry division, which rendered the movements of the infantry extremely difficult.  Meanwhile General Emory's division (1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> of the 19<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Corps) had been pushed forward through the confused and fleeing Union troops to Pleasant Grove, 3 miles from the crossroads. The 161st NewYork regiment was thrown out as skirmishers at the foot of the hill, on the crest of which the rest of the division was deployed, the 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> brigade to the rear, the 3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> brigade to the left and the 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> brigade in reserve.  The line had scarcely been formed when the skirmishers were driven in and the right of the position was seriously threatened.  The 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> brigade was hurried to its assistance and the enemy was repulsed.  This action lasted 1-½ hours.  During the night after the Union forces had been rallied on General Emory's line, a desperate attempt was made to turn the left flank, but it was defeated.  This engagement marked the turning point of the Red River campaign, with General Bank's movement from this time on being backward instead of forward.  The Union casualties in the affair were 74 killed, 331 wounded and 1,397 captured or missing.  The 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> reported about 30 men killed and wounded.  The Confederate losses were not definitely reported, but were probably not so heavy.    During this battle Colonel H. Robinson, the brigade commander was wounded and Colonel John M. Crebs took command of the brigade. While in command, Colonel Crebs' formed the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT> regiment in a battle line, on which the retreating 19<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT> Corps formed their forces behind. The 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> was reported to be the only regiment in that disastrous defeat that left the field in regimental formations.  </div> <div> On the following day  *April 9, 1863) the regiment was in the battle of Pleasant Hill and on the retreat to Alexandria it was either in the front, flank or rear of the retreating column, constantly engaged with the enemy's skirmishers.  The regiment returned to Grand Ecore Louisiana on April 10, 1864.  John Alexander Duncan reports, in his diary, engagements with Confederate forces on April 22, 23, and 26 1864. In May 1864 it was in the advance and continually under fire in the movement from Alexandria to Simsport, being in the battle of Marksville, and engaged with confederate force on May 14, 15, and 16 1864.  The regiment was stationed at Simmport on May 16, 1864.  </div> <div> On May 20, 1864 the regiment crossed the Atchafalaya River and marched to Morganza Bend, Louisiana, arriving on May 21. 1864. The regiment remained there during the summer and fall, engaged in scouting and fighting along the network of bayous between the Mississippi on the east and Atchafalaya one the west, Red river on the north and Bayou Plaquemine on the south.  Additionally the regiment took part in the battle of Cane River, Ohaneyville, Alexandria, Yellow Bayou and the blockade of the Red River. Duncan's diary states the regiment was in skirmish on the 30<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> of May and captured Confederate soldiers on the 31st of May, June 4<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>, and June 18 1864. </div> <div>  On July 2, 1864, during the battle of Morgan's Ferry, Louisiana, the regiment suffered one man killed, a Private Robert Lindsay of B Company.  </div> <div> In late August 1864, the regiment was in a minor skirmish during which they killed three, wounded four, and took 16 prisoners of the Confederate forces, while suffering one man wounded, Private Oliver Hughes of K Company.  This action is believed to have been part of the Monett's Ferry battle (also know as Cane River Crossing).   </div> <div> During the period of time the regiment was camped at Morganza they were reported to have captured more prisoners, horses and stores and destroyed more Confederate property, than all other forces camped at Morganza.  </div> <div> Special Order Number 107 dated August 24, 1864, established a cavalry brigade attached to the 19 Corp consisting of the 1st Texas cavalry (Union), 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> Louisiana cavalry, 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> New York cavalry, and the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Illinois infantry (mounted).  The August 31, 1864 reported "order of battle" for the Department of Gulf, General Banks commanding. Shows Colonel John Crebs commanding the Cavalry Brigade with Major Lands in command of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>.</div> <div> September 3, 1864 part of the regiment embarked on transports for the mouth of White River Arkansas, the remanding troops being left for lack of transportation.  On September 16, 1864 a detachment of about 70 men, under the command of Captain James E. Willis, was sent on a scout from Morganza.  Captain  Willis left 40 men at Williamsport Louisiana, with Captain Stewart while he and the remaining force proceeded up the river.  On his return he learned that the Williamsport Louisiana detachment had been attacked by a regiment of Confederate cavalry, with the result that 2 were killed, 1 wounded and the balance except for 1 man were made prisoners. Captain Will's official report follows:  "The scout was composed of Captain Sheridan, with fifty men from the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Illinois and Lieutenant Shaffer, with twenty-five men from the 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> Louisiana, (consolidate with the 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> Louisiana Cavalry).  We moved out on the up-river road at 3 p.m. and encamped near Pringle's about dark.  We moved up the river next morning about sunrise.  At Williamsport a picket was found, but dispersed when fired on by our advance.  Here Captain Sheridan was left with forty men.  I went up the river with Lieutenant Shaffer and thirty-five men; finding no enemy we returned.  On arriving at the point where Captain Sherdan was stationed we were fired on by a rebel picket.  We soon found one of our men dead and another severely wounded.  Supposing Sheridan had been driven toward Merganser we pushed down the river expecting to cut through the rebels and join Sheridan, but after passing below the rebels we learned that but one of Sheridan's men had passed; that the remainder had been captured was evident, so we pushed on toward camp as fast as possible.  Of the party with Sheridan, one was killed, one escaped, two wounded; one of the wounded died in three hours, with the other was brought in by a scout.  In the hands of the enemy, 1 captain and 31 men from the 87th Illinois, and 5 men from 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> Louisiana Cavalry." </div> <div>  Brigadier General McLawler dispatched Colonel Edwin J. Davis with a heavy force of cavalry, supported by infantry to intercept the Confederate force.  No record could be found providing the results of this effort. </div> <div> The unit organization as of October 31, 1864 shows the cavalry brigade (87th Illinois, 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> New York, 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> Texas, and Mass. Light Artillery 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> Battery) under the command of Colonel Edmund J. Davis with Colonel Crebs in command of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>. Special Field Order Number 14 dated November 6, 1864 from General J. J. Reynolds ordered the commanding officer at Morganza Louisiana to send the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> regiment to the mouth of the White River Arkansas without delay.  On November 7, 1864 the remaining members of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> regiment re-joined the regiment. </div> <div>  Major George W. Land, who had left the regiment, died of illness on December 4, 1864, at home. </div> <div> Sometime during the Christmas time 1864, the officers found out about a "ball" to be held at a Mrs. Stewart home about ten miles away.  Upon arrival, at Mrs. Stewart's home,  six to eight men ran out and began to shoot, wounding Terry Anderson in the hip.  One prisoner was reported taken.  Not wanting to ruin the evening, the remaining Officers of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT> attended the "ball."  Although the ladies present were reported to be courteous and handsomely dressed, they appeared to be more worried about the safety of their horses and mules (from the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>) than upon the social aspects of the occasion.</div> <div> During this time frame the regiment appeared to be well equipped as reports show a high ratio of horses to soldier, this being at a time when cavalry units were having difficulties finding mounts.</div> <div> On January 4, 1865 the regiment moved to Helena, Arkansas and went into camp, performing scouting operations.  On January 10, 1865 the regiment lost one man killed at Coahoma County, Mississippi.  On February 7, 1865, with three days' rations, the regiment started on a march of 300 miles toward Jacksonport, Arkansas and to Helena Arkansas. The regiment was assigned to the District of Eastern Arkansas, 7<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Corps, where it remained doing scouting service until mustered out on June 16, 1865 at Helena Arkansas by Captain Newcomb. </div> <div> Captain Willis , on February 10, 1865, commanded a small force, took Confederate gunfire from a Mr. George house, which they set on fire to dislodge the Confederate forces.  During this engagement one man was killed and three wounded from the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>.  Captain Willis' force captured three prisoners from the 23<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >RD</FONT> and 44<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >TH</FONT> Mississippi regiments/   </div> <div> Typical of some of the scouting missions the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> embarked upon during this time frame from Colonel Crebs' report of 11 February 1865, which is quoted in his report:  "General: In obedience to your orders to me dated February 7, I started at 8 a.m. on the 8<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> instant with 175 men, on a scout to the interior.  My route led me through La Grange, Moro, Cotton Plant, and above that through the lower part of what is called the "Colony," terminating in that direction at Alexander Miller's nearly east and distant about ten miles from Augusta.  From this point I re-crossed Bayou De View, taking a general course east or south east to Madison on the Saint Francis River, where I found transports awaiting, we embarking upon which I returned to camp, reaching here at 2 o'clock last night.  Distance traveled, including scouts from the line of march about 300 miles.  We found the roads next to impassable from mud and water.  The streams on the line of march were numerous and from recent rains greatly swollen, rendering the crossings difficult and dangerous: four of which, namely, Caney Creek, Bayou De View, Second Creek, and L'Anguille River, I had to swim and one, the "bayou," twice.  In addition to places above named often for miles together we found water in the swamps from knee-deep to the skirts of the saddles, and the weather being cold, the men from being continually wet suffered greatly.  We found the county generally infested with roving soldiers from the commands of Dobbin, Lyles, McGhee, Raibon, and perhaps others.  Jackman, with a small body of Missourians, had also been through there a short time since but their present whereabouts I could not learn.  I fell warranted in saying that there are as many as 1,500 or 2.000 men on the east and west side of the Saint Francis River, south or southeast of a line running from Memphis to Augusta, on the White River, but entirely disorganized, scattered through the country, and living off the citizens.  They have couriers and signals, by means of which the approach of an enemy is rapidly telegraphed, and if the force is small they will collect and resist; if large, they hide at once in swamps and thickets impenetrable except to those thoroughly acquainted with the country.  At a place ten miles from Cotton Plant and eight miles from Alexander Miller's at Vaughn's we found the headquarters of Dobbin; captured a number of papers, none however of value; found his headquarters transportation, which I destroyed, and between 2,000 and 3,000 bushels of corn, which I burned, and also a small amount of meat which I appropriated for the use of the command, being at the time without rations, except bread.  Approaching Madison, we had a severe skirmish with the enemy, in which we killed 2 and captured 1, dispersing the balance in all directions.  Had the misfortune to lose one man captured in the melee.  His horse being shot, he was hurried off in the thicket and could not be found.  From information received from citizens and soldiers captured I feel authorized to say that the chief object of Lyles and Dobbin, who are personally at this time between Madison and Memphis, is to collect the rebel tax on cotton passing to Memphis, on obtaining which it is forwarded to the city at once as cotton belonging to citizens, and from the proceeds of such sales supplies for the army-such as arms, ammunition, and clothing-are clandestinely brought through the line for the use of the command, it being the intention in this way to procure an outfit for the command for the spring campaign. As one evidence of this will state that a Colt army revolver captured in the skirmish on Sunday near Madison, was before that day unused, and the man upon whom it was captured admits he obtained it but a few days before from Memphis.  I respectfully request that Private Hutson A. Keith, of Company I, who captured it in a hand to hand fight, and for his general good conduct having in the last six months in the same way captured two other prisoners and killed in honorable fight a lieutenant in the rebel service, as a mark of commendation, may be permitted to retain the same as private property.  As the result of our expedition, in addition to destroying the property above enumerated, we captured 1 surgeon of the Tenth Arkansas Regiment Mounted Infantry, 1 deserter from our army, and 18 enlisted men; also 18 mules and horses, which have been turned over to the post quartermaster.  I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, John M. Crebs."     </div> <div> On February 24, 1865 Captain Wasson embarked on the steamer Curlen with 50 men and proceeded to Berry's Landing Arkansas.  From there the force proceeded up river where reaching Rodgers plantation captured 6 prisoners and 2 horses. On the 28<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> of February 1865 the regiment was under the command of Brig General Napoleon B. Buford; his command consisted of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Illinois, 35th Missouri, 56<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> U. S. (African descent) infantry, 60<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> U.S. (African descent) infantry, 63<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> U. S. (African descent) infantry (D and G companies) and the 2<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >nd</FONT> U. S. (African descent) Infantry.</div> <div> Special order Number 148 dated June 1865, signed by Major General J. J. Reynolds, relieved the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> regiment from duty at Helena Arkansas and ordered the regiment to report without delay to Major General Salomon, commanding First Division, 7<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Corp, at Little Rock Arkansas.  On the 21<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> of June the regiment embarked on transports, arriving at Cairo Illinois on June 23, 1865.  From Cario they proceeded by train to Springfield Illinois, arriving on June 24<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> and was finally paid off and discharged on June 24, 1865. </div> <div> During the regimental service 1, 040 men were assigned; 8 reported Killed in Action.  7 died of wounded received, 8 were wounded, 27 were captured with two men dying as a prisoner (James K. P. Dempsey and Samuel Moor at Camp Ford, Tyler Texas), 222 dying of accident or disease, 36 deserters, and three men were rejected as unfit for duty.  The official records of wounded and prisoners appear to be under recorded.  The soldiers captured were taken to Camp Ford (Tyler Texas), where they were paroled on May 19, 1865.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>                                          REGIMENTAL PERSONAL</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Notes:   Highest rank obtained is recorded.  Spelling of names and home of records (which differ between sources) is from the Adjutant General's Report Illinois Volume 5 dated 1901.  With inter-regimental personnel transfers, the company with the most significant service is used. V.R.C. is Veteran Reserve Corps.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Headquarters Staff and Officers</div> <div>      John E. Whiting  (1821-1866) enlisted on October 22, 1862 as a Colonel.  On October 3, 1862 he was commissioned at the commanding officer of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Illinois regiment, of which he was instrumental in forming.  He resigned his commission on October 8, 1863 and returned to Carmi, which was his residence.  He was a lawyer and involved in local Republican politics, serving one term in the state legislature.   He died of Cholera on Oct 25, 1866.</div> <div>      John M. Crebs, (1836-1890), enlisted on October 3, 1862 as a lieutenant colonel and was mustered into the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>.  On October 8, 1863 he was promoted to colonel and took command of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>.  He mustered out on June 16, 1865 at Helena, Arkansas.  His residence at time of enlistment was Carmi, Illinois. Was a lawyer before and after the war and was one of the largest landowners in White County.  He served two terms in Congress, 1868 and 1870, as the congressman from the 13<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> district of Illinois. He was the law partner of Chauncey S. Conger Sr.   </div> <div> George W. Land enlisted on October 3, 1862 as a Major in the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Illinois regiment.  He died on December 4, 1864, of disease.  His residence at time of enlistment was Enfield, Illinois.</div> <div>      John S Anderson was promoted to major and replaced Major Land upon his death.  He mustered out on June 16, 1865. His residence at time of enlistment was Hamilton County</div> <div>      Daniel Berry, (1835-1915), was assisted as second-assistant surgeon for the regiment.  He was latter promoted to first-assistant surgeon. .  His letters of the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> Illinois Volunteer Infantry is an invaluable resource to any conducting research on the 87<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>.  He was a schoolteacher at Grayville and Burnt Prairie before the war. After the war he went into medical practice with Dr. E.L. Stuart.  In 1867 he opened a local drug store. His residence at time of enlistment was Carmi. </div> <div>      Francis M Coulter was assigned as Quartermaster.  He mustered out of the service on June 16, 1865.  His residence at time of enlistment was Grayville.</div> <div>      John H. Cooper was assigned as Quartermaster for the regiment.  He died of disease on October 4, 1863. . His residence at time of enlistment was Fairfield.</div> <div>      Columbus L. Freedman was assigned as principal musician. .  He mustered out of the service on June 16, 1865.  His residence at time of enlistment was Edwards County.</div> <div>      John L. Handley was assigned as hospital steward.  He mustered out of the service on June 16, 1865. His residence at time of enlistment was Carmi.</div> <div>      John D. Martin was assigned as Adjutant for the regiment.  He mustered out of the service on June 16, 1865.His residence at time of enlistment was Grayville.</div> <div>      Henry M. Phelps was assigned as regimental chaplain. He enlisted on May 12, 1864 and was mustered out on June 16, 1865.  His residence at time of enlistment is unknown.</div> <div>      John Poindexter was assigned as Assistant Surgeon.  He was discharged on January 7, 1864. .His residence at time of enlistment was Hew Haven</div> <div>      Albert Randsom was assigned as the regimental Chaplain.  He resigned on September 4, 1863. . His residence at time of enlistment was Carmi.</div> <div>      William F. Scott was the regimental sergeant major.  He mustered out on June 16, 1865. His residence at time of enlistment was McLeansboro.</div> <div>      Dr. Elam L. Stewart was assigned as Surgeon for the regiment. He mustered out of the service on June 16, 1865. His residence at time of enlistment was Carmi.  After the war the returned to his medical practice and was the first mayor of Carmi. </div> <div>      William H Stokes was assigned as commissary sergeant.  He mustered out on June 16, 1865.His residence at time of enlistment was White County</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="diary_of_a_union_soldier__elias_d__moore_114th_ohio_volunteer_infantrydiary_of_a.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="114th OVI History"><U>114th OVI History</U></A>   <A HREF="id208.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Roster"><U>Roster</U></A>   <A HREF="id196.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Battles"><U>Battles</U></A>  <A HREF="diary_of_a_union_soldier__elias_d__moore_114th_ohio_volunteer_infantry4c.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Pictures"><U>Pictures</U></A>  <A HREF="id169.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Roll of Honor"><U>RollofHonor</U></A>    </div> <div> <A HREF="id139.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vicksburg File"><U>Vicksburg Documents</U></A>    <A HREF="id184.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Letters Home"><U>Letters Home</U></A>   <A HREF="id200.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Descendants"><U>114th Descendants</U></A>   </div> <div> <A HREF="id149.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Obituary"><U>Obituary</U></A>  <A HREF="diary_of_a_union_soldier__elias_d__moore_114th_ohio_volunteer_infantry76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Accolades"><U>Accolades</U></A>  <A HREF="id120.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hard Tack "><U>Hard Tack</U></A>  <A HREF="diary_of_a_union_soldier__elias_d__moore_114th_ohio_volunteer_infantry4d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bugle Calls"><U>Bugle Calls</U></A>  <A HREF="diary_of_a_union_soldier__elias_d__moore_114th_ohio_volunteer_infantry.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U>Related Links</U></A> </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="They Were the 114th O.V.I."><U><IMG SRC="0781e240.png" border=0 width="30" height="36" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="They Were the 114th O.V.I."><U>back to home</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div>   <A HREF="http://www.toolzone.com/isuite/bin/regsign.cgi?UID=TZ096430&APPID=GuestSign&LANG=english"> Sign my Guestbook </A> --- <A HREF="http://www.toolzone.com/isuite/bin/registry.cgi?UID=TZ096430&APPID=GuestSign&LANG=english"> View my Guestbook </A>  </div> <div>   <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub15.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=176950&usernum=1214804337&cpv=2"></script>   </div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="They Were the 114th O.V.I."><U><IMG SRC="0781e240.png" border=0 width="30" height="36" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>