The poor man, thinking that we were Rebel soldiers, called to one of the boys to bring him out his horse until he would go with those men. But when the boy went to the stable to get the horse, it was not there. Our foraging parties had visited the stable, and relieved him of his horse. He went into the house to get his coat. There, I think, he began to realize that he wassold. Some of our boys had been in to get "corn bread," and the old lady, I suppose, had noticed the blue uniform, and reported us as "Yanks." When he came out he did not seem near so willing to go along. But he went with us, and when we got into camp, he waked up to the fact that he was a "prisoner of war." He had been in the Rebel army, and was detailed as a blacksmith, to shoe the horses through the country, that they might be ready for government use. He was taken with us, as a prisoner. I saw him a week later, when on our march, still a prisoner.
Another. On the next evening, an old negro man was with us when we bivouacked. He was a preacher, and quite an oracle among the darkies in that region of country. As we were gathered around our camp-fire, the old man was called up to be questioned by the Colonel. After giving all the information he could, he told us of his visions and spiritual communications. Says he, "I sees all dis trouble seben years ago. I seesyou allsa comin down from the Norf. I sees dese two great armies, with dah uniforms on, and all dis fitin and killin one anoder." On being asked how he saw all this, he replied, "I sees it spiritually." He was asked if he saw which was going to whip, he said, "Lor, massa, yes; I sees de Norf a whippin."
Still another. During the march from Corinth to Pulaski, Colonel Mersy of the 9th, commanding Brigade, being in camp, sleeping near his camp-fire, which was made of Chestnut rails, noted for theirpoppingpropensities when burning, the fire flew out and set his clothes or blankets on fire. The Head Quarters guard seeing it, went and awoke him, telling him that he was on fire. His reply was, "Adjutant! Adjutant!" But the Adjutant was sound asleep, and did not answer his call. The Col. being scarcely awake, was soon asleep again. The guard awoke him a second time, and told him he was on fire. "I tink dat no my business; you wake de Adjutant." The Col., so full of military life, and wishing everything to go through its proper military channel, felt, in his half sleeping condition, that his Adjutant General must be honored with the permission of getting up and putting out the fire.
Another one, in which our good Colonel is concerned. During the march, just before going into camp, Rebel uniforms and other accoutrements of war, were found at a house near the road. The soldiers made a pretty generalred upof the establishment. After we were in camp, the woman of the house came to Col. Mersy, with her complaint. She represented, among other things, that she had been a widow for fifteen years. Soon Surgeon Gulick, of the 9th, who was with the Col., heard him call, "Doctor! Doctor!" The Doctor having arrived and awaiting orders, the Col. addressed him: "Now, my dear Surgeon, you does tell me if dis widow has been not married dese fifteen year."
Another one, which illustrates something of the habits of Southern women. They nearly all use tobacco, in some shape. Some of them in the various forms, of smoking, chewing, anddipping. When the Regiment was on its march from Pulaski to Athens, the writer was with a squad of men, who were traveling along the Railroad examining its condition. Being separated from the column, the boys becoming hungry, and desiring something to eat, rode up to a house where therewere three or four women standing at the door. One of them inquired if they could get something to eat. The corn bread was produced. He then asked for some butter, which was also produced. One of the girls, thinking, I suppose, that one favor deserved another, very smilingly addressed one of the soldiers, saying, "Could you give me a chew of tobacco?" "Oh, yes," says he, taking a large plug of tobacco from his pocket and handing it to her. She took a chew, and then reached it back, thanking him. "Oh," says he, "you may just keep that, I can get more." She thanked him very kindly. I suppose she thought she was pretty well paid for her corn bread and butter.
Another. Capt. Krebs, of Company D, with a squad of 25 men, was detailed to go with the telegraph repairer along the line between Huntsville and Decatur. At a station between those two points, a small town, there were two telegraph posts down, the line on each side being perfect for two or three miles. The Captain and operator rode up to some citizens who were on the street, and politely asked them if they could not have those two posts set by the next day, stating that it would save them the trouble of bringing their team and men several miles, and would be a very great accommodation. One old man replied, "We can't do it, sir. You have taken all our negroes from us, and we have nobody to work for us." The Captain insisted that it was but a small job, and it would save him a great amount of trouble, if they would do it. The old man persisted that they could not do it. The Captain then addressed them as follows: "Gentlemen, I will be here to-morrow evening, with fifty men to do that work. You will have supper provided for that number of men." Then turning to his command, he gave the order, "Two right, march!" and moved off. When he had gone a mile or two, a runner came up and handed him a note, saying that the citizens would have those posts set by to-morrow morning. The "supper for fifty men" had been a more powerful argument than the Captain's pleadings. I suppose it led them to conclude, that if they had no darkies to do it, they would condescend to do it themselves.
One more. Major Falconet, of the Rebel army, and who was stationed at Decatur for some time, it is said, had come to the conclusion to take to himself a wife. He had gone to Florence to get married. While on the floor, having the marriage ceremony performed, Lieut. Col. Phillips, with the 9th Ill., made a dash into Florence. Some one came into the room and cried out, "The Yanks are coming!" The brave Major left his fair companion, broke from the house, and over the garden fence, tearing down about twenty feet of it, dashed to his boat and was off. I suppose he did not fancy being captured just then.How his partly constituted bride felt, at his rapid exit, and whether he has ever returned for the completion of the ceremony, "deponent saith not."
Still another, showing something of the horrors of Slavery. During the recent scout to Courtland and Moulton, when in camp near the former place, the orders of Lieut. Col. Phillips were to be ready to move by daylight. The guard were instructed to wake them two hours before day. The orderlies were waked at the proper time. When Adjutant Klock had gotten up, he was informed by an orderly that there was a lady wishing to see the Colonel. The Colonel was called. In a half-sleeping condition, he told the Adjutant to see what she wished. The Adjutant went around to see her. He saw there a very decently, but plainly dressed lady. He asked her what she wished. He was perfectly amazed at her reply. She said her master was going to sell her, and she wished to know if she could not go with them. The Adjutant replied, that he would speak to the Colonel about it, and that he thought they could make arrangements for her to go with us. The Colonel having dropped asleep in the meantime, the matter was referred to Major Kuhn. He told her at once that she could go along. She accordingly came into Decatur with our Regiment. To Northern men, unaccustomed to the evils of the system of Slavery, such scenes are revolting. Here was a woman, so nearly white, that she was mistaken for a white woman. She was, in all probability, her master's daughter or sister.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHESOF THEFIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHESOF THEFIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
I propose to add to this history of the Regiment, a Biographical Sketch of the present Field and Staff Officers.
Was born in Germany. He entered the military service, in 1838, as Cadet, in Karlsruhe, Grand Duchy of Baden. He graduated in 1840, as Lieutenant. He was promoted to the position of 1st Lieutenant, in 1842. In 1844, he was assigned the position of Adjutant and staff officer. In 1847, he was appointed Regimental Adjutant. A European Regiment consists of from 2,400 to 3,000 men. In this position he acted until 1849. At the outbreak of the Revolution, he consequently acted against that Revolution. In 1849, however, he joined the Revolutionary party, and was promoted to the position of Colonel. After joining the Revolutionary party, he acted for some time as Provisional Secretary of War. He soon, however, joined the army, and assumed command of the Second Brigade. Whether he had the rank of General, or only acted as such in commanding a Brigade, the writer is unable to say. He went with his Brigade, through all the battles and skirmishes of the year 1849. He was under the necessity of crossing the Rhine for Switzerland, and concluded to emigrate to America. He arrived in the United States, in November, 1849. Went West, and settled in Bellville, St. Clair County, Illinois. He was for some time Clerk, and afterwards Cashier, of the "Bank of Bellville." He also acted as Notary Public.
On the uprising of the rebellion, his war spirit was aroused. I think he had for some time previous had command of a volunteer military company. He enlisted, with his company, in the "Three months'" service. He enlisted as Captain of Company A, 9th Regiment Illinois Infantry, on the 19th of April, 1861. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel, April 26th, 1861. This position he held during the "Three months'" service. He was mustered out of the service, at the end of the three months, on the 25th of July, 1861, and again immediately mustered in, for three years, as Lieutenant Colonel of the 9th Illinois Infantry.
He was promoted to the position of Colonel, and received his commission as such, December 2d, 1861. As Colonel and commander of the Regiment, he passed through the terrible battles of Fort Donelsonand Shiloh, and the "siege of Corinth." He was wounded twice at the battle of Shiloh; but notwithstanding his wounds, he persisted in keeping the command of his Regiment. During the battle of Shiloh, Col. McArthur, commanding our Brigade, was severely wounded, in the latter part of the action, and Col. Mersy assumed command of the Brigade.
During the battle of Corinth, he assumed command of the Brigade, General Oglesby having been wounded. Since that time, he has had command of the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, 16th Army Corps. During the Summer and Fall of 1863, he was stationed with his Brigade Head Quarters at Pocahontas, Tennessee. Since November 12th, 1863, his Brigade Head Quarters have been at Pulaski, Tennessee.
Was born in Montgomery County, Illinois, May 22d, 1837. He was appointed Route Agent on the Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Railroad, June 26th, 1856. Resigned in May, 1857.
He read law with the Hon. James M. Davis, of Hillsboro, Illinois. He was admitted to the bar in the Spring of 1860, and opened an office in Hillsboro, the county-seat of Montgomery County, Illinois. He was prosecuting his practice when the first call was made for volunteers to serve for three months.
In politics, he was a Breckenridge Democrat. Had stumped it, for Breckenridge, in 1860. He had had a strong desire to engage in a military life. When the call was made, he at once went to work to raise a Company. Raised his Company, and was elected Captain, April 17th, 1861. The Company was accepted and ordered to Springfield, Illinois, on the 23d of April, 1861.
On the organization of the 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry, for the three months' service, he was elected as Major of the Regiment. He acted in the capacity of Major in the Regiment during the three months' service. At the expiration of that service, he was mustered out, and immediately mustered in again for three years, unless sooner discharged, retaining still the rank of Major.
He received a commission as Lieutenant Colonel in the 9th Regiment Illinois Infantry in December, 1861, which position he still occupies. He had charge of a detachment of the Regiment, which made a successful expedition from Paducah to Saratoga, Ky. This was the first fight in which our boys were engaged. He was with the Regiment as Lieutenant Colonel, through the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh.At Shiloh, he received a very severe wound from a schrapnel. He was wounded in the hand and leg. The wound in his hand was a very painful one. He was unfitted for the service by it, for several months. At the battle of Corinth, on the 3d and 4th of October, he had not yet been able to join his Regiment. He joined it soon afterward, although still suffering much from the pain caused by his wound.
During the Fall of 1862 and Winter of 1863, he was much of the time in command of the Regiment, Col. Mersy being called to the command of the Brigade. In March, 1863, he made application to have the Regiment mounted for scouting purposes. The Regiment was mounted on the 20th of March, 1863. During the year that the Regiment has been mounted, he has led it through 23 battles and skirmishes.
He has frequently been placed in command of a Brigade of mounted forces, and in one or two instances, of a Division. He had command of two Brigades of Cavalry and Mounted Infantry, with which he made a raid in August, 1863, to Grenada, Mississippi. It was one of the most successful raids of the war. From $8,000,000 to 10,000,000 worth of public property was destroyed; 2,000 negroes, and a large number of horses and mules were brought in. But little was said about it at the time. Many a less brilliant raid has brought forth a star.
He was in command of the post at Athens, Alabama, for two or three months during the past Winter. He has lately been assigned to the command of all the mounted forces at Decatur, Alabama. There is a great amount ofdashand daring about the Colonel, and yet he always manages to get his boys out of any place, into which he leads them.
Was born in St. Gallen, Switzerland, May 20th, 1833. Emigrated to the United States, and landed in New York, in June, 1849. He was, by occupation, a laborer. Hired with a farmer near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the first summer. He removed to East Tennessee, where he spent three years, part of the time in a glass factory in Knoxville, and part of the time boating on the Tennessee River. He moved to Alton, Illinois, in 1854. Was engaged for a time in the lumber business, and afterwards in a banking house. He had served for about six years in the State Militia, and entered the service of the United States, on the call for volunteers for three months. He enlisted with his company of "Alton Jagers," as their Captain, April 19th, 1861, and was attached to the 9th Illinois Infantry. He re-enlisted at theexpiration of three months, for three years. Served, for some time, as Provost Marshal of Paducah, Kentucky. He received his commission as Major of the 9th Illinois Infantry, December 2d, 1861. He was detailed during some months in the Summer and Fall of 1863, in charge of convalescent camp in Memphis, Tennessee. Rejoined the Regiment at Athens, Alabama, November 21st, 1863. At present writing, he has command of his Regiment, Lieut. Col. Phillips being assigned to the command of the mounted forces at Decatur, Alabama.
Was born in the city of Schleswig, Dutchdom Schleswig, on the 29th of November, 1828. After finishing his school education, he commenced the study of Chemistry in particular, but with it the other branches of the medical science. While quietly pursuing his studies, the sound of the drum rang through the land, calling all able-bodied citizens into the field to fight for the independence of the Dutchdoms from the Kingdom of Denmark. This call was in March, 1848. The Doctor was then in his 20th year. Obeying his country's call, he enlisted to do battle for liberty. He enlisted as a private. He was afterwards engaged as an Assistant in the Medical Department. He was connected with the army in these capacities until 1851. He emigrated to America in 1853. He re-commenced his Medical studies, and graduated in the St. Louis Medical College, in 1859. He commenced the practice of medicine during the same year, in Alton, Madison County, Illinois. When the Rebellion broke out, and there was a call for men to defend the government of his adoption, he offered himself for that purpose. He enlisted, in the three months' service, as a private, in Company K, 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry, on the 26th day of April, 1861. He re-enlisted, at the expiration of three months, for three years, July 26th, 1861, and was promoted to the position of Assistant Surgeon of the 9th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. On the 28th of April, 1862, he was again promoted to the position of Surgeon. He has served in that position ever since. He has been almost constantly with his Regiment. He was on detached duty in the Hospital at Paducah, Kentucky, during the months of September and October, 1863.
Was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, March 27th, 1828. He was raised on a farm. Was educated at Crawfordsville, Indiana. Hemoved to Illinois in 1849, and graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, in the Spring of 1852. From that time, up to the Summer of 1861, he was engaged in the practice of Medicine. Was living in Aledo, the county-seat of Mercer County, Illinois, and engaged in the duties of his profession, at the time of his enlisting in the service of his country. He recruited a large portion of a Company in Mercer County. Was mustered into the service of the United States, as 1st Lieutenant Company E, 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry, August 6th, 1861. Served in that capacity until May 12th, 1862. During the time he served as a line officer, he passed through the terrible struggles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh. He was slightly wounded at Shiloh, in the left shoulder, by a spent ball. He was assigned to the Medical Department of the Regiment, in the capacity of Assistant Surgeon, on the 12th of May, 1862. Continued with the Regiment in this capacity, until the last of December, 1863, when he was assigned to duty in Pulaski, Tennessee. During the past Winter, he has had charge of the U. S. General Hospital of the left wing, 16th Army Corpse, at Pulaski, Tennessee. He has under his charge there, about an average of two hundred patients, including a Small-Pox ward of from ten to fifteen patients.
Was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, March 5th, 1830. Read Medicine with Dr. Haskall, Hillboro, Montgomery County, Illinois, 1850, 1851 and 1852. He graduated at St. Louis Medical College, in 1856, and commenced the practice of Medicine in Greenville, Bond County, Illinois, during the same year. Was engaged in pursuing his practice at that place, until January, 1863. He received a commission as 2d Assistant Surgeon in the 9th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and entered upon his duties as such, January 16th, 1863. He was detailed, for some time, to take charge of the Medical Department of the Contrabands at LaGrange, and afterwards at Corinth. Has been constantly with his Regiment since the 1st of September, 1863, having been relieved from his duties in Corinth at that time.
Was born in Manheim, Herkimer County, New York, November 27th, 1835. Received a common school education. Removed to Illinois in 1854. Was engaged in teaching public school in MadisonCounty, Illinois, when he enlisted. Enlisted in the 9th Illinois Infantry, Company F, and was mustered in as a private, July 28th, 1861. Was detailed as Clerk in the Adjutant's office, from September 1861. Was commissioned as 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant January 31st, 1862, to rank from October 3d, 1861. Has been with the Regiment through most of its battles. Was wounded at Shiloh and Corinth. Is still acting as Adjutant for the Regiment, and is devoted to the duties of his office.
Was born in the Dukedom of Saxony, Altenburg, in the year 1836. He was trained for the profession of Architect. He emigrated to the United States in 1855. After his arrival in this country, he was engaged principally in working upon Railroads and Saw Mills, previous to his entering the service of his adopted country. He enlisted in the "Three months' service," as a private in the 10th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He re-enlisted, for three years, as a private in the 9th Regiment Volunteer Infantry, Company K. He was afterwards promoted to the position of a Sergeant. In December, 1861, he was appointed Commissary Sergeant. He was commissioned as 1st Lieutenant and Regimental Quartermaster, October 4th, 1863. He continues to occupy this position at the present time. Lieutenant Spatee was not in the military service in the old country.
Was born in Adams County, Ohio, June 2d, 1821. He was trained as a farmer, receiving a common school education. In the Spring of 1841, he commenced the study of Latin, preparatory to the ministry. In October, 1842, he entered the Freshman class in Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and graduated August, 1846. He studied Theology, at the A. R. Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Oxford, Ohio, and was licensed to preach, by the A. R. Presbyterian Presbytery of Chillicothe, Ohio, in the Spring of 1849. He was ordained and installed Pastor of the A. R. Presbyterian Congregation of West Fork, Adams County, Ohio, in the Spring of 1850. Was elected Professor of Mathematics and Natural Science in "Monmouth College," June, 1856. Resigned the charge of his Congregation, and removed to Monmouth, Illinois, in the Summer of 1856, and entered upon his duties as Professor, September of the same year. He had the financial charge of "TheWestern United Presbyterian," published in Monmouth for several years. In June, 1861, he assumed the entire responsibility of that paper, financial and editorial, and soon after united it with "The Christian Instructor," published in Philadelphia. He continues an Associate Editor to the above paper. In the Summer of 1861, he resigned his position as Professor in Monmouth College, and was engaged as Financial Agent of the College, until July 30th, 1863, when he was commissioned as "Captain of Cavalry, and Chaplain of the 9th Illinois Volunteer Infantry." Was mustered into the service, and entered upon the duties of Chaplain, September 4th, 1863. Has been with his Regiment ever since, except during January, 1864, when he was sent to Illinois on orders. Rejoined his Regiment February 1st, 1864.
Transcriber's note:The following corrections have been made:p. 3 he object I have -> he changed to thep. 8 Kitchell, 1st Lieutenant, -> second comma replaced with periodp. 8 South- -> hyphen replaced with periodp. 16 to be Colone -> Colone changed to Colonelp. 20 If you wont sell -> wont changed to won'tp. 31 unhallowed cause -> period added after causep. 31 Lieut F. Vogler -> period added after Lieutp. 32 Roffy -> comma addedp. 34 he was drank -> drank changed to drunkp. 43 Kortkamp--1 -> period added after 1p. 44 In all, 3 killled -> killled changed to killedp. 45 did not come -> period added after comep. 50 battallion of the 15th -> battallion changed to battalionp. 52 broke and run -> run changed to ranp. 53 of the 9th Ill, -> period added after Illp. 54 sout-east from Corinth -> sout-east changed to south-eastp. 55 entire column move -> move changed to movedp. 56 at 1 P M. -> period added after Pp. 57 and succeded in -> succeded changed to succeededp. 60 Lient. Col. Phillips -> Lient. changed to Lieut.p. 63 women and children, -> removed commap. 63 were compelled to see it, -> removed commap. 63 camp at Pocahontas, -> removed commap. 64 from Company B. to Company F -> removed period after Bp. 66 Regiment move forward -> move changed to movedp. 67 Salem, Miss, -> period added after Missp. 67 Montazuma, Tenn., -> Montazuma changed to Montezumap. 71 exitement had passed away -> exitement changed to excitementp. 76 onr arrival -> onr changed to ourp. 77 Col. Sent for our -> Sent changed to sentp. 81 Tennesse River must be crossed -> Tennesse changed to Tennesseep. 82 Severa pontoon -> Severa changed to Severalp. 89 in Karlsrhue -> Karlsrhue changed to KarlsruheUncommon spelling like schrapnel or bivouack has been retained.Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling has been retained unless one form predominated.
Transcriber's note:
The following corrections have been made:p. 3 he object I have -> he changed to thep. 8 Kitchell, 1st Lieutenant, -> second comma replaced with periodp. 8 South- -> hyphen replaced with periodp. 16 to be Colone -> Colone changed to Colonelp. 20 If you wont sell -> wont changed to won'tp. 31 unhallowed cause -> period added after causep. 31 Lieut F. Vogler -> period added after Lieutp. 32 Roffy -> comma addedp. 34 he was drank -> drank changed to drunkp. 43 Kortkamp--1 -> period added after 1p. 44 In all, 3 killled -> killled changed to killedp. 45 did not come -> period added after comep. 50 battallion of the 15th -> battallion changed to battalionp. 52 broke and run -> run changed to ranp. 53 of the 9th Ill, -> period added after Illp. 54 sout-east from Corinth -> sout-east changed to south-eastp. 55 entire column move -> move changed to movedp. 56 at 1 P M. -> period added after Pp. 57 and succeded in -> succeded changed to succeededp. 60 Lient. Col. Phillips -> Lient. changed to Lieut.p. 63 women and children, -> removed commap. 63 were compelled to see it, -> removed commap. 63 camp at Pocahontas, -> removed commap. 64 from Company B. to Company F -> removed period after Bp. 66 Regiment move forward -> move changed to movedp. 67 Salem, Miss, -> period added after Missp. 67 Montazuma, Tenn., -> Montazuma changed to Montezumap. 71 exitement had passed away -> exitement changed to excitementp. 76 onr arrival -> onr changed to ourp. 77 Col. Sent for our -> Sent changed to sentp. 81 Tennesse River must be crossed -> Tennesse changed to Tennesseep. 82 Severa pontoon -> Severa changed to Severalp. 89 in Karlsrhue -> Karlsrhue changed to Karlsruhe
Uncommon spelling like schrapnel or bivouack has been retained.
Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling has been retained unless one form predominated.